Mass, Spectroscopy, and Two-Neutron Decay of

The structure and decay of the most neutron-rich beryllium isotope, ^{16}Be, has been investigated following proton knockout from a high-energy ^{17}B beam. Two relatively narrow resonances were observed for the first time, with energies of 0.84(3) and 2.15(5) MeV above the two-neutron decay threshold and widths of 0.32(8) and 0.95(15) MeV, respectively. These were assigned to be the ground (J^{π}=0^{+}) and first excited (2^{+}) state, with E_{x}=1.31(6) MeV. The mass excess of ^{16}Be was thus deduced to be 56.93(13) MeV, some 0.5 MeV more bound than the only previous measurement. Both states were observed to decay by direct two-neutron emission. Calculations incorporating the evolution of the wave function during the decay as a genuine three-body process reproduced the principal characteristics of the neutron-neutron energy spectra for both levels, indicating that the ground state exhibits a strong spatially compact dineutron component, while the 2^{+} level presents a far more diffuse neutron-neutron distribution.

Multiple Mechanisms in Proton-Induced Nucleon Removal at ∼100 MeV/Nucleon.

We report on the first proton-induced single proton- and neutron-removal reactions from the neutron-deficient ^{14}O nucleus with large Fermi-surface asymmetry S_{n}-S_{p}=18.6 MeV at ∼100 MeV/nucleon, a widely used energy regime for rare-isotope studies. The measured inclusive cross sections and parallel momentum distributions of the ^{13}N and ^{13}O residues are compared to the state-of-the-art reaction models, with nuclear structure inputs from many-body shell-model calculations. Our results provide the first quantitative contributions of multiple reaction mechanisms including the quasifree knockout, inelastic scattering, and nucleon transfer processes. It is shown that the inelastic scattering and nucleon transfer, usually neglected at such energy regime, contribute about 50% and 30% to the loosely bound proton and deeply bound neutron removal, respectively. These multiple reaction mechanisms should be considered in analyses of inclusive one-nucleon removal cross sections measured at intermediate energies for quantitative investigation of single-particle strengths and correlations in atomic nuclei.

Validation of the

The cluster structure of the neutron-rich isotope ^{10}Be has been probed via the (p,pα) reaction at 150 MeV/nucleon in inverse kinematics and in quasifree conditions. The populated states of ^{6}He residues were investigated through missing mass spectroscopy. The triple differential cross section for the ground-state transition was extracted for quasifree angle pairs (θ_{p},θ_{α}) and compared to distorted-wave impulse approximation reaction calculations performed in a microscopic framework using successively the Tohsaki-Horiuchi-Schuck-Röpke product wave function and the wave function deduced from antisymmetrized molecular dynamics calculations. The remarkable agreement between calculated and measured cross sections in both shape and magnitude validates the molecular structure description of the ^{10}Be ground-state, configured as an α-α core with two valence neutrons occupying π-type molecular orbitals.

Quasifree Neutron Knockout Reaction Reveals a Small s-Orbital Component in the Borromean Nucleus

A kinematically complete quasifree (p,pn) experiment in inverse kinematics was performed to study the structure of the Borromean nucleus ^{17}B, which had long been considered to have a neutron halo. By analyzing the momentum distributions and exclusive cross sections, we obtained the spectroscopic factors for 1s_{1/2} and 0d_{5/2} orbitals, and a surprisingly small percentage of 9(2)% was determined for 1s_{1/2}. Our finding of such a small 1s_{1/2} component and the halo features reported in prior experiments can be explained by the deformed relativistic Hartree-Bogoliubov theory in continuum, revealing a definite but not dominant neutron halo in ^{17}B. The present work gives the smallest s- or p-orbital component among known nuclei exhibiting halo features and implies that the dominant occupation of s or p orbitals is not a prerequisite for the occurrence of a neutron halo.

Surface Localization of the Dineutron in

The formation of a dineutron in the ^{11}Li nucleus is found to be localized to the surface region. The experiment measured the intrinsic momentum of the struck neutron in ^{11}Li via the (p,pn) knockout reaction at 246 MeV/nucleon. The correlation angle between the two neutrons is, for the first time, measured as a function of the intrinsic neutron momentum. A comparison with reaction calculations reveals the localization of the dineutron at r∼3.6 fm. The results also support the density dependence of dineutron formation as deduced from Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov calculations for nuclear matter.

