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The heaviest nuclei where excitations above the ground state can be studied lie near Z ~ 100. These nuclear structure studies are important testing grounds for theoretical models that aim to describe superheavy nuclei. To study the highest neutron orbitals (150 ≤ N ≤ 154), we have populated high angular momentum states in a series of Pu (Z = 94), Cm (Z = 96) and Cf (Z = 98) nuclei, via inelastic and transfer reactions, with heavy beams on long-lived radioactive actinide targets. Multiple collective excitation modes and structures were identified, and their configurations deduced. Quasiparticle alignments are mapped, with odd-A band structures helping identify specific orbital contributions via blocking arguments. Higher-order multipole shapes are observed to play a significant role in disentangling competing neutron and proton alignments. The N > 152 data provide new perspectives on physics beyond the N = 152 sub-shell gap.

Introduction: Chromogenic substrate assays (CSA) to measure Factor IX (FIX) have recently become commercially available. However, information on their performance characteristics and use in diagnostic haemostasis laboratories remains limited. Aim: To evaluate the Hyphen Biomed (Hyphen) and Rossix FIX CSAs on fully automated coagulation analysers and compare them to the FIX one‐stage assay (OSA). This study was conducted in a tertiary referral haemostasis laboratory associated with a haemophilia treatment centre. Methods: Automated CSA protocols were adapted to the Sysmex CS2500 (CS2500) and Diagnostica Stago STA‐R (STA‐R) analysers. Samples assayed were from healthy volunteers, haemophilia B patients and FIX deficient plasma spiked with either plasma derived, recombinant or extended half‐life FIX products. Results: Reference intervals for Hyphen and Rossix assays were 73 IU/dL to 164 IU/dL and 73 IU/dL to 168 IU/dL, respectively, on the CS2500 analyser; and 84 IU/dL to 165 IU/dL for the Rossix assay on the STA‐R. Repeatability across all method/analyser combinations resulted in CVs ranging from 0.8% to 5.4%. Between run reproducibility gave CVs <6.7% for all method/analyser combinations. In spiked samples, FIX recoveries were mostly within an acceptable limit of 100 ± 25% for BeneFIX®, Rixubis® and Alprolix® with some differences between CSAs. Conclusion: Both commercial factor FIX CSA kits can be adapted for Stago and Sysmex automated coagulation analysers. Reagent cost and workflow practices will need to be considered. These assays are potentially more consistent than OSA in measurement of replacement FIX products in haemophilia B patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on the first measurement of the fission barrier height in a heavy shell-stabilized nucleus. The fission barrier height of 254No is measured to be Bf = 6.0 ± 0.5 MeV at spin 15ħ and, by extrapolation, Bf = 6.6 ± 0.9 MeV at spin Oħ. This information is deduced from the measured distribution of entry points in the excitation energy versus spin plane. The same measurement is performed for 220Th and only a lower limit of the fission barrier height can be determined: Bf (I) > 8 MeV. Comparisons with theoretical fission barriers test theories that predict properties of superheavy elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wound bed preparation has been performed for over two decades, and the concept is well accepted.The 'TIME' acronym, consisting of tissue debridement, infection or infl ammation, moisture balance andedge effect, has assisted clinicians systematically in wound assessment and management. While thefocus has usually been concentrated around the wound, the evolving concept of wound bed preparationpromotes the treatment of the patient as a whole. This article discusses wound bed preparation andits clinical management components along with the principles of advanced wound care managementat the present time. Management of tissue necrosis can be tailored according to the wound and localexpertise. It ranges from simple to modern techniques like wet to dry dressing, enzymatic, biological andsurgical debridement. Restoration of the bacterial balance is also an important element in managingchronic wounds that are critically colonized. Achieving a balance moist wound will hasten healing andcorrect biochemical imbalance by removing the excessive enzymes and growth factors. This can beachieved will multitude of dressing materials. The negative pressure wound therapy being one of thegreat breakthroughs. The progress and understanding on scientifi c basis of the wound bed preparationover the last two decades are discussed further in this article in the clinical perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The energies of 2-quasiparticle (2-qp) states in heavy shell-stabilized nuclei provide information on the single-particle states that are responsible for the stability of superheavy nuclei. We have calculated the energies of 2-qp states in 256Rf, which suggest that a long-lived, low-energy 8- isomer should exist. A search was conducted for this isomer through a calorimetric conversion electron signal, sandwiched in time between implantation of a 256Rf nucleus and its fission