bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation of a client‐based clinical metrology instrument for the evaluation of canine elbow osteoarthritis
Authors: Hercock C. A. , Pinchbeck G. , Giejda A. , Clegg P. D. , Innes J. F. 
Published: June 2009

Objective:To validate a disease‐specific client‐based clinical metrology instrument (questionnaire) for dogs with chronic osteoarthritis of the elbow joint.MaterialsandMethods:This was a prospective cohort study involving 26 dogs with chronic osteoarthritis of the elbow with 24 associated clients. Validity (face and criterion), reliability and responsiveness of the metrology instrument (named “Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs [elbow]”) were tested in a sequence of studies. Face validity involved use of international peer review. Reliability was assessed using a test‐retest scenario with a two week interval; peak vertical force as measured by a force platform was used as an external standard measure. Responsiveness was tested with a two week, single‐blinded placebo‐controlled intervention using a licensed non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug.Results:The reliability of Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (elbow) in the test‐retest scenario was good; intraclass correlation coefficient is 0·89, 95 per cent confidence interval 0·75 to 0·95, compared with intraclass correlation coefficient 0·92, 95 per cent confidence interval 0·74 to 0·98, for peak vertical force. Responsiveness testing indicated that the “net” effect size (allowing for placebo effect) for Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (elbow) was 0·13 compared with (−)0·18 for the force platform. Criterion validity for Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (elbow) against peak vertical force was poor; Spearman’s rank correlation is −0·24 (P=0·30).ClinicalSignificance:Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (elbow) was considered reliable with satisfactory responsiveness. The poor criterion validity suggests a mismatch between force platform peak vertical force and client perceptions of lameness. This instrument requires further validation in larger studies with alternative client groups and alternative therapeutic interventions, but this initial validation suggests that Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (elbow) is worthy of continued investigation.
Evaluation of In Vitro Apparent Protein Digestibility by Shrimp Using Gut Enzyme Extracts
Authors: Fox Joe M , Lawrence Addison L 
Published: June 2009

Abstract Knowledge of apparent protein digestibility (APD) is required for optimization of feed formulae for the production of marine penaeid shrimp. The purpose of this study was to evaluate an in vitro method for determining APD in marine penaeid shrimp using gut enzyme extracts. A high correlation (r2 = 0.95) was shown between single‐ingredient APD values for fish meal diets using in vivo methodology and those derived from in vitro testing of ingredients. A second study showed positive correlation (r2 = 0.71) between in vitro APD of selected purified and semipurified ingredients and their reported in vivo APDs. This correlation was much higher for purified ingredients (r2 = 0.93) versus less‐refined ingredients (r2 = 0.24). A third trial compared in vitro APD at three different enzyme extract pH values and showed that for most protein sources, APD was significantly highest (P < 0.05) at pH = 7.0 and lower at pH = 6.1 or 7.9, indicating a neutral pH optimum for this methodology.
Effect of Light Intensity on Color Performance of False Clownfish, Amphiprion ocellaris Cuvier
Authors: Yasir Inayah , Qin Jian G. 
Published: June 2009

Abstract Color performance of false clownfish, Amphiprion ocellaris Cuvier, was examined under three levels of light intensity (20–50 , 600–850 , and 2700–3500 lx) for 5 wk. The experiment was conducted in nine rectangular glass aquaria (25 × 25 × 20 cm) with three replicates. Each aquarium was stocked with 36 fish, and 3 fish were randomly sampled from each aquarium every other week. Digital images were taken weekly on each individual fish after it was anesthetized in MS‐222. The color performance in hue, saturation, and brightness was quantified using image analysis. In addition to the whole‐body analysis, each fish image was divided into ventral and dorsal parts to assess the body position‐dependent effect. Furthermore, color differences between dorsal fin, anal fin, ventral fin, and caudal fin were also quantified. The whole body was brighter at low light than at medium or at high light intensity. Irrespective of light intensity, the dorsal side was more orange but less bright than the ventral side. Brighter light strengthened overall orange color on fish fins. The dorsal fin and ventral fins appeared more orange than the anal and caudal fins regardless of light intensity and exposure duration. Similar to body color, low light also led to brighter fins, especially for caudal and dorsal fins. Our results indicate that ambient light could regulate fish color performance but could not change the pigment dominance by β‐carotene. Light intensity is unlikely to change the contrast between dorsal and ventral sides, but dim light tends to make fish body brighter, and bright light strengthens orange color on fins.
Substitution of Balanced Feed with Chaya, Cnidoscolus chayamansa, Leaf in Tilapia Culture: A Bioeconomic Evaluation
Authors: Poot‐López Gaspar Román , Gasca‐Leyva Eucario 
Published: June 2009

