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Low-energy investigations on rare ion beams are often limited by the available intensity and purity of the ion species in focus. Here, we present the first application of a technique that combines in-flight production at relativistic energies with subsequent secondary beam storage, accumulation and finally deceleration to the energy of interest. Using the FRS and ESR facilities at GSI, this scheme was pioneered to provide a secondary beam of $^{118}$Te$^{52+}$ for the measurement of nuclear proton-capture at energies of 6 and 7 MeV/u. The technique provided stored beam intensities of about $10^6$ ions at high purity and brilliance, representing a major step towards low-energy nuclear physics studies using rare ion beams.

Experimental determination of the cross sections of proton capture on radioactive nuclei is extremely difficult. Therefore, it is of substantial interest for the understanding of the production of the p-nuclei. For the first time, a direct measurement of proton-capture cross sections on stored, radioactive ions became possible in an energy range of interest for nuclear astrophysics. The experiment was performed at the Experimental Storage Ring (ESR) at GSI by making use of a sensitive method to measure (p,γ) and (p,n) reactions in inverse kinematics. These reaction channels are of high relevance for the nucleosyn-thesis processes in supernovae, which are among the most violent explosions in the universe and are not yet well understood. The cross section of the 118Te(p,γ) reaction has been measured at energies of 6 MeV/u and 7 MeV/u. The heavy ions interacted with a hydrogen gas jet target. The radiative recombination process of the fully stripped 118Te ions and electrons from the hydrogen target was used as a luminosity monitor. An overview of the experimental method and preliminary results from the ongoing analysis will be presented.

Neutron-induced reaction cross sections of unstable nuclei are essential for understanding the synthesis of heavy elements in stars and for applications in nuclear technology. However, their measurement is very complicated due to the radioactivity of the targets involved. We propose to circumvent this problem by using the surrogate reaction method in inverse kinematics, where the nucleus formed in the neutron- induced reaction of interest is produced by a reaction involving a radioactive heavy-ion beam and a stable, light target nucleus. The probabilities as a function of the compound-nucleus excitation energy for γ-ray emission, neutron emission and fission, which can be measured with the surrogate reaction, are particularly useful to constrain model parameters and to obtain more accurate predictions of the neutron-induced reaction cross sections of interest. Yet, the full development of the surrogate method is hampered by numerous long- standing target issues, which can be solved by combining surrogate reactions with the unique and largely unexplored possibilities at heavy-ion storage rings. In this contribution, we describe the developments we are carrying out to measure for the first time simultaneously γ-ray emission, neutron emission and fission probabilities at the storage rings of the GSI/FAIR facility. In particular, we will present the first results of the proof of principle experiment, which we performed in June 2022 at the Experimental Storage Ring (ESR) of GSI/FAIR.

The electron capture process was studied for Xe$^{54+}$ colliding with H$_2$ molecules at the internal gas target of the ESR storage ring at GSI, Darmstadt. Cross section values for electron capture into excited projectile states were deduced from the observed emission cross section of Lyman radiation, being emitted by the hydrogen-like ions subsequent to the capture of a target electron. The ion beam energy range was varied between 5.5 MeV/u and 30.9 MeV/u by applying the deceleration mode of the ESR. Thus, electron capture data was recorded at the intermediate and in particular the low collision energy regime, well below the beam energy necessary to produce bare xenon ions. The obtained data is found to be in reasonable qualitative agreement with theoretical approaches, while a commonly applied empirical formula significantly overestimates the experimental findings.

Luminosity is a measure of the colliding frequency between beam and target and it is a crucial parameter for the measurement of absolute values, such as reaction cross sections. In this paper, we make use of experimental data from the ESR storage ring to demonstrate that the luminosity can be precisely determined by modelling the measured Rutherford scattering distribution. The obtained results are in good agreement with an independent measurement based on the x-ray normalization method. Our new method provides an alternative way to precisely measure the luminosity in low-energy stored-beam configurations. This can be of great value in particular in dedicated low-energy storage rings where established methods are difficult or impossible to apply., 8 pages, 5 figures

Physics letters / B 763, 16 - 19 (2016). doi:10.1016/j.physletb.2016.10.015, Published by North-Holland Publ., Amsterdam

