ZZ-boson polarization as a model-discrimination analyzer

Determining the spin of any new particle is critical in identifying the true theory among various extensions of the Standard Model (SM). The degree of $Z$-boson polarization in any two-body decay process $A\to B Z$ is sensitive to the spin assignments of two new particles $A$ and $B$. Considering all possible spin-0, 1/2 and 1 combinations in a renormalizable field theory, we demonstrate that $Z$-boson polarization can indeed play a role of a decisive and universal analyzer in distinguishing the different spin assignments.Comment: 10 pages, 3 figures, 1 tabl

Periconception Maternal Folate Status and Human Embryonic Cerebellum Growth Trajectories: The Rotterdam Predict Study.

We aimed to investigate whether periconceptional maternal folate status affects human embryonic cerebellar size and growth trajectories. In a prospective periconceptional cohort participants filled out questionnaires and received weekly transvaginal 3D-ultrasounds between 7+0 and 12+6 weeks gestational age (GA). Viable non-malformed singleton pregnancies were selected for cerebellar measurements; transcerebellar diameter, (TCD), left and right cerebellar diameters (LCD, RCD). Linear mixed models were performed to estimate associations between questionnaire data on the timing of maternal folic acid supplement initiation and longitudinal cerebellar measurements as a function of crown-rump length (CRL) and GA. Maternal red blood cell folate concentrations were analysed before 8 weeks GA to validate the associations. A total of 263 serial high quality three-dimensional ultrasound scans of 135 pregnancies were studied. Preconceptional compared to postconceptional initiation of folic acid use was associated with slightly larger cerebellar diameters per millimetre increase of CRL (TCD: β = 0.260mm, 95%CI = 0.023-0.491, p<0.05; LCD: β = 0.171mm, 95%CI = 0.038-0.305, p<0.05; RCD: β = 0.156mm, 95%CI = 0.032-0.280, p<0.05) and with proportional cerebellar growth (TCD/CRL:β = 0.015mm/mm, 95%CI = 0.005-0.024, p<0.01; LCD/CRL:β = 0.012mm/mm, 95%CI = 0.005-0.018, p<0.01; RCD/CRL:β = 0.011mm/mm, 95%CI = 0.005-0.017, p<0.01). Cerebellar growth was significantly highest in the third quartile of maternal red blood cell folate levels (1538-1813 nmol/L). These first findings show that periconceptional maternal folate status is associated with human embryonic cerebellar development. Implications of these small but significant variations for fetal cerebellar growth trajectories and the child's neurodevelopmental outcome are yet unknown and warrant further investigation

Correction: Periconception Maternal Folate Status and Human Embryonic Cerebellum Growth Trajectories: The Rotterdam Predict Study.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0141089.]

Prenatal influence of congenital heart defects on trajectories of cortical folding of the fetal brain using three-dimensional ultrasound

Objective: The objective of the study is to investigate the prenatal influence of congenital heart defects (CHD) on trajectories of fetal cortical folding using three-dimensional ultrasound (3D US). Method: We included 20 CHD fetuses and 193 controls for studying the fetal brain at 22, 26 and 32 weeks' gestational age (GA). The Sylvian, insula and parieto-occipital fissure (POF) depths were measured using 3D US, and reliability was evaluated. Doppler indices of the umbilical artery and middle cerebral artery were measured to calculate the cerebro-placental ratio. Associations between CHD and cortical folding were estimated using linear mixed models. Results: Brain fissure measurements were successful in over 80% of 3D US scans, except for the POF at 32 weeks' GA (65%). All measurements showed a good reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients > 0.84). Growth trajectories of the left insula depth (ß = −2.753, 95% CI = −5.375; −0.130, p = 0.040) and right POF (ß = −3.762, 95% CI = −7.178; −0.346, p = 0.031) were decreased in CHD compared with controls, whereas growth rates were increased (ß = 0.014, 95% CI = 0.001; 0.027, p = 0.036 and ß = 0.024, 95% CI = 0.007; 0.041, p = 0.006). In contrast to controls, we found no associations between cerebro-placental ratio and cortical folding in CHD. Conclusion: Fetal cortical folding can be evaluated reliably by measuring brain fissure depths. Trajectories of cortical folding between 22 and 32 weeks' GA seem to be influenced by CHD

Protocolled display of the three-dimensional ultrasound scan.

<p>Three-dimensional ultrasound image of an embryo at 9⁺² weeks GA with the standardized cerebellum measurements TCD (1), LCD (2), RCD (3) in 4D view.</p

Measurements per gestational week, with corresponding mean and SD values.

<p>Measurements per gestational week, with corresponding mean and SD values.</p

General Characteristics of the study groups.

<p>General Characteristics of the study groups.</p

Associations between periconceptional red blood cell folate quartiles and cerebellar growth trajectories.

<p>Linear mixed models representing the effects of red blood cell folate quartiles on cerebellar growth trajectories as a function of CRL in millimetres and GA in days. The blue line represents the third quartile used as reference.</p

3D-Ultrasound data and the success rate of measurements.

<p>3D-Ultrasound data and the success rate of measurements.</p