Abstract The main challenge for tilapia culture in rural areas of Mexico is low producer income and difficulty in acquiring inputs (fingerlings and balanced feed). In response, some rural producers feed tilapia with locally available vegetal inputs such as chaya, Cnidoscolus chayamansa. This plant is a bush endemic to the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, that is traditionally used for human and animal nutrition. In these rural culture systems, chaya is provided ad libitum as fresh leaves. Its use to date is empirical, and therefore, little is known about optimum substitution levels. A bioeconomic model was developed using experimental data. The von Bertalanffy model was parameterized using chaya/balanced feed combinations that produced growth not statistically different than a diet with sole use of balanced feed. This model included biological, economic, and management components. The results indicate that balanced feed can be substituted by chaya leaves at up to 50% and that this substitution level provides the lowest production costs during the warm season. Maintenance of this production level requires 2.23 units of chaya per unit of balanced feed, with the restriction that only 50% of the ration can be substituted by chaya leaves.
Spawning of the Temperate Sea Cucumber, Australostichopus mollis (Levin)
Authors: Morgan Andrew David 
Published: June 2009

Abstract The spawning of sea cucumbers is related to the interaction of environmental cues and reproductive maturity. Groups of Australostichopus mollis were collected every 2 wk during the summer reproductive season from mid‐October to early February. They were observed for spawning in the hatchery during heat‐shock trials conducted 3–5 C above ambient seawater temperature. Lunar periodicity existed with spawning being most prominent in the week following a full moon. In the week prior to a spawning event, there was also a decrease in ambient incoming seawater temperature. More than 75% individuals spawned during most trials in which spawning occurred. In total, 40% of the 270 individuals spawned during the reproductive season. Reliable spawners were females with a yellow gonad color and large numbers of vitellogenic oocytes, and males with large numbers of spermatocytes and an absence of motile spermatozoa. Furthermore, the percentage germinal vesicle breakdown of oocytes exposed to starfish radial nerve extract compared to seawater was greater for the more orange‐colored gonad of nonspawners. Gonad color is useful in determining the likelihood of spawning over a 2‐wk period in the presence of a cue. Sea cucumbers held for short periods in the hatchery during the reproductive season maintain a natural rhythm of spawning that can be monitored using visual indices and augmented using heat shock.
Effects of Salinity on Growth and Energy Budget of Juvenile Cobia,Rachycentron canadum
Authors: Chen Gang , Wang Zhongliang , Wu Zaohe , Gu Binhe , Wang Zhongliang , Wang Zhongliang , Wu Zaohe 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe effects of salinity on the growth and energy budget of juvenile cobia,Rachycentron canadum, were evaluated. Triplicate tanks with ten fish per tank (initial weight 17.58 ± 0.26 g/fish, mean ± SD) reared at salinities of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 ppt were fed with fresh squid to satiety for 15 d. Results indicated that there were no significant differences in daily ration level in wet weight (RLw), dry weight (RLd), and energy (RLe) of the fish. There were also no significant variations in daily fecal production (fe) and apparent digestibility coefficient of energy (ADCe) among salinity treatments. Specific growth rates (SGRs) in wet weight (SGRw), dry weight (SGRd), and energy (SGRe) showed domed curves relative to salinity. Quadratic regression analyses of SGRw, SGRd, and SGReagainst salinity indicated that the optimal salinity for maximal growth of juvenile cobia was 29.9, 29.9, and 28.5 ppt, respectively. Similar to the trend of SGR, food conversion efficiency for juvenile cobia in wet weight (FCEw), dry weight (FCEd), and energy (FCEe) increased with the increases in salinity, maximized at 30 ppt, and then decreased when salinity reached 35 ppt.
Effect of Initial Stocking Density on Larviculture Performance of the Ocellate Puffer, Takifugu rubripes
Authors: Kotani Tomonari , Wakiyama Yoshiyuki , Imoto Tatsuhiro , Suzuki Hisahide , Fushimi Hiroshi 
Published: June 2009

