bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Now I Ain’t Sayin’ She a Gold Digger”
Authors: Sandlin Jennifer A. , Stearns Jennie , Maudlin Julie Garlen , Burdick Jake
Published: December 2011

In this article, which we present in a format informed by critical performance ethnography/pedagogy, we take up the issue of how we are “taught into” the ideology of consumerism through examining the dominant discourses about (poor) women as shoppers that circulate in popular and political discourses and that work to uphold particular hegemonic ideologies about how to consume and how to behave as consumers within a capitalist economic system. We specifically examine the historical construction of shopping and consumption as “feminine” domains and the consequent negative perception of women as consumers that continues to inform popular discourses about poor women, poor African American women, and women on welfare. We perform a juxtaposed space of academic literature, popular culture representations of female consumers, and interview data from women living in poverty to reconstruct the ways in which dominant discourses about poor women as consumers operate as “controlling images” (Collins, 2000) that perpetuate a “politics of disgust” (Hancock, 2004) that demeans and oppresses poor women. Additionally, we argue that these dominant discourses teach us all the ideology of capitalism, as we learn what is considered “proper” and “improper” economic behavior and use the negative portrayals of women on welfare as foils to justify our own consumptive practices.
Arsenic, vinyl chloride, viral hepatitis, and hepatic angiosarcoma: A hospital-based study and review of literature in Taiwan
Authors: Huang Neng-Chyan , Wann Shue-Ren , Chang Hong-Tai , Lin Shoa-Lin , Wang Jyh-Seng , Guo How-Ran
Published: December 2011

Background

Hepatic angiosarcoma (HAS) is a rare type of liver cancer that is often fatal, and arsenic and vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) are two major causal agents. Whereas Taiwan is an endemic area of liver cancer, epidemiologic data on HAS are limited. We reviewed the cases observed at a teaching hospital to evaluate the roles of VCM, arsenic, and viral hepatitis in the occurrence of HAS.

Methods

We reviewed the medical records of patients with pathological proof of HAS from January 2000 to August 2010 at a teaching hospital which is adjacent to the major VCM processing area in Taiwan and nearby an endemic area of arsenic exposure from drinking water. We also conducted a literature review and included all patients of HAS reported in Taiwan.

Results

Six male and three female cases aged from 56 to 83 years (64.6 ± 8.2 years) were identified at the hospital. The differences in clinical features between men and women were not statistically significant. None of them had exposure to VCM or arsenic in drinking water. Two had evidence of hepatitis C infection, but none had evidence of hepatitis B infection. Five male and four female cases aged 30 to 82 years (58.6 ± 15.5 years) were identified in the literature, including two with arsenic exposure and one with chronic hepatitis B infection.

Conclusions

HAS is rare in Taiwan, and we found no evidence supporting a major role of VCM, arsenic in drinking water, or viral hepatitis in its occurrence.
Interleukin-1 beta and neurotrophin-3 synergistically promote neurite growth in vitro
Authors: Boato Francesco , Hechler Daniel , Rosenberger Karen , Lüdecke Doreen , Peters Eva M , Nitsch Robert , Hendrix Sven
Published: December 2011

Pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) are considered to exert detrimental effects during brain trauma and in neurodegenerative disorders. Consistently, it has been demonstrated that IL-1β suppresses neurotrophin-mediated neuronal cell survival rendering neurons vulnerable to degeneration. Since neurotrophins are also well known to strongly influence axonal plasticity, we investigated here whether IL-1β has a similar negative impact on neurite growth. We analyzed neurite density and length of organotypic brain and spinal cord slice cultures under the influence of the neurotrophins NGF, BDNF, NT-3 and NT-4. In brain slices, only NT-3 significantly promoted neurite density and length. Surprisingly, a similar increase of neurite growth was induced by IL-1β. Additionally, both factors increased the number of brain slices displaying maximal neurite growth. Furthermore, the co-administration of IL-1β and NT-3 significantly increased the number of brain slices displaying maximal neurite growth compared to single treatments. These data indicate that these two factors synergistically stimulate two distinct aspects of neurite outgrowth, namely neurite density and neurite length from acute organotypic brain slices.
Focal mechanism determination of induced microearthquakes in an oil field using full waveforms from shallow and deep seismic networks
Authors: Li Junlun , Sadi Kuleli H. , Zhang Haijiang , Nafi Toksöz M.
Published: December 2011