This project has received funding from the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (Grant Agreement No. 682841 “ASTRUm”). This work is supported by the Helmholtz International Center for FAIR (HIC for FAIR), by the Bundesministerium fur Bildung und Forschung (BMBF) (05P15RFFAA, 05P15RGFAA), by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) UK (ST/L005824/1, ST/M001652/1, ST/M006085), by the Helmholtz-CAS Joint Research Group (HCJRG-108), and by the Helmholtz-OCPC Postdoctoral Program (GSI08). C. L. W. acknowledges support by the European Research Council (Grant Agreement ERC-2015-StG No. 677497 “DoRES”). S. D. gratefully acknowledges the support provided by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and the Jordanian Scientific Research Support Fund under Grant No. Bas/2/4/2014. S. Yu. T. acknowledges the support by the DAAD through Mendeleev Grant, SPbU(28999675). C. L. and J. G. thank the ExtreMe Matter Institute EMMI at GSI, Darmstadt, and JINA-CEE (NSF Grant No. PHY-1430152) for support in the framework of the EMMI/JINA-CEE Workshop “NARRS” during which this work was discussed.

A heavy-ion detector was developed for decay studies in the Experimental Storage Ring (ESR) at the GSI Helmholtz Centre for Heavy Ion Research in Darmstadt, Germany. This detector serves as a prototype for the in-pocket particle detectors for future experiments with the Collector Ring (CR) at FAIR (Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research). The detector includes a stack of six silicon pad sensors, a double-sided silicon strip detector (DSSD), and a CsI(Tl) scintillation detector. It was used successfully in a recent experiment for the detection of the β+-decay of highly charged 142Pm60+ ions. Based on the Δ E / E technique for particle identification and an energy resolution of 0.9% for Δ E and 0.5% for E (Full Width at Half Maximum (FWHM)), the detector is well-suited to distinguish neighbouring isobars in the region of interest.

BackgroundMuslim norms concerning palliative sedation can differ from secular and non-Muslim perceptions. Muslim physicians working in a Western environment are expected to administer palliative sedation when medically indicated. Therefore, they can experience tension between religious and medical norms.ObjectiveTo gain insight into the professional experiences of Muslim physicians with palliative sedation in terms of religious and professional norms.DesignInterpretative phenomenological study using semi-structured interviews to take a closer look at the experiences of Muslim physicians with palliative sedation. Data were recorded, transcribed and analysed by means of interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA).ParticipantsTen Muslim physicians, working in the Netherlands, with professional experience of palliative sedation.ResultsTwo main themes were identified: professional self-concept and attitudes towards death and dying. Participants emphasized their professional responsibility when making treatment decisions, even when these contravened the prevalent views of Islamic scholars. Almost all of them expressed the moral obligation to fight their patients’ pain in the final stage of life. Absence of acceleration of death was considered a prerequisite for using palliative sedation by most participants.ConclusionsAlthough the application of palliative sedation caused friction with their personal religious conceptions on a good death, participants followed a comfort-oriented care approach corresponding to professional medical standards. All of them adopted efficient strategies for handling of palliative sedation morally and professionally. The results of this research can contribute to and provide a basis for the emergence of new, applied Islamic ethics regarding palliative sedation.

A novel method for measuring nuclear reactions in inverse kinematics with stored ion beams was successfully used to extract the nuclear-matter radius of $^{58}\mathrm{Ni}$. The experiment was performed at the experimental heavy-ion storage ring at the GSI facility using a stored $^{58}\mathrm{Ni}$ beam at energies of 100 and 150 MeV/u and an internal helium gas-jet target. Elastically scattered $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-recoils at low momentum transfers were measured with an in-ring detector system compatible with ultrahigh vacuum. Experimental angular distributions were fitted using density-dependent optical model potentials within the eikonal approximation. This permitted the extraction of the point-matter root-mean-square radius of $^{58}\mathrm{Ni}$ with an average value of 3.70(7) fm. Results from this work are in good agreement with several experiments performed in the past in normal kinematics. This pioneering experiment demonstrates a major breakthrough towards future investigations with far-from-stability stored beams using the present technique.

