Search

The $\stackrel{P\vec}{p}p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}p{K}^{+}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}$ reaction has been measured with the COSY-TOF detector at a beam momentum of $2.7\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\mathrm{GeV}/c$. The polarized proton beam enables the measurement of the beam analyzing power by the asymmetry of the produced kaon $({A}_{N}^{K})$. This observable allows the $p\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}$ spin triplet scattering length to be extracted for the first time model independently from the final state interaction in the reaction. The obtained value is ${a}_{t}=(\ensuremath{-}2.{55}_{\ensuremath{-}1.39}^{+0.72}{}_{\mathrm{stat}.}\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.{6}_{\mathrm{syst}.}\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.{3}_{\mathrm{theo}.})\mathrm{fm}$. This value is compatible with theoretical predictions and results from model-dependent analyses.

The Lambda polarization, the analyzing power, and the Lambda spin transfer coefficient of the reaction pp -> p K+ Lambda were measured at beam momenta of 2.70 GeV/c and 2.95 GeV/c, corresponding to excess energies of 122 MeV and 204 MeV. While the analyzing power and the spin transfer coefficient do not change significantly with the excess energy, the Lambda polarization varies strongly and changes its sign. As this is the first measurement of polarization observables below an excess energy of 200 MeV, the change of the sign of the Lambda polarization was not observed before. The high statistics of the data (~200 k events for each momentum) enables detailed studies of the dependence of the Lambda polarization and the analyzing power on the center of mass momentum of the particles. The results of the spin transfer coefficient are in qualitative agreement with the DISTO experiment. The Lambda polarization data of 2.95 GeV/c are only conform with the DISTO experiment, while both the 2.70 GeV/c and 2.95 GeV/c data differ strongly from all previous measurements, whether exclusive or inclusive., Revised version as accepted for publication in EPJA

A new high-precision measurement of the reaction \(pp\rightarrow pK^{+}\Lambda\) at a beam momentum of 2.95 GeV/c with more than 200 000 analyzed events allows a detailed analysis of differential observables and their inter-dependencies. Correlations of the angular distributions with momenta are examined. The invariant mass distributions are compared for different regions in the Dalitz plots. The cusp structure at the \(N\Sigma\) threshold is described with the Flatte formalism and its variation in the Dalitz plot is analyzed.

Item does not contain fulltext PURPOSE: Better breast cancer prognostication may improve selection of patients for adjuvant therapy. We conducted a retrospective longitudinal study in which we investigated sera of high-risk primary breast cancer patients, to search for proteins predictive of recurrence-free survival. METHODS: Sera of 82 breast cancer patients obtained after surgery, but prior to the administration of adjuvant therapy, were fractionated using anion-exchange chromatography, to facilitate the detection of the low-abundant serum peptides. Selected fractions were subsequently analysed by surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF MS), and the resulting protein profiles were searched for prognostic markers by appropriate bioinformatics tools. RESULTS: Four peak clusters (i.e. m/z 3073, m/z 3274, m/z 4405 and m/z 7973) were found to bear significant prognostic value (P

Hyperon production in the threshold region was studied in the reaction pp → K + Λ p using the time-of-flight spectrometer COSY-TOF. Exclusive data, covering the full phase-space, were taken at the three different beam momenta of p beam = 2.95 , 3.20 and 3.30 GeV/c, corresponding to excess energies of e = 204 , 285 and 316 MeV, respectively. Total cross-sections were deduced for the three beam momenta to be 23.9 ± 0.8 ± 2.0 μb , 28.4 ± 1.3 ± 2.2 μb and 35.0 ± 1.3 ± 3.0 μb . Differential observables including Dalitz plots were obtained. The analysis of the Dalitz plots reveals a strong influence of the N ( 1650 ) -resonance at p beam = 2.95 GeV / c , whereas for the higher momenta an increasing relative contribution of the N ( 1710 ) - and/or of the N ( 1720 ) -resonance was observed. In addition, the pΛ-final-state interaction turned out to have a significant influence on the Dalitz plot distribution.

A systematic study of the production of omega-mesons in proton-proton-collisions was carried out in a kinematically complete experiment at three excess energies(epsilon= 92, 128, 173MeV). Both protons were detected using the large-acceptance COSY-TOF spectrometer at an external beam line at the Cooler Synchrotron COSY at Forschungszentrum J\"ulich. The total cross section, angular distributions of both omega-mesons and protons were measured and presented in various reference frames such as the overall CMS, helicity and Jackson frame. In addition, the orientation of the omega-spin and invariant mass spectra were determined. We observe omega-production to take place dominantly in Ss and Sp final states at epsilon = 92, 128 MeV and, additionally, in Sd at epsilon= 173 MeV. No obvious indication of resonant omega-production via N^*-resonances was found, as proton angular distributions are almost isotropic and invariant mass spectra are compatible with phase space distributions. A dominant role of ^3P_1 and ^1S_0 initial partial waves for omega-production was concluded from the orientation of the decay plane of the omega-meson. Although the Jackson angle distributions in the omega-p-Jackson frame are anisotropic we argue that this is not an indication of a resonance but rather a kinematical effect reflecting the anisotropy of the omega angular distribution. The helicity angle distribution in the omega-p-helicity frame shows an anisotropy which probably reflects effects of the omega angular momenta in the final state; this observable may be, in addition to the orientation of the omega decay plane, the most sensitive one to judge the validity of theoretical descriptions of the production process.

