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Contains fulltext : 292920.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access) Women tend to make a decision about participation in breast cancer screening and adhere to this for future invitations. Therefore, our study aimed to provide high-quality information on cumulative risks of false-positive (FP) recall and screen-detected breast cancer over multiple screening examinations. Individual Dutch screening registry data (2005-2018) were gathered on subsequent screening examinations of 92 902 women age 49 to 51 years in 2005. Survival analyses were used to calculate cumulative risks of a FP and a true-positive (TP) result after seven examinations. Data from 66 472 women age 58 to 59 years were used to extrapolate to 11 examinations. Participation, detection and additional FP rates were calculated for women who previously received FP results compared to women with true negative (TN) results. After 7 examinations, the cumulative risk of a TP result was 3.7% and the cumulative risk of a FP result was 9.1%. After 11 examinations, this increased to 7.1% and 13.5%, respectively. Following a FP result, participation was lower (71%-81%) than following a TN result (>90%). In women with a FP result, more TP results (factor 1.59 [95% CI: 1.44-1.72]), more interval cancers (factor 1.66 [95% CI: 1.41-1.91]) and more FP results (factor 1.96 [95% CI: 1.87-2.05]) were found than in women with TN results. In conclusion, due to a low recall rate in the Netherlands, the cumulative risk of a FP recall is relatively low, while the cumulative risk of a TP result is comparable. Breast cancer diagnoses and FP results were more common in women with FP results than in women with TN results, while participation was lower.

This article provides a third manifestation of a new tradition by which the editors of Comments on Inorganic Chemistry wish to lead by example, whereby we start publishing original research content...

Objective: The goal of this work was to create implantable stimulator systems that could be used in animal experiments on laryngeal paralysis, including “closed-loop” stimulation of impaired muscles triggered by electromyographic (EMG) potentials from healthy muscles. Study Design: Iterative device design and testing. Methods: A series of microcontroller-based implantable devices were built that incorporated increasingly sophisticated features for stimulation, EMG recording, and communication across the skin. Specific engineering challenges included minimizing power consumption, achieving charge-balanced and relatively high stimulation capacity, implementing noninvasive communication across the skin, providing real-time processing of EMG signals, and mitigating effects of shock artifacts. Bench testing was used to verify performance. Results: Two prototypes are described in detail. Each system is based on an “implant” and an external “communication adapter” that interfaces both with the implant and with external computers for adjustments and monitoring. The first version described is inductively powered and referred to as the “inductive laryngeal stimulator.” It uses inductive coupling for both power and communication and performs EMG processing in the communication adapter module. The second version, a “battery-powered laryngeal stimulator,” consists of an autonomous battery-powered implant with onboard EMG processing and artifact control; it communicates by infrared light with the external communication adapter for setup and monitoring. Conclusions: The devices met design and performance specifications and have proved useful in the animal experiments that are described in Part 2 of this series. Detailed descriptions of the circuits and their firmware are made available in the Appendix. Level of Evidence: NA

A method for modeling permanent magnet motors including saturation effects on cogging and motive torque is described. This method rivals the accuracy of finite element analyses but solves 4–5 orders of magnitude faster, depending on several factors. Simulation results match well with laboratory measurements.

This paper presents the design and implementation of a large-step-down soft-switched dc-dc converter based on the active bridge technique which overcomes some of the limitations of the conventional Dual Active Bridge (DAB) converter. The topology comprises a double stacked-bridge inverter coupled to a reconfigurable rectifier through a special three-winding leakage transformer. This particular combination of stages enable the converter to run in an additional low-power mode that greatly increases light-load efficiency by reducing core loss and extending the zero-voltage switching (ZVS) range. The converter is implemented with a single compact magnetic component, providing power combining, voltage transformation, isolation, and energy transfer inductance. A 175 kHz, 300 W, 380 V to 12 V GaN-based prototype converter achieves 95.9% efficiency at full load, a peak efficiency of 97.0%, an efficiency above 92.7% down to 10% load and an efficiency above 79.8% down to 3.3% load.