Extending the Southern Shore of the Island of Inversion to

Detailed spectroscopy of the neutron-unbound nucleus ^{28}F has been performed for the first time following proton/neutron removal from ^{29}Ne/^{29}F beams at energies around 230 MeV/nucleon. The invariant-mass spectra were reconstructed for both the ^{27}F^{(*)}+n and ^{26}F^{(*)}+2n coincidences and revealed a series of well-defined resonances. A near-threshold state was observed in both reactions and is identified as the ^{28}F ground state, with S_{n}(^{28}F)=-199(6) keV, while analysis of the 2n decay channel allowed a considerably improved S_{n}(^{27}F)=1620(60) keV to be deduced. Comparison with shell-model predictions and eikonal-model reaction calculations have allowed spin-parity assignments to be proposed for some of the lower-lying levels of ^{28}F. Importantly, in the case of the ground state, the reconstructed ^{27}F+n momentum distribution following neutron removal from ^{29}F indicates that it arises mainly from the 1p_{3/2} neutron intruder configuration. This demonstrates that the island of inversion around N=20 includes ^{28}F, and most probably ^{29}F, and suggests that ^{28}O is not doubly magic.

Halo Structure of the Neutron-Dripline Nucleus

The heaviest bound isotope of boron ^{19}B has been investigated using exclusive measurements of its Coulomb dissociation, into ^{17}B and two neutrons, in collisions with Pb at 220 MeV/nucleon. Enhanced electric dipole (E1) strength is observed just above the two-neutron decay threshold with an integrated E1 strength of B(E1)=1.64±0.06(stat)±0.12(sys) e^{2} fm^{2} for relative energies below 6 MeV. This feature, known as a soft E1 excitation, provides the first firm evidence that ^{19}B has a prominent two-neutron halo. Three-body calculations that reproduce the energy spectrum indicate that the valence neutrons have a significant s-wave configuration and exhibit a dineutronlike correlation.

First Observation of

The most neutron-rich boron isotopes ^{20}B and ^{21}B have been observed for the first time following proton removal from ^{22}N and ^{22}C at energies around 230 MeV/nucleon. Both nuclei were found to exist as resonances which were detected through their decay into ^{19}B and one or two neutrons. Two-proton removal from ^{22}N populated a prominent resonancelike structure in ^{20}B at around 2.5 MeV above the one-neutron decay threshold, which is interpreted as arising from the closely spaced 1^{-},2^{-} ground-state doublet predicted by the shell model. In the case of proton removal from ^{22}C, the ^{19}B plus one- and two-neutron channels were consistent with the population of a resonance in ^{21}B 2.47±0.19 MeV above the two-neutron decay threshold, which is found to exhibit direct two-neutron decay. The ground-state mass excesses determined for ^{20,21}B are found to be in agreement with mass surface extrapolations derived within the latest atomic-mass evaluations.

Nucleus

The unbound nucleus ^{26}O has been investigated using invariant-mass spectroscopy following one-proton removal reaction from a ^{27}F beam at 201 MeV/nucleon. The decay products, ^{24}O and two neutrons, were detected in coincidence using the newly commissioned SAMURAI spectrometer at the RIKEN Radioactive Isotope Beam Factory. The ^{26}O ground-state resonance was found to lie only 18±3(stat)±4(syst) keV above threshold. In addition, a higher lying level, which is most likely the first 2^{+} state, was observed for the first time at 1.28_{-0.08}^{+0.11} MeV above threshold. Comparison with theoretical predictions suggests that three-nucleon forces, pf-shell intruder configurations, and the continuum are key elements to understanding the structure of the most neutron-rich oxygen isotopes beyond the drip line.

Observation of a p-wave one-neutron halo configuration in (37)Mg.

