HST Proper Motion confirms the optical identification of the nearby pulsar PSR 1929+10

We report on the proper motion measurement of the proposed optical counterpart of the X-ray/radio pulsar PSR 1929+10. Using images obtained with the HST/STIS (average epoch 2001.73) we computed a yearly displacement of +97 +/- 1 mas yr^{-1} in RA and +46 +/- 1 mas yr^{-1} in Dec since the epoch (1994.52) of the original HST/FOC detection. Both the magnitude and direction of the optical proper motion components are found to be fully consistent with the most recent VLBA radio measurements. This result provides an unambiguous confirmation of the pulsar optical identification. In addition, we have used the combined STIS/FOC datasets to derive information on the pulsar spectrum, which seems characterized by a power law component, apparently unrelated to the X-ray emission.Comment: 12 pages, 3 figures, submitted to ApJ Letter

Serum creatine kinase isoenzymes in children with osteogenesis imperfecta

This study evaluates serum creatine kinase isoenzyme activity in children with osteogenesis imperfecta to determine its usefulness as a biochemical marker during treatment with bisphosphonate. The changes of creatine kinase (CK) isoenzyme activity during and after discontinuation therapy were observed. These results could be useful in addressing over-treatment risk prevention. Introduction The brain isoenzyme of creatine kinase (CKbb) is highly expressed in mature osteoclasts during osteoclastogenesis, thus plays an important role in bone resorption. We previously identified high serum CKbb levels in 18 children with osteogenesis imperfect (OI) type 1 treated for 1 year with bisphosphonate (neridronate). In the present study, serum CK isoenzymes were evaluated in the same children with continuous versus discontinued neridronate treatment over a further 2-year follow-up period. Methods This study included 18 children with OI type 1, 12 with continued (group A) and 6 with ceased (group B) neridronate treatment. Auxological data, serum biochemical markers of bone metabolism, bone mineral density z-score, and serum total CK and isoenzyme activities were determined in both groups. Results Serum CKbb was progressively and significantly increased in group A (p < 0.004) but rapidly decreased to undetectable levels in group B. In both groups, the cardiac muscle creatine kinase isoenzyme (CKmb) showed a marked decrease, while serum C-terminal telopeptide (CTx) levels were almost unchanged. Conclusions This study provides evidence of the cumulative effect of neridronate administration in increasing serum CKbb levels and the reversible effect after its discontinuation. This approach could be employed for verifying the usefulness of serum CKbb as a biochemical marker in patients receiving prolonged bisphosphonate treatment. Moreover, the decreased serum CKmb levels suggest a systemic effect of these drugs

Editorial: Littoral 2008

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Increasing funding for Global Mental Health by drawing lessons from the case of HIV/AIDS

Objective: Global Mental Health (GMH) is the field of global health dealing with the spectrum of mental, neurological and substance use disorders (MNS disorders), often with a focus on low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). While MNS disorders constitute a consider-able burden of disease, investments in the field lag behind, creating a severe funding gap. In contrast, the Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) epidemic has seen unprecedented commitment, especially in terms of funding. Consequently, this paper examines the research question: “How can the increase in global funding for HIV/AIDS over the past three decades serve as an example to draw lessons for increasing GMH funding in LMICs?”.Methods: Based on the ‘Theory of Lesson-drawing’ by Rose (1991) two programs, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (the Global Fund), were analyzed, and a conceptual model cre-ated for each program. The conceptual model, in addition to a comprehensive literature review were the base to draw learnings from the fight against the HIV/AIDS epidemic and its funding. Learnings from HIV/AIDS were applied to GMH by giving a prospective evalua-tion of the transferability and desirability of the analyzed programs and their outcomes.Results: A concrete next step that should be taken in order to increase funding and imple-mentation of high-quality mental health care in LMICs includes the establishment of a GMH partnership which represents diverse constituencies and expertise. Among other things, emphasis should be put on promoting strong civil-society and community involvement. Ad-ditionally, a multi-facetted advocacy and awareness campaign to increase traditional donor contributions, innovative financing mechanisms and domestic resources for GMH should be launched.Conclusion: Lessons from the increase in global funding for HIV/AIDS and how it was achieved can be drawn in the areas of funding generation, raising political and social com-mitment and multi-stakeholder collaboration. Yet, the analysis has also shown the potential pitfalls when overall health system strengthening efforts and primary health-care integration are not sufficiently addressed.Acknowledgments: This paper was produced as a final thesis to acquire the academic de-gree BSc International Health Sciences at Fulda University of Applied Sciences. I would like to extend my gratitude to Prof. Dr. Dr. Jens Holst for his support throughout my studies and this thesis supervision, together with Prof. Dr. Kai Michelsen. Moreover, I would like to thank Eric Daniel Sander for his invaluable thoughts and input during the writing process, as well as those who supported me with corrections and proof-reading

