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A high-precision half-life measurement for the superallowed β+ emitter 26Al(m) was performed at the TRIUMF-ISAC radioactive ion beam facility yielding T 1/2 6346.54 ± 0.46(stat) ± 0.60 (syst) ms, consistent with, but 2.5 times more precise than, the previous world average. The 26Al(m) half-life and ft value, 3037.53(61) s, are now the most precisely determined for any superallowed β decay. Combined with recent theoretical corrections for isospin-symmetry-breaking and radiative effects, the corrected Ft value for (26)Al(m), 3073.0(12) s, sets a new benchmark for the high-precision superallowed Fermi β-decay studies used to test the conserved vector current hypothesis and determine the V(ud) element of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa quark mixing matrix.

International audience; Two rotational bands have been identified and characterized in the proton-magic N = Z + 1 nucleus 57 Ni. These bands complete the systematics of well- and superdeformed rotational bands in the light nickel isotopes starting from doubly-magic 56 Ni to 60 Ni. High-spin states in 57 Ni have been produced in the fusion-evaporation reaction 28 Si(32 S, 2p1n) 57 Ni and studied with the γ-ray detection array Gammasphere operated in conjunction with detectors for evaporated light charged particles and neutrons. The features of the rotational bands in 57 Ni are compared to those of neighbouring isotopes and interpreted by means of configurationdependent cranked Nilsson-Strutinsky calculations. The two observed high-spin bands are considered signature partners and assigned to configurations with one 1g 9/2 proton and one 1g 9/2 neutron, resulting in an unambiguous understanding of the energetically favoured signature α = −1/2 band but a somewhat less satisfactory description of the signature α = +1/2 band.

The low-energy structure of the proton dripline nucleus {sup 20}Na has been studied using Coulomb excitation at the TRIUMF-ISAC radioactive ion beam facility. A 1.7-MeV/nucleon {sup 20}Na beam of {approx}5x10{sup 6} ions/s was Coulomb excited by a 0.5-mg/cm{sup 2nat}Ti target. Scattered beam and target particles were detected by the BAMBINO segmented Si detector while {gamma} rays were detected by two TIGRESS HPGe clover detectors set perpendicular to the beam axis. Coulomb excitation from the 2{sup +} ground state to the first excited 3{sup +} and 4{sup +} states was observed, and B({lambda}L) values were determined using the 2{sup +}{yields}0{sup +} de-excitation in {sup 48}Ti as a reference. The resulting B({lambda}L){down_arrow} values are B(E2;3{sup +}{yields}2{sup +})=55{+-}6 e{sup 2} fm{sup 4} (17.0{+-}1.9 W.u.), B(E2;4{sup +}{yields}2{sup +})=35.7{+-}5.7 e{sup 2} fm{sup 4} (11.1{+-}1.8 W.u.), and B(M1;4{sup +}{yields}3{sup +})=0.154{+-}0.030 {mu}{sub N}{sup 2} (0.086{+-}0.017 W.u.). These measurements provide the first experimental determination of B({lambda}L) values for this proton dripline nucleus of astrophysical interest.

The low-energy structures of the radioactive nuclei 20, 21Na have been examined using Coulomb excitation at the TRIUMF-ISAC radioactive ion beam facility. Beams of ∼ 5×106 ions/s were accelerated to 1.7MeV/A and Coulomb excited in a 0.5mg/cm^2 natTi target. Two TIGRESS HPGe clover detectors perpendicular to the beam axis were used for $ \gamma$ -ray detection, while scattered nuclei were observed by the Si detector BAMBINO. For 21Na , Coulomb excitation from the 3/2+ ground state to the first excited 5/2+ state was observed, while for 20Na , Coulomb excitation was observed from the 2+ ground state to the first excited 3+ and 4+ states. For both beams, B ( $ \lambda$ L) values were determined using the 2+ $ \rightarrow$ 0+ de-excitation in 48Ti as a reference. The resulting B(E2) ↓ value for 21Na is 137±9 e^2fm^4, while the resulting B( $ \lambda$ L) ↓ values for 20Na are 55±6 e^2fm^4 for the 3+ $ \rightarrow$ 2+ , 35.7±5.7 e^2 fm^4 for the 4+ $ \rightarrow$ 2+ , and 0.154±0.030 μ_N^2 for the 4+ $ \rightarrow$ 3+ transitions. This analysis significantly improves the measurement of the 21Na B(E2) value, and provides the first experimental determination of B( $ \lambda$ L) values for the proton dripline nucleus 20Na .-1

Time-resolved Schottky mass spectrometry has been applied to uranium projectile fragments which yielded the mass value for the Hg-208 (Z=80, N=128) isotope. The mass excess value of ME=-13 265(31) keV has been obtained, which has been used to determine the proton-neutron interaction strength in Pb-210, as a double difference of atomic masses. The results show a dramatic variation of the strength for lead isotopes when crossing the N=126 neutron shell closure, thus confirming the empirical predictions that this interaction strength is sensitive to the overlap of the wave functions of the last valence neutrons and protons.

