bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Pilot Study of Topiramate in the Treatment of Infantile Spasms
Authors: Glauser Tracy A. , Clark Peggy O. , Strawsburg Richard 
Published: August 2005

Summary: Purpose: West syndrome is a rare epileptic syndrome associated with infantile spasms, a specific abnormal electroencephalographic pattern (termed hypsarrhythmia). and mental retardation. Management of this disorder is difficult because current treatment regimens, including many anticonvulsants and hormones, are often ineffective. Topiramate (TPM) is a new antiepileptic drug that may be effective in pediatric epilepsies. We conducted a pilot study to test the effects of rapid TPM dosing in patients with refractory infantile spasms. Methods: Eleven children with refractory infantile spasms were given an initial dose of 25 mg TPM per day in addition to their current therapy. Dosage was increased by 25 mg every 2–3 days until spasms were controlled, the maximal tolerated dose was reached, or the maximal dose of 24 mg/kg/day was achieved. Efficacy was primarily assessed by video EEG and secondarily by parental count of spasm frequency. Results: Five (45%) subjects became spasm free during the study, with absence of infantile spasms and hypsarrhythmia (either classic or modified) proven by video EEG. Nine subjects, including the five spasm free, achieved a spasm reduction of 250%. Spasm frequency decreased from 25.6 f 19.3 to 6.9 r 5.9 spasmdday. Sixty‐four percent of the subjects were able to achieve TPM monotherapy. Conclusions: Results in this cohort of 11 patients with refractory disease show TPM to be a promising new agent for the treatment of infantile spasms.
Photosensitive Seizures Provoked While Viewing “Pocket Monsters,” a Made‐for‐Televison Animation Program in Japan
Authors: Ishida Shigenobu , Yamashita Yushiro , Matsuishi Toyojiro , Ohshima Masachika , Ohshima Hiroharu , Kato Hirohisa , Maeda Hisao 
Published: August 2005

Summary: Purpose: To describe the recent epidemic of photosensitive seizure that occurred in relation to an episode of the television animation program “Pocket Monsters,” we report four patients who experienced seizures while watching the episode in question. We also report some technical aspects of the program episode. Methods: We investigated the clinical symptoms of the four patients and performed routine EEGs with intermittent photic stimulation (IPS). If IPS provoked no photoparoxysmal response (PPR) during the routine EEG examination, a second EEG was performed with the photic stimulator placed 10 cm from the patient's eyes. In addition, we reviewed the “Pocket Monsters” episode, focusing our attention on the visual techniques used with reference to the Independent Television Commission (ITC) guidelines. Results: One patient who had myoclonic jerks before the convulsion in question was diagnosed as having juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, and the diagnosis of another patient was pure photosensitive epilepsy. The remaining two patients had their first seizures, which could be occasional seizures, and we therefore could not reach a diagnosis of epilepsy. In our four patients, only one showed PPR on the routine EEG. Two patients revealed PPR on the second EEG, and the remaining patient showed no PPR. Rapid changes in color are believed to be responsible for the photosensitive seizures because all four patients had seizures at around 1850, when seconds of deep red and bright blue flashes, alternating at a frequency of 12 Hz, were shown. Conclusions: Regulations for technical aspects of children's programming, including the use of colors, are urgently needed in Japan to prevent a repeated incident. In addition, the IPS procedure needs to be standardized, especially for patients who are suspected to have photosensitivity.
ILAE‐Defined Epilepsy Syndromes in Children: Correlation with Quantitative MRI
Authors: Lawson John A. , Nguyen William , Bleasel Andrew F. , Pereira John K. , Vogrin Simon , Cook Mark J. , Bye Ann M. E. 
Published: August 2005