We present measurements of the energy loss of relativistic highly charged uranium ions interacting with a target beam of near-liquid density hydrogen droplets at the experimental storage ring (ESR) at GSI. Our results reveal that a liquid droplet target beam virtually behaves like a homogeneous gas jet target with respect to both energy loss and ion beam cooling. We also provide first results on ion beam cooling efficiency at high hydrogen area target densities, which are consistent with numerical estimations based on a simple model of the cooling force.

After a short discussion of important issues concerning the secularization debate and the three meta-narratives involved in this debate (decline, transformation, rise), the following question is addressed: in modern societies, has 'religion' given way to 'spirituality' on the individual level? After a critique of different conceptualizations of spirituality for empirical research and a sample discussion of survey data (results of the European Values Study for the Netherlands between 1980 and 2000), the answer is negative. The suggestion is that spirituality appears as a megatrend in the mass media marketing commodities and in the publications of social scientists trying to attract a broader audience. But the so-called spiritual trend at the level of individual 'religious' orientations is the result of a questionable terminological construction or a questionable interpretation of survey data or arises from a combination of the two.

PURPOSE: The medical X-ray exposure was determined in a 2400-bed hospital. The radiation-related risk was compared with the severity of disease (ICD) to verify the justification for X-ray procedures. A model to estimate radiation and disease-related „loss of lifetime” was applied. MATERIALS AND METHODS: X-ray exposure from radiography, fluoroscopy and CT was determined for diagnostic and interventional procedures during one hospital stay of 403 patients (0.5 % of all 80 000 patients/year). CTDI and DLP in CT, DAP in fluoroscopy or SED in radiography were used to calculate the effective dose (ED). The disease and radiation-related risk were compared with a simple „loss of lifetime” model. RESULTS: The mean age of all patients was 60. Only a subgroup of 170 patients (42 %) with a mean age of 67.6 had one or more X-ray procedures. The average ED of these exposed patients was 5.12 mSv. 14.4 % CT examinations had a dose contribution of 52.5 % followed by 5.3 % radiology and cardiology procedures at 37.2 %. 90 % of ED was applied to only 44 patients (11 %) and 50 % of ED was applied to only 10 patients (2.5 %) with a mean age of 71.2. 4 of these 10 patients had malignant tumors, the other 6 suffered from pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, stentgraft infection, CAD, Crohn’s disease and severe hypertension. The ratio of disease vs. radiation-related risk was between 2.1 : 1 and 1800 : 1. CONCLUSION: In this study referral for justified X-ray procedures in a large hospital with high level medical care offers a significant patient benefit.

We carried out an extensive investigation on the production of cryogenically cooled liquid hydrogen and helium droplet beams at the experimental storage ring at GSI with the goal to achieve high area densities for these low- Z internal targets. Our results show that an area density of up to 10 14 cm - 2 is achieved for both light gases by expanding the liquid through sub-10 μ m diameter nozzles. The achieved area density is comparable with the previous results for the hydrogen internal target and represents an improvement by about four orders of magnitude for the helium target.

This contribution presents some results from the first feasibility measurement performed at GSI using a 350 MeV/nucleon 136 Xe beam and a Hydrogen gas-jet target. In this feasibility study, one element of every possible detection part of the future EXL detection system was investigated. In addition, simulation results for EXL setup will be presented.

Radiative processes occurring in collision of decelerated bare uranium ions and molecular hydrogen are studied at the heavy-ion storage ring ESR. The combination of the deceleration technique and the narrow Compton profile of molecular hydrogen allowed us to resolve a multitude of REC transitions into the bound states of the projectile and to resolve unambiguously the tip region of primary bremsstahlung. For this purpose, a supersonic molecular hydrogen jet-target, precooled with liquid nitrogen and optimized for long-term stability, was applied.

