Rheological study indicated

that wcoincorporation of nano-SiO2 and nano-CaCO3 favored the uniform dispersion of nanoparticles in the PP matrix. Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and polarizing optical microscopy (POM) studies revealed that the coincorporation of SiO2 and CaCO3 nanoparticles could effectively improve PP crystallizability, which gave rise to a lower supercooling temperature (Delta T), a shorter crystallization half-life (t(1/2)) and a smaller spherulite size in comparison with those nanocomposites incorporating only one type of CaCO3 or SiO2 nanoparticles. The mechanical analysis results also showed that addition of two types of nanoparticles into PP matrix gave rise to enhanced performance than the nanocomposites click here containing CaCO3 or SiO2 individually. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 121:3007-3013, 2011″
“Background: The effect of cocoa products on lipid changes is controversial.

Objectives: We aimed to identify and quantify the effect of cocoa on total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol.

Design: A comprehensive literature search was conducted for relevant trials of cocoa on lipid profile. Weighted mean differences were calculated for net changes in lipid concentrations by using fixed-effects or random-effects models. Previously defined subgroup analyses were performed to identify the source of heterogeneity.

Results:

Eight trials (involving 215 participants) were included and evaluated. Because there was only one relatively longer-term selleck kinase inhibitor study, we focused on the short-term data to evaluate the effects of cocoa on plasma

lipid. Cocoa consumption significantly lowered LDL cholesterol by 5.87 mg/dL (95% CI: -11.13, -0.61; P < 0.05) and marginally lowered total cholesterol by 5.82 mg/dL (95% CI: -12.39, 0.76; BYL719 purchase P = 0.08). However, no significant change was seen in LDL cholesterol in high-quality studies (3 studies included; -4.98 mg/dL; 95% CI: -13.18, 3.21; P = 0.23). Subgroup analyses suggested a cholesterol-lowering effect only in those subjects who consumed a low dose of cocoa and with cardiovascular disease risks. There was no evidence of a dose-effect relation, of any effect in healthy subjects, or of any change in HDL cholesterol.

Conclusions: Short-term cocoa consumption significantly reduced blood cholesterol, but the changes were dependent on the dose of cocoa consumption and the healthy status of participants. There was no dose response and no effect in healthy participants. Future high-quality studies are needed to determine the efficiency of moderate cocoa consumption on lipid profile in long-term intervention and in subjects with other cardiometabolic risk factors. Am J Clin Nutr 2010;92:218-25.”
“Electronic structures and optical properties of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) under hydrostatic pressure are studied using density functional theory calculations.

The CS was cannulated successfully in every patient and in 11, an LV lead was implanted successfully. (One patient had no acceptable lead values due to extensive myocardial scar.)

Conclusion: Using overlaid 3D segmentations of the CS and cardiac chambers, it is feasible

to guide CRT implantation in real time by fusing advanced imaging and fluoroscopy. This enabled successful CRT in a group of patients with previously failed implants. This technology has the potential to facilitate CRT and improve implant success. (PACE 2011; 34:226-234).”
“Manganese doped tin oxide nanoparticles with manganese Selleck Liproxstatin-1 content varying from 0 to 15 mol % were synthesized using sol-gel method. The structural and compositional analysis was carried out using x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDAX). Dielectric and impedance spectroscopy was carried out at room temperature to explore the electrical properties of Mn doped SnO(2). XRD analysis indicated the formation

of single phase rutile type tetragonal structure of all the samples. The crystallite Bafilomycin A1 concentration size was observed to vary from 16.2 to 7.1 nm as the Mn content was increased. The XRD, SEM, and EDAX results corroborated the successful doping of Mn in the SnO(2) matrix. Complex impedance analysis was used to distinguish the grain and grain boundary contributions to the system, suggesting the

