scholarly journals Data blinding for the nEDM experiment at PSI

2021 ◽  
Vol 57 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
N. J. Ayres ◽  
G. Ban ◽  
G. Bison ◽  
K. Bodek ◽  
V. Bondar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Particle Physics ◽  
Automated Analysis ◽  
Separate Analysis ◽  
Data Set ◽  
False Signal ◽  
Public Audience ◽  
Paul Scherrer ◽  
Psychological Bias ◽  
The Magnetic Field

AbstractPsychological bias towards, or away from, prior measurements or theory predictions is an intrinsic threat to any data analysis. While various methods can be used to try to avoid such a bias, e.g. actively avoiding looking at the result, only data blinding is a traceable and trustworthy method that can circumvent the bias and convince a public audience that there is not even an accidental psychological bias. Data blinding is nowadays a standard practice in particle physics, but it is particularly difficult for experiments searching for the neutron electric dipole moment (nEDM), as several cross measurements, in particular of the magnetic field, create a self-consistent network into which it is hard to inject a false signal. We present an algorithm that modifies the data without influencing the experiment. Results of an automated analysis of the data are used to change the recorded spin state of a few neutrons within each measurement cycle. The flexible algorithm may be applied twice (or more) to the data, thus providing the option of sequentially applying various blinding offsets for separate analysis steps with independent teams. The subtle manner in which the data are modified allows one subsequently to adjust the algorithm and to produce a re-blinded data set without revealing the initial blinding offset. The method was designed for the 2015/2016 measurement campaign of the nEDM experiment at the Paul Scherrer Institute. However, it can be re-used with minor modification for the follow-up experiment n2EDM, and may be suitable for comparable projects elsewhere.

Mining Social Media Data to Study the Consequences of Dementia Diagnosis on Caregivers and Relatives (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anika Oellrich ◽  
George Gkotsis ◽  
Richard James Butler Dobson ◽  
Tim JP Hubbard ◽  
Rina Dutta
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Family Relationships ◽  
Text Processing ◽  
Automated Analysis ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Dementia Diagnosis ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Social Media Data ◽  
Real Time Processing ◽  
Media Data

BACKGROUND Dementia is a growing public health concern with approximately 50 million people affected worldwide in 2017 and this number is expected to reach more than 131 million by 2050. The toll on caregivers and relatives cannot be underestimated as dementia changes family relationships, leaves people socially isolated, and affects the finances of all those involved. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to explore using automated analysis (i) the age and gender of people who post to the social media forum Reddit about dementia diagnoses, (ii) the affected person and their diagnosis, (iii) relevant subreddits authors are posting to, (iv) the types of messages posted and (v) the content of these posts. METHODS We analysed Reddit posts concerning dementia diagnoses. We used a previously developed text analysis pipeline to determine attributes of the posts as well as their authors to characterise online communications about dementia diagnoses. The posts were also examined by manual curation for the diagnosis provided and the person affected. Furthermore, we investigated the communities these people engage in and assessed the contents of the posts with an automated topic gathering technique. RESULTS Our results indicate that the majority of posters in our data set are women, and it is mostly close relatives such as parents and grandparents that are mentioned. Both the communities frequented and topics gathered reflect not only the sufferer's diagnosis but also potential outcomes, e.g. hardships experienced by the caregiver. The trends observed from this dataset are consistent with findings based on qualitative review, validating the robustness of social media automated text processing. CONCLUSIONS This work demonstrates the value of social media data sources as a resource for in-depth studies of those affected by a dementia diagnosis and the potential to develop novel support systems based on their real time processing in line with the increasing digitalisation of medical care.

scholarly journals SuperWASP variable stars: classifying light curves using citizen science

2021 ◽  
Vol 502 (1) ◽  
pp. 1299-1311
Author(s):  
Heidi B Thiemann ◽  
Andrew J Norton ◽  
Hugh J Dickinson ◽  
Adam McMaster ◽  
Ulrich C Kolb
Keyword(s):  
Variable Stars ◽  
Eclipsing Binaries ◽  
Light Curves ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Resultant Data ◽  
Sky Survey ◽  
Short Period ◽  
Contact Binaries ◽  
Analysis Of Results

ABSTRACT We present the first analysis of results from the SuperWASP variable stars Zooniverse project, which is aiming to classify 1.6 million phase-folded light curves of candidate stellar variables observed by the SuperWASP all sky survey with periods detected in the SuperWASP periodicity catalogue. The resultant data set currently contains >1 million classifications corresponding to >500 000 object–period combinations, provided by citizen–scientist volunteers. Volunteer-classified light curves have ∼89 per cent accuracy for detached and semidetached eclipsing binaries, but only ∼9 per cent accuracy for rotationally modulated variables, based on known objects. We demonstrate that this Zooniverse project will be valuable for both population studies of individual variable types and the identification of stellar variables for follow-up. We present preliminary findings on various unique and extreme variables in this analysis, including long-period contact binaries and binaries near the short-period cut-off, and we identify 301 previously unknown binaries and pulsators. We are now in the process of developing a web portal to enable other researchers to access the outputs of the SuperWASP variable stars project.