The TRIUMF‐ISAC Gamma‐Ray Escape Suppressed Spectrometer (TIGRESS) is a state‐of‐the‐art γ‐ray spectrometer being constructed at the ISAC‐II radioactive ion beam facility at TRIUMF. TIGRESS will be comprised of twelve 32‐fold segmented high‐purity germanium (HPGe) clover‐type γ‐ray detectors, with BGO∕CsI(Tl) Compton‐suppression shields, and is currently operational at ISAC‐II in an early‐implementation configuration of six detectors. Results have been obtained for the first experiments performed using TIGRESS, which examined the A = 20, 21, and 29 isotopes of Na by Coulomb excitation.

Thyroxine replacement dose in 70 patients with post-radioiodine (for Graves' thyrotoxicosis) hypothyroidism was compared with that in 34 patients with autoimmune hypothyroidism matched for age and sex and diagnosed during the same period. Median replacement dose in the post-radioiodine group (100 micrograms daily) was significantly lower (P = 0.006) than in the autoimmune hypothyroid group (137.5 micrograms daily). Furthermore there was marked variation in the time elapsing from onset of post-radioiodine hypothyroidism to achievement of a given maintenance dose. These findings may be explained by persistence of non-TSH mediated thyroid function, after radioiodine therapy for Graves' thyrotoxicosis. The observations indicate the potential risk of overtreatment with thyroxine in post-radioiodine hypothyroidism unless the dose is carefully titrated against serum TSH levels. Final thyroxine requirements may not be evident in the initial phase of treatment and patients with apparently low maintenance thyroxine requirements require long-term follow up.

The low-energy structures of the mirror nuclei {sup 21}Ne and radioactive {sup 21}Na have been examined by using Coulomb excitation at the TRIUMF-ISAC radioactive ion beam facility. Beams of {approx}5x10{sup 6} ions/s were accelerated to 1.7 MeV/A and Coulomb excited in a 0.5 mg/cm{sup 2} {sup nat}Ti target. Scattered beam and target particles were detected by the segmented Si detector BAMBINO, while {gamma} rays were observed by using two TIGRESS HPGe clover detectors perpendicular to the beam axis. For each isobar, Coulomb excitation from the (3/2){sup +} ground state to the first excited (5/2){sup +} state was observed and B(E2) values were determined by using the 2{sup +}{yields}0{sup +} de-excitation in {sup 48}Ti as a reference. The {phi} segmentation of BAMBINO was used to deduce tentative assignments for the signs of the mixing ratios between the E2 and M1 components of the transitions. The resulting B(E2){up_arrow} values are 131{+-}9 e{sup 2} fm{sup 4} (25.4{+-}1.7 W.u.) for {sup 21}Ne and 205{+-}14 e{sup 2} fm{sup 4} (39.7{+-}2.7 W.u.) for {sup 21}Na. The fit to the present data and the known lifetimes determined E2/M1 mixing ratios and B(M1){down_arrow} values of {delta}=(-)0.0767{+-}0.0027 and 0.1274{+-}0.0025 {mu}{sub N}{sup 2} and {delta}=(+)0.0832{+-}0.0028 and 0.1513{+-}0.0017 {mu}{sub N}{sup 2} more » for {sup 21}Ne and {sup 21}Na, respectively (with Krane and Steffen sign convention). By using the effective charges e{sub p}=1.5e and e{sub n}=0.5e, the B(E2) values produced by the p-sd shell model are 30.7 and 36.4 W.u. for {sup 21}Ne and {sup 21}Na, respectively. This analysis resolves a significant discrepancy between a previous experimental result for {sup 21}Na and shell-model calculations. « less

SIR, — We would like to report the isolation of Mycobacterium bovis from a sheep submitted to the Veterinary Laboratories Agency (vla) as part of routine scanning surveillance. The flock involved comprised 200 ewes, which had been turned out after lambing in February/March 2008. During March, 15

