bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Limnocorrals for Studying the Effects of Phytotoxic Compounds on Plankton and Water Chemistry in Aquaculture Ponds
Authors: Schrader Kevin K. , Tucker Craig S. , de Regt Marjan Q. , Kingsbury Susan K.
Published: August 2010

Abstract.— Two studies were conducted to evaluate the potential use of limnocorrals (in situ enclosures) for evaluating the effects of phytotoxic compounds on phytoplankton community structure and water quality. Limnocorrals consisted of open‐bottomed, fiberglass cylinders that were 2.44 m in diameter and 1.53 m high. The enclosures were placed in an aquaculture pond and allowed to settle 10–20 cm into the bottom mud, forming a watertight seal that isolated approximately 5.5 m3 of pond water. The first study evaluated the effect of water mixing on environmental conditions within limnocorrals. Mixing was accomplished by injecting air through airstones suspended inside the enclosures. Conditions in unmixed limnocorrals rapidly deviated from conditions in the pond and in aerated enclosures, with overall phytoplankton biomass decreasing while abundance of cyanobacteria and concentrations of soluble reactive phosphorus increased. Conditions in limnocorrals with continuous mixing also deviated from conditions in the pond. Environmental conditions among replicate mixed enclosures were, however, relatively consistent and stable for at least 2 wk. The second study evaluated the use of limnocorrals for testing the effects of phytotoxic compounds on phytoplankton community structure and water quality. A commercial chelated copper algicide was added to randomly selected, mixed limnocorrals at the label‐recommended rate. The algicide killed nearly all phytoplankton in the treated enclosures within 1 wk; however, treated limnocorrals were rapidly recolonized by green algae and diatoms. Conditions in untreated limnocorrals remained relatively stable and consistent among replicates for 16 d, after which total phytoplankton biomass began to decrease, possibly due to nutrient depletion within the enclosures. Although conditions inside the enclosures deviated with time from those in the surrounding pond water, mixed limnocorrals appear to provide a convenient and reliable method for short‐term studies of algicides and other water quality manipulations.
Effects of Larval Stocking Density on Laboratory‐Scale and Commercial‐Scale Production of Summer Flounder Paraliehthys dentatus
Authors: King Nicholas J. , Howell W. Huntting , Huber Marina , Bengtson David A.
Published: August 2010

Abstract.— Three experiments investigating larval stocking densities of summer flounder from hatch to metamorphosis, Paralichthvs dentalus, were conducted at laboratory‐scale (75‐L aquaria) and at commercial scale (1,000‐L tanks). Experiments 1 and 2 at commercial scale tested the densities of 10 and 60 larvae/L, and 10, 20, and 30/L, respectively. The laboratory scale experiment tested the densities of 10, 20, 30, and 40 larvae/L. Experiments were carried out in two separate filtered, flow‐through seawater systems at URI Narragansett Bay Campus (laboratory‐scale), and at GreatBay Aquafarms, Inc. (commercial‐scale). At both locations, the larvae were raised in a “greenwater” culture environment, and fed rotifers and brine shrimp nauplii according to feeding regimes established for each location. Water temperature was maintained at 21C (± 2) and 19C (± 1) for the duration of laboratory and commercial experiments, respectively. Experiments 1 and 2 at the commercial location were terminated at 42 and 37 d post hatch (dph), respectively, and the laboratory experiment lasted 34 DPH. Larvae initially stocked at 10/L grew to an average length of 14.3 and 14.4 mm, and were significantly larger (P < 0.05) than those stocked at 30/L (13.1 mm) and 60/L (11.7 mm) in commercial scale experiments I and 2, respectively. At laboratory scale, no significant differences in length were detected, although mean total length tended to decrease with increasing stocking density (average length of 14.2, 13.3, 12.7, and 12.7 mm for treatments of 10, 20, 30, and 40/L, respectively). Final survival percentage was not affected by stocking density in either commercial experiment, and was 61 and 40% for treatments of 10 and 60/L in Experiment 1, respectively, and 62, 59, and 56% for Experiment 2, respectively. Similarly, there was no significant difference in final survival percentage among treatments in the laboratory experiment, which averaged 59, 55, 56, and 37% for treatments of 10, 20, 30, and 40L. respectively. Since larval length was not different between the intermediate densities (20 and 30 Iarvae/L), and because high‐density rearing can produce a much greater numerical yield per tank, we recommend a density of 30 larvaen as an optimal stocking density for the hatchery production of summer flounder.
Economic Interactions Between Feeding Rates and Stocking Densities in Intensive Catfish Ictalurus punctatus Production
Authors: Losinger Willard , Dasgupta Siddhartha , Engle Carole , Wagner Bruce
Published: August 2010

Feed represents the largest cost input in intensive catfish Ictalurus punctatus production. Daily feed rations are generally related to stocking densities, up to a point at which high feeding rates begin to affect water quality. There has been no prior research to analyze the economic interactions between feeding and stocking rates. Econometric techniques were used to estimate a Just‐Pope catfish production function, which was used to compute marginal products of inputs, and to identify stocking and feeding rates associated with the boundaries between Stages I, II, and III of the production function. Survey data collected by USDA National Animal Health Monitoring System were used for this analysis. Maximum yield, when accounting for both stocking and feeding rates, occurred at about 30,000 fingerlings/ha. However, profit‐maximizing stocking densities ranged between 16,942 and 21,312 fingerlings/ha, depending upon expected catfish and feed prices. Farmers stocking at higher rates could be attempting to maximize yield instead of profit.
Nutrient Digestibility of Common Feedstuffs in Extruded Diets for Sunshine Bass Morone chrysops♀×M. saxatilis ♂
Authors: Rawles Steven D. , Gatlin Delbert M.
Published: August 2010

