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BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The experience gained during the first COVID-19 wave could have mitigated the negative impact on stroke care in the following waves. Our aims were to analyze the characteristics and outcomes of patients with stroke admitted during the second COVID-19 wave and to evaluate the differences in the stroke care provision compared with the first wave. METHODS: This retrospective multicenter cohort study included consecutive stroke patients admitted to any of the seven hospitals with stroke units (SUs) and endovascular treatment facilities in the Madrid Health Region. The characteristics of the stroke patients with or without a COVID-19 diagnosis were compared and the organizational changes in stroke care between the first wave (25 February to 25 April 2020) and second wave (21 July to 21 November 2020) were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 550 and 1191 stroke patients were admitted during the first and second COVID-19 waves, respectively, with an average daily admission rate of nine patients in both waves. During the second wave, there was a decrease in stroke severity (median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale 5 vs. 6; p = 0.000), in-hospital strokes (3% vs. 8.1%) and in-hospital mortality (9.9% vs. 15.9%). Furthermore, fewer patients experienced concurrent COVID-19 (6.8% vs. 19.1%), and they presented milder COVID-19 and less severe strokes. Fewer hospitals reported a reduction in the number of SU beds or deployment of SU personnel to COVID-19 dedicated wards during the second wave. CONCLUSIONS: During the second COVID-19 wave, fewer stroke patients were diagnosed with COVID-19, and they had less stroke severity and milder COVID-19.

Background Unexpected readmissions are frequent among heart failure (HF) patients (pts). These are associated with high economic cost and have great clinical relevance. HF Units are cornerstones to build early intervention to prevent readmissions. Due to their natural history HF implies multiple readmissions, with high costs and clinical relevance. HF Units are cornerstones to avoid early readmission. Purpose We aimed to identify predictors of early HF decompensation (at 30 days) that could recognize high risk patients during the systematic follow-up in our Multidisciplinary Heart Failure Program (MHFP) that was launched in February 2019. Methods We carried out an analytical and observational study including all patients admitted to our University Hospital, which covers 220,000 individuals. We built a predictive multivariate model with Logistic Regression using relevant predictors (clinical and statistical) that were identified. Results A total of 235 acute HF decompensations were referred to our MHFP. The 69.8% of them were men with median age of 75 years (interquartile range, IR 71–81). Mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 41% (IR 29–54%. A total of 55% with reduced and 30% with preserved ejection fraction). The 26% of the patients had right ventricle dilatation and 35% disfunction. Left bundle branch block was present in 27% of them. Median glomerular filter was 54ml/min (IR 37–73ml/min) and median pulmonary artery systolic pressure 50mmhg (IR 42–66mmg). Mean time to readmission was 19.6 months. Among decompensations that we detected in MHFP during 30 days after discharge, just 39% (5 pts) could be detected and managed in day hospital and 61% (8 pts) as an admission. In Table 01 we show the predictors that were included in the multivariate model. We finally found that it was just the NTproBNP level in a blood test within 7–10 days after discharge (R2N 0.59) which remains significative. Risk increased 1.20 times (1.0001851000) for each 1000 units rise in blood test (Table 1. Graph 1). Conclusion According to our results, detecting high NTproBNP levels in blood test within 7–10 days after discharge might predict a higher HF decompensation risk. The final multivariate model would explain 59% of those events at one month after discharge. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Graph 1

We present the first triaxial beyond-mean-field study of the excitation spectra of even-even superheavy nuclei. As representative examples, we have chosen the members of the α-decay chains of ^{292}Lv and ^{294}Og, the heaviest even-even nuclei which have been synthesized so far using ^{48}Ca-induced fusion-evaporation reactions. In our calculations, the effective finite-range density-dependent Gogny force is used and the angular-momentum and particle-number symmetries are restored. Configuration-mixing calculations are performed to determine ground- and excited-state deformations and to establish the collective band structures of these nuclei. Rapidly varying characteristics are predicted for the members of both decay chains, which are further accentuated when compared to the predictions of simple collective models. Based on the present calculations, the prospect of observing α-decay fine structures in future experiments is discussed.

