Search

The Centre for Society and Genomics (CSG) was established in 2004, funded by NGI (the Netherlands Genomics Initiative). Funding was continued in 2008. This report summarises the basic outcomes of almost a decade of interactive societal research, in close collaboration with the other centres of the NGI network. There are two reasons for presenting these results. First of all, at the end of this year, the CSG Next programme (2008-2013), encompassing more than 50 research projects conducted at 10 Dutch universities, will be completed. Moreover, we are currently preparing ourselves for the years to come. The network of principal investigators, together with the research communities they represent and the societal and international networks they are involved in, have agreed to continue to work together, on the basis of mutual learning, transdisciplinary collaboration and collegial support. Notably, we offer our networks, experiences and expertise to help prepare the ground for promoting Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) in the context of Horizon2020, together with our European colleagues. This report summarises what our type of research can achieve and how we want to continue our activities in the future. After a concise sketch of the life sciences landscape as it has evolved during the past seven decades or so, we explain how CSG came about and what kind of approach we have developed. Subsequently, we list our main results, notably in the form of project vignettes, so as to make the harvest of the CSG Next programme as tangible and concrete as possible. Finally, we explain how we see our role in the future. As is already indicated by the title: this is not merely a retrospective summary of our results (CSG harvest), but an invitation to readers (from academia, industry, policy and civil society) to reassemble and to optimally prepare ourselves for things to come, by strengthening and broadening our collaborative efforts, building on what we have achieved so far.

De netwerksamenleving heeft verregaande consequenties voor burgers en organisaties op het terrein van de opvoeding. Belangrijk voor migranten in dit opzicht is dat zij als opvoeders op zoek zijn naar een nieuwe identiteit en nieuw evenwicht. Dit boek is een mooie weergave van hoe migranten opvoeders door nieuwe inzichten hun eigen verandering op gang hebben gebracht. Of ze willen of niet. Het boek geeft een kijkje in hoe opvoeders van migranten afkomst zijn gegroeid en hebben geleerd, maar vooral hoe zij kiezen voor nieuwe strategieën, voor een evenwichtig functioneren en succesvol handelen. In dit boek kunt u lezen hoe migranten ouders hun sociale netwerk inzetten bij het verwerven van hun opvoedkapitaal. Welke personen in het netwerk zijn daarbij van belang en waarom? Maar ook hoe beïnvloeden de netwerken waar zij toe behoren hun gedrag en identiteit? Welke verbindingen hebben opvoeders met de netwerksamenleving? Waarom zijn sommige sociale netwerken voor hen zo belangrijk? Een nieuw element dat de schrijvers aanboren is het feit dat opvoeders van migranten afkomst zich meer instellen om opvoeden zélf te doen. Daarmee hebben zij het nieuwe realisme dat in opkomst is zichtbaar gemaakt. Ondanks de vele worstelingen van opvoeders, is zichtbaar gemaakt dat opvoeders van migranten afkomst hun eigen talent ontdekken, verder ontwikkelen en inzetten ten gunste van hun kinderen en hun netwerk in de Multi-etnische wijken.

Cellular processes are mediated by the concerted action of numerous biomolecules that form complex interaction networks. Considerable efforts have been devoted to elucidating the cellular interactome, with the majority of studies focusing on mapping protein–protein, protein–DNA, and protein– metabolite interaction networks.[1, 2] Yet two-thirds of the cellular proteome operates at a membrane surface or within a membrane comprising thousands of different lipid species. Besides serving as essential building blocks of membranes and anhydrous stores of energy, lipids participate in a multitude of signaling pathways. Perturbations in lipid homeostasis frequently result in human diseases, ranging from neurodegenerative disorders to metabolic syndrome and cancer.[3,4] While these findings imply an intricate interplay between proteins and lipids, only a few studies have been carried out to chart protein–lipid interactions in a systematic fashion.