Abstract Depending on the initial stocking density, ocellate puffer larvae exhibit the cannibalism that resulted in high mortality. We aimed to clarify the relationship between stocking density of larvae, mortality, and the effect of density on cannibalism. Ocellate puffer larvae were reared at five different stocking densities between 5 and 25 larvae/L with duplicate 1‐m3 tank for each treatment. Larvae were stocked at 0 d after hatch (d.a.h.), and the experimental cultures lasted for 55 d. In larvae stocked initially at more than 10 larvae/L, cannibalism was evident from 11 to 17 d.a.h., and the survival rate at 55 d.a.h. was less than 15%. The survival rate was 25.5% at 5 larvae/L, and cannibalism was observed from 31 to 32 d.a.h. Consequently, an initial density of 5 larvae/L was the most efficient in terms of survival and the prevention of cannibalism. On the other hand, when cannibalism is still observed at 5 larvae/L, it is necessary to lower the stocking density before the onset of cannibalism.
Prey Selectivity and Trophic Behavior of the Patagonian Seahorse, Hippocampus patagonicus, in Captivity
Authors: Storero Lorena P. , González Raúl A. 
Published: June 2009

Abstract This study aims at evaluating the Patagonian seahorse, Hippocampus patagonicus, feeding behavior in captivity with regard to type and size of prey selectivity and time‐investment‐related activities for searching and capture. Experiments in aquaria were carried out under two different treatments, with and without refuge for prey. Different diets composed of amphipods (Melita palmata and Ampithoe valida), juvenile decapods (Neohelice granulata) from natural environments, and artificially cultured Artemia salina. The eaten prey’s size was analyzed and experiments with size‐controlled prey were carried out. There were neither significant differences in the prey quantity ingested between males and females nor between treatments (with or without refuge). However, significant differences were found between the quantities of each prey consumed. Amphipods and A. salina were consumed in greater quantity (P < 0.05) when compared with juvenile decapods. Experiments with A. salina of different sizes did not show significant differences on seahorses’ preference. N. granulata was highly avoided and seahorses had lower capture efficiency over this prey. Behavioral observations showed that more than 50% of the times seahorses were resting and ambushing their prey. In captivity, with optimal conditions for predation, the Patagonian seahorse modifies its opportunistic behavior, feeding selectively, and bases its food preferences on prey size and shape.
Evaluation of a Barrier Confinement System for Channel Catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, Production
Authors: Pugliese Neil J , Heikes David , Engle Carole R 
Published: June 2009

Abstract An in‐pond confinement system to separate channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, by size within a single pond provides an opportunity for improved growth of understocked fish in ponds with larger market‐sized fish. A barrier of polyvinyl chloride–coated galvanized wire mesh was constructed in five 0.10‐ha earthen ponds to partition the pond into one‐third and two‐third sections, while five other 0.10‐ha ponds were left as traditional open ponds for a control. To evaluate catfish performance in this confinement system, fingerlings (25 g) were stocked at 14,820/ha into the smaller one‐third section of the barrier and carryover fish (408 g) at 2580 kg/ha into the larger two‐third section of the barrier. The control ponds were stocked with the same sizes and numbers of fish in a traditional earthen pond without a barrier. Yield, survival, feed conversion ratio (FCR), growth, and economics were compared between treatments. Fingerling yields were greater in the barrier system that allowed fingerlings to be separated physically from larger carryover fish. There were no differences in yield of carryover fish, survival, FCR, or growth between the control and the barrier ponds. Partial budget analysis revealed a positive net change of $367/ha or $38,125 for a 104‐ha catfish farm (at a market price of $1.54/kg of additional stockers produced). The value of the greater weight of understocked fish produced in the barrier system was greater than the annualized cost of installing the barrier, for farmers raising fish in multiple batch. Thus, on an experimental basis, the confinement system was economically profitable; however, trials on commercial farms are needed to evaluate performance on a larger scale.
Methionine Requirement in Practical Diets of Juvenile Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus
Authors: Nguyen Tri N , Allen Davis D 
Published: June 2009

