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Occurrences of alkaline and carbonatite rocks with high concentrations of rare earth elements (REE) are a defining feature of Precambrian geology in the Mojave Desert of southeastern California. The most economically important occurrence is the carbonatite stock at Mountain Pass, which constitutes the largest REE deposit in the United States. A central scientific goal is to understand the genesis of the carbonatite ore body in the context of widespread REE‐rich igneous activity. A swarm of mafic alkaline (shonkinite) dikes has been mapped and sampled at Bobcat Hills, 65 km southeast of the Mountain Pass mine. Whole‐rock geochemistry and zircon geochronology demonstrate a clear affinity to the ca. 1.4 Ga Mountain Pass intrusive system. Bobcat Hills dikes have comparably high REE concentrations (La ∼1,000× chondritic) and an error‐weighted mean 207Pb/206Pb zircon crystallization age of 1,426 ± 2 Ma (2σ). Unlike the alkaline intrusions at Mountain Pass, which have abundant inherited zircon from Paleoproterozoic basement rocks and crustally influenced oxygen isotope compositions (δ18Ozircon = 6.5–7.5‰), the Bobcat Hills dikes lack any evidence of crustal assimilation and have oxygen isotope values that overlap a mantle range (Bobcat Hills average δ18Ozircon = 5.6 ± 0.3‰). The dikes were a high‐temperature, early center of mafic alkaline magmatism in the Mojave Desert that serve as a snapshot of melt generation from a spatially extensive, metasomatized mantle source. We propose that modification of the crust over many tens of Myr at Mountain Pass created an environment that favored crustal assimilation and enabled ascent of late‐stage, REE‐rich carbonatite magmas. Key Points: The Bobcat Hills site expands the distribution of REE‐rich mafic alkaline magmatism 65 km southeast of the Mountain Pass mineShonkinite dikes at Bobcat Hills are physically and chemically similar to mafic intrusions at Mountain Pass and have comparably high REEBobcat Hills was an early center of REE‐rich magmatism in the Mojave Desert, with a zircon U‐Pb crystallization age of 1,426 ± 2 Ma [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of International Journal of Medicine & Science of Physical Activity & Sport / Revista Internacional de Medicina y Ciencias de la Actividad Física y del Deporte is the property of Revista Internacional de Medicina y Ciencias de la Actividad Fisica y del Deporte and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Microtremor measurements were performed on four historical timber–masonry composite pagodas (called tiered temples) in Kathmandu Valley. Several measurements were performed between 2009 and 2017. The Gorkha earthquake occurred on April 25, 2015, causing severe damage (collapse, inclination, uplifting of the top tier, and damage to masonry walls) to the temples being monitored. The earthquake damage was assessed, and the results were compared with the structures' fundamental vibration characteristics, determined using microtremor measurements. The temples, which were surveyed before and after the earthquake, exhibited an increase in the natural period of vibration and a stiffness loss of approximately 10%. For the four temples with multiple tiers investigated, linear idealisation of the natural period of vibration with the height of the structure is proposed. By including microtremor measurements conducted in previous studies, the natural periods of the tiered temples in Nepal were found to be distributed between 0.3 and 0.7 s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sulphide Queen carbonatite deposit at Mountain Pass in southeast California is a world class rare earth element (REE) resource. This study images electrical resistivity structure of the REE deposit and surrounding area to characterize resources under cover. An east-west elongated grid (35 × 15 km) of 65 wideband magnetotelluric stations spanning from eastern Shadow Valley to eastern Ivanpah Valley were collected and modeled in three-dimensions (3-D). Gravity, aeromagnetic, and geologic data are used to inform interpretation of structures in the resistivity model, including the following observations. Shadow Valley is filled with conductive sediment that locally dips southward to a depth of 1 km. The Kingston Range-Halloran Hills detachment fault dips westward at ~15 degrees. The REE deposit is a moderate low resistivity zone dipping southwest to a possible depth of ~1 km, and is bounded by the North and South faults and bisected by the Middle fault. Ivanpah Dry Lake is underlain by a north striking southward dipping sedimentary basin. Two possible zones of mineralization are