A new, relatively high frequency, full waveform matching method was used to study the focal mechanisms of small, local earthquakes induced in an oil field, which are monitored by a sparse near-surface network and a deep borehole network. The determined source properties are helpful for understanding the local stress regime in this field. During the waveform inversion, we maximize both the phase and amplitude matching between the observed and modeled waveforms. We also use the polarities of the first P-wave arrivals and the average S/P amplitude ratios to better constrain the matching. An objective function is constructed to include all four criteria. For different hypocenters and source types, comprehensive synthetic tests showed that our method is robust enough to determine the focal mechanisms under the current array geometries, even when there is considerable velocity inaccuracy. The application to several tens of induced microseismic events showed satisfactory waveform matching between modeled and observed seismograms. Most of the events have a strike direction parallel with the major northeast-southwest faults in the region, and some events trend parallel with the northwest-southeast conjugate faults. The results are consistent with the in situ well breakout measurements and the current knowledge on the stress direction of this region. The source mechanisms of the studied events, together with the hypocenter distribution, indicate that the microearthquakes are caused by the reactivation of preexisting faults. We observed that the faulting mechanism varies with depth, from strike-slip dominance at shallower depth to normal faulting dominance at greater depth.
Parental Smoking Cessation to Protect Young Children:A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Rosen Laura J. , Noach Michal Ben , Winickoff Jonathan P. , Hovell Mel F.
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND:

Young children can be protected from much of the harm from tobacco smoke exposure if their parents quit smoking. Some researchers encourage parents to quit for their children's benefit, but the evidence for effectiveness of such approaches is mixed.

OBJECTIVE:

To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to quantify the effects of interventions that encourage parental cessation.

METHODS:

We searched PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and PsycINFO. Controlled trials published before April 2011 that targeted smoking parents of infants or young children, encouraged parents to quit smoking for their children's benefit, and measured parental quit rates were included. Study quality was assessed. Relative risks and risk differences were calculated by using the DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model.

RESULTS:

Eighteen trials were included. Interventions took place in hospitals, pediatric clinical settings, well-baby clinics, and family homes. Quit rates averaged 23.1% in the intervention group and 18.4% in the control group. The interventions successfully increased the parental quit rate. Subgroups with significant intervention benefits were children aged 4 to 17 years, interventions whose primary goal was cessation, interventions that offered medications, and interventions with high follow-up rates (>80%).

CONCLUSIONS:

Interventions to achieve cessation among parents, for the sake of the children, provide a worthwhile addition to the arsenal of cessation approaches, and can help protect vulnerable children from harm due to tobacco smoke exposure. However, most parents do not quit, and additional strategies to protect children are needed.
Quality of Early Maternal–Child Relationship and Risk of Adolescent Obesity
Authors: Anderson Sarah E. , Gooze Rachel A. , Lemeshow Stanley , Whitaker Robert C.
Published: December 2011

Objectives:

The goal of this study was to determine whether obesity in adolescence is related to the quality of the early maternal–child relationship.

Methods:

We analyzed data from 977 of 1364 participants in the Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development. Child attachment security and maternal sensitivity were assessed by observing mother–child interaction at 15, 24, and 36 months of age. A maternal–child relationship quality score was constructed as the number of times across the 3 ages that the child was either insecurely attached or experienced low maternal sensitivity. Adolescent obesity was defined as a measured BMI ≥95th percentile at age 15 years.

Results:

Poor-quality maternal–child relationships (score: ≥3) were experienced by 24.7% of children compared with 22.0% who, at all 3 ages, were neither insecurely attached nor exposed to low maternal sensitivity (score: 0). The prevalence of adolescent obesity was 26.1%, 15.5%, 12.1%, and 13.0% for those with risk scores of ≥3, 2, 1, and 0, respectively. After adjustment for gender and birth weight, the odds (95% confidence interval) of adolescent obesity was 2.45 (1.49–4.04) times higher in those with the poorest quality early maternal–child relationships (score: ≥3) compared with those with the highest quality (score: 0). Low maternal sensitivity was more strongly associated with obesity than insecure attachment.

Conclusions:

Poor quality of the early maternal–child relationship was associated with a higher prevalence of adolescent obesity. Interventions aimed at improving the quality of maternal–child interactions should consider assessing effects on children’s weight and examining potential mechanisms involving stress response and emotion regulation.
Factors Affecting Health Care Utilization for Children in Japan
Authors: Ishida Yasushi , Ohde Sachiko , Takahashi Osamu , Deshpande Gautam A. , Shimbo Takuro , Hinohara Shigeaki , Fukui Tsuguya
Published: December 2011

Background And Objective:

Studies on the ecology of medical care for children have been reported only from the United States. Our objective was to describe proportions of children receiving care in 6 types of health care utilization seeking behaviors in Japan on a monthly basis and to identify care characteristics.

Methods:

A population-weighted random sample from a nationally representative panel of households was used to estimate the number of health-related symptoms, over-the-counter medicine doses, and health care utilizations per 1000 Japanese children per month. Variations in terms of age, gender, socioeconomic status, and residence location were also examined.

Results:

Based on 1286 households (3477 persons including 1024 children) surveyed, on average per 1000 children, 872 had at least 1 symptom, 335 visited a physician's office, 82 a hospital-based outpatient clinic, 21 a hospital emergency department, and 2 a university-based outpatient clinic. Two were hospitalized, and 4 received professional health care in their home. Children had 2 times more physician visits and 3 times more emergency visits than adults in Japan, and Japanese children had 2.5 times more physician visits and 11 times more hospital-based outpatient clinic visits than US children. Pediatric health care utilization is influenced significantly by age but not affected by income or residence location in Japan.

