bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experimental Study of the Applications of Fiber Optic Distributed Temperature Sensors in Detecting Seepage in Soils
Authors: Xiao Henglin , Huang Jie 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Fiber optic distributed temperature sensors (FODTS), based on Brillouin and Raman scattering, have been successfully used in various applications such as fire detection, petroleum pipeline leakage detection, and concrete dam crack monitoring. In recent years, FODTS have been used to monitor the seepage of reservoirs, earth dams, water channels, embankments, tunnels, and levees. Unlike other applications, monitoring the seepage of these structures involves acquiring, processing, and analyzing the temperature information of porous media that are mainly rocks and soils. Detailed studies on the thermal interaction among rocks/soils, water, and optic fibers are essential to improve judgment on the occurrence of seepage and explore the possibility of quantifying the seepage rate. This paper describes a large-scale experimental study that investigated the thermal interaction. The study was carried out on three different soils (i.e., poorly graded gravel, poorly graded sand, and silty sand) in both non-seepage and seepage conditions. The effects of soil types, moisture content, seepage rates, and heat source powers on temperature changes were assessed in this study. It was found that, with a heat source, FODTS could effectively detect seepage under most circumstances. The temperature change differs in different soils. For all the soils investigated, the moisture content and the heat power showed significant influence on the temperature change. The seepage rate has insignificant influence on temperature change.
Effect of Geosynthetic Reinforcement in Active Zone on the Behavior of Sheet Pile Walls
Authors: Nasr Ahmed M. A. , Nazir Ashraf K. 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
The potential benefits of reinforcing the active zone behind a model sheet pile wall were studied. A series of plane strain laboratory model tests were performed on both unreinforced and reinforced active zones loaded with a rigid strip footing. Parameters including the sand relative density, reinforcement embedment depth, type of reinforcement, footing location relative to the sheet pile wall, length of reinforcement, and number of reinforcing layers were varied. The sheet pile wall deflection during loading was measured. Finite element (FE) analyses were performed on a prototype sheet pile wall to supplement the results of the model tests. A two-dimensional plane strain FE model using the computer code PLAXIS was used. Close agreement between the experimental and numerical results was observed (about 4 % to 11 %). The results indicate that the inclusion of reinforcement in the active zone leads to a reduction by about 48 % to 75 % in the lateral deflection. The effectiveness of the reinforcement in decreasing the lateral deflection of the sheet pile wall is attributed to its tensile strength and type. Based on the results of the laboratory model and the numerical analyses, critical values of reinforcement parameters for maximum reinforcing effects are suggested. The results are used to development linear regression equations relating the ultimate lateral capacity of the sheet pile wall to the aforementioned parameters.
Evaluation of Transfer Function and Dynamic Properties from Strain-Controlled Resonant Column Tests
Authors: Khan Zahid , Cascante Giovanni , Moayerian Soheil , Grabinsky Murray 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Dynamic properties of soils can be inferred via curve fitting of the transfer function between the excitation and the induced strain using a resonant column device. The shape of the measured transfer function is distorted and differs from that of the theoretical transfer function because of different shear strain levels at different frequencies in the specimen. The difference becomes more pronounced with increasing shear strain levels. This study presents a new methodology for the evaluation of dynamic properties from an improved transfer function. In this methodology, the soil specimen is excited using a sinusoidal carrier excitation at the desired strain level coupled with simultaneous excitation of a very small strain random noise. The desired strain level induced by the fixed sine controls the resonant frequency of the specimen, whereas the small strain random noise (always kept small) determines the shape of the transfer function and thus the damping coefficient. The results indicate excellent matching of the transfer function obtained from the proposed method and the theoretical transfer function at all shear strain levels. The new methodology also shows good potential for the evaluation of dynamic properties of soils as a function of frequency in resonant column testing.
Geotechnical Properties of Sucrose-Saturated Fused Quartz for Use in Physical Modeling
Authors: Guzman Ivan L. , Iskander Magued 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
This study presents the geotechnical properties of a synthetic transparent soil made of fused quartz saturated with a water-based sucrose solution that is suitable for modeling the behavior of sand in small-scale model tests. Geotechnical properties presented include particle size, dry density, peak angle of friction, hydraulic conductivity, and compressibility index. Sucrose is inert and non-toxic, which facilitates its use in educational settings. The availability of a safe and easy-to-use transparent sand permits measurement of three-dimensional deformation patterns and flow characteristics in controlled research experiments. The introduction of an aqueous solution permits the use of two immiscible pore fluids, one made of mineral oil and the other made of a sucrose solution, for modeling multi-phase flow problems, as well as coupled flow–deformation problems.
Back-Calculated Soil–Water Characteristic Curve From Fluid Flow Data
Authors: Pasha Amin Y. , Hu Liming , Meegoda Jay N. , Ebadi Taghi 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
The soil–water characteristic curve (SWCC) is a fundamental property of an unsaturated soil that is used to predict multiphase flow and transport through porous media. Direct measurement of the SWCC using conventional testing devices is time consuming. A methodology with which to estimate the SWCC is proposed in this paper based on the recorded data of transient fluid flow into soil during a 50 g centrifugal test. An inverse analysis was performed to fit the numerical simulation results, obtained using a finite element multiphase flow code NAPL simulator, to the centrifugal model test data. For the numerical simulations, several sets of representative SWCC parameters of the modeled soil were assumed. Based on an optimization scheme, the parameters that produced the best match between measured and simulated data were selected, and the SWCC for the soil was predicted. To validate the proposed method, the predicted SWCC was compared with that obtained via a conventional test. The comparison showed that the SWCC obtained via inverse analysis with a van Genuchten model parameter set of α = 0.4 m−1 and η = 3 compared relatively well to the measured one. Thus this new method, based on inverse analysis of the fluid flow data from centrifugal modeling, could be used as a reliable, indirect technique for predicting field SWCCs.
Sampling environmental acoustic recordings to determine bird species richness
Authors: Wimmer Jason , Towsey Michael , Roe Paul , Williamson Ian 
Published: March 2013

