bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experimental and Analytical Investigation of the Mechanical Behavior of High-Burnup Zircaloy-4 Fuel Cladding
Authors: Daum Robert S. , Majumdar Saurin , Billone Michael C. 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
Sufficient mechanical ductility of high-burnup Zircaloy-4 fuel cladding is important to prevent large-opening ruptures and significant fuel dispersal during postulated in-reactor and spent-fuel processing accidents. The effect of irradiation, oxidation, and hydriding at high fuel burnup may degrade cladding ductility to the extent that such large ruptures are possible under severe loadings. To understand this susceptibility to failure, this study focused on mechanical testing coupled with detailed finite-element modeling and analyses. Under ring-compression-type loading at room temperature, tensile cracks form within the corrosion-induced oxide layer under elastic loading. The oxide crack then propagates into the cladding wall under additional loading with little to no measurable plastic strain, as confirmed by both experiment and analyses of plastic hoop strain in the ring. For cladding with the oxide removed prior to testing at ≤1 %/s, cracking of the underlying hydride rim comprised of circumferentially oriented hydrides occurs at low plastic hoop strain (≤3 %), whereas the finite-element analysis suggests that the base alloy with a relatively small amount of hydrides appears to fail at higher strain (&gt;8 %). At even higher strain rates (≈400 %/s), cracking within the hydride rim occurs at near-zero ductility, but the base alloy continues to remain highly ductile. These room-temperature results indicate that the hydride rim is sensitive to strain rate, whereas the base alloy is relatively not. With the precipitation of ≈100 % radially oriented hydrides, the cladding exhibits near-zero ductility at room temperature and ≈0.1 %/s. This study suggests that the ring-compression test coupled with finite-element modeling and analysis may be used to estimate crack-initiation strains in irradiated cladding materials with susceptible microstructures and under various deformation rates.
Somatotropic responses to soy protein alone and as part of a meal.
Authors: van Vught Anneke J A H , Nieuwenhuizen Arie G , Brummer Robert-Jan M , Westerterp-Plantenga Margriet S 
Published: May 2008

ContextGH is an important regulator of growth and body composition. We previously showed that GH release can be promoted by oral ingestion of soy protein; it is not known, however, whether these somatotropic effects of soy protein are also present when soy protein is ingested as part of a complete meal.Objective/designWe compared the effects of oral ingestion of soy protein alone with the effects of a meal containing the same amount of soy protein on GH secretion in six healthy women (body mass index 19–26 kg/m2, 19–36 years), in a randomized crossover design. During the whole experiment, serum GH, insulin, and glucose were determined every 20 min.ResultsGH responses as determined by area under the curve (AUC) and peak values were lower after ingestion of the meal, in comparison with GH responses after the soy protein consumption alone (P<0.05), and did not differ from the placebo. Glucose and insulin responses, both determined as AUC and peak values, were higher after ingestion of the meal, compared with those after ingestion of the protein drink or the placebo (P<0.05).ConclusionThe somatotropic effect of soy protein is reduced and delayed when soy protein is ingested as part of a complete meal. Dietary carbohydrates, by increasing serum levels of glucose and insulin concentration, as well as dietary fat, may have interfered with the somatotropic effects of soy protein.
Effects of Repeated Electroshocking on Condition, Growth, and Movement of Selected Warmwater Stream Fishes
Authors: Gatz A. John , Linder R. Scott 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of repeated monthly use of pulsed-DC electrofishing on condition factor (K), instantaneous growth rate (G), and movement of stream-dwelling creek chub Semotilus atromaculatus, white suckers Catostomus commersonii, and green sunfish Lepomis cyanellus. Fish that were captured five or more times by approximately monthly electrofishing were compared with control groups. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) models indicated that repeated electroshocking had such a minute impact (≤0.2% reduction in error sum of squares) on K that this effect was unlikely to be biologically meaningful, especially given that it was positive for white suckers. Similar models for G showed small but statistically significant decreases in white sucker and creek chub G-values from repeated monthly electroshocking; there was no effect for green sunfish. An additional model analyzing the impact of repeated electroshocking of white suckers at bimonthly intervals showed no significant effect on G. For all three species, the relative frequency of remaining stationary or exhibiting net movement upstream or downstream was similar between repeatedly electroshocked fish and control fish, as were the net distances moved in either direction. Thus, monthly applications of electrofishing had minimal negative effects on K for only two of the three species; slightly larger negative effects on G for only two species; and no measurable effects on movement of any species. In contrast to the effect of monthly electroshocking, bimonthly exposures did not negatively affect G for white suckers. Overall, the results suggest that pulsed-DC electrofishing (60 Hz; 36% duty cycle) is a safe methodological tool for studying these species, provided it is not used too frequently.
