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Objective To report our experience with r obot- a ssisted (RA) autologous cryopreserved ovarian tissue transplantation (ACOTT) with the use of a neovascularizing extracellular matrix scaffold. Design Case series with meta-analytic update. Setting Academic. Patient(s) Seven recipients of RA-ACOTT. Intervention(s) Before or shortly after initiating chemotherapy, ovarian tissue was cryopreserved from 7 women, who then underwent RA-ACOTT 9.9 ± 1.8 years (range, 7–12 years) later. Perioperatively, they received transdermal estrogen and low-dose aspirin to enhance graft vascularization. Ovarian cortical pieces were thawed and sutured on an extracellular matrix scaffold, which was then robotically anastomosed to the bivalved remaining ovary in 6 cases and retroperitoneally (heterotopic) to the lower abdomen in 1 case. Main Outcome Measure(s) Ovarian function return, the number of oocytes/embryos, aneuploidy %, live births, and neonatal outcomes were recorded. Graft longevity was compared with the mean from the meta-analytic data. Result(s) Ovarian function returned 13.9 ± 2.7 weeks (11–16.2 weeks) after ACOTT, and oocytes were retrieved in all cases with 12.3 ± 6.9 embryos generated. In contrast to orthotopic, the heterotopic ACOTT demonstrated low embryo quality and an 80% aneuploidy rate. A recipient did not attempt to conceive and 2 needed a surrogate, whereas 4 of 4 delivered 6 healthy children, compared with 115 of 460 (25% pregnancy rate) from the meta-analytic data (n = 79). The mean graft longevity (43.2 ± 23.6/47.4 ± 22.8 months with/without sensitivity analysis) trended longer than the meta-analytic mean (29.4 ± 22.7), even after matching age at cryopreservation. Conclusion(s) In this series, RA-ACOTT resulted in extended graft longevity, with ovarian functions restored in all cases, even when the tissues were cryopreserved after chemotherapy exposure.

PURPOSE: To investigate the differences concerning post-thawing/warming follicle survival, DNA damage and apoptosis in human ovarian tissues cryopreserved by slow freezing, open, or closed vitrification methods. METHODS: A total of 50 pieces of 5 × 5 × 1 mm ovarian cortical pieces were harvested (5 donor ovaries; mean age 31 ± 6.62 years). From each donor, one cortical piece was used as baseline; the remaining were randomly assigned to slow freezing (SF), vitrification using open device (VF-open), or closed device (VF-closed) groups. After 8–10 weeks of cryostorage, tissues were evaluated 4 h after thawing/warming. Histological analysis was evaluated for follicle survival (primordial and primary follicle densities) by H&E staining. The percentages of primordial and primary follicles with DNA double-strand breaks (γH2AX) and apoptotic cell death pathway activation (AC3) were immunohistochemically assessed. Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA and LSD post hoc comparison. RESULTS: Compared to the baseline, primordial follicle (pdf) densities significantly declined in all cryopreserved groups (SF, VF-open, and VF-closed, P

Lactobacillus plantarum Shinshu N-07 (N07) and Lactobacillus curvatus #4G2 (#4G2) were isolated from fermented Brassica rapa L. and selected as promising probiotics with anti-adiposity activities based on in vitro assays. The anti-adiposity effects of these two strains were investigated using a diet-induced obesity animal model. Epididymal adipose tissue weight and adipocyte area were significantly lower and serum triglycerides and glucose tended to be lower in mice fed the high-fat diet supplemented with N07 compared with those fed the unsupplemented high-fat diet. Strain N07 suppressed hepatic steatosis, with accompanying downregulation of lipogenic genes in the liver. Expression of inflammatory cytokines and macrophage infiltration markers tended to be suppressed by N07 supplementation. Upregulation of uncoupling protein-1 in epididymal adipose tissue by N07 suggested that the transformation of white adipose tissue to brown might have been induced. Intestinal microbiota analysis revealed that a decrease in abundance of family S24-7 (phylum Bacteroidetes) following ingestion of the high-fat diet was partly recovered by supplementation with N07. Changes in those parameters were not observed in mice fed the high-fat diet supplemented with strain #4G2, suggesting strain specificities. Thus, N07 is a potential probiotic strain that could be used to develop functional foods that attenuate visceral fat accumulation after an appropriate human intervention trial.