The digestibility of nutrients and energy in various ingredients to fish is affected by a variety of factors including ingredient quality and processing. Limited information is available regarding the digestibility of nutrients in feedstuffs for sunshine bass Morone chrysops♀×M. saxatilis♂. This information is particularly needed to improve the accuracy of diet formulations and allow appropriate substitution of feedstuffs. Therefore, a study was conducted with advanced sunshine bass fingerlings (50–75 g) to determine the apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs) for protein, lipid, carbohydrate, gross energy, and organic matter in a variety of feedstuffs in extrusion‐processed diets. Included in the study were low‐temperature processed menhaden fish meal (Select®), meat and bone meal, fish meal analog (PROPAK™) dehulled soybean meal, cottonseed meal, corn grain, sorghum, wheat flour, wheat middlings, and rice bran. Test diets consisted of a 70:30 mixture of reference diet to test ingredient with chromic oxide (0.8%) as the inert marker. Reference and test diet ingredients were mixed in a commercial ribbon blender, preconditioned and extruded on a Wenger X‐20 to produce a neutrally buoyant pellet (5 mm). The digestibility trials were conducted in six 600‐L rectangular tanks connected as a closed recirculating brackish (5–7 ppt) water system. Diets were randomly assigned to tanks of 45–50 sunshine bass and fed twice daily to satiation. Feedstuffs of high‐protein and high‐lipid content were better digested by sunshine bass than feedstuffs of high carbohydrate or high fiber content. Organic matter digestibility ranged from 42% for both sorghum and corn to 96% and 98% for meat and bone meal and Select™ menhaden fish meal, respectively. Select™ menhaden fish meal and meat and bone meal appeared to be the best Ingredients for sunshine bass diets in terms of overall nutrient profiles and digestibility of nutrients. The fish meal analog did not perform as favorably as the other two animal products. Protein and lipid of cottonseed meal were highly available to sunshine bass with ADCs of 85% and 92%, respectively. Protein digestibility was high for soybean meal (77%), whereas the digestibility of organic matter (51%), lipid (54%), carbohydrate (25%) and energy (56%) in this feedstuff was moderately low. Energy in wheat middlings and wheat also was moderately available at 67% and 59%, respectively. Energy in sorghum and corn was much less available at 44% and 40%, respectively. Digestibility of nutrients and energy in rice bran exceeded 90%. Use of this information should aid the development of more efficient and economical diet formulations for sunshine bass.
Effect of Dietary Protein Concentration on Growth and Processing Yield of Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus1
Authors: Li Menghe H. , Bosworth Brian G. , Robinson Edwin H.
Published: August 2010

Abstract.— This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary protein concentration and an all‐plant diet on growth and processing yield of pond‐raised channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus. Four diets were formulated using plant and animal proteins to contain 24%n, 28%, 32%, or 36% crude protein with digestible energy to protein (DE/P) ratios of 11.7, 10.2, 9.0, and 8.1 kcal/g, respectively. An all‐plant diet containing 28% protein with a DE/P ratio of 10.2 kcal/g was also included. Channel catfish fingerlings averaging 40 g/fish were stocked into 24, 0.04‐ha ponds at a density of 18,530 fish/ha. Five ponds were used for each dietary treatment except for the all‐plant diet which had four replicates. The fish were fed once daily to apparent satiation for 160 d. No differences were observed in feed consumption, weight gain, survival, carcass and nugget yield, or fillet moisture and protein concentrations among treatments. Fish fed the 28% protein diet had a lower feed conversion ratio (FCR) than fish fed diets containing 24% and 32% protein, but had a FCR similar to fish fed the 36% protein diet. Fillet yield was higher for fish fed the 36% protein diet than fish fed the 24% protein diet. Visceral fat was lower in fish fed the 36% protein diet than fish fed other diets. Fish fed the 32% and 36% protein diets exhibited a lower level of fillet fat than fish fed the 24% protein diet. The 36% protein diet resulted in a lower level of fillet fat than fish fed the 28% protein diet. There was a positive linear regression in fillet yield and fillet moisture concentration and a negative linear regression in visceral fat and fillet fat against dietary protein concentration. No differences in any variables were noted between the 28% protein diets with and without animal protein except that fish fed the 28% protein diet without animal protein had a higher FCR than fish fed the 28% protein diet with animal protein. This observation did not appear to be diet related since FCR of fish fed the 32% protein diet containing animal protein was not different from that of fish fed the 28% all‐plant protein diet. Data from the present study indicate that dietary protein concentrations ranging from 24% to 36% provided for similar feed consumption, growth, feed efficiency, and carcass yield. However, since there is a general increase in fattiness and a decrease in fillet yield as the dietary protein concentration decreases or DEP ratio increases, it is suggested that a minimum of 28% dietary protein with a maximum DEIP ratio of 10 kcal/g protein is optimal for channel catfish growout.
Mortality of Northern Bluefin Tuna Thunnus thynnus Due to Trauma Caused by Collision During Growout Culture
Authors: Miyashita Shigeru , Sawada Yoshifumi , Hattori Nobuhiro , Nakatsukasa Hiromu , Okada Tokihiko , Murata Osamu , Kumai Hidemi
Published: August 2010