Development and Validation of a Cognitive Reserve Index in HIV

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Navaldeep Kaur ◽  
Lesley K. Fellows ◽  
Marie-Josée Brouillette ◽  
Nancy Mayo
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Reserve ◽  
Study Entry ◽  
Video Gaming ◽  
Everyday Functioning ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Multiple Indicators ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Competitive Games ◽  
Development And Validation

Abstract Objectives: In the neuroHIV literature, cognitive reserve has most often been operationalized using education, occupation, and IQ. The effects of other cognitively stimulating activities that might be more amenable to interventions have been little studied. The purpose of this study was to develop an index of cognitive reserve in people with HIV, combining multiple indicators of cognitively stimulating lifetime experiences into a single value. Methods: The data set was obtained from a Canadian longitudinal study (N = 856). Potential indicators of cognitive reserve captured at the study entry included education, occupation, engagement in six cognitively stimulating activities, number of languages spoken, and social resources. Cognitive performance was measured using a computerized test battery. A cognitive reserve index was formulated using logistic regression weights. For the evidence on concurrent and predictive validity of the index, the measures of cognition and self-reported everyday functioning were each regressed on the index scores at study entry and at the last follow-up [mean duration: 25.9 months (SD 7.2)], respectively. Corresponding regression coefficients and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed. Results: Professional sports [odds ratio (OR): 2.9; 95% CI 0.59–14.7], visual and performance arts (any level of engagement), professional/amateur music, complex video gaming and competitive games, and travel outside North America were associated with higher cognitive functioning. The effects of cognitive reserve on the outcomes at the last follow-up visit were closely similar to those at study entry. Conclusion: This work contributes evidence toward the relative benefit of engaging in specific cognitively stimulating life experiences in HIV.

scholarly journals Organic aerosol source apportionment in London 2013 with ME-2: exploring the solution space with annual and seasonal analysis

2016 ◽  
Vol 16 (24) ◽  
pp. 15545-15559 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ernesto Reyes-Villegas ◽  
David C. Green ◽  
Max Priestman ◽  
Francesco Canonaco ◽  
Hugh Coe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Source Apportionment ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Solution Space ◽  
Organic Aerosol ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Environmental Implications ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Diesel Vehicles ◽  
Heavy Duty Diesel ◽  
Paul Scherrer

Abstract. The multilinear engine (ME-2) factorization tool is being widely used following the recent development of the Source Finder (SoFi) interface at the Paul Scherrer Institute. However, the success of this tool, when using the a value approach, largely depends on the inputs (i.e. target profiles) applied as well as the experience of the user. A strategy to explore the solution space is proposed, in which the solution that best describes the organic aerosol (OA) sources is determined according to the systematic application of predefined statistical tests. This includes trilinear regression, which proves to be a useful tool for comparing different ME-2 solutions. Aerosol Chemical Speciation Monitor (ACSM) measurements were carried out at the urban background site of North Kensington, London from March to December 2013, where for the first time the behaviour of OA sources and their possible environmental implications were studied using an ACSM. Five OA sources were identified: biomass burning OA (BBOA), hydrocarbon-like OA (HOA), cooking OA (COA), semivolatile oxygenated OA (SVOOA) and low-volatility oxygenated OA (LVOOA). ME-2 analysis of the seasonal data sets (spring, summer and autumn) showed a higher variability in the OA sources that was not detected in the combined March–December data set; this variability was explored with the triangle plots f44 : f43 f44 : f60, in which a high variation of SVOOA relative to LVOOA was observed in the f44 : f43 analysis. Hence, it was possible to conclude that, when performing source apportionment to long-term measurements, important information may be lost and this analysis should be done to short periods of time, such as seasonally. Further analysis on the atmospheric implications of these OA sources was carried out, identifying evidence of the possible contribution of heavy-duty diesel vehicles to air pollution during weekdays compared to those fuelled by petrol.

scholarly journals Cusp-like plasma in high altitudes: a statistical study of the width and location of the cusp from Magion-4

2002 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 311-320 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Mĕrka ◽  
J. Šafránková ◽  
Z. Nĕmeček
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Solar Wind ◽  
High Altitudes ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Latitudinal Dependence ◽  
Merging Process ◽  
Low Altitude ◽  
Field Lines ◽  
The Magnetic Field ◽  
Dipole Tilt

