Contamination of early-type galaxy alignments to galaxy lensing-CMB lensing cross-correlation

Galaxy shapes are subject to distortions due to the tidal field of the Universe. The cross-correlation of galaxy lensing with the lensing of the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) cannot easily be separated from the cross-correlation of galaxy intrinsic shapes with CMB lensing. Previous work suggested that the intrinsic alignment contamination can be $15\%$ of this cross-spectrum for the CFHT Stripe 82 (CS82) and Atacama Cosmology Telescope surveys. Here we re-examine these estimates using up-to-date observational constraints of intrinsic alignments at a redshift more similar to that of CS82 galaxies. We find a $\approx$ $10\%$ contamination of the cross-spectrum from red galaxies, with $\approx$ $3\%$ uncertainty due to uncertainties in the redshift distribution of source galaxies and the modelling of the spectral energy distribution. Blue galaxies are consistent with being unaligned, but could contaminate the cross-spectrum by an additional $9.5\%$ within current $95\%$ confidence levels. While our fiducial estimate of alignment contamination is similar to previous work, our work suggests that the relevance of alignments for CMB lensing-galaxy lensing cross-correlation remains largely unconstrained. Little information is currently available about alignments at $z>1.2$. We consider the upper limiting case where all $z>1.2$ galaxies are aligned with the same strength as low redshift luminous red galaxies, finding as much as $\approx$ $60\%$ contamination.Comment: 11 pages, 3 figures, MNRAS submitte

Towards a cosmological neutrino mass detection

Future cosmological measurements should enable the sum of neutrino masses to be determined indirectly through their effects on the expansion rate of the Universe and the clustering of matter. We consider prospects for the gravitationally lensed Cosmic Microwave Background anisotropies and Baryon Acoustic Oscillations in the galaxy distribution, examining how the projected uncertainty of $\approx15$ meV on the neutrino mass sum (a 4$\sigma$ detection of the minimal mass) might be reached over the next decade. The current 1$\sigma$ uncertainty of $\approx 103$ meV (Planck-2015+BAO-15) will be improved by upcoming 'Stage-3' CMB experiments (S3+BAO-15: 44 meV), then upcoming BAO measurements (S3+DESI: 22 meV), and planned next-generation 'Stage 4' CMB experiments (S4+DESI: 15-19 meV, depending on angular range). An improved optical depth measurement is important: the projected neutrino mass uncertainty increases to $26$ meV if S4 is limited to $\ell>20$ and combined with current large-scale polarization data. Looking beyond $\Lambda$CDM, including curvature uncertainty increases the forecast mass error by $\approx$ 50% for S4+DESI, and more than doubles the error with a two-parameter dark energy equation of state. Complementary low-redshift probes including galaxy lensing will play a role in distinguishing between massive neutrinos and a departure from a $w=-1$, flat geometry.Comment: Submitted to PRD. 15 pages, 10 figure

Mixed methods research: expanding the evidence base

‘Mixed methods’ is a research approach whereby researchers collect and analyse both quantitative and qualitative data within the same study. Growth of mixed methods research in nursing and healthcare has occurred at a time of internationally increasing complexity in healthcare delivery. Mixed methods research draws on potential strengths of both qualitative and quantitative methods, allowing researchers to explore diverse perspectives and uncover relationships that exist between the intricate layers of our multifaceted research questions. As providers and policy makers strive to ensure quality and safety for patients and families, researchers can use mixed methods to explore contemporary healthcare trends and practices across increasingly diverse practice settings. This article will outline common types of mixed methods designs and provide examples of how nursing researchers can apply different mixed methods designs in order to answer important nursing practice questions

Peer-Facilitated Cognitive Dissonance versus Healthy Weight Eating Disorders Prevention: A Randomized Comparison

Research supports the efficacy of both cognitive dissonance (CD) and healthy weight (HW) eating disorders prevention, and indicates that CD can be delivered by peer-facilitators, which facilitates dissemination. This study investigated if peer-facilitators can deliver HW when it is modified for their use and extended follow-up of peer-facilitated CD as compared to previous trials. Based on pilot data, we modified HW (MHW) to facilitate peer delivery, elaborate benefits of the healthy-ideal, and place greater emphasis on consuming nutrient dense foods. Female sorority members (N=106) were randomized to either two 2-hour sessions of CD or MHW. Participants completed assessment pre- and post-intervention, and at 8-week, 8-month, and 14-month follow-up. Consistent with hypotheses, CD decreased negative affect, thin-ideal internalization, and bulimic pathology to a greater degree post-intervention. Both CD and MHW reduced negative affect, internalization, body dissatisfaction, dietary restraint, and bulimic pathology at 14 months

