COINSTAC 2.0: decentralized, scalable analysis of loosely coupled data

Project Summary/Abstract
The brain imaging community is greatly benefiting from extensive data sharing efforts currently underway.
However, there is still a major gap in that much data is still not openly shareable, which we propose to address.
In addition, current approaches to data sharing often include significant logistical hurdles both for the investigator
sharing the data (e.g. often times multiple data sharing agreements and approvals are required from US and
international institutions) as well as for the individual requesting the data (e.g. substantial computational re-
sources and time is needed to pool data from large studies with local study data). This needs to change, so that
the scientific community can create a venue where data can be collected, managed, widely shared and analyzed
while also opening up access to the (many) data sets which are not currently available (see overview on this
from our group7). The large amount of existing data requires an approach that can analyze data in a distributed
way while (if required) leaving control of the source data with the individual investigator or the data host; this
motivates a dynamic, decentralized way of approaching large scale analyses. During the previous funding
period, we developed a peer-to-peer system called the Collaborative Informatics and Neuroimaging Suite Toolkit
for Anonymous Computation (COINSTAC). Our system provides an independent, open, no-strings-attached tool
that performs analysis on datasets distributed across different locations. Thus, the step of actually aggregating
data is avoided, while the strength of large-scale analyses can be retained. During this new phase we respond
to the need for advanced algorithms such as linear mixed effects models and deep learning, by proposing to
develop decentralized models for these approaches and also implement a fully scalable cloud-based framework
with enhanced security features. To achieve this, in Aim 1, we will incorporate the necessary functionality to
scale up analyses via the ability to work with either local or commercial private cloud environments, together with
advanced visualization, quality control, and privacy and security features. This suite of new functions will open
the floodgates for the use of COINSTAC by the larger neuroscience community to enable new discovery and
analysis of unprecedented amounts of brain imaging data located throughout the world. We will also improve
usability, training materials, engage the community in contributing to the open source code base, and ultimately
facilitate the use of COINSTAC's tools for additional science and discovery in a broad range of applications. In
Aim 2 we will extend the framework to handle powerful algorithms such as linear mixed effects models and deep
learning, and to perform meta-learning for leveraging and updating fit models. And finally, in Aim 3, we will test
this new functionality through a partnership with the worldwide ENIGMA addiction group, which is currently not
able to perform advanced machine learning analyses on data that cannot be centrally located. We will evaluate
the impact of 6 main classes of substances of abuse (e.g. methamphetamines, cocaine, cannabis, nicotine,
opiates, alcohol and their combinations) using the new developed functionality.
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Grant Number: 5R01DA040487-10
NIH Institute/Center: NIH
Principal Investigator: VINCE CALHOUN