Evidence for a possible E(5) symmetry in 134Ba

Evidence for the first empirical example of a transitional dynamical symmetry at a critical point is discussed in the spectrum of 134Ba. The role of such classes of symmetries in nuclear structural evolution is also discussed.

Robust nuclear observables and constraints on random interactions

The predictions of the interacting boson model two-body random ensemble are compared to empirical results on nuclei from Z = 8-100. Heretofore unrecognized but robust empirical trends are identified and related both to the distribution of valence nucleon numbers and to the need for and applicability of specific, nonrandom interactions. Applications to expected trends in exotic nuclei are discussed.