Pairing-excitation versus intruder states in 68Ni and 90Zr

A discussion on the nature of the 0+ states in 68Ni (Z=28, N=40) is presented and a comparison is made with its valence counterpart 90Zr (Z=40, N=50). Evidence is given for a 0+ proton intruder state at only ~2.2 MeV excitation energy in 68Ni, while the analogous neutron intruder states in 90Zr reside at 4126 keV and 5441 keV. The application of a shell-model description of 0+ intruder states reveals that many pair-scattered neutrons across N=40 have to be involved to explain the low excitation energy of the proton-intruder configuration in 68Ni.Comment: 10 pages, 2 figures, 1 tabl

Contrast enhanced computed tomography findings in 105 horse distal extremities

The poor soft tissue conspicuity of CT can be improved by using intra-arterial CT Angiography (CTA), and intra-articular and intra-bursal contrast enhanced CT (CTAR). This retrospective study describes a combination protocol of CT and CTA of the horse's foot, and CTAR of the distal interphalangeal joint and navicular bursa. It is hypothesized this would provide a comprehensive overview of the range and severity of distal limb pathology. Radiology reports of all horses admitted for distal limb CT over a 5 year period were reviewed. All horses with a complete four stage CT examination and radiology report with lameness isolated to the foot were included. Twenty seven imaging findings using a four grade semiquantitative severity scoring system contributing towards six main diagnostic categories were described. One hundred and five examinations on 56 horses revealed a diagnosis of navicular bone disease in 64%, deep digital flexor tendinopathy in 43%, distal interphalangeal osteoarthritis in 35%, navicular bursitis in 31%, distal interphalangeal collateral ligament desmopathy in 26%, and hoof capsule and distal phalanx pathology in 10%. Only 25% of the navicular bone disease cases were considered clinically significant. The majority of deep digital flexor tendon lesions (77%) and distal interphalangeal joint osteoarthritis (51%) were considered significant. Approximately one third of navicular bursa (37%) and collateral ligament (33%) abnormalities were considered significant. Navicular bursa abnormalities were associated with navicular bone and deep digital flexor tendon lesions. The findings support the hypothesis and the use of this protocol for evaluation of foot lameness

Methodology of the biological risk classification of animal pathogens in Belgium

The biological hazards posed by micro-organisms have lead to their categorisation into risk groups and the elaboration of classification lists. Current classification systems rely on criteria defined by the World Health Organization, which cover the severity of the disease the micro-organism might cause, its ability to spread and the availability of prophylaxis or efficient treatment. Animal pathogens are classified according to the definitions of the World Organization of Animal Health, which also consider economic aspects of disease. In Europe, classification is often directly linked to containment measures. The Belgian classification system however, only considers the inherent characteristics of the micro-organism, not its use, making the risk classification independent of containment measures. A common classification list for human and animal pathogens has been developed in Belgium using as comprehensive an approach as possible. Evolution of scientific knowledge will demand regular updating of classification lists. This paper describes the Belgian risk classification system and the methodology that was used for its peer-reviewed revision (with a focus on animal pathogens)

Interoperability for the design and construction industry through semantic web technology

The domain of architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) has experienced significant improvements with the advent of building information modelling (BIM) applications, which allow AEC specialists to model all information concerning a building design into one three-dimensional building model. Much of these improvements are however generated by the mere availability of such an environment, whereas many more improvements were expected by achieving an appropriate interoperability of information. We are investigating why such an interoperability is not reached fully and consider the semantic web as an alternative approach to reach the targeted interoperability. In this paper, an AEC description framework based on semantic web technology is presented and compared to the BIM approach, after which we indicate how it might solve the issue of interoperability more appropriately. Our evaluation of this investigation indicates the semantic web approach as a valid alternative approach, although considerably more research is needed to show it capable of providing the targeted interoperability of information in the AEC domain

Microwave Spectroscopy

Contains research objectives and reports on three research projects.Lincoln Laboratory, Purchase Order DDL BB-107U. S. Air Force under Contract AF 19(608)-50

Shape Isomerism at N = 40: Discovery of a Proton Intruder in 67Co

The nuclear structure of 67Co has been investigated through 67Fe beta-decay. The 67Fe isotopes were produced at the LISOL facility in proton-induced fission of 238U and selected using resonant laser ionization combined with mass separation. The application of a new correlation technique unambiguously revealed a 496(33) ms isomeric state in 67Co at an unexpected low energy of 492 keV. A 67Co level scheme has been deduced. Proposed spin and parities suggest a spherical (7/2-) 67Co ground state and a deformed first excited (1/2-) state at 492 keV, interpreted as a proton 1p-2h prolate intruder state.Comment: 4 pages, 5 figures, preprint submitted to Physical Review Letter