The p p → p K 0 Σ + reaction was investigated with the TOF spectrometer at COSY at 3.059 GeV / c incident beam momentum. The main objective was to clarify whether or not a narrow exotic S = + 1 resonance, the Θ + pentaquark, is populated at 1.53 GeV / c 2 in the p K 0 subsystem with a data sample of much higher statistical significance compared to the previously reported data in this channel. An analysis of these data does not confirm the existence of the Θ + pentaquark. This is expressed as an upper limit for the cross section σ ( p p → Σ + Θ + ) 0.15 μb at the 95% confidence level.

The linear polarisation sensitivity of the CLUSTER detector used in the EUROBALL III array was measured. Measurements confirm the results of the Monte Carlo simulation.

High-spin states in the neutron-rich nuclei 172,173Yb have been populated in a 170Er(7Li,(p,d,t)xn) incomplete-fusion reaction and the emitted γ-radiation was detected with the GASP array. The signature partners of the 7/2+[633] rotational band of the odd-N 173Yb isotope have been newly established and were observed up to spin values of (45/2+) and (43/2+), respectively. The ground-state band of the even-even nucleus 172Yb has been observed up to a spin value of (22+). No band crossings were found in these bands. To explain this observation, it is proposed that the static pair field is absent, considering that the neutron odd-even mass differences reach for these nuclei very small values and that the band crossing is absent in cranked shell modell calculations without pairing. The results indicate, however, that strong dynamic correlations are still present.

Matière Nucléaire; International audience; The gamma decay of the nuclei 124,125Ba has been investigated with the EUROBALL array, using the reaction 64Ni+64 Ni at E_{beam} = 255 and 261 MeV. Six new E1 transitions have been found in the nucleus 125Ba, suggesting a significant role of octupole correlations in the origin of its parity doublets. The pi = 3-level of the nucleus 124Ba has been identified for the first time. Its excitation energy is in very good agreement with a prediction based on a microscopic model including octupole interactions.

Excited states in 110Sn and 111Sn nuclei have been investigated using in-beam γ-ray spectroscopic methods. An 16O beam with an energy of 60-80MeV was used to bombard a 98Mo target. On the basis of the relative excitation functions, γ-ray angular distributions, γ-γ and γ-time distributions, γ-ray multiplicity and total energy data, the level schemes of 110Sn and 111Sn have been studied and extended up to Eexc ∼ 11.5MeV, I = 24ℏ, and Eexc ∼ 11.1MeV and I = (51/2)ℏ, respectively. An extension of the intruder, g.s. and negative-parity bands, as well as 5 new band-like structures are proposed in 110Sn. The nature of newly introduced collective band 8 as well as 10+ states fed in the decay of the collective band is discussed. In the 111Sn nucleus an intruder band based on the 23/2- state has been reinvestigated and the extension of the g.s. band and second negative-parity band is given. Evidence for neutron-core coupling in 111Sn is found. The structure and systematics of excited states in light Sn isotopes is discussed.

For a level scheme investigation of 144Gd an experiment with the \(\gamma\)-spectrometer EUROBALL III has been carried out and lifetimes have been measured with the \(\gamma\)-spectrometer GASP using the Doppler-shift attenuation method. The high-spin states have been populated in these experiments by means of the 100Mo(48Ti,4n) reaction at 215 MeV and the 114Cd(36S,6n) reaction at E = 182 MeV, respectively. The known quadrupole band has been modified and a new one has been established. Reduced E2 transition probabilities B(E2) were determined for seven members of these quadrupole bands. They show values between \(\approx 60\) and 130 W.u. and this considerable enhancement gives evidence for a significant nuclear deformation. A \((\pi h_{11/2})^2 \otimes (\nu h_{11/2})^{-2}\) configuration may be assigned to one of the quadrupole bands according to total Routhian surface calculations. The spin dependence of the B(E2) values has been explained by IBM calculations involving high-spin quasiparticle excitations.

High-spin states in the odd-odd nucleus 172Lu have been populated in a 170Er(7Li, 5n) reaction and the emitted \(\gamma\)-radiation was detected with the GASP array. Two sequences of a new identical band have been observed with the transition energies in the favoured and unfavoured sequences being identical within \(\approx 3\) keV at low spins and \(\approx 1\) keV at high spins over the whole observed spin range. Aninterpretation as a pseudo-spin singlet band of \(\pi 1/2^- [541] \otimes \nu 1/2^- [\widetilde{420}]\) configuration is proposed. It represents the best example of a pseudo-spin singlet band in normal deformed nuclei known until now.