A nuclear spectroscopy experiment was conducted to study α-decay chains stemming from isotopes of flerovium (element Z=114). An upgraded TASISpec decay station was placed behind the gas-filled separator TASCA at the GSI Helmholtzzentrum fur Schwerionenforschung in Darmstadt, Germany. The fusion-evaporation reactions ^{48}Ca+^{242}Pu and ^{48}Ca+^{244}Pu provided a total of 32 flerovium-candidate decay chains, of which two and eleven were firmly assigned to ^{286}Fl and ^{288}Fl, respectively. A prompt coincidence between a 9.60(1)-MeV α particle event and a 0.36(1)-MeV conversion electron marked the first observation of an excited state in an even-even isotope of the heaviest man-made elements, namely ^{282}Cn. Spectroscopy of ^{288}Fl decay chains fixed Q_{α}=10.06(1) MeV. In one case, a Q_{α}=9.46(1)-MeV decay from ^{284}Cn into ^{280}Ds was observed, with ^{280}Ds fissioning after only 518 μs. The impact of these findings, aggregated with existing data on decay chains of ^{286,288}Fl, on the size of an anticipated shell gap at proton number Z=114 is discussed in light of predictions from two beyond-mean-field calculations, which take into account triaxial deformation.

We present the first triaxial beyond-mean-field study of even-even super-heavy nuclei. Calculations for the even Flerovium isotopes towards the supposed N=184 neutron shell closure were performed using the effective finite-range density-dependent Gogny force. They include the restoration of the particle-number and angular-momentum symmetries and the mixing of different shapes using the generator coordinate method. The importance of the γ degree of freedom is highlighted by comparing the triaxial to axial-symmetric calculations performed within the same framework. For the three even Fl isotopes between the prolate ^{288}Fl and the oblate ^{296}Fl triaxial ground-state shapes are predicted, whereas axial-symmetric calculations suggest a sharp prolate-oblate shape transition between ^{290}Fl and ^{292}Fl. A novel type of shape coexistence, namely, that between two different triaxial shapes, is predicted to occur in ^{290}Fl. Finally, the existence of a neutron shell closure at N=184 is confirmed, while no evidence is found for Z=114 being a proton magic number.

Background Unexpected readmissions are frequent among heart failure patients, due to their natural history that implies multiple readmissions, with high costs and clinical relevance. Purpose We aimed to assess the impact of a Multidisciplinary Heart Failure Program (MHFP) on the readmission-free period after an episode of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). Methods We carried out an analytical and observational study including all patients admitted to our Universitary Hospital, which covers 220,000 individuals, with an episode of heart failure when there was not a Multidisciplinary Heart Failure Program (January 2013 to December 2013). Once the MHFP was established, we compared non-MHFP patients with every patient admitted during February 2019 and February 2020 in terms of clinical data, imaging technique findings and short-term readmissions. Results The rate of readmission during this period was a 24.8% in non-MHFP and 17.2% in MHFP (p=0.15). However, we could find differences in median time to readmission due to ADHF, that was 1.74 months (CI 95%, 0.12–3.35) in non-MHFP, compared to 5.125 months (CI 95%, 4.15–6.09) in MHFP (p=0.002) (see Graph 1). There were also no significant differences in terms of basic characteristics between the MHFP and the non-MHFP patients (age, gender, left ventricular ejection fraction, left bundle branch block, hypertension). It is remarkable that establishing a MHFP has lengthened the readmission-free period. The rate of decompensation in the first and sixth month was respectively in the non–MHFP 9% and 21%; and in the MHFP 2% and 10%. Conclusion According to our results, the implantation of this Multidisciplinary Heart Failure Program has shown a reduction in the time to ADHF readmission compared with a cohort of similar pts some years before, which is clinically relevant. Graph 1 Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Background There are scarce data on clinical profile and prognosis of pts with Heart failure with mid-range ejection fraction (HFmrEF). The aim of this study was to analyse the patient's characteristics and their prognosis in terms of morbidity and mortality compared to those patients with acute heart failure with reduced (HFrEF) and preserved (HFpEF) ejection fraction Methods We performed a retrospective analysis from a prospective observational study developed in a University Hospital, which covers 220.000 individuals. We analysed 600 discharges with the main diagnosis of Heart Failure with 52 months of median follow up. We obtain clinical and demographic data at the moment of admission and during de follow up. To analyse mortality and readmission we used a Kaplan-Meier model. Results A total of 551 patients (91%) had a transthoracic echocardiogram (TEE) during the admission. Eleven percent (11.8%) of the patients (pts) had HFmrEF (35.6% of them were women), 66.7% HFpEF (81.8% women) and 20.6% HFrEF (29.0% women). Median age of HFmrEF was 80.5±1.3 years, similar to HFpEF (81±0.5 years). However, pts with HFrEF were younger (75.2±1.1 years). A higher percent of pts with HFrEF were on beta-blocker (BB) treatment at admission compared to HFmrEF (51.79% vs 47.54%) and HFpEF (39.91%). At discharge, all of them were on high doses of BB (64.55% HFrEF, 54.10% HFmrEF and 33.62% HFpEF). After an adjusted analysis by age, pts with HFmrEF had higher mortality compared to HEpEF (HR: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.38–0.80; p=0.002) with no statically significant difference compared to HFrEF (HR: 0.88; 95% IC: 0.57–1.35; p=0.5). Pts with HFmrEF were on a higher risk of readmission compared to HFpEF (HR 0.59; 95% CI 0.41–0.84, p=0.004). There was also no statistical difference compared to HFrEF (HR 0.72, 95% CI 0.47–1.11; p=0.14). Conclusions According to our results, pts with HFmrEF and HFpEF are older compared to HFrEF. HFpEF were mostly women, compared to other groups. A lower percent of HFmrEF were also on BB treatment. HFmrEF and HFrEF had a similar prognosis in terms of readmission and mortality. HFmrEF pts were on higher risk of mortality and readmission compared to HFpEF. We need more studies to find more information and confirm these results. Graph 1 Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

