Boundary conditions in the Unruh problem

We have analyzed the Unruh problem in the frame of quantum field theory and have shown that the Unruh quantization scheme is valid in the double Rindler wedge rather than in Minkowski spacetime. The double Rindler wedge is composed of two disjoint regions ($R$- and $L$-wedges of Minkowski spacetime) which are causally separated from each other. Moreover the Unruh construction implies existence of boundary condition at the common edge of $R$- and $L$-wedges in Minkowski spacetime. Such boundary condition may be interpreted as a topological obstacle which gives rise to a superselection rule prohibiting any correlations between $r$- and $l$- Unruh particles. Thus the part of the field from the $L$-wedge in no way can influence a Rindler observer living in the $R$-wedge and therefore elimination of the invisible "left" degrees of freedom will take no effect for him. Hence averaging over states of the field in one wedge can not lead to thermalization of the state in the other. This result is proved both in the standard and algebraic formulations of quantum field theory and we conclude that principles of quantum field theory does not give any grounds for existence of the "Unruh effect".Comment: 31 pages,1 figur

Strategic Trade Policy as Response to Climate Change?

This paper discusses the political economy of the climate change debate. The objective is to come to a better understanding of why at international levels (e. g. the G8 summit in Heiligendamm) climate change was one of the main topics at the agenda, despite the fact that climate change cannot be solved by only eight participating countries, even if these eight countries are considered as the biggest in the world. The problem of climate change is a supranational one and needs supranational cooperation. Using a strategic trade policy framework, the paper theoretically and from a positive perspective explains why countries like Germany are more engaged in policies related to climate change than other industrial countries, which also have signed the Kyoto Protocol

Prostate cancer-associated autoantibodies in serum against tumor-associated antigens as potential new biomarkers

The limitations of the current prostate cancer (PCa) screening tests demands new biomarkers for early diagnosis of PCa. In this study, we aim to investigate serum autoantibody signatures as PCa specific biomarkers. PCa proteins were resolved by 2-DE and then transferred onto polyvinylidene difluoride membrane, which were subsequently incubated with either pooled serum from PCa patients or from normal controls. Mass spectrometry results have identified 18 antigens from 21 different 2-DE spots associated with PCa. Autoantibody response to antigens PRDX2, PRDX6 and ANXA11 in PCa patient's sera was confirmed using recombinant antigens. Further validation with an independent set of PCa patient's sera have shown relatively increased abundance of PRDX6 and ANXA11 antibodies in PCa patients. Formal concept analysis method was applied to assess whether the abundance of these autoantibodies could influence the classification of patients. However, sensitivity of the single antibody to discriminate prostate tumor and healthy controls varies from 70% to 80%, whereas combination of both PRDX6 and ANXA11 antibodies increased sensitivity to 90% for tumors and 100% for healthy controls. Therefore, we hereby report that the detection of these antibodies in PCa patient's serum in combination with the existing non-invasive diagnostic procedures may have significance in PCa diagnosis. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The present study aimed to investigate serum autoantibody signatures as new biomarkers for early diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa). To investigate serum autoantibodies in patients with PCa, we used proteomics approach based on two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and mass spectrometry. Total tissue proteins extracted from prostate were separated by 2-DE and then transferred onto polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) membrane, which were subsequently incubated with either pooled serum from PCa patients or from normal controls with no history for PCa. Proteomic analysis results have identified 18 antigens that showed antibody response specifically to cancer patient's serum. For validation experiments using recombinant antigens, confirmed autoantibody response to three antigens PRDX2, PRDX6 and ANXA11. Further validation using a second independent set of PCa patient's sera has shown relatively increased abundance of PRDX6 and ANXA11 antibodies specifically in PCa patients. Partition analysis of patients based on abundance of autoantibodies highlighted a combination of both PRDX6 and ANXA11 antibodies in serum with 90% sensitivity in case of tumors and 100% in case of healthy controls. Therefore, we hereby report that the detection of these antibodies in PCa patient's serum in combination with known markers may have significance in diagnosis of PCa with further validation in larger cohort of samples