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International audience; Triaxial Strongly Deformed (TSD) band structures have been observed in several LuHf-Ta isotopes in the A∼165 region. The occurrence of TSD bands in Lu (Z=71) and Hf (Z=72) isotopes is not consistent with predicted proton and neutron shell gaps, probably due to inadequate knowledge of energies of high-j orbitals at large triaxiality. Based on calculated shell gaps, among the Lu isotopes, 165Lu94 and 168Lu97 are good candidates for TSD structures. However, the strongest TSD band in 163Lu92 is observed to be three times more strongly populated than the corresponding one in 165Lu94, and TSD structures have not yet been observed in 168Lu97. Further, no TSD bands have been observed in 166Hf94, which is located at the centre of the predicted TSD island. The above observations appear to indicate that, at large triaxiality, TSD structures may be favored at N=92 than at N=94. Calculations by R. Bengtsson indicate that TSD band in 166W, with a positive γ value should become yrast at spin, I∼44~. The aforesaid systematic calculations of TSD and Normal Deformed (ND) structures in Hf, Yb and W isotopes further suggest that the N=92 isotones in these three elements have higher excitation energies at normal deformation in the spin range of 30-50 ~ [1]. So, the favorable position of TSD bands in the N=92 isotones may be an outcome of the fact that the band at normal deformation goes up in energy for this neutron number. There were two previous measurements to study high-spin states in 166W. In the first measurement, a 28Si beam was used by Gerl et al. [2] and four HPGe detectors were used to record data. In the second measurement by Simpson et al. [3], the p2n reaction channel was used, and the deexciting γ rays were detected using the POLYTESSA array. The positive-parity yrast band was observed up to an excitation energy of 9 MeV, and spin, I = 30~, well below where possible TSD bands are expected to be yrast. Two other negativeparity rotational bands were also reported up to spin, I = 23~.

The first rotational sequences have been assigned to the odd-odd nucleus Re168. Coincidence relationships of these structures with rhenium x rays confirm the isotopic assignment, while arguments based on the γ-ray multiplicity (K-fold) distributions observed with the new bands lead to the mass assignment. Configurations for the two bands were determined through analysis of the rotational alignments of the structures and a comparison of the experimental B(M1)/B(E2) ratios with theory. Tentative spin assignments are proposed for the πh11/2νi13/2 band, based on energy level systematics for other known sequences in neighboring odd-odd rhenium nuclei, as well as on systematics seen for the signature inversion feature that is well known in this region. The spin assignment for the πh11/2ν(h9/2/f7/2) structure provides additional validation of the proposed spins and configurations for isomers in the Au176 → Ir172→Re168 α-decay chain.

A significant extension of the level scheme for the odd-odd nucleus Re172 was accomplished through the use of the Gammasphere spectrometer. States up to a tentative spin assignment of 39 were observed and two new structures were identified. Configuration assignments are proposed based on alignment properties and observed band crossings.

Excited states of Hf163 were populated using the Zr94(Ge74,5n) reaction and the decay γ rays were measured with the Gammasphere spectrometer. Two previously known bands were extended to higher spins, and nine new bands were identified. In addition to bands associated with three- and five-quasiparticle configurations, two γ-vibrational bands coupled to the i13/2 excitation were also observed. The lowest level of a newly identified, negative-parity band is proposed to be the ground state of the nucleus. A systematic delay of the high-spin proton crossing frequency with increasing quadrupole deformation from Hf162 to Hf172 was established. Extensive band searches failed to reveal a triaxial, strongly deformed structure in Hf163 similar to the one observed in several nuclei around A∼165.

Although the observation of wobbling was once thought to be possibly confined to lutetium isotopes in N≈94 nuclei, the identification of this exotic collective mode in 167Ta has raised the question of the role of the proton Fermi surface with regard to this phenomenon. To investigate this issue, an experiment was performed to populate high-spin states in the N=94 nucleus 169Re. The heavy-ion reaction 55Mn+118Sn was used in conjunction with Gammasphere to detect the emitted γ rays. More than 130 new transitions were added to the 169Re level scheme, including the first identification of the πi13/2 rotational sequence in this nucleus. This configuration is the structure on which all known wobbling sequences are based, but no wobbling band was observed, likely owing to the fact that the πi13/2 sequence is located at a relatively high energy in comparison with the other structures found in 169Re. Nine decay sequences are now established in this nucleus and are described within the context of the cranked shell model. In addition, significant extension of the level scheme of the odd-odd 170Re nucleus was possible and a discussion of the residual interactions for the πh 9/2νi13/2 and πi13/2νi13/2 configurations in this region is given as well.