Conclusions

Compared with the data from the United States, more children in Japan visit community physicians and hospital-based outpatient clinics. Results of this study would be useful for further delineation of health care utilization of children in the context of a health care system unique to Japan.
Allergy Testing in Childhood: Using Allergen-Specific IgE Tests
Authors: Sicherer Scott H. , Wood Robert A. ,   the SECTION ON ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY, Sicherer Scott H. , Abramson Stuart , Chipps Bradley E. , Fleisher Thomas , Lester Mitchell R. , Mahr Todd A. , Matsui Elizabeth C. , Virant Frank S. , Williams Paul V.
Published: December 2011

A variety of triggers can induce common pediatric allergic diseases which include asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, food allergy, and anaphylaxis. Allergy testing serves to confirm an allergic trigger suspected on the basis of history. Tests for allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) are performed by in vitro assays or skin tests. The tests are excellent for identifying a sensitized state in which allergen-specific IgE is present, and may identify triggers to be eliminated and help guide immunotherapy treatment. However, a positive test result does not always equate with clinical allergy. Newer enzymatic assays based on anti-IgE antibodies have supplanted the radioallergosorbent test (RAST). This clinical report focuses on allergen-specific IgE testing, emphasizing that the medical history and knowledge of disease characteristics are crucial for rational test selection and interpretation.
Early Childhood Adversity, Toxic Stress, and the Role of the Pediatrician: Translating Developmental Science Into Lifelong Health
Authors:   Committee on Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Family Health, Committee on Early Childhood, Adoption, and Dependent Care, and Section on Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Garner Andrew S. , Shonkoff Jack P. , Siegel Benjamin S. , Dobbins Mary I. , Earls Marian F. , Garner Andrew S. , McGuinn Laura , Pascoe John , Wood David L.
Published: December 2011

This Policy Statement was revised. See https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2021-052582.

Advances in a wide range of biological, behavioral, and social sciences are expanding our understanding of how early environmental influences (the ecology) and genetic predispositions (the biologic program) affect learning capacities, adaptive behaviors, lifelong physical and mental health, and adult productivity. A supporting technical report from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) presents an integrated ecobiodevelopmental framework to assist in translating these dramatic advances in developmental science into improved health across the life span. Pediatricians are now armed with new information about the adverse effects of toxic stress on brain development, as well as a deeper understanding of the early life origins of many adult diseases. As trusted authorities in child health and development, pediatric providers must now complement the early identification of developmental concerns with a greater focus on those interventions and community investments that reduce external threats to healthy brain growth. To this end, AAP endorses a developing leadership role for the entire pediatric community—one that mobilizes the scientific expertise of both basic and clinical researchers, the family-centered care of the pediatric medical home, and the public influence of AAP and its state chapters—to catalyze fundamental change in early childhood policy and services. AAP is committed to leveraging science to inform the development of innovative strategies to reduce the precipitants of toxic stress in young children and to mitigate their negative effects on the course of development and health across the life span.
The Lifelong Effects of Early Childhood Adversity and Toxic Stress
Authors: Shonkoff Jack P. , Garner Andrew S. ,   THE COMMITTEE ON PSYCHOSOCIAL ASPECTS OF CHILD AND FAMILY HEALTH, COMMITTEE ON EARLY CHILDHOOD, ADOPTION, AND DEPENDENT CARE, AND SECTION ON DEVELOPMENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL PEDIATRICS, Siegel Benjamin S. , Dobbins Mary I. , Earls Marian F. , Garner Andrew S. , McGuinn Laura , Pascoe John , Wood David L.
Published: December 2011

This Technical Report was retired November 2021.

Advances in fields of inquiry as diverse as neuroscience, molecular biology, genomics, developmental psychology, epidemiology, sociology, and economics are catalyzing an important paradigm shift in our understanding of health and disease across the lifespan. This converging, multidisciplinary science of human development has profound implications for our ability to enhance the life prospects of children and to strengthen the social and economic fabric of society. Drawing on these multiple streams of investigation, this report presents an ecobiodevelopmental framework that illustrates how early experiences and environmental influences can leave a lasting signature on the genetic predispositions that affect emerging brain architecture and long-term health. The report also examines extensive evidence of the disruptive impacts of toxic stress, offering intriguing insights into causal mechanisms that link early adversity to later impairments in learning, behavior, and both physical and mental well-being. The implications of this framework for the practice of medicine, in general, and pediatrics, specifically, are potentially transformational. They suggest that many adult diseases should be viewed as developmental disorders that begin early in life and that persistent health disparities associated with poverty, discrimination, or maltreatment could be reduced by the alleviation of toxic stress in childhood. An ecobiodevelopmental framework also underscores the need for new thinking about the focus and boundaries of pediatric practice. It calls for pediatricians to serve as both front-line guardians of healthy child development and strategically positioned, community leaders to inform new science-based strategies that build strong foundations for educational achievement, economic productivity, responsible citizenship, and lifelong health.
The Importance of Play in Promoting Healthy Child Development and Maintaining Strong Parent-Child Bond: Focus on Children in Poverty
Authors: Milteer Regina M. , Ginsburg Kenneth R. ,   COUNCIL ON COMMUNICATIONS AND MEDIA COMMITTEE ON PSYCHOSOCIAL ASPECTS OF CHILD AND FAMILY HEALTH, Mulligan Deborah Ann , Ameenuddin Nusheen , Brown Ari , Christakis Dimitri A. , Cross Corinn , Falik Holly Lee , Hill David L. , Hogan Marjorie J. , Levine Alanna Estin , O’Keeffe Gwenn S. , Swanson Wendy Sue
Published: December 2011