Summary: Purpose: The role of quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in evaluation of childhood epilepsy remains poorly defined, with minimal published data. Previous work from our center questioned the specificity of hippocampal asymmetry (HA) in an outpatient group whose epilepsy was defined by using clinical and interictal data only. By using childhood volunteer controls and defining epilepsy syndromes using video‐EEG monitoring, we readdressed the utility of HA in differentiating mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (Mtle) from other partial and generalized epileptic syndromes in children. Methods: Seventy children were enrolled; entry criteria were age younger than 18 years with predominant seizure type recorded on video‐EEG telemetry with volumetric MRI in all cases. Thirty healthy child volunteers had volumetric MRI. Epilepsy syndrome classification was according to ILAE. Results: Control data revealed symmetric hippocampi, mean smallernarger ratio of 0.96 (0.95–0.97,95% CI) with no gender or rightneft predominance. Overall 23% of patients had significant HA. Mean hippocampal ratio for Mtle was 0.78 (95% CI, 0.70–0.86), significantly lower than controls and from all other epilepsy syndromes. HA was highly specific (85%) to the syndrome of MTLE. Other potential epileptogenic lesions were found in 27 (39%) patients, lowest yield in frontal and mesial temporal syndromes. Dual pathology was present in 10% of patients. There was no significant association between HA and risk factors. Conclusions: In this study, we found that HA in children with a well‐defined epilepsy syndrome is highly sensitive and specific for MTLE. Whether this will correlate with surgical outcome, as in adults, is the subject of ongoing study.
Ictal Smile
Authors: Molinuevo Jose L. , Arroyo Santiago 
Published: August 2005

Summary: Purpose: Smiling is sometimes manifested during partial seizures. Its value for localizing the epileptogenic focus is not known. We analyzed smiling as an ictal manifestation possibly useful for seizure localization. Methods: We reviewed patients referred to the video‐EEG monitoring unit who presented a smile as part of their critical symptoms. Ictal smile was defined as an accordant expression accompanied by other characteristic epileptic symptoms and ictal EEG activity. Results: Five of 86 patients experienced partial seizures with an ictal smile. We observed smiling during parietal (two patients) and temporal lobe (three patients) seizures. The right hemisphere appeared to be involved with greater frequency. Conclusions: Ictal smile is an uncommon manifestation of partial seizures involving temporal or parietal lobes, localized mainly on the right hemisphere.
Excessive Bacterial Decomposition of H2O2 During Enhanced Biodegradation
Authors: Spain J. C. , Milligan J. D. , Downey D. C. , Slaughter J. K. 
Published: August 2005

ABSTRACTEnhanced aerobic biodegradation of hydrocarbons in the subsurface requires large quantities of oxygen to be distributed throughout the contaminated zone. Although hydrogen peroxide is a commonly used source of oxygen, its uncontrolled decomposition can result in wasteful off‐ gassing. Our results indicate that bacterial catalase is responsible for rapid decomposition of hydrogen peroxide at a jet fuel spill site undergoing enhanced biodegradation. Catalase positive bacteria found in infiltration galleries have dramatically decreased the useful oxygen supplied to the subsurface.
Mapping Recharge Areas Using a Ground‐Water Flow Model – A Case Study
Authors: Stoertz Mary W. , Bradbury Kenneth R. 
Published: August 2005

ABSTRACTWe have developed a method to calculate ground‐ water recharge rates using the mass‐balance equation, water‐ table elevation data, estimates of hydraulic conductivity, and aquifer thickness data, and have applied this method to produce a map of the recharge and discharge patterns for a ground‐water basin in central Wisconsin. This recharge mapping method is simplified using a modified computer program, the USGS Modular Groundwater Flow Model (McDonald and Harbaugh, 1984). The modeled recharge pattern compares favorably with a recharge map based on field observations. Because recharge rates are extremely sensitive to hydraulic conductivity, the magnitudes of the calculated rates are less reliable than the patterns of recharge and discharge areas. However, introducing stream discharge data constrains the model to produce net recharge rates averaged over the basin which agree with estimates of the basin yield. Because the method is insensitive to the position of lateral boundaries, it can be used to map recharge over areas within basins that are not physically bounded. Recharge maps made with this method can be used to design ground‐water monitoring networks and as frameworks for interpreting geochemical or potentiometric data.
Fluid Density and Gravitational Variations in Deep Boreholes and Their Effect on Fluid Potential
Authors: Oberlander P. L. 
Published: August 2005

