Statistical nature of secondary electron emission

The energy-dependence of the secondary electron yield by electron impact on clean materials is shown, through comparisons with both experimental data and previous semi-empirical models, to be described well by a log-normal distribution. The maximum yield and corresponding energy are calculated in terms of the fit parameters. The function also agrees with the ‘universal curve’ obtained by expressing the experimental data in terms of the position and magnitude of maximum yield. The positron- and ion-induced secondary electron yields also exhibit a log-normal dependence and this is used to extend their energy ranges without prior knowledge of the position and magnitude of their maxima. In addition to their intrinsic usefulness, the results provide further support for the statistical description of inelastic processes advanced by Laricchia et al. (2018)

Simultaneous ground-based and satellite observations of natural VLF waves in Antarctica: A case study of downward ionospheric penetration of whistler-mode waves

AbstractTo investigate downward ionospheric-penetration characteristics of VLF (several hundred Hz to 17.8 kHz) whistler-mode waves, we conducted simultaneous observations (in 2006) of natural VLF waves using both ground stations in Antarctica and the Japanese Akebono satellite. The ground-based and satellite observations included an interesting event for which both observed similar VLF waves. In this study, we theoretically calculate down-going whistler-mode wave propagation based on ground-satellite observations using the full-wave analysis. In a case study, the observed wave-normal angles were approximately 140–160 degrees for a dayside chorus event on 15 March 2006. The theoretical calculation showed that the wave-normal angles for ionospheric penetration should be around 155.6 degrees, with its angular width of approximately 2 degrees. Moreover, the wave-energy loss due to ionospheric penetration is estimated at 20.4 dB based on our theoretical calculation, in accordance with the observed 17–19 dB

Detection of low-energy charged particles by channel electron multipliers

Experimental determinations of the detection efficiency for positrons impacting a channel electron multiplier with incident energies between 0–1400 eV are presented. A log-normal dependence with energy is established and used to compute the positron-to-positronium detection efficiency ratio as a function of positronium energy, as required for determining quantities involving the ratio of positron and positronium rates. A log-normal energy-dependence is also observed in results of previous work with electrons, protons and ions

Factors influencing completion of multi-dose vaccine schedules in adolescents: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Completion of multiple dose vaccine schedules is crucial to ensure a protective immune response, and maximise vaccine cost-effectiveness. While barriers and facilitators to vaccine uptake have recently been reviewed, there is no comprehensive review of factors influencing subsequent adherence or completion, which is key to achieving vaccine effectiveness. This study identifies and summarises the literature on factors affecting completion of multi-dose vaccine schedules by adolescents. METHODS: Ten online databases and four websites were searched (February 2014). Studies with analysis of factors predicting completion of multi-dose vaccines were included. Study participants within 9-19 years of age were included in the review. The defined outcome was completion of the vaccine series within 1 year among those who received the first dose. RESULTS: Overall, 6159 abstracts were screened, and 502 full texts were reviewed. Sixty one studies were eligible for this review. All except two were set in high-income countries. Included studies evaluated human papillomavirus vaccine, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and varicella vaccines. Reported vaccine completion rates, among those who initiated vaccination, ranged from 27% to over 90%. Minority racial or ethnic groups and inadequate health insurance coverage were risk factors for low completion, irrespective of initiation rates. Parental healthcare seeking behaviour was positively associated with completion. Vaccine delivery in schools was associated with higher completion than delivery in the community or health facilities. Gender, prior healthcare use and socio-economic status rarely remained significant risks or protective factors in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Almost all studies investigating factors affecting completion have been carried out in developed countries and investigate a limited range of variables. Increased understanding of barriers to completion in adolescents will be invaluable to future new vaccine introductions and the further development of an adolescent health platform. PROSPERO reg# CRD42014006765

Electroluminescence stabilization of nanocrystalline porous silicon diodes

NRC publication: Ye

Lung adenocarcinoma presenting as a solitary gingival metastasis: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Gingival metastases are very rare and generally occur in disseminated tumors. We report a case of solitary gingival metastasis of lung cancer.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>We report the case of a 74-year-old asymptomatic Caucasian woman affected by a rapidly growing, painless gingival swelling. Histopathologic examination of the excisional biopsy showed metastasis of poorly differentiated thyroid transcription factor 1-positive adenocarcinoma. A total-body computed tomographic scan revealed a tumor of the right lung lower lobe with ipsilateral, mediastinal lymph node swelling. Moreover, bone scintigraphy revealed no bone metastases. No other metastases were found, so we planned a multi-modal therapeutic approach with a curative intent. However, the tumor proved to be intrinsically resistant and highly aggressive.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The presentation of solitary gingival metastasis is exceptional. In view of its rapid clinical evolution, our case confirms that gingival metastasis is an important prognostic factor. This behavior raises the question whether the poor prognosis for patients with tumors with oral metastases depends on its diffuse spread or on its highly malignant nature.</p