First results from the Very Small Array -- IV. Cosmological parameter estimation

We investigate the constraints on basic cosmological parameters set by the first compact-configuration observations of the Very Small Array (VSA), and other cosmological data sets, in the standard inflationary LambdaCDM model. Using a weak prior 40 < H_0 < 90 km/s/Mpc and 0 < tau < 0.5 we find that the VSA and COBE_DMR data alone produce the constraints Omega_tot = 1.03^{+0.12}_{-0.12}, Omega_bh^2 = 0.029^{+0.009}_{-0.009}, Omega_cdm h^2 = 0.13^{+0.08}_{-0.05} and n_s = 1.04^{+0.11}_{-0.08} at the 68 per cent confidence level. Adding in the type Ia supernovae constraints, we additionally find Omega_m = 0.32^{+0.09}_{-0.06} and Omega_Lambda = 0.71^{+0.07}_{-0.07}. These constraints are consistent with those found by the BOOMERanG, DASI and MAXIMA experiments. We also find that, by combining all the recent CMB experiments and assuming the HST key project limits for H_0 (for which the X-ray plus Sunyaev--Zel'dovich route gives a similar result), we obtain the tight constraints Omega_m=0.28^{+0.14}_{-0.07} and Omega_Lambda= 0.72^{+0.07}_{-0.13}, which are consistent with, but independent of, those obtained using the supernovae data.Comment: 10 pages, 6 figures, MNRAS in pres

Distinguishing among Scalar Field Models of Dark Energy

We show that various scalar field models of dark energy predict degenerate luminosity distance history of the Universe and thus cannot be distinguished by supernovae measurements alone. In particular, models with a vanishing cosmological constant (the value of the potential at its minimum) are degenerate with models with a positive or negative cosmological constant whose magnitude can be as large as the critical density. Adding information from CMB anisotropy measurements does reduce the degeneracy somewhat but not significantly. Our results indicate that a theoretical prior on the preferred form of the potential and the field's initial conditions may allow to quantitatively estimate model parameters from data. Without such a theoretical prior only limited qualitative information on the form and parameters of the potential can be extracted even from very accurate data.Comment: 15 pages, 5 figure

Interacting Ghost Dark Energy in Non-Flat Universe

A new dark energy model called "ghost dark energy" was recently suggested to explain the observed accelerating expansion of the universe. This model originates from the Veneziano ghost of QCD. The dark energy density is proportional to Hubble parameter, $\rho_D=\alpha H$, where $\alpha$ is a constant of order $\Lambda_{\rm QCD}^3$ and $\Lambda_{\rm QCD}\sim 100 MeV$ is QCD mass scale. In this paper, we extend the ghost dark energy model to the universe with spatial curvature in the presence of interaction between dark matter and dark energy. We study cosmological implications of this model in detail. In the absence of interaction the equation of state parameter of ghost dark energy is always $w_D > -1$ and mimics a cosmological constant in the late time, while it is possible to have $w_D < -1$ provided the interaction is taken into account. When $k = 0$, all previous results of ghost dark energy in flat universe are recovered. To check the observational consistency, we use Supernova type Ia (SNIa) Gold sample, shift parameter of Cosmic Microwave Background radiation (CMB) and the Baryonic Acoustic Oscillation peak from Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS). The best fit values of free parameter at $1\sigma$ confidence interval are: $\Omega_m^0= 0.35^{+0.02}_{-0.03}$, $\Omega_D^0=0.75_{-0.04}^{+0.01}$ and $b^2=0.08^{+0.03}_{-0.03}$. Consequently the total energy density of universe at present time in this model at 68% level equates to $\Omega_{\rm tot}^0=1.10^{+0.02}_{-0.05}$.Comment: 19 pages, 9 figures. V2: Added comments, observational consequences, references, figures and major corrections. Accepted for publication in General Relativity and Gravitatio

Vector field as a quintessence partner

We derive generic equations for a vector field driving the evolution of flat homogeneous isotropic universe and give a comparison with a scalar filed dynamics in the cosmology. Two exact solutions are shown as examples, which can serve to describe an inflation and a slow falling down of dynamical ``cosmological constant'' like it is given by the scalar quintessence. An attractive feature of vector field description is a generation of ``induced mass'' proportional to a Hubble constant, which results in a dynamical suppression of actual cosmological constant during the evolution.Comment: 14 pages, LaTeX file, iopart class, discussion extended, reference adde

Haploinsufficiency and reduced expression of genes localized to the 8p chromosomal region in human prostate tumors

Cytogenetic and molecular studies have suggested that deletion or rearrangement of sequences that map to the short arm of chromosome 8 may be permissive for tumorigenesis in several organ systems, and in human prostate tumors in particular. In this study, we hypothesized that genes deleted for one copy and localized to the 8p chromosomal region may be transcriptionally down-regulated or ablated in affected human prostate tumor tissues. To test this hypothesis, we used cDNA microarray analysis to determine the transcriptional profiles for 259 transcribed sequences mapping to the 8p chromosomal region for seven human prostate tumor xenografts, completely characterized for numerical and structural alterations on chromosome 8, and five normal human prostate tissues. These experiments identified 33 genes differentially expressed between normal and malignant prostate tissues, the majority of which (28/33, 85%) were transcriptionally down-regulated in malignant compared to normal human prostate tissues. These findings, that haploinsufficiency and transcriptional down-regulation for genes mapping to 8p are largely coincident in human prostate tumors, should provide a powerful tool for the identification of tumor-suppressor genes associated with human prostate cancer initiation and progression. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/35134/1/10226_ftp.pd

How do parents of children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) perceive their therapies?