We have measured the nuclear-matter distribution of the doubly-magic N = Z nucleus Ni-56 by investigating elastic proton scattering in inverse kinematics. The radioactive beam of Ni-56 was injected and stored in the experimental storage ring (ESR, GSI) and interacted with an internal hydrogen gas-jet target. The high revolution frequency of the ions in the ring enabled a high luminosity, despite the low density of the target being used. This way, measurements at very low momentum transfers became possible. By measuring the energy and the scattering angle of the recoiling protons, we were able to separate the elastic reaction channel from inelastic scattering to the first excited 2(+) state of Ni-56 and deduced the differential cross section of Ni-56 (p, p)(56) Ni. The data were analyzed within the framework of the Glauber multiple-scattering theory in order to extract the nuclear-matter radius and radial matter distribution of Ni-56. Parameterizing the matter distribution with the phenomenological Symmetrized Fermi distribution, a preliminary value of 3.5 fm for the rms matter radius was deduced. This experiment was part of an EXL (EXotic nuclei studied in Light-ion induced reactions at storage rings) campaign at GSI in 2012 and was the first successful investigation of nuclear reactions with a stored radioactive beam ever.

In the first campaign of the exotic nuclei studied with light-ion induced reaction in storage rings (EXL) collaboration at the existing storage ring experimental heavy-ion storage ring (ESR) at Helmholtz Center for Heavy Ion Research (GSI), we performed the first experiments using a stored beam of 58Ni and an internal helium gas-jet target aiming for the investigation of isoscalar giant resonances in inverse kinematics. In this experiment, inelastically scattered recoil particles (at very forward angles, °) were detected with a dedicated setup, including ultra-high vacuum (UHV)-compatible double-sided silicon strip detector (DSSDs). Preliminary results show evidence for the excitation of the isoscalar giant monopole resonance (ISGMR) in the 58Ni nucleus. This opens the opportunity to study in the near future giant resonances also with stored radioactive beams, like 56Ni, and extract important information about the nuclear matter incompressibility. In the present work the current status of the data analysis and results are shown and discussed.

This work presents a direct measurement of the $^{96}$Ru($p, \gamma$)$^{97}$Rh cross section via a novel technique using a storage ring, which opens opportunities for reaction measurements on unstable nuclei. A proof-of-principle experiment was performed at the storage ring ESR at GSI in Darmstadt, where circulating $^{96}$Ru ions interacted repeatedly with a hydrogen target. The $^{96}$Ru($p, \gamma$)$^{97}$Rh cross section between 9 and 11 MeV has been determined using two independent normalization methods. As key ingredients in Hauser-Feshbach calculations, the $\gamma$-ray strength function as well as the level density model can be pinned down with the measured ($p, \gamma$) cross section. Furthermore, the proton optical potential can be optimized after the uncertainties from the $\gamma$-ray strength function and the level density have been removed. As a result, a constrained $^{96}$Ru($p, \gamma$)$^{97}$Rh reaction rate over a wide temperature range is recommended for $p$-process network calculations.

A crystal spectrometer has been constructed in the Focusing Compensated Asymmetric Laue geometry covering the energy range between 30 and 120 keV. We summarize the crystal optics and show the usefulness of the instrument for spectroscopy of stationary and fast moving X-ray sources. Results are reported from several tests employing a 169 Yb gamma-ray source and the Lyman radiation of one-electron Au 78+ ions travelling at a velocity corresponding to β = v / c o ≈0.44.

Ceramic ultrafiltration and nanofiltration membranes (TiO2) are prepared by sol-gel route using a special arrangement which allows the reaction of the reactants directly in the pores of a tubular Al2O3 support or on its surface, respectively. By this direct synthesis the number of technological steps can be reduced which is the main advantage of the method. The produced layers are well joined with the Al2O3 support and the reaction can be adjusted by various technological parameters. The dried and sintered coatings are characterized by X-Ray diffraction, FESEM and AFM. In addition, pore size distribution and filtration properties are investigated and discussed.

In bulk metal forming the tribological state is significantly dependent on the surface topography of tool and workpiece. To provide the process with an improved tribological behaviour in some cases the billet's surface is prepared by shot blasting. Micro texturing of the tool surface provides an additional opportunity to optimise the frictional conditions. This paper deals with the investigation of micro texturing of the surface of TiN-coated tools with regard to their tribological behaviour in the field of cold forging. The micro textures are applied by excimer laser radiation. Tool life investigations in an industrial press shop yield that the tool surface can be improved significantly leading to higher tool life.

The 124Xe(p,γ) reaction has been measured for the first time at energies around the Gamow window by using stored ions at the ESR facility. The desired beam energies below 10 MeV/u introduce new experimental challenges like windowless ions detection under UHV conditions, extremely short beam lifetimes and efficient beam deceleration and cooling, all of which have been successfully met.