Isomers in near-spherical Z = 51, antimony isotopes are reported here for the first time using fusion-fission reactions between Al-27 and a pulsed Hf-178 beam of energy, 1150 MeV. gamma rays were observed from the decay of isomeric states with half-lives, T-1/2 = 200(30) and 52(3) mu s, and angular momenta I = (25/2) and I-pi = 23(+)/2, in Sb-121,Sb-123, respectively. These states are proposed to correspond to nu(h(11/2))(2) configurations, coupled to an odd d(5/2) or g(7/2) proton. Nanosecond isomers were also identified at I-pi = 19(-)/2 [T-1/2 = 8.5(5) ns] in Sb-121 and I-pi = (15(-)/2) [T-1/2 = 37(4) ns] in Sb-123. Information on spins and parities of states in these nuclei was obtained using a combination of angular correlation and intensity-balance measurements. The configurations of states in these nuclei are discussed using a combination of spin/energy systematics and shell-model calculations for neighboring tin isotones and antimony isotopes.

A previously unreported isomer has been identified in Mo-99 at an excitation energy of E-x = 3010 keV, decaying with a half-life of T-1/2 = 8(2) ns. The nucleus of interest was produced following fusion-fission reactions between a thick Al-27 target frame and a Hf-178 beam at a laboratory energy of 1150 MeV. This isomeric state is interpreted as an energetically favored, maximally aligned configuration of nu h (11/2) circle times pi(g (9/2))(2).

The 8 pi spectrometer, installed at the TRIUMF-ISAC facility, was the world's most sensitive gamma-ray spectrometer dedicated to beta-decay studies. A description is given of the 8 pi spectrometer and its auxiliary detectors including the plastic scintillator array SCEPTAR used for beta-particle tagging and the Si(Li) array PACES for conversion electron measurements, its moving tape collector, and its data acquisition system. The recent investigation of the decay of Cs-124 to study the nuclear structure of Xe-124, and how the beta-decay measurements complemented previous Coulomb excitation studies, is highlighted, including the extraction of the deformation parameters for the excited 0(+) bands in Xe-124. As a by-product, the decay scheme of the (7(+)) Cs-124 isomeric state, for which the data from the PACES detectors were vital, was studied. Finally, a description of the new GRIFFIN spectrometer, which uses the same auxiliary detectors as the 8 pi spectrometer, is given.

International audience; States in 26Na were populated in the (d, pγ) reaction, induced by bombarding deuterium target nuclei with an intense reaccelerated beam of 25Na ions from the ISAC2 accelerator at TRIUMF. Gamma-rays were recorded in coincidence with protons and used to extract differential cross sections for 21 states up to the neutron decay threshold of 5 MeV. Results for levels below 3 MeV are discussed in detail and compared with shell model calculations and with previous work. The angular distributions of decay gamma-rays were measured for individual states and are compared to theoretically calculated distributions, highlighting some issues for future work.

International audience; TIGRESS is a new generation gamma-ray spectrometer designed for use with radioactive beams from ISAC. This paper gives an overwiew of the project and presents results from the first radioactive beam experiment with TIGRESS, the Coulomb excitation of 20,21Na.

High-spin states in 58Ni have been investigated by means of the fusion-evaporation reaction 28Si(32S, 2p)58Ni at 130 MeV beam energy. Discrete-energy levels are observed in 58Ni at record-breaking 42 MeV excitation energy and angular momenta in excess of 30h. The states form regular rotational bands with unprecedented high rotational frequencies. A comparison with configuration dependent cranked Nilsson-Strutinsky calculations reveals an exceptional two-band crossing scenario, the interaction strength of which is strongly shape dependent.

Gamma-ray and conversion-electron spectroscopy have established the existence of a 2.29(1) s, K{sup {pi}}=0{sup +}, isomeric state in neutron-rich {sup 174}Tm. The isomer deexcites via 100- and 152-keV electromagnetic transitions. First results from a newly commissioned Si(Li) detector array have established their M1 and E3 multipolarities, respectively. The single-particle configurations of the excited states suggest that the E3 transition originates from a {pi}h{sub 11/2}{sup -1}{yields}{pi}d{sub 3/2} configuration change, whereas the M1 transition occurs between members of a Gallaghar-Moszkowski doublet. From the measured half-life, the deduced B(E3) value of 0.024(2) W.u. is highly hindered. The reported measurements resolve ambiguities in the previously proposed {beta} decay scheme of {sup 174}Er to {sup 174}Tm.