The potential sub-shell closures N = 32 and N = 34 are analyzed at high spins in the titanium isotopes within the generalized beyond mean field theory considering triaxial deformations and the angular frequency as generator coordinates together with the particle number and the angular momentum conservation. A good description of bulk properties, high angular momenta spectra and transition probabilities is obtained. The outcome at high spin in these nuclei is consistent with the magic number character of N = 32 but not of N = 34., Published: Phys. Lett. B804 (2020) 135359

We present the first triaxial beyond-mean-field study of even-even super-heavy nuclei. Calculations for the even Flerovium isotopes towards the supposed N=184 neutron shell closure were performed using the effective finite-range density-dependent Gogny force. They include the restoration of the particle-number and angular-momentum symmetries and the mixing of different shapes using the generator coordinate method. The importance of the γ degree of freedom is highlighted by comparing the triaxial to axial-symmetric calculations performed within the same framework. For the three even Fl isotopes between the prolate ^{288}Fl and the oblate ^{296}Fl triaxial ground-state shapes are predicted, whereas axial-symmetric calculations suggest a sharp prolate-oblate shape transition between ^{290}Fl and ^{292}Fl. A novel type of shape coexistence, namely, that between two different triaxial shapes, is predicted to occur in ^{290}Fl. Finally, the existence of a neutron shell closure at N=184 is confirmed, while no evidence is found for Z=114 being a proton magic number.

La pandemia por COVID-19 ha obligado a una reorganización de los sistemas sanitarios y ha comportado una saturación excepcional de sus recursos. En este contexto es vital asegurar la atención al ictus agudo y optimizar los procesos asistenciales del código ictus para reducir el riesgo de contagios y racionalizar el uso de recursos hospitalarios. Para ello, desde el Grupo Multidisciplinar Ictus Madrid proponemos una serie de recomendaciones. Métodos Revisión bibliográfica no sistemática de las publicaciones disponibles con los términos «stroke» y «COVID-19» o «coronavirus» o «SARS-CoV-2», así como otras conocidas por los autores. En base a esta se redacta un documento de recomendaciones que es sometido a consenso por el Grupo Multidisciplinar Ictus Madrid y su Comité de Neurología. Resultados Las recomendaciones se estructuran en cinco líneas fundamentales: 1) coordinar la actuación para garantizar el acceso a la asistencia hospitalaria de los pacientes con ictus; 2) reconocer a los pacientes con ictus potencialmente infectados por COVID-19, 3) organización adecuada para garantizar la protección de los profesionales sanitarios frente al riesgo de contagio por COVID-19, 4) en la realización de neuroimagen y otros procedimientos que conlleven contactos de riesgo de infección COVID-19 hay que procurar reducirlos y asegurar la protección, y 5) alta y seguimiento seguros procurando optimizar la ocupación hospitalaria. Resumimos el procedimiento de forma esquemática con el acrónimo CORONA (COordinar, Reconocer, Organizar, Neuroimagen, Alta). Conclusiones Estas recomendaciones pueden servir de apoyo para la organización del sistema sanitario en la atención al ictus agudo y la optimización de sus recursos, garantizando la protección de sus profesionales, The COVID-19 pandemic has forced a reorganization of healthcare systems and an exceptional saturation of their resources. In this context, it is vital to ensure acute stroke care and optimize the care processes of the stroke code to reduce the risk of contagion and rationalize the use of hospital resources. To do this, the Ictus Madrid Multidisciplinary Group proposes a series of recommendations. Methods Non-systematic bibliographic review of the available publications with the terms «stroke» and «COVID-19» or «coronavirus» or «SARS-CoV-2», as well as other already known for the authors. We provide a document of recommendations as a result of the consensus of the Ictus Madrid Multidisciplinary Group and its Neurology Committee. Results Our recommendations are structured on five lines: (1) coordinate to guarantee the access to hospital care for stroke patients, (2) recognize potentially COVID-19 infected stroke patients, (3) organize to ensure the protection of healthcare professionals from COVID-19 infections, (4) neuroimaging and other procedures potentially associated to risks for COVID-19 infection should be reduced and secured to avoid contagion, and (5) at home as soon as possible and supported follow-up to optimize hospital occupancy. The procedure is shown summarized under the acronym CORONA (COordinate, Recognize, Organize, Neuroimaging, At home). Conclusions These recommendations can support the organization of healthcare services for acute stroke care and the optimization of their resources, guaranteeing the protection of healthcare professionals