Abstract.— Indoor and outdoor experiments were conducted to improve the rearing techniques for artificially hatched northern bluefin tuna Thunnus thynnus during growout culture. Collisions with the walls of tanks or nets caused mass mortality that occurs during growout. The period when collisions frequently occur and the types of injury caused by collision were examined in this study. Juveniles were reared in indoor tanks from 30 to 120 d after hatching, and in an open sea net cage from 42 to 150 d after hatching. Dead fish were collected and counted daily in both of the experiments. In the indoor experiment, the sampled fish were preserved in 10% formalin solution, and each of 10 specimens of about 30, 50, 70, 85, 100, 130, 160 and 225 mm in body length (BL) were examined using x‐rays to detect injury of the bones. Juvenile and young adult bluefin tuna showed a reduction in numbers caused by collision with the tank or the net wall during the experiments. In the indoor tank, there were 1,200 fish on day 30 but only eight on day 120. The daily mortality increased from day 30 after hatching, when juveniles reached 50‐mm BL and remained over 4%/d until day 60 when juveniles grew to 300‐mm BL. The proportion of dead fish with injuries of bone, especially of the vertebral column and the parasphenoid, increased after fish reached 50‐mm BL, and exceeded 60% in fish with BL 85 mm or greater. In the open sea net cage, there were 3,841 fish at the start of the experiment on day 42 and only 65 on day 150. In this experiment, the reduction was greatest from the start of the experiment until day 80, when fish grew to approximately 25 cm in total length. Significant bacterial, viral or parasitic diseases were not observed in these fish; the only findings were dislocations of the vertebral column and injuries to the upper and lower jaws. These results show that the loss of juvenile and young adult bluefin tuna was caused by collision with the tank or net wall that fatally damaged the bones of the vertebral columns and the parasphenoid.
Development of Thyroid Follicles and Changes in Thyroid Hormones During the Early Development of Korean Rockfish Sebastes schlegeli
Authors: Kang Duk‐Young , Chang Young Jin
Published: August 2010

The development of thyroid follicles and the change of thyroid hormone concentrations in whole body were examined, and the relationship between thyroid follicle differentiation and growth were also studied during early development of Korean rockfish Sebastes schlegeli. Total length (TL) and body weight (BW) of larva at parturition were 6.3 ± 0.1 mm and 3.6 ± 0.1 mg respectively. The larvae transformed to juveniles from 20 to 30 d after parturition with continuous growth. The thyroid primordium of the rockfish was observed histologically in newly born larvae, suggesting that the thyroid primordium may have been formed during yolk‐sac larval stage after hatching as with other marine telosts. In addition, although the Korean rockfish is a viviparous fish, the developmental features of the thyroid gland in number, size and shape are very similar to the general development features of marine oviparous fish. As the larvae grew, the thyroid follicles of Korean rockfish increased in number, became variable in size, and changed from the normal spheroid/ovoid shape to more irregular forms in shape after parturition, and then concentrated mostly along the areas immediately adjacent to the ventral aorta. In addition, thyroid cell height and thyroid hormone concentrations were related with physiological activity at a specific developmental stage.
Effect of Dietary Charcoal and Wood Vinegar Mixture (CV82) on Body Composition of Olive Flounder Paralichthys alivaceus
Authors: Yoo Jin Hyung , Ji Seung Cheol , Jeong Gwan Sik
Published: August 2010

The effects of dietary charcoal and wood vinegar mixture (CV82) were determined on growth, body composition, and vitality of olive flounder Paralichrhys alivaceus. Five experimental diets were formulated to contain 0% (control), 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0% CV82. Weight gain was lowest in the control diet group (47.7 g) and highest in the 1.0% CV82 group (53.0 g). Feed efficiency was lowest in the control diet group (87.3%) but significantly higher in the 0.5% CV82 diet group (95.8%), (P > 0.05). The condition factor and hepatosomatic index were not affected by the dietary level of CV82. Moisture and crude protein content did not significantly differ among the treatments. However, crude lipid was lower in the 1.0% and 1.5% CV82 diet groups of 3.4% and 3.5%, respectively. Serum glutamic oxaloacetic acid and glutamic pyruvic transaminase activities decreased significantly with increasing dietary CV82 level. Therefore, these results suggested that the suitable dietary CV82 level could be between 0.5% and 1.0% in olive flounder for the maximum weight gain, feed efficiency, and vitality.
Larval Development and Rearing of Longtooth Grouper Epinephelus bruneus in Jeju Island, Korea
Authors: Song Young Bo , Oh Seong Rip , Seo Jong Pyo , Ji Bo Geun , Lim Bong Soo , Lee Young Don , Kim Hyung Bae
Published: August 2010