High-spin states in the proton-rich nucleus 45V have been identified for the first time. A comprehensive gamma-ray decay scheme has been established following an experiment performed at the Vivitron accelerator at IReS Strasbourg by using the Euroball gamma-ray detector array coupled to the Neutron Wall and Euclides detector arrays. The natural (negative-) parity scheme is identified up to the f7/2 band termination in addition to a positive-parity collective structure based on a d3/2 particle-hole excitation. Comparison of this scheme with that of the mirror partner, 45Ti, has yielded detailed information on the variation of Coulomb energy as a function of excitation energy and angular momentum. This is the first time that such an analysis has been performed for a collective structure built on a cross-shell excitation. Comparison of the observed Coulomb energies with those predicted by large-scale shell-model calculations is presented. In this case, unusually, the calculations do not fare as well as for heavier nuclei in the shell. In addition, stark differences between the two nuclei are observed for the decay intensities of the parity-changing E1 decays that de-excite the positive-parity deformed bands.

Fusion‐fission reactions were induced by bombarding a thick 27Al target with 178Hf projectiles at a laboratory energy of 1150 MeV using the ATLAS accelerator at Argonne National Laboratory. The subsequent γ‐ray decays were measured using the GAMMASPHERE germanium detector array. The beam was pulsed at two different ON/OFF cycles of 82.5/825 ns and 25/75 μs in order to observe the γ rays from the decay of isomeric states. In 121Sb 2721+Δ keV, Iπ=(25/2+) and 2434 keV, Iπ=19/2− states have measured half‐lives of T1/2=200(30) μs and 8.2(2) ns respectively. The 2614+Δ keV, Iπ=(27/2+) and 2486 keV, Iπ=19/2+ states in 123Sb have measured half‐lives of T1/2=52(3) μs and 7.9(4) ns respectively. The positive parity isomers in these nuclei correspond to a πd5/2 or πg7/2 configuration, in 121Sb and 123Sb respectively, coupled to aligned (h11/2)2 neutrons. The Iπ=19/2− isomeric state in 121Sb is proposed to have a νh11/2 ⊗ νd3/2 ⊗ πd5/2 configuration. A previously unobserved isomer has been identified in 99Mo at an en...

The 8π spectrometer at TRIUMF-ISAC consists of 20 Compton-suppressed germanium detectors and various auxiliary devices. The Ge array, once used for studies of nuclei at high angular momentum, has been transformed into the world's most powerful device dedicated to radioactive-decay studies. Many improvements in the spectrometer have been made, including a high-throughput data acquisition system, installation of a moving tape collector, incorporation of an array of 20 plastic scintillators for β-particle tagging, 5 Si(Li) detectors for conversion electrons, and 10 BaF detectors for fast-lifetime measurements. Experiments can be performed where data from all detectors are collected simultaneously, resulting in a very detailed view of the nucleus through radioactive decay. A number of experimental programmes have been launched that take advantage of the versatility of the spectrometer, and the intense beams available at TRIUMF-ISAC. © 2006 American Institute of Physics.

Near‐yrast states have been identified in the stable 91,92Zr isotopes using the fusion evaporation reaction 82Se(13C,xn)95−xZr at an incident beam energy of 50 MeV. Gamma‐ray spectroscopy of states above the reported τ = 6 μs, Iπ=212+ isomer in 91Zr are reported for the first time with consequences for stimulating new shell model calculations which incorporate either the breaking of the N=50 shell closure and/or the inclusion of the negative parity h11/2 neutron intruder orbital.

International audience; An experiment was performed to extend the knowledge of excited states in neutron-deficient Ca isotopes. In particular, excited states in $^{36}$Ca were searched for to allow for a comparison with its stable mirror nucleus, $^{36}$S. Secondary beams of $^{37}$Ca and $^{36}$Ca were produced by fragmentation of a primary $^{40}$Ca beam with an energy of 95 · A MeV on the SISSI target at GANIL. A variety of nuclei around $^{36}$Ca has been produced in a secondary Be target by neutron and proton-removal at beam energies around 61 · A MeV. The produced nuclei were identified using the spectrometer SPEG, and prompt $\gamma$ rays were measured with the Château de Cristal. A preliminary value for the energy of the first $2^+$ state of $^{36}$Ca has been determined.

High-spin states in 58Ni have been investigated by means of the fusion-evaporation reaction 28Si(32S, 2p)58Ni at 130 MeV beam energy. Discrete-energy levels are observed in 58Ni at record-breaking 42 MeV excitation energy and angular momenta in excess of 30h. The states form regular rotational bands with unprecedented high rotational frequencies. A comparison with configuration dependent cranked Nilsson-Strutinsky calculations reveals an exceptional two-band crossing scenario, the interaction strength of which is strongly shape dependent.

