The yields of over 200 projectile-like fragments (PLFs) and target-like fragments (TLFs) from the interaction of (E c.m. =450 MeV) 136 Xe with a thick target of 208 Pb were measured using Gammasphere and off-line γ-ray spectroscopy, giving a comprehensive picture of the production cross sections in this reaction.The measured yields were compared to predictions of the GRAZING model and the predictions of Zagrebaev and Greiner using a quantitative metric, the theory evaluation factor, tef. The GRAZING model predictions are adequate for describing the yields of nuclei near the target or projectile but grossly underestimate the yields of all other products. The predictions of Zagrebaev and Greiner correctly describe the magnitude and maxima of the observed TLF transfer cross sections for a wide range of transfers (∆Z = -8 to ∆Z = +2). However for ∆Z =+4, the observed position of the maximum in the distribution is four neutrons richer than the predicted maximum. The predicted yields of the neutron-rich N=126 nuclei exceed the measured values by two orders of magnitude. Correlations between TLF and PLF yields are discussed.

Background: The cross section for forming a heavy evaporation residue in fusion reactions depends on the capture cross section, the fusion probability, P CN , i.e., the probability that the projectile-target system will evolve inside the fission saddle point to form a completely fused system rather than re-separating (quasifission), and the survival of the completely fused system against fission. P CN is the least known of these quantities. Methods: We measured the fission fragment angular distributions for these reactions and used the formalism of Back to deduce the fusion-fission and quasifission cross sections. From these quantities we deduced P CN for each reaction. Conclusions:The new measured values of P CN agree roughly with the semi-empirical systematic dependence of P CN upon fissility for excited nuclei.

The aetiology of weight loss in patients with Parkinson’s disease is likely to be multifactorial. We studied 15 patients with Parkinson’s disease and 15 age- and sex-matched controls and looked for evidence of malabsorption due to small bowel bacterial overgrowth or alteration of intestinal permeability. There was a marked increase in orocaecal transit time in the patients with Parkinson’s disease, although lactulose hydrogen breath testing did not show evidence of small bowel bacterial contamination. Intestinal permeability measured by the differential sugar absorption test was also deranged. There was reduced absorption of mannitol in patients with Parkinson’s disease while lactulose absorption was similar in both groups, suggesting decreased non-mediated uptake across the enterocyte brush border membrane in patients with Parkinson’s disease.

We have studied the fission-neutron emission competition in highly excited 274 Hs (Z=108) (where the fission barrier is due to shell effects) formed by a hot fusion reaction. Matching cross bombardments ( 26 Mg + 248 Cm and 25 Mg + 248 Cm) were used to identify the properties of first chance fission of 274 Hs. A Harding-Farley analysis of the fission neutrons emitted in the 25,26 Mg + 248 Cm was performed to identify the pre-and post-scission components of the neutron multiplicities in each system. (Γn/Γt) for the first chance fission of 274 Hs (E * = 63 MeV) is 0.89 ± 0.13, i.e., ∼ 90 % of the highly excited nuclei survive.The high value of that survival probability is due to dissipative effects during de-excitation. A proper description of the survival probabilities of excited superheavy nuclei formed in hot fusion reactions requires consideration of both dynamic and static (shell-related) effects.The remarkable recent progress in the synthesis of new heavy and superheavy nuclei has been made using fusion reactions. These reactions can be divided into two prototypical classes, "cold" and "hot" fusion reactions. In "cold" fusion reactions, one bombards Pb or Bi target nuclei with heavier projectiles (Ca-Kr) to form completely fused systems with low excitation energies (E * =10-15 MeV), leading to a higher survival (against fission) but with a reduced probability of the fusion reaction taking place due to the larger Coulomb repulsion in the more symmetric reacting system. (This approach has been used in the synthesis of elements 107-113). In "hot" fusion reactions one uses a more asymmetric reaction (typically involving a lighter projectile and an actinide target nucleus) to increase the fusion probability but leading to a highly excited completely fused system (E * =30-60 MeV) with a reduced probability of surviving against fission. (This approach has been used to synthesize elements 102-118.) Formally, the cross section for producing a heavy evaporation residue, σ EVR , in a fusion reaction can be written as(1) where σ capture (E c.m. , J) is the capture cross section at center of mass energy E c.m. and spin J. P CN is the probability that the projectile-target system will evolve from the contact configuration inside the fission saddle point to form a completely fused system rather than re-separating (quasifission, fast fission). W sur is the probability that the completely fused system will de-excite by neutron emission rather than fission. For a quantitative understanding of the synthesis of new heavy nuclei, one needs to understand σ capture , P CN , and W sur for the reaction system under study.Formally W sur can be written as

SUMMARY The association of faecal incontinence with constipation and confusion in the elderly is well recognised but the anal function of faecally incontinent geriatric patients is poorly understood. Anal studies were therefore performed on 99 geriatric patients (49 with faecal incontinence, 19 continent patients with faecal impaction and 31 geriatric control patients with normal bowel habit) and 57 younger healthy control patients. An age related reduction in anal squeeze pressure but not resting pressure was identified. A reduction in anal resting pressure was detected in the faecally incontinent geriatric patients but squeeze pressure did not differ significantly from that found in the other geriatric patients. Anal sensation was impaired in the faecally incontinent patients. No difference was found between the groups as measured by pudenal nerve terminal motor latency. Gross neuropathy of the distal part of the pudendal nerve does not account for the observed external anal sphincter weakness in geriatric patients or for their faecal incontinence. Internal anal sphincter dysfunction is an important factor in faecal incontinence in the elderly.Faecal incontinence is an unpleasant problem which affects up to 1% of over 65's in the population.' It is most prevalent among the institutionalised elderly.