This report has been compiled as part of the STAR-FLOOD project, a European FP7 project focused on flood risk governance. The project investigates strategies for dealing with flood risks in 18 vulnerable urban regions in six European countries: Belgium, The UK (more precisely: England and Scotland), France, The Netherlands, Poland and Sweden. The report highlights the main similarities and differences between the six STAR-FLOOD consortium countries, complemented with some interesting examples from other European countries. Amongst other things, the report discusses the Flood Risk Management Strategies and Flood Risk Governance Arrangements that are in place. The report intends to contribute to an extended problem analysis of flood risk governance in Europe. STAR-FLOOD researchers in each country wrote a text on the situation in their country (included in the annex). Based on this input, eight salient themes have been identified according to which the countries seem to differ: i) The countries’ baseline situation in terms of their actual flood experiences (chapter 2); ii) Designated competent authorities and the actual competences that actors have for implementing Flood Risk Management Strategies (chapter 3); iii) Resources for flood risk governance: the financing arrangements that are in place (chapter 4); iv) The degree and ways in which integration between water management and spatial planning is taking place (chapter 5); v) The extent to which stakeholder involvement takes place and the ways in which it is done (chapter 6); vi) The substantive and procedural norms and goals that are in place (chapter 7); vii) The way in which discourses on flood management have evolved in each of the consortium countries and how this relates to discourses on flood management more generally (chapter 8). viii) The Flood Risk Management Strategies that are actually in place (chapter 9); The findings suggest mutual influences (but not necessarily causal relations) between experiences with floods (item i), the institutional organisation of water governance (item ii-vii) and the types of Flood Risk Management Strategies actually applied (item viii). Notwithstanding the differences, similarities between The Netherlands, France, the UK and Belgium have been identified. All these countries went through some similar stages from a dominant civil engineering paradigm, via a shift towards ‘non-structural measures’ and a wish to accommodate water, towards an acknowledgement of the need to take consequences of climate change into account. In Sweden, on the contrary, the significance of floods has been relatively low until recently (but its importance is expected to increase due to the expected consequences of climate change). On the other extreme, Poland is known to be short on resources for dealing with flood risks. Together with the findings of the other three reports produced within Work Package 1 of STARFLOOD, this report will serve as input for the development of an assessment framework for flood risk governance (WP2) and as a reference for the case study research (WP3). The report provides interesting conclusions, assumptions and questions to be taken up. In particular, policymakers, practitioners and the STAR-FLOOD consortium can derive the following lessons from this report:  Every Flood Risk Management Strategy is not feasible everywhere. The report has identified differences in the appropriateness of flood risk management strategies in specific contexts;  Item i-vii above constitute an initial check list of potential factors explaining stability and dynamics in flood risk governance;  A detailed list of practical questions has been derived, which researchers studying flood risk governance in the six STAR-FLOOD consortium countries are invited to consider.

Climate change creates new challenges for the global society. Responding to climate change is a complex process of societal transformations that should be studied as such. The contribution of the social sciences is crucial to the understanding of these processes of change. The growing body of knowledge on the physics of climate change, its causes and consequences is not matched by an equivalent understanding of the societal challenges it poses. The Joint Programming Initiative on ‘Connecting Climate Knowledge for Europe’ (JPI Climate) identifies key topics for future social science research.

In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the molecular species profile of the major membrane glycerophospholipid phosphatidylcholine (PC) is determined by the molecular species-selectivity of the biosynthesis routes and by acyl chain remodeling. Overexpression of the glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase Sct1p was recently shown to induce a strong increase in the cellular content of palmitate (C16:0). Using stable isotope labeling and mass spectrometry, the present study shows that wild type yeast overexpressing Sct1p incorporates excess C16:0 into PC via the methylation of PE, the CDP-choline route, and post-synthetic acyl chain remodeling. Overexpression of Sct1p increased the extent of remodeling of PE-derived PC, providing a novel tool to perform mechanistic studies on PC acyl chain exchange. The exchange of acyl chains occurred at both the sn-1 and sn-2 positions of the glycerol backbone of PC, and required the phospholipase B Plb1p for optimal efficiency. Sct1p-catalyzed acyl chain exchange, the acyl-CoA binding protein Acb1p, the Plb1p homologue Plb2p, and the glycerophospholipid:triacylglycerol transacylase Lro1p were not required for PC remodeling. The results indicate that PC serves as a buffer for excess cellular C16:0.

This chapter explores the potential for bridging this gap using a sector policy approach.

This chapter explores the potential for bridging this gap using a sector policy approach.

This chapter explores the potential for bridging this gap using a sector policy approach.

