MiniBooNE and MicroBooNE Combined Fit to a 3+1 Sterile Neutrino Scenario.

This Letter presents the results from the MiniBooNE experiment within a full "3+1" scenario where one sterile neutrino is introduced to the three-active-neutrino picture. In addition to electron-neutrino appearance at short baselines, this scenario also allows for disappearance of the muon-neutrino and electron-neutrino fluxes in the Booster Neutrino Beam, which is shared by the MicroBooNE experiment. We present the 3+1 fit to the MiniBooNE electron-(anti)neutrino and muon-(anti)neutrino data alone and in combination with MicroBooNE electron-neutrino data. The best-fit parameters of the combined fit with the exclusive charged-current quasielastic analysis (inclusive analysis) are Δm^{2}=0.209 eV^{2}(0.033 eV^{2}), |U_{e4}|^{2}=0.016(0.500), |U_{µ4}|^{2}=0.500(0.500), and sin^{2}(2θ_{µe})=0.0316(1.0). Comparing the no-oscillation scenario to the 3+1 model, the data prefer the 3+1 model with a Δχ^{2}/d.o.f.=24.7/3(17.3/3), a 4.3σ(3.4σ) preference assuming the asymptotic approximation given by Wilks's theorem.

Event excess in the MiniBooNE search for ¯νµâ†’¯νe oscillations.

The MiniBooNE experiment at Fermilab reports results from a search for ¯ν_{µ}→¯ν_{e} oscillations, using a data sample corresponding to 5.66×10²° protons on target. An excess of 20.9±14.0 events is observed in the energy range 475

Search for electron antineutrino appearance at the deltam(2) approximately 1 eV(2) Scale.

The MiniBooNE Collaboration reports initial results from a search for nu(mu)-->nu(e) oscillations. A signal-blind analysis was performed using a data sample corresponding to 3.39x10(20) protons on target. The data are consistent with background prediction across the full range of neutrino energy reconstructed assuming quasielastic scattering, 200

Search for muon neutrino and antineutrino disappearance in MiniBooNE.

The MiniBooNE Collaboration reports a search for nu_{micro} and nu[over]_{micro} disappearance in the Deltam;{2} region of 0.5-40 eV;{2}. These measurements are important for constraining models with extra types of neutrinos, extra dimensions, and CPT violation. Fits to the shape of the nu_{micro} and nu[over]_{micro} energy spectra reveal no evidence for disappearance at the 90% confidence level (C.L.) in either mode. The test of nu[over]_{micro} disappearance probes a region below Deltam;{2} = 40 eV;{2} never explored before.

Measurement of the ratio of the numu charged-current single-pion production to quasielastic scattering with a 0.8 GeV neutrino beam on mineral oil.

Using high statistics samples of charged-current numu interactions, the MiniBooNE [corrected] Collaboration reports a measurement of the single-charged-pion production to quasielastic cross section ratio on mineral oil (CH2), both with and without corrections for hadron reinteractions in the target nucleus. The result is provided as a function of neutrino energy in the range 0.4 GeV

Unexplained excess of electronlike events from a 1-GeV neutrino beam.

The MiniBooNE Collaboration observes unexplained electronlike events in the reconstructed neutrino energy range from 200 to 475 MeV. With 6.46x10;{20} protons on target, 544 electronlike events are observed in this energy range, compared to an expectation of 415.2+/-43.4 events, corresponding to an excess of 128.8+/-20.4+/-38.3 events. The shape of the excess in several kinematic variables is consistent with being due to either nu_{e} and nu[over ]_{e} charged-current scattering or nu_{mu} neutral-current scattering with a photon in the final state. No significant excess of events is observed in the reconstructed neutrino energy range from 475 to 1250 MeV, where 408 events are observed compared to an expectation of 385.9+/-35.7 events.

Measurement of muon neutrino quasielastic scattering on carbon.

The observation of neutrino oscillations is clear evidence for physics beyond the standard model. To make precise measurements of this phenomenon, neutrino oscillation experiments, including MiniBooNE, require an accurate description of neutrino charged current quasielastic (CCQE) cross sections to predict signal samples. Using a high-statistics sample of nu_(mu) CCQE events, MiniBooNE finds that a simple Fermi gas model, with appropriate adjustments, accurately characterizes the CCQE events observed in a carbon-based detector. The extracted parameters include an effective axial mass, M_(A)(eff)=1.23+/-0.20 GeV, that describes the four-momentum dependence of the axial-vector form factor of the nucleon, and a Pauli-suppression parameter, kappa=1.019+/-0.011. Such a modified Fermi gas model may also be used by future accelerator-based experiments measuring neutrino oscillations on nuclear targets.

Contribution of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins to plasma free fatty acids.

