Technological change and the challenges for regional development: building social capital in less-favoured regions

The relevance of regional policy for less favoured regions (LFRs) reveals itself when policy-makers must reconcile competitiveness with social cohesion through the adaptation of competition or innovation policies. The vast literature in this area generally builds on an overarching concept of ‘social capital’ as the necessary relational infrastructure for collective action diversification and policy integration, in a context much influenced by a dynamic of industrial change and a necessary balance between the creation and diffusion of ‘knowledge’ through learning. This relational infrastructure or ‘social capital’ is centred on people’s willingness to cooperate and ‘envision’ futures as a result of “social organization, such as networks, norms and trust that facilitate action and cooperation for mutual benefit” (Putnam, 1993: 35). Advocates of this interpretation of ‘social capital’ have adopted the ‘new growth’ thinking behind ‘systems of innovation’ and ‘competence building’, arguing that networks have the potential to make both public administration and markets more effective as well as ‘learning’ trajectories more inclusive of the development of society as a whole. This essay aims to better understand the role of ‘social capital’ in the production and reproduction of uneven regional development patterns, and to critically assess the limits of a ‘systems concept’ and an institution-centred approach to comparative studies of regional innovation. These aims are discussed in light of the following two assertions: i) learning behaviour, from an economic point of view, has its determinants, and ii) the positive economic outcomes of ‘social capital’ cannot be taken as a given. It is suggested that an agent-centred approach to comparative research best addresses the ‘learning’ determinants and the consequences of social networks on regional development patterns. A brief discussion of the current debate on innovation surveys has been provided to illustrate this point.

The unsteady flow of a weakly compressible fluid in a thin porous layer II: three-dimensional theory

We consider the problem of determining the pressure and velocity fields for a weakly compressible fluid flowing in a three-dimensional layer, composed of an inhomogeneous, anisotropic porous medium, with vertical side walls and variable upper and lower boundaries, in the presence of vertical wells injecting and/or extracting fluid. Numerical solution of this three-dimensional evolution problem may be expensive, particularly in the case that the depth scale of the layer h is small compared to the horizontal length scale l, a situation which occurs frequently in the application to oil and gas reservoir recovery and which leads to significant stiffness in the numerical problem. Under the assumption that $\epsilon\propto h/l\ll 1$, we show that, to leading order in $\epsilon$, the pressure field varies only in the horizontal directions away from the wells (the outer region). We construct asymptotic expansions in $\epsilon$ in both the inner (near the wells) and outer regions and use the asymptotic matching principle to derive expressions for all significant process quantities. The only computations required are for the solution of non-stiff linear, elliptic, two-dimensional boundary-value, and eigenvalue problems. This approach, via the method of matched asymptotic expansions, takes advantage of the small aspect ratio of the layer, $\epsilon$, at precisely the stage where full numerical computations become stiff, and also reveals the detailed structure of the dynamics of the flow, both in the neighbourhood of wells and away from wells.

The effects of explicit versus parameterized convection on the MJO in a large-domain high-resolution tropical case study. Part II: Processes leading to differences in MJO development

High-resolution simulations over a large tropical domain (∼20◦S–20◦N and 42◦E–180◦E) using both explicit and parameterized convection are analyzed and compared during a 10-day case study of an active Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) event. In Part II, the moisture budgets and moist entropy budgets are analyzed. Vertical subgrid diabatic heating profiles and vertical velocity profiles are also compared; these are related to the horizontal and vertical advective components of the moist entropy budget which contribute to gross moist stability, GMS, and normalized GMS (NGMS). The 4-km model with explicit convection and good MJO performance has a vertical heating structure that increases with height in the lower troposphere in regions of strong convection (like observations), whereas the 12-km model with parameterized convection and a poor MJO does not show this relationship. The 4-km explicit convection model also has a more top-heavy heating profile for the troposphere as a whole near and to the west of the active MJO-related convection, unlike the 12-km parameterized convection model. The dependence of entropy advection components on moisture convergence is fairly weak in all models, and differences between models are not always related to MJO performance, making comparisons to previous work somewhat inconclusive. However, models with relatively good MJO strength and propagation have a slightly larger increase of the vertical advective component with increasing moisture convergence, and their NGMS vertical terms have more variability in time and longitude, with total NGMS that is comparatively larger to the west and smaller to the east.