The fusion-evaporation reactions Si-28(S-32,1 alpha 2p1n)Fe-53 at 125 MeV and Mg-24(S-32,2p1n)Fe-53 at a 95-MeV beam energy were used to investigate excited states in Fe-53. The combination of the Gammasphere Ge detector array and ancillary devices led to the construction of an extensive level scheme comprising some 90 transitions connecting 40 states. The lifetime of the yrast 25/2(-) state and upper limits for the lifetimes of a number of additional states were determined using the Cologne plunger device coupled to the GASP gamma-ray spectrometer. The experimental results are compared to large-scale shell-model calculations using different sets of two-body matrix elements. In particular, predictions on electromagnetic decay properties such as lifetimes, branching ratios, and mixing ratios are studied in detail. (Less)

High-spin states in Kr-76(36)40 have been populated in the Ca-40(Ca-40,4p)Kr-76 fusion-evaporation reaction at abeam energy of 165 MeV and studied using the Gammasphere and Microball multidetector arrays. The ground-state band and two signature-split negative parity bands of Kr-76 have been extended to similar to 30 (h) over bar. Lifetime measurements. using the Doppler-shift attenuation method show that the transition quadrupole moment of these three bands decrease as they approach their maximum-spin states. Two signatures of a new rotational structure with remarkably rigid rotational behavior have been identified. The high-spin properties of these rotational bands are analyzed within the framework of configuration-dependent cranked Nilsson-Strutinsky calculations. (Less)

The underlying mechanisms controlling uterine contractions during labor are still poorly understood. Integrins are heterodimeric, transmembrane receptors composed of alpha and beta subunits that can be found in focal adhesions. Because these structures play an important role in the regulation of smooth muscle contractility and cell adhesion, we hypothesized that alpha5 integrin mRNA (Itga5) and protein (ITGA5) expression would be induced in the rat myometrium during late pregnancy and labor. Itga5 mRNA expression was significantly increased (P0.05) from Day 17 to labor, noticeably decreasing 1 day postpartum (PP). Immunoblot analysis illustrated a continual increase in ITGA5 levels during pregnancy, labor, and PP, with levels reaching significance at labor (P0.05). Analysis of ITGA5 expression by immunocytochemistry demonstrated that it is primarily localized to myometrial cell membranes in the longitudinal muscle layer of the myometrium from before pregnancy to Day 6, and in both the longitudinal and circular muscle layers from Day 15 to PP. Treatment of late-pregnant rats with progesterone blocked labor and resulted in sustained expression of Itga5 mRNA expression to Day 24. In addition, immunocytochemistry experiments showed ITGA5 was detectable at higher levels in cell membranes of both myometrial layers in progesterone-treated animals on Days 23 and 24, compared with vehicle controls. We propose that ITGA5, with its sole known partner, ITGB1, may be important in promoting cellular cohesion during late pregnancy. This process may aid the development of a mechanical syncytium for efficient force transduction during the sustained, coordinated, and powerful contractions of labor.

A beam of 28 MeV He-8 particles with an average intensity 2 x 10(5) ions s(-1), produced by the SPIRAL facility at GANIL, was used to initiate fusion-evaporation reactions in thick targets of Pb-201 and Bi-209. Excited states of Po-212 and At-213 were populated in (He-8,4n) reactions. The emitted gamma-rays were detected using the EXOGAM array composed of four Compton suppressed germanium Clover detectors in a close geometry configuration. Preliminary results show that Po-212 has been populated to high spin (I similar or equal to 14) with a significantly increased yield compared with our previous He-8 beam experiment. An apparently increased relative population of states up to 12(+) was observed compared with published results from a Pb-208(Be-9,alpha n)(212) Po reaction at 48 MeV. Evidence is presented for a previously unreported de-excitation pathway: 69 keV (13(-) -> 12(+)). States up to I-pi = (39/2(-)) have also been observed in At-213.