High-spin states in 142Gd have been populated by means of the 99Ru(48Ti, 2p3n) reaction at 240 MeV and investigated with the γ-spectrometer EUROBALL III and the charged-particle detector array ISIS. The features of four dipole bands have been determined and compared with tilted-axis cranking model calculations indicating that they are magnetic rotational bands. A transition from regular to irregular bands has been found approaching N = 82 demonstrating that this is a general phenomenon in nuclei near a double-shell closure.

Gamma-ray tracking is a new concept to improve efficiency and sensitivity of the next generation, high resolution /spl gamma/-ray spectrometers. Tracing multiple scattered /spl gamma/-rays inside an array of large volume composite, segmented Ge-detectors, the photo energies of the individual /spl gamma/-rays and their incident directions can be precisely reconstructed. This results in an improved efficiency and peak-to-total ratio, and a reduced Doppler-broadening. The reconstruction efficiency depends on how accurate the positions, where the /spl gamma/-rays interact with the Ge-crystals, can be localized. Novel digital signal processing hardware modules and related software algorithms are described, which allow an on-line determination of the energies, times, and interaction positions of the /spl gamma/-rays by analyzing the shapes of the charge signals induced on the segments.

The next generation of 4 pi arrays for high-precision gamma -ray spectroscopy will involve gamma -ray tracking detectors. They consist of high-fold segmented Ge detectors and a front-end electronics, based on new digital signal processing techniques, which allows to extract energy, timing and spatial information for a gamma -ray by pulse shape analysis of the Ge detector signals. Utilizing the information on the positions of the interaction points and the energies released at each point the tracks of the gamma -rays in a Ge shell can be reconstructed in three dimensions.

Dedicated Ge-detector arrays are being developed for the investigation of rare γ decays with low γ-ray multiplicity at the upcoming radioactive ion beam facilities. These arrays are optimized for the high full-energy peak efficiency and angular resolution of the γ-ray detection needed for a proper Doppler correction of the γ-rays emitted by fast recoiling nuclei. MINIBALL will consist of 40 six-fold segmented, encapsulated Ge detectors which are clustered in eight cryostats with three detectors each and four cryostats with four detectors, respectively. The individual components - the six-fold segmented Ge detector, the cryostats, the fast preamplifier, the digital pulse-processing electronics and the mechanical frame - and their properties are described. The results of test measurements with the first MINIBALL cluster detector using a 137 Cs source and the in-beam reaction D( 37 Cl, n) 38 Ar are presented. It is shown that from pulse-shape analysis of the events within a detector segment the effective granularity of the MINIBALL array can be enhanced from 240 to ∼ 4000. The specifications of MINIBALL are compiled on the basis of experimental data. First results with a 12-fold segmented, encapsulated detector are discussed with respect to the feasibility of future γ-ray tracking arrays.

The level scheme of 143Gd has been extended to E = 8.7MeV (I = 53/2+) in an experiment with the GASP γ-ray spectrometer and the 100Mo(48Ti,5n) fusion reaction. Most of the level scheme shows single particle character. A strongly populated cascade consisting of ten stretched E2 transitions and another structure with weak M1 and strong E2 shows an indication of a collective character.

This study is concerned with the anisotropy of the electron drift velocity in germanium crystals at high electric fields and low temperature, and its influence on the charge collection process in n-type, high-purity germanium (HPGe) detectors of closed-end, coaxial geometry. The electron trajectories inside HPGe detectors are simulated using a phenomenological model to calculate the dependence of the drift velocity on the angle between the electric field and the crystal orientation. The resulting induced currents and pulse shapes for a given detector geometry and preamplifier bandwidth are compared to experiment. Experimentally, the dependence of the pulse shapes on the conductivity anisotropy in closed-end HPGe detectors was observed. The experimental data on pulse shapes were obtained by sampling preamplifier signals of an encapsulated, hexaconical EUROBALL detector, which was irradiated by collimated 22 Na and 241 Am sources. The crystal orientation was measured by neutron reflection. Qualitative agreement between the simulated and experimental pulse shapes was found. A variation in the charge collection time of up to 50 ns was observed for different drift directions of the carriers relative to the crystal orientation. Furthermore, a deflection of the trajectories from a straight radial drift direction of about 20° was predicted by the simulations. These two main effects of charge carrier drift velocity anisotropy in coaxial Ge detectors are expected to play an important role in the development of γ-ray tracking detectors.

A superdeformed band has been discovered in 143Gd consisting of 15 transitions. It does not show the band crossing observed in the neighbouring heavier Gd isotopes and it is degenerate with the superdeformed band in 143Eu. In contrast to other degenerate bands at superdeformed shape, the configurations of the bands are quite different here. They result from the exchange of a ν64 with a π[404]9/2 configuration. In addition, a collective band has been observed which adopts a well-deformed triaxial shape at high spins according to calculations. The transition from highly to superdeformed shapes proceeds via triaxial shapes.