Although personalization of cancer care is recommended, current follow-up after the curative treatment of breast cancer is consensus-based and not differentiated for base-line risk. Every patient receives annual follow-up for 5 years without taking into account the individual risk of recurrence. The aim of this study was to introduce personalized follow-up schemes by stratifying for age. Using data from the Netherlands Cancer Registry of 37 230 patients with early breast cancer between 2003 and 2006, the risk of recurrence was determined for four age groups (70). Follow-up was modeled with a discrete-time partially observable Markov decision process. The decision to test for recurrences was made two times per year. Recurrences could be detected by mammography as well as by self-detection. For all age groups, it was optimal to have more intensive follow-up around the peak in recurrence risk in the second year after diagnosis. For the first age group (

Designing an actuator system for highly dynamic legged robots has been one of the grand challenges in robotics research. Conventional actuators for manufacturing applications have difficulty satisfying design requirements for high-speed locomotion, such as the need for high torque density and the ability to manage dynamic physical interactions. To address this challenge, this paper suggests a proprioceptive actuation paradigm that enables highly dynamic performance in leggedmachines. Proprioceptive actuation uses collocated force control at the joints to effectively control contact interactions at the feet under dynamic conditions. Modal analysis of a reduced leg model and dimensional analysis of DC motors address the main principles for implementation of this paradigm. In the realm of leggedmachines, this paradigm provides a unique combination of high torque density, high-bandwidth force control, and the ability to mitigate impacts through backdrivability. We introduce a new metric named the "impact mitigation factor" (IMF) to quantify backdrivability at impact, which enables design comparison across a wide class of robots. The MIT Cheetah leg is presented, and is shown to have an IMF that is comparable to other quadrupeds with series springs to handle impact. The design enables the Cheetah to control contact forces during dynamic bounding, with contact times down to 85 ms and peak forces over 450 N. The unique capabilities of the MIT Cheetah, achieving impact-robust force-controlled operation in high-speed three-dimensional running and jumping, suggest wider implementation of this holistic actuation approach., United States. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (Contract W31P4Q-13-1-0014)

Background Takotsubo cardiomyopathy often presents with the clinical signs of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The increase in scientific publications addressing this relatively rare condition may result in higher awareness and diagnosis of takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Aim To assess the observed prevalence per year of takotsubo cardiomyopathy in a large registry of patients with STEMI, during a 12-year inclusion period. Method All patients presenting with STEMI at a large regional cardiology clinic were entered into a database (n = 8,413, mean age 63 ± 13 years). Takotsubo cardiomyopathy was diagnosed in 42 patients (0.5 %). Years of evaluation were defined as ‘early years’ (January 2002 to December 2007; n = 4350) and ‘later years’ (January 2008 to December 2013). Multivariable analyses were performed to adjust for differences in demographical and clinical variables. Results In later years, the age of STEMI patients was slightly higher (64 ± 13 vs. 63 ± 13 years, p < 0.001), with more patients with clinical symptoms of shock (10 vs. 7 %, p < 0.001) or a history of percutaneous coronary intervention or hypertension (10 vs. 8 %, p = 0.001 and 37 vs. 34 %, p < 0.001). Smoking and a positive family history were less often observed during later years (39 vs. 46 %, p < 0.001 and 37 vs. 42 % p < 0.001). Patients with takotsubo cardiomyopathy were more often female (81 vs. 27 %, p = 0.001). Takotsubo cardiomyopathy was more often diagnosed in the later period (0.7 vs. 0.3 %, OR 2.4, 95 % CI 1.2–4.6, p = 0.009). The higher prevalence of takotsubo cardiomyopathy in recent years remained significant after adjustment for differences in patient characteristics (OR 2.1, 95 % CI 1.1–4.3). Conclusion Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is currently more often diagnosed in patients with STEMI compared with in earlier years. This is probably due to the increased scientific and clinical awareness among doctors, but the prevalence is still low.