A Semiautomated Approach to Estimating Fish Size, Abundance, and Behavior from Dual-Frequency Identification Sonar (DIDSON) Data
Authors: Boswell Kevin M. , Wilson Matthew P. , Cowan James H. 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
We present a semiautomated analytical approach incorporating both image and acoustic processing techniques to apply to dual-frequency identification sonar (DIDSON) data. Our objectives were (1) to develop a standardized analysis pathway in order to reduce the effort associated with counting, measuring, and tracking fish targets; and (2) to empirically obtain estimates of basic target information (e.g., size, abundance, speed, and direction of travel). Analyses were conducted on DIDSON data collected at three different locations (the Kenai River, Alaska; Mobile River, Alabama; and Port Fourchon, Louisiana) with different equipment and deployment configurations. We developed an efficient postprocessing approach that can be applied to a variety of data sets, independent of user and deployment method. For two of the three data sets analyzed, the estimates of fish abundance derived from DIDSON analyses were not significantly different from the manual counts of DIDSON files. The analyses produced estimates of mean fish length, direction and speed of travel, and target surface area for all targets within each data set. A consistent analysis platform increases the acceptance and reliability of the DIDSON as a tool for fisheries surveys and further demonstrates the usefulness of DIDSON technology in fisheries applications.
Population Size and Relative Abundance of Adult Alabama Shad Reaching Jim Woodruff Lock and Dam, Apalachicola River, Florida
Authors: Ely Patrick C. , Young Shawn P. , Isely J. Jeffery 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
We estimated the population size of migrating Alabama shad Alosa alabamae below Jim Woodruff Lock and Dam in the Apalachicola River (located in the central panhandle of northwestern Florida) using mark–recapture and relative abundance techniques. After adjustment for tag loss, emigration, and mortality, the population size was estimated as 25,935 (95% confidence interval, 17,715–39,535) in 2005, 2,767 (838–5,031) in 2006, and 8,511 (5,211–14,674) in 2007. The cumulative catch rate from boat electrofishing averaged 20.47 Alabama shad per hour in 2005, 6.10 per hour in 2006, and 13.17 per hour in 2007. The relationship between population size (N) and electrofishing catch per unit effort (CPUE) was modeled by the equation N = −9008.2 + (electrofishing CPUE × 1616.4). Additionally, in 2007 the hook-and-line catch rate averaged 1.94 Alabama shad per rod hour. A predictive model relating the population size and hook-and-line CPUE of spawning American shad A. sapidissima was applied to Alabama shad hook-and-line CPUE and produced satisfactory results. Recent spawning populations of Alabama shad in the Apalachicola River are low relative to American shad populations in other southeastern U.S. rivers.