This Clinical Report was revised. See https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2018-2058.

Play is essential to the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being of children beginning in early childhood. It is a natural tool for children to develop resiliency as they learn to cooperate, overcome challenges, and negotiate with others. Play also allows children to be creative. It provides time for parents to be fully engaged with their children, to bond with their children, and to see the world from the perspective of their child. However, children who live in poverty often face socioeconomic obstacles that impede their rights to have playtime, thus affecting their healthy social-emotional development. For children who are underresourced to reach their highest potential, it is essential that parents, educators, and pediatricians recognize the importance of lifelong benefits that children gain from play.
Endorsement of Health and Human Services Recommendation for Pulse Oximetry Screening for Critical Congenital Heart Disease
Authors:   SECTION ON CARDIOLOGY AND CARDIAC SURGERY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, Mahle William T. , Martin Gerard R. , Beekman Robert H. , Morrow W. Robert , Rosenthal Geoffrey L. , Snyder Christopher S. , Minich L. LuAnn , Mital Seema , Towbin Jeffrey A. , Tweddell James S.
Published: December 2011

Incorporation of pulse oximetry to the assessment of the newborn infant can enhance detection of critical congenital heart disease (CCHD). Recently, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) recommended that screening for CCHD be added to the uniform screening panel. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has been a strong advocate of early detection of CCHD and fully supports the decision of the Secretary of HHS.

The AAP has published strategies for the implementation of pulse oximetry screening, which addressed critical issues such as necessary equipment, personnel, and training, and also provided specific recommendations for assessment of saturation by using pulse oximetry as well as appropriate management of a positive screening result. The AAP is committed to the safe and effective implementation of pulse oximetry screening and is working with other advocacy groups and governmental agencies to promote pulse oximetry and to support widespread surveillance for CCHD.

Going forward, AAP chapters will partner with state health departments to implement the new screening strategy for CCHD and will work to ensure that there is an adequate system for referral for echocardiographic/pediatric cardiac evaluation after a positive screening result. It is imperative that AAP members engage their respective policy makers in adopting and funding the recommendations made by the Secretary of HHS.
Thermodynamic modeling of the Sc-Zn system coupled with first-principles calculation
Authors: Tang C. , Zhou P. , Zhao D.D. , Yuan X.M. , Tang Y. , Wang P.S. , Hu B. , Du Y. , Xu H.H.
Published: December 2011

The Sc-Zn system has been critically reviewed and assessed by means of
CALPHAD (CALculation of PHAse Diagram) approach. By means of first-principles
calculation, the enthalpies of formation at 0 K for the ScZn, ScZn2,
Sc17Zn58, Sc3Zn17 and ScZn12 have been computed with the desire to assist
thermodynamic modeling. A set of self-consistent thermodynamic parameters for
the Sc-Zn system is then obtained. The calculated phase diagram and
thermodynamic properties agree well with the experimental data and
first-principles calculations, respectively.
Comparison of properties of silver-metal oxide electrical contact materials
Authors: Cosovic V. , Talijan N. , Zivkovic D. , Minic D. , Zivkovic Z.
Published: December 2011

Changes in physical properties such as density, porosity, hardness and
electrical conductivity of the Ag-SnO2 and Ag-SnO2In2O3 electrical contact
materials induced by introduction of metal oxide nanoparticles were
investigated. Properties of the obtained silver-metal oxide nanoparticle
composites are discussed and presented in comparison to their counterparts
with the micro metal oxide particles as well as comparable Ag-SnO2WO3 and
Ag-ZnO contact materials. Studied silvermetal oxide composites were produced
by powder metallurgy method from very fine pure silver and micro- and
nanoparticle metal oxide powders. Very uniform microstructures were obtained
for all investigated composites and they exhibited physical properties that
are comparable with relevant properties of equivalent commercial silver based
electrical contact materials. Both Ag-SnO2 and Ag- SnO2In2O3 composites with
metal oxide nanoparticles were found to have lower porosity, higher density
and hardness than their respective counterparts which can be attributed to
better dispersion hardening i.e. higher degree of dispersion of metal oxide
in silver matrix.
Heavy metal contents in Veronica species and soil from mountain areas in Serbia
Authors: Zivkovic Jelena , Razic Slavica , Arsenijevic Jelena , Maksimovic Zoran
Published: December 2011

