Nuclear deformation and neutron excess as competing effects for dipole strength in the pygmy region.

The electromagnetic dipole strength below the neutron-separation energy has been studied for the xenon isotopes with mass numbers A=124, 128, 132, and 134 in nuclear resonance fluorescence experiments using the γELBE bremsstrahlung facility at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf and the HIγS facility at Triangle Universities Nuclear Laboratory Durham. The systematic study gained new information about the influence of the neutron excess as well as of nuclear deformation on the strength in the region of the pygmy dipole resonance. The results are compared with those obtained for the chain of molybdenum isotopes and with predictions of a random-phase approximation in a deformed basis. It turned out that the effect of nuclear deformation plays a minor role compared with the one caused by neutron excess. A global parametrization of the strength in terms of neutron and proton numbers allowed us to derive a formula capable of predicting the summed E1 strengths in the pygmy region for a wide mass range of nuclides.

Cross-section measurements of the 86Kr(γ,n) reaction to probe the s-process branching at 85Kr.

We have carried out photodisintegration cross-section measurements on 86Kr using monoenergetic photon beams ranging from the neutron separation energy, S(n) = 9.86 MeV, to 13 MeV. We combine our experimental 86Kr(γ,n)85Kr cross section with results from our recent 86Kr(γ,γ') measurement below the neutron separation energy to obtain the complete nuclear dipole response of 86Kr. The new experimental information is used to predict the neutron capture cross section of 85Kr, an important branching point nucleus on the abundance flow path during s-process nucleosynthesis. Our new and more precise 85Kr(n,γ)86Kr cross section allows us to produce more precise predictions of the 86Kr abundance from s-process models. In particular, we find that the models of the s process in asymptotic giant branch stars of mass <1.5M⊙, where the 13C neutron source burns convectively rather than radiatively, represent a possible solution for the highest 86Kr:82Kr ratios observed in meteoritic stardust SiC grains.

Fine structure of the giant M1 resonance in 90Zr.

The M1 excitations in the nuclide 90Zr have been studied in a photon-scattering experiment with monoenergetic and linearly polarized beams from 7 to 11 MeV. More than 40 J(π)=1+ states have been identified from observed ground-state transitions, revealing the fine structure of the giant M1 resonance with a centroid energy of 9 MeV and a sum strength of 4.17(56) µ(N)(2). The result for the total M1 strength and its fragmentation are discussed in the framework of the three-phonon quasiparticle-phonon model.

Photodisintegration cross section of the reaction (4)He(γ,p)(3)H between 22 and 30 MeV.

The two-body photodisintegration cross section of (4)He into a proton and triton was measured with monoenergetic photon beams in 0.5 MeV energy steps between 22 and 30 MeV. High-pressure (4)He-Xe gas scintillators of various (4)He/Xe ratios served as targets and detectors. Pure Xe gas scintillators were used for background studies. A NaI detector together with a plastic scintillator paddle was employed for determining the incident photon flux. Our comprehensive data set follows the trend of the theoretical calculations of the Trento group very well, although our data are consistently lower in magnitude by about 5%. However, they differ significantly from the majority of the previous data, especially from the recent data of Shima et al. The latter data had put into question the validity of theoretical approaches used to calculate core-collapse supernova explosions and big-bang nucleosynthesis abundances of certain light nuclei.

Spectral structure of the pygmy dipole resonance.

High-sensitivity studies of E1 and M1 transitions observed in the reaction 138Ba(gamma,gamma{'}) at energies below the one-neutron separation energy have been performed using the nearly monoenergetic and 100% linearly polarized photon beams of the HIgammaS facility. The electric dipole character of the so-called "pygmy" dipole resonance was experimentally verified for excitations from 4.0 to 8.6 MeV. The fine structure of the M1 "spin-flip" mode was observed for the first time in N=82 nuclei.

Parity measurements of nuclear levels using a free-electron-laser generated gamma-ray beam.

The quality and intensity of gamma rays at the High Intensity gamma-ray Source are shown to make nuclear resonance fluorescence studies possible at a new level of precision and efficiency. First experiments have been carried out using an intense (10(7) gamma/s) beam of 100% linearly polarized, nearly monoenergetic, gamma rays on the semimagic nucleus (138)Ba. Negative parity quantum numbers have been assigned to 18 dipole excitations of (138)Ba between 5.5 MeV and 6.5 MeV from azimuthal gamma-intensity asymmetries.

Using Orem's theory in transcultural settings: a critique.

An overview of the theory describes its component parts and concepts as well as the premises and assumptions upon which the theory is based. The authors explore the compatibility and usefulness of Orem's theory with non-Western or minority Western non-Anglo values and belief systems. A literature review of studies and experiences using Orem's theory in a variety of cultures is presented and discussed. The authors conclude that Orem's theory must be supplemented or replaced by one less culturebound for use with cultures differing from the dominant Western culture.

Modeling and role-modeling theory: a case study of holistic care.

To provide holistic care, nurses must attempt to view the world through the clients' eyes. The Theory of Modeling and Role-Modeling (Erickson, Tomlin, & Swain, 1983) enables nurses to care for and nurture each client with an awareness of and respect for the individual's uniqueness. This type of care giving exemplifies theory-based clinical practice that focuses on the clients' needs. Care is offered that recognizes that clients have the knowledge and ability to understand what has made them sick, as well as what will make them well. The authors explore the experiences of a young woman with diabetes mellitus and demonstrate how nursing care based on the Theory of Modeling and Role-Modeling enabled the client to recognize and develop strengths and empowered her to begin the healing process.

Nursing interventions for anxiety, depression, and suspiciousness in the home care setting.

Home healthcare nurses who have no special training or experience in mental health care can use the suggestions provided in this review of nursing interventions for clients experiencing anxiety, depression, or suspiciousness. As mentioned, when dealing with psychosocial behaviors, the crux of the nursing interventions is the establishment of the nurse-client relationship. The means used to initiate this relationship and the interventions used for ongoing care vary with the presenting behavior. However, trust is the primary goal, and this trust often comes only with patience and persistence. Above all interventions, the most important to remember are active listening and presence, or "being with" the client. Because the emotions involved in anxiety, depression, and suspiciousness evoke similar or strong emotions in others, the nurse must continually examine his or her own feelings and reactions to the client. Being aware of the effect of such emotions on oneself can help the nurse become aware of the effect on the family who deals with the client. If family members are caregivers or are involved in the client's daily life, they may benefit from supportive interventions to assist them in recognizing and dealing with their feelings as well. The home healthcare nurse can provide a high level of professional care by assessing and intervening in these psychosocial dynamics of clients and their families.

Assessment of anxiety, depression, and suspiciousness in the home care setting.

Home care nurses who are not trained as psychiatric nurses can meet the challenge of caring for clients with anxiety, depression, or suspiciousness. The home care setting provides more opportunity for prolonged periodic nurse-client interaction in the client's usual surroundings. Home care nurses have a further advantage over acute care nurses in that they tend to have a more developed concept of cultural and environmental influence. Assessing psychosocial issues requires nontangible tools, the most crucial of which is the ability to listen--to listen with ears and heart. Although test instruments may be useful, most assessment involves interview and observation. Drawing on these special opportunities and skills, the home care nurse can objectively collect and evaluate data to determine the presence of anxiety, depression, or suspiciousness in preparation for appropriately intervening.