Factor I (FI) is a serine protease that inhibits the complement system by cleaving activated C3 and C4 complement proteins, in the presence of cofactors. Mutations in the gene coding for FI have been identified in complete FI deficient- and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) patients. The mutations were introduced in recombinantly expressed proteins, purified and analyzed in functional ass

The national system of innovation approach has attracted both academics and policy makers. There has been different emphasis laid by those who both originated the concept and developed it further for policy learning applications. From the firm level to the global innovation networks, the varieties and differences in system of innovation functions, activities and factors continue to attract debate

Using first-principles methods, we study theoretically the properties of an individual {Fe-4} single-molecule magnet (SMM) attached to metallic leads in a single-electron transistor geometry. We show that the conductive leads do not affect the spin ordering and magnetic anisotropy of the neutral SMM. On the other hand, the leads have a strong effect on the anisotropy of the charged states of the m

A search for supersymmetric particles in final states with zero, one, and two leptons, with and without jets identified as originating from b-quarks, in 4.7 fb(-1) of root s = 7 TeV pp collisions produced by the Large Hadron Collider and recorded by the ATLAS detector is presented. The search uses a set of variables carrying information on the event kinematics transverse and parallel to the beam l

The diurnal and seasonal occurrence of flight foraging for midges (Chironomidae) by Black-headed Gulls Chroicocephalus ridibundus was studied at a shallow semi-eutrophic lake in South Sweden and their capture rates were recorded. The gulls captured 0.28 chiromids s(-1) (1,012 h(-1)). With a dry mass of 2.08 mg ind(-1) and an energy content of 22.7 kJ g(-1), they achieved an energy intake of c.47 k

We investigate electron transport in disordered Hubbard chains contacted to macroscopic leads, via the nonequilibrium Green's function technique. We observe a crossover of currents and conductances at finite bias which depends on the relative strength of disorder and interactions. We provide a proof that the coherent potential approximation, a widely used method for treating disorder averages, ful

Bismuth (Bi) induced c(4 x 4) surface structure of the GaAs(1 0 0) substrate, i.e., the GaAs(1 0 0)c(4 x 4)-Bi surface has been studied with synchrotron-radiation photoelectron spectroscopy and ab initio calculations. The surface was prepared by combining molecular beam epitaxy and in situ electron diffraction methods, and then the sample was transferred to a photoemission chamber without breaking

The article takes issue with how theology should and could investigate religious doctrines and praxis. It argues that traditional metaphysical accounts often found in theology are scientifically inept to explain the human cause and function of religious dogma. Arguing from pragmatism the article tries to delineate a framework within which theology could circumvent the troublesome metaphysics that

The repair and maintenance of electrical power lines involves awkward postures, which are known risk factors for developing musculoskeletal disorders. The aim of the present study was to quantify postures and movements of upper arm, head, upper back and neck in the main tasks performed by line workers. Posture of twelve right-handed line workers was recorded by inclinometry and presented as percen

Introduction Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by restrictions in social interaction, understanding, and communication, by stereotyped patterns of repetitive behaviors, and by narrow interests. ASDs, which affect about 1% of the population, are predominantly genetic, but no single explanation has been found. On the contrary, a multitude of developmenta

The notions of creativity consultants on how play promotes workplace creativity was investigated. Play is often used by creativity trainers to promote creative performance. Seventeen experienced professionals were interviewed. The informants considered play to facilitate group creativity by increasing openness, intrinsic motivation and collaboration. Play was encouraged by permission to play, that

Using correlated ab initio methods, the polarizability of large [4n + 2]-annulenes is determined, showing that there exists an almost linear relation between the exaltation of magnetic susceptibility (a measure of aromaticity) and an equivalent enlargement of polarizability.

Requirements communication plays a vital role in development projects in coordinating the customers, the business roles and the software engineers. Communication gaps represent a significant source of project failures and overruns. For example, misunderstood or uncommunicated requirements can lead to software that does not meet the customers’ requirements, and subsequent low number of sales or add

The structures of two polymorphs, one triclinic and one monoclinic, of cis-dichlorobis(dibenzyl sulfido-kS)platinum(II), cis-PtCl2(Bz2S)2 have been determined at 295, 250, 200, 150 and 100 K. In both polymorphs the complex has a structure where platinum(II) coordinates two dibenzyl sulfide molecules and two chloro ligands, forming a complex with pseudo-sqare-planar coordination geometry. The tricl

Immunoglobulin A deficiency (IgAD) is the most common primary immunodeficiency in the general population. It is defined as a serum IgA level below or equal to 0.07 g/l with normal IgM and IgG levels in children over the age of 4. However, a few cases of reversal of IgAD at later ages have been observed previously, especially in pediatric patients. This study aimed at investigating the frequency of

Inflammation and ischemia are common causes of perinatal brain damage. Ventilation with pure oxygen has previously been the prime choice during resuscitation following fetal asphyxia. In an in vivo sheep model incorporating the transition from fetal to neonatal life we demonstrate that hyperoxic resuscitation increases cerebral inflammatory activation which may aggravate subsequent injury. Inflam

Upconverting nanoparticles have recently drawn increasingly attention as contrast agents for optical bioimaging. They enable autofluorescence-free imaging within the tissue optical window, and improved spatial resolution as compared to conventional fluorescence-based contrast agents. (C) 2012 Optical Society of America