Abstract: The invention relates to proteins containing any of the sequences according to general formula (Ih): X1CRX2X3X4X5??(Ih) where X1 is F, Y, L, P, Q, M, V, W, A, T and X2 is A, G, S, T and X3 is V, A, I, L, M, D, H, S and X4 is K, I, Q, R, H, S, F, M, N, L, V and X5 is R, V, I, K, M, Q, E, F, L, N, Y, D, S, H. and its salts, esters and pharmaceutically acceptable prodrugs. The invention further relates to pharmaceutical preparations and kits containing said proteins, to screening procedures using said proteins. The proteins of the invention are useful in the treatment or prevention of diseases that can be treated by inhibiting the complement system.

Abstract: An E-paper hazardous placard system made up of non-illuminated colored placards for vehicles carrying hazardous materials. The colored placards are changed as desired on screen or using a remote control to signal different hazardous loads. The placards are based on display panels of electronic paper. There are at least four colored placards on each side of a vehicle to collectively identify the hazardous cargo being transported in compliance with federal regulations. The system requires power only when selecting images, not to maintain them, so there's no risk of losing the image and being in violation of federal regulations.

Abstract: The invention relates to peptides of the general formula (I) GX1CSX2SX3PPX4CX5PD (SEQ ID NO: 20), where X1 is Y, M, W, I, V, or A; X2 is R or K; X3 is Y, F, I, M, L, E, D, or H; X4 is V, I, or H; and X5 is I, V, Y, F, or W; and to the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters or prodrugs of the peptides according to general formula (I). In addition, the invention relates to pharmaceutical preparations, kits containing the preparations, and to procedures using the peptides and preparations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for checking a heterogeneous transformation process of diffusion kinetics taking in a turbulent flow of a liquid, whereby the real-time checking or control of the processes is possible. The method involves the steps of detecting acoustic vibrations caused by oscillations of bubbles present in the turbulent flow of liquid, producing an electric signal reflecting the spectral compostion of the detected signal, and forming therefrom a measure signal reflecting the relative instantaneous value of the turbulent diffusion coefficient of the flowing liquid. The apparatus comprises a series circuit including an acoustic sensing unit 1, an amplifier 2, signal processing means 3 and computing means 4, wherein the signal processing means 3 are equipped with a circuit for dividing the output signal of the amplifier 2 into spectral ranges and determining a characteristic value and the average value for each range and the ratio of the characteristic values.