High-spin states in 180Os have been populated by means of the 150Nd(36S,6n) reaction at 177 MeV and studied with the γ-spectrometers OSIRIS and GASP. Eight known bands have been extended to higher spins and a new strongly coupled band has been discovered. Configuration assignments of the bands have been carried out in the framework of the tilted-axis cranking model utilizing experimental ratios of reduced transition probabilities B( M1 ) B( E2 ) . The investigation of the alignment behaviour of the bands revealed that besides the well-known first band crossing caused by the alignment of an i 13 2 quasineutron pair, a second band crossing occurs in four of the bands. The crossing frequency is ⩾ 0.38 MeV and the alignment gain is fairly small, ranging between 2 and ⩾4 ℏ;. The crossing can consistently be explained as a two-quasineutron (ν 7 2 − [514]) 2 alignment. This crossing has been observed for the first time.

Five superdeformed (SD) bands have been identified in 144Gd with the GASP array using the reaction 100 Mo + 48 Ti . The J(2) moments of inertia of the four excited SD bands are flat as a function of rotational frequency, indicating the blocking of the N = 6 proton crossing observed in the yrast SD band. According to cranked shell model calculations, the excited bands have two-quasiproton configurations with one proton in the N = 6 orbital and the other in each signature partner of the [404]9 2 + or [411]3 2 + orbitals, lying above the Z = 64 gap. The interpretation of the excited SD bands in terms of proton excitations points to the high stability of the N = 80 shell closure at SD shapes. The population of the yrast SD band as a function of the beam energy has been also investigated. Our data shows that the intensity of the yrast SD band is not configuration dependent, being comparable to that of yrast SD bands in the neighboring nuclei. By comparing experimental and theoretical alignments, spins and configurations are assigned to all observed SD bands in the A = 140–150 region.

The study of superdeformation in nuclei around the nucleus 144Gd, which can be considered as doubly-closed at superdeformed shape, provided detailed knowledge about the structure of superdeformed bands in this region. The chain of Gd isotopes showing superdeformation could be extended to 143Gd. Since highly-deformed bands are known in 139,141Gd, it appears that the transition between the regions of superdeformed nuclei with A ≈ 150 and of highly-deformed nuclei with A ≈ 130 is rather sharp and takes place around N = 78 as theoretically predicted. In 144Gd four excited superdeformed bands have been found in addition to the yrast superdeformed band. They form two pairs of signature partner bands of π6 1 π[404]9 2ν7 0 and π6 1 π[411]3 2ν7 0 configurations. In 145Gd for the first time two crossings have been observed in a superdeformed band, which are assigned to the alignment of an i 13 2 proton pair and a subsequent crossing of the i 13 2 [642]5 2 and i 11 2 [651]1 2 neutron orbitals, respectively.

Measurements of the pp → pK + Λ reaction at T p = 2.28 GeV have been carried out at COSY-TOF. In addition to the Λp FSI and N * resonance excitation effects a pronounced narrow structure is observed in the Dalitz plot and in its projection on the pΛ invariant mass. The strongly asymmetric structure appears at the pp → NK + Σ threshold and is interpreted as the ΣN cusp effect. The observed width of about 20 MeV/c 2 is substantially broader than anticipated from previous measurements as well as theoretical predictions. Angular distributions of this cusp structure are shown to be dissimilar to those in the residual pK + Λ channel, but similar to those observed in the pK + Σ 0 channel.

The possibility to determine the pLambda scattering length from the final-state interaction in the reaction pp->pKLambda is investigated experimentally. From a transversely polarized measurement, the K analyzing power (A_N) which, in principle, allows one to extract the spin triplet scattering length is studied. An unexpected energy dependence of the forward/backward symmetric part of A_N is found. The influence of N*-resonances on the pLambda invariant mass spectrum is investigated by exploiting the large acceptance for the process pp->pKLambda->pKppi and is found to be the main source of uncertainty for determining the pLambda scattering length.

High-spin states in186Os have been populated by the186W(4He,4n)-reaction at 55MeV. The emittedγ-radiation was detected with the OSIRIS spectrometer. The yrast band, for which the nucleus has a prolate shape, was found to terminate atIπ=18+. Theγ-ray intensity is then distributed between several irregular sequences. Different to other cases of band termination, the minimum in the total routhian surface corresponding to a collective shape is calculated to disappear in this spin region, although the available spin of the valence nucleons is far from being exhausted. A different structure, which is dominated by non-collective states becomes yrast.

