| 1. |
- Rubio-Moscardo, Fanny, et al.
(författare)
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Rare Variants in Calcium Homeostasis Modulator 1 (CALHM1) Found in Early Onset Alzheimer's Disease Patients Alter Calcium Homeostasis
- 2013
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Ingår i: PLOS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 8:9, s. e74203-
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Calcium signaling in the brain is fundamental to the learning and memory process and there is evidence to suggest that its dysfunction is involved in the pathological pathways underlying Alzheimer's disease (AD). Recently, the calcium hypothesis of AD has received support with the identification of the non-selective Ca2+-permeable channel CALHM1. A genetic polymorphism (p. P86L) in CALHM1 reduces plasma membrane Ca2+ permeability and is associated with an earlier age-at-onset of AD. To investigate the role of CALHM1 variants in early-onset AD (EOAD), we sequenced all CALHM1 coding regions in three independent series comprising 284 EOAD patients and 326 controls. Two missense mutations in patients (p.G330D and p.R154H) and one (p.A213T) in a control individual were identified. Calcium imaging analyses revealed that while the mutation found in a control (p.A213T) behaved as wild-type CALHM1 (CALHM1-WT), a complete abolishment of the Ca2+ influx was associated with the mutations found in EOAD patients (p.G330D and p.R154H). Notably, the previously reported p. P86L mutation was associated with an intermediate Ca2+ influx between the CALHM1-WT and the p.G330D and p. R154H mutations. Since neither expression of wild-type nor mutant CALHM1 affected amyloid beta-peptide (A beta) production or A beta-mediated cellular toxicity, we conclude that rare genetic variants in CALHM1 lead to Ca2+ dysregulation and may contribute to the risk of EOAD through a mechanism independent from the classical A beta cascade.
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| 2. |
- Withycombe Keeler, Lauren, et al.
(författare)
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Utilizing international networks for accelerating research and learning in transformational sustainability science
- 2016
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Ingår i: Sustainability Science. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1862-4065 .- 1862-4057. ; 11:5, s. 749-762
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- A promising approach for addressing sustainability problems is to recognize the unique conditions of a particular place, such as problem features and solution capabilities, and adopt and adapt solutions developed at other places around the world. Therefore, research and teaching in international networks becomes critical, as it allows for accelerating learning by sharing problem understandings, successful solutions, and important contextual considerations. This article identifies eight distinct types of research and teaching collaborations in international networks that can support such accelerated learning. The four research types are, with increasing intensity of collaboration: (1) solution adoption; (2) solution consultation; (3) joint research on different problems; and (4) joint research on similar problems. The four teaching types are, with increasing intensity of collaboration: (1) adopted course; (2) course with visiting faculty; (3) joint course with traveling faculty; and (4) joint course with traveling students. The typology is illustrated by extending existing research and teaching projects on urban sustainability in the International Network of Programs in Sustainability, with partner universities from Europe, North America, Asia, and Africa. The article concludes with challenges and strategies for extending individual projects into collaborations in international networks.
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| 3. |
- Fernandez, Mateo Garcia, et al.
(författare)
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On Improvements for Sustainable Energy System for Drip Irrigation - Study Case Kenitra Morocco
- 2023
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Ingår i: 2023 IEEE PES/IAS PowerAfrica, PowerAfrica 2023.
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- This paper evaluates the existing system of INRA's citrus plantation outside Kenitra, Morocco, a 4-hectare citrus plantation, the water source comes from two wells via a reservoir and feeds a drip irrigation system. The energy consumption of the system comes from pumping operations and is largely supplied by grid, although there is 11 kW of installed solar power that currently it is only used to feed one of the pumps. To improve the energy efficiency, an enhanced design where the hybrid solar and grid system is connected to all the pumps is analyzed. The energy consumption is based on the irrigation needs and water consumption data so the different supply options can be assessed. The study investigates how the grid energy consumption and greenhouse gases emissions vary when different amounts of installed solar power is added to an existing citrus plantation and examines the economic costs of the full hybrid arrangement. The results show that a combination of solar and grid supply can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs and can also provide an energy surplus that can be used for other applications.
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| 4. |
- Montseny, Maria, et al.
(författare)
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Active Ecological Restoration of Cold-Water Corals: Techniques, Challenges, Costs and Future Directions
- 2021
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Ingår i: Frontiers in Marine Science. - : Frontiers Media SA. - 2296-7745. ; 8
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Cold-water coral (CWC) habitats dwell on continental shelves, slopes, seamounts, and ridge systems around the world’s oceans from 50 to 4000 m depth, providing heterogeneous habitats which support a myriad of associated fauna. These highly diverse ecosystems are threatened by human stressors such as fishing activities, gas and oil exploitation, and climate change. Since their life-history traits such as long lifespan and slow growth rates make CWCs very vulnerable to potential threats, it is a foremost challenge to explore the viability of restoration actions to enhance and speed up their recovery. In contrast to terrestrial and shallow-water marine ecosystems, ecological restoration in deep marine environments has received minimal attention. This review, by means of a systematic literature search, aims to identify CWC restoration challenges, assess the most suitable techniques to restore them, and discuss future perspectives. Outcomes from the few restoration actions performed to date on CWCs, which have lasted between 1 to 4 years, provide evidence of the feasibility of coral transplantation and artificial reef deployments. Scientific efforts should focus on testing novel and creative restoration techniques, especially to scale up to the spatial and temporal scales of impacts. There is still a general lack of knowledge about the biological, ecological and habitat characteristics of CWC species exploration of which would aid the development of effective restoration measures. To ensure the long-term viability and success of any restoration action it is essential to include holistic and long-term monitoring programs, and to ideally combine active restoration with natural spontaneous regeneration (i.e., passive restoration) strategies such as the implementation of deep-sea marine protected areas (MPAs). We conclude that a combination of passive and active restoration approaches with involvement of local society would be the best optimal option to achieve and ensure CWC restoration success.
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