The structure of a neutron-rich ^{25}F nucleus is investigated by a quasifree (p,2p) knockout reaction at 270A MeV in inverse kinematics. The sum of spectroscopic factors of π0d_{5/2} orbital is found to be 1.0±0.3. However, the spectroscopic factor with residual ^{24}O nucleus being in the ground state is found to be only 0.36±0.13, while those in the excited state is 0.65±0.25. The result shows that the ^{24}O core of ^{25}F nucleus significantly differs from a free ^{24}O nucleus, and the core consists of ∼35% ^{24}O_{g.s.}. and ∼65% excited ^{24}O. The result may infer that the addition of the 0d_{5/2} proton considerably changes neutron structure in ^{25}F from that in ^{24}O, which could be a possible mechanism responsible for the oxygen dripline anomaly.

Background Many studies on penile size have been conducted in other countries, but very few in Japan. Furthermore, there are no reports about men's self-image of penile size or the effect of self-image on erectile function. Objectives We investigated penile size in male urology outpatients and examined the difference between subjective and objective penile size and the relationship between self-image and erectile function. Materials and Methods 186 patients who visited our clinic between April 2007 and March 2015 with the chief complaint of late-onset hypogonadism symptoms were enrolled. Patients were asked to complete a questionnaire that included their self-assessed flaccid and erect penile length, self-image of their penile size, SHIM (Sexual Health Inventory for Men) score, and time to ejaculation. All objective penile measurements including stretched length and circumference were performed by the same physician (s). Results The mean self-assessed flaccid and erect penile lengths were 6.8 cm and 12.5 cm, respectively. The mean objectively measured flaccid and stretched penile lengths were 8.3 cm and 12.6 cm, respectively. Most of the patients (71.0%) rated their penis as normal, 27.9% as small, and only 1.1% as large. 28.5% of the patients described their penis as short, and 17.2% as thin. The mean SHIM score of patients who rated their penis as small (7.9) was significantly lower than that of patients who rated their penis as normal (10.5) (p Conclusion Compared with reports from other countries, a high percentage of Japanese patients are dissatisfied with their penile size, and these patients may have a lower self-esteem with respect to their erectile function. Disclosure Work supported by industry: no.

Objectives Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a common treatment for late-onset hypogonadism. In addition to adverse events such as polycythemia, it is reported that TRT may cause testicular atrophy due to decreased gonadotropin; however, there are no reported studies that have actually observed the degree of atrophy. We investigated changes in testicular size in patients undergoing TRT and examined the characteristics of testicular atrophy. Subjects and Methods Testicular size was measured before treatment and at 3 months, 6 months, and every 6 months after treatment up to 24 months in 121 patients undergoing TRT for more than 3 months. The size of each testicle was measured using a punched-out elliptical ring orchidometer, and the average testicular volume was calculated. Patients showing testicular atrophy at 3 months after the start of TRT were classified as the atrophy group, and cases with no change were classified as the unchanged group. Results The age of the subjects ranged from 38 to 81 (mean 53.7 years). Overall, testicular volume decreased over time, from a mean of 16.5 ml before treatment to 13.7 ml at 24 months, with atrophy becoming significant from 6 months. In the atrophy group (60 cases), the atrophic tendency persisted after 6 months, whereas in the unchanged group, no atrophic tendency was seen after 24 months. The background factors of the two groups were compared. Among age, baseline testicular volume, testosterone, and method of TRT administration (injection or ointment), the items that showed significant differences between the two groups were baseline testicular volume and method of administration. Testicular atrophy was more likely to occur in patients with larger baseline testicular size or those treated with injectable formulations. Conclusion For patients with large testicular volume or anxiety about testicular atrophy, it may be better to recommend TRT in ointment form rather than injectable formulations. Disclosure Work supported by industry: no.