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in complete saturation of healthcare capacities, making it necessary to reorganise healthcare systems. In this context, we must guarantee the provision of acute stroke care and optimise code stroke protocols to reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and rationalise the use of hospital resources. The Madrid Stroke multidisciplinary group presents a series of recommendations to achieve these goals. Methods: We conducted a non-systematic literature search using the keywords “stroke” and “COVID-19” or “coronavirus” or “SARS-CoV-2.” Our literature review also included other relevant studies known to the authors. Based on this literature review, a series of consensus recommendations were established by the Madrid Stroke multidisciplinary group and its neurology committee. Results: These recommendations address 5 main objectives: (1) coordination of action protocols to ensure access to hospital care for stroke patients; (2) recognition of potentially COVID-19-positive stroke patients; (3) organisation of patient management to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare professionals; (4) avoidance of unnecessary neuroimaging studies and other procedures that may increase the risk of infection; and (5) safe, early discharge and follow-up to ensure bed availability. This management protocol has been called CORONA (Coordinate, Recognise, Organise, Neuroimaging, At home). Conclusions: The recommendations presented here may assist in the organisation of acute stroke care and the optimisation of healthcare resources, while ensuring the safety of healthcare professionals. Resumen: Introducción: La pandemia por COVID-19 ha obligado a una reorganización de los sistemas sanitarios y ha comportado una saturación excepcional de sus recursos. En este contexto es vital asegurar la atención al ictus agudo y optimizar los procesos asistenciales del código ictus para reducir el riesgo de contagios y racionalizar el uso de recursos hospitalarios. Para ello, desde el Grupo Multidisciplinar Ictus Madrid proponemos una serie de recomendaciones. Métodos: Revisión bibliográfica no sistemática de las publicaciones disponibles con los términos «stroke» y «COVID-19» o «coronavirus» o «SARS-CoV-2», así como otras conocidas por los autores. En base a esta se redacta un documento de recomendaciones que es sometido a consenso por el Grupo Multidisciplinar Ictus Madrid y su Comité de Neurología. Resultados: Las recomendaciones se estructuran en cinco líneas fundamentales: 1) coordinar la actuación para garantizar el acceso a la asistencia hospitalaria de los pacientes con ictus; 2) reconocer a los pacientes con ictus potencialmente infectados por COVID-19, 3) organización adecuada para garantizar la protección de los profesionales sanitarios frente al riesgo de contagio por COVID-19, 4) en la realización de neuroimagen y otros procedimientos que conlleven contactos de riesgo de infección COVID-19 hay que procurar reducirlos y asegurar la protección, y 5) alta y seguimiento seguros procurando optimizar la ocupación hospitalaria. Resumimos el procedimiento de forma esquemática con el acrónimo CORONA (COordinar, Reconocer, Organizar, Neuroimagen, Alta). Conclusiones: Estas recomendaciones pueden servir de apoyo para la organización del sistema sanitario en la atención al ictus agudo y la optimización de sus recursos, garantizando la protección de sus profesionales.