This paper describes the relationships between concentrations of selected
trace elements in soil and their bioaccumulation in aerial parts of three
Veronica species (Plantaginaceae). Plant and soil samples were collected from
three mountainous areas in Serbia, prepared by microwave acid-assisted
digestion and analyzed by flame and flameless atomic absorption spectrometry.
Total concentrations of Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe and Cr in the soil varied from 12.38
to 47.77, 62.78 to 138.00, 517.58 to 1675.78, 13574.22 to 35920.00 and 36.18
to 115.15 mg/kg, while those in the plants ranged from 6.04 to 12.8, 27.66 to
58.01, 25.38 to 89.25, 35.53 to 563.26 and 0.44 to 18.96 mg/kg, respectively.
There were no significant differences in heavy metal concentrations between
tested Veronica species from the same location, indicating that their heavy
metal uptake pattern was not species specific. In the case of Mn, despite its
wide variation in soil, concentrations in plant samples were uniform, which
suggests potential ability of tested species to control Mn uptake or
translocation to upper plant parts. Additionally, the lowest concentrations
of Cu were obtained in plant samples collected from soil with the highest Fe
concentrations, pointing out that Cu availability to plants might be reduced
due to high Fe content in soil solution.
Towards a neuroimaging biomarker of depression vulnerability
Authors: Farb Norman , Segal Zindel , Anderson Adam
Published: December 2011

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a pervasive and debilitating illness, with a recurrent course and chronic prognosis. Although effective treatments for MDD exist, there is a pressing need to characterize relapse vulnerability in order to design effective prophylactic care. To date, heterogeneity within depression neuroimaging research has made it difficult to establish a reliable biomarker of disorder susceptibility. In this paper, we review neuroimaging evidence for the assessment of MDD vulnerability, theorizing that current findings can be broadly distinguished between those indicating the presence of depressive episodes and those indicating MDD vulnerability during symptom remission. We argue that unlike the amygdala hyperactivity and prefrontal hypoactivity observed during MDD episodes, prefrontal hyperactivity may be a characteristic of dysphoric cognition during symptom remission that indicates MDD vulnerability and relapse risk. Drawing on current research of normative emotion regulation, we describe a potential test of MDD vulnerability, employing emotional challenge paradigms that induce cognitive reactivity — the increased endorsement of negative self-descriptions during a transient dysphoric mood. Relative to a normative model of prefrontal function, the neuroimaging assessment of cognitive reactivity may provide a reliable indicator of MDD vulnerability, advancing the field of biomarker research as well as the delivery of preventative treatment on an individual basis.
Stem cell therapy for neurological disorders
Authors: Baronica Koraljka , Friedrich Latica
Published: December 2011

Stem cells have long been in focus as potential therapy or even cure for a whole myriad of diseases. Many neurodegenerative disorders, both acute and chronic, are characterized by irreversible neuronal damage and loss, and only a few efficient treatment options exist. In contrast to many other tissues, the potential of self-regeneration of the central nervous system is highly limited. There is hope that stem cells could replace the damaged neuronal and glial cells, and provide biological and functional restoration based on their properties of self renewal and the ability to give rise to different cells. In recent years, the promising results of research on animal models has led to the establishment of the first clinical trials; although no clear evidence of therapeutic benefit for any of the conditions have been ascertained. Here we give a review of the current strategies of stem-cell based therapy for some of the more common neurological disorders, discussing the progress and current challenges, and giving an overview of future perspectives.
Comparison of the Anomaly of Hydrological Analysis Tools used in Nepal
Authors: Shrestha MK , Chaudhary S , Maskey RK , Rajkarnikar G
Published: December 2011

The diverse physiographic and hydrological regime has booned Nepal with high potential of water resource projects. But these projects depend highly on hydrological data for which hydrometeorological stations need to be established. Their establishment, because of difficult topographic feature of Nepal and the high cost of installation, operation and maintenance, becomes feasible only for big projects. And thus hydrological data are needed to be predicted for small scale projects. These predictions for a given ungauged river system at particular location are facilitated by empirical methods such as WECS/DHM (Water and Energy Commission Secretariat/ Department of Hydrology and Meteorology) and MIP (Medium Irrigation Project) which have been used since its development without upgrading and checking its reliability. The objective of this study is to compare the anomaly of flow predicted by WECS/DHM and MIP method and determine reliability of minimum flow predicted by the methods. The anomaly of the method is presented by comparing the mean DHM monthly flow with the mean of predicted monthly flow for each of the seven rivers from Central and Western Development Region. Both methods give variable deviation for different periods of time for all the rivers. MIP method gives reliable prediction only if the discharge measurement is done during the dry period (November–April). The reliability of these methods is checked for estimating minimum flow by calculating the percentage of time discharge (minimum predicted flow) will be exceeded. WECS/DHM has given higher reliability for the minimum flow than MIP method. MIP (D) method has given good approximation to the DHM dry period flow than MIP (A). While analyzing the low flow, lower predicted value given by either of these methods when used gives good approximation. In order to improve the accuracy of prediction there is requirement of modification of these Hydrological Analytical tools. Keywords: hydrological data; WECS/DHM method; MIP method; ungauged river; MIP (D); MIP (A) DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jhm.v7i1.5614 JHM 2010; 7(1): 30-39
Spatial and Temporal Analysis of Drought in Nepal using Standardized Precipitation Index and its Relationship with Climate Indices
Authors: Sigdel M , Ikeda M
Published: December 2011