Cognition and education benefits of increased hemoglobin and blood oxygenation in children with sickle cell disease

BACKGROUND: Among individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD), decreased hemoglobin is associated with lower oxygen saturation (SpO2) and increased risk of stroke, both of which are associated with lower intelligence quotient (IQ) scores. Thus, increasing hemoglobin and SpO2 in individuals with SCD may increase IQ and educational attainment. METHODS: A cohort simulation model was built to determine academic performance and educational attainment based on cognitive function (measured by IQ) of a pediatric SCD cohort randomly assigned to treatment and control groups. The model contained two key stages: childhood (\u3c10 years) and adolescence (≥10 years). In stage 1, increased hemoglobin and increased SpO2 (assigned to the treatment group) were determinants of higher IQ, prevention of IQ deterioration over time. Increased hemoglobin was also a determinant of decreased stroke risk. In stage 2, improvement in adolescent IQ as a result of treatment was a determinant of academic performance. RESULTS: In a simulated cohort of 2000 children and adolescents with SCD (52.5% female, 50% treated), stroke incidence was predicted to be 44.4% lower among the treated group than the untreated group (4.5% versus 8.1%, respectively). The average IQ among the treated group was estimated to be 91.1 compared with 82.9 in the untreated group (a 9.9% difference; P\u3c0.001). Finally, high school (≥12 years of education) completion rates were estimated to be 64.7% higher among the treated group: 76.1% of the treated group was projected to complete high school compared with 46.2% of the untreated group. CONCLUSIONS: Our model predicts that an average improvement in hemoglobin of 1.1 g/dL (11 g/L) among individuals with SCD may be associated with improved neurocognition and educational outcomes. These improvements may also generate benefits not captured by our model, including improved quality of life, employment, and income

Microcystic, Elongated, and Fragmented (MELF) Pattern Invasion in Ovarian Endometrioid Carcinoma: Immunohistochemical Profile and Prognostic Implications

BACKGROUND •Microcystic, Elongated and Fragmented (MELF) is a well-recognized pattern of uterine endometrioid carcinoma (UEC) associated with lymphovascular space invasion and occult lymph node metastasis •MELF in UEC may be seen with Lynch Syndrome •MELF in UEC is hypothesized to be histologic evidence of an epithelial mesenchymal transition •MELF pattern invasion in ovarian endometrioid carcinoma (OEC) was first described at USCAP 2015 • Current study evaluates MELF in OEC for •Prognostic implications •Immunohistochemical (IHC) profile related to •Lynch Syndrome •Epithelial mesenchymal transition DESIGN •42 consecutive cases of OEC without concurrent UEC (1996-2014) evaluated by 2 pathologists •MELF defined as at least three glands fulfilling histologic criteria •32 cases had blocks available for staining •MLH1, PMS2, MSH2 and MSH6 for mismatch repair (MMR) protein expression •Graded as “retained” or “lost” •β-catenin, e-cadherin, CK19 and cyclin D1 for evidence of epithelial mesenchymal transition •Graded as “rare” (75% cells stain) •Retrospective chart review of clinical and demographic features and overall survival •Data analyzed using Fisher exact test analysis •Survival analyzed using Kaplan-Meier metho

Developmental Progress of the Nanoparticle Field Extraction Thruster

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/76891/1/AIAA-2008-5096-799.pd

A promising Start? The Local Network Fund for Children and Young People: Interim Findings from the National Evaluation

This is a summary of the interim evaluation report of the National Evaluation of the Local Network Fund (LNF) for Children and Young People. It is based on data gathered during the first phase of the evaluation (between October 2002 to December 2003). A final report of the National Evaluation will be available early in 2005. A consortium of research organisations, led by the University of Hull and including BMRB Social Research, The University of York and the University of Sheffield were commissioned in August 2002 by the-then Children and Young People’s Unit (CYPU) to carry out the evaluation