Role of Chiral Two-Body Currents in

A direct measurement of the decay width of the excited 0_{1}^{+} state of ^{6}Li using the relative self-absorption technique is reported. Our value of Γ_{γ,0_{1}^{+}→1_{1}^{+}}=8.17(14)_{stat.}(11)_{syst.} eV provides sufficiently low experimental uncertainties to test modern theories of nuclear forces. The corresponding transition rate is compared to the results of ab initio calculations based on chiral effective field theory that take into account contributions to the magnetic dipole operator beyond leading order. This enables a precision test of the impact of two-body currents that enter at next-to-leading order.

E2 decay strength of the M1 scissors mode of

The E2/M1 multipole mixing ratio δ_{1→2} of the 1_{sc}^{+}→2_{1}^{+} γ-ray decay in ^{156}Gd and hence the isovector E2 transition rate of the scissors mode of a well-deformed rotational nucleus has been measured for the first time. It has been obtained from the angular distribution of an artificial quasimonochromatic linearly polarized γ-ray beam of energy 3.07(6) MeV scattered inelastically off an isotopically highly enriched ^{156}Gd target. The data yield first direct support for the deformation dependence of effective proton and neutron quadrupole boson charges in the framework of algebraic nuclear models. First evidence for a low-lying J^{π}=2^{+} member of the rotational band of states on top of the 1^{+} band head is obtained, too, indicating a significant signature splitting in the K=1 scissors mode rotational band.

Constraint on 0νßß matrix elements from a novel decay channel of the scissors mode: the case of 154Gd.

The nucleus (154)Gd is located in a region of the nuclear chart where rapid changes of nuclear deformation occur as a function of particle number. It was investigated using a combination of γ-ray scattering experiments and a γγ-coincidence study following electron capture decay of (154)Tb(m). A novel decay channel from the scissors mode to the first excited 0(+) state was observed. Its transition strength was determined to B(M1;1(sc)(+)→0(2)(+))=0.031(4)µ(N)(2). The properties of the scissors mode of (154)Gd imply a much larger matrix element than previously thought for the neutrinoless double-ß decay to the 0(2)(+) state in such a shape-transitional region. Theory indicates an even larger effect for (150)Nd.

AORN set for certified RN first assistant Medicare reimbursement in the new year.

As a provider of health care, the CRNFA is a viable solution for controlling rising health care costs. Working in collaborative practice with surgeons, CRNFAs are cost-effective for the patient and for the health care delivery system. The AORN proposal would extend Medicare coverage eligibility to CRNFAs for their surgical first assisting services. Use of CRNFAs could well decrease the frequency and length of hospital stays because CRNFAs would be reimbursed under Medicare at a lower rate than physicians who first assist and because CRNFAs routinely provide much-needed patient education and counseling.