Drought over Nepal is studied on the basis of precipitation as a key parameter. Using monthly mean precipitation data for a period of 33 years, Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) is produced for the drought analysis with the time scale of 3 months (SPI-3) and 12 months (SPI-12) as they are applicable for agriculture and hydrological aspects, respectively. Time-space variability is explored based on Principal Component Analysis (PCA) along with Rotated PCA (RPCA). Four rotated components were explored for both SPI-3 and SPI-12 representing climatic variability with cores over eastern, central and western Nepal separately. Droughts associated with SPI-3 occurred almost evenly over these regions. Droughts associated with SPI-12 were consistent with SPI-3 for summer, since summer precipitation dominates annual precipitation. Connection between SPI and the climate indices such as Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) and Indian Ocean Dipole Mode Index (DMI) was studied, suggesting that one of the causes for summer droughts is El Nino, while the winter droughts could be related with positive DMI. Keywords: Standardized Precipitation Index; Nepal; Principal component analysis; Drought DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jhm.v7i1.5617 JHM 2010; 7(1): 59-74
Assessment of Imja Glacier Lake outburst Flood (GLOF) Risk in Dudh Koshi River Basin using Remote Sensing Techniques
Authors: Budhathoki Kamal P , Bajracharya OR , Pokharel BK
Published: December 2011

Glacier lakes are common phenomena in the Himalaya region of Nepal. Glacier lake outburst floods have repeatedly caused the death tolls and severe damage to downstream infrastructures. In Himalayas, a vital uncertainty about the glacier lake hazard potential still exists, thereby the effects of accelerating rates of glacier retreat and expansion of Glacier Lake could be the wake of recent global warming and resulting climatic changes. The paper, first describes the general different-level approach upon which the study is based. Then, in the methodological part, applicable remote sensing techniques, geographic information system (GIS) and statistical methods are presented. Observed data of lake area, volume, and depth having similar lake characteristics reported in the different literature are used to develop empirical equations by using statistical methods. The values of r2 (coefficient of determination) - obtained are very high (r2=0.939 for depth – area relationship and r2= 0.990 for volume – area relationship). The comparison of the empirical expression clearly indicated that there is more than 90% variation in the dependent variable, lake volume,as explained by the linear regressions in both cases. Area of Imja glacier lake for different years are determined from the available satellite imagery and volume of the Imja glacier lake are estimated using the expression: V = 0.094A1.453.developed from linear regression analysis of the observed data. Similarly, mean depth can be estimated by using the expression: D = 0.94A0.452. After the preparation of maps and data, a scheme of decision criteria for the evaluation of hazard potential of Imja glacier lake is established. A list of decision criteria is a documented set of factors that are used to examine and compare for evaluating the hazard potential of a glacier lake. The empirical scores are given in terms of hazard magnitude for hazard rating. Analysis of Imja glacier lake based on the empirical scoring system clearly indicated that GLOF risk of the possible outburst from Imja glacier lake is MODERATE. A systematic application of remote sensing based methods for glacier lake outburst flood risk assessment is applicable and thus recommended. Keywords: Glacier lake outburst; remote sensing; risk assessment; hazard potential; empirical parameters; climate change DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jhm.v7i1.5618 JHM 2010; 7(1): 75-91
Preliminary Weather Report of Monsoon Season, 2010 across Nepal
Authors: Section Climate
Published: December 2011

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jhm.v7i1.5619 JHM 2010; 7(1): 92-93
Heterosis Of Yield And Its Contributing Characters Of T-Aman Rice (Oryza Sativa L)
Authors: Roy PC , Rasul MG , Mian MAK , Molla MAH
Published: December 2011

