ASP--a simulation-based power calculator for genetic linkage studies of qualitative traits, using sib-pairs

An easy-to-use, simulation-based power calculator (ASP) for linkage analysis using sib-pair designs (concordant or discordant) has been developed and made publicly available via the Internet. The program employs a diallelic model for the trait locus, at which parental/offspring genotypes are simulated, assuming Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in the parental generation. Genotypes at a linked multiallelic marker locus are simulated conditional upon the inheritance pattern at the trait locus, allowing for recombination. Marker genotypes are tested for non-Mendelian identity-by-descent sharing, using both an unrestricted and a restricted likelihood ratio test, the latter representing an extension of the "mean test" from fully to partially informative families. The power of user-defined datasets is estimated by the number of simulations giving significant results at varying type I error levels.