This paper presents a novel ac-dc power factor correction (PFC) power conversion architecture for single-phase grid interface. The proposed architecture has significant advantages for achieving high efficiency, good power factor, and converter miniaturization, especially in low-to-medium power applications. The architecture enables twice-line-frequency energy to be buffered at high voltage with a large voltage swing, enabling reduction in the energy buffer capacitor size, and elimination of electrolytic capacitors. While this architecture can be beneficial with a variety of converter topologies, it is especially suited for system miniaturization by enabling designs that operate at high frequency (HF, 3 – 30 MHz). Moreover, we introduce circuit implementations that provide efficient operation in this range. The proposed approach is demonstrated for an LED driver converter operating at a (variable) HF switching frequency (3 – 10 MHz) from 120Vac, and supplying a 35Vdc output at up to 30W. The prototype converter achieves high efficiency (92%) and power factor (0.89), and maintains good performance over a wide load range. Owing to architecture and HF operation, the prototype achieves a high ‘box’ power density of 50W/ in3 (‘displacement’ power density of 130W/ in3), with miniaturized inductors, ceramic energy buffer capacitors, and a small-volume EMI filter., United States. Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy. Agile Delivery of Electrical Power Technology, Texas Instruments Incorporated

We developed microfabricated flexible neural probes (FNPs) to provide a bi-directional electrical link to the moth Manduca sexta. These FNPs can deliver electrical stimuli to, and capture neural activity from, the insect's central nervous system. They are comprised of two layers of polyimide with gold sandwiched in between in a split-ring geometry that incorporates the bi-cylindrical anatomical structure of the insect's ventral nerve cord. The FNPs provide consistent left and right abdominal stimulation both across animals and within an individual animal. The features of the stimulation (direction, threshold charge) are aligned with anatomical features of the moth. We also have used these FNPs to record neuronal activity in the ventral nerve cord of the moth. Finally, by integrating carbon nanotube (CNT)-Au nanocomposites into the FNPs we have reduced the interfacial impedance between the probe and the neural tissue, thus reducing the magnitude of stimulation voltage. This in turn allows use of the FNPs with a wireless stimulator, enabling stimulation and flight biasing of freely flying moths. Together, these FNPs present a potent new platform for manipulating and measuring the neural circuitry of insects, and for other nerves in humans and other animals with similar dimensions as the ventral nerve cord of the moth.

A young man had severe septic shock with multiorgan failure due to necrotizing fasciitis caused by group A streptococcus after endoscopic repair of a preperitoneal inguinal hernia. He was treated with surgical exploration and antibiotics and resuscitated with fluids, vasopressors, and inotropic agents. He survived this critical illness, but when he woke up from sedation, his vision was lost in both eyes. Ophthalmological evaluation revealed minimal peripapillary retinal hemorrhages without signs of papillary edema. Visually evoked potentials were negative. Magnetic resonance imaging did not show a cause of the visual damage. The patient had bilateral ischemic optic neuropathy diagnosed. Two weeks later, unilateral sudden deafness also developed. The acquired blindness and hearing loss were unchanged after more than 1 year and seem to be permanent, severely disabling this young survivor of septic shock.

This paper presents techniques for the design of high-power Lundell alternators with integrated switched-mode rectifiers. A multisection stator winding and interleaved rectifier arrangement is introduced that enables high power levels to be achieved using small semiconductor devices, and which greatly reduces the output filter capacitor requirements. We also demonstrate control methods suited for this interleaved system. In addition to accurate closed-loop output voltage control, we introduce methods to provide (partial) synchronous rectification for reduced loss, and to provide tight load-dump transient control. The proposed technology is validated in the design and experimental evaluation of a 42-V, 3.4-kW alternator with fully integrated power electronics and controls. The prototype alternator achieves approximately a factor of 2.1 increase in power and 1.6 increase in power density as compared to a conventional diode-rectified alternator.

SUMMARYParticipating researchers and public health personnel at a Canadian workshop in 2007, noted considerable gaps in current understanding of community-associated Clostridium difficile infection (CA-CDI), specifically infection sources and risk factors. A disease transmission model for CA-CDI was requested as an initial step towards a risk assessment, to analyse infection sources and risk factors, addressing priority research areas. The developed model contains eight infection states (susceptible, gastrointestinal exposure, colonized, diseased, deceased, clinically resolved colonized, relapse diseased, and cleared) and notes directional transfers between the states. Most published research used focused on hospital-associated C. difficile infection (HA-CDI) and further studies are needed to substantiate the use of HA-CDI knowledge in the transmission of CA-CDI. The aim was to provide a consistent framework for researchers, and provide a theoretical basis for future quantitative risk assessment of CA-CDI.