Eggs and sperm were obtained from a female (6.3 kg/BW) and a male (8.4 kg/BW) longtooth grouper Epinephelus bruneus following HCG injection in July 2003. The eggs were fertilized artMcially with the sperm and incubated in one of two 50‐m3 tanks after washing the fertilized eggs. The fertilized eggs were 830–950 pn (average 900 ± 2 μm) in diameter and the respective fertilization and hatching rates were 97.7 ± 0.6% and 96.8 ± 0.5% at a water temperature of 25.0 ± 0.5 C. With this regime, the survival rate by day 93 was 7.5% in the 50‐m3 tank. The elapsed time from hatching to opening the mouth was 3 d at 25 C. The initial mouth size (z) of the larvae was 0.22–0.23 mm. The newly hatched larvae were 2.02 ± 0.02 mm TL; this increased to 4.12 ± 0.09 mm TL by day 11. By day 54, the larvae had metamorphosed into juveniles and reached 41.12 ± 1.20 mm TL, and by day 93 the juveniles reached 93.78 ± 1.98 mm TL. In all, 49.5% of the larvae were malformed and the type of malformation was diverse.
Field Efficacy of Florfenicol for Control of Mortality in Channel Catfish, Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque), Caused by Infection With Edwardsiella ictaluri
Authors: Gaunt Patricia S. , McGinnis Anissa L. , Santucci Timothy D. , Cao Jean , Waeger Peter , Endris Richard G.
Published: August 2010

A field study to assess the efficacy of florfenicol (FFC) against enteric septicemia of catfish (ESC) was conducted with pond‐reared channel catfish fingerlings held in 0.1‐acre earthen ponds. Fish were challenged with Edwardsiella ictaluri in a natural pond outbreak or by cohabitation with E. ictaluri‐infected fish held in netpens. Fourteen ponds were assigned in equal number to two treatment groups, that is, either treated (with 10 mg FFC/kg body weight in medicated feed) or not treated (control) for 10 consecutive d. The threshold for enrollment into the study was 0.3% cumulative mortality attributed to ESC. Treatment was initiated on different dates for each pond because each pond was enrolled when 33 fish/pond were diagnosed with ESC based on clinical signs, lesions, or positive cultures. Mortality was monitored during the 10‐d treatment period and during a 14‐d posttreatment observation period. At the end of the 14‐d posttreatment observation period, all fish were euthanized, and 20 fish from each pond were examined by gross necropsy and evaluated for the presence of E. ictaluri by bacterial culture. The odds of a mortality in the control group were 2.20 times the odds of a mortality in the FFC‐treated group. Significantly fewer (P≤ 0.05) FFC‐medicated catfish died in comparison to unmedicated catfish. The minimum inhibitory concentration of FFC for this strain of E. ictaluri was 0.25 μg/mL in all fish that were assayed. The mean zone of inhibition (Kirby Bauer) was 36.8 mm from E. ictaluri isolates of test fish. There were no FFC treatment‐related lesions seen on gross pathology. FFC was efficacious and safe for control of mortality from E. ictaluri infection in catfish.
Effects of Varying Dietary Protein and Lipid Levels on Growth Performance and Hepatocyte Changes in Juvenile African Cichlids (Pseudotropheus socolofi and Haplochromis ahli)
Authors: Royes Juli‐Anne B. , Murie Debra J. , Francis‐Floyd Ruth
Published: August 2010

African cichlids are popular species produced commercially in South Florida for the aquarium trade. In their natural habitat, African cichlids show variations in feeding behavior, ranging from strict herbivory to omnivory to carnivory, and they are therefore excellent model species for nutrition work. The effects of varying dietary protein and lipid levels on the growth performance and hepatocyte changes of juvenile ornamental African cichlids were compared between Pseudotropheus socolofi, an omnivore, and Haplochromis ahli, a carnivore. It was hypothesized that the omnivore would have a lower protein requirement and show a higher incidence and severity of liver pathology when fed a high‐fat diet than the carnivore. Four diets were formulated using two crude protein (CP) levels (35–36% and 55–56% CP) and two lipid levels (8–10% and 19–20%), with resulting gross energy levels between 4000 and 5300 kcal/kg. P.socolofi (0.89 g, 4.1 cm) and H.ahli (2.1 g, 5.7 cm) were fed three times daily at 10% body weight per day (BW/d) for the first 3 wk, then 6% BW/d for the remaining 5 wks. Survival was greater than 86% for all treatments. Average weight gain of carnivorous H.ahli did not differ among the four diets and was greater than that of P.socolofi. P.socolofi grew larger when fed a high‐protein/high‐lipid diet compared to a high‐protein/low‐lipid diet or both the low‐protein diets. However, pathological changes to the liver were observed in P.socolofi fed a diet high in both protein and lipid. Carnivorous H.ahli tolerated higher levels of dietary lipid than the omnivorous P.socolofi. Both species showed significant growth, with no pathological changes occurring in the liver when they were fed a diet of 36% CP, 10% lipid, and 4000 kcal/kg gross energy.
Reducing Catfish Farm Losses Due to Dockages Assessed by Processing Plants
Authors: Wiese Nathaniel , Engle Carole , Trimpey Jeremy , Quagrainie Kwamena , Green Bartholomew
Published: August 2010