Response of the bivalveUnio tumidusand freshwater communities in artificial streams for hazard assessment of methyl methacrylate
Authors: Coffinet Stéphanie , Cossu-Leguille Carole , Bassères Anne , Gonnet Jean-François , Vasseur Paule 
Published: May 2008

AbstractIn artificial streams (pilot rivers) supplied with the river water of Gave de Pau (France), we studied the effects of methyl methacrylate (MMA) on the autochthonous bivalve Unio tumidus transferred into the streams and on natural freshwater communities colonizing the channels. Unio tumidus and freshwater communities were exposed to MMA for 15 and 30 d, respectively, at measured concentrations ranging from 0.6 to 122 mg/L. Biomarkers studied in the digestive gland and gills of U. tumidus comprised detoxication systems (namely, antioxidant enzyme activities and glutathione status) and lipid peroxidation as a marker of cytotoxicity. Biocoenotic indicators were used to evaluate effects on benthic invertebrates and diatoms. In bivalves, a decrease in antioxidant levels was found at the lowest concentrations tested (0.6 and 6 mg/L), whereas an increase in lipid peroxidation and mortality was registered at 30 mg/L after 15 d of exposure. Disturbances in freshwater communities occurred after 30 d at MMA concentrations of greater than 30 mg/L. Antioxidant responses in bivalves were recorded at the lowest MMA concentration tested, which was close to the predicted no-effect concentration (0.74 mg/L), and cytotoxicity was registered at a concentration corresponding to the 21-d no-observed-effect concentration for Daphnia magna. On the basis of the criteria studied, antioxidant biomarkers of bivalves appeared to be more sensitive than biocoenotic indicators to MMA.
Effect of pulse herbicidal exposure onScenedesmus vacuolatus: A comparison of two photosystem II inhibitors
Authors: Vallotton Nathalie , Eggen Rik Ilda Lambertus , Escher Beate Isabella , Krayenbühl Jérôme , Chèvre Nathalie 
Published: May 2008

AbstractHerbicide concentrations fluctuate in rivers following crop application and can reach high levels after rain events, yet the duration of these pulses is short. In the present study, we assessed the effect of atrazine and isoproturon pulse exposure on Scenedesmus vacuolatus (Chlorophyceae; strain 211–8b, Kessler) as well as the recovery in the postexposure period. We further explored whether the time-dependent toxicity is similar for herbicides inhibiting the photosystem II (PSII). The growth rate was assessed for different exposure durations, and in addition the inhibition of the effective quantum yield of PSII was measured to monitor the response at the target site. Atrazine and isoproturon did not have similar time-dependent effects on growth rate, despite their same primary mode of action on PSII. Atrazine was less toxic than isoproturon after 10 h of exposure, but the toxicity of both herbicides was similar after 48 h of exposure. However, both compounds inhibited the PSII effective quantum yield within 1 h following exposure. Similarly, the effective quantum yield recovered completely within 4 h after removal of the toxicants, leading to rapid recovery of algal growth. The rapid onset of effects of isoproturon on the growth of the alga during exposure suggests that a single pulse to this herbicide is likely to induce greater effects than an atrazine pulse at the same concentration, even if these effects are reversible. The information gained in the present study should support the effect assessment of sequential exposures as well as the risk evaluation of fluctuating herbicidal exposure.
Effects of bisphenol a on the development, growth, and sex ratio of the houseflyMusca domestica
Authors: Izumi Nanae , Yanagibori Ryoko , Shigeno Seiichi , Sajiki Junko 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe effects of bisphenol A (BPA) on the life cycle of the housefly Musca domestica were examined. The sex ratio of the imago shifted in favor of males when eggs and larvae were exposed to BPA in culture media at concentrations of 1,000 μg kg−1 for five generations and 100 μg kg−1 for seven generations. Notably, at an initial concentration of 100 μg kg−1, BPA levels in the growth medium decreased 61% at 4 h after egg inoculation, and no BPA was detected after 24 h. Pupal weight increased upon exposure to 100 μg kg−1 BPA but decreased after exposure to 1,000 μg kg−1, suggesting highly variable concentration-dependent toxicity. Both the survival ratio of eggs to the third instar larval stage and the ratio of pupae to larvae decreased, indicating that BPA affected both eggs and larvae. A delay in the timing of emergence typically was observed in insects exposed to &gt;100 μg kg−1 BPA. Compared to the control group, juvenile hormones II and III levels were elevated significantly in larvae between days 4 and 7 in medium spiked with 100 μg kg−1 BPA. These results suggest that exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of BPA during the early stages of the housefly life cycle can result in various disorders (pupal weight and sex ratio) that may be a consequence of endocrine disruption.