Objective To demonstrate the technical advances since the time we reported the first successful case in 2000 and our modern approach to autologous transplantation of frozen-thawed human ovarian tissue. Design A step-by-step video demonstration of three surgical approaches was created by editing the surgical footage obtained during ovarian transplantation procedures. Setting Academic. Patient(s) Three patients who previously underwent ovarian tissue harvesting and cryopreservation before gonadotoxic cancer treatments or radical cancer surgery are presented. Intervention(s) The illustrated techniques include robot-assisted orthotopic (technique 1) and heterotopic (technique 2) approaches using the da Vinci Xi (Intuitive Surgical) robotic system and a decellularized human extracellular tissue matrix (Alloderm; LifeCell Corp.) as a tissue scaffold, as well as a percutaneous autotransplantation approach (technique 3). Main Outcome Measure(s) Successful completion of procedures without complications and ovarian graft function with demonstration of E2 production and follicle development. Result(s) All cases were completed without complications. Ovarian graft function was confirmed by E2 production, follicle growth by 10–14 weeks after transplantation, and later embryo development. Conclusion(s) Since our first report of successful restoration of ovarian function after orthotopic transplantation of frozen-banked ovarian tissue in 2000 (1) , followed by our first reports of subcutaneous heterotopic transplantation techniques 2 , 3 , ovarian tissue cryopreservation followed by subsequent transplantation has become a promising fertility preservation option for young women with cancer who do not have sufficient time to undergo oocyte or embryo cryopreservation and for prepubertal girls 4 , 5 . The same approach also has the advantage of restoring ovarian endocrine function and fertility without a need for assisted reproduction 6 , 7 . In the very first successful procedure that we reported in 2000, we used conventional laparoscopy, and the tissues were reconstructed and mounted on a polycellulose scaffold (Surgicel) 1 , 7 . Since then, we have made significant modifications in our surgical approach with potential improvements in outcomes. Here we illustrate three main techniques of ovarian tissue transplantation resulting in the restoration of ovarian function in all cases. In the first two cases, we illustrated the robot-assisted orthotopic and heterotopic approaches using Alloderm. Robotic ovarian transplantation may increase precision, provide more delicate graft handling, and reduce the time from tissue thawing to transplantation 6 , 8 . Alloderm is regenerated de-epithelized human cadaver skin, which consists of several extracellular matrix components. It has been safely used in the surgery and dentistry fields for enhancing tissue regeneration and vascularization 10 , 9 . Furthermore, our earlier laboratory work indicated the critical role of extracellular matrix in primordial follicle growth initiation and preantral follicle growth 11 , 12 . Prior to our use of Alloderm as part of ovarian transplant procedures, we tested it in human ovarian xenograft models and found Alloderm to incorporate well with ovarian tissue (8) . Only after that test did we adopt it for use in ovarian transplants. The utility of the extracellular tissue matrix may thus enhance our ovarian autotransplantation techniques by facilitating ovarian reconstruction and potentially improving neovascularization. In fact, we have seen improved follicle growth and response to ovarian stimulation with the use of Alloderm in our first cases (8) . We use heterotopic ovarian transplantation when the pelvis is not suitable for autotransplantation due to past radiation or scarring or when there are other medical contraindications for transplantation in the pelvis. The third technique we illustrated was percutaneous heterotopic ovarian autotransplantation. This is a simple approach that can be used in surgically high-risk patients, as it is done with local anesthesia or IV sedation and without entering abdominal cavity. Additionally, same approach can be utilized when there is heightened concern that the ovarian tissue may harbor a disease that can recur, requiring close surveillance and easier removal of the ovarian graft. While ovarian endocrine function and follicle growth are restored with efficiency using the percutaneous ovarian transplants, our initial experience suggests that oocyte quality may be impaired in SC locations 13 , 2 , 3 . Hence that technique may be more suitable when the only purpose is restoration of ovarian endocrine function. However, we have encountered recurrent live births from spontaneous conceptions following SC ovarian transplants, prompting the question of whether the grafted tissue can augment the function of in situ menopausal ovary 13 , 14 . While ovarian cryopreservation and transplantation may no longer be considered experimental, there are many exciting questions remaining to be answered on the full potential of this procedure.

The demagnetization process of a variety of Nd-Fe-B-based magnets produced using different manufacturing techniques are studied by soft X-ray magnetic circular dichroism microscopy. The four magnets studied include a hot deformed magnet, sintered magnets produced from either a N2 jet-milled or a He jet-milled fine powder, and a magnet produced by hydrogenation-disproportionation-desorption-recombination (HDDR) followed by He jet-milling. The coercivity of the HDDR processed magnet is lower than the magnets produced with N2 jet-milled powder even though the size of the grains is smaller. By following the magnetic domain reversal behavior during the demagnetization process, it was found that, while the magnets produced with N2 jet-milled powder and the hot deformed magnet presents a predominance of the reversed magnetic domain propagation, in the HDDR processed magnet the nucleation of individual grains occurs before the reversed magnetic domains propagate. This behavior is associated with a decreased nucleation field of each grain.