The results are presented of a molecular line survey to search for the spectral signature of infall towards 77 850 micron continuum sources believed to be candidate high mass protostellar objects. Up to six different transitions, HCO+ 1-0, 3-2 and 4-3, H2CO 2_12-1_11, N2H+ and H13CO+ 3-2, were observed towards each source. Towards the peak of the 850 micron emission, N2H+ was typically strong, with a peak antenna temperature of ~1.5K, with a typical linewidth of ~2km/s. The good agreement between the velocity and velocity width of the N2H+ and H13CO+ emission suggests that both species are tracing similar material in the sources. With respect to the velocity of the N2H+, there is a statistically significant excess of blue asymmetric line profiles in both the HCO+ 1-0 and H2CO transitions. This excess reaches levels similar to that seen towards samples of low mass protostars, and suggests that the material around these high mass sources is infalling. We identify 22 promising candidate infall sources which show at least one blue asymmetric line profile and no red asymmetric profiles. The infall velocity is estimated to be in the range of 0.1 km/s to 1 km/s with an implied mass accretion rate of between 2x10^{-4} Msol/yr and 10^{-3}Msol/yr., Comment: Accepted for publication in Astronomy and Astrophysics. Higher resolution versions of Figures 1 and 2 are available from http://www.jb.man.ac.uk/~gaf/Papers.html

This paper describes the development of a vehicle suspension analysis tool that is fast enough to be used at the suspension concept design stage. Standard suspension types can be analysed using pre-filled templates that provide easy creation of a kinematic model, in either 2D or 3D modes. The effects of bushes are included and the user can easily modify the rate, position and orientation of any bush. The available prebuilt template types include double wishbones, Macpherson struts, trailing arm, semi-trailing arm, pullrod and push-rod damper actuation, ‘A’ frames and ‘H’ frames. Unique suspension configurations can be constructed for analysis using the user definable template feature. The elasto-kinematic analysis calculates camber angle, castor angle, toe, kingpin angle, roll centre position, damper ratio, spring ratio, track change, wheel-base change, brake steer, lateral force compliance/steer and other quantities used by the designer in optimising a suspension layout. Results can be displayed either graphically or numerically over specified bump, rebound, roll and steer articulations. The suspension hard points can be picked on screen and simply edited, or dragged on the screen, to review changes to the suspension characteristics – the calculation is virtually instantaneous. The effect of point tolerance on the calculated suspension derivatives can be calculated and displayed through the same interactive environment, by simply selecting the point and setting the tolerance.

Three previously unknown high-energy gamma-ray transitions between 4.2 and 5.4 MeV were identified in the T-z=-1/2 nucleus Fe-51 following the fusion-evaporation reaction S-32(Si-28, 2alpha1n)Fe-51. These transitions represent decays of core excited states. The gamma rays were detected in the Ge detector array Gammasphere combined with the neutron detector system Neutron Shell and the charged-particle array Microball. The three transitions are related to the mirror transitions in the T-z= + 1 /2 nucleus Mn-51, and the resulting mirror-energy difference diagram is discussed with predictions from large-scale shell-model calculations.

We present maps of the 850 micron and 450 micron continuum emission seen towards a sample of 68 high-mass protostellar candidates with luminosities ranging from 10^2.5 to 10^5 solar luminosity. Most of these candidate high-mass stars are in the earliest stages of evolution, and have not yet developed an ultra-compact HII region. We observe a variety of continuum emission morphologies, from compact symmetric sources through to multiple cores embedded in long filaments of emission. We find on average there is a 65% probability of an IRAS point-source having a companion detection at submillimetre wavelengths. The ratio of integrated flux to peak flux for our detections shows no strong dependence on distance, suggesting the emission we have observed is primarily from scale-free envelopes with power-law density structures. Assuming a near kinematic distance projection, the clumps we detect vary in mass from ~1 to over 1000 solar mass, with a mean clump mass of 330 solar mass, column density of 9x10^23 cm^-2 and diameter of ~0.6 pc. The high luminosity and low mass of the smallest clumps suggests they are accompanied by a minimal number of stellar companions, while the most massive clumps may be examples of young protogroups and protoclusters. We measure the spectral index of the dust emission (alpha) and the spectral index of the dust grain opacity (beta) towards each object, finding clumps with morphologies suggestive of strong temperature gradients, and of grain growth in their dense inner regions. We find a mean value for beta of 0.9, significantly smaller than observed towards UCHII regions., Comment: Accepted for publication in A&A (22 pages, 14 figures) Fixed missing pages in Tables 2 and 3

γ decays from high-spin states in the N=Z-1 nucleus 2753Co26 have been identified for the first time. Level energies and Coulomb energy differences between these states and their analogs in its mirror nucleus 53Fe have been compared with large-scale pf shell-model calculations, which offer excellent agreement. New information has been obtained on two-proton Coulomb matrix elements needed in the interpretation. These have been extracted from the data via a number of methods and are shown to exhibit an anomalous behavior for the J=2 coupling.

