Audit report on the Crawford County Area Solid Waste Agency Commission for the year ended June 30, 2011

Audit report on the Crawford County Area Solid Waste Agency Commission for the year ended June 30, 2011

Onsager symmetry principle for a particle moving through a fluid not in equilibrium

We have shown that the mobility tensor for a particle moving through an arbitrary homogeneous stationary flow satisfies generalized Onsager symmetry relations in which the time-reversal transformation should also be applied to the external forces that keep the system in the stationary state. It is then found that the lift forces, responsible for the motion of the particle in a direction perpendicular to its velocity, have different parity than the drag forces.

Dynamic properties of Lennard Jones fluids and liquid metals

The dependence of the dynamic properties of liquid metals and Lennard-Jones fluids on the characteristics of the interaction potentials is analyzed. Molecular-dynamics simulations of liquids in analogous conditions but assuming that their particles interact either through a Lennard-Jones or a liquid-metal potential were carried out. The Lennard-Jones potentials were chosen so that both the effective size of the particles and the depth of the potential well were very close to those of the liquid-metal potentials. In order to investigate the extent to which the dynamic properties of liquids depend on the short-range attractive interactions as well as on the softness of the potential cores, molecular-dynamics simulations of the same systems but assuming purely repulsive interactions with the same potential cores were also performed. The study includes both singleparticle dynamic properties, such as the velocity autocorrelation functions, and collective dynamic properties, such as the intermediate scattering funcfunctions, and collective dynamic properties, such as the intermediate scattering functions, the dynamic structure factors, the longitudinal and transverse current correlations, and the transport coefficients.

Procalcitonin and C-reactive protein in pericardial fluid for postmortem diagnosis of sepsis.

The aim of this study was to investigate the presence and concentrations of procalcitonin and C-reactive protein in pericardial fluid and compare these levels to those found in the postmortem serum obtained from the femoral blood. Two groups were formed, a sepsis-related fatalities group and a control group. Postmortem native CT scans, autopsies, histology, neuropathology and toxicology as well as other postmortem biochemistry investigations were performed in all cases. Pericardial fluid procalcitonin levels were significantly different between the cases of sepsis-related fatalities and those of the control group. Postmortem serum procalcitonin levels below the detection limit were also reflected in undetectable pericardial fluid levels. Similarly, a large increase in postmortem serum procalcitonin levels was reflected in a large increase of procalcitonin pericardial fluid levels. Based on these findings, pericardial fluid could be an alternative to postmortem serum for the determination of procalcitonin levels in cases where postmortem serum is not available and measurements of procalcitonin are required to circumstantiate the pathogenesis of death.

Therapeutic drug monitoring of seven psychotropic drugs and four metabolites in human plasma by HPLC-MS.

A simple and sensitive LC-MS method was developed and validated for the simultaneous quantification of aripiprazole (ARI), atomoxetine (ATO), duloxetine (DUL), clozapine (CLO), olanzapine (OLA), sertindole (STN), venlafaxine (VEN) and their active metabolites dehydroaripiprazole (DARI), norclozapine (NCLO), dehydrosertindole (DSTN) and O-desmethylvenlafaxine (OVEN) in human plasma. The above mentioned compounds and the internal standard (remoxipride) were extracted from 0.5 mL plasma by solid-phase extraction (mix mode support). The analytical separation was carried out on a reverse phase liquid chromatography at basic pH (pH 8.1) in gradient mode. All analytes were monitored by MS detection in the single ion monitoring mode and the method was validated covering the corresponding therapeutic range: 2-200 ng/mL for DUL, OLA, and STN, 4-200 ng/mL for DSTN, 5-1000 ng/mL for ARI, DARI and finally 2-1000 ng/mL for ATO, CLO, NCLO, VEN, OVEN. For all investigated compounds, good performance in terms of recoveries, selectivity, stability, repeatability, intermediate precision, trueness and accuracy, was obtained. Real patient plasma samples were then successfully analysed.

Magmatic-dominated fluid evolution in the Jurassic Nambija gold skarn deposits (southeastern Ecuador)