ObjectiveCurrent prehospital scales used to detect large vessel occlusion reveal very low endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) rates among selected patients. We developed a novel prehospital scale, the Madrid-Direct Referral to Endovascular Center (M-DIRECT), to identify EVT candidates for direct transfer to EVT-capable centers (EVT-Cs). The scale evaluated clinical examination, systolic blood pressure, and age. Since March 2017, patients closer to a stroke unit without EVT capabilities and an M-DIRECT positive score have been transferred to the nearest EVT-C. To test the performance of the scale-based routing protocol, we compared its outcomes with those of a simultaneous cohort of patients directly transferred to an EVT-C.MethodsIn this prospective observational study of consecutive patients with stroke code seen by emergency medical services, we compared diagnoses, treatments, and outcomes of patients who were closer to an EVT-C (mothership cohort) with those transferred according to the M-DIRECT score (M-DIRECT cohort).ResultsThe M-DIRECT cohort included 327 patients and the mothership cohort 214 patients. In the M-DIRECT cohort, 227 patients were negative and 100 were positive. Twenty-four (10.6%) patients required secondary transfer, leaving 124 (38%) patients from the M-DIRECT cohort admitted to an EVT-C. EVT rates were similar for patients with ischemic stroke in both cohorts (30.9% vs 31.5%). The M-DIRECT scale had 79% sensitivity, 82% specificity, and 53% positive predictive value for EVT. Recanalization and independence rates at 3 months did not differ between the cohorts.ConclusionsThe M-DIRECT scale was highly accurate for EVT, with treatment rates and outcomes similar to those of a mothership paradigm, thereby avoiding EVT-C overload with a low rate of secondary transfers.

The pairing correlations in odd-A nuclei are analyzed in the mean field approximation and beyond. In particular the role of symmetry conservation is investigated. We find that particle number projection after the variation (PN-PAV) has little effect on the pairing correlations specially in the weak pairing regime. This is in contrast to the variation after particle number projection (PN-VAP) approach where a strong effect is found. The situation is specially critical in odd nuclei because the pairing correlations vanish due to the blocking effect and the Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov wave function collapses to the Hartree-Fock one. The PN-VAP, however, handles perfectly the exact blocking providing highly correlated wave functions. The role of the angular momentum projection is studied only in the PAV approach. We find small changes of the pairing correlation, at least at small angular momentum. In the calculations we use the Gogny interaction well suited to this kind of studies.

We present a self-consistent theory for the description of the spectroscopic properties of odd nuclei which includes exact blocking, particle-number and angular-momentum projection and configuration mixing. In our theory the pairing correlations are treated in a variation-after-projection approach and the triaxial deformation parameters are explicitly considered as generator coordinates. The angular-momentum and particle-number symmetries are exactly recovered. The use of the effective finite-range density-dependent Gogny force in the calculations provides an added value to the theoretical results. We apply the theory to the textbook example of 25Mg and, although this nucleus has been thoroughly studied in the past, we still provide a novel view of nuclear phenomena taking place in this nucleus. We obtain an overall good agreement with the known experimental energies and transition probabilities without any additional parameter such as effective charges. In particular, we clearly identify six bands, two of which we interpret as collective gamma bands., 12 pages, 10 figures, accepted for publication in Phys. Rev. C

The deformation parameters beta and gamma together with the two-quasiparticle excitations are taken into account, for the first time, as coordinates within a symmetry conserving (angular momentum and particle number) generator coordinate method. The simultaneous consideration of collective as well as single particle degrees of freedom allows us to describe soft and rigid nuclei as well as the transition region in between. We apply the new theory to the study of the spectra and transition probabilities of the 156-172Er isotopes with a Pairing plus Quadrupole residual interaction. Good agreement with the experimental results is obtained for most of the observables studied and with the same quality for the very soft and the strongly deformed nuclei., Comment: 14 pages, 11 figures, accepted for publication in Phys. Rev. C

Objective: To identify overuse (diagnostic, therapeutic and self-care practices that represent risks that outweigh the potential benefits) in patients with atrial fibrillation. Method: The study was based on qualitative research techniques. Using the "Metaptan" technique, we identified and ordered potentially inappropriate, ineffective and inefficient practices. By means of a consensus conference, we then established a number of "inadvisable practice" measures (relatively common practices that should be eliminated based on the scientific evidence or clinical experience). Professionals from the specialties of cardiology, haematology, neurology, internal medicine, family medicine and nursing participated in the consensus. Results: We developed a catalogue of 19 "inadvisable practices" related to the diagnosis, treatment and care of anticoagulated patients that were inappropriate, had questionable effectiveness or were ineffective, as well as 13 beliefs or behaviours for anticoagulated patients that could result in injury or were useless or inefficient. Conclusion: The "inadvisable practices" approach helps identify practices that represent greater risks than benefits for patients. It seems appropriate to include algorithms in the clinical decision-making support systems that consider this information for the diagnosis, treatment and for home care. For this last case, recommendations have also been prepared that define specific contents for the healthcare education of these patients. (C) 2017 Elsevier Espana, S.L.U. and Sociedad Espanola de Medicina Interna (SEMI). All rights reserved.

