Multiple Shape Coexistence in

From detailed spectroscopy of ^{110}Cd and ^{112}Cd following the ß^{+}/electron-capture decay of ^{110,112}In and the ß^{-} decay of ^{112}Ag, very weak decay branches from nonyrast states are observed. The transition rates determined from the measured branching ratios and level lifetimes obtained with the Doppler-shift attenuation method following inelastic neutron scattering reveal collective enhancements that are suggestive of a series of rotational bands. In ^{110}Cd, a γ band built on the shape-coexisting intruder configuration is suggested. For ^{112}Cd, the 2^{+} and 3^{+} intruder γ-band members are suggested, the 0_{3}^{+} band is extended to spin 4^{+}, and the 0_{4}^{+} band is identified. The results are interpreted using beyond-mean-field calculations employing the symmetry conserving configuration mixing method with the Gogny D1S energy density functional and with the suggestion that the Cd isotopes exhibit multiple shape coexistence.

New features of shape coexistence in ;{152}Sm.

Excited states in ;{152}Sm have been investigated with the ;{152}Sm(n,n;{'}gamma) reaction. The lowest four negative-parity band structures have been characterized in detail with respect to their absolute decay properties. Specifically, a new K;{pi} = 0;{-} band has been assigned with its 1;{-} band head at 1681 keV. This newly observed band has a remarkable similarity in its E1 transition rates for decay to the first excited K;{pi} = 0;{+} band at 684 keV to the lowest K;{pi} = 0;{-} band and its decay to the ground-state band. Based on these decay properties, as well as energy considerations, this new band is assigned as a K;{pi} = 0;{-} octupole excitation based on the K;{pi} = 0_{2};{+} state. An emerging pattern of repeating excitations built on the 0_{2};{+} level similar to those built on the ground state may indicate that ;{152}Sm is a complex example of shape coexistence rather than a critical point nucleus.

[Health economics and HTA]. / Gesundheitsökonomie und HTA.

For a comprehensive health technology assessment (HTA), health economic studies are analysed as well as medical studies. Significance and effects of HTA are rather different in European countries. In Germany HTA is conducted by two official agencies: DIMDI and IQWiG. While DIMDI requires health economic assessments, IQWiG is prohibited from considering economic aspects by law (pure assessment of benefits). For the health economic assessment in HTA reports mainly secondary scientific evidence is exploited, i.e. primarily cost effectiveness and cost utility analyses. The study perspective, the study alternatives and the modelling methods are of great importance for the evaluation and have to be justified in depth. The cost effectiveness ratio and the budget impact are the most important results of the health economic assessment, which is the basis for the appraisal by the health care authorities. For this decision medical, utilitarian or other aspects like the avoidance of unwanted distribution effects are considered. On the other hand often only a few studies are available for the decision making when the appraisal has to be done. This problem might be less relevant in the near future as the number of HTAs and the number of health economic evaluations increases.

Low-energy coexisting band in 154Gd.

A low-energy coexisting band Jpi (Ex keV) 0(+) (1182), 2(+) (1418), 4(+) (1701) is identified in the deformed nucleus, 154Gd. Detailed gamma-ray spectroscopy following the beta decays of 154Eu (J=3), (g,m(1),m(2))154Tb (J=0,3,7) is used to establish this structure. The structure is explained in terms of the pairing and deformation degrees of freedom, a "pairing isomer," which results from the nu[505] upward arrow Nilsson intruder orbital.

Fine structure in proton emission from 145Tm discovered with digital signal processing.

Fine structure in proton emission from the 3.1(3) mus activity of 145Tm was discovered by using a novel technique of digital processing of overlapping recoil implantation and decay signals. Proton transitions to the ground state of 144Er and to its first excited 2(+) state at 0.33(1) MeV with a branching ratio I(p)(2(+))=9.6+/-1.5% were observed. The structure of the 145Tm wave function and the emission process were analyzed by using particle-core vibration coupling models.

[Using the excimer laser in refractive eye surgery. Results of a survey of German ophthalmologists]. / Verwendung des Excimer-Lasers in der refraktiven Augenchirurgie. Ergebnisse einer Umfrage unter deutschen Augenärzten.

BACKGROUND: Little information about the cost-effectiveness of excimer laser operations is available. As the number and structure of providers of these services in Germany are relatively unknown, only rough estimations can be made about the number of operations. PURPOSE: In this study the market for excimer laser operations is defined, structured from an economic view and examined according to medium-term demand and supply trends. The aim of the study is an applicable estimation of the current level of dissemination and of existing economic conditions for providers of excimer laser operations. METHODS: In a postal survey 219 ophthalmologists in Germany were asked to provide the number of excimer laser operations they had carried out and the organizational and financial details of these services. The questionnaire was answered anonymously. RESULTS: One can conclude that the annual number of interventions is increasing, although less significantly than in the United States. In most cases, providers of German health insurance have rejected inclusion of this service in their reimbursement catalogue. CONCLUSIONS: As of yet, excimer-laser-related turnover has frequently not met expectations. However, because of modifications of technological, health-economic and demand conditions an increase in the number of operations within this area is expected in the future.