When supply travels far beyond demand: Institutional and regulatory causes of oversupply in Spain’s transport infrastructure

Spain’s transport infrastructure policy has become a paradigmatic case of oversupply and of mismatch with demand. The massive expansion of the country’s transport infrastructure over the last decade has not been a response to demand bottlenecks or previously identified needs. For this reason, the intensity of use today on all interurban modes of transport in Spain falls well below that of other EU countries. This paper analyzes the institutional and regulatory factors that have permitted this policy, allowing us to draw lessons from the Spanish case that should help other countries avoid the pitfalls and shortcomings of Spanish policy. Based on our analysis, we also discuss policy remedies and suggest reforms in different regulatory areas, which could help improve the performance of Spain’s infrastructure policy.

Monte Carlo thermodynamic and structural properties of the TIP4P water model: dependence on the computational conditions

Classical Monte Carlo simulations were carried out on the NPT ensemble at 25°C and 1 atm, aiming to investigate the ability of the TIP4P water model [Jorgensen, Chandrasekhar, Madura, Impey and Klein; J. Chem. Phys., 79 (1983) 926] to reproduce the newest structural picture of liquid water. The results were compared with recent neutron diffraction data [Soper; Bruni and Ricci; J. Chem. Phys., 106 (1997) 247]. The influence of the computational conditions on the thermodynamic and structural results obtained with this model was also analyzed. The findings were compared with the original ones from Jorgensen et al [above-cited reference plus Mol. Phys., 56 (1985) 1381]. It is notice that the thermodynamic results are dependent on the boundary conditions used, whereas the usual radial distribution functions g(O/O(r)) and g(O/H(r)) do not depend on them.

On the application of knoevenagel condensation for the synthesis of benzylidene benzothiazine compounds and structural study

The synthesis and physico-chemical properties of new 6-acetylamino or 6-benzoyl-amino 2-benzylidene-4-methyl-4H-benzo[1,4]thiazin-3-ones and 6-benzoylamino or 6-nitro 2-benzylidene-4H-benzo[1,4]thiazin-3-ones are described. These benzylidene benzothiazine compounds were prepared by the Knoevenagel condensation with benzaldehydes. The configurations and conformations of benzylidene benzothiazine derivatives were optimised using the semi-empirical method AM1.

Thermal and structural study of guava (Psidium guajava L) powders obtained by two dehydration methods

Two food products (powders) were obtained by hot-air drying or lyophilisation methods on the whole guava fruits. The powders were characterised by sensory and thermal analyses (TGA-DSC), infrared spectroscopy (IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Thermal, morphological and structural characterisations showed a similar behaviour for the two solids. TGA-DSC and IR showed the presence of pectin as the main constituent of solids. A semi-crystalline profile was evidenced by XRD, and lamellar/spherical morphologies were observed by SEM. Sensory analyses revealed an aroma highly related to guava. These value-added food products are an alternative to process guava and avoid loss during postharvest handling.

Dynamical and structural properties of dendrimer macromolecules

This work is devoted to the study of the dynamical and structural properties of dendrimers. Different approaches were used: analytical theory, computer simulation results and experimental NMR studies. The theory of the relaxation spectrum of dendrimer macromolecules was developed. Relaxation processes which are manifest in the local orientational mobility of dendrimer macromolecules were established and studied in detail. Theoretical results and conclusions were used for experimental studies of carbosilane dendimers.

PHYTOSOCIOLOGY AND STRUCTURAL CHARACTERIZATION OF WOODY REGENERATION FROM A REFORESTATION WITH NATIVE SPECIES IN SOUTHEASTERN BRAZIL

ABSTRACT In Brazil, specifically in São Paulo State, there are guidelines based on the high diversity of tropical forests that instructs the restoration projects in the state (current SMA 32/2014). The main goal of this study was verify the importance and effectiveness of the high diversity of arboreal species originated from a reforestation, and its influence in a woody regenerating composition. We developed a phytosociologic study in a woody regenerating stratum of a nine year old reforestation at a Private Reserve of Natural Heritage (RPPN), in Mogi-Guaçu, São Paulo State. All specimens with height > 30 cm and Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) < 5 cm were evaluated. The woody regenerating diversity was smaller than the overstory diversity and the species composition was similar to the overstory. The Simpson index (1-D) was 0.85, Shannon index (H') was 2.46 and the Pielou index (J') was 0.60. The zoochoric dispersion syndrome was major among the species. Our results suggest that the use of high diversity of native seedlings in a reforestation leads to high diversity of species in woody regeneration stratum, after one decade of planting.