dominance of grain boundary resistance in the doped samples. The dielectric constant epsilon’, dielectric loss tan delta and ac conductivity sigma(ac) C59 Wnt mw were studied as a function of frequency and composition and the behavior has been explained on the basis of Maxwell-Wagner interfacial model. All the dielectric parameters were found to decrease with the increase in doping concentration. Moreover, it has been observed that the dielectric loss approaches to zero in case of high dopant concentration (9%, 15%) at high frequencies. (C) 2010 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3506691]“
“The emergence of antibiotic-resistant mutants among pathogenic bacteria has re-focused interest in alternative antibacterial treatments such as “”phage therapy”", where viruses are harnessed to infect and destroy bacteria included in their host range. The first stage in bacteriophage multiplication, its adsorption to the bacterial cell surface, has not been accurately resolved before. Previous Studies focused on very low phage-to-bacteria concentration ratios. In this study, detailed kinetics of T4 adsorption to Escherichia coli B/r were obtained with high sampling frequency during the first 6 min, With Suspensions of nearly the same initial number of phages and bacteria. The results were used to analyze several optional models and to choose the Most Suitable, based on simplicity and best fit to the data.

56 and 0.86 when the MAA content HDAC inhibitor in the polymers was varied from 20 to 80 wt %, respectively. It is inferred from the values of the ‘n’ that non-Fickian diffusion mechanism has occurred for different EG/MAA compositions. The release rate from matrices prepared under different conditions was studied to determine which factors have the most affect and control over the hydrogel matrix release property. The preparation

conditions such as EG/MAA hydrogel composition, pesticide concentration, type of pesticide and irradiation dose greatly affect the pesticide release rate, which also influenced by the pH and temperature of the matrix-surrounding medium. The pesticide release rate decreased as the irradiation dose and pH increased, but it increased as the MAA content, pesticide concentration and temperature increased. The release rate of Trifluralin is the highest one, whereas the Fluometuron CX-6258 is the lowest. The properties of the prepared hydrogels may make them acceptable

for practical use as bioactive controlled release matrices. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 122: 1500-1509, 2011″
“This study aimed to investigate the extent of knowledge and use of emergency contraception among women of reproductive age and to identify barriers existing in Turkey in this context. There is limited research regarding the knowledge and use and barriers to emergency contraception use, since the prepackaged form of hormonal emergency contraception has been available over the counter BVD-523 ic50 in Turkey.

This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study of 257 women. Data were collected through face to

face interviews with a questionnaire on sociodemographic features, knowledge, use and barriers to emergency contraception.

The rate of unintended pregnancies and abortions was noteworthy in the study, where 36.3% of the subjects revealed previous unintended pregnancies and 62.3% of them had undergone surgical termination or spontaneous loss. Remarkably, 42.1% of the respondents had never heard of emergency contraception. Common barriers to the use of emergency contraception were lack of awareness, misconceptions that the pills are abortion inducing and unavailable without prescription and anxiety about harming the fetus. The results indicated differences in practice, although emergency contraception is included in contraception counseling. Sixty percent of the subjects counseled by healthcare professionals stated that they were not informed about emergency contraception; a majority expressed a willingness to receive such information.

Our study has revealed knowledge deficiency on the part of reproductive-aged women about the effective use, safety, mechanism of action, availability without prescription and legal status of emergency contraception. Client barriers were also found, particularly a lack of awareness.

The ovaries were divided into the experimental groups according to different perfusion pressure and different length of perfusion period. Follicular viability was assessed using the trypan blue test; the percentage of morphologically normal primordial follicles and the 17-beta estradiol level in the culture supernatants were measured.

When perfusion pressure was 100

mmHg, and the length of perfusion period was 40 min, the viability of ovarian tissues in bovine whole ovarian cryopreservation were higher than other protocols.

Protocol IIb (the perfusion pressure was 100 mmHg, and the length of perfusion selleck period was 40 min) was appropriate for bovine whole ovarian cryopreservation.”
“This work examined the feasibility of using certain genes of carbon metabolism enzymes as molecular markers adequate for studying phylogeny and ecology of green sulfur bacteria (GSB) of the Chlorobi phylum. Primers designed