This paper presents the design and control of a single-axis positioning stage with a total travel of 50 mm. The single-axis stage is comprised of a long-range slideway, running on ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) bearings, and a short-range positioning stage, comprised of a PZT driven flexure. Feedback errors associated with the long-range stage are reduced by the short-range stage, mounted on top of the long-range stage. Within the evaluation of the long-range stage, two alternative drives are assessed; a Roh’lix ® and a feedscrew drive. To determine the effects of dynamic interaction between the two drive systems, a further assessment of the single-axis stage was undertaken with the short-range stage operating at different bandwidths, ranging from 91 Hz to 2188 Hz. At the highest bandwidths, nanometer performance is demonstrated for a sinusoidal displacement demand corresponding to sinusoidal traverses of 1 mm and 5 mm with a maximum velocity of approximately 30 μm s −1 and 150 μm s −1 , respectively. Furthermore, a 12 nm RMS controller error over a traverse of 25 mm at a maximum velocity of approximately 330 μm s −1 was observed with the use of the feedscrew drive only.

Background For more than two decades, Epi Info software has been used to meet the data management, analysis, and mapping needs of public health professionals in more than 181 countries and 13 languages. Until now, most Epi Info systems have been relatively simple, mainly because of a lack of detailed and structured guidance for developing complex systems. Objective and results We created the structured application framework for Epi Info (SAFE), which is a set of guidelines that allows developers to create both simple and complex information systems using accepted good programming practices. This has resulted in application code blocks that are re-useable and easy to maintain, modify, and enhance. The flexibility of SAFE allows various aggregate and case-based application modules to be rapidly created, combined, and updated to create health information systems or sub-systems enabling continuous, incremental enhancement as national and local capacity increases. Conclusions SAFE and Epi Info are both cost-free and have low system requirements—characteristics that render this framework and software beneficial for developing countries.

Purpose To evaluate the indications for modern scleral lenses and their clinical performance in patients who were fitted with scleral lenses at the authors' practices. Methods In this cross-sectional survey, all the necessary data were obtained at the first follow-up visit during the 5-month study period. There were four types of scleral lenses: spherical, front-surface toric, back-surface toric, and bitoric. The preformed scleral lens fitting technique developed at Visser Contact Lens Practice was used in all patients. The lenses were cut by precise Sub Micron Lathing from a Boston Equalens II blank at Procornea. Visual acuity and slitlamp findings were recorded. A specially designed classification for scleral lens fitting was used to investigate clinical performance. Results The largest proportion of the 178 patients (284 eyes) were diagnosed with keratoconus (143 [50.4%] eyes) followed by postpenetrating keratoplasty (56 [19.7%] eyes). The remaining diagnoses were irregular astigmatism, keratitis sicca, corneal dystrophy, and multiple diagnoses. The ratio of spherical to back-surface toric designs was 1:1.1. Clinical examination showed sharp increases in visual acuity (median increase, 0.45) and safe physiologic responses of the anterior eye. All the patients could continue to wear scleral lenses, with 79.2% with the same lens parameters. Conclusions Several types of corneal abnormality were managed successfully with modern scleral lenses. The main indication was optical correction of an irregular corneal surface. Satisfactory clinical performance meant that all the patients could continue to wear their scleral lenses.

Electroporation is a method to introduce molecules, such as gene constructs or small drugs, into cells by temporarily permeating the cell membrane with electric pulses. In molecular medicine and biotechnology, tissue electroporation is performed with electrodes placed in the target area of the body. Currently, tissue electroporation, as with all other methods of molecular medicine, is performed without real-time control or near-term information regarding the extent and degree of electroporation. This paper expands the work from our previous study by implementing new ex vivo experimental data with "front-tracking" analysis for the image reconstruction algorithm. The experimental data is incorporated into numerical simulations of electroporation procedures and images are generated using the new reconstruction algorithm to demonstrate that electrical impedance tomography (EIT) can produce an image of the electroporated area. Combining EIT with electroporation could become an important biotechnological and medical technique to introduce therapeutic molecules into cells in tissue at predetermined areas of the body.