decay, all within the same pixel of a double-sided Si strip detector. A 17(5)-μs isomer was identified. However, its low population, ∼5(2)% that of the ground state instead of the expected ∼30%, suggests that it is more likely a 4-qp isomer. Possible reasons for the absence of an electromagnetic signature of a 2-qp isomer decay are discussed. These include the favored possibility that the isomer decays by fission, with a half-life indistinguishably close to that of the ground state. Another possibility, that there is no 2-qp isomer at all, would imply an abrupt termination of axially symmetric deformed shapes at Z = 104, which describes nuclei with Z = 92-103 very well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent experiments in the actinide region, using Gammasphere and the evaporation residue detector HERCULES, have covered the territory between N = 126 and the center of static octupole deformation at N = 134. The 220Th nucleus and the neighboring 218Ra and 219Th nuclei mark the emergence of quadrupole-octupole collectivity in this mass region. Their octupole bands have B(E1)/B(E2) ratios which are typical for the region, but the level spacings do not concur with a rotational-like behavior. In addition, a spin-dependent staggering of the B(E1)/B(E2) ratios is evident. These features can be described, based on a phonon picture, by a constant-frequency tidal-wave mode for a reflection-asymmetric nuclear surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A search for in-beam γ-ray transitions in 101Sn, which contains only one neutron outside the 100Sn core, using a novel approach was carried out at the Argonne Tandem-Linac System. 101Sn nuclei were produced using the 46Ti(58Ni, 3n)101Sn fusion-evaporation reaction. Beta-delayed protons with energies and decay times consistent with previous 101Sn decay studies were observed at the focal plane of the Fragment Mass Analyzer. In-beam γ rays were detected in the Gammasphere Ge-detector array and were correlated with the 101Sn β-delayed protons using the Recoil-Decay Tagging method. As a result, a γ-ray transition between the single-neutron vg7/2 and vd5/2 states situated at the Fermi surface was identified. The measured vg7/2-vd5/2 energy splitting was compared with predictions corresponding to various mean-field potentials and was used to calculate multi-neutron configurations in light Sn isotopes. Similar approach can be used to study core excitations in 101Sn and other exotic nuclei near 100Sn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skin allografts have been used in medical practice for over a century owing to their unique composition as a biological dressing. Skin allografts can be obtained in several preparations such as cryopreserved, glycerol-preserved, and fresh allograft. A glycerol-preserved allograft (GPA) was introduced in the early 1980s. It has several advantages compared with other dressings such as ease of processing, storage and transport, lower cost, less antigenicity, antimicrobial properties, and neo-vascularisation promoting properties. Skin allografts are mainly used in the management of severe burn injuries, chronic ulcers, and complex, traumatic wounds. Published reports of the use of skin allografts in association with free flap surgery are few or non existent. We would like to share our experience of several cases of free tissue transfer that utilised GPA as a temporary wound dressing in multiple scenarios. On the basis of this case series, we would like to recommend that a GPA be used as a temporary dressing in conjunction with free flap surgery when required to protect the flap pedicle, allowing time for the edema to subside and the wound can then be closed for a better aesthetic outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excited states in 124Xe were populated in the reaction 82Se(48Ca, 6 n)124Xe and γ -ray coincidence relationships were measured with the Gammasphere spectrometer. Two new bands are observed and several of the previously known bands are extended in the high- as well as in the low-spin region. Two irregular high-spin structures are also added. The irregularities are a fingerprint of a transition from collective to non-collective behaviour. Configuration assignments to the new structures are proposed on the basis of systematics and by comparing experimental properties with calculations within the framework of the cranking model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-spin states in 124,125,126Xe have been populated in the reaction 82Se (48Ca, xn)130-xXe and γ-ray coincidences were measured with the GAMMASPHERE spectrometer. Twelve new bands extending into the spin 50-60 ħ region are identified in 125Xe and 126Xe and previously known rotational bands at low spins are confirmed and extended. Earlier known structures in 124Xe are confirmed and a new band is observed. Irregular structures are identified at the top of the yrast and a side band in this nucleus. Configuration assignments for the different structures are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The doubly magic N = Z nucleus 56Ni has been investigated with two fusion-evaporation reactions; 40Ca(28Si, 3α)56Ni at a beam energy of 122MeV and 