Departure from Randomness:expanding the Structure Space of Self-Replicating Molecules

Creating life in the lab is one of the ways how scientists try to get a better idea of how life originated (on Earth). One of the key characteristics of life is its ability to reproduce. Because of that, self-replicating molecules (molecules capable of making copies of themselves) are used in the research group of Sijbren Otto as a starting point for creating life in the lab. These molecules can already reproduce on their own. However, only the ability to reproduce is not sufficient for being alive. It is also necessary to have the possibility of mutations to occur during reproduction, allowing for adaptation to a changing environment (Darwinian evolution).To enable mutations in self-replicating molecules, I have investigated various building blocks. Each of these building blocks can form self-replicating molecules when they are on their own, but they lack the ability to mutate. Mutation only becomes possible when different building blocks are mixed. In this thesis, I demonstrate that when you mix building blocks that are very similar, they are randomly incorporated into the self-replicating molecules. However, when the building blocks differ more from each other, they can be incorporated in a non-random manner. This results in self-replicating molecules that have a specific configuration of different building blocks. I show that these self-replicating molecules with a specific building block configuration can adapt to their environment by incorporating the different building blocks in a different way. This is a first step towards Darwinian evolution with self-replicating molecules

At risk for dyslexia. The role of phonological abilities, letter knowledge, and speed of serial naming in early intervention and diagnosis:the role of phonological abilities, letter knowledge,

The study described in this thesis is part of a national Dutch longitudinal Intervention study, in which it was attempted, first, to reduce reading and spelling disabilities of children at familial risk for dyslexia (as well as accompanying cognitive, behavioral, social and educational problems) via early intervention, and, second, to explore the role of some basic reading-related abilities in the prediction of dyslexia. The specific contribution of the study described in this thesis is an exploration of the role of phonological abilities, letter knowledge, and speed of serial naming in early intervention and diagnosis of children at familial risk for dyslexia. ... Zie: Summar

THE IMPACTS OF THE CONSERVATION RESERVE PROGRAM ON RURAL COMMUNITIES: THE CASE OF THREE OREGON COUNTIES

Using an economic input/output model, the community personal income impacts of participating in the Conservation Reserve Program were analyzed for three rural Oregon counties. While individual farmers may benefit from participation, there may be net adverse impact on the community if the retired land is relatively productive or if the inputs that are no longer purchased would have been purchased locally. These negative effects may be exacerbated if participating farmers quit farming and leave the local area or if the Conservation Reserve Program benefits go to absentee landowners. The Conservation Reserve Program may then represent a conflict between community and national policy objectives.Agricultural and Food Policy, Community/Rural/Urban Development,