With direct digitization of detector pulses, software algorithms are used to calculate the energy of incident photons. Fast high resolution sampling adc's and digital signal processors replace shaping amplifiers and spectroscopy adc's. The difference between the classical analog approach for pulse processing and direct digitization can be summerized as follows. In analog systems, a preamplifier output is filtered by analog means and then digitized to be acquired in a multichannel analyzer, whereas the full digital system will digitize first and then filter by application of algorithms. According to the sampling theorem, both approaches are equivalent. However, using digital signal processing for filtering allows the use of filter functions that cannot be practically realized with analog means. Those digital filter functions promise resolution and throughput close to the theoretical limit. The first commercially available ADSP (Analog to Digital Signal Processor) uses a moving window deconvolution to deconvolve the preamplifier characteristic. All algorithms are calculated in real time, thus there is no dead time added through the computation of an event. A filter function with a trapezoidal impulse response calculates the energy in real time. An adaptive digital trigger allows excellent low energy detection. Another benefit for X-ray applications are very long shaping constants, resulting in 125 eV resolution at 5.9 keV with SiLi detectors. The ADSP consists of an analog linear amplification stage, a 20 MHz sampling adc, circuits for digital signal preprocessing, and four floating point DSPs, performing 240 MFLOP/s. It has been built into a 2-wide NIM module to replace virtually any adc/shaping amplifier combination.

High-spin states in the nuclei 181, 182Os have been populated in the 150 Nd( 36 S ,x n ) reactions and studied with the ESSA30 array. The nucleus 181Os has also been studied at the NBI tandem accelerator using the 167Er(18O,4n) reaction. The previously known bands in both nuclei have been extended to higher spins and two new side bands have been found in 181Os. In the latter nucleus the ground state has been established to have I π = 1 2 − . The extraction of the ratios of reduced transition probabilities B(M1) B(E2) from branching and E2 M1 mixing ratios permitted configuration assignments for most of the bands in both nuclei. The analysis has been carried out within the semiclassical vector model for M1 radiation. The positive-parity yrare sequences in 182Os and the band based on the I π = K π = 23 2 − state in 181Os have been interpreted as t-bands arising from a rotation about a tilted axis. The alignment behaviour and the crossing frequencies are for most of the bands consistent with predictions of the cranked shell model.

WOS: 000300864200005, The Advanced GAmma Tracking Array (AGATA) is a European project to develop and operate the next generation gamma-ray spectrometer. AGATA is based on the technique of gamma-ray energy tracking in electrically segmented high-purity germanium crystals. This technique requires the accurate determination of the energy, time and position of every interaction as a gamma ray deposits its energy within the detector volume. Reconstruction of the full interaction path results in a detector with very high efficiency and excellent spectral response. The realisation of gamma-ray tracking and AGATA is a result of many technical advances. These include the development of encapsulated highly segmented germanium detectors assembled in a triple cluster detector cryostat, an electronics system with fast digital sampling and a data acquisition system to process the data at a high rate. The full characterisation of the crystals was measured and compared with detector-response simulations. This enabled pulse-shape analysis algorithms, to extract energy, time and position, to be employed. In addition, tracking algorithms for event reconstruction were developed. The first phase of AGATA is now complete and operational in its first physics campaign. In the future AGATA will be moved between laboratories in Europe and operated in a series of campaigns to take advantage of the different beams and facilities available to maximise its science output. The paper reviews all the achievements made in the AGATA project including all the necessary infrastructure to operate and support the spectrometer. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved., EU [RII3-CT-2004-506065]; German BMBF [06K-167, 06KY2051]; Swedish Research Council; Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation; UK EPSRC Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council; UK STFC Science and Technology Facilities Council; AWE plc; Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey [106T055]; Ankara University [05B4240002]; Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education [DPN/N190/AGATA/2009]; Spanish MICINN [FPA2008-06419, FPA2009-13377-C02-02]; Spanish Consolider-Ingenio Programme CPAN [CSD2007-00042]; Generalitat Valenciana [PROMETEO/2010/101]; MICINN, Spain; INFN, Italy [AIC10-D-000568]; Science and Technology Facilities Council [ST/F012039/1, ST/J000094/1, ST/F004192/1, ST/J000159/1, ST/I504940/1, NuSTAR, ST/F006950/1, ST/I504916/1, ST/G000670/1, ST/F004060/1, ST/J000051/1, ST/J000108/1, ST/G000670/1 NuSTAR, ST/I504959/1, ST/G000727/1, ST/F004052/1, ST/F004184/1], AGATA and this work is supported by the European funding bodies and the EU Contract RII3-CT-2004-506065, the German BMBF under Grants 06K-167 and 06KY2051, the Swedish Research Council and the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, UK EPSRC Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, UK STFC Science and Technology Facilities Council, AWE plc, Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (Proj. nr. 106T055) and Ankara University (BAP Proj. nr. 05B4240002), the Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education under Grant DPN/N190/AGATA/2009, the Spanish MICINN under grants FPA2008-06419 and FPA2009-13377-C02-02, the Spanish Consolider-Ingenio 2010 Programme CPAN (contract number CSD2007-00042) the Generalitat Valenciana under Grant PROMETEO/2010/101, and research performed in the frame of the GSI-IN2P3 collaboration agreement number 02-42. A. Gadea and E. Farnea acknowledge the support of MICINN, Spain, and INFN, Italy, through the AIC10-D-000568 bilateral action.

