As-deposited films were essentially amorphous, stoichiometric, and free from contaminants for a wide range of deposition parameters, with hardness figures ranging from 16.5-22 GPa, depending mainly on the deposition temperature. After O-18(2) annealing at 1000 degrees C, films hardness

converged to 21 GPa, independently of the deposition temperature, which is explained based on the crystallization of the films at this annealing temperature. Moreover, oxygen is incorporated only in 7.5 nm of the Si3N4, forming silicon oxynitride at the top surface of the film, indicating a good oxidation resistance at high temperature. Finally, the elastic strain to failure (H-3/E-2), which mimics the wear resistance of the film, doubles after the 1000 degrees C annealing. These observations show the great potential of silicon nitride as a hard coating for high temperature applications. AZD6094 (C) 2010 American Institute of Physics. [doi: 10.1063/1.3359655]“
“Purpose: The purpose of this blinded, randomized clinical trial was to compare two topical agents (Calendula Weleda (R) cream vs. Essex (R) cream) in reducing the risk of severe acute radiation skin reactions (ARSR) in relation to adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) for breast cancer.

Method:

The primary endpoint was the difference in proportion of patients with ARSR, assessed with the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group/The Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer JQ1 in vitro Acute Radiation Morbidity Scoring Criteria (RTOG/EORTC scale) at follow-up. The secondary endpoints included patient

reported outcome measures; Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ-C30), Sleep disturbances (MOS-sleep questionnaire) and symptoms from the irradiated area (visual analogue scale). Patients’ experiences and adherence to the topical agents were also evaluated.

Results: A total of 420 patients were randomised and 411 were analysed. With the exception of previous chemotherapy, the treatment groups were well balanced, both regarding treatment- and patient-related factors. The incidence of severe ARSR (RTOG/EORTC grade <= 2) at the follow-up visit was 23% (n = 45) in the Calendula check details group and 19% (n = 38) in the Essex group. We found no difference in severe ARSR between the groups at any point of assessment. The patients reported low levels of skin related symptoms and no statistically significant differences between the groups were found.

Conclusions: No differences in ARSR between patients randomised to Calendula or Essex cream was found. ARSR seem to be a relatively limited problem, probably more influenced by treatment related factors than by choice of skin care products in this patient group. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Objective.