observed in Ivanpah Valley, one along the western edge of Ivanpah Dry Lake and one on the western edge of valley along a new inferred fault. The brittle-ductile transition is imaged at ~10 km below mean sea level. No deep electrically conductive structures are imaged to be related to the REE deposit likely due to the complex geologic history of the Mojave terrane. Future studies should regional target Proterozoic rocks and search within for geophysical signatures similar to Mountain Pass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Hayward fault in California's San Francisco Bay area produces large earthquakes, with the last occurring in 1868. We examine how physics‐based dynamic rupture modeling can be used to numerically simulate large earthquakes on not only the Hayward fault, but also its connected companions to the north and south, the Rodgers Creek and Calaveras faults. Equipped with a wealth of images of this fault system, including those of its 3D geology and 3D geometry, in addition to inferences about its interseismic creep‐rate pattern and rock‐friction behavior, we use a finite‐element computer code to perform 3D dynamic earthquake rupture simulations. We find that the rock properties affect the locations and amount of slip produced in our simulated large earthquakes. Crucial factors that control rupture behavior in our modeling are the earthquake nucleation locations, the fault geometry, and the data that reveal where the fault system is creeping or locked. Our findings suggest that large Rodgers Creek‐Hayward‐Calaveras‐Northern Calaveras (RC‐H‐C‐NC) fault‐system earthquakes may result from dynamic rupture that starts in a locked part of the fault system, but is then stopped by the creeping parts, leading to high‐magnitude‐6 earthquakes; or, from dynamic rupture that starts in a locked part of the fault system, then cascades through some of the creeping parts, leading to magnitude‐7 earthquakes. Plain Language Summary: The San Francisco Bay area has experienced large earthquakes in the past and is likely to experience large earthquakes in the future. Although the San Andreas fault is the best‐known earthquake generator, other San Francisco Bay area faults, including some that slowly move (creep) all of the time are also known to be hazardous. We use computer modeling to simulate large earthquakes on the Hayward fault, and its connected companions to the north and south, the Rodgers Creek and Calaveras faults. In our computer simulations, we include information about the rock properties, rock‐friction, and fault geometry, in addition to inferences about where the faults creep. We find that the earthquake nucleation location, the fault geometry, and the pattern of fault creep, are most important. Our findings suggest that large earthquakes on these faults may result from a fast‐slipping rupture that starts in a locked part of the faults, but is then stopped by the slowly slipping parts of the faults, leading to high‐magnitude‐6 earthquakes, or, from fast‐slipping rupture that starts in a locked part of the faults, then cascades through some of the creeping‐fault parts, leading to magnitude‐7 earthquakes. Key Points: We simulated large earthquakes on the Rodgers Creek‐Hayward‐Calaveras fault system, CaliforniaOur spontaneous rupture (dynamic rupture) simulations included the 3D fault geometry, 3D rock properties, and creeping‐fault patchesThe resulting earthquakes are most affected by which fault they start on, the fault geometry, and the pattern of interseismic fault creep [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: One of the factors limiting successful processing of alpaca (Vicugna pacos) semen is the viscosity of seminal plasma. The viscous nature of the collected ejaculate has hindered sperm cryopreservation as well as artificial insemination (AI) under field conditions. Aims: The objective of this investigation was to evaluate recovery, motility, and plasma membrane integrity of alpaca spermatozoa after centrifugation in one of two different solutions at one of three different combinations of speed and time. Methods: A total of 24 ejaculates was recovered from seven reproductively sound Huacaya males using a modified artificial vagina (AV) after training the animals for semen collection. A 2 × 3 factorial treatment arrangement was utilized for this study. Ejaculates were divided into fractions for centrifugation in one of two solutions (Tris extender or PureSperm®80 density gradient solution) at one of three combinations of speed and time (492 × g for 15 min, 1968 × g for 10 min, or 4448 × g for 7 min). The experiment was replicated eight times. Results: Analysis revealed that