Immunohistochemical, tomographic and histological study on onlay bone graft remodeling. Part II: calvarial bone

Objectives Little information is available on the molecular events that occur during graft incorporation over time. The calvarial bone (Cb) grafts have been reported to produce greater responses compared with other donor regions in maxillofacial reconstructions, but the scientific evidences for this are still lacking. The objectives of this study are (1) to study the morphological pattern of Cb onlay bone grafts and compare them with the biological events through immunohistochemical responses and (2) to establish the effects of perforations in maintaining the volume and bone density of the receptor bed. Material and methods Sixty New Zealand White rabbits were submitted to Cb onlay bone grafts on the mandible. In 30 rabbits, the receptor bed was perforated (perforated group), while for the remaining animals the bed was kept intact (non-perforated group). Six animals from each group were sacrificed at 5, 7, 10, 20 and 60 days after surgery. Histological sections from the grafted area were prepared for immunohistochemical and histological analyses. Immuno-labeling was found for proteins Osteoprotegerin (OPG), receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa beta ligand (RANKL), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteopontin (OPN), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), Type I collagen (COL I) and osteocalcin (OC). The tomography examination [computerized tomography (CT) scan] was conducted just after surgery and at the sacrifice. Results The histological findings revealed that the perforations contributed to higher bone deposition during the initial stages at the graft-receptor bed interface, accelerating the graft incorporation process. The results of the CT scan showed lower resorption for the perforated group (P < 0.05), and both groups showed high bone density rates at 60 days. This set of evidences is corroborated by the immunohistochemical outcomes indicating that proteins associated with revascularization and osteogenesis (VEGF, OPN, TRAP and ALP) were found in higher levels in the perforated group. Conclusions These findings indicate that the bone volume of calvarial grafts is better maintained when the receptor bed is perforated, probably resulting from more effective graft revascularization and greater bone deposition. The process of bone resorption peaked between 20 and 60 days post-operatively in both groups although significantly less in the perforated group. To cite this article:Pedrosa Jr WF, Okamoto R, Faria PEP, Arnez MFM, Xavier SP, Salata LA. Immunohistochemical, tomographic and histological study on onlay bone grafts remodeling. Part II: calvarial bone.Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 20, 2009; 1254-1264.doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0501.2009.01747.x.

PLANETARY NEBULAE IN THE INNER MILKY WAY II: THE BULGE-DISK TRANSITION

In this work, a sample of planetary nebulae located in the inner-disk and bulge of the Galaxy is used in order to find the galactocentric distance which better separates these two populations, from the point of view of abundances. Statistical distance scales are used to study the distribution of abundances across the disk-bulge interface. A Kolmogorov-Smirnov test is used to find the distance at which the chemical properties of these regions better separate. The results of the statistical analysis indicate that, on the average, the inner population has lower abundances than the outer. Additionally, for the a-element abundances, the inner population does not follow the disk radial gradient towards the galactic center. Based on our results, we suggest a bulge-disk interface at 1.5 kpc, marking the transition between the bulge and inner-disk of the Galaxy as defined by the intermediate mass population.

Nuclear and extended spectra of NGC 1068-II. Near-infrared stellar population synthesis

We performed stellar population synthesis on the nuclear and extended regions of NGC 1068 by means of near-infrared spectroscopy to disentangle their spectral energy distribution components. This is the first time that such a technique is applied to the whole 0.8-2.4 mu m wavelength interval in this galaxy. NGC 1068 is one of the nearest and probably the most studied Seyfert 2 galaxy, becoming an excellent laboratory to study the interaction between black holes, the jets that they can produce and the medium in which they propagate. Our main result is that traces of young stellar population are found at similar to 100 pc south of the nucleus. The contribution of a power-law continuum in the centre is about 25 per cent, which is expected if the light is scattered from a Seyfert 1 nucleus. We find peaks in the contribution of the featureless continuum about 100-150 pc from the nucleus on both sides. They might be associated with regions where the jet encounters dense clouds. Further support to this scenario is given by the peaks of hot dust distribution found around these same regions and the H(2) emission-line profile, leading us to propose that the peaks might be associated to regions where stars are being formed. Hot dust also has an important contribution to the nuclear region, reinforcing the idea of the presence of a dense, circumnuclear torus in this galaxy. Cold dust appears mostly in the south direction, which supports the view that the south-west emission is behind the plane of the galaxy and is extinguished very likely by dust in the plane. Intermediate-age stellar population contributes significantly to the continuum, especially in the inner 200 pc.