Dockages can have a significant effect on catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, farm revenues. This study was conducted to quantify common dockages, examine seasonal and yearly variations in dockages assessed, and determine optimal production practices given various dockage scenarios. A convenience survey of invoice records from 30 commercial catfish farms and 10 processing plants provided 3686 daily catfish load records that were used to quantify dockages. A linear programming model was developed to examine optimal production practices given 11 alternative production scenarios with five size‐grading technologies subject to 24 types and levels of dockages. The survey revealed that 95% of catfish loads delivered to processing plants between 1997 and 2002 were assessed dockages that resulted in average losses of 2.45% per load or $0.066/kg of catfish marketed over the study period. Out‐of‐size discounts constituted the greatest losses. Dockage losses can be reduced by shifting either to longer‐term single‐batch production or more intensive grading. Longer‐term production results in fewer smaller fish that would incur dockage losses. However, cash flow constraints require more intensive early‐season grading. The grader choice depended on the dockage tolerance level and rate, the frequency distribution of sizes of catfish in the population, the efficiency of the grading technology, and the cost of the grading method. Larger farms minimize losses with intensive active grading (University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff grader).
The Effects of Plant‐protein‐based Diets Supplemented with Yucca on Growth, Digestibility, and Chemical Composition of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus, L) Fingerlings
Authors: Gaber Magdy M.
Published: August 2010

Replacement of fish meal (FM) protein with dehulled and solvent‐extracted plant by‐products, soybean meal, cottonseed meal, sunflower meal, and linseed meal was tested in diets for juvenile Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. Fish averaging (±SD) 14.2 ± 2.9 g were divided into 18 groups and fed for 6 mo on pelleted feed containing each of the plant protein meal supplemented with Yucca schidigera powder extract at 750 mg/kg. Methionine (1%) and lysine (0.5%) were added to each diet except the control diet (FMC), while diet FMC + Y was supplemented with yucca only. Three groups of fish were fed each of six isonitrogenous (25% crude protein) and isocaloric (4.3 kcal/g) diets replacing 100% of FM protein and performance compared against a nutritionally balanced control and a commercial tilapia feed. After 6 mo of feeding, the fish fed plant protein diets supplemented with yucca exhibited growth performance not differing significantly from that of fish fed FMC + Y, while differing significantly from the control FMC and diet linseed meal (LSM). The highest apparent protein digestibility coefficient was observed for diets treated with yucca, which was significantly higher than that observed for the control diet FMC. No significant differences were found in whole‐body moisture of fish fed different experimental diets. An increase in the whole‐body protein content was observed in fish fed diets supplemented with yucca, which was significantly different from that of the diet FMC. The whole‐body fat content of Nile tilapia was low and showed significant differences among treatments supplemented with yucca compared with the control diet FMC. The whole‐body energy content showed the same trend as whole‐body fat content.
Effects of Temperature on Performance Characteristics and the Cortisol Stress Response of Surubim Pseudoplatystoma sp.
Authors: Lima Luciene C. , Ribeiro Lincoln P. , Malison Jeffrey A. , Barry Terence P. , Held James A.
Published: August 2010

Three experiments were conducted in flow‐through tanks at 24, 27 and 30 C to evaluate growth, food conversion, morbidity, survival, and the cortisol stress response of surubim Pseudoplatystoma sp. at different temperatures. In Experiment 1, fish (mean initial weight, 33.3 ± 7.2 g) reared at 27 and 30 C for 60 d grew significantly faster than fish reared at 24 C (P < 0.05). Fish at the lowest temperature showed the poorest feed conversion ratio (FCR, 5:1), while fish at 27 and 30 C had FCRs of 2.5:1 and 3.5:1, respectively. Mortality and morbidity rates were inversely proportional to the temperatures tested. In Experiment 2, serum cortisol levels following an acute handling stressor peaked at 30 min after stress, returned to near‐resting levels at 1 h after stress, and completely returned to resting levels at 3 h after stress in fish at all temperatures tested. Peak serum cortisol levels were higher in fish at 30 C (321.1 ± 38.8 ng/mL) than those in fish at 27 and 24 C (143.3 ± 37.4 ng/mL and 104.2 ± 37.2 ng/mL, respectively). In Experiment 3, fish (mean initial weight, 67 ± 8.58 g) reared at 27 C for 137 d grew significantly faster than fish at 30 and 24 C. Virtually, all fish reared in 30 C had some sign of morbidity (skin lesions and fin abrasion) compared to only a small percentage of fish in the other two temperatures. Again, the highest cortisol peak level was measured in fish reared at 30 C (117.6 ± 16.7 ng/mL), as compared to fish at 24 and 27 C (99.2 ± 15.5 ng/mL and 80.2 ± 12.8 ng/mL, respectively). Our findings indicate that the optimum temperature for rearing surubim in tanks is 27 C. At 30 C, these fish may suffer from stress, as suggested by the elevated peak of cortisol and morbidity and mortality rates. The relatively rapid cortisol stress response of surubim suggests that they may be more tolerant to handling stressors than other fish species.
Analysis of Digestive Gland Expressed Sequence Tag Library from the Disk Abalone, Haliotis discus discus
Authors: Munasinghe Helani , Kang Hyun Sil , Lee Jehee
Published: August 2010

As a first step toward the functional annotation of unknown genes in the disk abalone, Haliotis discus discus, 900 clones from an abalone digestive gland complementary DNA library were selected for partial sequencing from the 5′ end. A total of 841 clones were successfully sequenced and assembled into 122 clusters and 510 singletons using TIGR Assembler. Each of the identified clusters consisted of at least two expressed sequence tags (ESTs), with each cluster considered to be derived from the same gene. The 122 clusters contained a total of 331 sequences. The 632 unique transcripts were compared against the National Center for Biotechnology Information databases by BlastX and BlastN programs. Out of these unique transcripts, 354 were significantly (E < 10−5) similar to sequences present in the databases. Therefore, this study identified and sequenced 278 putative novel transcripts. The ESTs generated in this study will be useful both as molecular markers and as a resource for the identification of novel genes.
Analyzing Learning About Conservation of Matter in Students While Adapting to the Needs of a School
Authors: Doucerain Marina , Schwartz Marc S.
Published: August 2010