Abstract. The width of the cusp region is an indicator of the strength of the merging process and the degree of opening of the magnetosphere. During three years, the Magion-4 satellite, as part of the Interball project, has collected a unique data set of cusp-like plasma observations in middle and high altitudes. For a comparison of high- and low-altitude cusp determination, we map our observations of cusp-like plasma along the magnetic field lines down to the Earth’s surface. We use the Tsyganenko and Stern 1996 model of the magnetospheric magnetic field for the mapping, taking actual solar wind and IMF parameters from the Wind observations. The footprint positions show substantial latitudinal dependence on the dipole tilt angle. We fit this dependence with a linear function and subtract this function from observed cusp position. This process allows us to study both statistical width and location of the inspected region as a function of the solar wind and IMF parameters. Our processing of the Magion-4 measurements shows that high-altitude regions occupied by the cusp-like plasma (cusp and cleft) are projected onto a much broader area (in magnetic local time as well as in a latitude) than that determined in low altitudes. The trends of the shift of the cusp position with changes in the IMF direction established by low-altitude observations have been confirmed.Key words. Magnetospheric physics (magnetopause, cusp and boundary layer; solar wind – magnetosphere interactions)

A Literature Review of Medical Record Keeping by Foreign Medical Teams in Sudden Onset Disasters

2015 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 216-222 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anisa J. N. Jafar ◽  
Ian Norton ◽  
Fiona Lecky ◽  
Anthony D. Redmond
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Medical Record ◽  
Medical Records ◽  
Sudden Onset ◽  
World Health ◽  
Publication Type ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Record Keeping ◽  
Medical Teams

AbstractBackgroundMedical records are a tenet of good medical practice and provide one method of communicating individual follow-up arrangements, informing research data, and documenting medical intervention.MethodsThe objective of this review was to look at one source (the published literature) of medical records used by foreign medical teams (FMTs) in sudden onset disasters (SODs). The published literature was searched systematically for evidence of what medical records have been used by FMTs in SODs.FindingsThe style and content of medical records kept by FMTs in SODs varied widely according to the published literature. Similarly, there was great variability in practice as to what happens to the record and/or the data from the record following its use during a patient encounter. However, there was a paucity of published work comprehensively detailing the exact content of records used.InterpretationWithout standardization of the content of medical records kept by FMTs in SODs, it is difficult to ensure robust follow-up arrangements are documented. This may hinder communication between different FMTs and local medical teams (LMTs)/other FMTs who may then need to provide follow-up care for an individual. Furthermore, without a standard method of reporting data, there is an inaccurate picture of the work carried out. Therefore, there is not a solid evidence base for improving the quality of future response to SODs. Further research targeting FMTs and LMTs directly is essential to inform any development of an internationally agreed minimum data set (MDS), for both recording and reporting, in order that FMTs can reach the World Health Organization (WHO) standards for FMT practice.JafarAJN, NortonI, LeckyF, RedmondAD. A literature review of medical record keeping by foreign medical teams in sudden onset disasters. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2015;30(2):1-7.

scholarly journals The Hubble PanCET program: Transit and Eclipse Spectroscopy of the Hot-Jupiter WASP-74b

2021 ◽  
Vol 162 (6) ◽  
pp. 271
Author(s):  
Guangwei Fu ◽  
Drake Deming ◽  
Erin May ◽  
Kevin Stevenson ◽  
David K. Sing ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rayleigh Scattering ◽  
Hubble Space Telescope ◽  
Absorption Feature ◽  
Spectral Library ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Space Telescope ◽  
Methane Absorption ◽  
James Webb Space Telescope ◽  
Hot Jupiter

Abstract Planets are like children with each one being unique and special. A better understanding of their collective properties requires a deeper understanding of each planet. Here we add the transit and eclipse spectra of hot-Jupiter WASP-74b into the ever growing data set of exoplanet atmosphere spectral library. With six transits and three eclipses using the Hubble Space Telescope and Spitzer Space Telescope (Spitzer), we present the most complete and precise atmospheric spectra of WASP-74b. We found no evidence for TiO/VO nor super-Rayleigh scattering reported in previous studies. The transit shows a muted water feature with strong Rayleigh scattering extending into the infrared. The eclipse shows a featureless blackbody-like WFC3/G141 spectrum and a weak methane absorption feature in the Spitzer 3.6 μm band. Future James Webb Space Telescope follow-up observations are needed to confirm these results.

scholarly journals Estimates of mortality rates in people with diabetes and cardiovascular disease using administrative pharmaceutical data

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaun Purkiss ◽  
Tessa Keegel ◽  
Hassan Vally ◽  
Dennis Wollersheim
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Mortality Risk ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Mortality Rates ◽  
World Health ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Medication Discontinuation ◽  
Disease Mortality ◽  
Health Organization

