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The psychological impact of predictive genetic testing for hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) was assessed in 114 individuals (32 carriers and 82 non-carriers) attending familial cancer clinics, using mailed self-administered questionnaires prior to, 2 weeks, 4 months and 12 months after carrier status disclosure. Compared to baseline, carriers showed a significant increase in mean scores for intrusive and avoidant thoughts about colorectal cancer 2 weeks (t = 2.49; p = 0.014) and a significant decrease in mean depression scores 2 weeks post-notification of result (t = -3.98; p < 0.001) and 4 months post-notification of result (t = -3.22; p = 0.002). For non-carriers, significant decreases in mean scores for intrusive and avoidant thoughts about colorectal cancer were observed at all follow-up assessment time points relative to baseline. Non-carriers also showed significant decreases from baseline in mean depression scores 2 weeks, 4 months and 12 months post-notification. Significant decreases from baseline for mean state anxiety scores were also observed for non-carriers 2 weeks post-notification (t = -3.99; p < 0.001). These data indicate that predictive genetic testing for HNPCC leads to psychological benefits amongst non-carriers, and no adverse psychological outcomes were observed amongst carriers.

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The effects of hydrogen in Ni͑100͒ submonolayer homoepitaxy have been investigated by classical-potential total-energy calculations with semiclassical hydrogen zero-point-energy corrections. The fast diffusion of H on a flat Ni͑100͒ surface is found to persist even when the surface is decorated with various intrinsic defects such as Ni adatoms, islands, and steps created during epitaxial growth. On the other hand, the presence of H significantly enhances the mobility of both Ni adatoms and Ni islands, resulting in a decrease in the Ni island density and a corresponding increase in the average island size. These results suggest that hydrogen will function as an antisurfactant in Ni͑100͒ homoepitaxy. Connections to available experiments are made.