Dissolved fraction of standard laboratory cladoceran food alters toxicity of waterborne silver toCeriodaphnia dubia
Authors: Kolts Jason M , Brooks Marjorie L , Cantrell Brittney D , Boese Connie J , Bell Russell A , Meyer Joseph S 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe biotic ligand model (BLM) for the acute toxicity of cationic metals to aquatic organisms incorporates the toxicity-modifying effects of dissolved organic matter (DOM), but the default parameterization (i.e., assuming 10% of DOM is humic acid) does not differentiate DOM from different sources. We exposed a cladoceran (Ceriodaphnia dubia) to Ag in the presence of DOM from filtered YCT (standard yeast–Cerophyll®–trout chow food recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency [EPA] for cladocerans), from the Suwannee River (GA, USA; relatively little anthropogenic input), and from the Desjardins Canal in Hamilton (ON, Canada; receives treated municipal wastewater effluent). In all three treatments, the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration was 2 mg/L (the concentration following addition of YCT slurry at the U.S. EPA–recommended volume ratio). The average 48-h median effects concentration (EC50) ratios for dissolved Ag in the presence and absence of DOM [i.e., (EC50 with DOM)/(EC50 without DOM)] were as follows: Suwannee River, 1.6; Desjardins Canal, 2.2; and YCT filtrate, 26.8. Therefore, YCT filtrate provided much more protection against Ag toxicity than that provided by DOM from the surface waters. The major spectral characteristic that differentiated YCT filtrate from the other two types of DOM was a strong tryptophan peak in the excitation–emission matrix for YCT. These results have important implications for interpreting Ag toxicity tests in which organisms are fed YCT, and they suggest BLM-calculated toxicity predictions might be improved by incorporating specific chemical constituents or surrogate indices of DOM. Another component of the protective effect against Ag toxicity, however, might be that the dissolved fraction of YCT served as an energy and/or nutrient source for C. dubia.
The role of biomarkers to assess oil-contaminated sediment quality using toxicity tests with clams and crabs
Authors: Morales-Caselles Carmen , Martín-Díaz María Laura , Riba Inmaculada , Sarasquete Carmen , Valls Tomás Ángel Del 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
A 28-d bioassay was conducted with two invertebrate species with different feeding habits, the clam Ruditapes philippinarum and the shore crab Carcinus maenas. The purpose of the present study was to assess the quality of sediments affected by oil spills in different areas of the Spanish coast. The organisms were exposed to environmental samples of oil-contaminated sediments during four weeks and, after the experiment, a suite of biomarkers of exposure was measured: The phase one detoxification system was assessed by ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity; glutathione-S-transferase (GST) is a phase-two detoxification enzyme but also is implicated in oxidative stress events; glutathione peroxidase (GPX), glutathione reductase (GR), and the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) assay were analyzed to determine the antioxidant activity of the tissues. The biomarker results were correlated with the chemical compounds bound to sediments (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons [PAHs], polychlorinated biphenyls [PCBs], Zn, Cd, Pb, Cu, Ni, Co, V) and a principal component analysis was carried out with the purpose of linking all the variables and to detect those contaminated sediments potentially harmful to the biota. Results showed induction of biomarkers in both invertebrate species and significant differences (p &lt; 0.05; p &lt; 0.01) were established among sediments affected by different spills. The use of the selected biomarkers together with the sediment chemical analysis assesses the bioavailability of contaminants and has proven to be a suitable tool to monitor the environmental quality of sediments affected by oil spills.