ABSTRACTAs depth below the water table increases, there can be significant spatial variations in fluid density. Fluid density is a function of fluid temperature, total dissolved solids and gases content, fluid compressibility, and the force of gravity. Variations in fluid density can affect the applicability of measured water levels to represent fluid pressure at depth and the existence of a scalar fluid potential. Where ground water is sufficiently heterogeneous, fluid pressure and fluid density must be known spatially to properly determine the three‐dimensional impelling force per unit mass E =— [gk + (1/p) ▽P]. Assuming that the water‐level elevation in deep boreholes represents a fluid potential may result in significant errors in determining flow directions and quantities under conditions of a variable density fluid and low hydraulic gradients. Boreholes constructed to investigate the feasibility of deep geologic disposal of nuclear waste have penetrated to depths greater than 1,500 m below the Earth's surface. In these deep boreholes, fluid density variations may need to be considered as a part of the hydrologic analysis. Fluid density variations with depth, predicted as general cases based on simple models, indicate the relative importance of temperature, compressibility, and gravity variations at three potential high‐level nuclear waste repository locations. Fluid density generally decreases with depth for sites where geothermal gradients are greater than 20°C/km, and thermal expansion can offset the effects of fluid compressibility.
Brine Discharge and Salinization, Concho River Watershed, West Texas
Authors: Dutton Alan R. , Richter Bernd C. , Kreitler Charles W. 
Published: August 2005

ABSTRACTDischarge of naturally occurring brine from the Southern Great Plains regional ground‐water flow system significantly affects water quality in local aquifers in the Concho River watershed in West Texas. Aquifers in outcropping Permian rocks locally contain brine and hydrocarbons at depths as shallow as 135 ft (41 m). Maps of hydraulic head, salinity, and hydrochemical facies and graphs of ionic ratios and stable isotopic composition locate where brackish to saline ground water occurs naturally as a result of mixing between locally recharged meteoric water and subsurface brine in the regional flow system. Br/Cl, CI/SO4, Ca/Na, and δD/δ18O ratios distinguish between brine sources in the mixing zone. For example, chemical composition of brackish‐to‐saline shallow ground waters beneath the Concho River watershed more closely resembles the composition of Permian than of Pennsylvanian formation brines. Other possible salinity sources include (1) seepage of salt water from rocks beneath oil‐field brine‐disposal p ts, which ceased operation in the late 1960 s, and (2) upward flow of artesian salt water across confining beds through decades‐old abandoned oil‐exploration holes. These sources are superposed on the naturally occurring mixing zone between brine and fresh water.
Conjunctive Use of Geophysical and Geological Data in the Study of an Alluvial Aquifer
Authors: Ayers Jerry F. 
Published: August 2005

ABSTRACTA geoelectric survey, composed of vertical electrical soundings, was conducted over part of the lower Platte Valley alluvial aquifer of east‐central Nebraska. Survey results, in conjunction with seismic‐survey data and test‐ hole‐log information, provided the basis to map the areal extent and thickness of a near‐surface, low‐permeability clay unit. Because of the low hydraulic conductivity of the clay, the unit forms a confining layer over a significant part of the aquifer.Generally, the approach to evaluating the lower Platte Valley alluvial aquifer for sustained yield has been to assume that the entire flow system is under water‐table conditions. However, numerical‐model simulations with and without the clay unit indicate that this confining layer has a significant effect on the hydraulic behavior of the groundwater flow system under pumping stresses.An estimate of the bulk porosity of the aquifer was made by using geoelectric data and applying the Archie equation. Values of porosity ranged from 0·27 to 0·43; although reasonable for fluvial sand and gravel, the range is higher than previous estimates.
Geochemical Comparison of Ground Water in Areas of New England, New York, and Pennsylvania
Authors: Rogers Robert J. 
Published: August 2005