Acoustic sensors can be used to estimate species richness for vocal species such as birds. They can continuously and passively record large volumes of data over extended periods. These data must subsequently be analyzed to detect the presence of vocal species. Automated analysis of acoustic data for large numbers of species is complex and can be subject to high levels of false positive and false negative results. Manual analysis by experienced surveyors can produce accurate results; however the time and effort required to process even small volumes of data can make manual analysis prohibitive.This study examined the use of sampling methods to reduce the cost of analyzing large volumes of acoustic sensor data, while retaining high levels of species detection accuracy. Utilizing five days of manually analyzed acoustic sensor data from four sites, we examined a range of sampling frequencies and methods including random, stratified, and biologically informed.We found that randomly selecting 120 one‐minute samples from the three hours immediately following dawn over five days of recordings, detected the highest number of species. On average, this method detected 62% of total species from 120 one‐minute samples, compared to 34% of total species detected from traditional area search methods. Our results demonstrate that targeted sampling methods can provide an effective means for analyzing large volumes of acoustic sensor data efficiently and accurately. Development of automated and semi‐automated techniques is required to assist in analyzing large volumes of acoustic sensor data.
Validation ofFhb1andQFhs.nau‐2DLin Several Soft Red Winter Wheat Populations
Authors: Balut Ana L. , Clark Anthony J. , Brown‐Guedira Gina , Souza Edward , Van Sanford David A. 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTExotic resistance quantitative trait loci (QTL) such asFhb1andQFhs.nau‐2DLprovide one strategy for breeding wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) cultivars resistant to Fusarium head blight (FHB). The first objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of these QTL in reducing FHB in diverse genetic backgrounds and to measure their impact on agronomic and quality traits. Lines from five susceptible × resistant crosses were evaluated in the FHB nursery at Lexington, KY, in 2010 and 2011. The populations were also grown in yield trials at Lexington (2010 and 2011) and Princeton (2011), KY, to measure agronomic and quality traits.Fhb1reducedFusariumdamaged kernels (FDK) by 32% and deoxynivalenol (DON) concentration by 20%.QFhs.nau‐2DLreduced FDK by 29% in two of five populations and DON by 24% in four of five populations. Significant QTL effects (P< 0.05) on agronomic and quality traits were observed although impact was small. One cycle of direct or indirect simulated phenotypic selection was effective at reducing DON levels. The frequency ofFhb1‐homozygous resistant lines among the phenotypically selected lines was higher than the frequency ofQFhs.nau‐2DL‐homozygous resistant lines. The second objective was to assess the effectiveness of near‐infrared reflectance (NIR) to estimate damage from FHB. Near‐infrared reflectance‐based predictions of FDK and DON showed that FDK measured by NIR was at least as good as FDK measured by air separation in predicting DON in four of five populations.
Nitrate Uptake Rates of Kentucky Bluegrass Genotypes and Their Effect on Nitrate Absorption under Competitive Conditions
Authors: Zhang Chenxi , Rufty Thomas W. , Miller Grady L. , Bowman Daniel C. 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTNitrate leaching from turfgrasses continues to be a concern. It is proposed that selecting turfgrass genotypes with higher NO3− absorption abilities could reduce NO3− leaching. This study examined the intraspecific difference in NO3− absorption among Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) genotypes and how such a difference affects N absorption when roots are in competition for soil N. A nutrient solution screening procedure was used to identify Kentucky bluegrass genotypes having high vs. low NO3− uptake capacity. Tillers of 60 Kentucky bluegrass cultivars were rooted and transferred to a continuous flow solution culture system. After establishment, plants were treated to develop moderate N deficiency. Isotopically labeled (15N) KNO3 was introduced at high (1 mM) and low (0.05 mM) concentrations to screen for differences in NO3− uptake. After a brief uptake period, plants were harvested, dried, and analyzed for 15N content to determine N uptake rate. There were significant differences among genotypes for uptake rate at both high and low N concentrations. The 60 genotypes exhibited a wide range of uptake rates, with strong correlation between rates at high and low N. The cultivars Julia and Midnight were selected as representing cultivars with efficient and inefficient NO3− uptake, respectively. Julia had NO3− uptake rates averaging 56% higher than Midnight. A subsequent lysimeter study examined whether higher NO3− uptake capacity would translate into increased N absorption under competitive conditions. Tillers of the two cultivars were planted as a mixed stand in soil or sand column lysimeters. After establishment, 15N‐labeled KNO3 solution at high (2 or 1mM) and low (0.05mM) concentrations was applied to each column. After an uptake period, individual plants of each cultivar were harvested for 15N analysis. Results indicated that Julia absorbed 20 to 50% more NO3− than Midnight at the high N concentration and 25 to 71% more NO3− more than Midnight at the low N concentration. Most differences were statistically significant. This indicates that differences in NO3− absorption by Kentucky bluegrass identified in solution culture translate into differences in absorption of soil N.
American Society of Nephrology Quiz and Questionnaire 2012
Authors: Fervenza Fernando C. , Glassock Richard J. , Bleyer Anthony J. 
Published: March 2013