High-spin states in 144 Gd have been investigated through the 108 Pd( 40 Ar, 4n) reaction. An extended level scheme is proposed. A ridge structure has been observed in a γγ coincidence matrix, consistent with energy spacings in the superdeformed bands of neighbouring nuclei. Several discrete high-spin sequences have been observed. They are interpreted in the context of cranked-Strutinsky-type calculations in terms of different coexisting shapes.

Charged-particle-γ-ray coincidences were utilized to study4He-induced break-up fusion reactions on159Tb at 25.5 MeV/A beam energy. In coincident γ-ray spectra the electric giant dipole resonance (GDR) built on highly excited states in Dy isotopes was observed. A pronounced splitting of the GDR was evident at a nuclear temperature ofT≈2 MeV which can correspond to different nuclear shapes. Consistent with available systematics a prolate deformation could be suggested in agreement with results obtained at lowerT; however, the onset of a phase transition to an oblate shape cannot be excluded. The widths of GDR components, similar to the results obtained recently from incomplete-fusion reactions with heavy ions, are as small as those of the GDR built on the ground state.

A high-performance analog-to-digital conversion technique for nuclear spectroscopy applications with unconventional architecture is described. This technique is planned to be used in Phase III of the European /spl gamma/-ray facility project EUROBALL. The conversion is based on the Moving Window Deconvolution (MWD) method for signal processing in nuclear spectroscopy which has been introduced recently. This method allows the conversion to be represented as a sequence of measurements of the total charge of the event and consequently, by applying for example a simple oversampling scheme to achieve a high accuracy. The proposed MWD-type conversion exhibits very low differential and integral nonlinearities over a 14-bit resolution range with an effective conversion dead-time virtually zero. The last feature combined with an inherent pipeline conversion structure is of great importance for applications in large-scale multi-detector arrays like EUROBALL. The key parameters of the development have been theoretically estimated and measured with a prototype consisting of a free running A/D converter and a digital signal processor. >

Cross-sections and γ-ray fold distributions have been measured for the 97Mo+51V, 100Mo+48Ti and 114Cd+36S reactions at energies of 238, 215 and 182 MeV of the 51V, 48Ti and 36S projectiles, respectively. For the 97Mo(51V, α2n 142Eu reaction channel a double-humped fold distribution has been observed. This fold distribution can only be understand if an incomplete-fusion reaction mechanism associated with the α-particle emission is assumed. The 97Mo(51V, α n 143Eu reaction channel represents an incomplete-fusion reaction channel as well and its single-humped fold distribution can be described on the same footing as that of the α2n channel. The fold distributions associated with xn and pxn channels can be explained assuming complete-fusion reactions. For the calculations in terms of an incomplete-fusion reaction mechanism a narrow angular momentum window, ranging from ≈ 68 to 82ℏ has been assumed for the 97Mo(51V, αn and α2n reaction channels. The complete-fusion reaction mechanism is considered to be negligible in this angular-momentum range.

Background Serum protein profiles have been investigated frequently to discover early biomarkers for breast cancer. So far, these studies used biological samples collected at or after diagnosis. This may limit these studies' value in the search for cancer biomarkers because of the often advanced tumor stage, and consequently risk of reverse causality. We present for the first time pre-diagnostic serum protein profiles in relation to breast cancer, using the Prospect-EPIC (European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and nutrition) cohort. Methods In a nested case-control design we compared 68 women diagnosed with breast cancer within three years after enrollment, with 68 matched controls for differences in serum protein profiles. All samples were analyzed with SELDI-TOF MS (surface enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry). In a subset of 20 case-control pairs, the serum proteome was identified and relatively quantified using isobaric Tags for Relative and Absolute Quantification (iTRAQ) and online two-dimensional nano-liquid chromatography coupled with tandem MS (2D-nanoLC-MS/MS). Results Two SELDI-TOF MS peaks with m/z 3323 and 8939, which probably represent doubly charged apolipoprotein C-I and C3a des-arginine anaphylatoxin (C3adesArg), were higher in pre-diagnostic breast cancer serum (p = 0.02 and p = 0.06, respectively). With 2D-nanoLC-MS/MS, afamin, apolipoprotein E and isoform 1 of inter-alpha trypsin inhibitor heavy chain H4 (ITIH4) were found to be higher in pre-diagnostic breast cancer (p < 0.05), while alpha-2-macroglobulin and ceruloplasmin were lower (p < 0.05). C3adesArg and ITIH4 have previously been related to the presence of symptomatic and/or mammographically detectable breast cancer. Conclusions We show that serum protein profiles are already altered up to three years before breast cancer detection.

Two new isomers have been observed in180Os. A high-K isomer withI, K ≧20 and a half-life ofT1/2=12+4 ns have been established. It deexcites via two transitions into the 18+ level of the yrare band indicating an unusually smallK-hindrance factor. Evidence for an isomer withI, K>16 and a half-life ofT1/2=41±10 ns was found. A half-life of 17±3 ns was measured for the previously known 7− state at 1862 keV. The decay scheme of the previously known 7− isomer at 1928 keV has been extended and a revised version is presented.