Background and purpose For patients with acute ischaemic stroke due to large-vessel occlusion, it has recently been shown that mechanical thrombectomy (MT) with stent retrievers is better than medical treatment alone. However, few hospitals can provide MT 24 h/day 365 days/year, and it remains unclear whether selected patients with acute stroke should be directly transferred to the nearest MT-providing hospital to prevent treatment delays. Clinical scales such as Rapid Arterial Occlusion Evaluation (RACE) have been developed to predict large-vessel occlusion at a pre-hospital level, but their predictive value for MT is low. We propose new criteria to identify patients eligible for MT, with higher accuracy. Methods The Direct Referral to Endovascular Center criteria were defined based on a retrospective cohort of 317 patients admitted to a stroke center. The association of age, sex, RACE scale score and blood pressure with the likelihood of receiving MT were analyzed. Cut-off points with the highest association were thereafter evaluated in a prospective cohort of 153 patients from nine stroke units comprising the Madrid Stroke Network. Results Patients with a RACE scale score ≥ 5, systolic blood pressure

We present an approach for the calculation of odd nuclei with exact self-consistent blocking and particle number and angular-momentum projection with the finite-range density-dependent Gogny force. As an application we calculate the nucleus 31Mg at the border of the N = 20 inversion island. We evaluate the ground-state properties, the excited states and the transition probabilities. In general we obtain a good description of the measured observables.

We study the low-lying energy spectrum of the rp -process waiting point nucleus Zr 80 with state-of-the-art beyond mean field methods with the Gogny D1S interaction. Symmetry restoration and configuration mixing of axial and triaxial shapes are included in the calculations. Five 0 + states corresponding to different nuclear shapes are obtained below 2.25 MeV and several rotational and γ -bands built upon them are identified. Nevertheless, these states do not modify the β -decay half-life having a negligible effect in the rp -process. A good agreement with the available experimental data is obtained.

The influence of large amplitude pairing fluctuations is investigated in the framework of beyond mean field symmetry conserving configuration mixing calculations. In the numerical application the finite range density dependent Gogny force is used. We investigate the nucleus $^{54}$Cr with particle number and angular momentum projected wave functions considering the axial quadrupole deformation and the pairing gap degree of freedom as generator coordinates. We find that the effects of the pairing fluctuations increase with the excitation energy and the angular momentum. The self-consistency in the determination of the basis states plays an important role., Comment: 9 pages, 5 figures

Recent experimental results obtained using β decay and isomer spectroscopy indicate an unusual behaviour of the energies of the first excited 2 + states in neutron-rich Cd isotopes approaching the N = 82 shell closure. To explain the unexpected trend, changes of the nuclear structure far-off stability have been suggested, namely a quenching of the N = 82 shell gap already in 130Cd, only two proton holes away from doubly magic 132Sn. We study the behaviour of the 2 + energies in the Cd isotopes from N = 50 to N = 82 , i.e. across the entire span of a major neutron shell using modern beyond mean field techniques and the Gogny force. We demonstrate that the observed low 2 + excitation energy in 128Cd close to the N = 82 shell closure is a consequence of the doubly magic character of this nucleus for oblate deformation favoring thereby prolate configurations rather than spherical ones.

The beyond mean field approximation combined with the Gogny interaction is used to analyze the spherical to prolate deformed shape transition in the Neodymium isotopic chain. The vibrator as well as the rotor limits are nicely reproduced while the transitional region is only qualitatively described probably due to the lack of triaxial correlations in the calculations. Our results do not support the interpretation of $^{150}$Nd as a critical point nucleus and question the interpretation of shape changes as nuclear shape phase transitions., Comment: 12 pages, 9 figures, accepted in Phys. Lett. B

We present a novel nuclear energy density functional method to calculate spectroscopic properties of atomic nuclei. Intrinsic nuclear quadrupole deformations and rotational frequencies are considered simultaneously as the degrees of freedom within a symmetry conserving configuration mixing framework. The present method allows the study of nuclear states with collective and single-particle character. We calculate the fascinating structure of the semi-magic 44S nucleus as a first application of the method, obtaining an excellent quantitative agreement both with the available experimental data and with state-of-the-art shell model calculations., 5 pages, 4 figures, accepted for publication in Phys. Rev. Lett

The ground and first excited 0+ states of the {156-172}Er isotopes are analyzed in the framework of the generator coordinate method. The shape parameter beta is used to generate wave functions with different deformations which together with the two-quasiparticle states built on them provide a set of states. An angular momentum and particle number projection of the latter spawn the basis states of the generator coordinate method. With this ansatz and using the separable pairing plus quadrupole interaction we obtain a good agreement with the experimental spectra and E2 transition rates up to moderate spin values. The structure of the wave functions suggests that the first excited 0+ states in the soft Er isotopes are dominated by shape fluctuations, while in the well deformed Er isotopes the two-quasiparticle states are more relevant. In between both degrees of freedom are necessary ., Comment: 11 pages, 11 figures, accepted for publication in Physical Review C