The loss of fertility and early menopause are common after gonadotoxic therapies and radical pelvic surgery. The strategy of ovarian tissue cryopreservation and auto-transplantation was introduced to prevent this significant quality of health issue. Ovarian transplantation with cryopreserved tissue has gone through remarkable evolution in the last 20 years. In this review, we detail the history and evolution of ovarian transplantation with cryopreserved tissue from its origins to the present. Ovarian cryopreservation and transplantation approach was first tested with animal models. The approach was then validated in human ovarian xenografting models before being applied to patients in pioneering clinical studies. The first orthotopic and heterotopic approaches to ovarian transplantation was developed by Oktay et al. who reported the first successful restoration of ovarian function with these approaches beginning in 2000 with first embryo development in 2004. Controversy remains on when the first live birth occurred after orthotopic ovarian transplantation with cryopreserved tissue as the patient was ovulating with elevated progesterone levels in the case reported in 2004; first live birth is likely to be the one reported by Meirow et al. in 2005. Nevertheless, the technique has evolved to reach a level where most recent live birth rates are exceeding 35% and the procedure is no longer considered experimental by many. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1007/s43032-019-00066-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Background Few studies have been conducted on patterns of recurrence after resection for distal cholangiocarcinoma (DCC). The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and pattern of recurrence after resection of DCC, and to evaluate prognostic factors for time to recurrence and recurrence-free survival (RFS). Methods Patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy with curative intent for DCC between 2001 and 2010 at one of 30 hospitals in Japan were reviewed retrospectively, with special attention to recurrence patterns. The Cox proportional hazards model was used for multivariable analysis. Results In the study interval, 389 patients underwent pancreatoduodenectomy for DCC with R0/M0 status. Recurrence developed in 213 patients (54·8 per cent). The estimated cumulative probability of recurrence was 54·3 per cent at 5 years. An initial locoregional recurrence occurred in 55 patients (14·1 per cent) and initial distant recurrence in 168 (43·2 per cent), most commonly in the liver. Isolated initial locoregional recurrence occurred in 45 patients (11·6 per cent). Independent prognostic factors for time to recurrence and RFS were perineural invasion (P = 0·001 and P = 0·009 respectively), pancreatic invasion (both P < 0·001) and lymph node metastasis (both P < 0·001). RFS worsened as the number of risk factors increased: the 5-year RFS rate was 70·6 per cent for patients without any risk factors, 50·3 per cent for patients with one factor, 31·8 per cent for those with two factors, and 13·4 per cent when three factors were present. Conclusion More than half of patients with DCC experienced recurrence after R0 resection, usually within 5 years. Perineural invasion, pancreatic invasion and positive nodal involvement are risk factors for recurrence.

Lactobacillus strains, a major group of lactic acid bacteria, are representative food microorganisms that have many potential beneficial effects via their interactions with immune and intestinal epithelial cells. However, little is known about the effect of Lactobacillus strains on atopic dermatitis via keratinocytes, which comprise the physical barrier of the skin. In this study, we report that Lactobacillus strains have a significant suppressive effect on tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced expression and production of thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC), a T helper 2 cell chemokine responsible for atopic dermatitis, in human keratinocytes. An RNA interference study showed that the effect of Lactobacillus reuteri strain Japan Collection of Microorganisms (JCM) 1112, the most suppressive strain, depended on the presence of Toll-like receptor 2 and the induction of A20 (also known as TNF-α-induced protein 3) and cylindromatosis in HaCaT cells. Topical application of a water-soluble extract of homogenised JCM 1112 cells significantly suppressed the development of house dust mite-induced atopic skin lesions and TARC expression at the lesion sites in NC/Nga mice. Our study provides new insights into the use of Lactobacillus strains as suppressive agents against keratinocyte-involved atopic inflammation of the skin.

International audience; The dependence of the single-particle strength on the difference between proton and neutron separation energies is studied for oxygen isotopes in a wide range of isospins. The cross sections of the quasi-free (p, 2p) reaction on 14,16,18,22,24O were measured at intermediate energies. The measured cross sections are compared to predictions based on the distorted wave impulse approximation and shell-model psd valence-space spectroscopic factors. The reduction factors, which are the ratio of the experimental cross sections to the theoretical predictions, show no apparent dependence on the proton–neutron separation energy difference. The result is compatible with the result of the (e, e p) reaction on stable targets and with the predictions of recent ab initio calculations.