The Jurassic (approximately 145 Ma) Nambija oxidized gold skarns are hosted by the Triassic volcanosedimentary Piuntza unit in the sub-Andean zone of southeastern Ecuador. The skarns consist dominantly of granditic garnet (Ad(20-98)) with subordinate pyroxene (Di(46-92)Hd(17-42)Jo(0-19)) and epidote and are spatially associated with porphyritic quartz-diorite to granodiorite intrusions. Endoskarn is developed at the intrusion margins and grades inwards into a potassic alteration zone. Exoskarn has an outer K- and Na-enriched zone in the volcanosedimentary unit. Gold mineralization is associated with the weakly developed retrograde alteration of the exoskarn and occurs mainly in sulfide-poor vugs and milky quartz veins and veinlets in association with hematite. Fluid inclusion data for the main part of the prograde stage indicate the coexistence of high-temperature (500A degrees C to > 600A degrees C), high-salinity (up to 65 wt.% eq. NaCl), and moderate- to low-salinity aqueous-carbonic fluids interpreted to have been trapped at pressures around 100-120 MPa, corresponding to about 4-km depth. Lower-temperature (510-300A degrees C) and moderate- to low-salinity (23-2 wt.% eq. NaCl) aqueous fluids are recorded in garnet and epidote of the end of the prograde stage. The microthermometric data (Th from 513A degrees C to 318A degrees C and salinity from 1.0 to 23 wt.% eq. NaCl) and delta(18)O values between 6.2aEuro degrees and 11.5aEuro degrees for gold-bearing milky quartz from the retrograde stage suggest that the ore-forming fluid was dominantly magmatic. Pressures during the early retrograde stage were in the range of 50-100 MPa, in line with the evidence for CO(2) effervescence and probable local boiling. The dominance of magmatic low-saline to moderately saline oxidizing fluids during the retrograde stage is consistent with the depth of the skarn system, which could have delayed the ingression of external fluids until relatively low temperatures were reached. The resulting low water-to-rock ratios explain the weak retrograde alteration and the compositional variability of chlorite, essentially controlled by host rock compositions. Gold was precipitated at this stage as a result of cooling and pH increase related to CO(2) effervescence, which both result in destabilization of gold-bearing chloride complexes. Significant ingression of external fluids took place after gold deposition only, as recorded by delta(18)O values of 0.4aEuro degrees to 6.2aEuro degrees for fluids depositing quartz (below 350A degrees C) in sulfide-rich barren veins. Low-temperature (< 300A degrees C) meteoric fluids (delta(18)O(water) between -10.0aEuro degrees and -2.0aEuro degrees) are responsible for the precipitation of late comb quartz and calcite in cavities and veins and indicate mixing with cooler fluids of higher salinities (about 100A degrees C and 25 wt.% eq. NaCl). The latter are similar to low-temperature fluids (202-74.5A degrees C) with delta(18)O values of -0.5aEuro degrees to 3.1aEuro degrees and salinities in the range of 21.1 to 17.3 wt.% eq. CaCl(2), trapped in calcite of late veins and interpreted as basinal brines. Nambija represents a deep equivalent of the oxidized gold skarn class, the presence of CO(2) in the fluids being partly a consequence of the relatively deep setting at about 4-km depth. As in other Au-bearing skarn deposits, not only the prograde stage but also the gold-precipitating retrograde stage is dominated by fluids of magmatic origin.

Petrou type-D perfect-fluid solutions in generalized Kerr-Schild form.

Generalized KerrSchild space-times for a perfect-fluid source are investigated. New Petrov type D perfect fluid solutions are obtained starting from conformally flat perfect-fluid metrics.

Petrou types D and II perfect-fluid solutions in generalized Kerr-Schild form.

Petrov types D and II perfect-fluid solutions are obtained starting from conformally flat perfect-fluid metrics and by using a generalized KerrSchild ansatz. Most of the Petrov type D metrics obtained have the property that the velocity of the fluid does not lie in the two-space defined by the principal null directions of the Weyl tensor. The properties of the perfect-fluid sources are studied. Finally, a detailed analysis of a new class of spherically symmetric static perfect-fluid metrics is given.

Anisotropic fluid with SU(2) type structure in general relativity: A model of localized matter

A model of anisotropic fluid with three perfect fluid components in interaction is studied. Each fluid component obeys the stiff matter equation of state and is irrotational. The interaction is chosen to reproduce an integrable system of equations similar to the one associated to self-dual SU(2) gauge fields. An extension of the BelinskyZakharov version of the inverse scattering transform is presented and used to find soliton solutions to the coupled Einstein equations. A particular class of solutions that can be interpreted as lumps of matter propagating in empty space-time is examined.

Three-dimensional aspects of fluid flows in channels. II. Effects of meniscus and thin film regimes on viscous fingers

We perform a three-dimensional study of steady state viscous fingers that develop in linear channels. By means of a three-dimensional lattice-Boltzmann scheme that mimics the full macroscopic equations of motion of the fluid momentum and order parameter, we study the effect of the thickness of the channel in two cases. First, for total displacement of the fluids in the channel thickness direction, we find that the steady state finger is effectively two-dimensional and that previous two-dimensional results can be recovered by taking into account the effect of a curved meniscus across the channel thickness as a contribution to surface stresses. Second, when a thin film develops in the channel thickness direction, the finger narrows with increasing channel aspect ratio in agreement with experimental results. The effect of the thin film renders the problem three-dimensional and results deviate from the two-dimensional prediction.