Morphometric alterations in Mytilus galloprovincialis granulocytes: A new biomarker
Authors: Calisi Antonio , Lionetto Maria Giulia , Caricato Roberto , Giordano Maria Elena , Schettino Trifone 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
Bivalve molluscs, particularly marine mussels, are used widely as sentinel organisms in environmental quality monitoring and assessment. Biochemical and cellular responses to pollutant exposure (i.e., biomarkers) increasingly are investigated in mussel tissues and their measurements largely used in marine environmental monitoring. The aim of the present study was to investigate possible pollutant-induced morphometric alterations in Mytilus galloprovincialis granulocytes in view of future applications as a sensitive, simple, and quick biomarker for monitoring and assessment applications. Granulocyte morphometric alterations were determined by image analysis on Diff-Quick® stained cells. For the first time, the rapid alcohol-fixed Diff-Quick stain protocol, utilized in clinical and veterinary applications for immediate interpretation of histological samples, was shown to be suitable for rapid cytological staining of M. galloprovincialis haemocytes. The present study was carried out in standardized laboratory conditions and further validated in field conditions. Results show consistent pollutant-induced enlargement of mussel granulocytes. This was verified by standardized biomarkers such as metallothionein concentrations in the digestive gland or lysosomal membrane stability in laboratory and field exposures. Results further suggest that the observed morphometric alterations can be used as a biomarker of chemical stress. Because no single biomarker generally is adequate for describing the complexity of effects induced by environmental pollutants on the organisms, we propose that morphometric alterations of granulocytes should be used in a biomarker battery in marine environmental monitoring programs such as Mussel Watch.
Persistence and degradation of maize-expressed vaccine protein, Escherichia coli heat-labile enterotoxin subunit B, in soil and water
Authors: Kosaki Hirofumi , Coats Joel R , Wang Kan , Wolt Jeffrey D 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
Transgenic plants represent an innovative platform for the cost-effective large-scale production of various pharmaceutical proteins. The eventual open-field production of plant-made pharmaceuticals (PMPs) requires risk assessment to determine the potential for harm to the surrounding ecosystem. In the present study, the environmental persistence of a transgenic maize-expressed antigen, Escherichia coli heat-labile enterotoxin subunit B (LTB), was studied under laboratory conditions. To semiquantitatively monitor the persistence of LTB in soil, extraction with a high-salt, high-pH extraction buffer was optimized using the closely homologous Vibrio cholerae enterotoxin subunit B (CTB) as a test substance. The time to dissipation of 50% (DT50) of the extractable fraction of maize-expressed LTB was 4 to 15 d in pond water and 35 to 90 d in soils. Both extraction efficacy and persistence were strongly affected by the matrix type and incubation conditions. In contrast with maize-expressed LTB, the DT50 for bacterially produced LTB and CTB was less than 4 d both in pond water and soil. Although maize-expressed LTB was more stable than bacterially produced analogue, its dissipation was governed by an initial lag, which could be attributed to release from the plant material, followed by rapid decline.
Perfluorinated, brominated, and chlorinated contaminants in a population of lesser black-backed gulls (Larus fuscus)
Authors: Bustnes Jan O , Borgå Katrine , Erikstad Kjell E , Lorentsen Svein-Håkon , Herzke Dorte 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
Protein-bound perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) and lipid-soluble polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and organo-chlorines (OCs) were measured in whole blood from a large number (n = 83) of breeding lesser black-backed gulls (Larus fuscus) caught during two distinct sampling periods in a colony on the coast of northern Norway. We analyzed 14 PFCs (seven were detected in more than 75% of samples), 10 PBDEs (only BDE 47 was detected), and 27 OCs, including 12 polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners (14 OCs were detected). Median total PFC concentration was higher than median total OC concentration (43 vs 39 ng/g wet wt). Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) was the dominant PFC (mean relative contribution of PFOS to total contaminant concentration in blood [Σtotal contaminants] was 38%), whereas total PCB (26% of Σtotal contaminants) and p,p′-DDE (2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-1,1-dichloroethene; 13% of Σtotal contaminants) were the dominant OCs. No covariability was found between protein-bound and lipid-soluble compounds; individuals with high concentrations of PFCs did not have high concentrations of OCs or BDE 47. The concentrations of PFCs were lower in birds caught during the late sampling period compared to those of the early period, and females had lower levels of some PFCs compared with males, suggesting that females sequester fluorinated substances into eggs. For lipid-soluble compounds, no significant sex or sampling period differences were found, except that trans-nonachlor, cis-nonachlor, and p,p′-DDE concentrations were lower in birds caught during the late sampling period. The pattern of PFC compounds (relative to PFOS) and lipid-soluble compounds (relative to PCB 153) differed between sampling periods in females but not in males. Finally, PFCs were distributed more uniformly within the population than the lipid-soluble compounds, for which the distributions were strongly negatively skewed.