13,925 research outputs found
Continuing Progress on a Lattice QCD Software Infrastructure
We report on the progress of the software effort in the QCD Application Area
of SciDAC. In particular, we discuss how the software developed under SciDAC
enabled the aggressive exploitation of leadership computers, and we report on
progress in the area of QCD software for multi-core architectures.Comment: 5 Pages, to appear in the Proceedings of SciDAC 2008 conference,
(Seattle, July 13-17, 2008), Conference Poster Presentation Proceeding
Lattice-Gas Simulations of Ternary Amphiphilic Fluid Flow in Porous Media
We develop our existing two-dimensional lattice-gas model to simulate the
flow of single-phase, binary-immiscible and ternary-amphiphilic fluids. This
involves the inclusion of fixed obstacles on the lattice, together with the
inclusion of ``no-slip'' boundary conditions. Here we report on preliminary
applications of this model to the flow of such fluids within model porous
media. We also construct fluid invasion boundary conditions, and the effects of
invading aqueous solutions of surfactant on oil-saturated rock during
imbibition and drainage are described.Comment: 9 pages, 6 figures (1 and 6 are in color), RevTeX with epsf and
graphic
Proton-induced noise in digicons
The Space Telescope, which carries four Digicons, will pass several times per day through a low-altitude portion of the radiation belt called the South Atlantic Anomaly. This is expected to create interference in what is otherwise anticipated to be a noise-free device. Two essential components of the Digicon, the semiconductor diode array and the UV transmitting window, generate noise when subjected to medium-energy proton radiation, a primary component of the belt. These trapped protons, having energies ranging from 2 to 400 Mev and fluences at the Digicon up to 4,000 P+/sec-sq cm, pass through both the window and the diode array, depositing energy in each. In order to evaluate the effect of these protons, engineering test models of Digicon tubes to be flown on the High Resolution Spectrograph were irradiated with low-flux monoenergetic proton beams at the University of Maryland cyclotron. Electron-hole pairs produced by the protons passing through the diodes or the surrounding bulk caused a background count rate. This is the result of holes diffusing over a distance of many diode spacings, causing counts to be triggered simultaneously in the output circuits of several adjacent diodes. Pulse-height spectra of these proton-induced counts indicate that most of the bulk-related counts overlap the single photoelectron peak. A geometrical model will be presented of the charge collection characteristics of the diode array that accounts for most of the observed effects
Causes of and diagnostic approach to methylmalonic acidurias
Summary: Several mutant genetic classes that cause isolated methylmalonic acidurias (MMAuria) are known based on biochemical, enzymatic and genetic complementation analysis. The mut0 and mut− defects result from deficiency of MMCoA mutase apoenzyme which requires adenosyl-cobalamin (Ado-Cbl) as coenzyme. The cblA, cblB and the variant 2 form of cblD complementation groups are linked to processes unique to Ado-Cbl synthesis. The cblC, cblD and cblF complementation groups are associated with defective methyl-cobalamin synthesis as well. Mutations in the genes associated with most of these defects have been described. Recently a few patients have been described with mild MMAuria associated with mutations of the MMCoA epimerase gene or with neurological symptoms due to SUCL mutations. A comprehensive diagnostic approach involves investigations at the level of metabolites, genetic complementation analysis and enzymatic studies, and finally mutation analysis. MMA levels in urine range from 10-20 mmol/mol creatinine in mild disturbances of MMA metabolism to over 20000 mmol/mol creatinine in severe MMCoA mutase deficiency, but show considerable overlap and are of limited value for differential diagnosis. The underlying defect in isolated MMAuria can be characterized in cultured skin fibroblasts using several assays, e.g. conversion of propionate to succinate, specific activity of MMCoA, cobalamin adenosyltransferase assay, cellular uptake of CN-[57Co] cobalamin and its conversion to cobalamin coenzymes and complementation analysis. The reliable characterization of patients with isolated MMAuria pinpoints the correct gene for mutation analysis. Reliable classification of these patients is essential for ongoing and future prospective studies on treatment and outcom
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