The region around the doubly magic 132Sn has been the subject of numerous experimental and theoretical studies in the last few years. The reason is that it is of special importance both for nuclear structure as well as nuclear astrophysics. Since the r-process of nucleosynthesis proceeds along the N=82 shell closure there is a close relation between the N=82 shell gap and the A ? 130 peak of the solar r-process abundance distribution. Some years ago it had been demonstrated that the assumption of a spherical quenching of the N = 82 neutron shell close to the neutron dripline allows us to properly reproduce the observed abundances. Recently, the unexpected behaviour of the measured 2+ excitation energies in the heavy Cd isotopes 126,128,130Cd have been interpreted as evidence for a weakening of the N = 82 shell closure already one proton pair 'below' 132Sn. This study motivated us to perform a detailed beyond mean field study of this region in order to investigate the origin of the observed anomaly of the 2+ energies in the Cd isotopes.

The particle number projected generator coordinate method is applied to the study of generalized pairing Hamiltonians. The calculations reproduce the exact solution where available in the weak, crossover and strong pairing regimes. The behaviour of the wave functions is analysed showing large mixtures in the weak and smaller ones in the strong pairing regime. The physical insight of the ansatz and its numerical simplicity make this theory an excellent tool to study pairing correlations in complex situations and/or involved Hamiltonians.

A systematic study of the intrinsic deformation parameters of 150 super-heavy nuclei in the region 150 ≤ N ≤ 190, 100 ≤ Z ≤ 126 has been done within the framework of the Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov theory with the Gogny force. We find a stronger dependence of the βn parameters and the pairing energies with the neutron number than with the proton number. The proton pairing energies are on the average much larger than the neutron ones. Large octupole deformations are predicted for N = 188, 190 nuclei.

The Particle Number Projected Generator Coordinate Method is formulated for the pairing Hamiltonian in a detailed way in the projection after variation and the variation after projection methods. The dependence of the wave functions on the generator coordinate is analyzed performing numerical applications for the most relevant collective coordinates. The calculations reproduce the exact solution in the weak, crossover and strong pairing regimes. The physical insight of the Ansatz and its numerical simplicity make this theory an excellent tool to study pairing correlations in complex situations and/or involved Hamiltonians., Submitted to EPJB

The potential energy surface of the 252Cf nucleus has been computed within the Hartree–Fock–Bogolubov theory with the D1S Gogny force. The shape evolution of the nucleus during the fission process has been studied with constraints on quadrupole, octupole and hexadecapole moments. The calculation was performed up to the scission configuration.

The potential energy surface of 252 Cf has been computed within the Hartree-Fock-Bogolubov theory with the D1S Gogny force. The shape evolution of the nucleus during the fission process have been studied. Quadrupole, octupole and hexadecapole deformations have been taken into consideration.

Constrained HFB calculations with the Gogny force are performed in order to investigate the bimodal fission of 258 Fm . The single-particle orbitals are analyzed in both fission modes. Density distributions of single nucleons show that the cores of the fragments are well separated far before the scission point.

A general BCS Ansatz based on the Generator Coordinate Method is proposed to study pairing properties in superconducting grains. The formalism is applied to the pairing Hamiltonian where we reproduce the exact solution in the weak, crossover and strong pairing regimes.

The behavior of several nuclear properties with temperature is analyzed within the framework of the Finite Temperature Hartree-Fock-Bogolyubov (FTHFB) theory with the Gogny force and large configuration spaces. As representative examples the nuclei 164 Er , 152 Dy , 192 Hg and 240 Pu are studied. Numerical results for the deformed to spherical shape phase transitions are presented. Thermal shape fluctuations in the quadrupole degree of freedom, around the mean field solution, are taken into account with the Landau prescription. We found a substantial effect of these fluctuations in the average value of several observables.

We have performed angular momentum projection with double-constrained Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov wave functions with the Gogny interaction for the 32 Mg . We show that the more relevant degree of freedom is the quadrupole deformation. Minima of the ground state obtained in single-constrained calculations with this operator are hardly modified in double-constrained calculations insuring thereby the stability of the solution.

The fission barriers of the nuclei 256 Fm and 258 Fm are investigated in a fully microscopic way up to the scission point. The analysis is based on the constrained Hartree-Fock-Bogolyubov theory and Gogny's D1S force. The quadrupole, octupole, and hexadecapole moments, as well as the number of nucleons in the neck region, are used as constraints. Two fission paths, corresponding to bimodal fission, are found. The difference between fission of 256 Fm and 258 Fm is explained. c � 2003 MAIK "Nau- ka/Interperiodica".