ABSTRACTThe ground‐water geochemistry of glacial drift and bedrock of selected areas of New England, New York, and Pennsylvania differs considerably among the areas as a result of differences in bedrock geology. The New England study area is underlain primarily by feldspathic rock, large areas of New York are underlain primarily by carbonate and terrigenous sedimentary rock and some evaporite deposits, and glaciated areas of Pennsylvania are underlain primarily by clastic sedimentary rock with minor carbonate rocks. Mean concentrations of most solutes are greatest in the New York area and least in the New England area.In New England, the ground‐water geochemistry results mainly from the reaction of CO2‐charged water with feldspar and other primary silicates. Water in the New England bedrock is more highly evolved geochemically than water in the drift, presumably as a result of its longer residence time.In the New York area, the geochemistry of water in both types of aquifers results mainly from carbonate‐ mineral dissolution. Water in most glacial drift and bedrock is saturated with respect to calcite. In some parts of New York, the dissolution of evaporite minerals has a marked effect on the water chemistry of the bedrock.In most of the Pennsylvania area, the geochemistry of water in both types of aquifers indicates that, although carbonate minerals are the principal reactants, their influence on water chemistry is less than in New York. In parts of Pennsylvania, chemical differences between ground water from drift and ground water from bedrock are attributed to a higher proportion of reactive minerals in the drift than in the local bedrock as a result of glacial transport.
Aerobic Biodegradation of Benzene, Toluene, and Xylene in a Sandy Aquifer—Data Analysis and Computer Modeling
Authors: Chiang C. Y. , Salanitro J. P. , Chai E. Y. , Colthart J. D. , Klein C. L. 
Published: August 2005

ABSTRACTSoluble hydrocarbon and dissolved oxygen (DO) in a shallow aquifer beneath a field site were characterized by sampling ground water at 42 monitoring wells. Results from 10 sampling periods over three years showed a significant reduction in total benzene mass with time in ground water. These reduction and leakage rates from sources were determined from material balance and nonlinear least‐squares analyses. The natural attenuation rate was calculated to be 0.95%/day. Spatial relationships between DO and total benzene, toluene, and xylene (BTX) were shown to be strongly correlated by statistical analyses and solute transport modeling. In addition, laboratory microcosm biodegradation experiments were performed to determine possible threshold limits for aromatic hydrocarbon oxidation under varying levels of dissolved oxygen. The results were remarkably consistent with field data on the presence of high or low levels of BTX and DO in several monitoring well‐water samples.
Origin of the Saline Ground Water in Wadi Ar‐Rumah, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Sowayan A. M. , Allayla Rashid 
Published: August 2005

ABSTRACTAmong the geologic formations traversed by Wadi Ar‐Rumah in north central Saudi Arabia, is the Saq Sandstone, an extensive and vitally important aquifer. However, the aquifer contains highly saline water in the area where Wadi Ar‐Rumah intersects the outcrop of the aquifer. The area is agriculturally important, but the saline water has caused, and is likely to continue to cause problems due to its intrusion into other parts of the aquifer as a result of heavy pumping.The geology, hydrogeology, and hydrochemistry of the area were examined in this study. Pertinent field data were used to explain the likely way in which the saline water was formed. At the end of the last pluvial period, the ephemeral runoff in the wadi decreased and a clay layer was deposited on its floor. Ground water was near the surface and its evaporation by capillary draw led to a concentration of solutes. A shallow clay layer prevented wadi flows from flushing out the saline ground water.
A Three‐Dimensional Mixing Cell Solute Transport Model and Its Application
Authors: Rao Bhasker K. , Hathaway Deborah L. 
Published: August 2005

ABSTRACTA three‐dimensional mixing cell solute transport model has been developed based on the principles of conservation of mass for water and solute. As a first approximation to solute transport phenomenon, dispersion is ignored, but it is recognized that the numerical dispersion introduced as an artifact of the solution procedure represents physical dispersion in the results obtained from the model. The numerical dispersion can be controlled to some extent. The simplicity of principles on which the model is based makes it easy to understand and use. The formulation is used in conjunction with the McDonald and Harbaugh ground‐water flow model.The model has been applied to an aquifer located in southern New Mexico and Texas to predict chloride concentration changes resulting from proposed future pumping to supply municipal water for the city of El Paso, Texas.
Waste Stabilization in Multilayer Aquifers by Optimal Hydraulic Control
Authors: Aral M. M. 
Published: August 2005