The investigation was undertaken to study heterosis over better parent, heterosis over mid parent, reciprocal effects in eight crosses, their reciprocals and parents of T-Aman rice genotypes. Maximum traits showed heterosis in desirable direction of which the hybrid FR-13A × Arman sarder performed the best towards shorter stature, yield components like tiller number, panicle length, filled grains per panicle and 100-grain weight. The hybrid FR-13A × PJT (st) showed significant and positive heterosis over better parent for plant height, number of tillers per hill, grains per panicle and yield per hill which performed the best in terms of both physical as well as yield contributing traits. Considering heterosis over mid parent, the hybrid FR-13A × Arman Sarder performed the best showing heterosis in desirable direction on maximum number of traits namely tiller number, panicle length, filled grains per panicle, harvest index and yield per tiller. Most of the hybrids showed maternal effects but the cross FR-13A × PJT (st) had no maternal effects for 100 grains weight.   Key words: Rice; heterosis; better parent; mid parent; reciprocal effectDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpbg.v23i1.9311BJPBG 2010; 23(1): 1-7
Heterosis in Local Boro Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Islam MM , Sarker U , Rasul MG , Rahman MM
Published: December 2011

An experiment was conducted to study the heterosis of 27 F1 hybrids produced from nine CMS lines and three restorer lines of rice with their parental lines and BRRI Dhan29 as standard check for 17 yield and its contributing traits. Mid parent, better parent and standard heterosis of most of the crosses were significant for most of the characters studied either in positive or in negative direction. Desirable and significant mid parent and better parent heterosis was observed in 13 and seven cross combinations, respectively for grain yield and most of its related traits. Considering more than 20% mid parent and better parent heterosis for grain yield along with most of its related traits, nine and five cross combinations, respectively were identified as good heterotic combinations over mid parental and better parental value. On the basis of individual trait significant and desirable mid parent heterosis was observed in eight cross combinations for plant height, 12 for leaf blade length, nine for flag leaf blade length, 13 for flag leaf sheath length, eight for tillers per hill, eight for panicles per hill, 14 for days to 50% flowering, four for days to maturity, four for panicle length, 14 for panicle weight, nine for primary branches per panicle, 16 for secondary branches per panicle, six for filled grains per panicle, 15 for 1000 seed weight, 13 for grain yield per hill and 15 for harvest index. Significant and desirable better parent heterosis was observed in 12 cross combinations for plant height, 11 for leaf blade length, 5 for flag leaf blade length, nine for flag leaf sheath length, seven for tillers per hill, seven for panicles per hill, 25 for days to 50% flowering, one for days to 100% flowering, seven for days to maturity, three for panicle length, nine for panicle weight, five for primary branches per panicle, 12 for secondary branches per panicle, four for filled grains per panicle, nine for 1000 seed weight, seven for grain yield per hill and nine for harvest index. None of the crosses were identified as good heterotic over standard check for grain yield per hill but many good and desirable heterotic crosses were identified over standard check for most of the yield related characters. Twenty cross combinations were identified as heterotic over standard check due to desirable and significant standard heterosis for most of the yield related traits.   Keywords: Heterosis; rice; Oryza sativa; boro DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpbg.v23i1.9314 BJPBG 2010; 23(1): 19-30
Variability And Character Association Of Reproductive Traits In Exotic Rice Germplasm
Authors: Akhter T , Ivy NA , Rasul MG , Mian MAK
Published: December 2011

Fifty two genotypes were evaluated to find out the genetic variability, character association, and path coefficient for reproductive traits of exotic rice germplasm in experimental field of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Salna, Gazipur during December 2008 to May 2009. The analysis of variance showed significant variation for all the characters indicating wide genetic variability among the genotypes. The highest genotypic variance and phenotypic variance were found for pollen sterility and filled grains per panicle. High heritability and genetic advance were recorded for pollen sterility. Filled grains per panicle, days to 50% flowering, and pollen sterility of different genotypes had a high degree of significant positive association with grain yield per hill. On the basis of genetic parameters, associations and path analysis 52 genotypes might be selected considering the filled grains per panicle only.   Key words: Variability; correlation coefficient; path coefficient; exotic rice DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpbg.v23i1.9316 BJPBG 2010; 23(1): 39-44
Combining Ability And Heterosis In Snakegourd (Tricosanthes Cucurminata L)
Authors: Podder R , Rasul MG , Islam AKMA , Mian Mak , Ahmed JU
Published: December 2011

A half diallel set of five parents and their 10 F1’s were studied to determine the combining ability and magnitude of heterosis for eight important characters in snakegourd at the experimental field of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University during April to July, 2004. Combining ability analysis revealed that both general and specific combining ability variances were significant for all the characters except fruit diameter and fruit yield per plant. Predominance of additive gene action was noted for all the characters except days to first female flower where non-additive gene action was predominant. Parent P1 was the best general combiner for fruit yield and some yield contributing characters. Among the crosses P2  X P3, P1  X P2 and P1  X P4 were the best specific combiner for fruit yield and some of yield contributing characters. Both positive and negative heterosis was obtained of which few hybrids showed desirable and significant values. P2  X P5 showed the highest significant mid parental heterotic value for earliness and high yield whereas, P1  X P2, P2  X P3, P2  X P5 and P3  X P4 showed the highest significant better parent heterotic effect for earliness and high yield. Key words: Snakegourd (Trichosanthes cucurminata L.); combining ability; heterosis; fruit yieldDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpbg.v23i2.9318 Bangladesh J. Pl. Breed. Genet., 23(2): 1-6, 2010
Genetic Variability And Selection Response To Heat Tolerance Through Membrane Thermostability In Spring Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L)
Authors: Barma NCD , Islam MA , Hakim MA , Sarker DKR
Published: December 2011

