Conservation genetics and ecology of the endangered Black Bog Ant, Formica picea

In this study I aimed to investigate the genetic and ecological factors that may Influence the distribution and conservation of the Black Bog Ant, Formica picea, within the UK, where it is classed as an endangered species. All main UK F. picea sites known at the start of this study (Cors Goch Llanllwch, Carmarthenshire Rhossili Down, West Glamorgan Hartland Moor, Dorset the New Forest, Hampshire) were investigated. The first study of its kind of a UK ant species, this investigation involved measuring micro-geographic ecological parameters and using both microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA markers for genetic analyses. High percentage cover of Bell Heather (Erica tetralix) and Deer Grass ( Trichophorum cespitosum) in the immediate vicinity of the nest and a low density of Heather (Calluna vulgaris) in the local area occupied by F. picea appear to contribute to favourable habitat. Water table level may be the most influential determinant of F. picea nest distribution, however, as an unoccupied area appearing favourable in terms of E. tetralix and T. cespitosum cover revealed significantly lower relative humidity and vegetation height in 2003. Colonies of all studied populations were highly polygynous, containing multiple reproducing queens per colony, and two populations revealed significant levels of inbreeding. Isolation by distance was detected in two populations, suggesting nest reproduction by budding and poor dispersal. All populations were genetically differentiated from one another, with the exception of the physically closest pair. Within Cors Goch Llanllwch a degree of social polymorphism was identified, with two sectors showing differing levels of polygyny and polydomy (multiple nests per colony). Aggression between non-nestmates was absent in this population, suggesting a largely unicolonial organisation. Despite relatively large population sizes conferred by polygyny, UK populations of F. picea are at risk due to ecological specificity, inbreeding and limited dispersal. Within this study I make suggestions for conservation management including detailed ecological analyses and colony relocation

Anomalous thermal expansion in 1D transition-metal cyanides: what makes the novel trimetallic cyanide Cu1/3Ag1/3Au1/3CN behave differently?

The structural dynamics of a quasi-one-dimensional (1D) mixed-metal cyanide, Cu1/3Ag1/3Au1/3CN, with intriguing thermal properties is explored. All the current known related compounds with straight-chain structures, such as group 11 cyanides CuCN, AgCN, AuCN and bimetallic cyanides MxM’1-xCN (M, M’ = Cu, Ag, Au), exhibit 1D negative thermal expansion (NTE) along the chains and positive thermal expansion (PTE) perpendicular to them. Cu1/3Ag1/3Au1/3CN exhibits similar PTE perpendicular to the chains, however PTE, rather than NTE, is also observed along the chains. In order to understand the origin of this unexpected behavior, inelastic neutron scattering (INS) measurements were carried out, underpinned by lattice-dynamical density-functional-theory (DFT) calculations. Synchrotron-based pair-distribution-function (PDF) analysis and 13C solid-state nuclear-magnetic-resonance (SSNMR) measurements were also performed to build an input structural model for the lattice dynamical study. The results indicate that transverse motions of the metal ions are responsible for the PTE perpendicular to the chains, as is the case for the related group 11 cyanides. However NTE along the chain due to the tension effect of these transverse motions is not observed. As there are different metal-to-cyanide bond lengths in Cu1/3Ag1/3Au1/3CN, the metals in neighboring chains cannot all be truly co-planar in a straight-chain model. For this system, DFT-based phonon calculations predict small PTE along the chain due to low-energy chain-slipping modes induced by a bond-rotation effect on the weak metallophilic bonds. However the observed PTE is greater than that predicted with the straight-chain model. Small bends in the chain to accommodate truly co-planar metals provide an alternative explanation for thermal behavior. These would mitigate the tension effect induced by the transverse motions of the metals and, as temperature increases and the chains move further apart, a straightening could occur resulting in the observed PTE. This hypothesis is further supported by unusual evolution in the phonon spectra, which suggest small changes in local symmetry with temperature

The promoter polymorphism -232C/G of the PCK1 gene is associated with type 2 diabetes in a UK-resident South Asian population

Background: The PCK1 gene, encoding cytosolic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK-C), has previously been implicated as a candidate gene for type 2 diabetes (T2D) susceptibility. Rodent models demonstrate that over-expression of Pck1 can result in T2D development and a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the promoter region of human PCK1 (-232C/G) has exhibited significant association with the disease in several cohorts. Within the UK-resident South Asian population, T2D is 4 to 6 times more common than in indigenous white Caucasians. Despite this, few studies have reported on the genetic susceptibility to T2D in this ethnic group and none of these has investigated the possible effect of PCK1 variants. We therefore aimed to investigate the association between common variants of the PCK1 gene and T2D in a UK-resident South Asian population of Punjabi ancestry, originating predominantly from the Mirpur area of Azad Kashmir, Pakistan. \ud \ud Methods: We used TaqMan assays to genotype five tagSNPs covering the PCK1 gene, including the -232C/G variant, in 903 subjects with T2D and 471 normoglycaemic controls. \ud \ud Results: Of the variants studied, only the minor allele (G) of the -232C/G SNP demonstrated a significant association with T2D, displaying an OR of 1.21 (95% CI: 1.03 - 1.42, p = 0.019). \ud \ud Conclusion: This study is the first to investigate the association between variants of the PCK1 gene and T2D in South Asians. Our results suggest that the -232C/G promoter polymorphism confers susceptibility to T2D in this ethnic group. \ud \ud Trial registration: UKADS Trial Registration: ISRCTN38297969