Summary
Presentation of the Nephrology Quiz and Questionnaire (NQQ) has become an annual tradition at the meetings of the American Society of Nephrology. It is a very popular session, judged by consistently large attendance. Members of the audience test their knowledge and judgment on a series of case-oriented questions prepared and discussed by experts. They can also compare their answers in real time, using audience response devices, to those of program directors of nephrology training programs in the United States, acquired through an Internet-based questionnaire. The topic presented here is GN. Cases representing this category, along with single best answer questions, were prepared by a panel of experts (Drs. Fervenza, Glassock, and Bleyer). The correct and incorrect answers were then briefly discussed after the audience responses and the results of the questionnaire were displayed. This article recapitulates the session and reproduces its educational value for a larger audience—that of the readers of the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology. Have fun.
Glomerular and Tubular Damage Markers in Individuals with Progressive Albuminuria
Authors: Nauta Ferdau L. , Scheven Lieneke , Meijer Esther , van Oeveren Wim , de Jong Paul E. , Bakker Stephan J.L. , Gansevoort Ron T. 
Published: March 2013

Summary

Background and objectives
Albuminuria is associated with risk for renal and cardiovascular disease. It is difficult to predict which persons will progress in albuminuria. This study investigated whether assessment of urinary markers associated with damage to different parts of the nephron may help identify individuals that will progress in albuminuria.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
Individuals were selected from a prospective community-based cohort study with serial follow-up and defined as “progressors” if they belonged to the quintile of participants with the most rapid annual increase in albuminuria, and reached an albuminuria ≥150 mg/d during follow-up. Patients with known renal disease or macroalbuminuria at baseline were excluded. Each progressor was matched to two control participants, based on baseline albuminuria, age, and sex. Furthermore, damage markers were measured in a separate set of healthy individuals.

Results
After a median follow-up of 8.6 years, 183 of 8394 participants met the criteria for progressive albuminuria. Baseline clinical characteristics were comparable between progressors and matched controls (n=366). Both had higher baseline albuminuria than the overall population. Urinary excretion of the glomerular damage marker IgG was significantly higher in progressors, whereas urinary excretion of proximal tubular damage markers and inflammatory markers was lower in these individuals compared with controls. Healthy individuals (n=109) had the lowest values for all urinary damage markers measured.

Conclusions
These data suggest that albuminuria associated with markers of glomerular damage is more likely to progress, whereas albuminuria associated with markers of tubulointerstitial damage is more likely to remain stable.
Reliability of Isometric Lower-Extremity Muscle Strength Measurements in Children With Cerebral Palsy: Implications for Measurement Design
Authors: Willemse Lydia , Brehm Merel A. , Scholtes Vanessa A. , Jansen Laura , Woudenberg-Vos Hester , Dallmeijer Annet J. 
Published: March 2013

Background
Children with cerebral palsy (CP) typically show muscle weakness of the lower extremities, which can be measured with the use of handheld dynamometry (HHD).