28Si(32S, 2p2n)56Ni at 130MeV. To detect γ-rays in coincidence with evaporated particles the Ge-detector array Gammasphere was used in conjunction with the charged-particle detector system, Microball and a 1π neutron detector array. Results include a significantly extended level scheme of 56Ni, which is compared to large-scale shell model calculations in the fp shell. The experimental and theoretical results agree to a large extent, with one notable exception; the theoretical model fails to predict the proper sequence of the yrast and yrare 8+ states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on four recent results concerning the population and the decay of superdeformed states, namely the structure of excited superdeformed states in 194Hg, the search for fine structure of the last superdeformed transitions in 194Pb, the primary decay-out strength analysis in 194Hg and, as a consequence of this, the possibility of using the decay-out as a tool to study order-to-chaos properties of normally deformed states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gamma-rays from the odd-odd transitional proton-emitting nucleus 146Tm have been observed using the recoil-decay tagging technique. A rotational band similar to the h11/2 decoupled band in 147Tm has been observed. The particle decay of 146Tm has been measured with improved statistics. A new decay scheme for 146Tm is discussed with reference to prompt and delayed γ-rays detected in coincidence with particle decays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excited states in 3 transitional proton emitters 145, 146, 147Tm were studied using the Gammasphere Ge array coupled with the Argonne Fragment Mass Analyzer. The 147Tm level scheme was extended and the unfavored signature partner of the decoupled proton h11/2 band was found. A rotational band feeding the high-spin isomer in 146Tm was observed with properties similar to the 147Tm ground-state band. A regular sequence of γ rays correlated with the ground-state 145Tm proton decay has properties of the h11/2 band as well. In addition, coincidences between the fine structure proton line and the 2+ → 0+ γ-ray transition in the daughter nucleus were detected. Comparison between level energies measured and calculated using the Particle Rotor model indicates that 145Tm might be γ-soft. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An oblate rotational sequence, built on an aligned, two-quasineutron isomeric state has been established in 196Pt. The isomer has a half-life of 7.7(7) ns and is associated with the Iπ = 12+, (i13/2)² neutron configuration. Excited states, with angular momentum generated primarily through successive nucleon alignments, have been populated through 1p transfer from 197Au. The nucleus 196Pt is the most neutron-rich Pt isotope for which high-spin states, beyond the 12+ isomeric state, have been established thus far. Cranked shell model calculations have been performed to understand shape evolution with spin, and the role of nucleons occupying specific Nilsson orbitals in generating aligned angular momentum for both prolate and oblate deformations has been explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The level scheme of the nucleus 120Te, populated in the reaction 80Se(48Ca,α4n), was reinvestigated using γ-ray coincidence data measured with the Gammasphere spectrometer. Previously, five high-spin rotational bands were discovered in this nucleus. The present reinvestigation revealed that the decay of band b1 is more complex than suggested in the earlier work and that it cannot be uniquely determined. Furthermore, a number of new transitions are added to the level scheme. The implications for the spin assignments and excitation energies of the five bands and for comparisons with cranked Nilsson-Strutinsky calculations are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New positive-parity states, having a bandlike structure, were observed in 105Ru. The nucleus was produced in an induced fission reaction, and the prompt γ-rays, emitted from the fragments, were detected by the EUROBALL III multidetector array. The partial scheme of excited 105Ru levels is analyzed within the triaxial-rotor-plus-particle approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have studied the fission-neutron emission competition in highly excited 274Hs (Z = 108) (where the fission barrier is due to shell effects) formed by a hot fusion reaction. Matching cross bombardments (26Mg + 248Cm and 25Mg + 248Cm) were used to identify the properties of first chance fission of 274Hs. A Harding-Farley analysis of the fission neutrons emitted in the 25,26Mg + 248Cm was performed to identify the prescission and postscission components of the neutron multiplicities in each system. (Γn/Γt) for the first chance fission of 274Hs (E* = 63 MeV) is 0.89 ± 0.13; i.e., ∼90% of the highly excited nuclei survive. The high value of that survival probability is due to dissipative effects during deexcitation. A proper description of the survival probabilities of excited superheavy nuclei formed in hot fusion reactions requires consideration of both dynamic and static (shell-related) effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]