The investigation of light-ion induced direct reactions using stored and cooled radioactive beams, interacting with internal targets of storage rings, can lead to substantial advantages over external target experiments, in particular for direct reaction experiments in inverse kinematics at very low momentum transfer, q. This new and challenging experimental technique enables high-resolution measurements down to very low q and provides a gain in luminosity from accumulation and recirculation of the stored beams. For performing first experiments of this kind a dedicated experimental setup housing several DSSD (Double-sided Silicon Strip Detector) and Si(Li) detectors for recoil particles, well suited for meeting the demanding UHV (Ultra High Vacuum) conditions of a storage ring, was recently designed, constructed and installed at the internal target of the ESR storage ring at GSI. From the interaction of a stored 56Ni beam with an internal H2 target, good quality differential cross section data for elastic proton scattering, measured with the aim to determine the radial shape of the nuclear matter distribution of 56Ni, were obtained. Preliminary results are presented. Being the first reaction experiment ever performed with a stored radioactive beam on a world-wide scale, this experiment can be considered as a breakthrough for nuclear structure and astrophysics studies, and, in addition, as a successful proof-of-principle of the new experimental concept. In addition, preliminary results from a feasibility study on inelastic α-scattering from 58Ni in inverse kinematics, where it was demonstrated that the Isoscalar Giant Monopole Resonance in 58Ni can be investigated by the present technique down to CM angles below 1 degree, are discussed. Such an experiment, performed in the future with the doubly magic 56Ni, would provide important information on the EOS of nuclear matter.

The European physical journal / Web of Conferences 66, 03093 (2014). doi:10.1051/epjconf/20146603093, Published by EDP Sciences, Les Ulis

Ceramic ZrO2 and TiO2 nanofiltration membranes were produced by using a polymeric sol gel route. The influence of different parameters like additives and solvents onto the hydrolysis and polycondensation properties of the sols was studied by IR- and NMR-spectroscopy and viscosity measurements. The prepared ceramic membranes were characterized by different methods. Structure and phases were investigated by X-ray diffraction, thickness and quality by the aid of SEM and FESEM. The membranes exhibit an average pore size in the range of 1–2 nm as determined from N2-adsorption–desorption measurements. The filtration properties of the membranes were examined by filtration tests with two colouring agents. A cut-off value of less than 1000 Da was determined.

Nanocrystalline zirconia powders prepared by laser evaporation were analyzed by electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. A very high volume fraction of tetragonal particles was found, although the majority of particles is significantly larger than the equilibrium size of the tetragonal → monoclinic transformation. Nanopowder of yttria stabilized (2.4 mol% Y 2 O 3 ) zirconia was used to prepare nanocrystalline ceramics by pressureless sintering at T = 1400°C. At T ≥ 1200°C the samples show superplastic behavior with an activation energy of 585 kJ mol -1 and a stress exponent of about 1.8.

Nanocrystalline ceramic powders (ZrO 2 , Al 2 O 3 , Si 3 N 4 , AlN) are prepared by evaporation of solid materials (sintered rods or coarse powder) in the-foeus of a CO 2 laser and the following recondensation in a carrier gas stream. The production rates are in the range of 40-100 g h -1 (cw mode, oxides) or more than 200 g h -1 (cw mode, nitrides), respectively. The particle size distribution can be influenced by different parameters of the formation process like laser power, area of the laserfocus, pulse length in case of pw mode, streaming velocity and type of the carrier gas. The powders consist of nearly spherical particles with diameters in the range of 10-100 nanometers. Features of the produced alumina and zirconia powders are reported concerning phase transformation, behaviour in suspensions and processing properties.

Friction and wear in metal-forming processes are dependent on several parameters, including sliding velocity, temperature, material combination, etc. Surface topography also plays an important role. It is evident that so-called lubricant pockets can improve the tribological state. Excimer laser material processing makes it possible to generate such pockets, even on complex-shaped, uncoated as well as coated-forming tools and with flexibility considering the arrangement and geometry of the textures. This paper deals with the investigation of the influence of direct laser texturing of coated tools on tribology in cold-forging processes. The arrangement, size, and geometry of the texture elements were chosen according to results of previous basic investigations. The tribological state is determined by means of industrial tool life tests. The results proved that tool life can be increased significantly, in some cases to more than 300 per cent.