O- vs. N-protonation of 1-dimethylaminonaphthalene-8-ketones: formation of a peri N–C bond or a hydrogen bond to the pi-electron density of a carbonyl group

X-ray crystallography and solid-state NMR measurements show that protonation of a series of 1-dimethylaminonaphthalene-8-ketones leads either to O protonation with formation of a long N–C bond (1.637–1.669 Å) between peri groups, or to N protonation and formation of a hydrogen bond to the π surface of the carbonyl group, the latter occurring for the larger ketone groups (C(O)R, R = t-butyl and phenyl). Solid state 15N MAS NMR studies clearly differentiate the two series, with the former yielding significantly more deshielded resonances. This is accurately corroborated by DFT calculation of the relevant chemical shift parameters. In the parent ketones X-ray crystallography shows that the nitrogen lone pair is directed towards the carbonyl group in all cases

Validation of vertical ground heat exchanger design methodologies

[EN] This work presents a validation of two common methods for designing vertical ground heat exchangers. Both a simulation-based design tool and the ASHRAE handbook design equation are used to find design lengths for four different real systems, using actual experimental data, including building loads as well as physical parameters as inputs. The measured minimum and maximum ground heat exchanger exiting fluid temperatures were used as the design constraint. The simulation-based design tool predicted the borehole length to within 6% in all cases, while the ASHRAE handbook design equation yielded systems with errors from ¿21% to 167%. Most of this error can be explained by the way loads are represented in the ASHRAE handbook equation, with differences in the borehole thermal resistance also playing a smaller part. TheASHRAE handbook equation relies on a very simple load representation; although this allows it to be used as a simple hand calculation, it also precludes it achieving acceptable accuracy. It does not appear to be possible to revise the ASHRAE handbook equation so as to both significantly improve its accuracy and allow its use in a simple hand calculation.Cullin, J.; Spitler, JD.; Montagud Montalvá, CI.; Ruiz Calvo, F.; Rees, S.; Naicker, S.; Konecny, P.... (2015). Validation of vertical ground heat exchanger design methodologies. Science and Technology for the Built Environment. 21(2):137-149. doi:10.1080/10789669.2014.974478S13714921

Occupational choice, number of entrepreneurs and output: theory and empirical evidence with Spanish data

This paper extends the (Lucas, Bell J Econ 9:508–523,1978) model of occupational choices by individuals with different skills, beyond the simple options of self-employment or wage-employment, by including a second choice for the self-employed. That is, an option to hire employees and so become self-employed with employees (SEWEs), or to be self-employed without employees (SEWNEs). We solve for the market equilibrium and examine the sensitivity of relative sizes of occupational groups, and of the level of productivity, to changes in the exogenous parameters. The results show that the positive (negative) association between number of SEWEs (SEWNEs) and productivity, observed in the Spanish data, can be explained, under certain conditions, as the result of cross-region and time differences in average skills. These findings point to the importance of distinguishing between SEWEs and SEWNEs in drawing valid conclusions concerning any link between entrepreneurship and economic development

Chronic Urinary Infection in Overactive Bladder Syndrome: A Prospective, Blinded Case Control Study

Objectives: To investigate whether women with overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms and no evidence of clinical infection by conventional clean-catch midstream urine cultures have alternative indicators of sub-clinical infection.Patients/Subjects, Materials & Methods: The study was a prospective, blinded case-control study with 147 participants recruited, including 73 OAB patients and 74 controls. The OAB group comprised female patients of at least 18 years of age who presented with OAB symptoms for more than 3 months. Clean-catch midstream urine samples were examined for pyuria by microscopy; subjected to routine and enhanced microbiological cultures and examined for the presence of 10 different cytokines, chemokines, and prostaglandins by ELISA.Results: The mean age and BMI of participants in both groups were similar. No significant difference in the number of women with pyuria was observed between OAB and control groups (p = 0.651). Routine laboratory cultures were positive in three (4%) of women in the OAB group, whereas the enhanced cultures isolated bacteria in 17 (23.2%) of the OAB patients. In the control group, no positive cultures were observed using routine laboratory cultures, whereas enhanced culture isolated bacteria in 8 (10.8%) patients. No significant differences were observed in the concentrations of PGE2, PGF2α, MCP-1, sCD40L, MIP-1β, IL12p70/p40, IL12/IL-23p40, IL-5, EGF and GRO-α between the OAB and control groups.Conclusions: Patients with OAB symptoms have significant bacterial growth on enhanced culture of the urine, which is often not detectable through routine culture, suggesting a subclinical infection. Enhanced culture techniques should therefore be used routinely for the effective diagnosis and management of OAB

The effects of adrenaline in out of hospital cardiac arrest with shockable and non-shockable rhythms : findings from the PACA and PARAMEDIC-2 randomised controlled trials