In this paper, we present a precise read disturb mode in spin-orbit-torque (SOT)-MRAM. A precise model of read reliability was derived, and the model and simulation results confirmed that SOT-MRAM has a tradeoff between read and write performance. Furthermore, the stabilizing memory cell construction was proposed and applied to improve read reliability quantitatively.

Toxicodendron vernicifluum (Stokes) F. A. Barkley is a tree species cultivated in Japan for production of Japanese lacquer. To facilitate the low-cost improvement of T. vernicifluum, we developed microsatellite markers for DNA fingerprinting and family and lineage reconstruction. Nine useful microsatellites were developed, with 3 to 23 alleles per locus and an expected heterozygosity of 0.162-0.838 based on a commercially planted population that included 783 offspring. Six clusters were detected in this population based on the Bayesian clustering method, and 93 half-sib families were identified using parentage and sibship assignment analysis based on a maximum likelihood method. Many members (40-96%) of large (≥10) half-sib families included specific clusters, and members from different families included the same clusters. The cluster effect for tree height was more significant than the half-sib family effect using a linear mixed model, although these effects were not significant for other traits (diameter at breast height and number of forked trunks). Based on the findings from pedigree reconstruction, backward selection for tree height seems possible. We discuss the direction of research for improving T. vernicifluum using our proposed approach.

Proton polarization at room temperature, produced in a p-terphenyl crystal by using electron population difference in a photo-excited triplet state of pentacene, was enhanced by utilizing an intense laser with an average power of 1.5 W. It was shown that keeping the sample temperature below 300 K is critically important to prevent the rise of the spin–lattice relaxation rate caused by the laser heating. It is also reported that the magnitude of proton polarization strongly depends on the time structure of the laser pulse such as its width and the time interval between them.

Background Little is known about the value of portal vein (PV) resection in distal cholangiocarcinoma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical significance of PV resection in distal cholangiocarcinoma. Methods Patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) for distal cholangiocarcinoma between 2001 and 2010 at one of 31 hospitals in Japan were reviewed retrospectively with special attention to PV resection. Short- and long-term outcomes were evaluated. Results In the study interval, 453 consecutive patients with distal cholangiocarcinoma underwent PD, of whom 31 (6·8 per cent) had combined PV resection. The duration of surgery (510 versus 427 min; P = 0·005) and incidence of blood transfusion (48 versus 30·7 per cent; P = 0·042) were greater in patients who had PV resection than in those who did not. Postoperative morbidity and mortality were no different in the two groups. Several indices of tumour progression, including high T classification, lymphatic invasion, perineural invasion, pancreatic invasion and lymph node metastasis, were more common in patients who had PV resection. Consequently, the incidence of R1/2 resection was higher in this group (32 versus 11·8 per cent; P = 0·004). Survival among the 31 patients with PV resection was worse than that for the 422 patients without PV resection (15 versus 42·4 per cent at 5 years; P < 0·001). Multivariable analyses revealed that age, blood loss, histological grade, perineural invasion, pancreatic invasion, lymph node metastasis and surgical margin were independent risk factors for overall survival. PV resection was not an independent risk factor. Conclusion PV invasion in distal cholangiocarcinoma is associated with locally advanced disease and several negative prognostic factors. Survival for patients who have PV resection is poor even after curative resection.

Unexpected vibrations on a cylindrical filter made of nonwoven fabrics were clarified experimentally. Two types of filter with length L =1.8 m and 3.7 m, both 45 cm in diameter and 1.08 mm in thickness, were used. This is a new type of aeroelastic vibration phenomenon because the filter is a closed cylindrical vessel. In addition, the flow velocity of inner air was very slow and inner air flowed out slowly from the filter surface. The velocity distribution of air flow from a fan duct as well as the frequency and amplitude of the filter vibration were measured for two types of filter. By setting up a roll core panel at the outlet of the fan duct, we could rectify the outflow and suppressed the vibration of the shorter filter with L =1.8 m. However, this method was not adequate for the longer filter with L =3.7 m, and we could suppress the vibration by shielding the inner surface of the filter at the top region.