A new method for processing signals produced by high resolution, large volume semiconductor detectors is described. These detectors, to be used in the next generation of spectrometer arrays for nuclear research (i.e., EUROBALL, etc.), present a set of problems, such as resolution degradation due to charge trapping and ballistic deficit effects, poor resolution at a high count rate, long term and temperature instability, etc. To solve these problems, a new approach based on digital moving window deconvolution (MWD) is developed. >

Purpose: Various studies exploring the potential of the low-molecular-weight serum peptidome have identified proteolytic cleavage products of inter-α-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain-4 (ITIH 4 ) as potential markers for different types of cancer, presumably generated by tumor-associated exoproteases. However, further elucidation of the discriminative properties of such peptides requires specific quantitative analytical methods. Experimental design: Using a recently developed and fully validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric method, we have compared absolute serum concentrations of eight peptides derived from ITIH 4 [658-687] to [667-687] (ITIH 4 -30 to -21) between breast cancer patients (n = 45) and controls (n = 78). Furthermore, serum samples obtained before and after surgical removal of the tumor were analyzed (n = 30). Results: The inter-individual variability in measured serum concentrations was high. Nevertheless, most peptides showed a tendency toward elevated levels in the presence of the breast cancer tumor. Significantly increased serum concentrations were observed in the breast cancer group for ITIH 4 -25 (p = 0.036) and -29 (p = 0.015). Intra-individual comparisons of serum obtained before and after surgery showed significantly decreased serum levels after surgery for seven of the ITIH 4 -derived peptides (p

Many proteins have been proposed as potential biomarkers for breast cancer. Yet, validation of their discriminative value using quantitative methods has scarcely been performed. In this study, we investigated the discriminative value of six peptides that were previously proposed to be generated by breast cancer specific exoproteases: bradykinin, des-Arg(9)-bradykinin, Hyp(3)-bradykinin, and fragments of fibrinogen alpha-chain (Fib-alpha ([605-629])), complement component 4a (C4a ([1337-1350])), and interalpha trypsin inhibitor heavy chain 4 (ITIH4 ([666-687])). Their absolute serum concentrations were measured with a completely validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric assay (LC-MS/MS) and compared between 62 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients and 62 controls matched for age and sample storage duration. Both ITIH4 ([666-687]) and des-Arg(9)-bradykinin showed statistically significantly higher median concentrations in breast cancer samples than in matched control samples. Additionally, we analyzed serum samples collected after surgical removal of the tumor, in which median ITIH4 ([666-687]) and des-Arg(9)-bradykinin concentrations were significantly decreased and not statistically significantly different from concentrations in the controls anymore. In a combined analysis, ITIH4 (666-687]) and des-Arg(9)-bradykinin independently contributed to the discrimination between cases and controls. In this study, we confirmed that the exoprotease breakdown peptides, ITIH4 (666-687]) and des-Arg(9)-bradykinin, differed between breast cancer cases and controls, supporting the potential of degradome markers for the diagnosis of breast cancer.

M. Abdel-Bary, S. Abdel-Samad, K-Th. Brinkmann, H. Clement, J. Dietrich, E. Doroshkevich, S. Dshemuchadse, K. Ehrhardt, A. Erhardt, W. Eyrich, D. Filges, A. Filippi, H. Freiesleben, M. Fritsch, W. Gast, J. Georgi, A. Gillitzer, J. Gottwald, D. Hesselbarth, H. Jager, B. Jakob, R. Jakel, L. Karsch, K. Kilian, H. Koch, M. Krapp, J. Kres, E. Kuhlmann, A. Lehmann, S. Marcello, S. Marwinski, S. Mauro, W. Meyer, P. Michel, K. Moller, H.P. Morsch, H. Mortel, L. Naumann, N. Paul, L. Pinna, C. Pizzolotto, Ch. Plettner, S. Reimann, M. Richter, J. Ritman, E. Roderburg, A. Schamlott, P. Schonmeier, W. Schroeder, M. Schulte-Wissermann, T. Sefzick, F. Stinzig, M. Steinke, G.Y. Sun, A. Teufel, W. Ullrich, G.J. Wagner, M. Wagner, R. Wenzel, A. Wilms, P. Wintz, S. Wirth, P. Wustner, and P. Zupranski

This analysis outlines the facts concerning sports injuries and damages of 473 active basketball players covering a 5-year period in more than 100 clubs in southern Germany. The average age was 26.8 years and 34.5% were women. 658 medically treated basketball injuries were described in detail. With 40.7% distortions were the most frequent injuries followed by ruptures of ligaments in 24.6% and fractures in 9.3%. In the majority of cases the lower extremities were involved (65.3%), of which most commonly the ankle joint was injured (45.6%). Another 14% were lesions to the fingers and 12.9% trauma to the knee. In 3600 reported cases players did not consult a physician after inflicting distortions to a ankle or a finger. Aside from interaction with adversaries (41%) also the relatively heavy ball (650 g) caused 11.9% accidents. Survey shows, that younger players and "center"-players were most often subject to injuries. More than 2/3 of actives in question suffer from permanent pain due to basketball activities. 43.8%, mainly younger players, report continues pain in the knee and 28.1%, predominantly older players, suffer from permanent damage of the ankle joint, caused by repeatedly occurring, however light, distortions of the ankle.