Cross sections of 1n-removal reactions from the neutron-rich nucleus (37)Mg on C and Pb targets and the parallel momentum distributions of the (37)Mg residues from the C target have been measured at 240 MeV/nucleon. A combined analysis of these distinct nuclear- and Coulomb-dominated reaction data shows that the (37)Mg ground state has a small 1n separation energy of 0.22(-0.09)(+0.12) MeV and an appreciable p-wave neutron single-particle strength. These results confirm that (37)Mg lies near the edge of the "island of inversion" and has a sizable p-wave neutron halo component, the heaviest such system identified to date.

Deformation-driven p-wave halos at the drip line: 31Ne.

The halo structure of 31Ne is studied using 1n-removal reactions on C and Pb targets at 230 MeV/nucleon. A combined analysis of the cross sections of these nuclear and Coulomb dominated reactions that feed directly the 30Ne ground-state reveals 31Ne to have a small neutron separation energy, 0.15(-0.10)(+0.16) MeV, and spin-parity 3/2-. Consistency of the data with reaction and large-scale shell-model calculations identifies 31Ne as deformed and having a significant p-wave halo component, suggesting that halos are more frequent occurrences at the neutron drip line.

Direct mass measurements of 19B, 22C, 29F, 31Ne, 34Na and other light exotic nuclei.

We report on direct time-of-flight based mass measurements of 16 light neutron-rich nuclei. These include the first determination of the masses of the Borromean drip-line nuclei (19)B, (22)C, and (29)F as well as that of (34)Na. In addition, the most precise determinations to date for (23)N and (31)Ne are reported. Coupled with recent interaction cross-section measurements, the present results support the occurrence of a two-neutron halo in (22)C, with a dominant ν2s(1/2)(2) configuration, and a single-neutron halo in (31)Ne with the valence neutron occupying predominantly the 2p(3/2) orbital. Despite a very low two-neutron separation energy the development of a halo in (19)B is hindered by the 1d(5/2)(2) character of the valence neutrons.

N = 16 spherical shell closure in 24O.

The unbound excited states of the neutron drip-line isotope 24O have been investigated via the 24O(p,p')23O + n reaction in inverse kinematics at a beam energy of 62 MeV/nucleon. The decay energy spectrum of 24O* was reconstructed from the momenta of 23O and the neutron. The spin parity of the first excited state, observed at E(x) = 4.65±0.14 MeV, was determined to be J(π) = 2+ from the angular distribution of the cross section. Higher-lying states were also observed. The quadrupole transition parameter ß2 of the 2(1)+ state was deduced, for the first time, to be 0.15±0.04. The relatively high excitation energy and small ß2 value are indicative of the N = 16 shell closure in 24O.

Migration of nuclear shell gaps studied in the d(24Ne,pγ)25Ne reaction.

The transfer of neutrons onto 24Ne has been measured using a reaccelerated radioactive beam of 24Ne to study the (d,p) reaction in inverse kinematics. The unusual raising of the first 3/2+ level in 25Ne and its significance in terms of the migration of the neutron magic number from N=20 to N=16 is put on a firm footing by confirmation of this state's identity. The raised 3/2+ level is observed simultaneously with the intruder negative parity 7/2- and 3/2- levels, providing evidence for the reduction in the N=20 gap. The coincident gamma-ray decays allowed the assignment of spins as well as the transferred orbital angular momentum. The excitation energy of the 3/2+ state shows that the established USD shell model breaks down well within the sd model space and requires a revised treatment of the proton-neutron monopole interaction.

Halo structure of the island of inversion nucleus 31Ne.

The cross sections for single-neutron removal from the very neutron-rich nucleus 31Ne on Pb and C targets have been measured at 230 MeV/nucleon using the RIBF facility at RIKEN. The deduced large Coulomb breakup cross section of 540(70) mb is indicative of a soft E1 excitation. Comparison with direct-breakup model calculations suggests that the valence neutron of 31Ne occupies a low-l orbital (most probably 2p(3/2)) with a small separation energy (S(n) approximately < 0.8 MeV), instead of being predominantly in the 1f(7/2) orbital as expected from the conventional shell ordering. These findings suggest that 31Ne is the heaviest halo system known.

Assessment of constituency opinion about NBME examination standards.

