If the lifetime for gamma emission exceeds about one nanosecond, the excited nucleus is defined to be in a metastable or isomeric state. The decay process from this excited state is known as an isomeric transition (IT).
Common Law Marriage States. Currently, only nine states (Alabama, Colorado, Kansas, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Iowa, Montana, Oklahoma, and Texas) and the District of Columbia recognize common-law marriages contracted within their borders.
In the United States, marriage is regulated by the states. At one time, most states recognized Common-Law Marriage, which is entered into by agreement of the parties to be husband and wife. In such an arrangement, no marriage license is required nor is a wedding ceremony necessary.