The present investigation was undertaken to study the genetic variability and selection response of heat tolerance measured through membrane thermostability (MTS) in F2 derived F4 and F5 generations of five wheat crosses: Kanchan × Gourab, Gourab × Fang 60, Kanchan × Pavon 76, Gourab × Pavon76 and Fang 60 × Pavon76. Each cross was consisted of 65, 60, 77, 72 and 64 F4 bulks including two parents. The study was conducted both in the field and laboratory of Wheat Research Centre, Dinajpur during 2002-03 and 2003-04. A completely randomized design for laboratory experiment and randomized complete block design for field experiments was followed with three replications. Acquired thermal tolerance through Membrane Thermo-stability assay was performed in controlled environment as per method described by Ibrahim and Quick (2001). Other morpho-physiological traits were measured from field experiment. The crosses Kanchan × Gourab, Kanchan × Pavon 76 and Fang 60 × Pavon76 showed high genetic variability with high population mean for MTS in F4 bulks. These crosses also exhibited high-observed response to selection, realized heritability and heritability in standard unit indicating expected good gain through early generation selection. Direct response to selection for this trait was significant in these crosses in F5 generation. Direct selection for MTS significantly improved biomass, grain yield, thousand grain weight, grain filling rate and canopy temperature depression in crosses Kanchan × Pavon 76, Gourab × Pavon76 and Fang 60 × Pavon76 with few exceptions. Direct selection of MTS also improved chlorophyll retention at 21 days after anthesis in crosses Gourab × Fang 60 and Gourab × Pavon76. Significant intergeneration correlations (F4 vs. F5) were observed for MTS in all five crosses studied indicating possibility of effective improvement of this trait through selection in early generation.   Key words: Membrane thermostability; selection response; realized heritability; intergeneration correlation.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpbg.v23i2.9320 Bangladesh J. Pl. Breed. Genet., 23(2): 15-22, 2010
Genetic Variability And Character Associations In Irrigated Rice (Oryza Sativa L)
Authors: Ghosal S , Biswas PL , Khatun M , Khatun S
Published: December 2011

Eighteen advanced breeding lines were evaluated for yield and yield contributing characters to observe their variability, associations and direct and indirect effect on yield during Boro season, 2009. All the tested characters showed significant variation. Effective tillers/m2 and spikelet sterility (%) had high genotypic variance, high heritability, high genetic advance and high genotypic coefficient of variation. Effective tillers/m2, panicle length (cm), thousand grain weight (g) and growth duration (days) showed significant positive association with grain yield. Path coefficient analysis also revealed that effective tillers/m2, thousand grain weight (g) and growth duration (days) had higher direct effects on yield (t/ha). All together with the genetic variability, correlation and path analysis revealed that effective tillers/m2, thousand grain weight (g) and growth duration (days) are the most important yield components in rice. Therefore, from the present study it could be suggested that emphasize should be given on these characters for the selection of genotypes for higher grain yield in irrigated rice.   Keywords: Rice (Oryza sativa L.); GCV; PCV; heritability; genetic advance; correlationDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpbg.v23i2.9321 Bangladesh J. Pl. Breed. Genet., 23(2): 23-27, 2010
Genectic Variability In Some Maintainer Lines Of Hybrid Rice (Oryza sativa L)
Authors: Ansari A , Rasul MG , Biswas PL , Paul AK , Rahman MH
Published: December 2011

Twelve maintainer lines of rice were evaluated for 19 agronomic characters in a randomized complete block design to study the genetic divergence through multivariate analysis. Genotypes were grouped into three different clusters. Cluster I comprised maximum number of genotypes (ten) and II and III contain only single genotype each. PCA showed 70.29% variation against first three eigen values. The highest inter genotypic distance was observed between the genotype BRRI 1B and IR 73328B (2.278) followed by BRRI 3B and IR 68890B (2.229) and the lowest distance was observed (0.752) between genotypes BRRI 10B and IR 78355B followed by the distance (0.920) between genotypes BRRI 3B and IR 58025B. The inter cluster distance was larger than the intra cluster distances. The highest inter-cluster distance was observed between cluster II and III (7.113). The lowest inter-cluster distance was observed between cluster I and II (4.445) followed by cluster I and III (4.509). The inter cluster distances were higher than the intra cluster distances suggesting wider genetic diversity among the genotype of different groups. Among the characters anther length (0.00651), stigma length (0.00150), days to maturity (0.03018), number of tillers per hill (0.07890) and panicle weight (0.12713) were major characters that contribute to the genetic divergence.   Key words: Rice; maintainer line; genotype; genetic divergence; D2DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpbg.v23i2.9323 Bangladesh J. Pl. Breed. Genet., 23(2): 35-40, 2010