centrifugation at 4448 × g for 7 min in PureSperm®80 provided a high recovery rate of spermatozoa with the highest sperm motility and functional integrity of plasma membrane post-centrifugation. Conclusion: Results suggest that adoption of this procedure (centrifugation at 4448 × g for 7 min in PureSperm®80) in the initial processing of alpaca ejaculates may enhance subsequent ability to use semen for AI and other assisted reproductive biotechnologies in this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the performance under cyclic oxidation of (Mo,Cr)3 Si compound with different Cr additions for possible coating application. Cyclic oxidation was carried out at 1,000 °C at different intervals during 250 h. Oxidized surface samples were analysed by scanning electron microscope where epitaxial oxide scales were observed mainly in samples with higher Cr content which may provide protection against surface oxidation. X-ray diffraction studies have shown the Cr2O3 and SiO2 formation as the main oxide scale; after analyses, it was found that these oxides are responsible for the best oxidation protection, with 36 at.% Cr being the optimal chromium concentration. At lower chromium concentrations, pest reaction occurred in the oxidized samples at times less than 25 h as a result of the formation of the unstable molybdenum oxide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Cryptorchidism is one of the most common congenital disorders in boys, and several genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors have been proposed as possible causes for this genitourinary defect. Genetic factors have been intensively searched, but relatively few pathogenic variants have been described. Cryptorchidism is a frequent finding in patients with RASopathies, a group of syndrome caused by mutations in genes of the Ras/MAPK pathway. Our aim was to determine whether patients with isolated cryptorchidism (IC) exhibit Ras/MAPK pathway gene variants associated with RASopathies. Two hundred thirty‐nine patients with IC were recruited after orchidopexy. Determination of Ras/MAPK pathway gene variants was performed by high‐resolution melting (HRM) analysis followed by sequencing. Restriction or allele‐specific amplification assay was applied to (i) variant confirmation; (ii) search in healthy controls; and (iii) segregation analysis. Controls correspond to 100 healthy Chilean adults without a history of cryptorchidism. Molecular analysis showed one synonymous substitution (BRAF_p.Q456Q) in two patients and four missense substitutions (SOS1_ p.R497Q, BRAF_ p.F595L, NRAS_ p.T50I, and MAP2K2_ p.Y134C) in five patients. Our results suggest that some patients with isolated cryptorchidism, but with no evidence of dysmorphic features suggestive of RASopathies, may harbor Ras/MAPK pathway gene alterations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ginecología y Obstetricia de México is the property of Federacion Mexicana de Ginecologia y Obstetricia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Ginecología y Obstetricia de México is the property of Federacion Mexicana de Ginecologia y Obstetricia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A major component of the versatile heating systems on the DIII-D tokamak is the gyrotron complex. This system routinely operates at 110 GHz with 4.7 MW-generated rf power for electron cyclotron heating and current drive. The complex is being upgraded with the addition of new depressed collector potential gyrotrons operating at 117.5 GHz and generating rf power in excess of 1.0 MW each. The long-term upgrade plan calls for 10 gyrotrons at the higher frequency being phased in as resources permit, for an injected power near 10 MW. This paper presents a summary of the current status of the DIII-D gyrotron complex, its performance, individual components, testing procedures, operational parameters, plans, and a brief summary of the experiments for which the system is currently being used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electron cyclotron heating (ECH) system on the DIII-D fusion reactor consists of six 110-GHz gyrotrons with 6 MW installed power for pulses limited administratively to 5 s in length. The transmission coefficient is better than -1.1~dB for four of the transmission lines, which is close to the theoretical value. A new depressed collector gyrotron was recently installed and is injecting up to 720 kW of power into DIII-D during 2013 tokamak operations. Three of the four dual waveguide launchers, which can steer the RF beams \pm20^\circ both poloidally and toroidally, were used for real-time neoclassical tearing mode control and suppression with increased poloidal scanning speed up to 60 ^\circ/s and positioning accuracy of the beams of \pm2~mm at the plasma center. The ECH capabilities on DIII-D are being steadily updated, leading to increased experimental flexibility and high reliability of the system. In the past year, the ECH system reliability reached 87% for 2352 successful individual gyrotron shots into DIII-D. Planning is under way for the addition of two new depressed collector gyrotrons, one at 110 GHz, 1.2 MW and another at 117.5 GHz, 1.5 MW generated power, both of which are in the test stage at Communications and Power Industries. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Catheter-related bacteremia (CRB) is one of the various complications related to hemodialysis (HD). As a result of this high rate of infection, the antibiotic lock technique (ALT) has been recommended to prevent CRB. However, adverse effects of ALT such as increased emergence of strains resistant to antibiotics and increased mechanical dysfunction catheter were poorly evaluated. We prospectively evaluated the efficacy of catheter-restricted filling using an antibiotic lock solution in preventing CRB. A total of 233 HD patients requiring 325 new tunneled catheters while waiting for placement and maturation of an arteriovenous fistula or graft were enrolled in this study. Patients with a tunneled catheter were assigned to receive either an antibiotic-heparin lock solution (antibiotic group: cefazolin 10 mg/ml, gentamicin 5 mg/ml, heparin 1,000 U/ml) or a heparin lock solution (no-antibiotic group: heparin 1,000 U/ml) as a catheter lock solution during the interdialytic period. The present study aimed to assess the efficacy of ALT using cefazolin and gentamicin in reducing CRB in patients undergoing HD with tunneled central catheter and to identify its adverse effects. CRB developed in 32.4 % of patients in the no-antibiotic group and in 13.1 % of patients in the antibiotic group. CRB rates per 1,000 catheter-days were 0.57 in the antibiotic group versus 1.74 in the no-antibiotic group ( p < 0.0001). Kaplan-Meier analysis also showed that mean CRB-free catheter survival was significantly higher in the antibiotic group than in the no-antibiotic group (log-rank statistic 17.62, p < 0.0001). There was statistically significant difference between the two groups in causative organisms of CRB, with predominance of negative culture in both groups, but this prevalence was higher in ALT group (57.9 vs 90.1 %, p < 0.0001), and the two groups also were different in prevalence of gram-positive bacteria as causing organisms (ALT group 21.05 vs = 0 % in control group, p < 0.0001). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in drug-resistant germs. There were statistically significant differences between the two groups in the catheter removal causes, with higher rate of infectious cause in control group (12.32 vs 2.22 %, p < 0.0001) and mechanical cause in ALT group (28.26 vs 37.78 %, p < 0.0001). The results suggest that ALT may be a beneficial means of reducing the CRB rate in HD patients with tunneled catheter, without association between ALT and emergence of strains resistant. However, mechanical complications were more prevalent in antibiotic group. Further studies are required to determine the optimal drug regimen, concentrations for ALT, and its adverse effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) requiring dialysis in critically ill patients is associated with an in-hospital mortality rate of 50-80 %. Extended daily hemodialysis (EHD) and high volume peritoneal dialysis (HVPD) have emerged as alternative modalities. Methods: A double-center, randomized, controlled trial was conducted comparing EHD versus HVPD for the treatment for AKI in the intensive care unit (ICU). Four hundred and seven patients were randomized and 143 patients were analyzed. Principal outcome measure was hospital mortality, and secondary end points were recovery of renal function and metabolic and fluid control. Results: There was no difference between the two groups in relation to median ICU stay [11 (5.7-20) vs. 9 (5.7-19)], recovery of kidney function (26.9 vs. 29.6 %, p = 0.11), need for chronic dialysis (9.7 vs. 6.5 %, p = 0.23), and hospital mortality (63.4 vs. 63.9 %, p = 0.94). The groups were different in metabolic and fluid control. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and bicarbonate levels were stabilized faster in EHD group than in HVPD group. Delivered Kt/ V and ultrafiltration were higher in EHD group. Despite randomization, there were significant differences between the groups in some covariates, including age, pre-dialysis BUN, and creatinine levels, biased in favor of the EHD. Using logistic regression to adjust for the imbalances in group assignment, the odds of death associated with HVPD was 1.4 (95 % CI 0.7-2.4, p = 0.19). A detailed investigation of the randomization process failed to explain the marked differences in patient assignment. Conclusions: Despite faster metabolic control and higher dialysis dose and ultrafiltration with EHD, this study provides no evidence of a survival benefit of EHD compared with HVPD. The limitations of this study were that the results were not presented according to the intention to treat and it did not control other supportive management strategies as nutrition support and timing of dialysis initiation that might influence outcomes in AKI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims of our study were to describe the long-term survival in patients surviving an acute tubular necrosis (ATN) episode and determine factors associated with late mortality. We performed a prospective cohort study that evaluated the long-term outcome of 212 patients surviving an ATN episode. Mortality at the end of followup was 24.5%, and the probability of these patients being alive 5 years after discharge was 55%. During the followup, 4.7% of patients needed chronic dialysis. Univariate analysis showed that previous CKD (P = 0.0079), cardiovascular disease (P = 0.019), age greater than 60 years (P < 0.0001), and higher SCr baseline (P = 0.001), after 12 months (P = 0.0015) and 36 months (P = 0.004), were predictors of long-term mortality. In multivariate analysis, older age (HR = 6.4, CI 95% = 1.2-34.5, P = 0.02) and higher SCr after 12 months (HR = 2.1, 95% CI 95% = 1.14-4.1, P = 0.017) were identified as risk factors associated with late mortality. In conclusion, 55% of patients surviving an ATN episode were still alive, and less than 5% required chronic dialysis 60 months later; older age and increased Scr after 12 months were identified as risk factors associated with late death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims of our study were to describe the long-term survival in patients surviving an acute tubular necrosis (ATN) episode and determine factors associated with late mortality. We performed a prospective cohort study that evaluated the long-term outcome of 212 patients surviving an ATN episode. Mortality at the end of followup was 24.5%, and the probability of these patients being alive 5 years after discharge was 55%. During the followup, 4.7% of patients needed chronic dialysis. Univariate analysis showed that previous CKD (P = 0.0079), cardiovascular disease (P = 0.019), age greater than 60 years (P < 0.0001), and higher SCr baseline (P = 0.001), after 12 months (P = 0.0015) and 36 months (P = 0.004), were predictors of long-term mortality. In multivariate analysis, older age (HR = 6.4, CI 95% = 1.2-34.5, P = 0.02) and higher SCr after 12 months (HR = 2.1, 95% CI 95% = 1.14-4.1, P = 0.017) were identified as risk factors associated with late mortality. In conclusion, 55% of patients surviving an ATN episode were still alive, and less than 5% required chronic dialysis 60 months later; older age and increased Scr after 12 months were identified as risk factors associated with late death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A redesign of the Thomson scattering data acquisition system located on the DIII-D tokamak is undergoing its trial phase. The redesign was made necessary by several factors, including the desire to improve the quality of the acquired data. In addition, the previous generation system was based on CAMAC technology, which has become difficult to maintain and is no longer supported. A big part of this improved redesign comes from the use of faster electronics allowing for greatly improved background light subtraction, the main source of noise. The past system utilized LeCroy FERA CAMAC gated integrator modules for integration and digitization. The redesigned system takes a much more distributed approach. The new system consists of a number of subsystems, including photodetectors, digitizers, distribution panels, and timing circuits. The most significant upgrade was performed on the photodetector electronic assembly. A key feature was to make the units much more self-contained in regard to the preamplifier, background subtraction, integration, and bias circuits. The redesigned photodetectors and preliminary test results of the trial phase will be presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Samples alloyed from zero up to 20 Nb at.% were produced by arc casting. Wear resistance is evaluated under dry sliding wear test conditions at different loads. Samples with a higher Nb at.