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A 64-year-old man suffering from an acute posterior wall myocardial infarction underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention. After several aspiration attempts, tirofiban infusion and pre- and post-dilatation, a bare-metal stent was successfully implanted in the culprit right coronary artery. While the patient did not show any neurological symptoms before or during the procedure, he exhibited hemiplegia and loss of spontaneous speech. Additional magnetic resonance imaging showed an extensive brain stem infarction. This is the first report of a brain stem infarction as a complication of percutaneous coronary intervention. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s12471-015-0717-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

It is widely believed that work in the high technology sector is different from traditional industry. Yet based upon a random sample of 1509 members of the Silicon Valley work force, no reliable differences were found between industrial sectors on composite job satisfaction. Although degrees of satisfaction were virtually the same for high technology and traditional work, relatively large differences divided social classes within the workplace. These findings may challenge the theory that work in the “postindustrial,” high technology society of the future will be more satisfying. The results suggest that the well documented relationship among class, occupation, and job satisfaction will persist into the new workplaces.

A new instrument, the Absolute Charge Sensor (ACS), has been developed that measures the net charge density entrained in a fluid flow, independent of the fluid's electrical properties, velocity, and any electrification processes within the instrument. Through a shielded sampling probe, the ACS periodically transfers a small volume of charged fluid to an electrically isolated Faraday cage with no fluid exiting. The charge density is calculated from the known filling flow rate and either the current or voltage, respectively measured by low or high impedance electrometers connected to the electrically isolated Faraday cage. The ACS overcomes the ambiguity in current or voltage measurements of probes placed into the fluid flow where it is impossible to separate contributions from impacting charge in the flow from charge separated at the probe interface by the very charge generation and transport processes that are under study. The instrument is typically operated to measure charge densities as low as a few mu C/m/sup 3/ using a sampling flow rate of 0.18 cm/sup 3/ with a sampling period on the order of 1 min. A Couette charger apparatus that simulates flow electrification processes in transformers and fuel pumps has been used to test the ACS using transformer oil or gasoline. Result show good correlation between the ACS and continuous flow measurements. >

PURPOSE: To evaluate the subjective performance of modern scleral lenses in patients of the clinics of Visser Contact Lens Practice. METHODS: In this cross-sectional survey, all the necessary data were collected at the first follow-up visit during the 5-month study period. In accordance with the preformed fitting technique developed at Visser Contact Lens Practice, four types of scleral lenses were used: spherical, front-surface toric, back-surface toric, and bitoric. Subjective performance was investigated during an interview that included the use of a five-point Likert scale and by means of a questionnaire supplemented by a 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS). RESULTS: The interview and questionnaire showed high scores for patient satisfaction with the current scleral lens in the 178 patients (284 eyes) (median score, 4; range Likert scale, 1-5; median score, >or=75; range VAS, 1-100). Significant increases in scores were seen with the current scleral lens compared to the former correction: 78.9% for comfort, 78.2% for visual quality, and 87.7% for overall satisfaction (n=284 eyes) (P

We develop a clinical visible-light spectroscopy VLS tissue oximeter. Unlike currently approved near- infrared spectroscopy NIRS or pulse oximetry SpO2%, VLS relies on locally absorbed, shallow-penetrating visible light 475 to 625 nm for the monitoring of microvascular hemoglobin oxygen saturation StO2%, allowing incor- poration into therapeutic catheters and probes. A range of probes is developed, including noncontact wands, inva- sive catheters, and penetrating needles with injection ports. Data are collected from: 1. probes, standards, and reference solutions to optimize each component; 2. ex vivo hemoglobin solutions analyzed for StO2% and pO2 during deoxygenation; and 3. human subject skin and mu- cosal tissue surfaces. Results show that differential VLS al- lows extraction of features and minimization of scattering effects, in vitro VLS oximetry reproduces the expected sig- moid hemoglobin binding curve, and in vivo VLS spec- troscopy of human tissue allows for real-time monitoring e.g., gastrointestinal mucosal saturation 69±4%, n =804; gastrointestinal tumor saturation 45±23%, n=14; and p0.0001, with reproducible values and small stan- dard deviations SDs in normal tissues. FDA approved VLS systems began shipping earlier this year. We conclude that VLS is suitable for the real-time collection of spectro- scopic and oximetric data from human tissues, and that a VLS oximeter has application to the monitoring of local- ized subsurface hemoglobin oxygen saturation in the mi- crovascular tissue spaces of human subjects. © 2005 Society of