Two new rotational bands of distinct character have been identified in 164Hf. They are suggested to correspond to the long-anticipated triaxial strongly deformed (TSD) bands predicted by theoretical studies. The bands have been linked to known states, and the level spins and energies could be determined. The bands are also substantially stronger in intensity and are located at lower spins than the previously observed TSD bands in 168Hf, hereby making 164Hf the best even-even system so far for the study of TSD structures in the A∼160 mass region. Cranking calculations based on the modified-oscillator model suggest that the bands are associated with four-quasiparticle configurations that involve high-j intruder (i13/2)2 proton orbitals.

The phenomenon of wobbling can only occur for a nuclear shape with stable triaxial deformation. To date, only a few examples of this exotic collective mode have been observed in lutetium and tantalum isotopes. A search for a wobbling sequence was performed in 171Re to determine if this feature can be observed in Z>73 nuclei. No evidence was found for wobbling; however, an interaction between the πi13/2 sequence and another positive-parity band may give an indication on why wobbling may not occur in this nucleus. The level scheme for 171Re was significantly extended and interpretations for the decay sequences are proposed within the context of the cranked shell model.

High-spin properties of the nucleus 171Hf were studied through the 128Te(48Ca,5n) reaction. Previously known bands have been extended to significantly higher spins and four new bands have been extracted from these data. The results are discussed within the framework of the cranked shell model aided by a comparison with level structures in the neighboring nuclei. The band crossings at rotational frequencies ∼500 keV are interpreted as caused by the alignments of h11/2 and h9/2 proton orbitals. Band ED2 exhibits an alignment pattern similar to that of band ED1 which was reported in a recent paper and proposed to be built on a second potential energy minimum involving the deformation-driving proton i13/2 - h9/2 configuration. It is likely that band ED2 is also associated with a deformation enhanced with respect to that of the normal deformed structures. Further experimental investigation is needed to ascertain the nature of this band.

Excited states in the neutron-deficient nucleus Ta167 were studied through the Sn120(V51,4n) reaction. Twelve rotational bands have been observed and the relative excitation energy of each sequence is now known owing to the multiple interband connections. Several quasineutron alignments were observed that aided in the quasiparticle assignments of these bands. The resulting interpretation is in line with observations in neighboring nuclei. Trends in the wobbling phonon energy seen in Lu161,163,165,167 and Ta167 are also discussed and particle-rotor model calculations (assuming constant moments of inertia) are found to be inconsistent with the experimental data.

A lifetime experiment, using the Doppler-shift attenuation method, has been performed at Gammasphere to measure the transition quadrupole moments Q t of strongly deformed bands in Hf171 and Hf172. The measured value of Qt ~ 9.5 e b for the band labeled ED in Hf171 strongly supports the recent suggestion that this sequence and several structures with similar properties in neighboring Hf isotopes are associated with a near-prolate shape with a deformation enhanced relative to that of normal deformed structures. The measured values of Qt- 14 e b for the bands labeled SD1 and SD3 in Hf172 confirm that these sequences are associated with a prolate superdeformed shape, a property inferred in earlier work from other measured characteristics of the bands. Similar bands in Hf173-175 are also likely to be associated with superdeformed shapes. The observations are in contrast to predictions of cranking calculations performed with the ultimate cranker code.

High-spin states in the odd-odd nucleus Ta168 have been populated in the Sn120(V51,3n) reaction. Two multi-quasiparticle structures have been extended significantly from spin ~20 to above 40. As a result, the first rotational alignment has been fully delineated and a second band crossing has been observed for the first time in this nucleus. Configurations for these strongly coupled rotational bands are proposed based on signature splitting, B(M1)/B(E2) ratio information, and observed rotation-alignment behavior. Properties of the observed bands in Ta168 are compared to related structures in the neighboring odd-Z, odd-N, and odd-odd nuclei and are discussed within the framework of the cranked shell model.

