nuclei with 94<Z<98, accessed via inelastic and transfer reactions,

using heavy stable beams on radioactive targets. These complement

spectroscopic investigations of elements with 100<Z<104 using

fusion-evaporation reactions. The physics of the highest neutron

orbitals at and beyond N=150 will be discussed. Valence orbitals here

can originate from above the spherical shell gaps that are believed to

be responsible for the stability of superheavy elements. Thus, a precise

mapping of single particle states in this deformed region can provide

guidance and constraints for theories that attempt to predict the next

higher spherical magic numbers.