Secondary channels, definition

FIGURE 3.11 Core definition. After redistribution of energy at the molecular scale, core size is suggested by the distance at which energy transported by secondary electrons just exceeds that due to every other channel (see text for details). From Mozumder and La Verne (1987). 

The definition of secondary and follow-up assays is not straightforward. It really depends on the quality and economics of the assays. For example, functional ion channel assays are mostly used as a second line during the early phase of drug discovery. However, technological advances, such as the introduction of microfluidics and improved detection technologies make them more and more suitable for first-line profiling. 

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