ABSTRACTMigration of contaminant plumes in aquifer systems can be controlled by producing desired changes in local flow rates and hydraulic gradients through the use of pumping and recharge wells. Such management scenarios have been used in the past for controlled operations in main aquifers. It is also possible to describe similar control procedures for multilayer aquifer systems. In these applications the migration of contaminant plumes in one layer may be controlled through the use of pumping and recharge wells in other layers which control the hydraulic gradients in the contaminated aquifer. In such applications the contaminated aquifer will not be interfered with and hydraulic gradient control operations will be performed on adjacent aquifer layers avoiding direct contact with the contamination source. Such operations may prove useful in case of hazardous waste management. In the study discussed here, mathematical preliminaries of the models utilized in this type of an operation are reviewed, and the effects of management scenarios are discussed for a typical aquifer considering only the hydraulic control aspects of the management process. Management procedures which incorporate the contaminant transport process and operational cost optimization processes into the analysis are not the subject matter of this study.
The Electrical Resistivity of the Vadose Zone — Field Survey
Authors: Frohlich Reinhard K. , Parke Craig D. 
Published: August 2005

ABSTRACTAn expansion of Archie's law relates the electrical resistivity of the unsaturated zone to pore‐water resistivity, porosity, saturation, electrical matrix conductivity, and lithological constants. With decreasing saturation the effect of the matrix conductivity increases relative to the electrical conduction of the pore fluid.The bulk electrical resistivity depends on water quality and quantity due to its dependence on pore‐water resistivity and porosity. It is also influenced by the hydraulic conductivity due to the surface conductivity of the grain matrix, which is proportional to grain size. Pore‐water conductivity and grain‐surface conductivity can be distinguished from each other if resistivity measurements at various degrees of saturation are available.Observations in test wells through glacial stream deposits with a neutron moisture probe show, as expected, a decrease in the saturation of the vadose zone during the transition from late spring to the dry summer season. This decrease was correlated with the transverse resistance of the unsaturated zone derived from an interpretation of geo‐electrical depth soundings near the test wells. In the fine to medium sand of the glacial outwash material, the surface conduction of the grains was found to be negligibly small.
Natural Bioremediation of Organic Contaminants in Ground Water Cliffs‐Dow Superfund Site
Authors: Klečka Gary M. , Davis John W. , Gray Doug R. , Madsen Steve S. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractGround water in the immediate vicinity of an area previously used for the disposal of charcoal manufacturing wastes has been shown to contain low levels of phenolic and polycyclic compounds. Based on the analysis of samples obtained from monitoring wells, the levels of the organic contaminants are reduced to near or below the detection limit within a distance of 100 meters downgradient of the fill. Examination of the ground‐water chemistry indicated that the aquifer is essentially aerobic across the site, except in the immediate vicinity of the fill. At this point, dissolved oxygen is apparently depleted due to the biodegradation of organic contaminants introduced into the ground water, with a concomitant increase in the inorganic carbon concentration. Laboratory microcosm experiments demonstrated that the naturally occurring microorganisms can readily degrade a mixture of the predominant organic contaminants. Half‐lives for biodegradation were in the range of 3 to 8 days for phenolic substrates, and 11 to 18 days for naphthalene. Computer model simulations indicated that the attenuation observed in the aquifer cannot be explained in terms of physical processes such as adsorption or dispersion, but is consistent with biological degradation.
Causes of Soil Salinization: 2. A Basin in East‐Central Alberta, Canada
Authors: Hendry M. J. , Chan G. W. , Harker D. B. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractThe cause of soil salinization in a 21‐ha area of gently rolling topography in Alberta was investigated. The geology of the basin consists of lenticular Cretaceous sediments overlain by tills and lacustrine deposits. Interpretation of vertical hydraulic‐head data showed that regional discharge of ground water from bedrock is not a cause of salinization in the study area. Results of stream‐function modeling suggested that most of the water causing salinization is not derived from local topographic highs. Modeling results also suggested that the direction of ground‐water flow throughout the area is vertically downward through unconsolidated Quaternary deposits and into bedrock. Tritium analyses of pore water distilled from core samples confirmed that the ground water causing salinization was not derived from the local topographic highs, nor from deeper geologic deposits. Hydrograph analysis indicated that the salinization was derived from evaporation from seasonally high water tables caused by ponded surface water and spring snowmelt in localized depressional areas.