Abstract Two feeding experiments were conducted to confirm methionine requirement in practical diets of juvenile Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. Test diets used in both experiments contained 414 kcal gross energy, 28 g protein, and 5 g lipid per 100 g diet. In the first experiment, seven diets were made using cottonseed meal (CSM), dehulled solvent‐extracted soybean meal (DSESM), and gelatin as intact protein sources. Methionine was added to five of these diets at 0.03 or 0.06% increments to produce methionine levels ranging from 0.33 to 0.57% of the diet. Each diet was fed to four replicate groups of male juvenile Nile tilapia (5.62 ± 0.13 g) in a recirculation system for 8 wk. Broken‐line regression analysis of weight gain indicated that methionine requirement of juvenile Nile tilapia was 0.49% of the diet or 1.75% of dietary protein at cystine level of 0.45% of the diet. The second experiment was designed based on methionine requirement determined in the first experiment and also contained seven test diets. The first six diets contained CSM and DSESM as protein sources. Methionine was added to five of these diets at an increasing rate of 0.06% to produce methionine levels ranging from 0.49 to 0.79% of the diet. In the last diet (Diet 7), a portion of DSESM was replaced by gelatin to reduce methionine level to 0.33% of the diet in order to test whether methionine is limited. Each diet was also fed to four replicate groups of male juvenile Nile tilapia (2.32 ± 0.06 g) in a recirculation system for 9 wk. At the termination of the second experiment, there were no significant differences in terms of weight gain, survival, and feed efficiency ratio (FER) among the fish fed the first six diets. However, weight gain and FER of the fish fed these diets were significantly better than those fed Diet 7, confirming the methionine requirement value as has been determined in the first experiment.
Contribution of Fish Production to Farmers’ Subjective Well‐being in Vietnam – A Logistic Model
Authors: Duc Nguyen Minh 
Published: June 2009

Abstract There is a growing awareness of the importance of food fish production on human nutrition, employment, poverty, and recreation. However, the role of aquaculture in livelihoods of fish farmers has not been considered rigorously. With 120 farmers interviewed in a field survey and a cumulative logistic model, this study identifies some determinants of subjective well‐being of small‐scale fish farmers in Vietnam and examines the role of earnings from fish production in generating their happiness. The results confirm that the farmers receive satisfaction from their farm working. Subjective well‐being of the farmers increases with their job satisfaction and cash earnings from fish farming. A doubling in cash returns from fish culture relative to household income raises a farmer’s happiness probability by an estimated 10.6%. Education also affects farmers’ life satisfaction. For better educated farmers, when their satisfaction from fish culture increases by one level, happiness probability is estimated to increase by 0.23%. Wild fish plays an important role in Vietnamese farmers as a doubling in relative income from wild fish captures raises their estimated probability of happiness by 139%.
Regulation and compartmentalization of β‐lactam biosynthesis
Authors: Martín Juan F. , Ullán Ricardo V. , García‐Estrada Carlos 
Published: June 2009

SummaryPenicillins and cephalosporins are β‐lactam antibiotics widely used in human medicine. The biosynthesis of these compounds starts by the condensation of the amino acids l‐α‐aminoadipic acid, l‐cysteine and l‐valine to form the tripeptide δ‐l‐α‐aminoadipyl‐l‐cysteinyl‐d‐valine catalysed by the non‐ribosomal peptide ‘ACV synthetase’. Subsequently, this tripeptide is cyclized to isopenicillin N that in Penicillium is converted to hydrophobic penicillins, e.g. benzylpenicillin. In Acremonium and in streptomycetes, isopenicillin N is later isomerized to penicillin N and finally converted to cephalosporin. Expression of genes of the penicillin (pcbAB, pcbC, pendDE) and cephalosporin clusters (pcbAB, pcbC, cefD1, cefD2, cefEF, cefG) is controlled by pleitropic regulators including LaeA, a methylase involved in heterochromatin rearrangement. The enzymes catalysing the last two steps of penicillin biosynthesis (phenylacetyl‐CoA ligase and isopenicillin N acyltransferase) are located in microbodies, as shown by immunoelectron microscopy and microbodies proteome analyses. Similarly, the Acremonium two‐component CefD1–CefD2 epimerization system is also located in microbodies. This compartmentalization implies intracellular transport of isopenicillin N (in the penicillin pathway) or isopenicillin N and penicillin N in the cephalosporin route. Two transporters of the MFS family cefT and cefM are involved in transport of intermediates and/or secretion of cephalosporins. However, there is no known transporter of benzylpenicillin despite its large production in industrial strains.
La réforme des pensions: principes, erreurs analytiques et orientations générales
Authors: Barr Nicholas , Diamond Peter 
Published: June 2009