Pain symptoms and sleep problems among school-aged children. Long-term prevalence changes, and pain symptoms as predictors of later mental health

Children’s pain symptoms and sleep problems are among the most common health complaints. They distract children from activities, decrease the quality of life, contribute to a significant economic burden, and have shown continuity into adulthood. The main aims of this thesis were to investigate long-term changes in the prevalence of pain symptoms and sleep problems among Finnish school-aged children, and the later mental health of those who in childhood experience pain. Prevalence, co-occurrence, and associated psychosocial factors of pain symptoms and sleep problems were also assessed. In study I, prevalence changes in eight-year-old children’s pain symptoms and sleep problems were investigated in three cross-sectional population-based samples (years 1989: n=1038, 1999: n=1035, and 2005: n=1030). In study II, cross-sectional associations between pain symptoms, sleep problems, and psychosocial factors were assessed among 13-18-year-old adolescents (n=2476). In studies III and IV, associations between pain symptoms at age eight (n=6017), and register-based data on antidepressant use and severe suicidality by age 24, were examined in a nationwide birth cohort. Pain symptoms and sleep problems were common and often co-occurred. A considerable number of children’s pain symptoms remained unrecognized by the parents. The prevalence of pain symptoms, sleep problems, and multiple concurrent symptoms approximately doubled from 1989 to 2005. Psychiatric difficulties or demographic factors did not explain the increase. Psychosocial factors that were associated with pain, sleep problems, and a higher number of symptoms, were female sex, psychological difficulties, emotional symptoms, smoking, victimization, and feeling not cared about by teachers. In longitudinal analyses, the child’s own report of headache, and to a smaller degree the parental report of the child’s abdominal pain predicted later antidepressant use. Parental report of the child’s abdominal pain predicted severe suicidality among males. If one of the symptoms is present, health care professionals should inquire about other symptoms as well. Questions should be directed to the children, not only to their parents. Inquiring about psychiatric difficulties, substance use, victimization, and relations with teachers should be included as a part of the assessment. Further studies are needed to clarify the reasons that underlie the increased prevalence rates, and the factors that may increase or decrease the risk for later mental health problems among pain-suffering children.

Neurocognitive changes in early-stage Parkinson's disease : functional and structural brain correlates of memory and verbal functions

