Simplifying Satellite and Ground Data Validation with Level-2 Subsetting

We demonstrate that scientists can simplify their satellite data validation workflow with the use of NASA Godddard Earth Sciences Data and Information Services Center (GES DISC) subsetting services. We perform a sample validation of Aura ozone products collocated with ground-based ozone measurements using subsetting services to trim satellite data to only the relevant user-defined variables and spatio-temporal region. Because the subsetting service automatically returns only relevant data granules that adhere to a set of user-defined coincidence criteria, user workload is greatly reduced. Moreover, the resultant data files are substantially smaller than full data granules due to the subsetting service further culling the data to the relevant geospatio-temporal coincidence criteria, user-defined variables, and user-defined dimensions of variables. This decreases data download throughput and file storage requirements. The validation presented here quantifies the time and file size savings that can be achieved by utilizing subsetting services within the satellite data validation workflow

Bilateral chylothorax: A late complication of Kawashima procedure despite normal pulmonary pressures

Introduction: Chylothorax, a relatively rare congenital heart disease early postoperative complication, is occurring more frequently due to complexity of cardiac surgeries. Presentation of case: We present a 9-month-old boy who had hypoplastic left heart (HLH) syndrome with interrupted inferior vena cava (IVC) and bilateral superior vena cava (SVC) palliated with left sided modified Blalock-Taussig (MBT) shunt during neonatal period and second stage palliation with left sided bidirectional glen (BDG) procedure and right sided Kawashima procedure develop bilateral chylothorax two weeks after discharge. Discussion: This is the first reported case in the literature of a patient who developed chylothorax with relatively low Fontan systemic venous pressures after a Kawashima procedure. Clinically important chylothorax may be a marker of poor long-term outcomes, demonstrating an inability to handle overwhelming lymphatic congestion. Conclusion: Early diagnosis of chylothorax in complex cardiac surgeries may permit successful conservative management

Planar and spherical stick indices of knots

The stick index of a knot is the least number of line segments required to build the knot in space. We define two analogous 2-dimensional invariants, the planar stick index, which is the least number of line segments in the plane to build a projection, and the spherical stick index, which is the least number of great circle arcs to build a projection on the sphere. We find bounds on these quantities in terms of other knot invariants, and give planar stick and spherical stick constructions for torus knots and for compositions of trefoils. In particular, unlike most knot invariants,we show that the spherical stick index distinguishes between the granny and square knots, and that composing a nontrivial knot with a second nontrivial knot need not increase its spherical stick index

What are effective treatments for oppositional and defiant behaviors in preadolescents?

Parent training is effective for treating oppositional and defiant behaviors (strength of recommendation [SOR]: A, based on systematic reviews). Parent training programs are standardized, short-term interventions that teach parents specialized strategies--including positive attending, ignoring, the effective use of rewards and punishments, token economies, and time out --to address clinically significant behavior problems. In addition to parent training, other psychosocial interventions are efficacious in treating oppositional and defiant behavior. To date, no studies have assessed the efficacy of medication in treating children with pure oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). However, studies have shown amphetamines to be effective for children with ODD and comorbid attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (SOR: A, based on a meta-analysis)

Learning Processes and Study Strategies Influential to College Adjustment

This study investigated relationships between entry-level learning processes and study strategies and student adaptation to college. A regression model consisting of the Learning and Study Skills Inventory (LASSI; Weinstein & Palmer, 2002) subscales and GPA significantly predicted student adaptation to college as measured by the Student Adaptation to College Questionnaire (SACQ; Baker & Siryk, 1999). The attitude and anxiety subscales emerged as significant predictors in this model. Correlational results indicated that attitude and anxiety were significantly correlated with four specific aspects of college adaptation (i.e., academic, personal-emotional, or social adjustment; and institutional attachment). Attitude was most strongly correlated with academic adjustment. Anxiety was most strongly correlated with personal-emotional adjustment. Consideration of these findings provides practical insights into the college adjustment process. Implications are discussed and suggestions for orientation and retention programs are offered

An Examination of the Effects of Stimulant Medication on the IQ Test Performance of Children with AD/HD