21st International School on Nuclear Physics and Applications & the International Symposium on Exotic Nuclei, Varna, Bulgaria, 7 Sep 2015 - 12 Sep 2015; Journal of physics / Conference Series Conference Series 724(1), 012026 - (2016). doi:10.1088/1742-6596/724/1/012026, The EXL project aims to study nuclear structure by direct reactions in inverse kinematics at the storage rings of the future FAIR facility. In this contribution, we present the status of the project: the technical implementation at the ESR at GSI and preliminary results of the EXL campaign in 2012, the first using also a radioactive beam., Published by IOP Publ., Bristol

The investigation of light-ion reactions with exotic beams in inverse kinematics gives access to a comprehensive range of nuclear structure information in the region far off stability. The future FAIR facility at CSI will provide new opportunities to extend and advance these investigations. The present paper will focus on the results of the first feasibility experiment for the EXL project in which we used a stored (136)Xe beam with E = 350 MeV/nucleon interacting with an internal hydrogen gas-jet target at the ESR storage ring of GSI. In this experiment we made use of at least one element of every detector part of the future experimental setup. Selected results from this measurement will be presented. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The medical X-ray exposure was determined in a 2400-bed hospital. The radiation-related risk was compared with the severity of disease (ICD) to verify the justification for X-ray procedures. A model to estimate radiation and disease-related "loss of lifetime" was applied.X-ray exposure from radiography, fluoroscopy and CT was determined for diagnostic and interventional procedures during one hospital stay of 403 patients (0.5 % of all 80 000 patients/year). CTDI and DLP in CT, DAP in fluoroscopy or SED in radiography were used to calculate the effective dose (ED). The disease and radiation-related risk were compared with a simple "loss of lifetime" model.The mean age of all patients was 60. Only a subgroup of 170 patients (42 %) with a mean age of 67.6 had one or more X-ray procedures. The average ED of these exposed patients was 5.12 mSv. 14.4 % CT examinations had a dose contribution of 52.5 % followed by 5.3 % radiology and cardiology procedures at 37.2 %. 90 % of ED was applied to only 44 patients (11 %) and 50 % of ED was applied to only 10 patients (2.5 %) with a mean age of 71.2. 4 of these 10 patients had malignant tumors, the other 6 suffered from pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, stent-graft infection, CAD, Crohn's disease and severe hypertension. The ratio of disease vs. radiation-related risk was between 2.1 : 1 and 1800 : 1.In this study referral for justified X-ray procedures in a large hospital with high level medical care offers a significant patient benefit.

Astrophysical x-ray bursts are thought to be a result of thermonuclear explosions on the atmosphere of an accreting neutron star. Between these bursts, energy is thought to be generated by the hot CNO cycles. The O-15(alpha,gamma)Ne-19 reaction is one reaction that allows breakout from these CNO cycles and into the rp-process to fuel outbursts. The reaction is expected to be dominated by a single 3/2(+) resonance at 4.033 MeV in Ne-19, however, limited information is available on this key state. This work reports on a pioneering study of the Ne-20(p, d)Ne-19 reaction, performed in inverse kinematics at the experimental storage ring (ESR) as a means of accessing the astrophysically important 4.033 MeV state in Ne-19. The unique, background free, high luminosity conditions of the storage ring were utilized for this, the first transfer reaction performed at the ESR. The results of this pioneering test experiment are presented along with suggestions for future measurements at storage ring facilities.

As a first step of the EXL project scheduled for the New Experimental Storage Ring at FAIR a precursor experiment (E105) was performed at the ESR at GSI. For this experiment, an innovative differential pumping concept, originally proposed for the EXL recoil detector ESPA, was successfully applied. The implementation and essential features of this novel technical concept will be discussed, as well as details on the detectors and the infrastructure around the internal gas-jet target. With Ni-56(p, p)Ni-56 elastic scattering at 400 MeV u(-1), a nuclear reaction experiment with stored radioactive beams was realized for the first time. Finally, perspectives for a next-generation EXL-type setup are briefly discussed.