Objective
The purposes of this study were: (1) to determine test-retest reliability and measurement error of isometric lower-extremity strength measurements in children with CP with the use of HHD and (2) to assess implications for measurement design.

Design
A test-retest design was used.

Methods
Fourteen children with hemiplegic (n=6) or diplegic (n=8) spastic CP (Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I–III), ages 7 to 13 years, were assessed for isometric strength on 2 separate days (occasions) with the use of HHD, with 3 trials per muscle group. The intraclass correlation coefficient, standard error of measurement, and smallest detectable difference (SDD) were calculated for different measurement designs.

Results
Intraclass correlation coefficient values of single measurements for all muscle groups ranged from .70 to .90, and the SDD was large (&gt;30%). Regarding measurement error, the largest source of variability was found for occasion. A 2-occasion mean decreased the SDD by 9% to 14%. For trials, a greater improvement in SDD was found when 2 trials were averaged instead of 3. A measurement design of 2 trials–2 occasions was superior to the often-used approach of 3 trials–1 occasion.

Limitations
The small sample size was the major study limitation.

Conclusions
Handheld dynamometry is reliable and can be used to detect changes in isometric muscle strength in children with CP when using the mean of at least 2 trials. To further improve reliability, taking the average of 2 occasions on separate days is recommended, depending on group size and muscle group.
Toward Understanding Normal Craniocervical Rotation Occurring During the Rotation Stress Test for the Alar Ligaments
Authors: Osmotherly Peter Grant , Rivett Darren , Rowe Lindsay J. 
Published: March 2013

Background
The rotation stress test is recommended for assessing alar ligament integrity. Although some authors, in the literature regarding the rotation stress test, accept that rotation will occur during testing, estimates of range occurring with a normal test response vary between 20 and 40 degrees. None of these estimates are based on formal examination of the test.

Objective
The purposes of this study were: (1) to examine the range of craniocervical rotation occurring during rotation stress testing for the alar ligaments in individuals who are healthy and (2) to investigate a measurement protocol for quantifying rotation.

Design
A within-subject experimental study was conducted.

Methods
Sixteen participants underwent magnetic resonance imaging in neutral and end-range rotation stress test positions. Measurements followed a standardized protocol relative to the position of the axis. A line connecting the transverse foramena of the axis created a reference plane. The position of the occiput in the head-neutral position was calculated as the angle formed between a line joining the foramena lacerum and the reference plane. Measurements were repeated at the end-range test position. Total rotation of the occiput was calculated as the difference in angles measured in neutral and test positions. Measurement was performed on 4 occasions, and reliability of measurements was assessed using the standard error of measurement (SEM) and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

Results
Measurement of rotation of the occiput relative to a stabilized axis ranged between 1.7 and 21.5 degrees (X̅=10.6, SD=5.1, SEM=1.14, ICC=.96, 95% confidence interval=.90–.98).

Limitations
Sustaining the test position for imaging increased the potential for loss of end-range position and image quality. Testing could be performed only in the neutral position, not in 3 planes as commonly described.

Conclusions
The range of craniocervical rotation during rotation stress testing of intact alar ligaments should typically be 21 degrees or less. Rotation may be quantified using the method protocol outlined.
Indoor and Outdoor Mobility following Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Storey Ava S.T. , Myrah Ainslie M. , Bauck Robyn A. , Brinkman Danielle M. , Friess Shawn N. , Webber Sandra C. 
Published: March 2013

Purpose: To determine the relationship between indoor and outdoor mobility capacity in older adults with unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and, secondarily, to determine walking intensity in the same population and to compare all outcomes to a control group of older adults without knee pathology. Method: In this cross-sectional study, participants (TKA=16, mean 22.9 (SD 9.7) mo post TKA; control=22) completed indoor walking tests and a 580 m outdoor course that included varying terrain (e.g., curbs, grass, sidewalk) and frequent changes in direction. Walking capacity was assessed using stopwatches, global positioning system watches and accelerometers. Results: Outdoor walking time was moderately correlated (p<0.05) with the timed up-and-go (TUG) test (r=0.65), stair-climb test (SCT) (r=0.67 ascending, r=0.79 descending), 10 m walk test (10 mWT) (r=0.73), and 6-minute walk test (6 MWT) (r=−0.75). Based on activity counts, walking intensity levels for participants in both groups were moderate (outdoor walk and 6 MWT). There was no significant difference in walking capacity between groups (TUG, SCT, 10 mWT, 6 MWT, outdoor walk). Conclusions: Common clinical walking tests are moderately correlated with outdoor mobility. Mobility capacity of individuals post TKA was similar to controls in both indoor and outdoor environments, and participants in both groups achieved moderate physical activity levels with walking.