Analysis of the genome of Spodoptera frugiperda nucleopolyhedrovirus (SfMNPV-19) and of the high genomic heterogeneity in group II nucleopolyhedroviruses

The genome of the most virulent among 22 Brazilian geographical isolates of Spodoptera frugiperda nucleopolyhedrovirus, isolate 19 (SfMNPV-1 9), was completely sequenced and shown to comprise 132 565 bp and 141 open reading frames (ORFs). A total of 11 ORFs with no homology to genes in the GenBank database were found. Of those, four had typical baculovirus; promoter motifs and polyadenylation sites. Computer-simulated restriction enzyme cleavage patterns of SfMNPV-1 9 were compared with published physical maps of other SfMNPV isolates. Differences were observed in terms of the restriction profiles and genome size. Comparison of SfMNPV-1 9 with the sequence of the SfMNPV isolate 3AP2 indicated that they differed due to a 1427 bp deletion, as well as by a series of smaller deletions and point mutations. The majority of genes of SfMNPV-1 9 were conserved in the closely related Spodoptera exigua NPV (SeMNPV) and Agrotis segetum NPV (AgseMNPV-A), but a few regions experienced major changes and rearrangements. Synthenic maps for the genomes of group 11 NPVs revealed that gene collinearity was observed only within certain clusters. Analysis of the dynamics of gene gain and loss along the phylogenetic tree of the NPVs showed that group 11 had only five defining genes and supported the hypothesis that these viruses form ten highly divergent ancient lineages. Crucially, more than 60% of the gene gain events followed a power-law relation to genetic distance among baculoviruses, indicative of temporal organization in the gene accretion process.

Structure and Mode of Action of Microplusin, a Copper II-chelating Antimicrobial Peptide from the Cattle Tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus

Microplusin, a Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus antimicrobial peptide (AMP) is the first fully characterized member of a new family of cysteine-rich AMPs with histidine-rich regions at the N and C termini. In the tick, microplusin belongs to the arsenal of innate defense molecules active against bacteria and fungi. Here we describe the NMR solution structure of microplusin and demonstrate that the protein binds copper II and iron II. Structured as a single alpha-helical globular domain, microplusin consists of five alpha-helices: alpha 1 (residues Gly-9 to Arg-21), alpha 2 (residues Glu-27 to Asn-40), alpha 3 (residues Arg-44 to Thr-54), alpha 4 (residues Leu-57 to Tyr-64), and alpha 5 (residues Asn-67 to Cys-80). The N and C termini are disordered. This structure is unlike any other AMP structures described to date. We also used NMR spectroscopy to map the copper binding region on microplusin. Finally, using the Gram-positive bacteria Micrococcus luteus as a model, we studied of mode of action of microplusin. Microplusin has a bacteriostatic effect and does not permeabilize the bacterial membrane. Because microplusin binds metals, we tested whether this was related to its antimicrobial activity. We found that the bacteriostatic effect of microplusin was fully reversed by supplementation of culture media with copper II but not iron II. We also demonstrated that microplusin affects M. luteus respiration, a copper-dependent process. Thus, we conclude that the antibacterial effect of microplusin is due to its ability to bind and sequester copper II.

Cys mutants in functional regions of Sticholysin I clarify the participation of these residues in pore formation

Experimental evidence shows that the mechanism of pore formation by actinoporins is a multistep process, involving binding of the water-soluble monomer to the membrane and subsequent oligomerization on the membrane surface, leading to the formation of a functional pore. However, as for other eukaryotic pore-forming toxins, the molecular details of the mechanism of membrane insertion and oligomerization are not clear. In order to obtain further insight with regard to the structure-function relationship in sticholysins, we designed and produced three cysteine mutants of recombinant sticholysin I (rStI) in relevant functional regions for membrane interaction: StI E2C and StI F15C (in the N-terminal region) and StI R52C (in the membrane binding site). The conformational characterization derived from fluorescence and CD spectroscopic studies of StI E2C, StI F15C and StI R52C suggests that replacement of these residues by Cys in rStI did not noticeably change the conformation of the protein. The substitution by Cys of Arg(52) in the phosphocholine-binding site, provoked noticeable changes in rStI permeabilizing activity; however, the substitutions in the N-terminal region (Glu(2), Phe(15)) did not modify the toxin`s permeabilizing ability. The presence of a dimerized population stabilized by a disulfide bond in the StI E2C mutant showed higher pore-forming activity than when the protein is in the monomeric state, suggesting that sticholysins pre-ensembled at the N-terminal region could facilitate pore formation. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Regional subsidies and industrial prospects of lagging regions