Résumé Le présent article énonce une série de principes de conception des pensions ancrés dans la théorie économique. Premièrement, les régimes de retraite ont des objectifs multiples. Deuxièmement, l'analyse devrait examiner les régimes dans leur ensemble et s'inscrire dans un contexte qui n'est pas parfait. Enfin, les différents régimes partagent les risques différemment et n'ont pas les mêmes effets selon les générations et le genre. Cet examen est renforcé par l'identification d'une série d'énormes erreurs analytiques qui apparaissent certes dans les travaux de la Banque mondiale, mais pas uniquement. Les auteurs relèvent ainsi l'étroitesse de vues, l'utilisation injustifiée de la meilleure analyse, la mauvaise utilisation de l'analyse de l'Etat stationnaire, l'analyse imparfaite de la dette implicite en matière de pensions, la méconnaissance des effets distributifs et l'analyse incomplète de l'incidence de la capitalisation. Dans cette dernière erreur, il faut encore inclure l'accent excessif mis sur les flux financiers, l'incapacitéà voir comment la capitalisation se fait et la focalisation déplacée sur le type d'actifs des fonds de prévoyance. La deuxième partie de l'article porte sur les incidences au niveau de la politique. Il y a d'abord des postulats à revoir: il n'existe pas de modèle unique parfait pour concevoir les pensions, la retraite anticipée n'a guère d'effet sur la réduction du chômage. Ensuite, la question des promesses intenables doit être abordée frontalement. Il faut aussi se poser la question de savoir si le passage de la répartition à la capitalisation dans un système obligatoire peut ou non améliorer la protection sociale. Enfin, il y a toute la problématique de la mise en œuvre: une politique qui ne peut être mise en œuvre parce que le pays n'en a pas la capacité est une politique mal conçue. Nous évoquons les différents régimes de retraite conçus en fonction des contraintes budgétaires et institutionnelles caractéristiques de différents niveaux de développement économique. Les gains pouvant résulter de la simplicité montrent qu'un pays capable de mettre en œuvre un plan exigeant administrativement n'en tire pas nécessairement des avantages. La Nouvelle‐Zélande dispose d'un régime de retraite simple qu'elle a choisi, et qui ne lui a pas été imposé.
La «composante X» dans les réformes de la sécurité sociale à Shanghai
Authors: Davies Gloria , Nielsen Ingrid , Nyland Chris , Smyth Russel , Zhu Cherrie , Zhu Judith 
Published: June 2009

Résumé En 2003, le Bureau de Shanghai du travail et de la sécurité sociale a lancé le programme zhenbao (assurance urbaine), aujourd'hui largement connu sous le nom de «25 plus X». Ce régime est considéré comme une expérience importante en matière de réforme de la sécurité sociale, et on lui a reconnu le mérite d'étendre la sécurité sociale à des régions où auparavant seuls des segments de la population bénéficiaient d'une couverture obligatoire. En utilisant des données relatives aux 103 000 personnes affiliées au régime 25 plus X, nous examinons l'ampleur de l'extension de la couverture de sécurité sociale que représente le régime. Notre analyse laisse penser que s'il représente une extension des prestations pour quelques‐uns, pour beaucoup d'autres il représente une réduction considérable des prestations.
Passage des affiliés d'un régime de retraite à comptes individuels à un régime par répartition: éléments de réponse d'Argentine
Authors: D'Elia Vanesa Valeria 
Published: June 2009

Résumé Avant la mise en place récente du Régime argentin intégré de sécurité sociale (Sistema Integrado Previsional Argentino, SIPA), la réforme de 2007 a constitué le premier grand changement apporté au régime d'assurance vieillesse de la sécurité sociale argentine depuis 1994. Les travailleurs cotisant au régime privé de retraite à cotisations définies sur la base de comptes individuels ont pu choisir librement pour la première fois de passer au régime public par répartition. La présente étude constitue une tentative d'analyse des caractéristiques particulières des affiliés ayant choisi d'adhérer au régime public par répartition. Elle tente par ailleurs d'établir si le comportement de ces personnes est conforme à celui d'un «travailleur simulé» qui cherche à optimiser ses revenus. L'analyse comporte une évaluation de la probabilité d'un transfert de la part de personnes répondant à certaines caractéristiques.