High-spin states in the odd-odd nucleus Ta166 are investigated through the 5n channel of the V51+Sn120 reaction. Four new bands are observed and linked into the previous level scheme. Configurations for the bands are proposed, based on measured alignments and B(M1)/B(E2) transition strength ratios.

High-spin states (I 50) of the odd-odd nucleus Ta170 have been investigated with the Sn124(51V,5n) reaction. The resolving power of Gammasphere has allowed for the observation of eleven rotational bands (eight of which are new) and over 430 transitions (~350 of which are new) in this nucleus. Many interband transitions have been observed such that the relative spins and excitation energies of the 11 bands have been established. This is an unusual circumstance in an odd-odd study. Configurations have been assigned to most of these bands based upon features such as alignment properties, band crossings, B(M1)/B(E2) ratios, and the additivity of Routhians. A systematic study of the frequency at which normal signature ordering occurs in the πh9/2νi13/2 band has been performed and it is found that its trend is opposite to that observed in the πh11/2νi13/2 bands. A possible interpretation of these trends is discussed based on a proton-neutron interaction.

The collective wobbling mode, the strongest signature for the rotation of a triaxial nucleus, has previously been seen only in a few Lu isotopes in spite of extensive searches in nearby isotopes. A sequence of transitions in the N=94 Ta167 nucleus exhibiting features similar to those attributed to the wobbling bands in the Lu nuclei has now been found. This band feeds into the πi13/2 band at a relative energy similar to that seen in the established wobbling bands and its dynamic moment of inertia and alignment properties are nearly identical to the i13/2 structure over a significant frequency range. Given these characteristics, it is likely that the wobbling mode has been observed for the first time in a nucleus other than Lu, making this collective motion a more general phenomenon.

High-spin states in Hf168 were populated in the Zr96(Ge76,4n) reaction and the decay γ rays measured with the Gammasphere spectrometer array. Previously known bands were extended to significantly higher spins and seven new bands were established. The results were interpreted within the framework of the cranked shell model with the help of comparisons with neighboring nuclei. The observation of full alignment in band crossings at a rotational frequency ω~0.55 MeV revealed that these crossings are associated with proton alignments involving h11/2 and h9/2 orbitals. The characteristics of one strongly coupled high-K band indicate that the deformation-aligned configuration is built on the same six quasiparticles that constitute the high-spin structure of a rotationally aligned band. This leads to the coexistence of two coupling schemes, deformation and rotation alignment, in six-quasiparticle structures involving the same orbitals.

A Gammasphere experiment has been carried out using the Sn122(S36,4n) reaction to search for excited superdeformed (SD) structures in Dy154 to investigate the properties of neutron orbitals at superdeformation. Five new excited SD bands have been identified with intensities ranging from ~0.7% to ~0.03% relative to the Dy154 reaction channel. Bands SD1, SD3, SD5, and SD6 are interpreted within the cranked relativistic mean field theory by using the effective alignment method. High-N intruder configurations are also discussed for bands SD2 and SD4, based on a comparison of their dynamic moments of inertia, which rise with increasing rotational frequency, with those of similar bands in neighboring nuclei.

Possible decay pathways associated with three candidates for triaxial strongly deformed (TSD) bands in Hf168 have been investigated. The spin and excitation energy of the strongest band, TSD1, were determined approximately based on γ-ray coincidence relationships. Discrete links were established for the second band. The overall agreement between the observed properties of the bands and cranking calculations using the ULTIMATE CRANKER code provides strong support for an interpretation where band TSD1 is associated with a TSD minimum, (2,γ)~(0.43,20°), involving the π(i13/2)2 and the ν(j15/2) high-j orbitals. This constitutes the first identification of a TSD band in Hf isotopes, which has been long-predicted by theoretical studies. The second band is understood as being associated with a near-prolate shape and a deformation enhanced with respect to the normal deformed bands. It is proposed to be built on the π(i13/2h9/2)ν(i13/2)2 configuration.