Acrosomal exocytosis (AE) is an intracellular multipoint fusion reaction of the sperm plasma membrane (PM) with the outer acrosomal membrane (OAM). This unique exocytotic event enables the penetration of the sperm through the zona pellucida of the oocyte. We previously observed a stable docking of OAM to the PM brought about by the formation of the trans-SNARE complex (syntaxin 1B, SNAP 23 and VAMP 3). By using electron microscopy, immunochemistry and immunofluorescence techniques in combination with functional studies and proteomic approaches, we here demonstrate that calcium ionophore-induced AE results in the formation of unilamellar hybrid membrane vesicles containing a mixture of components originating from the two fused membranes. These mixed vesicles (MV) do not contain the earlier reported trimeric SNARE complex but instead possess a novel trimeric SNARE complex that contained syntaxin 3, SNAP 23 and VAMP 2, with an additional SNARE interacting protein, complexin 2. Our data indicate that the earlier reported raft and capacitation-dependent docking phenomenon between the PM and OAM allows a specific rearrangement of molecules between the two docked membranes and is involved in (1) recruiting SNAREs and complexin 2 in the newly formed lipid-ordered microdomains, (2) the assembly of a fusion-driving SNARE complex which executes Ca(2+)-dependent AE, (3) the disassembly of the earlier reported docking SNARE complex, (4) the recruitment of secondary zona binding proteins at the zona interacting sperm surface. The possibility to study separate and dynamic interactions between SNARE proteins, complexin and Ca(2+) which are all involved in AE make sperm an ideal model for studying exocytosis.

Dit rapport is een korte documentatie bij het ‘Vernieuwd Digitaal Basisbestand Paleogeografie van de Rijn‐Maas delta’, dat in November 2012 digitaal wordt opgeleverd. Het digitaal basisbestand bedient fysisch‐geografische en geoarcheologische gebruikersgroepen in Nederland van de meest actueleinzichten in de ligging en ouderdom van rivierafzettingen in de bovenste meters van de ondergrond. Het betreft een verregaande update en uitbreiding op het ‘Stroomruggen GIS’ van de Universiteit Utrecht: de bestanden bij ‘Berendsen & Stouthamer, 2001’, dat als standaardwerk over de paleogeografie van de Rijn‐Maas delta geldt. Het GIS slaat de reconstructie op van de ligging en ouderdom van opeenvolgende rivierlopen, gebaseerd op geologische, geomorfologische en archeologische gegevens. De kaartproducten en tabellen bij de oorspronkelijke publicatie hebben zeer veel geo‐archeologische en geohydrologische toepassing gevonden. Dit gebruik heeft op haar beurt weer veel nieuwe gegevens en inzichten opgeleverd. Ook het wetenschappelijk onderzoek is doorgegaan en heeft veel nieuwe gegevens en inzicht opgeleverd. In het ‘Vernieuwd Digitaal Basisbestand Paleogeografie van de Rijn‐Maas delta’ is deze groei door de Universiteit Utrechtverwerkt, met input van expert‐gebruikers. Het vernieuwde bestand wordt met deze oplevering vrij ter beschikking gesteld aan gebruikers in Nederland.

polemische reactie op Hanneke de Graaf’s bespreking van mijn artikel ‘Over seksuele ontwikkeling en opvoedstijlen’ in het Tijdschrift voor Seksuologie 36/2 (reeds opgenomen in Metis en Igitur)

polemische reactie op Hanneke de Graaf’s bespreking van mijn artikel ‘Over seksuele ontwikkeling en opvoedstijlen’ in het Tijdschrift voor Seksuologie 36/2 (reeds opgenomen in Metis en Igitur)

