Precise Timing Adjustment for the ATLAS Level1 Endcap Muon Trigger System

The ATLAS level1 endcap muon trigger system consists of about 4000 Thin Gap Chambers (TGC) with 320,000 input electronics channels in order to find level1 trigger candidates for muons in both endcap regions. We had already adjusted channel-to-channel timing difference in overall TGC system with 1.2ns level, and found its consistency with the observation of beam halo events in the first proton circulation of LHC in September 2008. After that we have found some more correction factors to be incorporated with and eventually achieved timing adjustment in 0.9ns precision. In this presentation we also discuss an effective strategy for a parameter that can be adjusted using colliding beams

Activation and localization of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 in the skeletal muscle of the muscular dystrophy dog (CXMDJ)

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are key regulatory molecules in the formation, remodeling and degradation of all extracellular matrix (ECM) components in both physiological and pathological processes in various tissues. The aim of this study was to examine the involvement of gelatinase MMP family members, MMP-2 and MMP-9, in dystrophin-deficient skeletal muscle. Towards this aim, we made use of the canine X-linked muscular dystrophy in Japan (CXMD_J) model, a suitable animal model for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We used surgically biopsied tibialis cranialis muscles of normal male dogs (n = 3) and CXMD_Jdogs (n = 3) at 4, 5 and 6 months of age. Muscle sections were analyzed by conventional morphological methods and <it>in situ </it>zymography to identify the localization of MMP-2 and MMP-9. MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity was examined by gelatin zymography and the levels of the respective mRNAs in addition to those of regulatory molecules, including MT1-MMP, TIMP-1, TIMP-2, and RECK, were analyzed by semi-quantitative RT-PCR.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>In CXMD_Jskeletal muscle, multiple foci of both degenerating and regenerating muscle fibers were associated with gelatinolytic MMP activity derived from MMP-2 and/or MMP-9. In CXMD_Jmuscle, MMP-9 immunoreactivity localized to degenerated fibers with inflammatory cells. Weak and disconnected immunoreactivity of basal lamina components was seen in MMP-9-immunoreactive necrotic fibers of CXMD_Jmuscle. Gelatinolytic MMP activity observed in the endomysium of groups of regenerating fibers in CXMD_Jdid not co-localize with MMP-9 immunoreactivity, suggesting that it was due to the presence of MMP-2. We observed increased activities of pro MMP-2, MMP-2 and pro MMP-9, and levels of the mRNAs encoding MMP-2, MMP-9 and the regulatory molecules, MT1-MMP, TIMP-1, TIMP-2, and RECK in the skeletal muscle of CXMD_Jdogs compared to the levels observed in normal controls.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>MMP-2 and MMP-9 are likely involved in the pathology of dystrophin-deficient skeletal muscle. MMP-9 may be involved predominantly in the inflammatory process during muscle degeneration. In contrast, MMP-2, which was activated in the endomysium of groups of regenerating fibers, may be associated with ECM remodeling during muscle regeneration and fiber growth.</p

Chemosynthesis-based associations on Cretaceous plesiosaurid carcasses

The objective of this report is to document first Mesozoic occurrences of chemosynthesis−based communities developed on large marine reptile carcasses. Micro−grazing provannid gastropods (typical of chemosynthetic communities) are associated with plesiosaurid skeletons in the Upper Cretaceous deposits of Hokkaido, northern Japan. The cancellous bones of the examined plesiosaurid bones contain a ubiquity of iron sulfides within the bone trabeculae, which provides evidence of anaerobic sulfate reduction of the bone lipids. We also report numerous microborings in the bone trabeculae, which might result from the activity of sulfur−oxidizing bacteria. This finding addresses the hotly debated problem of the emergence and radiation of whale bone faunas. We postulate that vertebrate bone environments in the Northwest Pacific region were settled repeatedly by animals from a regional pool of chemosynthesis−based communities that flourished in the methane seeps and/or hot vents that were present during the Late Cretaceous–Miocene