A Gammasphere experiment was carried out to search for triaxial strongly deformed (TSD) structures in Hf171,172 and the wobbling mode, a unique signature of nuclei with stable triaxiality. Three strongly deformed bands in Hf172 and one in Hf171 were identified through Ca48(Te128, xn) reactions. Linking transitions were established for the band in Hf171 and, consequently, its excitation energies and spins (up to 111/2) were firmly established. However, none of the Hf172 sequences were linked to known structures. Experimental evidence of triaxiality was not observed in these bands. The new bands are compared with other known strongly deformed bands in neighboring Hf isotopes. Theoretical investigations within various models have been performed. Cranking calculations with the Ultimate Cranker code suggest that the band in Hf171 and two previously proposed TSD candidates in Hf170 and Hf175 are built on proton (i13/2h9/2) configurations, associated with near-prolate shapes and deformations enhanced with respect to the normal deformed bands. Cranked relativistic mean-field calculations suggest that band 2 in Hf175 has most likely a near-prolate superdeformed shape involving the πi13/2νj15/2 high-j intruder orbitals. It is quite likely that the bands in Hf172 are similar in character to this band.

High-spin states in Lu164 were populated in the Sb121(Ca48,5n) reaction at 215 MeV and γ-ray coincidences were measured with the Gammasphere spectrometer. Through this experiment the eight known triaxial superdeformed bands in Lu164 could be confirmed. Some of these bands were extended to higher as well as to lower spins. Evidence is reported for the first time for weak ΔI=1,E1 transitions linking TSD3 and TSD1. This observation may imply coupling to octupole vibrational degrees of freedom. The decay mechanism is different from the one observed in the neighboring even-N isotopes, which exhibit wobbling excitations built on the πi13/2 structure with E2(M1),ΔI=1 interband decay. An additional sequence decaying at high spin into TSD1 was observed up to Iπ=(50-). This band has a constant dynamic moment of inertia of ∼70 2MeV-1 and an alignment that is ∼2 larger than that found for TSD1. A revision of the assumed spin-parity-assignment of TSD2 is based on the observed decay-out to normal-deformed structures. The parity and signature quantum numbers of TSD2 are now firmly assigned as (π,α)=(+,0), in disagreement with the former assignment of (π,α)=(-,1), which was based on the assumption that TSD2 is the signature partner of TSD1. TSD1 and TSD2 show an alignment gain at ω∼0.67 and 0.60 MeV, respectively. In TSD1 the involvement of the j15/2 neutron orbital is suggested to be responsible for the high-frequency crossing.

Rotational structures in the Ta169 nucleus were studied via the Sn124(V51, 6n) reaction. These data were obtained as a side channel of an experiment focusing on Ta171, but the sensitivity provided by the Gammasphere spectrometer proved sufficient for a significant extension of the level scheme of this rare-earth nucleus. Over 170 new transitions and four new band structures were placed in Ta169, including the intruder πi13/2 structure. Linking transitions between all of the sequences were identified, and the relative excitation energies between the different configurations were determined for the first time. The rotational sequences were interpreted within the framework of the cranked shell model.

High-spin states in Ba-124 were investigated in two experiments using the Ni-64(Ni-64, 4n)Ba-124 reaction at three different beam energies. In-beam gamma-ray coincidences were measured with the Euroball and Gammasphere detector arrays. In the experiment with Euroball, the CsI detector array Diamant was employed to discriminate against charged-particle channels. Six new rotational bands were observed in Ba-124, and previously known bands were extended to higher spins. One of the bands shows a transition from collective to noncollective behavior at high spins. Configuration assignments are suggested on the basis of comparison with cranked shell model and cranked Nilsson-Strutinsky calculations.

High-spin states in 161Lu were populated in the 139La(28Si, 6n) reaction and gamma-ray coincidences were measured with the EUROBALL spectrometer. On the basis of these data, the previously known level scheme is extended with new band structures and is partly revised. Configuration assignments are made to all bands based on comparison of experimental properties with cranked shell model calculations. A strongly populated band with parity and signature (pi,alpha)=(+,-1/2) is found to be yrast above spin I~=33. This band shows characteristics resembling those of two triaxial superdeformed bands in this nucleus based on the occupation of the shape-driving i13/2 proton orbital. This structure, unique to 161Lu within the chain of even-N Lu isotopes, is discussed in terms of a quasiparticle configuration in a local triaxial minimum with a larger triaxiality and a smaller quadrupole deformation than calculated for the i13/2 proton excitation.