We probed the impact of two teaching strategies,guided inquiryandargumentation, on students' conceptual understanding of the conservation of matter. Conservation of matter is a central concept in middle school science curriculum and a prerequisite upon which rests more complex constructs in chemistry. The results indicate that guided inquiry was particularly effective in improving students' conceptual understanding, as evidenced by pre/posttest results and by a skill analysis of in‐depth interviews of student dyads. We also discuss how the challenges inherent to educational contexts can undermine the quality and limit the impact of empirical research carried out in many schools. We suggest how these challenges could be met in the emerging infrastructures for change called the Research Schools Network.
ANALYSIS OF IMPLEMENTATION BARRIERS FOR STATE SCENIC RIVER SYSTEM FORMULATION1
Authors: Knudson Douglas M.
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT: Efforts to protect free flowing streams of state significance have met with limited success. Some states established large numbers of “instant” scenic rivers through legislation, then have worked out procedures to add new streams. Other have inadequate current funding and staff to implement the law. The chief barriers to growth of the systems are:

lack of program staffing and funding and support in some states,

slowness of the study and planning process,

landowner uncertainties about the effects on their property and rights, and

legal complexities.

There are few difficulties experienced in evaluation criteria, but a lack of objective rating systems may cause future problems.

The state systems which have grown require careful planning, thorough communications with landowners, flexible land use control programs, and systematic education of community leaders about the values and operation of the program. State systems now protect about four times the river mileage of the federal wild and scenic rivers program. This gap is likely to widen even more, if state programs can achieve their growth potential. No state appears to be yet near to achieving the full purpose of the policy makers who designed and instituted the scenic rivers programs.
RIVER RECREATION: PUBLIC ACCESS VS. RIPARIAN RIGHTS1
Authors: Cox William E. , Argow Keith A.
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT: The issues involved in the conflict between the rights of the public and those of riparian landowners are examined by reviewing the public access situation with regard to inland streams in the State of Virginia. Consideration is given to the legal framework defining access rights and to the attitudes of riparian landowners regarding the access question. Existing provisions of law suggest only limited recognition of public rights, but this law is incompletely developed. A considerably broader concept of public rights could be developed within the existing framework due to the existence of unresolved questions. The analysis of landowner attitudes is based on a survey of a sample of riparian owners chosen from throughout the state. The questionnaire used in the survey contained 123 questions in a variety of areas, including landowners' perceptions of public rights, problems encountered as the result of recreational water use, attitudes toward state designation and protection of scenic rivers, and the acceptability of alternatives for increasing public access. Although the survey results indicate substantial acceptance of the concept of public use, the landowners expressed concern over governmental control of land use and did not indicate a generally acceptable means for increasing public use.
HYDROLOGICAL, METEOROLOGICAL, AND AGRICULTURAL RELATIONS IN NORTHERN IRAQ1
Authors: El Yussif Faruk Y.
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT: The northern regions of Iraq, an area comprised of mountains and undulating plains, has for centuries been the main granary for the country. Its agricultural production is largely dependent upon natural rainfall which ranges from about 300 to 1,000 mm/yr. Grain yields can be greatly improved by use of improved varieties and management practices. Equations are developed to show relationships between various hydrologic and meteorologic parameters with yields of wheat and barley. The amount of supplementary water needed to maximize grain yields is also shown.
Hydrological Connectivity Between Headwater Streams and Downstream Waters: How Science Can Inform Policy1
Authors: Nadeau Tracie‐Lynn , Rains Mark Cable
Published: August 2010

Abstract: In January 2001, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers exceeded its statutory authority by asserting Clean Water Act (CWA) jurisdiction over non‐navigable, isolated, intrastate waters based solely on their use by migratory birds. The Supreme Court’s majority opinion addressed broader issues of CWA jurisdiction by implying that the CWA intended some “connection” to navigability and that isolated waters need a “significant nexus” to navigable waters to be jurisdictional. Subsequent to this decision (SWANCC), there have been many lawsuits challenging CWA jurisdiction, many of which are focused on headwater, intermittent, and ephemeral streams. To inform the legal and policy debate surrounding this issue, we present information on the geographic distribution of headwater streams and intermittent and ephemeral streams throughout the U.S., summarize major findings from the scientific literature in considering hydrological connectivity between headwater streams and downstream waters, and relate the scientific information presented to policy issues surrounding the scope of waters protected under the CWA. Headwater streams comprise approximately 53% (2,900,000 km) of the total stream length in the U.S., excluding Alaska, and intermittent and ephemeral streams comprise approximately 59% (3,200,000 km) of the total stream length and approximately 50% (1,460,000 km) of the headwater stream length in the U.S., excluding Alaska. Hillslopes, headwater streams, and downstream waters are best described as individual elements of integrated hydrological systems. Hydrological connectivity allows for the exchange of mass, momentum, energy, and organisms longitudinally, laterally, vertically, and temporally between headwater streams and downstream waters. Via hydrological connectivity, headwater, intermittent and ephemeral streams cumulatively contribute to the functional integrity of downstream waters; hydrologically and ecologically, they are a part of the tributary system. As this debate continues, scientific input from multiple fields will be important for policymaking at the federal, state, and local levels and to inform water resource management regardless of the level at which those decisions are being made. Strengthening the interface between science, policy, and public participation is critical if we are going to achieve effective water resource management.
Effects of Rainfall and Ground‐Water Pumping on Streamflow in Mākaha, O’ahu, Hawai’i1
Authors: Mair Alan , Fares Ali , El‐Kadi Aly
Published: August 2010