The angular momentum projected Generator Coordinate Method, with the quadrupole moment as collective coordinate and the Gogny force (D1S) as the effective interaction, is used to describe the properties of the ground state and low-lying excited states of the even-even Neon isotopes $^{20-34}$Ne, that is, from the stability valley up to the drip-line. It is found that the ground state of the N=20 nucleus $^{30}$Ne is deformed but to a lesser extent than the N=20 isotope of the Magnesium. In the calculations, the isotope $^{32}$Ne is at the drip-line in good agreement with other theoretical predictions. On the other hand, rather good agreement with experimental data for many observables is obtained., Comment: 11 pages, 9 figures, accepted for publication in EPJA

An approximation is proposed in Beyond mean field calculations to reduce the size of the grid subtended by the generator coordinates by one order of magnitude. We show the quality of the approximation calculating the excitation energies of the titanium isotopes and the E2 transition probabilities, This work was supported by the Spanish Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad under contracts FPA2011-29854-C04-04, FPA2014-57196-C5-2-P and BES-2012-059405

The $g$ factor of the first excited ${2}^{+}$ state in ${}^{72}\mathrm{Zn}$ has been measured using the transient-field (TF) technique in combination with Coulomb excitation in inverse kinematics. This experiment presents only the third successful application of the TF method to a short-lived radioactive beam in 10 y, highlighting the intricacies of applying this technique to present and future isotope separator on-line facilities. The significance of the experimental result, $g({2}_{1}^{+})=+0.47(14)$, for establishing the structure of the Zn isotopes near $N=40$ is discussed on the basis of shell-model and beyond-mean-field calculations, the latter accounting for the triaxial degree of freedom, configuration mixing, and particle number and angular momentum projections.

Calculations are presented for low-lying 0 + excited states in the neutron deficient Pb isotopes 182–190 Pb using both the HFB method with a Gogny interaction and a many-body method with phenomenological interaction strengths. The calculations suggest the presence of an as yet unobserved oblate 0 + state in 184 Pb.

We present exact Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov calculations with the finite range density dependent Gogny force using a triaxial basis. For the first time, all contributions to the Pairing and Fock Fields arising from the Gogny and Coulomb interactions as well as the two-body correction of the kinetic energy have been calculated in this basis. We analyze the relevance of these terms in different regions of the periodic table at zero and high angular momentum. The validity of commonly used approximations that neglect different terms in the variational equations is also checked. We find a decrease of the proton pairing energies mainly due to a Coulomb antipairing effect., Comment: 32 pages, 12 figures. In press in Nucl. Physics A

We study the superheavy nucleus ${}^{254}\mathrm{No}$ in the framework of the Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov approximation with the finite-range density-dependent Gogny force, at zero and high angular momentum. The properties of the ground state rotational band and the fission barriers are discussed as a function of angular momentum. We found a two-humped barrier up to spin values of $(30--40)\ensuremath{\Elzxh}$ and a one-humped barrier for higher spins. We reproduce fairly well with the binding energy, the ground state deformation, the $\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{ray}$ energies, and the bound on the fission barrier height measured at high spin.

Kamlah's second order method for approximate particle number projection is applied for the first time to variational calculations with effective forces. High spin states of normal and superdeformed nuclei have been calculated with the finite range density dependent Gogny force for several nuclei. Advantages and drawbacks of the Kamlah second order method as compared to the Lipkin-Nogami recipe are thoroughly discussed. We find that the Lipkin-Nogami prescription occasionally may fail to find the right energy minimum in the strong pairing regime and that Kamlah's second order approach, though providing better results than the LN one, may break down in some limiting situations.

A microscopic angular momentum projection after variation is used to describe quadrupole collectivity in 30,32,34 Mg and 32,34,36,38 Si. The Hartree–Fock–Bogoliubov states obtained in the quadrupole constrained mean field approach are taken as intrinsic states for the projection. Excitation energies of the first 2 + states and the B ( E 2,0 + →2 + ) transition probabilities are given. A reasonable agreement with available experimental data is obtained. It is also shown that the mean field picture of those nuclei is strongly modified by the projection.

The phase transition to reflection asymmetric intrinsic nuclear shapes at high angular momentum is analyzed in the framework of the cranked Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov approximation, with the Gogny interaction, using approximate parity projection before variation. The N = 88 isotones are studied and good agreement is found for the energy splitting and dipole moments before and after the transition.