Fluid-rock-strain feedbacks in extensional shear zones

La présence de fluide météorique synchrone à l'activité du détachement (Farmin, 2003 ; Mulch et al., 2007 ; Gébelin et al., 2011), implique que les zones de cisaillement sont des systèmes ouverts avec des cellules de convections à l'échelle crustale et un intense gradient géothermique au sein du détachement (Morrison et Anderson, 1998, Gottardi et al., 2011). De plus, les réactions métamorphiques liées à des infiltrations fluides dans les zones de cisaillement extensionnel peuvent influencer les paramètres rhéologiques du système (White and Knipe, 1978), et impliquer la localisation de la déformation dans la croûte. Dans ce manuscrit, deux zones de cisaillement infiltrées par des fluides météoriques sont étudiées, l'une étant largement quartzitique, et l'autre de nature granitique ; les relations entre déformation, fluides, et roches s'appuient sur des approches structurales, microstructurales, chimiques et isotopiques. L'étude du détachement du Columbia river (WA, USA) met en évidence que la déformation mylonitique se développe en un million d'années. La phase de cisaillement principal s'effectue à 365± 30°C d'après les compositions isotopiques en oxygène du quartz et de la muscovite. Ces minéraux atteignent l'équilibre isotopique lors de leur recristallisation dynamique contemporaine à la déformation. La zone de cisaillement enregistre une baisse de température, remplaçant le mécanisme de glissement par dislocation par celui de dissolution- précipitation dans les derniers stades de l'activité du détachement. La dynamique de circulation fluide bascule d'une circulation pervasive à chenalisée, ce qui engendre localement la rupture des équilibres d'échange isotopiques. La zone de cisaillement de Bitterroot (MT, USA) présente une zone mylonitique de 600m d'épaisseur, progressant des protomylonites aux ultramylonites. L'intensité de la localisation de la déformation se reflète directement sur l'hydratation des feldspaths, réaction métamorphique majeure dite de « rock softening ». Une étude sur roche totale indique des transferts de masse latéraux au sein des mylonites, et d'importantes pertes de volume dans les ultramylonites. La composition isotopique en hydrogène des phyllosilicates met en évidence la présence (1) d'une source magmatique/métamorphique originelle, caractérisée par les granodiorites ayant conservé leur foliation magmatique, jusqu'aux protomylonites, et (2) une source météorique qui tamponne les valeurs des phyllosilicates des fabriques mylonitiques jusqu'aux veines de quartz non-déformées. Les compositions isotopiques en oxygène des minéraux illustrent le tamponnement de la composition du fluide météorique par l'encaissant. Ce phénomène cesse lors du processus de chloritisation de la biotite, puisque les valeurs des chlorites sont extrêmement négatives (-10 per mil). La thermométrie isotopique indique une température d'équilibre isotopique de la granodiorite entre 600-500°C, entre 500-300°C dans les mylonites, et entre 300 et 200°C dans les fabriques cassantes (cataclasites et veines de quartz). Basé sur les résultats issus de ce travail, nous proposons un modèle général d'interactions fluide-roches-déformation dans les zones de détachements infiltrées par des fluides météoriques. Les zones de détachements évoluent rapidement (en quelques millions d'années) au travers de la transition fragile-ductile ; celle-ci étant partiellement contrôlée par l'effet thermique des circulations de fluide météoriques. Les systèmes de détachements sont des lieux où la déformation et les circulations fluides sont couplées ; évoluant rapidement vers une localisation de la déformation, et de ce fait, une exhumation efficace. - The presence of meteoric fluids synchronous with the activity of extensional detachment zones (Famin, 2004; Mulch et al., 2007; Gébelin et al., 2011) implies that extensional systems involve fluid convection at a crustal scale, which results in high geothermal gradients within active detachment zones (Morrison and Anderson, 1998, Gottardi et al., 2011). In addition, the metamorphic reactions related to fluid infiltration in extensional shear zones can influence the rheology of the system (White and Knipe, 1978) and ultimately how strain localizes in the crust. In this thesis, two shear zones that were permeated by meteoric fluids are studied, one quartzite-dominated, and the other of granitic composition; the relations between strain, fluid, and evolving rock composition are addressed using structural, microstructural, and chemical/isotopic measurements. The study of the Columbia River detachment that bounds the Kettle core complex (Washington, USA) demonstrates that the mylonitic fabrics in the 100 m thick quartzite- dominated detachment footwall developed within one million years. The main shearing stage occurred at 365 ± 30°C when oxygen isotopes of quartz and muscovite equilibrated owing to coeval deformation and dynamic recrystallization of these minerals. The detachment shear zone records a decrease in temperature, and dislocation creep during detachment shearing gave way to dissolution-precipitation and fracturing in the later stages of detachment activity. Fluid flow switched from pervasive to channelized, leading to isotopic disequilibrium between different minerals. The Bitterroot shear zone detachment (Montana, USA) developed a 600 m thick mylonite zone, with well-developed transitions from protomylonite to ultramylonite. The localization of deformation relates directly to the intensity of feldspar hydration, a major rock- softening metamorphic reaction. Bulk-rock analyses of the mylonitic series indicate lateral mass transfer in the mylonite (no volume change), and significant volume loss in ultramylonite. The hydrogen isotope composition of phyllosilicates shows (1) the presence of an initial magmatic/metamorphic source characterized by the granodiorite in which a magmatic, and gneissic (protomylonite) foliation developed, and (2) a meteoric source that buffers the values of phyllosilicates in mylonite, ultramylonite, cataclasite, and deformed and undeformed quartz veins. The mineral oxygen isotope compositions were buffered by the host-rock compositions until chloritization of biotite started; the chlorite oxygen isotope values are negative (-10 per mil). Isotope thermometry indicates a temperature of isotopic equilibrium of the granodiorite between 600-500°C, between 500-300°C in the mylonite, and between 300 and 200°C for brittle fabrics (cataclasite and quartz veins). Results from this work suggest a general model for fluid-rock-strain feedbacks in detachment systems that are permeated by meteoric fluids. Phyllosilicates have preserved in their hydrogen isotope values evidence for the interaction between rock and meteoric fluids during mylonite development. Fluid flow generates mass transfer along the tectonic anisotropy, and mylonites do not undergo significant volume change, except locally in ultramylonite zones. Hydration of detachment shear zones attends mechanical grain size reduction and enhances strain softening and localization. Self-exhuming detachment shear zones evolve rapidly (a few million years) through the transition from ductile to brittle, which is partly controlled by the thermal effect of circulating surface fluids. Detachment systems are zones in the crust where strain and fluid flow are coupled; these systems. evolve rapidly toward strain localization and therefore efficient exhumation.