Introduction Previous research suggests there may be differences in the effects of adrenaline related to the initial cardiac arrest rhythm. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of adrenaline compared with placebo according to whether the initial cardiac arrest rhythm was shockable or non-shockable. Methods Return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), survival and neurological outcomes according to the initial arrest rhythm were compared amongst patients enrolled in the PARAMEDIC-2 randomised, placebo controlled trial. The results of the PARAMEDIC-2 and PACA out of hospital cardiac arrest trials were combined and meta-analysed. Results The initial rhythm was known for 3,929 (98.2%) in the placebo arm and 3,919 (97.6%) in the adrenaline arm. The effect on the rate of ROSC of adrenaline relative to placebo was greater in patients with non-shockable cardiac rhythms (1002/3003 (33.4%) versus 222/3005 (7.4%), adjusted OR: 6.5, (95% CI 5.6-7.6)) compared with shockable rhythms 349/716 (48.7%) versus (208/702 (29.6%), adjusted OR: 2.3, 95%CI: 1.9-2.9)). The adjusted odds ratio for survival at discharge for non-shockable rhythms was 2.5 (1.3, 4.8) and 1.3 (0.9, 1.8) for shockable rhythms (P value for interaction 0.065) and 1.8(0.8-4.1) and 1.1 (0.8-1.6) respectively for neurological outcome at discharge (P value for interaction 0.295). Meta-analysis found similar results. Conclusion Relative to placebo, the effects of adrenaline ROSC are greater for patients with an initially non-shockable rhythm than those with a shockable rhythms. Similar patterns are observed for longer term survival outcomes and favourable neurological outcomes, although the differences in effects are less pronounced

The influence of time to adrenaline administration in the Paramedic 2 randomised controlled trial

Abstract: Purpose: To examine the time to drug administration in patients with a witnessed cardiac arrest enrolled in the Pre-Hospital Assessment of the Role of Adrenaline: Measuring the Effectiveness of Drug Administration in Cardiac Arrest (PARAMEDIC2) randomised controlled trial. Methods: The PARAMEDIC2 trial was undertaken across 5 NHS ambulance services in England and Wales with randomisation between December 2014 and October 2017. Patients with an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest who were unresponsive to initial resuscitation attempts were randomly assigned to 1 mg intravenous adrenaline or matching placebo according to treatment packs that were identical apart from treatment number. Participants and study staff were masked to treatment allocation. Results: 8016 patients were enrolled, 4902 sustained a witnessed cardiac arrest of whom 2437 received placebo and 2465 received adrenaline. The odds of return of spontaneous circulation decreased in both groups over time but at a greater rate in the placebo arm odds ratio (OR) 0.93 (95% CI 0.92–0.95) compared with the adrenaline arm OR 0.96 (95% CI 0.95–0.97); interaction OR: 1.03, 95% CI 1.01–1.05, p = 0.005. By contrast, although the rate of survival and favourable neurological outcome decreased as time to treatment increased, the rates did not differ between the adrenaline and placebo groups. Conclusion: The rate of return of spontaneous circulation, survival and favourable neurological outcomes decrease over time. As time to drug treatment increases, adrenaline increases the chances of return of spontaneous circulation. Longer term outcomes were not affected by the time to adrenaline administration. (ISRCTN73485024)

Autotaxin, bile acid profile and effect of ileal bile acid transporter inhibition in primary biliary cholangitis patients with pruritus

Background and Aims Pruritus is a common symptom in patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) for which ileal bile acid transporter (IBAT) inhibition is emerging as a potential therapy. We explored the serum metabonome and gut microbiota profile in PBC patients with pruritus and investigated the effect of GSK2330672, an IBAT inhibitor. Methods We studied fasting serum bile acids (BAs), autotaxin and faecal microbiota in 22 PBC patients with pruritus at baseline and after 2 weeks of GSK2330672 treatment. Control group included 31 asymptomatic PBC patients and 18 healthy volunteers. BA profiling was done by ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometry (UPLC‐MS). Faecal microbiomes were analysed by 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing. Results \ud In PBC patients with pruritus, serum levels of total and glyco‐conjugated primary BAs and autotaxin were significantly elevated. Autotaxin activity correlated significantly with tauro‐ and glyco‐conjugated cholic acid (CA) and chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), both at baseline and after GSK2330672. GSK2330672 significantly reduced autotaxin and all tauro‐ and glyco‐ conjugated BAs and increased faecal levels of CA (P = 0.048) and CDCA (P = 0.027). Gut microbiota of PBC patients with pruritus was similar to control groups. GSK2330672 increased the relative abundance of Firmicutes (P = 0.033) and Clostridia (P = 0.04) and decreased Bacteroidetes (P = 0.033) and Bacteroidia (P = 0.04). Conclusions Pruritus in PBC does not show a distinct gut bacterial profile but is associated with elevated serum bile acid and autotaxin levels which decrease after IBAT inhibition. In cholestatic pruritus, a complex interplay between BAs and autotaxin is likely and may be modified by IBAT inhibition