Acrosomal exocytosis (AE) is an intracellular multipoint fusion reaction of the sperm plasma membrane (PM) with the outer acrosomal membrane (OAM). This unique exocytotic event enables the penetration of the sperm through the zona pellucida of the oocyte. We previously observed a stable docking of OAM to the PM brought about by the formation of the trans- SNARE complex (syntaxin 1B, SNAP 23 and VAMP 3). By using electron microscopy, immunochemistry and immunofluorescence techniques in combination with functional studies and proteomic approaches, we here demonstrate that calcium ionophore-induced AE results in the formation of unilamellar hybrid membrane vesicles containing a mixture of components originating from the two fused membranes. These mixed vesicles (MV) do not contain the earlier reported trimeric SNARE complex but instead possess a novel trimeric SNARE complex that contained syntaxin 3, SNAP 23 and VAMP 2, with an additional SNARE interacting protein, complexin 2. Our data indicate that the earlier reported raft and capacitation-dependent docking phenomenon between the PM and OAM allows a specific rearrangement of molecules between the two docked membranes and is involved in (1) recruiting SNAREs and complexin 2 in the newly formed lipidordered microdomains, (2) the assembly of a fusion-driving SNARE complex which executes Ca2+-dependent AE, (3) the disassembly of the earlier reported docking SNARE complex, (4) the recruitment of secondary zona binding proteins at the zona interacting sperm surface. The possibility to study separate and dynamic interactions between SNARE proteins, complexin and Ca2+ which are all involved in AE make sperm an ideal model for studying exocytosis.

Om complexe problemen in de beroepspraktijk op te lossen hebben studenten in het hoger beroepsonderwijs (hbo) een diep niveau van conceptueel begrip nodig. Een instrument dat conceptueel begrip bij hbo-studenten adequaat kan meten is daarom gewenst. Het doel van dit onderzoek is om een dergelijk instrument te ontwikkelen. In het instrument worden vier oplopende niveaus van begrip beoordeeld op drie criteria. Om dit instrument verder te ontwikkelen zullen 30 vierdejaars hbo-studenten van de Engelstalige cursus International Business and Management Studies participeren. Twee methoden zullen met elkaar vergeleken worden: essays en concept maps. Experts en onderzoekers zullen het niveau van conceptueel begrip zoals geëxpliciteerd in de twee methoden beoordelen.

This study explores the relevance and implications of resource efficiency for five distinct, vitally important resource themes: energy, land, phosphorus, fresh water and fish stocks. Natural resources underpin the functioning of both the European and the global economy. They critically shape prospects for current and future quality of life over the coming decades. Key questions addressed in this study are: What are the impacts of current and projected resource use up to 2050 and in which parts of the world will they be felt most? What are the potential effects of boosting resource efficiency in different world regions? Is policy intervention conceivable? How would such interventions interact with other resources not targeted; and how does resource efficiency relate to efforts to mitigate climate change?

Individuals are increasingly put in charge of their financial security after retirement. Moreover, the supply of complex financial products has increased considerably over the years. However, we still have little or no information about whether individuals have the financial knowledge and skills to navigate this new financial environment. To better understand financial literacy and its relation to financial decision-making, we have devised two special modules for the DNB Household Survey. We have designed questions to measure numeracy and basic knowledge related to the working of inflation and interest rates, as well as questions to measure more advanced financial knowledge related to financial market instruments (stocks, bonds, and mutual funds). We evaluate the importance of financial literacy by studying its relation to the stock market: Are more financially knowledgeable individuals more likely to hold stocks? To assess the direction of causality, we make use of questions measuring financial knowledge before investing in the stock market. We find that, while the understanding of basic economic concepts related to inflation and interest rate compounding is far from perfect, it outperforms the limited knowledge of stocks and bonds, the concept of risk diversification, and the working of financial markets. We also find that the measurement of financial literacy is very sensitive to the wording of survey questions. This provides additional evidence for limited financial knowledge. Finally, we report evidence of an independent effect of financial literacy on stock market participation: Those who have low financial literacy are significantly less likely to invest in stocks.

Mobilization of fatty acids from adipose tissue during metabolic stress will increase the amount of free fatty acids in blood and follicular fluid and, thus, may affect oocyte quality. In this in vitro study, the three predominant fatty acids in follicular fluid (saturated palmitic and stearic acid and unsaturated oleic acid) were presented to maturing oocytes to test whether fatty acids can affect lipid storage of the oocyte and developmental competence postfertilization. Palmitic and stearic acid had a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on the amount of fat stored in lipid droplets and a concomitant detrimental effect on oocyte developmental competence. Oleic acid, in contrast, had the opposite effect, causing an increase of lipid storage in lipid droplets and an improvement of oocyte developmental competence. Remarkably, the adverse effects of palmitic and stearic acid could be counteracted by oleic acid. These results suggest that the ratio and amount of saturated and unsaturated fatty acid is relevant for lipid storage in the maturing oocyte and that this relates to the developmental competence of maturing oocytes.