Resultaten påvisade små, men mätbara försämringar i minnes- och verbal förmåga hos personer som haft Parkinsons sjukdom under tre år. Jämfört med en kontrollgrupp uppvisade Parkinsonpatienter avvikande responser i hjärnans elektriska aktivitet under en korttidsminnesuppgift, och de presterade även sämre i olika typer av andra minnesuppgifter. Försämring i en specifik typ av minnesuppgift korrelerade med förminskad volym i höger hjärnhalva. Samband hittades också mellan sämre verbal förmåga och förminskad volym i djupa hjärnstrukturer. Förminskad hjärnvolym har tidigare påvisats hos dementa patienter i senare sjukdomsstadier. Forskningsresultaten bidrar med ny kunskap om kognitiva symptom och deras neurala bakgrund vid Parkinsons sjukdom. De tyder också på att tidig kognitiv funktionsnedsättning kan identifieras, vilket kan bidra till utvecklingen av sjukdomens behandling. Parkinsons sjukdom är den näst vanligaste neurogeriatriska sjukdomen efter Alzheimers sjukdom. Symptomen uppstår som följd av förminskad produktion av hjärnans transmittorämne dopamin. Parkinsons sjukdom har traditionellt betraktats som en progressiv motorisk sjukdom. Ny forskning tyder på att multipla hjärnsystem skadas, vilket resulterar i att även tankeprocesser påverkas. 75-80% uppskattas insjukna i demens 10-15 år efter diagnos, men det kognitiva sjukdomsförloppet och orsaken till demenssymptomen är tillsvidare okänd. I Finland uppskattas ca 10-12 000 personer ha Parkinsons sjukdom, varav ca 3 000 uppskattas ha demens. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tutkimuksessa todettiin lieviä muutoksia muisti- ja kielellisissä toiminnoissa alle kolme vuotta sairastaneilla Parkinson-potilailla. Potilailla havaittiin poikkeavia aivosähkötoiminnan vasteita lyhytkestoista muistia mittaavan tehtävän aikana. Potilaat suoriutuivat myös verrokkiryhmää heikommin useissa muistitehtävissä. Heikentynyt tahaton muisti liittyi pienempään aivokuoren harmaan aineen paikalliseen tilavuuteen. Heikompi kielellinen suoriutuminen liittyi pienempään harmaan aineen tilavuuteen aivojen syvissä rakenteissa. Pienentyneitä aivorakenteiden tilavuuksia on aiemmin todettu dementoituneilla Parkinson-potilailla sairauden myöhemmissä vaiheissa. Tutkimustulokset tuovat uutta tietoa Parkinsonin taudin kognitiivisista oireista ja niiden aivoperäisestä taustasta. Tulosten perusteella on mahdollista tunnistaa jo varhaisia kognitiivisia muutoksia, mikä voi mahdollistaa tehokkaamman hoidon kohdentamisen. Parkinsonin tauti on Alzheimerin taudin jälkeen toiseksi yleisin neurogeriatrinen sairaus. Oirekuva liittyy aivojen dopaminergisen järjestelmän rappeutumiseen. Perinteisesti liikehäiriösairaudeksi luokiteltu sairaus vaurioittaa lukuisia muita aivojärjestelmiä aiheuttaen muutoksia myös mm. ajattelutoiminnoissa. Pitkään sairastaneista 75–80 prosentilla esiintyy dementiaoireita, mutta oireiden syy ja kehityskaari tunnetaan toistaiseksi huonosti. Suomessa on arviolta 10–12 000 Parkinson-potilasta, joista noin 3 000 arvioidaan kärsivän dementiaoireista.

Floristic and structural variation of weeds in eucalyptus plantations as influenced by relief and time of year

The objective of this work was to analyze the floristic variation and phytosociological structure of weeds as influenced by relief and time of year in eucalyptus plantations in Santana do Paraíso and Guanhães - MG. The total area sampled for each locality was approximately 10 ± 3 hectares, comprising three types of relief: lowland, slope, and upper area. In each type of relief, 10 plots of 1 m² were sampled, corresponding to 30 plots per locality, where they were randomly allocated in a zigzag. The taxonomic identification was performed in four assessments, corresponding to the months of November and March, comprising two ratings each season, always at the same points, and geo-referenced using the Global Positioning System (GPS). A total of 3,893 individuals, 18 families and 61 species, were identified in Santana do Paraiso and a total of 1,166 individuals, 13 families and 58 species, in Guanhães. In both localities, the most representative families in terms of wealth were: Poaceae, Asteraceae, and Fabaceae. Galinsoga parviflora was the most abundant species. The Vernonia polyantes was identified only in the lowlands, while Arrabida florida was identified in the slope and upper area. On the other hand, Emilia coccinea, Sida rhombifolia, S. paniculatum and Spermacoce latifolia were common to all three environments. Commelina benghalensis was present only in the month of March, while G. parviflora was present only in the month of November. It was concluded that the floristic and phytosociological variation of weeds in eucalyptus plantations is influenced by the type of relief and time of year, which should guide the management practices used in the culture.

alpha-Globin genes: thalassemic and structural alterations in a Brazilian population

