This thesis describes the development and optimization of the first molecular tools to study the enzyme PLA2G4E.

Understanding DNA repair mechanisms is essential for advancing plant biotechnology and crop improvement. This study investigates how double-strand breaks (DSBs), induced by CRISPR/Cas systems, are repaired in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, and how these processes influence Agrobacterium tumefaciens…

Promotor: E.F. Smets Co-promotor: J. Geml

Carbonaceous asteroids preserve a record of early solar system processes, where minerals and organic molecules, like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), offer clues to planetary evolution and prebiotic chemistry.

In the current global context, there is a pressing need to address sustainable energy supplies to safeguard our Planet and its ecosystems. The choices made by human society have a significant impact on genetic evolution and climate.

Promotor: Prof.dr. M.K. Richardson

Cardiovascular syndromes are the major cause of death in Western societies.

In this thesis, I focused on studying the above- and belowground interactions of J. vulgaris from a plant-soil feedback (hereafter, PSF) perspective. I investigated the temporal variation of negative PSF and examined the effects of root-associated bacteria on plant performance and aboveground herbiv…

The human body consists of hundreds, perhaps thousands of different types of cells, each with different morphologies and functions, despite having the same genome.

Promotor: Prof.dr. M. Ubbink

Promotor: A. Kros

This thesis pioneers diatom molecular identification and quantification through genome-scale methods, with four key aims: (i) reviewing DNA/RNA sequencing methods in aquatic biomonitoring to highlight their strengths and limitations;

Op 28 oktober 2021 verdedigde Hein van der Bruggen zijn proefschrift en behaalde daarmee de doctorstitel.

Promotor: Prof. dr. Arnold Tukker & Prof. dr. René Kemp (Maastricht University)

In this thesis, deep learning is studied from a statistical perspective. Convergence rates for the worst case risk bounds of neural network estimators are obtained in the classification, density estimation and linear regression model.

Promotor: G.A. van der Marel, Co-promotor: D.C. Codée

In astronomy, the interpration of observations and measurements plays a crucial role: we rely purely and fundamentally on the information that reaches us as observers. And 80% of all matter in the universe is undetectable directly.

Mechanical metamaterials are carefully engineered materials whose properties are controlled by their structure, not by their composition, which allows using metamaterials to study and control physical effects in detail⁠.

Bacteria have the ability to alter their morphology in order to adapt to changing environments.

Promotor: J. Schaye

Mechanical forces are known to play an important role in bacterial colonies. In this dissertation, we study the self-organization at various stages of growing bacterial colonies, and focus on the mechanical effects of cell growth.

Promotor: T. Schmidt, Co-Promotor: B.E. Snaar-Jagalska

The expedition commanded by Nicolas Baudin to Tenerife, Mauritius, Australia, Timor and South Africa in 1800-1804 is fully researched in regard to ornithology.

This thesis is about the study of hydrocarbons via infrared spectroscopy.

An Active Galactic Nucleus (AGN) is a highly luminous region at the center of a galaxy, powered by the accretion into a supermassive black hole and emitting energy from radio waves to gamma rays, often outshining the host galaxy.

International trade has played a major role in defining the modern global economy. Trade, however, entangles the environmental pressures of economic sectors, giving the illusion of environmental improvements, while the opposite may be occurring.

Promotor: Carel J. ten Cate, Co-Promotor: Hans W. Slabbekoorn

Ferritin is a spherical metalloprotein, capable of storing and releasing iron in a controllable way. It is composed of a protein shell of about 12 nm and within its cavity, iron is stored in a mineral form.

Barrier function is the natural role of the skin. The lipid matrix present in the outermost layer of the skin, the stratum corneum is important for this function.

This ecological community has long been known to affect host biology, and their diverse roles have been further clarified in recent years following numerous studies of animal:microbiota interactions in diverse systems.

Curved single crystals provide variable, but well-defined surface structures.

Cardiovascular diseases are among the most frequent causes of death in the world. The main underlying pathology of cardiovascular diseases is the development of atherosclerosis in the medium and large-sized arteries.

Promotor: J. A. Bouwstra

Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) is the second most common type of breast cancer.

Streptomyces bacteria are a valuable source of natural products, many of which are used in the clinic or in biotechnology.

The spindle-assembly checkpoint (SAC) is a safety mechanism which secures accurate chromosome segregation during mitosis.

Promotores: Prof.dr. G. Miley & Prof.dr. J.M. van den Broek

The research presented in this thesis makes use of small molecules (as H2 , D2 and O2 ) on well-defined single crystal surfaces (flat Pt(111), flat Cu(211) and curved Pt(111)) to elucidate the role of surface structure and degrees of freedom in the reactant in specific surface reactions.

LCA has become an important method to study environmental impacts of human activities. Still, there are several methodological issues in LCA that can adversely affect the results reliability.

Plant exudates appeared long time ago in the history line of life in the early Devonian. They are typical saps produced by specialized cells.

Supervisor: S.F. Portegies Zwart Co-Supervisor: A.G.A. Brown

Consequences for sediment stability and seston trapping

Promotor: G.J. Kramer Co-Promotor: E.G.M. Kleijn

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most prevalent cancer in males.

Promotor: M.T.M. Koper, Co-promotor: J.B.F. Juurlink

Promotor: W. Jiskoot, Co-promotor: A. Hawe

Promotor: M.T.M. Koper, Co-promotors: A.I. Yanson, L.B.F. Juurlink

Catalysis is of extreme relevance in the production of everyday materials and plays a central role in many aspects of our life.

Growth and development affect the metabolism of drugs administered to neonates, infants, and children.