Lifetime Measurements in 120Xe

Lifetimes for the lowest three transitions in the nucleus $^{120}$Xe have been measured using the Recoil Distance Technique. Our data indicate that the lifetime for the $2_{1}^{+} \to 0_{1}^{+}$ transition is more than a factor of two lower than the previously adopted value and is in keeping with more recent measurements performed on this nucleus. The theoretical implications of this discrepancy and the possible reason for the erroneous earlier results are discussed. All measured lifetimes in $^{120}$Xe, as well as the systematics of the lifetimes of the 2$_{1}^{+}$ states in Xe isotopes, are compared with predictions of various models. The available data are best described by the Fermion Dynamic Symmetry Model (FDSM).Comment: 9 pages, RevTeX, 3 figures with Postscript file available on request at [email protected], [email protected]. Submitted to Phys. Rev.

Measurement of Conversion Coefficients in Normal and Triaxial Strongly Deformed Bands in \u3csup\u3e167\u3c/sup\u3eLu

Internal conversion coefficients have been measured for transitions in both normal deformed and triaxial strongly deformed bands in 167Lu using the Gammasphere and ICE Ball spectrometers. The results for all in-band transitions are consistent with E2 multipolarity. Upper limits are determined for the internal conversion coefficients for linking transitions between TSD Band 2 and TSD Band 1, the nw = 1 and nw = 0 wobbling bands, respectively

AIDS Vaccine for Asia Network (AVAN): Expanding the Regional Role in Developing HIV Vaccines

Yiming Shao and colleagues describe the work of AVAN, the AIDS Vaccine for Asia Network, which aims to strengthen its regional efforts in finding an AIDS vaccine

New Band Structures and an Unpaired Crossing in 78Kr

High-spin states in Kr-78 were studied using the Ni-58(Na-23,3p) reaction at 70 MeV and the Ni-58(Si-23,alpha 4p) reaction at 130 MeV. Prompt gamma-gamma coincidences were measured using the Pitt-FSU detector array and the GAMMASPHERE-MICROBALL array. Results from these experiments have led to 26 new excitation levels, some of which have been grouped into 3 new bands. Spins were assigned based on directional correlations of oriented nuclei. Two of the new negative-parity bands appear to form a signature-partner pair based on a two-quasineutron structure, in contrast to the previously known two-quasiproton negative-parity bands. A forking has been observed at the 24(+) state in the yrast band, which calculations suggest may result from an unpaired crossing. The available evidence suggests oblate shapes in the yrast band coexist with prolate shapes in the negative-parity bands. [S0556-2813(99)04602-6]