An on-line advisor for sizing and economic analysis of anaerobic digestion plants

A web-based service was deployed to appropriately size bio-gas plant capacity and perform its economic viability and return on investment based on biomass availability.  The tool is based on accepted biogas plant engineering design practice, incorporating the effects of incentives resulting from energy policies for member nations of the European Union participating in the Bioenergy Farm IEE and EU funded project.  The service provides a comprehensive database that allows consultants and farmers to analyze anaerobic digestion systems at different levels of granularity.  It also included multilingual support.  An adoption program was conducted to increase awareness on the availability of the service and ensure appropriate use and interpretation of its results.  Since its deployment, the tool has been frequently used by consultants and farmers.  The advisor was used to conduct over 3000 sizing and analysis of biogas production plants and completely fulfill all project targets.   Keywords: Bioenergy, feasibility, viability, subsidy, web application, fre

On the SO(2,1) symmetry in General Relativity

The role of the SO(2,1) symmetry in General Relativity is analyzed. Cosmological solutions of Einstein field equations invariant with respect to a space-like Lie algebra G_r, with r between 3 and 6 and containing so(2,1) as a subalgebra, are also classified.Comment: 10 pages, latex, no figure

Comparative analysis of mesenchymal stromal cells biological properties

The stromal progenitors of mesodermal cells, mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), are a heterogeneous population of plastic adherent fibroblast-like cells with extensive proliferative capacity and differentiation potential. Human MSCs have now been isolated from various tissues including bone marrow, muscle, skin, and adipose tissue, the latter being one of the most suitable cell sources for cell therapy, because of its easy accessibility, minimal morbidity, and abundance of cells. Bone marrow and subcutaneous or visceral adipose tissue samples were collected, digested with collagenase if needed, and seeded in Iscove's medium containing 5% human platelet lysate. Nonadherent cells were removed after 2-3 days and the medium was replaced twice a week. Confluent adherent cells were detached, expanded, and analyzed for several biological properties such as morphology, immunophenotype, growth rate, senescence, clonogenicity, differentiation capacity, immunosuppression, and secretion of angiogenic factors. The results show significant differences between lines derived from subcutaneous fat compared to those derived from visceral fat, such as the higher proliferation rate of the first and the strong induction of angiogenesis of the latter. We are convinced that the identification of the peculiarities of MSCs isolated from different tissues will lead to their more accurate use in cell therapy

Characterization of OAM Antenna Operating in a Multiplexing State

Orbital angular momentum (OAM), which characterizes the helical phase pattern of optical beams, has recently attracted enormous interest due to its potential applications in different practice areas. Here we propose an antenna design for generating multiple beams carrying OAM with different topological states at the same frequency. The numerical fullwave simulation is performed for an actual size OAM generator using the ANSYS HFSS electromagnetic solver, and an antenna prototype operating in the microwave band is fabricated and tested. Obtained results prove that the proposed antenna can be used as a compact and low-cost generator of multiple beams with different OAM states