The investigation of light-ion induced direct reactions in inverse kinematics, using stored and cooled radioactive beams, interacting with internal H, He, etc. gas-jet targets, bears a large potential for nuclear structure and astrophysics studies on exotic nuclei. An extended research project EXL has been accepted for the future facility FAIR in Darmstadt, Germany. In order to explore the experimental conditions for measurements planned at FAIR, a first test experiment for proving the feasibility of the EXL concept was performed.

A pioneering experiment was recently performed at the Experimental Storage Ring (ESR) at GSI. Fully stripped ions of 96Ru were injected into the storage ring and slowed down to a few MeV per nucleon. The 97Rh ions from the 96Ru(p,γ) reaction at a newly developed hydrogen jet target were detected with Double Sided Silicon Strip Detectors (DSSSD) mounted inside a pocket. The experiment and the status of the analysis at a beam energy of 11 MeV per nucleon will be presented. © 2010 IOP Publishing Ltd.

The electrophysiologic effects and antiarrhythmic efficacy of tiracizine, a new class I antiarrhythmic drug, were studied in 16 patients with documented sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) after intravenous drug application and in 6 patients after oral drug administration by means of programmed ventricular stimulation (PVS). After intravenous tiracizine (0.3 mg/kg) the VT was no longer inducible by PVS in 3 of 16 patients and became nonsustained in another patient. In 11 of 13 patients with further inducible VT the cycle duration of VT increased after tiracizine (mean 29 ms). After oral tiracizine (150-225 mg/day) the VT induction was suppressed in one patient. In a second patient the VT became nonsustained. Cycle length of VT in 4 patients with persistent induction of VT was longer after therapy (mean 88 ms). Antiarrhythmic efficacy of intravenous or oral tiracizine can be expected in at least one third of patients with VT.

The ESR storage ring has been designed for high resolution and high precision experiments with highly charged ions, both stable and radioactive species. Stochastic and electron cooling provide fast and powerful cooling for the preparation of cold ion beams. For small ion beam intensities beams of unprecedented quality can be obtained by electron cooling. The internal gas jet target allows operation with a variety of gases. The highly charged ions can be decelerated to reduce the resolution limitation originating from Doppler effects. The decelerated ions are either used for internal experiments or extracted to a fixed target area with an ultraslow extraction mode. For the determination of the masses of radioactive nuclei two methods have been developed. Schottky mass spectrometry of cooled ions with nuclear lifetimes of the order of seconds or longer allows mass measurements by determination of the revolution frequency from the Schottky noise with a mass resolution of 1 ppm. Tuning of the focusing structure of the storage ring to the transition energy of 344 MeV/u is applied to measure the masses of short–lived nuclei by a time of flight method.

Published procedures for the isolation of polysaccharides from foods rich in proteins, especially fresh cheese, proved not very useful for the concentration in question (0,01--0.2%). We, instead, propose the following sample preparation: 1. Removal of lipids by an ethanol--ethyl ether--petrol ether mixture; 2. complete hydrolysis of proteins with pepsin, pronase E and a mixture of aminopeptidase M and prolidase; 3. separation of the polysaccharides from the low molecular substances and from enzyme residues by gel filtration on Biogel P-2; 4. concentration of the polysaccharides containing fraction by freeze drying, ultrafiltration or evaporation. --The method was tested with quarg and double cream fresh cheese, it can, however, be adopted to use in other products.

Samples of foods rich in protein, after removal of lipids and of proteins by enzymatic hydrolysis, are partially demineralized and concentrated. In the concentrate polysaccharides are detected and semi-quantitively estimated by performing the precipitations in graduated tubes, which are especially suitable for this purpose, and the precipitates taken to comparable densities by centrifugation under standard conditions.

A system of two crystal spectrometers for accurate wavelength measurements of hard X-rays emitted by heavy ions in flight is presently being completed. The configuration is working in the focusing compensated asymmetric laue (FOCAL) mode along with high performance two-dimensional position sensitive micro-strip Ge detectors. Recent tests of the spectrometer have been performed securing quantitatively spectral resolving power and efficiency predicted by numerical simulations. For the proposed application, nearly perfect Silicon single crystals need to be bent cylindrically using a precision crystal-bending device, close to the limit where they start to break.