Band properties of the transitional nucleus Pt-187

High-spin states in Pt-187 have been studied experimentally using the Yb-173(O-18, 4n) reaction at beam energies of 78 and 85 MeV. The previously known bands based on the nu i(13/2),nu 7/2(-)[503], and nu i(13/2)(2)nu j configurations have been extended to high-spin states, and new rotational bands associated with the nu 3/2(-)[512] and nu 1/2(-)[521] Nilsson orbits have been identified. The total Routhian surface calculations indicate that the transitional nucleus Pt-187 is very soft with respect to beta and gamma deformations. The band properties, such as level spacings, band crossing frequencies, alignment gains, and signature splittings, have been compared with the systematics observed in neighboring nuclei and have been interpreted within the framework of the cranked shell model. The rotational bands show different band crossing frequencies, which can be explained by the alignment either of i(13/2) neutrons or of h(9/2) protons. Importantly, evidence is presented for a pi h(9/2) alignment at very low frequency in the nu 7/2(-)[503] band. The proton nature of the band crossing is strongly suggested by comparing the measured B(M1;I -> I-1)/B(E2;I -> I-2) ratios with the theoretical values from the semiclassical Donau and Frauendof approach.

Band properties of the transitional nucleus Pt-189

High-spin states in Pt-189 have been studied with the in-beam gamma-spectroscopy method via the Yb-176(O-18, 5n) reaction at beam energies of 88 MeV and 95 MeV. A new level scheme of Pt-189 has been established. Rotational bands based on the upsilon i(13/2)(-1), upsilon f(5/2)(p(3/2)) and upsilon i(13/2)(-2)upsilon f(p(3/2)) configurations, as well as several structures with irregular level spacings, have been observed. Properties of rotational bands have been analyzed in the framework of triaxial particle-rotor model. A gamma similar to -30 degrees triaxial shape and a near prolate shape have been proposed to the upsilon i(13/2)(-1) and uf(5/2)(p(3/2)) bands, respectively. Two Delta I=2 transition sequences with similar energies have been observed, and they have been proposed to be associated with the upsilon i(13/2)(-1)upsilon f(5/2)(p(3/2)) configuration. According to the relevant Nilsson orbitals, the bands built on the upsilon i(13/2)(-1)upsilon f(5/2)(p(3/2)) configuration could be interpreted as a pair of pseudo-spin partner.

timng of the last glacial maximum from observed sea level minima

During the Last Glacial Maximum, ice sheets covered large areas in northern latitudes, and global temperatures were significantly lower than today. But few direct estimates exist of the volume of the ice sheets, or the timing and rates of change during their advance and retreat. Here we analyze four distinct sediment facies in the shallow, tectonically stable Bonaparte Gulf, Australia - each of which is characteristic of a distinct range in sea level - to estimate the maximum volume of land-based ice during the last glaciation and the timing of the initial melting phase. We use faunal assemblages and preservation status of the sediments to distinguish open marine, shallow marine, marginal marine and brackish conditions, and estimate the timing and the mass of the ice sheets using radiocarbon dating and glacio-hydroisostatic modelling. Our results indicate that from at least 22,000 to 19,000 (calendar) years before present, land-based ice volume was at its maximum, exceeding today's grounded ice sheets by 52.5 x 10 exp 6 cu km. A rapid decrease in ice volume by about 10 percent within a few hundred years terminated the Last Glacial Maximum at 19,000 +/- 250 years.

Effect of main-chain rigidity on the phase transitional behavior of comblike polymers

The influence of the rigidity of polymer backbones on the side-chain crystallization and phase transition behavior was systematically investigated by a combination of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and high-resolution solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR). DSC investigation indicated that the crystallization number of alkyl carbon atoms of the side chains grafted onto the rigid polymer backbone, poly(p-benzamide) (PBA), is much lower than that of the alkyl carbon atoms of the side chains grafted onto the flexible polymer backbone, poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI), implying that the conformational state of the polymer backbones has a strong effect on the side-chain crystallization behavior in comblike polymers. WAXD and FTIR results proved that these two comblike polymers pack into hexagonal (PBA18C) and orthorhombic (PEI18C) crystals, respectively, depending on the adjusting ability of the polymer backbones for particular conformational states. It was also found that the presence of the crystalline-amorphous interphase (delta = 31.6 ppm) in PBA18C detected by solid-state C-13 NMR spectroscopy can be attributed to the rigid PBA backbone, which restricts the mobility of the alkyl side chains.

Feeding level-scaled retention efficiency, growth and energy partitioning of a marine detritivorous fish, redlip mullet (Liza haematocheila T. & S.)

The effects of feeding level on growth, retention efficiency, faeces production and energy partitioning of redlip mullet were studied. A practical diet was used and fed at six levels from starvation, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% of body weight (BW) to satiation for 3 weeks. The temperature was kept at 24 +/- 1 degrees C. Reducing the feeding amount resulted in significantly lower weight gain, and retention efficiency was significantly affected by feeding levels and attained the maximum at maximum feeding intake. Feeding 2% BW was the minimum required for fish to maintain growth. Fish carcass composition under different feeding levels could be divided into three groups: (1) starvation and FL1; (2) FL2 and FL3 and (3) FL4 and satiation, with significant differences among the groups but no differences in the groups except that ash content remained at constant value. Body composition of fish of group 2 was close to initial fish. The thermal-unit coefficient was 0.0381 at satiation, and significantly increased with increasing feeding levels. In order to accurately estimate basal metabolism (HeE), another trial on the relationship between HeE (kJ) and BW (g) was carried out. An exponential curve as HeE=0.1255BW(0.8386) explained this relationship. Intake energy (IE) increased from 11.30 to 63.08 kJ per fish, matching with different feeding levels. Energy allocated to growth of IE decreased with reducing feeding amount. There was a linear relationship between metabolism energy and retention energy in percentage.