to amplify the genes of ATP citrate lyase (aclB) and citrate synthase (gltA) revealed the respective genes in the genomes of all of the newly studied GSB strains. The phylogenetic trees constructed this website based on nucleotide sequences of these genes and amino acid sequences of the conceptually translated proteins were on the whole congruent with the 16S rRNA gene tree, with the single exception of GltA of Chloroherpeton thalassium, which formed a separate branch beyond the cluster comprised by other representatives of the Chlorobi phylum. Thus, the aclB genes but not gltA genes proved to be suitable for the design of primers specific to all Chlorobi representatives. Therefore, it was the aclB gene that was further used as a molecular marker to detect GSB in enrichment cultures and environmental samples. AclB phylotypes of GSB were revealed in all of the samples studied, with the exception of

environmental samples from soda lakes. The identification of the revealed phylotypes was in agreement with the identification Ion Channel Ligand Library based on the FMO protein gene (fmo), which is a well-known Chlorobi-specific molecular marker.”
“A best evidence topic in cardiac surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was: in patients with hypertrophic and keloid scarring of the sternotomy wound, is surgical excision with or without adjuvant treatment of any benefit in reducing the size of the scar? Altogether, more than 15 papers were found using the reported search, of which nine represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The authors, journal, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes and results of these papers are tabulated. One of the studies showed no difference between surgery and adjunctive triamcinolone or colchicine. One study showed that incomplete excision resulted in higher recurrence rates.

(C) 2012 Phytochemical Society of Europe. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.”
“Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a frequent and severe complication that occurs in patient with cirrhosis and ascites. It occurs in 10% to 30% of patients admitted to hospital. The organisms that cause SBP are predominantly enteric. Escherichia coli is the most frequent recovered pathogen, and Gram-positive bacteria, mainly Staphylococcus spp., are being considered an emerging causative agent of LY2835219 nmr SBP. Streptococcus bovis that may be found as part of the commensal bowel flora in

about 10% of healthy adults constitute an uncommon cause of peritonitis that was first reported in 1994. We describe the first case of SBP at the University Hospital of Santa Maria (HUSM) caused by S. bovis, resistant to the antibiotics erythromycin and clindamycin (inducible Liproxstatin-1 clindamycin resistance detected by disk diffusion test using the D-zone test).”
“The absolute configuration of dilospirane B (1), a diterpene featuring a novel carbon framework recently isolated from the brown alga Dilophus spiralis, was established on the basis of theoretical calculations of its electronic circular dichroism spectra applying the time-dependent density functional theory method. Metabolite

1, evaluated for its in vitro antitumor activity against six human cancer cell lines displaying various levels of sensitivity to pro-apoptotic stimuli, exhibited growth inhibitory activity with a mean IC50 value of 66 mu M. Quantitative videomicroscopy analyses indicated that 1 initially displays cytostatic effects which later become cytotoxic. (C) 2012 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Phytochemical Society of Europe.”
“Monoclonal gammopathy can accompany diverse conditions and is usually benign. It should be distinguished from monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) which can rarely turn malignant. Visceral leishmaniasis has only rarely been associated with monoclonal gammopathy. We describe

the case of a Elafibranor manufacturer 55-year-old male who had monoclonal gammopathy associated with visceral leishmanisais, which reversed with stibogluconate therapy.”
“A new triterpeniod saponin 3-O-beta-arabinopyranosyl-(1 -> 3)-[beta-galactopyranosyl-(1 -> 2)]-beta-glucuronopyranosyl gypsogenin (1), together with the known saponin 3-O-beta-xylopyranosyl-(1 -> 3)-[beta-galactopyranosyl-(1 -> 2)]-beta-glucuronopyranosyl gypsogenin (2), and three known triterpenes gypsogenic acid (3), quillaic acid (4) and gypsogenin (5) were isolated from the roots of Gypsophila trichotoma Wend. (Caryophyllaceae). Their structures were elucidated by chemical and spectral methods. Cytotoxic activity of compounds 1 and 2 were tested against seven human cancer cell lines. Compound 1 showed cytotoxic activity against all of them, while compound 2 only against two cell lines. (C) 2012 Phytochemical Society of Europe. Published by Elsevier B.V.

