University of Groningen

About: University of Groningen is a education organization based out in Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Context (language use). The organization has 36346 authors who have published 69116 publications receiving 2940370 citations. The organization is also known as: Rijksuniversiteit Groningen & RUG.

The contribution of ocean‐leaving DMS to the global atmospheric burdens of DMS, MSA, SO2, and NSS SO4=

Abstract: [1] The contribution of ocean-derived DMS to the atmospheric burdens of a variety of sulphur compounds (DMS, MSA, SO2, and nss SO4=) is quantified from season to season. Such quantification, especially for nss SO4= (the climate-relevant product of DMS oxidation), is essential for the quantification of the radiative forcing of climate that may be attributable to marine phytoplankton under possible future climate conditions. Three-dimensional chemical transport modeling up to the stratosphere is used as a tool in realizing this aim. Global data sets on oceanic and terrestrial sulphur sources are used as input. We find that the contribution of ocean-leaving DMS to the global annually averaged column burdens of the modeled compounds is considerable: 11.9 mumol m(-2) (98% of total global burden) for DMS; 0.95 mumol m(-2) (94% of total global burden) for MSA; 2.8 mumol m(-2) (32% of total global burden) for SO2 and 2.5 mumol m(-2) (18% of total global burden) for nss SO4=. The mean annual contribution of DMS to the climate-relevant nss SO4= column burden is greatest in the relatively pristine Southern Hemisphere, where it is estimated at 43%. This contribution is only 9% in the Northern Hemisphere, where anthropogenic sulphur sources are overwhelming. The marine algal-derived input of the other modeled sulphur compounds ( DMS, MSA, and SO2) is also greatest in the Southern Hemisphere where a lower oxidative capacity of the atmosphere, a larger sea-to-air transfer of DMS and a larger emission surface area lead to an elevation of the atmospheric DMS burden.

New gene functions in megakaryopoiesis and platelet formation

Abstract: Platelets are the second most abundant cell type in blood and are essential for maintaining haemostasis. Their count and volume are tightly controlled within narrow physiological ranges, but there is only limited understanding of the molecular processes controlling both traits. Here we carried out a high-powered meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in up to 66,867 individuals of European ancestry, followed by extensive biological and functional assessment. We identified 68 genomic loci reliably associated with platelet count and volume mapping to established and putative novel regulators of megakaryopoiesis and platelet formation. These genes show megakaryocyte-specific gene expression patterns and extensive network connectivity. Using gene silencing in Danio rerio and Drosophila melanogaster, we identified 11 of the genes as novel regulators of blood cell formation. Taken together, our findings advance understanding of novel gene functions controlling fate-determining events during megakaryopoiesis and platelet formation, providing a new example of successful translation of GWAS to function.

⊡ Human Behavior and Environmental Sustainability: Problems, Driving Forces, and Research Topics

Abstract: Social and behavioral research is crucial for securing environmental sustainability and improving human living environments. To put the following articles into broader perspective, we first give an overview of worldwide developments in environmental quality and trends in resource use. Second, five general driving forces of global environmental change are distinguished: population, affluence, technology, institutions, and culture; these are considered in view of critical transitions in the evolution of human society. Third, inspired by a four-stage model approach to common resource dilemmas, our introduction describes this issue’s specific topics for research and policy support concerning environmental sustainability at different scale levels. Finally, the necessity of multidisciplinary collaboration and desirable developments in environmental psychology are discussed.

BOLD contrast sensitivity enhancement and artifact reduction with multiecho EPI: Parallel-acquired inhomogeneity-desensitized fMRI

Abstract: Functional MRI (fMRI) generally employs gradient-echo echo-planar imaging (GE-EPI) to measure blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signal changes that result from changes in tissue relaxation time T(*) (2) between activation and rest. Since T(*) (2) strongly varies across the brain and BOLD contrast is maximal only where the echo time (TE) equals the local T(*) (2), imaging at a single TE is a compromise in terms of overall sensitivity. Furthermore, the long echo train makes EPI very sensitive to main field inhomogeneities, causing strong image distortion. A method is presented that uses accelerated parallel imaging to reduce image artifacts and acquire images at multiple TEs following a single excitation, with no need to increase TR. Sensitivity gains from the broadened T(*) (2) coverage are optimized by pixelwise weighted echo summation based on local T(*) (2) or contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) measurements. The method was evaluated using an approach that allows differential BOLD CNR to be calculated without stimulation, as well as with a Stroop experiment. Results obtained at 3 T showed that BOLD sensitivity improved by 11% or more in all brain regions, with larger gains in areas typically affected by strong susceptibility artifacts. The use of parallel imaging markedly reduces image distortion, and hence the method should find widespread application in functional brain imaging.