Plastic microfluidic array platforms and synergistic multiplexed assay chemistries are under development for a variety of applications, including assays of gene expression, proteomics, genotyping, DNA sequencing and fragment analysis, sample preparation and high-throughput pharmaceutical discovery. The low production costs of plastic substrates makes possible economical single-use device arrays, eliminating cleaning and sample-to-sample carryover contamination. Hundreds of microchannels and reservoirs are readily included on a single microtitre-plate-size substrate, enabling the manufacture of highly parallel fluidic array systems to increase throughput and speed.

Recent high-spin studies in the mass 60 region of highly deformed and superdeformed shapes are discussed. The experimental data are from reaction channel selected γ-spectroscopic measurements at Gammasphere. Points of special attention are rotational bands in nuclei below the Z=28 shell gap and measurements of transition quadrupole moments throughout the region.

High-spin states in the odd–odd N=Z nucleus 5025Mn have been investigated. A sequence of states up to Jπ=6+ has been assigned as the T=1 analogue of the yrast band in 5024Cr for the first time. The differences in energy between levels in these bands are interpreted in terms of rotational alignments and the effect they have on the Coulomb energy of the nucleus. Comparisons with shell model calculations show that the Coulomb energy difference between the T=1 analogue structures is an important indicator of the competition between isovector pairing modes in N=Z nuclei and their isobars.

Natural organic/inorganic composites serve a variety of functions and are frequently remarkable materials (e.g. bones, teeth, endo- and exo-skeletons). One of the mechanisms by which they may be produced involves the deposition of an inorganic compound on or within a polymer matrix. When this process occurs naturally it is described as biomineralisation1,2 and the most widely found bioinorganic mineral is calcium carbonate, which is found as calcite, aragonite, vaterite, monohydrocalcite or amorphous calcium carbonate. Living organisms have evolved mechanisms that control both polymer and mineral deposition via manipulation of concentration, electrochemical, proton (pH) and redox gradients within cells. They are able to select for crystalline type, size and shape, and can organise the orientation and distribution of crystals within a composite to provide optimised structural or functional materials. This process is usually very precise but often rather slow, consider for example, the growth of human bone, but can be quite rapid, consider for example, the formation of the shell of a hen’s egg. The polymer molecules used in nature are complex, for example phosphorylated or sulphonated glycoproteins, and have evolved to fulfil specific functions. In this work the question which we begin to address is the possibility of building entirely synthetic organic/inorganic composite materials in an analogous, or biomemetic, way.

We have detected islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP)-like immunoreactivity (-LI) in human pancreas and in a range of endocrine tumors, including oat cell carcinoma of the lung and pancreatic tumours producing insulin, gastrin, glucagon, and vasoactive intestinal peptide. Gel permeation chromatography of the IAPP-LI revealed that, except in the carcinoid, more than 80% coeluted with synthetic human IAPP. The remaining immunoreactivity consisted of variable amounts of larger and smaller molecular forms. The concentration of IAPP-LI in the circulation of patients with diagnosed pancreatic endocrine tumors was not significantly elevated above normal fasting levels. IAPP is, therefore, produced by a range of endocrine tumors and may relate to the deposition of endocrine amyloid.

An electron-beam ion trap (EBIT) charge breeder is being brought into operation at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory at Michigan State University. The EBIT is part of the ReA post-accelerator for reacceleration of rare isotopes, which are thermalized in a gas "stopping" cell after being produced at high energy by projectile fragmentation. The ReA EBIT has a distinctive design; it is characterized by a high-current electron gun and a two-field superconducting magnet to optimize the capture and charge-breeding efficiency of continuously injected singly charged ion beams. Following a brief overview of the reaccelerator system and the ReA EBIT, this paper presents the latest commissioning results, particularly, charge breeding and reacceleration of the highly charged rare isotopes, (76)Ga(24 +, 25 +).

The results of a national panel survey of physician leaders are presented here. Although these perspectives are not drawn from a random national sample of all physician leaders, they do provide valuable insight from a group of key decision makers. Current technical and skill areas applicable to medical leadership, and projected future needs, are addressed. While medical leadership at present is focused on clinical medicine, perceptions of future directions for medical leadership suggests the increasing need for education related to specific technical skills as well as enhancement of personal characteristics. The results reported here help provide a platform for further elucidation of training needs for an audience of present and future physician leaders.

The cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21WAF1/CIP1/SD11 (p21) plays a crucial role in DNA repair, cell differentiation, and apoptosis through regulation of the cell cycle. A2780 human ovarian carcinoma cells, which are sensitive to cisplatin and paclitaxel, express wild-type p53 and exhibit a p53-mediated increase in p21 in response to the chemotherapeutic agents. Here, we demonstrate that phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and its downstream targets serine/threonine kinases AKT1 and AKT2 (AKT), are required for the full induction of p21 in A2780 cells treated with cisplatin or paclitaxel. Inactivation of the PI3K/AKT signal transduction pathway either by its specific inhibitor LY294002 or by expression of dominant negative AKT inhibited p21 expression but had no inhibitory effect on the expression of the proapoptotic protein BAX by cisplatin and paclitaxel treatment. In addition, overexpression of wild-type or constitutively active AKT in A2780 cells sustained the regulation of p21 induction or increased the level of p21 expression, respectively. Experiments with additional ovarian carcinoma cell lines revealed that PI3K is involved in the expression of p21 induced by cisplatin or paclitaxel in OVCAR-10 cells, which have wild-type p53, but not in OVCAR-5 cells, which lack functional p53. These data indicate that the PI3K/AKT signal transduction pathway mediates p21 expression and suggest that this pathway contributes to cell cycle regulation promoted by p53 in response to drug-induced stress. However, inactivation of PI3K/AKT signaling did not result in significant alteration of the drug sensitivity of A2780 cells, suggesting that the cell death induced by cisplatin or paclitaxel proceeds independently of cell protective effects of PI3K and AKT.

Of 364 patients undergoing insertion of a biliary endoprosthesis in 1989, six (1·6 per cent) developed gallbladder sepsis. Three patients had cholangiocarcinoma, two had carcinoma of the pancreas and one had a benign biliary stricture. Two of the five patients with malignancy had gallbladder stones, and the patient with a benign stricture developed stones after 3 years of stenting. Three patients developed gallbladder sepsis early after endoprosthesis insertion (< 6 days), while in the other three it occurred late (> 6 months). All six patients failed to respond to antibiotics and were successfully managed by percutaneous cholecystostomy; the patient with a benign biliary stricture also had cholecystolithotomy. The gallbladder drainage tubes were removed or became dislodged at intervals varying from 2 weeks to 6 months without complications. Percutaneous cholecystostomy is the treatment of choice for gallbladder sepsis unresponsive to antibiotics in patients with a biliary endoprosthesis in situ.

Bentonite may be used, in conjunction with cementitious materials, in repository designs for TRU wastes in Japan. Therefore, possible effects of the interaction of highly alkaline water with bentonite are of interest. In this study, the sorption of plutonium and uranium has been measured on a bentonite sample that had been altered by hydrothermal exposure to a high pH solution. Samples of Kunipia-F® bentonite were exposed to a pH 14 solution of sodium, potassium and calcium hydroxides for 20 days at 130°C, 160°C and 200°C under air. X-Ray analysis showed that alteration at 160°C was similar to alteration at 200°C. Batch sorption experiments were carried out at room temperature under nitrogen by contacting 200°C-altered bentonite with synthetic equilibrated water containing both uranium and plutonium in the presence of sodium dithionite as a reducing agent. The experiments were equilibrated for three months and then sampled after centrifugation, 0.45 gm filtration, and 10,000 nominal molecular weight cut-off (NMWCO) filtration. Uranium and plutonium remaining in solution were determined. The final redox potentials were between -500 to -51OmV vs SHE and the final pH values were 12.2. Sorption of both actinides showed some dependence on the solid:liquid separation method. The average RD value for uranium sorption after centrifugation was 2 × 103cm3g−1 which increased to 3 × 104 cm3g−1 after 0.45 ώm filtration. However, the effect of a further decrease in the pore size of the filter had little additional effect; 10,000 NMWCO filtration gave an average RD of 5 × 104 cm3g−1. The sorption of plutonium after solid:liquid separation by centrifugation was very similar to uranium with an average RD of 6 × 103 cm3g−1. After 0.45 ώm filtration the increase in RD to 2 × 105 cm3g−1 was more marked than for uranium. There was no significant increase in RD value after 10,000 NMWCO filtration compared to 0.45 μm filtration.

The results of a four year demonstration project of preventive services for Medicare managed care enrollees suggest that health promotion programs can impact health behaviors and outcomes. The study provided selected preventive services to 1,800 Medicare enrollees in a managed care environment. Participants were randomly assigned to control and experimental groups with the experimental group receiving an intervention service package and the control group usual care. The results included enhanced health behavior practices, lower depression, and higher immunization rates among those individuals in the experimental group. This study suggests that selected preventive services can be provided in a managed care environment to Medicare enrollees with likely positive health status and utilization outcomes.