Seven unrelated patients with hemoglobin (Hb) H disease and 27 individuals with alpha-chain structural alterations were studied to identify the alpha-globin gene mutations present in the population of Southeast Brazil. The -alpha3.7, --MED and -(alpha)20.5 deletions were investigated by PCR, whereas non-deletional alpha-thalassemia (alphaHphalpha, alphaNcoIalpha, aaNcoI, alphaIcalpha and alphaTSaudialpha) was screened with restriction enzymes and by nested PCR. Structural alterations were identified by direct DNA sequencing. Of the seven patients with Hb H disease, all of Italian descent, two had the -(alpha)20.5/-alpha3.7 genotype, one had the --MED/-alpha3.7 genotype, one had the --MED/alphaHphalpha genotype and three showed interaction of the -alpha3.7 deletion with an unusual, unidentified form of non-deletional alpha-thalassemia [-alpha3.7/(aa)T]. Among the 27 patients with structural alterations, 15 (of Italian descent) had Hb Hasharon (alpha47Asp->His) associated with the -alpha3.7 deletion, 4 (of Italian descent) were heterozygous for Hb J-Rovigo (alpha53Ala->Asp), 4 (3 Blacks and 1 Caucasian) were heterozygous for Hb Stanleyville-II (alpha78Asn->Lys) associated with the alpha+-thalassemia, 1 (Black) was heterozygous for Hb G-Pest (alpha74Asp->Asn), 1 (Caucasian) was heterozygous for Hb Kurosaki (alpha7Lys->Glu), 1 (Caucasian) was heterozygous for Hb Westmead (alpha122His->Gln), and 1 (Caucasian) was the carrier of a novel silent variant (Hb Campinas, alpha26Ala->Val). Most of the mutations found reflected the Mediterranean and African origins of the population. Hbs G-Pest and Kurosaki, very rare, and Hb Westmead, common in southern China, were initially described in individuals of ethnic origin differing from those of the carriers reported in the present study and are the first cases to be reported in the Brazilian population.

alpha-Smooth muscle actin and proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression in focal segmental glomerulosclerosis: functional and structural parameters of renal disease progression

The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SM-actin) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in renal cortex from patients with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and their correlations with parameters of renal disease progression. We analyzed renal biopsies from 41 patients with idiopathic FSGS and from 14 control individuals. The alpha-SM-actin immunoreaction was evaluated using a score that reflected the changes in the extent and intensity of staining in the glomerular or cortical area. The PCNA reaction was quantified by counting the labeled cells of the glomeruli or renal cortex. The results, reported as median ± percentile (25th; 75th), showed that the alpha-SM-actin scores in the glomeruli and tubulointerstitium from the renal cortex were 2.0 (2.0; 4.0) and 3.0 (3.0; 4.0), respectively, in patients with FSGS, and 0.5 (0.0; 1.0) and 0.0 (0.0; 0.5) in the controls. The number of PCNA-positive cells per glomerulus and graded field of tubulointerstitium from the renal cortex was 0.2 (0.0; 0.4) and 1.1 (0.3; 2.2), respectively, for patients with FSGS, and 0.0 (0.0; 0.5) and 0.0 (0.0; 0.0) for controls. The present data showed an increase of alpha-SM-actin and PCNA expression in glomeruli and renal cortex from FSGS patients. The extent of immunoreaction for alpha-SM-actin in the tubulointerstitial area was correlated with the intensity of proteinuria. However, there was no correlation between the kidney expression of these proteins and the reciprocal of plasma creatinine level or renal fibrosis. These findings suggest that the immunohistochemical alterations may be reversible.

Membrane proteins: functional and structural studies using reconstituted proteoliposomes and 2-D crystals

Reconstitution of membrane proteins into lipid bilayers is a powerful tool to analyze functional as well as structural areas of membrane protein research. First, the proper incorporation of a purified membrane protein into closed lipid vesicles, to produce proteoliposomes, allows the investigation of transport and/or catalytic properties of any membrane protein without interference by other membrane components. Second, the incorporation of a large amount of membrane proteins into lipid bilayers to grow crystals confined to two dimensions has recently opened a new way to solve their structure at high resolution using electron crystallography. However, reconstitution of membrane proteins into functional proteoliposomes or 2-D crystallization has been an empirical domain, which has been viewed for a long time more like "black magic" than science. Nevertheless, in the last ten years, important progress has been made in acquiring knowledge of lipid-protein-detergent interactions and has permitted to build upon a set of basic principles that has limited the empirical approach of reconstitution experiments. Reconstitution strategies have been improved and new strategies have been developed, facilitating the success rate of proteoliposome formation and 2-D crystallization. This review deals with the various strategies available to obtain proteoliposomes and 2-D crystals from detergent-solubilized proteins. It gives an overview of the methods that have been applied, which may be of help for reconstituting more proteins into lipid bilayers in a form suitable for functional studies at the molecular level and for high-resolution structural analysis.

