State-resolved measurements of single-electron capture in slow Ne7+- and Ne8+-helium collisions

Single-electron capture in collisions of 9 keV x q Ne8+ and Ne7+ ions with He has been studied using cold-target recoil-ion momentum spectroscopy. With an improved apparatus a longitudinal momentum resolution of 0.07 au has been achieved. This momentum component is directly proportional to the difference in the binding energy of the active electron between the final and the initial state. For the first time state- resolved differential cross sections have been determined with respect to the main quantum number, subshell level and spin state of the captured electron. A comparison with recent theoretical results for energy levels in Be-like Ne is given

EUV spectra of highly-charged ions W54+^{54+}-W63+^{63+} relevant to ITER diagnostics

We report the first measurements and detailed analysis of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) spectra (4 nm to 20 nm) of highly-charged tungsten ions W$^{54+}$ to W$^{63+}$ obtained with an electron beam ion trap (EBIT). Collisional-radiative modelling is used to identify strong electric-dipole and magnetic-dipole transitions in all ionization stages. These lines can be used for impurity transport studies and temperature diagnostics in fusion reactors, such as ITER. Identifications of prominent lines from several W ions were confirmed by measurement of isoelectronic EUV spectra of Hf, Ta, and Au. We also discuss the importance of charge exchange recombination for correct description of ionization balance in the EBIT plasma.Comment: 11 pages, 4 figure

Effects of hospital facilities on patient outcomes after cancer surgery: an international, prospective, observational study

Background Early death after cancer surgery is higher in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) compared with in high-income countries, yet the impact of facility characteristics on early postoperative outcomes is unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the association between hospital infrastructure, resource availability, and processes on early outcomes after cancer surgery worldwide.Methods A multimethods analysis was performed as part of the GlobalSurg 3 study-a multicentre, international, prospective cohort study of patients who had surgery for breast, colorectal, or gastric cancer. The primary outcomes were 30-day mortality and 30-day major complication rates. Potentially beneficial hospital facilities were identified by variable selection to select those associated with 30-day mortality. Adjusted outcomes were determined using generalised estimating equations to account for patient characteristics and country-income group, with population stratification by hospital.Findings Between April 1, 2018, and April 23, 2019, facility-level data were collected for 9685 patients across 238 hospitals in 66 countries (91 hospitals in 20 high-income countries; 57 hospitals in 19 upper-middle-income countries; and 90 hospitals in 27 low-income to lower-middle-income countries). The availability of five hospital facilities was inversely associated with mortality: ultrasound, CT scanner, critical care unit, opioid analgesia, and oncologist. After adjustment for case-mix and country income group, hospitals with three or fewer of these facilities (62 hospitals, 1294 patients) had higher mortality compared with those with four or five (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 3.85 [95% CI 2.58-5.75]; p<0.0001), with excess mortality predominantly explained by a limited capacity to rescue following the development of major complications (63.0% vs 82.7%; OR 0.35 [0.23-0.53]; p<0.0001). Across LMICs, improvements in hospital facilities would prevent one to three deaths for every 100 patients undergoing surgery for cancer.Interpretation Hospitals with higher levels of infrastructure and resources have better outcomes after cancer surgery, independent of country income. Without urgent strengthening of hospital infrastructure and resources, the reductions in cancer-associated mortality associated with improved access will not be realised

Does a learning curve exist in endorectal two-dimensional ultrasound accuracy?

Background: Aim of the study was to assess adequacy of Colorectal Surgical Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSSANZ) endorectal ultrasound (ERUS) training and whether a subsequent learning curve exists. Methods: A prospective audit of ERUS for staging rectal cancer by a single surgeon from commencement of consultant practice was performed. Data were recorded in a prospectively maintained database. The audit commenced on completion of CSSANZ training. T- and N-stage were assessed clinically, then by ERUS prior to treatment and finally by histology over 8 years. Results: The results were compared over three time periods: the first a single year, then two three-year periods. Two hundred and seventy-two patients were examined. Two hundred and thirty-three were assessable for T-stage (13 no tumour excision, 26 long course pre-operative radiotherapy) and 142 for N-stage (74 endoanal excision, 17 proximal mesorectum un-assessable). Overall accuracy was 82% for T-stage and 73% for N-stage. Accuracy for T- and N-staging did not change significantly over the three time periods (T: 82.1, 82.3, 81.6%, P = 0.14; N: 83.3, 67.9, 74.2%, P = 0.31). The utility of ERUS was demonstrated by clinical assessment not being possible in 32% of cases and where the two modalities disagreed was correct 82% of the time. Conclusions: Endorectal ultrasound rectal cancer staging is accurate for T-stage. Competency in ERUS can be achieved in the CSSANZ fellowship and accuracy does not improve with further experience. An ERUS accreditation scheme should be established for future trainees

Recent results with the mVINIS ion source

The mVINIS ion source is a part of the TESLA Accelerator Installation, in Belgrade. It is an ECR ion source used as a stand-alone machine delivering multiply charged ion beams to a low energy experimental channel for modification of materials (the L3A channel). In the future, it will be also used as a heavy ion injector for the VINCY Cyclotron. In this article we present the recently introduced hardware and software changes resulting in an improved operation of the mVINIS: the emittance measurement system, the inlet system for precious gases, the improved control system of the microwave generator, a new power supply for the injection stage coil, and the improved program for recording and analysis of the ion beam spectra. (C) 2004 American Institute of Physics.10th International Conference on Ion Sources, Sep 08-13, 2003, Dubna, Russi