  Cross sections for neutron capture in the range of unresolved resonances are
predicted for more than 140 spin-0 target nuclei with A > 50. Allowing the
breaking of spherical and axial symmetry in nearly all these nuclei a combined
parameterization for both, level density and photon strength is obtained which
employs a surprisingly small number of parameters only. The strength functions
used are based on a global fit to IVGDR shapes by the sum of three Lorentzians.
They are based on theoretical predictions for the A-dependence of pole energies
and spreading widths and add up to the TRK sum rule. For the small spins
reached by capture resonance spacings are well described by a level density
parameter close to the nuclear matter value; a significant collective
enhancement is apparent due to the deviation from axial symmetry. Reliable
predictions for compound nuclear reactions also outside the valley of stability
(as important for nuclear astrophysics and for the transmutation of nuclear
waste) are expected to result from the global parameterization presented.