ECOTOX is als module ontworpen voor BONANZA, een decision-support systeem (DSS) voor de risicobeoordeling van nutriënten en zware metalen voor de flora en fauna in natuurterreinen. In de huidige vorm richt de module zich specifiek op de berekening van de ecologische effecten van zware metalen op het ecosysteem en op de terrestrische fauna met gebruik van locatiespecifieke databases en bodemchemische modellen. De resultaten worden gevisualiseerd in kaarten, grafieken of opzoektabellen. Relevante modelsoorten zijn receptor van bodemverontreiniging en kunnen zowel bepaalde natuurdoelsoorten van de Ecologische Hoofdstructuur zijn als beschermde soorten en sleutelsoorten. De risicoberekeningen geschieden langs een drietal parallelle sporen, te weten: (i) een statistische risicobenadering voor een generieke samenstelling van terrestrische organismen; (ii) een deterministische modellering van effecten op dieren op basis van soortspecifieke voedselkeuze, en (iii) de modellering van de lange-termijn gevolgen voor de grootte van de populatie. De module ondersteunt de geïntegreerde beoordeling van actuele en potentiële ecologische risico’s in verontreinigde natuurgebieden en draagt bij aan technisch-wetenschappelijk en economisch verant¬woorde besluitvorming ten aanzien van de ontwikkeling en het beheer van natuur in verontreinigde gebieden

High-spin states in Ta171 were populated in the Sn124(V51,4n) reaction at 228 MeV to search for evidence of stable triaxial deformation. Identification of a wobbling sequence based on the previously known πi13/2 structure would provide a unique signature for this rarely observed shape. No such sequence was identified in these data, which suggests that the island of triaxial strongly deformed bands may be smaller than once thought. However, over 200 new transitions and two new bands were placed in the level scheme and the sequence based on the πi13/2 orbital could be observed up to spin and parity Iπ=(101/2+). The relative excitations of all the sequences were determined and the ground state of Ta171 was found to have 5/2+ quantum numbers, contrary to previous reports. All of the previously known structures were extended to much higher spin and their high-frequency band crossings are interpreted within the framework of the cranked shell model.

Dit rapport beschrijft een onderzoek naar de populatie-ecologie van regenwormen (Oligochaeta, Lumbricidae) in de Afferdensche en Deestsche Waarden (ADW), een uiterwaarde van de rivier de Waal. Ondanks het feit dat de bodem in dit gebied is verontreinigd en elk jaar overstromingen plaatsvinden komen regenwormen er in een grote soortsdiversiteit en in grote aantalsdichtheden voor. Afhankelijk van de bodemgesteldheid omvat de totale gemiddelde populatie een biomassa van 1500 kg per hectare. De uiterwaarden vormen hiermee een belangrijk voedselzoekgebied voor vermivore (wormenetende) faunasoorten en dragen als zodanig bij aan de totale biodiversiteit van de natuur in Nederland. Om de ecologische betekenis van multipele stress in beeld te brengen is onderzoek verricht naar de invloed van potentieel sturende omgevingsfactoren, waaronder hoogteligging, textuur en verontreiniging van de bodem, nutriëntengehalten en bodemvocht. Uit (multivariate) statistische analyse bleek dat de hydrodynamiek van het gebied en het bodemvochtgehalte belangrijke sturende variabelen vormden voor de soortsdiversiteit en populatiedichtheden, terwijl de aanwezige metaalverontreiniging in dit opzicht van mindere betekenis was. Vanuit het oogpunt van praktische toepasbaarheid leveren de resultaten belangrijke aanknopingspunten op voor het bodem- en natuurbeheer van de uiterwaarden in Nederland.

Multiple band structures in 179Au are established from γ-ray spectroscopic measurements with Gammasphere at the Argonne Fragment Mass Analyzer. The yrast band, based on the 13/2+ proton, confirms the predicted drop in excitation energy of the prolate deformed band head as compared to the heavier isotopes. The implications for the prolate energy minimum in odd-mass Au nuclei beyond the neutron i13/2 midshell (N

High-spin states in 174Pt were populated via the 92Mo(84Sr, 2p) and 92Mo(84Sr, 2p2n) reactions. The ground-state band has been extended from I= 14 to 24 (tentatively 26) and a new side band is observed up to a spin of 21 (tentatively 23). A low-frequency crossing is observed in the latter band at a rotational frequency that is similar to that seen in the ground-state band. The first and second i13/2 neutron alignments are also observed in 174Pt. Surprisingly, these crossings occur at approximately the same frequency. Total Routhian surface and cranked shell model calculations are used in an attempt to understand this behavior.