% worn on an AISI 9840 steel disk had better resistance in comparison with samples without Nb reaching values up to 30%. This effect is explained considering the differences in oxidation between the substrate and the sample surfaces obtained by SEM analysis which explains the resistance improvement for the alloys with the Nb solid solution additions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Maderas: Ciencia y Tecnología is the property of Universidad del Bio-Bio and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A preliminary economic evaluation of the feasibility of establishing a fishery to process red crab meal (Pleuroncodes planipes) was conducted. Risk assessment indicated that a fishery of nine boats could operate with an average 1.53 benefit-cost ratio (B C-1) and annual net revenues (NR) of US$427?840, and that there is certainty of obtaining economic profit in every season, with a?B?C-1 > 1 and NR?> 0. Total catch and average catch per trip could be reduced from a total baseline catch of 10?328?tons (1735?t?meal) to 6061 (1844?t?meal), and from a baseline catch per trip of 11.4?t (4.78?t?meal) to 6.73?tons (4.85?t?meal) without economic losses. There was no possibility for profit when total catch and average catch per trip were, respectively, lower than 5365?t (1648?t?meal) and 5.96?t (4.71?t?meal). For a single-fishing trip operation, average B C-1 was 1.5 and NR was US$480. We determined that there was a confidence level of 84% to generate profits. To guarantee profits, a catch of 13.5?t?per?trip (1.35?t?meal) should be obtained. Single trips catching less than 3.3?t (0.94?t?meal) cannot make a profit. Sensitivity analysis indicated that plant processing efficiency for converting fresh red crab to meal, catch per trip, and sales price of red crab meal were most important in determining B C-1 and NR values. Plant efficiency constitutes the main element that needs to be optimized, particularly management practices to preserve fresh catch quality. A low sensitivity to costs for processing suggests the possibility of negotiating a higher price and the opportunity for processing plants to venture into processing of red crab meal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-magnetic-pinched diode behavior at 1.5-2 MV was diagnosed using a variety of electrical, radiation, and optical diagnostics. Results are compared with predictions of the LSP particle-in-cell code, and shown to be in good agreement. A practical diagnostic of electron incidence angles is demonstrated. A quadrature interferometer is shown to be capable of measuring the time-dependent position of the effective electrode-plasma boundaries. Both one-dimensional (1-fl) and two-dimensional (2-fl) interferometry show the importance of anode plasma expansion in such diodes with high anode-power concentration. Not only does the anode plasma contribute significantly to gap closure, but there is evidence that anode plasma expansion results in a distortion of the effective anode shape, which can significantly affect the diode performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plasma-filled rod-pinch diode is a new technique to concentrate an intense electron beam to high power and energy density. Current from a pulsed power generator (typically ∼MV, MA, 100 ns pulse duration) flows through the injected plasma, which short-circuits the diode for 10-70 ns, then the impedance increases and a large fraction of the ∼MeV electron-beam energy is deposited at the tip of a 1 mm diameter, tapered rod anode, producing a small (sub-mm diameter), intense x-ray source. The current and voltage parameters imply 20-150 μm effective anode-cathode gaps at the time of maximum radiation, much smaller gaps than can be used between metal electrodes without premature shorting. Interferometric diagnostics indicate that the current initially sweeps up plasma in a snowplow-like manner, convecting current toward the rod tip. The density distribution is more diffuse at the time of beam formation with a low-density region near the rod surface where gap formation could occur. Particle simulations of the beam formation phase are dominated by rapid field penetration along the anode and radial J×B forces leading to gap formation and high-energy beam propagation to the rod tip. Beam deposition at the rod tip produces a high thermal energy-density (∼0.75 MJ/cm³), highly ionized (Z∼10, T∼25 eV) expanding tungsten plasma. Potential applications of this technique include improved radiography sources, high-energy-density plasma generation, and intense 10-100 keV x-ray production for nuclear-weapon-effects testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]