In general it is thought that children with AD/HD have lower IQs than nonaffected children. However, the variability in research findings has made it difficult to reach an accurate conclusion regarding the intellectual functioning of children with AD/HD. A primary reason for such inconsistencies appears to be the failure to assess the effects of stimulant medication on test performance. The current study investigated whether changes occur in the WISC-IV test scores of children with AD/HD as a function of stimulant medication usage. Thirty-five male and female children who were diagnosed with AD/HD and taking stimulant medication to treat their symptoms participated in the study. A within-subjects design was used whereby all children were tested on two occasions with a split-half version of the WISC-IV. Children were randomly assigned to be on medication for one testing session and off medication for the other session. As expected, medication usage improved scores on the FSIQ, with an average increase of seven points. This increase in scores appeared to be driven by improved performance on several indices including the Working Memory Index (WMI), Processing Speed Index (PSI), and Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI), with the largest increase seen on the WMI. Children identified as having a positive response to their medication showed the largest improvements on IQ scores. This study provides evidence that children with AD/HD do not necessarily have lower IQs than unaffected children. Implications for the assessment and treatment of children with AD/HD were discussed

Does continuity of care impact decision making in the next birth after a caesarean section (VBAC)? A randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Caesarean section (CS) has short and long-term health effects for both the woman and her baby. One of the greatest contributors to the CS rate is elective repeat CS. Vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) is an option for many women; despite this the proportion of women attempting VBAC remains low. Potentially the relationship that women have with their healthcare professional may have a major influence on the uptake of VBAC. Models of service delivery, which enable an individual approach to care, may make a difference to the uptake of VBAC. Midwifery continuity of care could be an effective model to encourage and support women to choose VBAC. METHODS/DESIGN: A randomised, controlled trial will be undertaken. Eligible pregnant women, whose most recent previous birth was by lower-segment CS, will be randomly allocated 1:1 to an intervention group or control group. The intervention provides midwifery continuity of care to women through pregnancy, labour, birth and early postnatal care. The control group will receive standard hospital care from different midwives through pregnancy, labour, birth and early postnatal care. Both groups will receive an obstetric consultation during pregnancy and at any other time if required. Clinical care will follow the same guidelines in both groups. DISCUSSION: This study will determine whether midwifery continuity of care influences the decision to attempt a VBAC and impacts on mode of birth, maternal experiences with care and the health of the neonate. Outcomes from this study might influence the way maternity care is provided to this group of women and thus impact on the CS rate. This information will provide high level evidence to policy makers, health service managers and practitioners who are working towards addressing the increased rate of CS. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial is registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR): ACTRN1261100121492

Spitzer, Near-Infrared, and Submillimeter Imaging of the Relatively Sparse Young Cluster, Lynds 988e

We present {\it Spitzer} images of the relatively sparse, low luminosity young cluster L988e, as well as complementary near-infrared (NIR) and submillimeter images of the region. The cluster is asymmetric, with the western region of the cluster embedded within the molecular cloud, and the slightly less dense eastern region to the east of, and on the edge of, the molecular cloud. With these data, as well as with extant H$\alpha$ data of stars primarily found in the eastern region of the cluster, and a molecular $^{13}$CO gas emission map of the entire region, we investigate the distribution of forming young stars with respect to the cloud material, concentrating particularly on the differences and similarities between the exposed and embedded regions of the cluster. We also compare star formation in this region to that in denser, more luminous and more massive clusters already investigated in our comprehensive multi-wavelength study of young clusters within 1 kpc of the Sun.Comment: 21 pages, 6 tables, 13 figures. Full resolution figures at: http://astro.pas.rochester.edu/~tom/Preprints/L988e.pd

More Rapid Increase in BMI from Age 5–15 is Associated with Elevated Weight Status at Age 24 among Non-Hispanic White Females

Background: A rapidly increasing BMI trajectory throughout childhood is associated with negative health outcomes in adulthood such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. The purpose of the current study was to assess whether BMI trajectories from age 5–15 predicted changes in weight and BMI from adolescence to adulthood, and dieting-related behaviors in young adulthood. Methods: Non-Hispanic White female participants from Early Dieting in Girls (n=182), a longitudinal cohort study, were followed from age 5 to 15 and completed a follow-up survey at age 24. Participants were classified by age 5–15 BMI trajectory groups: UPC, accelerated weight gain from age 5–9; DDPC, accelerated weight gain from 5 to 9 followed by a decrease; 60PT, weight tracked along 60th percentile; 50PT, weight tracked along 50th percentile. Data at age 24 included self-reported weight, height, dietary restraint, disinhibition, and dieting. Results: Majority of participants (80.8%) completed the follow-up survey; of these participants, 60% in UPC group had obesity at age 24, compared to\u3c10% in the other 3 groups. Participants in the UPC group had greater increases in BMI since age 15, compared to the 50PT group, and trend-level greater weight increases than those in the DDPC and 60PT groups. Dietary restraint, but not disinhibition, differed across the groups. Conclusions: Children with accelerated weight gain continued to have the greatest weight gain from adolescence to adulthood and the highest prevalence of obesity in adulthood