Comparison of the reactions π− p → p + X and pp → p + X at 205 GeVc

Characteristics of the reactions π^? p → p + X and pp → p + X are compared at $\text{205}\text{GeV}\text{c}$. In the lower multiplicity final states significant differences are observed in the spectrum of M², the mass-squared of the produced system X. However, the inclusive reactions show remarkable similarities in the distribution of momentum transfer to the recoil proton and in the dependence on M² of the average charged multiplicity of X. Triple-Regge theory with PPP or PRR terms is found to correctly predict the ratio of the inclusive cross sections for 30 ? M² ? 120 GeV².     

The impact of the computer on the teaching of analysis

The computer creates new opportunities for analysis instruction. Some traditional motivations for treating conceptually exacting analysis in school can, however, no longer be maintained without further discussion, for instance: calculations such as finding extreme values or areas can be easily programmed without analysis, and practical applications, as in physics or technology, use discrete methods in computer programs.

This results in a crisis: the legitimacy of traditional analysis in school is challenged. This challenge is analysed, consequences for goals and methods of analysis teaching at schools are named, and some initial examples are given, as to how this could be realized with the help of the computer.     

A semi-quantitative dipstick assay for microcystin

An immunochromatographic lateral flow dipstick assay for the fast detection of microcystin-LR was developed. Colloid gold particles with diameters of 40 nm were used as red-colored antibody labels for the visual detection of the antigen. The new dipstick sensor is capable of detecting down to 5 μg·l⁻¹ (ppb; total inversion of the color signal) or 1 ppb (observation of color grading) of microcystin-LR. The course of the labeling reaction was observed via spectrometric wave shifts caused by the change of particle size during the binding of antibodies. Different stabilizing reagents showed that especially bovine serum albumin (BSA) and casein increase the assays sensitivity and the conjugate stability. Performance of the dipsticks was quantified by pattern processing of capture zone CCD images. Storage stability of dipsticks and conjugate suspensions over 115 days under different conditions were monitored. The ready-to-use dipsticks were successfully tested with microcystin-LR-spiked samples of outdoor drinking- and salt water and applied to the tissue of microcystin-fed mussels. Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Beta decay energies and nuclear masses of148Ba,148La and151Pr

Theβ-decay energy of the neutron-rich isotopes¹⁴⁸Ba,¹⁴⁸La and¹⁵¹Pr has been measured at the Institute Laue-Langevin (ILL). The¹⁴⁸Ba- and¹⁴⁸La-nuclei were produced using a high-temperature ion source at the OSTIS separator of this institute, whereas samples of¹⁵¹Pr were obtained from the thermal fission of²³⁹Pu, used as a target in the mass separator LOHENGRIN. At both instruments,βγ-coincidences were measured with a plastic scintillator telescope and a Ge(I)-detector, together withβ-singles andγ-singles spectra. Theβ-spectra emitted in coincidence with 44γ-lines in the decay of these nuclei have been evaluated. From their endpoint energies, the followingQ _β -values have been obtained:Q _β (¹⁴⁸Ba)=5115±60keV;Q _β (¹⁴⁸La)=7255±55 keV;Q _β (¹⁵¹Pr)=4170±75 keV. Using these results, the nuclear massesA of these nuclei can be calculated with a relative error ΔA/A?5·10^?7. In addition, the two-neutron separation energies and the mass excesses have been derived; the results are compared with recent predictions of theoretical mass calculations.     

Correlations between nucleon transfer and fusion at near-barrier energies for the systems32S +100,101Ru and33S +90,91,92Zr

Transfer reactions at two near-barrier energies for the systems³²S +^100,101Ru have been studied. Differential cross sections have been extracted for a large variety of channels, with a set-up yielding good mass, nuclear charge and energy resolutions. A steeper decrease of the measured angular distributions at backward angles with respect to the prediction of a semiclassical theory is interpreted as a loss of transfer flux feeding more complex channels and/or fusion. Coupled channels calculations, which use the transfer form factors derived from the experiment, reproduce the fusion cross sections at sub-barrier energies. Multi-nucleon transfer seems to play an essential role for the fusion process, as evidenced by the found strong correlations. A systematic comparison is made with the systems³³S +^90,91,92Zr, which have been the object of a previous experimental study with the same set-up.     

nn Scattering parameters ann and rnn from the photon spectrum of the reaction πd → γnn

A high-statistics measurement of the photon spectrum of the reaction π⁻d → γnn has been performed. The comparison of this spectrum with theoretical spectra folded with the response curve of the spectrometer (measured by the reaction π⁻p → γn) has provided precise values of the neutron-neutron scattering length, a_nn = −18.5 ± 0.4 fm, and of the effective range, r_nn = 2.80 ± 0.11 fm. Theoretical uncertainties of 0.20 fm and 0.11 fm, respectively, have been evaluated.     

Determination of the K(1800) spin parity

A spherical harmonic moment analysis of the reactions K⁻p → K⁻π⁺n and K⁺p → K⁺π⁻Δ⁺⁺ at 13 GeV/c demonstrates the existence of a broad K^* state with mass in the vicinity of 1800 MeV and spin parity 3⁻.