The phase dynamics strongly depends on the magnetization state of the reference

layer, showing that the instability of the reference layer could be responsible for the random fluctuation events. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3592973]“
“PURPOSE To perform white-to-white (WTW) and angle-to-angle (ATA) distance measurements with 2 optical devices find protocol and analyze the correlation with other anterior segment parameters

SETTING Department of Ophthalmology, Medical Health and Science Center, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary

DESIGN Comparative case series

METHODS In this prospective study, the WTW distance, axial length (AL), and anterior chamber depth (ACD) were measured by partial coherence interferometry (PCI) (IOLMaster) The horizontal and vertical ATA distances and ACD were assessed by anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) (Visante)

RESULTS 17DMAG Cytoskeletal Signaling inhibitor The mean PCI values were AL, 23 31 mm +/- 1 52 (SD), WTW distance, 11 99 +/- 0 47 mm, ACD, 2 99 +/- 0 4 mm On AS-OCT, the mean horizontal ATA was 11 43 +/- 0 51 mm and the mean vertical ATA, 10 72 +/- 0 66 mm The WTW distance was significantly greater than the horizontal ATA distance and the horizontal ATA distance was significantly

greater than the vertical ATA distance (P< 0001) The correlations between WTW and horizontal ATA (r = 0 51, P< 0001) vertical ATA (r = 0 32, P< 0021) AL (r = 0 45, P< 0001) and patient age (r = 0 28 P = 023) were significant The PCI WTW distance OICR-9429 and ACD were significantly correlated (r = 0 55, P< 0001) There were no significant correlations between AS-OCT horizontal and vertical ATA measurements (r = -0 02,

P = 0 79) or between same-device ACD measurements (r = 0 18, P = 15)

CONCLUSIONS Although PCI WTW and AS-OCT ATA measurements are not clinically interchangeable, the WTW values correlated well with horizontal and vertical measurements and other anterior segment parameters”
“Early detection of adefovir dipivoxil-resistant mutants during long-term treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection with this drug is of great clinical importance. We developed an improved reverse dot hybridization test for simple and rapid detection of the rtA181V/T and rtN236T mutations associated with adefovir dipivoxil resistance in chronic hepatitis B patients. Probes were designed for genotypes B, C, and D of this resistance characteristic; a total of 70 clinical samples were analyzed with this improved reverse dot hybridization assay. Its usefulness was validated by comparing with sequencing data. Discordant results were confirmed by subclone sequencing. This reverse dot hybridization assay was sufficiently sensitive to detect 10(3) copies/mL; it also detected adefovir dipivoxil-resistant mutant strains when they comprised more than 5% of a mixed virus population. This reverse dot hybridization array correctly identified adefovir dipivoxil-resistant mutants; it had high concordance (98.

The degree of monomer conversion was determined by infrared spectrometry. The hardness of the polymerized samples was measured by shore D method, whereas the water absorption was measured gravimetrically. Kinetics models for polymerizations using different heating

modes were determined by model fitting method. The rate of the MWIH polymerization was eight times higher compared with the CIH polymerization. The CIH polymerization is found to be the phase-boundary controlled reaction for which the rate of contracting volume is the rate limiting step, whereas MWIH polymerization is found to be the first-order reaction and the monomer concentration in the polymerization mixture is the rate limiting step. The samples of PMMA base dental materials synthesized by MWIH polymerization

exhibit better application properties (hardness and SBE-β-CD water absorption). (C) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 119: 3598-3606, 2011″
“Defect properties of perovskite type materials, Ba(3)B`Nb(2)O(9) Z-DEVD-FMK (where B`=Mg, Zn, or Co), with near-stoichiometric compositions were studied by positron annihilation and Raman spectroscopies. Theoretical simulations of stoichiometric perovskites revealed a dependence of the positron bulk lifetime on the degree of ordering. In Ba(3)MgNb(2)O(9) (BMN) the positron bulk lifetime for a completely disordered structure is 195 ps versus 237 ps for a completely ordered one. The predicted bulk lifetimes for Ba(3)ZnNb(2)O(9) (BZN) and Ba(3)CoNb(2)O(9) (BCN), with Pm (3) over barm symmetries are 193 ps and 194 ps, respectively. It was found that deviation from stoichiometry results in the appearance of secondary ATM inhibitor Ba- and Nb-rich phases, which according to theoretical simulations have bulk lifetimes much longer than that of the host material.