Abstract:  Land‐use/land‐cover changes in Mākaha valley have included the development of agriculture, residential dwellings, golf courses, potable water supply facilities, and the introduction of alien species. The impact of these changes on surface water and ground water resources in the valley is of concern. In this study, streamflow, rainfall, and ground‐water pumping data for the upper part of the Mākaha valley watershed were evaluated to identify corresponding trends and relationships. The results of this study indicate that streamflow declined during the ground‐water pumping period. Mean and median annual streamflow have declined by 42% (135 mm) and 56% (175 mm), respectively, and the mean number of dry stream days per year has increased from 8 to 125. Rainfall across the study area appears to have also declined though it is not clear whether the reduction in rainfall is responsible for all or part of the observed streamflow decline. Mean annual rainfall at one location in the study area declined by 14% (179 mm) and increased by 2% (48 mm) at a second location. Further study is needed to assess the effect of ground‐water pumping and to characterize the hydrologic cycle with respect to rainfall, infiltration, ground‐water recharge and flow in the study area, and stream base flow and storm flow.
MEASUREMENT OF ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION IN CANBERRA SCHOOL STUDENTS
Authors: Irwin Robert P.
Published: August 2010

Editor's note: Unfortunately, no revised text of Dr. Irwin's presentation to the Workshop was available for inclusion in these proceedings.

Alcohol consumption in Canberra secondary schools was measured in a variety of ways. Decisions about these measurements were based on a medical ecological model. Data were collected by a number of methods in the three phases of the ANU Drug Education Project. Research comparisions were made in both cross‐sectional and longitudinal studies. The longitudinal studies allowed individual change in alcohol use to be used as a measure. Analysis added meaning to this data collection. The purpose of measurement was seen as providing both quantitative and qualitative data. Difficulties in research into alcohol consumption need to be met in many ways in order to make progress of our understanding of research findings.
ACCESSIBILITY MODELLING AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR HEALTH SERVICE PLANNING
Authors: Sheerin Ian G. , Barnett J. Ross
Published: August 2010

The appropriateness of accessibility models for evaluating efficiency and equity in the distribution of general practitioners in New Zealand cities is examined, using the example of Christchurch. Such models, commonly used in town planning and increasingly in health services research abroad, represent an objective technique for aiding decision‐makers in assessing planning options. There are considerable variations in accessibility to primary health care in Christchurch with the greatest shortage being experienced in the eastern suburbs. Computer simulation of several possible locations for new doctors' surgeries indicates a decentralised pattern to be most equitable and efficient.
PREVALENCE OF SOME RISK FACTORS FOR CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE IN RURAL WESTERN AUSTRALIAN CHILDREN
Authors: Margetts Barrie , Armstrong Bruce , Binns Colin , Masarei John , McCall Michael
Published: August 2010

Sitting and standing blood pressures, pulse rate, body height and weight, triceps skinfold thickness and mid‐upper arm circumference were measured in 285 girls and 304 boys of caucasian origin aged 12 or 13 years in six Western Australian country towns. Means, standard deviations and 5th and 95th centiles of these variables and Quetelet's index (weight/height2) are presented in each sex for 12 and 13 year‐olds separately. The mean heights and weights of children in this survey were generally greater than have been recorded in previous surveys of Australian children of the same age. Mean blood pressures, however, were appreciably lower. They were lower also than levels measured in recent surveys in the United States of America, Norway, Greece and Italy. Compared with these four populations, Western Australian children were taller than most, and intermediate with respect to body weight and obesity. Levels of these variables were not noticeably correlated with mortality from ischaemic heart disease (IHD) in adults in the same populations. There was some evidence, however, of a relationship between IHD mortality and mean plasma cholesterol levels in children.
HEALTH SCIENCE STUDENTS' IMAGES OF DISABLED PEOPLE
Authors: Westbrook Mary T. , Adamson Barbara J. , Westbrook Johanna I.
Published: August 2010

A questionnaire survey of 907 students in six health professions, indicated inaccuracies in their knowledge of handicapped people. The size of the handicapped population was overestimated and major disabling conditions misidentified. The number of institutionalized handicapped and their social isolation was exaggerated. Handicapped people's employment status and qualifications were underestimated but community assistance received was overestimated. There was little awareness of sex differences in handicap. Students' descriptions of the disabling conditions of relatives and friends, when compared with population morbidity, suggest their perception of the composition of the handicapped population is biased. Mental retardation, paralysis and cerebral palsy were cited far more frequently than would be expected from population morbidity data but less visible disabilities were under‐reported. Possible consequences of such lack of knowledge are discussed.
A POPULATION‐BASED DIABETES REGISTER — DEVELOPMENT & APPLICATIONS
Authors: Brown Laurie J. , Scott Russell S.
Published: August 2010

Population‐based registers for chronic disorders are invaluable for better understanding the epidemiology, aetiology and natural history of a particular disorder. Insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus is one example where registers have been used. The disorder often develops at a relatively young age continuing throughout life with adverse influences on health, frequently causing premature mortality. It is well suited to systematised data collection and register development.

