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Aims Biogeographical evidence suggests a strong link between climate and patterns of species diversity, and climate change is known to cause range shifts. However, there is little understanding of how shifts affect community composition and we lack empirical evidence of recent impacts of climate change on the diversity of vertebrates. Using a long-term comprehensive dataset on bird abundance, we e
We identified the first set of microsatellites for use in the rock firefinch (Lagonosticta sanguinodorsalis). First, we tested existing passerine microsatellite loci for cross-species amplification success in a small sample of rock firefinches and identified 10 loci that were seemingly polymorphic and easy to score. Secondly, we developed and characterized three microsatellite loci de novo from th
To evaluate whether the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist telcagepant might be effective for migraine prevention.
We present an interactive, searchable expressed sequence tag database for the periwinkle snail Littorina saxatilis, an upcoming model species in evolutionary biology. The database is the result of a hybrid assembly between Sanger and 454 sequences, 1290 and 147 491 sequences respectively. Normalized and non-normalized cDNA was obtained from different ecotypes of L. saxatilis collected in the UK an
Abstract Resting metabolic rate is a common way of quantifying the cost of living in endothermic animals. The trait often makes up a substantial part of an animal's energy budget and can also be related to sustainable peak work rate as well as to daily energy expenditure. Studies have shown that metabolic rates are often heritable, but much of the variation seems to be caused by other factors (e.g
Based on a pharmacophore model of the benzodiazepine binding site of the GABA(A) receptors, developed with synthetic flavones and potent 3-carbonylquinolin-4-ones, 3-alkyl- and 3-amido-6-methylisothiazoloquinolin-4-ones were designed, prepared and assayed. The suggestion that the interaction between the hydrogen bond donor site H1 with the 3-carbonyl oxygen in 3-carbonylquinolin-4-ones can be repl
Several unmet needs have been identified in allergic rhinitis: identification of the time of onset of the pollen season, optimal control of rhinitis and comorbidities, patient stratification, multidisciplinary team for integrated care pathways, innovation in clinical trials and above all patient empowerment. MASK-rhinitis (MACVIA-ARIA Sentinel NetworK for allergic rhinitis) is a simple system cent
The performance of the current quantum dot (QD) solar cells is limited by several deficiencies. One of them is the existence of surface traps, especially hole traps, which are blocking the hole injection into the electrolyte. The trapping can be efficiently suppressed by growing a shell of wider band gap material around the core dot. Optimum parameters of such a shell layer for photovoltaic applic
In this research, two objectives were pursued. Firstly, to develop an experience-focused approach to design, based on a framework for perceptual product experience, and, secondly, to test and verify the proposed methodology through an interior design study of the Hulme.F1 supercar. In the process, experience design criteria were developed, which served creative and evaluative purposes. The final d
We report on an all-sky search for periodic gravitational waves in the frequency band 50-800 Hz and with the frequency time derivative in the range of 0 through -6 x 10(-9) Hz/s. Such a signal could be produced by a nearby spinning and slightly nonaxisymmetric isolated neutron star in our Galaxy. After recent improvements in the search program that yielded a 10x increase in computational efficienc
Antibiotic resistance (AR) poses an ever growing threat to global public health. Methods are urgently needed that simplify and accelerate the clinical detection and classification of AR. Here we describe a function-based antibiotic resistance assay (FARA) biosensing strategy. The scheme comprises three key components: i) FARA directly measures the thermal signal generated from the catalytic break-
A recent report by Zhao et al. [Zhao, M., Momma, S., Delfani, K., Carlen, M., Cassidy, R. M., Johansson, C. B., Brismar, H., Shupliakov, O., Frisen, J. & Janson, A. M. (2003) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 100, 7925–7930] suggests that dopaminergic neurons, the cell type lost in Parkinson's disease, are continuously generated in the adult substantia nigra pars compacta. Using similar methodologica
The beverage packaging industry is growing rapidly, driven by urbanization and changing lifestyles. Demand for packaged beverages with extended shelf life is driving sales of products with superior barrier properties, due to the high environmental impact of food waste compared to packaging waste. Despite progress, packaging waste represents more than a third of total waste. Thus, milk and plant-ba
This thesis presents a case for the establishment of a human right to financial inclusion under the human rights framework, as well as argues for states to legitimize the right through legal protection in the form of a legislation in order to effectively guarantee the significant benefits of the right for everyone. The rationale for this research is that, despite its immense contribution in human
Glioblastoma is a highly aggressive brain tumor that kills roughly 9,000 Americans yearly. Although a known disease for over a century, little progress has been made in treatment development. A breakthrough may be on its way as recent research suggests glioblastoma patients can be treated with virus injections, oncolytic virotherapy in medical terms. However, this treatment method is somewhat inhi
Sustainable development requires collaboration between governments, businesses, and citizens. However, economic models, sustainability practices, and global policies are currently not fit-for-purpose to maintain global temperatures to 1.5 degrees centigrade within the timescales required to maintain a safe space for humanity to thrive. This study maps the alignment of business values and practices
The objective of this thesis is to develop a methodology for evaluating the performance of material models during biaxial loads. This is done by executing identical punch tests, one in a simulation and one in a physical experiment, and then comparing the results from the two. The material model that is to be evaluated is used in the simulation and a specimen of the corresponding material in the ph
In recent years, battery energy storage systems (BESS) have gained prominence as a key technology enabling much needed electricity grid flexibility while simultaneously providing distinct value to its end-users. With the anticipated increase of residual value holding used batteries from mobility applications entering the market, more and more companies are looking to construct BESS offers around t
Food security and environmental sustainability are increasingly threatened by the current degradative practices of the agri-food industry. To mitigate the adverse environmental impacts of the agri-food supply chain, the circular food economy has been proposed as a strategy to enhance biodiversity, improve access to nutritious foods and reduce the industry’s greenhouse gas emissions. However, progr