Positron lifetime spectroscopy was used to monitor changes in the concentration of these second phases. The difference between predicted defect lifetimes and the bulk values for the studied perovskites was less than 70 ps. This and the likely small concentrations made it impossible to discern the presence of point defects in the samples. Raman measurements demonstrated the presence of a particular mode that could be attributed to the formation of a 1:1 phase, the size of which is limited by requirements for charge compensation. The existence of an internal electric field between charged 1:1 nanoregions and the rest of material creates conditions for preferential positron annihilation that influence the obtained positron lifetime values. For BZN type materials it was found that the degree of 1:2 cation ordering decreases by increasing the sintering temperature to above 1400 degrees C. (c) 2010 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3517098]“
“In this article, a novel poly-(acrylic acid-acrylonitrile) (PAA-AN)/filter paper composite membrane with pH-sensitivity was developed. The membrane was composed of three layers.

The beneficial effect on ovarian cancer must be weighed against the risks of ovarian hormone withdrawal. Wide variations in practice patterns exist. Methods: The purpose of this review article is to summarize and critically evaluate the existing primary evidence regarding the impact of adnexal conservation versus removal on the specific health issues of ovarian cancer, coronary heart disease (CHD), sexual and cognitive function, and osteoporotic hip fractures. Results: Elective bilateral Doramapimod salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO) in women under 50 years is associated

with an increased risk of CHD and sexual dysfunction. In women older than 50 years, there is no observed association between BSO and CHD, sexual dysfunction, osteoporotic hip fractures, or cognitive function. Oophorectomy is associated

with a lower risk of death from ovarian cancer. Conclusion: Elective BSO should be discouraged in women under 50 years old. In postmenopausal women, however, BSO can reduce ovarian cancer rates without an adverse impact on CHD, sexual dysfunction, hip fractures, or cognitive function.”
“Purpose of review

To review the current state of diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of the different types of endoleaks after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm selleck chemicals llc repair (endovascular aneurysm repair, EVAR).

Recent findings

Endoleaks are the most frequent complication after EVAR, the most common indication for secondary interventions, and the most common cause of rupture after EVAR. Imaging is critical for detecting endoleaks. Type I and III endoleaks require urgent intervention to prevent aneurysm rupture. Intervention for other endoleaks or endotension is indicated

if the aneurysm sac continues to grow during follow-up. The majority of endoleaks can be treated with endovascular techniques. Open surgical conversion may be considered if the risk of aneurysm rupture is Tipifarnib solubility dmso high and if no endovascular options are available or if they have failed.

Summary

Endoleaks continue to be a challenge and this article discusses the different treatment options for endoleaks after EVAR. Long-term follow-up after EVAR is required to diagnose and treat endoleaks before they result in aneurysm rupture. The majority of endoleaks can be treated with endovascular techniques, although open surgical interventions may be required in selected patients.”
“OBJECTIVE: To assess a cluster of risk factors, including parameters of the metabolic syndrome, in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) early after delivery, that features the best prediction for developing diabetes.

METHODS: Women with GDM 30-6 months after delivery received a complete metabolic characterization at baseline as well as annually for up to 10 years of follow-up (N=110). We used parameters characterizing the metabolic syndrome as well as demographic variables at baseline to predict diabetes manifestation.

In this study, we introduce a new motif-finding method, RNAcontext, designed to elucidate RBP-specific sequence EGFR activity and structural preferences with greater accuracy than existing approaches. We evaluated RNAcontext on recently published in vitro and in vivo RNA affinity selected data and demonstrate that RNAcontext identifies known binding preferences for several control proteins including HuR,