In this paper, the rationale for registers is considered and methods used in development of a diabetes register in the Canterbury region of New Zealand (pop. one‐third of a million) are described.

A preliminary analysis of data using prevalence date of 1 January 1984, has shown that there are 1,148 (M = 574, F = 574) insulin‐treated diabetic persons on the register. Ages range from two to 93 years (median = 52 years). Only 11.1 per cent of the diabetic population were aged under 20 years whereas 27 per cent were 65 or more years of age. Duration of diabetes was one to 58 years (median = 12 years). Only 28 per cent of cases had presented with diabetes at age under 20 years, most being diagnosed in adult life. The overall prevalence of insulin‐treated diabetes was 3.3 per 1,000 population and peak prevalence was observed in those aged 60–69 years (7.5 per 1,000).

Ongoing research with this register will document the natural history of the disorder, its morbidity and mortality, and will measure the use of secondary health care resources, particularly in‐patient services.
WHERE THERE'S SMOKE…CARBON MONOXIDE EXPOSURES IN SMOKING AND SMOKE‐FREE WORKPLACES
Authors: Tutt Douglas , Harris Wendy
Published: August 2010

Comparisons of expired air carbon monoxide levels in non‐smoking staff in six licensed clubs (a smoking workplace) were made with those of non‐smoking staff of a large public hospital (a smoke‐free workplace).

There was a significant difference between clubs and hospital in levels of CO at end of work. The average concentration of club workers was 8.7 ppm (Hospital, 5.3 ppm). Approximately one third of these non‐smokers in licensed clubs exceeded 10 ppm putting them in the ‘light smoker’ category according to the manufacturer of the monitoring equipment. Club workers increased their CO level during work time by four times the increase of Hospital staff. This study suggests that there are significant gains to be made in reduction of intake of harmful passive‐smoking products by removing tobacco smoke from workplaces.
Structural consequences after intravitreal bevacizumab injection without increasing apoptotic cell death in a retinopathy of prematurity mouse model
Authors: Akkoyun Imren , Karabay Gulten , Haberal Nihan , Dagdeviren Attila , Yilmaz Gursel , Oto Sibel , Erkanli Leyla , Akova Yonca A.
Published: August 2010

Purpose:  To evaluate the effect of different bevacizumab concentrations on retinal endothelial cell proliferation, retinal structures and apoptotic activity after intravitreal injection in a retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) mouse model.

Methods:  A total of 35 of C57BL/J6 mice were exposed to 75 ± 2% oxygen from postnatal day 7 to postnatal day 12. On day 12, 10 mice (group C) were injected with 2.5 μg intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB), 11 mice (group D) were injected with 1.25 μg IVB, and 14 mice (group E) were injected with 0.625 μg IVB in one eye. The contralateral eyes were injected with isotonic saline (control group = group B). Four nonexposed mice served as negative controls (group A). Neovascularization was quantified by counting the endothelial cell proliferation on the vitreal side of the inner limiting membrane of the retina. Histological and ultrastructural changes were examined by light and electron microscopy. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxy‐UTP‐nick end labelling (TUNEL) was used to detect apoptosis.

Results:  The endothelial cell count per histological section was lower in groups C (p < 0.0001), D (p < 0.0001) and E (p < 0.0001) compared with the control group B. Histological evaluation showed no retinal toxicity in any group. Electron microscopy revealed hyperoxia‐induced mitochondrial dysmorphology in group B. Mitochondrial dysmorphology displayed dose‐dependent gradual increase in IVB‐injected eyes. Intravitreal bevacizumab induced no significant increase in apoptotic cell death.

Conclusion:  Bevacizumab suppresses endothelial cell proliferation in a ROP mouse model. In addition to hyperoxia‐induced mitochondrial dysmorphology of C57BL/J6 retina, morphological findings implicate further mitochondrial vulnerability because of bevacizumab without increase in apoptotic cell death.
The activated sludge bulking filament Eikelboom morphotype 0914 is a member of the Chloroflexi
Authors: Speirs Lachlan B. M. , McIlroy Simon J. , Petrovski Steve , Seviour Robert J.
Published: August 2010

The filamentous bacterium Eikelboom morphotype type 0914 responsible for bulking in activated sludge plants is identified here for the first time as a member of the phylum Chloroflexi subgroup 1. Two FISH probes, CFX67a and CFX67b, targeting the 16S rRNA sequences of this filament morphotype were designed, validated and used successfully for its in situ identification. A survey of plants in eastern Australia with the CFX67a probe showed it targeted only the type 0914 morphotype that was common especially in long sludge age plants designed to remove phosphorus and nitrogen microbiologically, although being in very low abundance in many samples. Filaments responding to the CFX67b probe also exhibited the type 0914 morphology but were less frequent, although again occurring in similarly configured plants. All these filaments showed an uneven FISH signal suggesting their ribosomes are localized at the ends of their cells. Furthermore, some generated distinctive FISH signals in all biomass samples containing them, where only certain cells within any single trichome fluoresced with probes designed against different target sites. Helper probes for each of these were required before all cells fluoresced above the visual detection limits of FISH.