Mastitis is a common infectious disease of the mammary gland and a major problem in the dairy industry. We previously reported that forebrain embryonic zinc finger-like (FEZL) encoding a stretch of 12 glycines (p.Gly105[12]) instead of 13 glycines (p.Gly105[13]) is associated with a lower somatic cell score (SCS) in a family derived from Walkway Chief Mark. Here we report that the p.Gly105[12] allele is associated with a significantly decreased incidence of clinical mastitis in a large Holstein population. We genotyped the FEZL polymorphism in 918 randomly collected Holstein sires, and investigated the effect of the polymorphism on the estimated breeding value (EBV) for SCS and milk, fat, solids-not-fat, and protein yield, and on the number of cattle with clinical mastitis among daughters derived from these sires. The average EBV for SCS among sires carrying the heterozygous p.Gly105[12] was significantly lower than that among sires carrying the homozygous p.Gly105[13], whereas we found no unfavorable effects of this polymorphism on EBV for milk, fat, solids-not-fat, and protein yield. The proportion of cows with clinical mastitis derived from sires carrying heterozygous p.Gly105[12] was significantly lower than that of daughters derived from sires carrying the homozygous p.Gly105[13]. Thus, selection of sires carrying p.Gly105[12] could be beneficial in the dairy industry by reducing the incidence of mastitis.

The development of stone cells in Japanese pear (Pyrus serotina cv. Shinseiki) fruit was investigated over a single season to study the processes of stone cell differentiation and lignin accumulati...

We have constructed a polarized proton solid target system for radioactive nuclear beam experiments at the Center for Nuclear Study, the University of Tokyo. The proton polarization is based on an electron population difference in a photo-excited triplet state of pentacene molecule. The target system was completed in 2003 and applied to a RI beam experiment in 2003 and 2005 by using the projectile fragment separator, RIPS at RIKEN. The maximum polarization reached 20% under the condition of T=100 K and B=0.09 T. Overview of the polarized target and its application in physics experiments at RIPS and RIBF of RIKEN are presented.

Tunneling electrons-induced molecular fluorescence in organic film is enhanced by the surface plasmons. The plasmon enhancement can be expected not only by the plasmons of the substrate but also by the noble metal tip of scanning tunneling microscope (STM). In this report we investigate the tip effect in photoluminescence of meso -tetrakis(3,5-di-tertiarybutyl-phenyl)porphyrin (H 2 TBPP) film on indium tin oxide (ITO) combined with a STM. The experimental result shows the PL of molecules is enhanced by an Ag tip. This enhancement factor is evaluated larger than 2000.

Spin-transfer-torque RAM (STT-RAM) is the most promising candidate for replacing DRAM while gaining an additional function of non-volatility. The relationship between rapid increase of spin-inversion current and stability of read operation (read disturbance) in the DRAM-array operating time region of less than 10 ns (i.e., "fast" region) was examined by using a Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation based simulator. The results revealed a difference in the magnetization-reversal paths in the fast region compared to that in the "slow" time region in terms of spin behavior during the inversion operation and the dependence of switching current on the direction of applied magnetic field. As a result, the stability of read operation in this fast region is sufficiently increased. Accordingly, configurations of STT-RAM based on these results are discussed.

Photoacoustic (PA) spectroscopy is a powerful tool for examining optical properties as non-radiative recombination in powdered samples that are difficult to measure by the conventional reflection or transmission spectroscopy because of the light scattering. We applied the PA spectroscopy to evaluate the non-radiative transition of the Pr 3+ in ZnO powders with various Pr concentrations and sintering temperatures. The PA spectra seems to depend on the inner state of the Pr 3+ in ZnO matrix, where the Pr can easily segregate to the ZnO grain boundaries and form intergranular phase based Pr 2 O 3 .

The effects of the nitrogen profile in the SiON-interfacial layer (IL) on the mobility in FETs employing a HfAlO/SiON gate dielectric have been investigated. In order to suppress the interdiffusion between HfAlO and SiON, the nitrogen concentration in SiON should be higher than 15 at%, while the substrate interface should be oxygen-rich in order to suppress the mobility reduction. By using an NO reoxidation of NH/sub 3/ formed 0.4-nm-thick silicon nitride, the mobility reduction due to the SiON-IL was successfully suppressed, and electron and hole mobility of 92% and 88% of those for SiO/sub 2/ at V/sub g/=1.1 V were obtained for HfAlO/SiON with equivalent oxide thickness (EOT) of 1.1 nm. By using nitrogen profile engineered SiON-IL, good equvalent oxide thickness (EOT) uniformity, low EOT, low gate leakage current, low defect density, and symmetrical threshold voltage were all achieved, indicating that a poly-Si/HfAlO/SiON gate stack would be a candidate as an alternative gate structure for low standby power FETs of half-pitch (hp)65 and hp45 technology nodes.