Free fatty acids are the major lipid fuel of the body. Dysregulation of adipose tissue lipolysis results in increased plasma free fatty acid concentrations, and via that mechanism contributes to insulin resistance in obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Adipose tissue hormone sensitive lipase is thought to be responsible for the production of the majority of free fatty acids. However, a separate contribution comes from the action of endothelial lipases, especially lipoprotein lipase, on triglyceride-rich lipoproteins via a process known as spillover. The primary substrate for spillover appears to be chylomicrons derived from dietary fat. The spillover of fatty acids into the free fatty acid pool varies from one tissue to another. For example, spillover is low ( approximately 14%) in the forearm of healthy volunteers, suggesting that triglyceride fatty acid storage is relatively efficient in skeletal muscle. In contrast, spillover appears to be higher in adipose tissue and may also be higher in the splanchnic bed, based on preliminary data. If systemic spillover is increased in insulin resistant states such as diabetes, this could represent a mechanism contributing to the abnormal increases in plasma concentrations of free fatty acids in that condition.

Search for electron neutrino appearance at the Delta m2 approximately 1 eV2 scale.

The MiniBooNE Collaboration reports first results of a search for nu e appearance in a nu mu beam. With two largely independent analyses, we observe no significant excess of events above the background for reconstructed neutrino energies above 475 MeV. The data are consistent with no oscillations within a two-neutrino appearance-only oscillation model.

Detection of the nasal cycle with acoustic rhinometry: techniques and applications.

Acoustic rhinometry is an appropriate method for detecting and recording the nasal cycle in normal subjects in terms of the cross-sectional areas and volume of the nasal cavity. In this study, we tried to detect and to define the nasal cycle in normal subjects so that we might develop a reliable and reproducible technique to be used in conjunction with studies on the physiology and pathology of nasal disease. We used normal volunteer adult subjects and performed bilateral acoustic rhinometry measurements every 15 minutes over 4 hours, along with the use of a visual analog scale for assessment of the subjective feeling of congestion (or patency) just before each acoustic rhinometry measurement. Volume and cross-sectional area changes were observed along with subjective patency-score changes in each subject. The subjective feeling of patency was not related to the volume and cross-sectional area changes measured simultaneously. The technique of recording the nasal cycle with acoustic rhinometry in nasal research is presented.

Unenhanced helical computerized tomography for the evaluation of patients with acute flank pain.

PURPOSE: We determined the value of unenhanced helical computerized tomography (CT) in the diagnosis of acute flank pain in 105 patients evaluated for suspected stone disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Noncontrasted spiral CT was done in 105 consecutive patients seen in our emergency department to evaluate acute flank pain. All CT studies were reviewed for the presence of ureteral or renal calculi, perinephric or periureteral stranding, presence and degree of pelvicalicectasis or other radiological findings. If necessary, an excretory urogram was performed to confirm the presence or absence of urinary stones. Patients were followed to determine clinical outcome including the need for urological intervention. RESULTS: Of the 49 patients determined to have stones 24 (49%) had spontaneous stone passage, 10 (20%) had improved symptoms without documented stone passage and 14 (29%) required surgical intervention. In 29 of 51 patients (57%) with negative CT readings for stone disease a diagnosis was established by other intra-abdominal findings. In 21 patients (41%) no clinical diagnosis could be established, and 1 scan in a patient with a distal ureteral calculus was interpreted as falsely positive. These findings yielded a sensitivity of 98%, specificity 98% and overall accuracy 96% for diagnosing ureteral stones. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the limitations of helical CT in evaluating renal function and nonobstructing ureteral calculi, noncontrasted CT is a sensitive imaging modality for the detection of urinary tract calculi and obstruction. The majority of our patients required no further imaging to determine the need for urological intervention. At our institution spiral CT has become the standard method to evaluate patients with acute flank pain leading to more rapid turnover in the emergency department at similar or even reduced cost to conventional excretory urography.

Surgical anatomy of the extraparotid distribution of the facial nerve.

The peripheral, extraparotid distribution of the clinically important branches of the facial nerve is described, with common variations, based on the anatomical dissection of 35 cadaver half heads. Methods are suggested for avoiding, isolating, and protecting the facial nerve branches during surgical procedures.

Replanting the severed auricle. An update.

An updated method of replanting a severed auricle is reported. Management consists of early, meticulous replantation with minimal debridement; cooling of the auricle; low-dose heparin sodium; dextran 40; antibiotic coverage; and multiple stab incisions to relieve venous congestion. The regimen is based on experience with nine successfully replanted auricles.

Audit review: requirement or significant help?

Although subject to modifications by political, funding and popular considerations, the audit review is seen as a useful step in quality care.