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Complementary and alternative medical (CAM) therapies are commonly used by pediatric patients with chronic medical conditions. Little is known about parents' perceptions of these therapies. This study describes the views of parents of patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) regarding conventional and CAM therapies.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Parents of children with JIA seen at a pediatric rheumatology clinic were surveyed between June 1 and July 31, 2007. Questionnaires asked about patients' use of over 75 therapies in the past 30 days, their perceived helpfulness (0 = not helpful; 3 = very helpful), perceived side effects (0 = none; 3 = severe), and whether each therapy would be recommended to other patients with JIA (Yes, No, Not sure).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Questionnaires were returned by 52/76 (68%) parents; patients' average age was 10.9 years and 87% were Caucasian. Medications were used by 45 (88%) patients; heat (67%) and extra rest (54%) were also commonly used. CAM therapies were used by 48 (92%), e.g., massage (54%), vitamins and other supplements (54%), avoiding foods that worsened pain (35%) and stress management techniques (33%). Among the therapies rated by 3 or more parents, those that scored 2.5 or higher on helpfulness were: biologic medications, methotrexate, naproxen, wheelchairs, orthotics, heat, vitamins C and D, music, support groups and prayer. CAM therapies had 0 median side effects and parents would recommend many of them to other families.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>JIA patients use diverse therapies. Parents report that many CAM therapies are helpful and would recommend them to other parents. These data can be used in counseling patients and guiding future research.</p

The CMB power spectrum out to l=1400 measured by the VSA

We have observed the cosmic microwave background (CMB) in three regions of sky using the Very Small Array (VSA) in an extended configuration with antennas of beamwidth 2 degrees at 34 GHz. Combined with data from previous VSA observations using a more compact array with larger beamwidth, we measure the power spectrum of the primordial CMB anisotropies between angular multipoles l = 160 - 1400. Such measurements at high l are vital for breaking degeneracies in parameter estimation from the CMB power spectrum and other cosmological data. The power spectrum clearly resolves the first three acoustic peaks, shows the expected fall off in power at high l and starts to constrain the position and height of a fourth peak.Comment: 6 pages with 5 figures, MNRAS in press (minor corrections

Change in basic motor abilities, quality of movement and everyday activities following intensive, goal-directed, activity-focused physiotherapy in a group setting for children with cerebral palsy

Background: The effects of intensive training for children with cerebral palsy (CP) remain uncertain. The aim of the study was to investigate the impact on motor function, quality of movements and everyday activities of three hours of goal-directed activity-focused physiotherapy in a group setting, five days a week for a period of three weeks. Methods: A repeated measures design was applied with three baseline and two follow up assessments; immediately and three weeks after intervention. Twenty-two children with hemiplegia (n = 7), diplegia (n = 11), quadriplegia (n = 2) and ataxia (n = 2) participated, age ranging 3-9 y. All levels of Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) were represented. Parents and professionals participated in goal setting and training. ANOVA was used to analyse change over repeated measures. Results: A main effect of time was shown in the primary outcome measure; Gross Motor Function Measure-66 (GMFM- 66), mean change being 4.5 (p < 0.01) from last baseline to last follow up assessment. An interaction between time and GMFCS-levels was found, implying that children classified to GMFCS-levels I-II improved more than children classified to levels III-V. There were no main or interaction effects of age or anti-spastic medication. Change scores in the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) ranged 2.0-6.7, p < 0.01 in the Self-care domain of the Functional Skills dimension, and the Self-care and Mobility domains of the Caregiver Assistance dimension. The children's individual goals were on average attained, Mean Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) T-score being 51.3. Non-significant improved scores on the Gross Motor Performance Measure (GMPM) and the Quality of Upper Extremities Skills Test (QUEST) were demonstrated. Significant improvement in GMPM scores were found in improved items of the GMFM, not in items that maintained the same score. Conclusions: Basic motor abilities and self-care improved in young children with CP after goal-directed activityfocused physiotherapy with involvement of their local environment, and their need for caregiver assistance in self-care and mobility decreased. The individualized training within a group context during a limited period of time was feasible and well-tolerated. The coherence between acquisition of basic motor abilities and quality of movement should be further examined

The effect of osteoprotegerin administration on the intra-tibial growth of the osteoblastic LuCaP 23.1 prostate cancer xenograft

Osteoprotegerin (OPG) plays a central role in controlling bone resorption. Exogenous administration of OPG has been shown to be effective in preventing osteolysis and limiting the growth of osteolytic metastasis. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of OPG on osteoblastic prostate cancer (CaP) metastases in an animal model. LuCaP 23.1 cells were injected intra-tibially and Fc-OPG (6.0 mg/kg) was administered subcutaneously three times a week starting either 24 hours prior to cell injection (prevention regimen) or at 4 weeks post-injection (treatment regimen). Changes in bone mineral density at the tumor site were determined by dual x-ray absorptiometry. Tumor growth was monitored by evaluating serum prostate specific antigen (PSA). Fc-OPG did not inhibit establishment of osteoblastic bone lesions of LuCaP 23.1, but it decreased growth of the tumor cells, as determined by decreases in serum PSA levels of 73.0 ± 44.3% ( P < 0.001) and 78.3 ± 25.3% ( P < 0.001) under the treatment and prevention regimens, respectively, compared to the untreated tumor-bearing animals. Administration of Fc-OPG decreased the proliferative index by 35.0% ( P = 0.1838) in the treatment group, and 75.2% ( P = 0.0358) in the prevention group. The results of this study suggest a potential role for OPG in the treatment of established osteoblastic CaP bone metastases.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/42587/1/10585_2004_Article_2869.pd