The complement system is important for protection from invading pathogens, removal of waste products and guidance of the immune response. Furthermore, complement can be also targeted to cancer cells. However, membrane-bound inhibitors over-expressed by certain types of tumor cells restrict the cytotoxic activity of complement. Herein we report that non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells produce

We have conducted a detailed investigation of the broadband spectral properties of the gamma-ray selected blazars of the Fermi LAT Bright AGN Sample (LBAS). By combining our accurately estimated Fermi gamma-ray spectra with Swift, radio, infra-red, optical, and other hard X-ray/gamma-ray data, collected within 3 months of the LBAS data taking period, we were able to assemble high-quality and quasi

This doctoral thesis is a psychoanalytic interpretation of the novels of the Peruvian author Mario Vargas Llosa, and it explores these novels from three different perspectives, here called readings. The first perspective focuses on the literary techniques and the importance these may have for the interpretation of the content of the novels. This first reading includes a summary of the reception of

The McStas neutron ray-tracing simulation package is a versatile tool for producing accurate neutron simulations, extensively used for design and optimization of instruments, virtual experiments, data analysis and user training. In McStas, component organization and simulation flow is intrinsically linear: the neutron interacts with the beamline components in a sequential order, one by one. Histor

Contingent self-esteem, where one’s self-value is staked on success and competence, is a particularly vulnerable disposition with impact on well-being. This study compared physiological and behavioral reactivity between individuals self-rated as high and low in competence based self-esteem (N = 61), in a performance situation. To assess reactivity we used a traditional overt measure of blood press

The main aim of this project was to explore whether the pine trees in Glen Affric (GAF), one of the more extensive pine woodlands in the northern Scottish Highlands, are, on average, reaching a senescent stage which could ultimately be detrimental to the sustainability of the pine woodland in this region under present management conditions This aim was realized by (1) comparing the mean stand age

One-dimensional nanostructure arrays can show fascinatingly different, tunable optical response compared to bulk systems. Here we study theoretically and demonstrate experimentally how to engineer the reflection and absorption of light in epitaxially grown vertical arrays of InAs nanowires (NWs). A striking observation is optically visible colors of the array, which we show can be tuned depending

The main focus of this thesis is the analysis of the interactions between antennas and channels where electromagnetic fields play a central role. Our goal has been to devise a general framework to enable a clear separation of the properties of the propagation channel from the influence of the antennas at the same time as it provides a common ground for a joint characterization of their properties.

AimThe aim of this study was to investigate differences in mortality up to 1year of age in extremely preterm infants (before 27weeks) born in seven Swedish healthcare regions. MethodsNational prospective observational study of consecutively born, extremely preterm infants in Sweden 2004-2007. Mortality was compared between regions. Crude and adjusted odds ratios and 95% CI were calculated. Results

The shielding at an accelerator-driven spallation neutron facility plays a critical role in the performance of the neutron scattering instruments, the overall safety, and the total cost of the facility. Accurate simulation of shielding components is thus key for the design of upcoming facilities, such as the European Spallation Source (ESS), currently in construction in Lund, Sweden. In this paper

The study compared adolescents who alternate residences between their divorced parents with adolescents who live with both parents or with one divorced parent. Care was scored equally for adolescents with alternating residences and for those living with both biological parents but lower for adolescents living with a single parent. Overprotection showed the converse. Presence of psychiatric symptom

The Leading Edge Vortex (LEV) is a universal mechanism enhancing lift in flying organisms. LEVs, generally illustrated as a single vortex attached to the wing throughout the downstroke, have not been studied quantitatively in freely flying insects. Previous findings are either qualitative or from flappers and tethered insects. We measure the flow above the wing of freely flying hawkmoths and find

Atrial septal defect (ASD) is the most common congenital heart malformation diagnosed in adult life. In this thesis important clinical, haemodynamic and electrophysiological aspects of ASD in the adult are explored. The diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance velocity mapping (MRvm)in calculating the pulmonary/systemic flow ratio (QP/QS)was assessed (I). The mean and maximal error by MRvm was 1

Dendrimers are polymers with unique properties that make them promising in a variety of applications such as potential drug and gene delivery systems. PAMAM dendrimers, in particular, have been widely investigated and are efficiently translocated into the cell. The mechanism of translocation, however, is still unknown. Recently it was proposed that PAMAM dendrimers are able to open holes in lipid

Modern, nonlinear ballistic neutron guides are an attractive concept in neutron beam delivery and instrumentation because they offer increased performance over straight or linearly tapered guides. However, like other ballistic geometries they have the potential to create significantly non-trivial instrumental resolution functions. We address the source of the most prominent optical aberration, nam

The incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) is more than 1%omicron annually in the general population and increases further in cancer patients. The risk of VTE is higher in multiple myeloma (MM) patients who receive thalidomide or lenalidomide, especially in combination with dexamethasone or chemotherapy. Various VTE prophylaxis strategies, such as low-molecular-Weight heparin (LMWH), warfarin o

Flow cytometry is a widespread single-cell measurement technology with a multitude of clinical and research applications. Interpretation of flow cytometry data is hard; the instrumentation is delicate and can not render absolute measurements, hence samples can only be interpreted in relation to each other while at the same time comparisons are confounded by inter-sample variation. Despite this, mo