Genesis and Evolution of Brittle Structures In Southwestern Finland and Western South Africa. Insights into Fault Reactivation, Fluid Flow and Structural Maturity in Precambrian Cratons

The bedrock of old crystalline cratons is characteristically saturated with brittle structures formed during successive superimposed episodes of deformation and under varying stress regimes. As a result, the crust effectively deforms through the reactivation of pre-existing structures rather than by through the activation, or generation, of new ones, and is said to be in a state of 'structural maturity'. By combining data from Olkiluoto Island, southwestern Finland, which has been investigated as the potential site of a deep geological repository for high-level nuclear waste, with observations from southern Sweden, it can be concluded that the southern part of the Svecofennian shield had already attained structural maturity during the Mesoproterozoic era. This indicates that the phase of activation of the crust, i.e. the time interval during which new fractures were generated, was brief in comparison to the subsequent reactivation phase. Structural maturity of the bedrock was also attained relatively rapidly in Namaqualand, western South Africa, after the formation of first brittle structures during Neoproterozoic time. Subsequent brittle deformation in Namaqualand was controlled by the reactivation of pre-existing strike-slip faults.In such settings, seismic events are likely to occur through reactivation of pre-existing zones that are favourably oriented with respect to prevailing stresses. In Namaqualand, this is shown for present day seismicity by slip tendency analysis, and at Olkiluoto, for a Neoproterozoic earthquake reactivating a Mesoproterozoic fault. By combining detailed field observations with the results of paleostress inversions and relative and absolute time constraints, seven distinctm superimposed paleostress regimes have been recognized in the Olkiluoto region. From oldest to youngest these are: (1) NW-SE to NNW-SSE transpression, which prevailed soon after 1.75 Ga, when the crust had sufficiently cooled down to allow brittle deformation to occur. During this phase conjugate NNW-SSE and NE-SW striking strike-slip faults were active simultaneous with reactivation of SE-dipping low-angle shear zones and foliation planes. This was followed by (2) N-S to NE-SW transpression, which caused partial reactivation of structures formed in the first event; (3) NW-SE extension during the Gothian orogeny and at the time of rapakivi magmatism and intrusion of diabase dikes; (4) NE-SW transtension that occurred between 1.60 and 1.30 Ga and which also formed the NW-SE-trending Satakunta graben located some 20 km north of Olkiluoto. Greisen-type veins also formed during this phase. (5) NE-SW compression that postdates both the formation of the 1.56 Ga rapakivi granites and 1.27 Ga olivine diabases of the region; (6) E-W transpression during the early stages of the Mesoproterozoic Sveconorwegian orogeny and which also predated (7) almost coaxial E-W extension attributed to the collapse of the Sveconorwegian orogeny. The kinematic analysis of fracture systems in crystalline bedrock also provides a robust framework for evaluating fluid-rock interaction in the brittle regime; this is essential in assessment of bedrock integrity for numerous geo-engineering applications, including groundwater management, transient or permanent CO2 storage and site investigations for permanent waste disposal. Investigations at Olkiluoto revealed that fluid flow along fractures is coupled with low normal tractions due to in-situ stresses and thus deviates from the generally accepted critically stressed fracture concept, where fluid flow is concentrated on fractures on the verge of failure. The difference is linked to the shallow conditions of Olkiluoto - due to the low differential stresses inherent at shallow depths, fracture activation and fluid flow is controlled by dilation due to low normal tractions. At deeper settings, however, fluid flow is controlled by fracture criticality caused by large differential stress, which drives shear deformation instead of dilation.