PTB, and Vts1p and predicts new RNA structure preferences for SF2/ASF, RBM4, FUSIP1 and SLM2. The predicted preferences for SF2/ASF are consistent with its recently reported in vivo binding sites. RNAcontext is an accurate and efficient motif finding method ideally suited for using large-scale RNA-binding affinity datasets to determine the relative binding preferences of RBPs for a wide range of RNA sequences and structures.”
“We present a computer simulation and associated experimental validation of assembly of glial-like support cells into the interweaving hexagonal lattice that spans the Drosophila pupal eye. This process of cell movements organizes the ommatidial array into a functional pattern. Unlike earlier simulations that focused on the arrangements of cells within BEZ235 nmr individual ommatidia, here we examine the local movements that lead to large-scale organization

of the emerging eye field. Simulations based on our experimental observations of cell adhesion, cell death, and cell movement successfully patterned a tracing of an emerging wild-type pupal eye. Surprisingly, altering cell adhesion had only a mild effect on patterning, contradicting our previous hypothesis that the patterning was primarily the result of preferential adhesion between IRM-class surface proteins. Instead, our simulations highlighted the importance of programmed cell death (PCD) as well as a previously unappreciated variable: the expansion of cells’ apical surface areas, which promoted rearrangement of neighboring

cells. We tested this prediction experimentally by preventing expansion in the apical area of individual cells: patterning was disrupted in a manner predicted by our simulations. Our work demonstrates the value of combining computer simulation with in vivo experiments to uncover Nepicastat mw novel mechanisms that are perpetuated throughout the eye field. It also demonstrates the utility of the Glazier-Graner-Hogeweg model (GGH) for modeling the links between local cellular interactions and emergent properties of developing epithelia as well as predicting unanticipated results in vivo.”
“Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI, also known as brittle bone disease) is caused mostly by mutations in two type I collagen genes, COL1A1 and COL1A2 encoding the pro-alpha 1 (I) and pro-alpha 2 (I) chains of type I collagen, respectively. Two Chinese families with autosomal dominant OI were identified and characterized. Linkage analysis revealed linkage of both families to COL1A2 on chromosome 7q21.3-q22.1.

The effects of these processes on hardness, specific gravity, crosslink, tensile strength, elongation, and dynamic mechanical properties were

studied. Also, the morphology and the chain structure changing of waste rubber powder were studied by SEM and XPS, respectively. The ozone/ultrasonic treatment was found to be the most effective treatment to improve the mechanical properties of waste rubber powder revulcanizate. The effect of mechanism may be due to the sulfur crosslinkage network changed to a cyclic form. (c) 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 112: 3048-3056, 2009″
“Background: Guidelines LBH589 recommend hospice care as a treatment option for end-stage heart failure (HF) patients. Little is known regarding utilization of hospice care in a contemporary cohort of patients hospitalized with HF and how this may vary by estimated mortality risk.

Methods: We analyzed HF patients >= 65 years (n = 58,330) from

214 hospitals participating in the Get With the Guidelines-HF program. Univariate analysis comparing patients discharged to hospice versus other patients was performed. Hospice utilization was evaluated for deciles of estimated 90-day AS1842856 mortality risk using a. validated model. Multivariate analysis using admission patient and hospital characteristics was also performed to determine factors associated with hospice discharge.

Results: There were 1,442 patients discharged to hospice, and rates of referral varied widely by hospital (interquartile range 0-3.7%) as shown in the univariate analysis. Patients discharged to hospice were significantly older and more often white, had lower left ventricular ejection fraction, higher B-type natriuretic peptide, and lower systolic blood pressure on admission. Utilization rates for each decile of 90-day estimated mortality risk ranged from 0.3% to 8.6%. Multivariable analysis found that factors associated with :hospice utilization included HDAC inhibitor increased age, low systolic blood pressure on admission, and increased blood urea nitrogen.

Conclusions: Hospice utilization remains low among HF patients, even

those with the highest predicted risk of death. (J Cardiac Fail 2012:18:471-477)”
“The controlled addition of La to Hf(x)Si(1-x)O(2)/SiO(2)/Si dielectric stacks has been shown to enable the engineering of the work function to appropriate levels when TaN or TiN is employed as the capping metal gate. Work function tuning has been suggested to be controlled by La diffusion into the Hf-based dielectric as a result of further thermal treatments. In this paper, we performed high resolution angle resolved x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (ARXPS) studies to investigate the chemical depth profile distribution of TaN/La(2)O(3)/HfO(2)/SiO(2)/Si dielectric stacks exposed to a nitridation treatment by NH(3) at 700 degrees C.