BackgroundQuantifying the mortality risk for people with diabetes is challenging because of associated comorbidities. The recording of cause specific mortality from accompanying cardiovascular disease in death certificate notifications has been considered to underestimate the overall mortality risk in persons with diabetes. Main AimDevelop a technique to quantify mortality risk from pharmaceutical administrative data and apply it to persons diagnosed with diabetes, and associated cardiovascular disease and dyslipidaemia before death. MethodsPersons with diabetes, cardiovascular disease and dyslipidaemia were identified in a publicly available Australian Pharmaceutical data set using World Health Organization anatomic therapeutic codes assigned to medications received. Diabetes associated multi-morbidity cohorts were constructed and a proxy mortality (PM) event determined from medication and service discontinuation. Estimates of mortality rates were calculated from 2004 for 10 years and compared persons with diabetes alone and associated cardiovascular disease and dyslipidemia. ResultsThis study identified 346,201 individuals within the 2004 calendar year as having received treatments for diabetes (n=51,422), dyslipidaemia (n=169,323) and cardiovascular disease including hypertension (n=280,105). Follow up was 3.3 x 106 person-years. Overall crude PM was 26.1 per 1000 person-years. PM rates were highest in persons with cardiovascular disease and diabetes in combination (47.5 per 100 person years). Statin treatments significantly improved the mortality rates in all persons with diabetes and cardiovascular disease alone and in combination over age groups >44 years (p<.001). Age specific diabetes PM rates using pharmaceutical data correlated well with Australian data from the National Diabetes Service Scheme (r=0.82) ConclusionProxy mortality events calculated from medication discontinuation in persons with chronic conditions can provide an alternative method to estimate disease mortality rates. The technique also allows the assessment of mortality risk in persons with chronic disease multi-morbidity.

Epidemic waves in relief against a structured climatic background

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Carl
Keyword(s):  
Climate Modeling ◽  
Sunshine Duration ◽  
Climate Data ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Seir Model ◽  
Epidemic Curve ◽  
Surface Climate ◽  
Spatially Distributed

&lt;p&gt;For directly transmissible infectious diseases, seasonality in the course of epidemics may manifest in four major ways: susceptibility of the hosts, their individual and collective behavior, transmissibility of the pathogen, and survival of the latter under evolving environmental conditions. Mechanisms and concepts are not finally settled, notably in a pandemic setting. Climatic seasonality by itself is an aggregate, structured phenomenon that provides a spatially distributed background to the epidemic outbreak and its evolution at multiple timescales. Using advanced methods of data and systems analysis, including epidemiological and climate modeling, the RKI data of the COVID-19 epidemic curve for Berlin and a five-parameter climate data set of the nearby station Lindenberg (Mark) are analyzed in daily resolution over the period March 2020 to October 2021. Aimed to identify extrinsic impacts due to organized intraseasonal climate dynamics, as seen in sunshine duration and surface climate (pressure, temperature, humidity, wind), on intrinsic dynamics of the epidemic system, an established (SEIR) model of the latter and modifications thereof have been subjected to in-depth studies with a view on both genesis and timing of epidemic waves and their potential synchronization with climatic background dynamics. Starting with a case study for the spring 2020 period of shutdown, which unveils remarkable synchronies with the seasonal transition, estimates are given and applied to the follow-up period of individual and combined impacts of climate variables on the SEIR model in different oscillatory (non-equilibrium, lately endemic) regimes of operation.&lt;/p&gt;

159 The Need Of Six Monthly Follow Up X-Rays Post Total Knee Replacement(TKR)

2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_6) ◽  
Author(s):  
N Baig ◽  
M Ferrari ◽  
A Lukaszewicz
Keyword(s):  
Total Knee Replacement ◽  
Knee Replacement ◽  
Trauma Centre ◽  
X Rays ◽  
Data Set ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Major Trauma Centre ◽  
Plain Films ◽  
Total Knee

Abstract Background There is a longstanding culture of repeat x-rays after total knee replacement (TKR) as part of follow up, often combined with a clinic review. This is to check that the prosthesis is in a satisfactory position. There are inherently a number of issues with this historic approach including exposure of patients to further radiation who may be asymptomatic, time delays in busy clinics or x-ray departments and costs. Objectives The aim of this audit was to assess whether follow up plain films after TKR are methodically undertaken and of benefit to confirm satisfactory appearance if immediate post -operative x-rays were unremarkable. The findings of a six month follow up x-ray was specifically evaluated. The secondary aim was to establish the timing of further follow up x-rays within the department. Method 200 patients were included within the analysis, they all received a TKR at a major trauma centre, over a one-year period between December 2017 and December 2018. Results It was found that 100% of those patients having a post-operative film had a satisfactory appearance. 78% of patients had at least one further follow op x-ray of which 99.4% were satisfactory. Up to five follow up x-rays were taken with 53.5% of patients having a follow up x-ray at 6 months. Conclusions From the above results there is minimal, if any, evidence within the data set to support routine, additional follow up imaging if initial post-operative films are satisfactory, and the patient is asymptomatic.

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