Transgenic mice that overexpress the mutant human SOD1 gene (hSOD1) serve as an animal model for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Age and sex are recognized as risk factors for ALS, but physical activity remains controversial. Therefore, we investigated the effect of exercise on the phenotype of male and female hSOD1 mice. Onset of disease, progression of disease and survival were measured in low-copy and high-copy hSOD1 mice that were randomized to an exercise or sedentary group. We found that onset of disease was different for the two sexes: significantly earlier in male than in female hSOD1 mice. Exercise delayed the onset of disease in female but not in male hSOD1 mice. Also, exercise delayed the total survival time in female high-copy hSOD1 mice. Muscle morphometry and motor neuron counts were similar in all experimental groups at the end of training. Sedentary female hSOD1 mice showed more frequently irregular estrous cycles suggesting a higher estrogen exposure in exercising female mice. These results suggest a possible neuroprotective effect of female sex hormones and support the view that ALS patients should not avoid regular exercise.

The effectiveness of cryosurgery in treating tumors is highly dependent on knowledge of freezing extent, and therefore relies heavily on real-time imaging techniques for monitoring. Electrical impedance tomography (EIT), which utilizes tissue impedance variation to construct an image, is very well suited to cryosurgery since frozen tissue impedance is much higher than that of unfrozen tissue. In this study, the authors explore cryosurgical monitoring as a previously uninvestigated application for EIT. The feasibility of bio-impedance measurements to detect ice front propagation is demonstrated by freezing planar tissue samples one-dimensionally while measuring impedance along a linear array. The experimental results compare favorably to a simple finite element model designed to provide an electrical field visualization tool.

We analyzed time-series abundances of San Joaquin kit fox estimated during 1983-95 on the Naval Petroleum Reserves in California (NPRC). For the analysis, we modified a model of density-dependent, stochastic population growth to include the lagged effects of a weather covariate (vegetation growing season rainfall). Without the covariate in the model, a statistical test failed to detect significant density dependence in fluctuating kit fox abundances. However, when the covariate was added, strong density dependence was detected. According to an information-theoretic model-selection index, the model with both density dependence and rainfall is far superior to the models that result from deleting one or more of these factors. The 2-year time lag in the response of kit fox abundances to changes in rainfall is consistent with biological expectations of how rainfall affects habitat carrying capacity for kit fox. An additional covariate, a coyote abundance index, failed to improve the model. A population viability analysis (PVA) performed with the combined density dependence-rainfall model suggests that the San Joaquin kit fox on NPRC could face a risk of up to 52% of falling to low levels within 20 years.

Graph models play an important role in floor-plan design. In this paper the relations between the various models are investigated. Useful graph-theoretical facts are presented in this context, and their application is discussed. Special attention is given to the implications of structural restraints, for the models as well as for the applications, geometrical optimization and global routing in particular.

The wiring problem is usually transformed into a graphtheoretical analysis-synthesis problem. For a practical algorithm it is necessary that certain constraints are taken into account in the construction of the respective graph. These constraints originate from the desire to place terminals—eventually in a previously determined sequence—at the periphery of the board or the wiring layer of an integrated circuit (IC). For printed boards we can also have some demands regarding the sequence of contacts and the side on which the components have to be placed. The purpose of this paper is to show how these requirements, which are indispensible for a proper printed board layout, can be examined. Some of these requirements have not appeared in literature before. The inquiry consists of two separate tests, each eventually combined with modification steps. The details of these modifications are not a subject of this paper. In the last section the content of this paper is compared with other publications in this field.

We assessed the family history of dementia and Parkinson's disease in 198 Dutch patients with Alzheimer's disease diagnosed before the age of 70 years, and in 198 age- and sex-matched healthy population controls. Of the Alzheimer patients, 48% had at least 1 1st-degree relative with dementia, compared with 19% of the controls. There were 24 patients and 1 control with 2 or more 1st-degree relatives with dementia, yielding a relative risk of 40.0. More Alzheimer patients than controls had a 1st-degree relative with Parkinson's disease, with a relative risk of 2.9. This study strongly confirms earlier findings of familial aggregation of Alzheimer's disease and provides evidence for familial aggregation of Alzheimer's disease with Parkinson's disease. The latter may point at a joint etiology of these diseases.