Two discrete superdeformed bands have been found in 146Gd. The superdeformed yrast band has an average quadrupole moment of 12±2 eb and shows a band crossing with an alignment of ≈ at a rotational frequency of 0.65 MeV. No crossing has been observed for the excited superdeformed band. Configuration assignments are discussed for 146–148Gd considering (i) the crossing behaviour of the superdeformed bands and (ii) the existence of degenerate and average superdeformed bands. Arguments are given that the [651 1 2 ] and [642 5 2 ] single-particle states are involved in the band crossing.

In search for novel markers for breast cancer, we aimed to identify and validate novel serum protein profiles specific for breast cancer, and assess the influence of clinical (subjects age) and pre-analytical (sample storage duration) variables on the constructed classifiers. To this end, sera of breast cancer patients (n=152) and healthy controls (n=129), randomly divided into a training and test set, were analysed by surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF MS). In the training set, 14 peak clusters were found to differ significantly in expression between cases and controls. None of the peak clusters were influenced by subjects age and sample storage duration. Ten peak clusters were also found significantly discriminative in the test set. Peak clusters were structurally identified as C3a des-arginine anaphylatoxin, (tentative) inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain 4 fragments and a fibrinogen fragment. Logistic regression analyses on the training set yielded a classification model with a moderate performance on the test set, corresponding to those reported in previously performed validation studies. Most likely originating from the highly heterogeneous nature of breast cancer, selection of breast cancer subgroups for comparison with healthy controls is expected to improve results of future diagnostic SELDI-TOF MS studies.

Background: Issues have been raised concerning the robustness and validity of alleged serum markers discovered by surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF MS). Pre-analytical variables have been shown to exert a profound effect on protein profiles, irrespective of true biological variation. However, little is known about the possible effects of sample storage duration on protein profiles. We, therefore, aimed to investigate the effects of extended storage duration on the serum protein profile. Methods: Archival sera from 140 breast cancer patients, stored at –30°C for 1–11 years, were profiled by SELDI-TOF MS using immobilised metal affinity capture (IMAC) arrays, a condition applied in the majority of breast cancer biomarker discovery studies. Results: Fourteen peak clusters, structurally identified as C3a des-arginine anaphylatoxin and multiple fragments of albumin and fibrinogen, were found to be significantly associated with sample storage duration by five distinct patterns. These proteins have been described previously as potential cancer markers, rendering them specific to both disease and sample handling issues. Conclusions: To prevent experimental variation being interpreted erroneously as disease associated variation, assessment of potential confounding pre-analytical parameters is a pre-requisite in biomarker discovery and validation studies. In addition, with respect to the different (non-)linear patterns observed in the current study, simply performing linear corrections to account for sample storage duration will not necessarily suffice. Clin Chem Lab Med 2009;47:694–705.

Background Serum protein profiling seems promising for early detection of breast cancer. However, the approach is also criticized, partly because of difficulties in validating discriminatory proteins. This study's aim is to validate three proteins previously reported to be discriminative between breast cancer cases and healthy controls. These proteins had been identified as a fragment of inter-alpha trypsin inhibitor H4 (4.3 kDa), C-terminal-truncated form of C3a des arginine anaphylatoxin (8.1 kDa) and C3a des arginine anaphylatoxin (8.9 kDa). Methods Serum protein profiles of 48 breast cancer patients and 48 healthy controls were analyzed with surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF MS). Differences in protein intensity between breast cancer cases and controls were measured with the Mann-Whitney U test and adjusted for confounding in a multivariate logistic regression model. Results Four peaks, with mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) 4276, 4292, 8129 and 8941, were found that were assumed to represent the previously reported proteins. M/z 4276 and 4292 were statistically significantly decreased in breast cancer cases compared to healthy controls (p < 0.001). M/z 8941 was decreased in breast cancer cases (p < 0.001) and m/z 8129 was not related with breast cancer (p = 0.87). Adjustment for sample preparation day, sample storage duration and age did not substantially alter results. Conclusion M/z 4276 and 4292 both represented the previously reported 4.3 kDa protein and were both decreased in breast cancer patients, which is in accordance with the results of most previous studies. M/z 8129 was in contrast with previous studies not related with breast cancer. Remarkably, m/z 8941 was decreased in breast cancer cases whereas in previous studies it was increased. Differences in patient populations and pre-analytical sample handling could have contributed to discrepancies. Further research is needed before we can conclude on the relevance of these proteins as breast cancer biomarkers.