Glial and axonal body fluid biomarkers are related to infarct volume, severity, and outcome.

Body fluid biomarkers of central nervous system damage may help improve the prognostic and diagnostic accuracy in ischemic stroke. We studied 53 patients. Stroke severity and outcome was rated using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and modified Rankin scale. Ferritin, S100B, and NfH were measured in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum. Infarct volume was calculated from T2W images. CSF S100B (median 1.00 ng/mL) and CSF ferritin (10.0 ng/mL) levels were elevated in patients with stroke compared with control subjects (0.62 ng/mL, P < .0001; 2.34 ng/mL, P < .0001). Serum S100B (0.09 ng/mL) was higher in patients with stroke compared with control subjects (0.01 ng/mL). CSF S100B levels were higher in patients with a cardioembolic stroke (2.88 ng/mL) than in those with small-vessel disease (0.89 ng/mL, P < .05). CSF S100B levels correlated with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score on admission (R = 0.56, P < .01) and the stroke volume (R = 0.44, P = .01). CSF S100B and NfH-SMI35 levels correlated with outcome on the modified Rankin scale. CSF S100B levels were related to stroke severity and infarct volume and highest in cardioembolic stroke.

Multiplex PCR of sonication fluid accurately differentiates between prosthetic joint infection and aseptic failure.

OBJECTIVE: Cultures have limited sensitivity in the diagnosis of prosthetic joint infection (PJI), especially in low-grade infections. We assessed the value of multiplex PCR in differentiating PJI from aseptic failure (AF). METHODS: Included were patients in whom the joint prosthesis was removed and submitted for sonication. The resulting sonication fluid was cultured and investigated by multiplex PCR, and compared with periprosthetic tissue culture. RESULTS: Among 86 explanted prostheses (56 knee, 25 hip, 3 elbow and 2 shoulder prostheses), AF was diagnosed in 62 cases (72%) and PJI in 24 cases (28%). PJI was more common detected by multiplex PCR (n=23, 96%) than by periprosthetic tissue (n=17, 71%, p=0.031) or sonication fluid culture (n=16, 67%, p=0.016). Among 12 patients with PJI who previously received antibiotics, periprosthetic tissue cultures were positive in 8 cases (67%), sonication fluid cultures in 6 cases (50%) and multiplex PCR in 11 cases (92%). In AF cases, periprosthetic tissue grew organisms in 11% and sonication fluid in 10%, whereas multiplex PCR detected no organisms. CONCLUSIONS: Multiplex PCR of sonication fluid demonstrated high sensitivity (96%) and specificity (100%) for diagnosing PJI, providing good discriminative power towards AF, especially in patients previously receiving antibiotics.