The National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) reviewed its procedures for setting pass-fail standards in conjunction with the introduction of its comprehensive Part I and Part II examinations in 1991. A component of the review was the 1990 survey of 12 NBME constituencies to assess opinions about pass-fail rates and standard setting. The survey responses, generally consistent across groups, revealed (1) support for a more even distribution of fail rates across the three examinations, (2) support for a fixed standard, with pass-fail rates that change depending on the performance of a cohort of examinees, and (3) a favorable reaction to setting performance standards based on a review of the examination content. These responses may serve as a resource and a frame of reference for determining the standards for the comprehensive Part I and Part II examinations.

Standard-setting plans for the NBME comprehensive Part I and Part II examinations.

The National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) has reviewed its procedure for setting pass-fail standards in conjunction with the introduction of its comprehensive Part I and Part II examinations in 1991. This report gives background information on the procedures used for the past decade to set pass-fail standards for the Part I and Part II examinations, an overview of the NBME's research on standard setting, under way since 1987, and a statement of its plans for determining pass-fail standards for these examinations. In 1981 the NBME changed from the norm-referenced standard, used since the 1950s, to a criterion-group approach to setting pass-fail standards. Although the criterion-group system resulted in more stable standards, it still meant that the standard moved whenever the performance of the reference group changed. After conducting research, surveying constituencies, and examining alternatives, the NBME has adopted a new standard-setting plan that has the following components: a content-based standard-setting procedure; determination of standards by an appropriate group; use of a fixed standard; and periodic review of standards and standard-setting procedures. This new process will produce three types of improvements: it will incorporate deliberations informed by a wide range of information, including content review; annual review of examinees' performances and pass-fail results and triennial restudy of the process will add further quality control; and a fixed standard will mean that comparable performances will be required across administrations in order to pass.

Review of the score-reporting policy for the United States Medical Licensing Examination.

In 1998, the authors, acting on behalf of the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME), undertook a review of the scoring policy for the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). The main goal was to determine the likely effect of changing from numeric score reporting to reporting pass-fail status. Several groups were surveyed across the nation to learn how they felt they would be affected by such a change, and why: all 54 medical boards; 1,600 randomly selected examinees (including 250 foreign medical graduates) who had recently taken either Step 1, Step 2, or Step 3 of the USMLE; 2,000 residency directors; the deans, education deans, and student affairs deans at all 125 U.S. medical schools accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education; and all 17 members of the Council of Medical Specialty Societies. Responses from the different groups surveyed varied from 80% to a little less than half. The authors describe in detail the various views of the respondents and their reasons. Some members in each group favored each of the reporting formats, but the trend was to favor numeric score reporting. The majority of the responding examinees desired that their USMLE scores be sent to them in numeric form but sent to their schools and to residency directors in pass-fail form. Based on the responses and a thorough discussion of their implications, the Composite Committee (which determines USMLE score-reporting policy) decided that there is no basis at this time for changing the current policy, but that it would review the policy in the future when necessary.

Content uniformity of potent drugs in tablets.

The type of distribution of low dosage drugs that occurs in batches of commercially available tablets has been examined. The uniformity of content of ethinyloestradiol tablets 10 micrograms B.P. from different sources, assessed by single tablet assay showed that three batches exhibited some positive skewness and one marked positive skewness. At the high level of dilution required, the mixing theory indicates that particles of drug must be very fine if acceptable content uniformity is to be obtained. Cohesion of particles impairs the efficiency of the mixing process. It is shown theoretically that unless the drug is dispersed into its component particles the shape of the distribution curve for the content of drug per tablet, in a batch of tablets, will be positively skewed. The relation between the tensile strength of the powdered drug and the degree of skewness of the drug content is also discussed. A positively skewed distribution for tablets containing a small amount of potent drug is unacceptable because this can lead to the presence of relatively large doses of drug in a single tablet. Where one unexpectedly high result occurs in the quality control of the content uniformity of tablets containing potent drugs it is suggested that sufficient single tablet assays be performed to allow the shape of the distribution curve to be assessed. A test for skewness should be included in compendial standards.