Large and sustained differences in economic performance across regions of developing countries have long provided motivation for fiscal incentives designed to encourage firm entry in lagging areas. Empirical evidence in support of these policies has, however, been weak at best. This paper undertakes a direct evaluation of the most prominent fiscal incentive policy in Brazil, the Fundos Constitucionais de Financiamento (Constitutional Funds). In doing so, we exploit valuable features of the Brazilian Ministry of Labor's RAIS data set to address two important elements of firm location decisions that have the potential to bias an assessment of the Funds: (i) firm “family structure” (in particular, proximity to headquarters for vertically integrated firms), and (ii) unobserved spatial heterogeneity (with the potential to confound the effects of the Funds). We find that the pull of firm headquarters is very strong relative to the Constitutional Funds for vertically integrated firms, but that, with non-parametric controls for time invariant spatial heterogeneity, the Funds provide statistically and economically significant incentives for firms in many of the targeted industries.

Reduction capability of soil humic substances from the Rio Negro basin, Brazil, towards Hg(II) studied by a multimethod approach and principal component analysis (PCA)

This paper characterizes humic substances (HS) extracted from soil samples collected in the Rio Negro basin in the state of Amazonas, Brazil, particularly investigating their reduction capabilities towards Hg(II) in order to elucidate potential mercury cycling/volatilization in this environment. For this reason, a multimethod approach was used, consisting of both instrumental methods (elemental analysis, EPR, solid-state NMR, FIA combined with cold-vapor AAS of Hg(0)) and statistical methods such as principal component analysis (PCA) and a central composite factorial planning method. The HS under study were divided into groups, complexing and reducing ones, owing to different distribution of their functionalities. The main functionalities (cor)related with reduction of Hg(II) were phenolic, carboxylic and amide groups, while the groups related with complexation of Hg(II) were ethers, hydroxyls, aldehydes and ketones. The HS extracted from floodable regions of the Rio Negro basin presented a greater capacity to retain (to complex, to adsorb physically and/or chemically) Hg(II), while nonfloodable regions showed a greater capacity to reduce Hg(II), indicating that HS extracted from different types of regions contribute in different ways to the biogeochemical mercury cycle in the basin of the mid-Rio Negro, AM, Brazil. (c) 2007 Published by Elsevier B.V.

Estruturação do grupo Serra Grande região de Santana do Acaraú- CE e a reativação do lineamento Sobral Pedro II, integração com dados geofísicos

The study area is located in the NW portion of the Ceará state nearby the city of Santana do Acaraú. Geologically it lies along the Sobral-Pedro II lineament which limits the domains of Ceará Central and Noroeste do Ceará, both belonging to the Borborema Province.The object of study was a NE trending 30km long siliciclastic body (sandstone and conglomerate) bounded by transcurrent dextral faults. The sediments are correlated to the Ipú Formation (Serra Grande Group) from the Parnaiba basin, which age is thought to be Siluro-Devonian. Existing structural data shown that bedding has higher but variable dips (70-45) near the borders faults and much lower to subhorizontal inward the body. The brittle deformation was related to a reactivation, in lower crustal level, of the Sobral-Pedro II lineament (Destro (1987, 1999; Galvão, 2002).The study presented here was focused in applying geophysicals methods (gravimetry and seismic) to determine the geometry of the sandstone/conglomeratic body and together with the structural data, to propose a model to explain its deformation. The residual anomalies maps indicate the presence of two main graben-like structures. The sedimentary pile width was estimated from 2D gravimetric models to be about 500-600 meters. The 3D gravimetric model stressed the two maximum width regions where a good correlation is observed between the isopach geometry and the centripetal strike/dip pattern displayed by the sediments bedding. Two main directions (N-S and E-W) of block moving are interpreted from the distribution pattern of the maximum width regions of the sedimentary rock

SPH simulations of clumps formation by dissipative collisions of molecular clouds - II. Magnetic case

We performed computer simulations of interstellar cloud-cloud collisions using the three-dimensional smoothed particle magnetohydrodynamics method. In order to study the role of the magnetic field on the process of collision-triggered fragmentation, we focused our attention on head-on supersonic collisions between two identical spherical molecular-clouds. Two extreme configurations of the magnetic field were adopted: parallel and perpendicular to the initial clouds motion. The initial magnetic field strength was approximately 12.0 muG. In the parallel case, much more of the collision debris were retained in the shocking region than in the non-magnetic case where gas escaped freely throughout the symmetry plane. Differently from the non-magnetic case, eddy-like vortices were formed. The regions of highest vorticity and the the regions of highest density are offset. We found clumps formation only in the parallel case, however, they were larger, hotter and less dense than in the analogous non-magnetic case. In the perpendicular case, the compressed field works as a magnetic wall, preventing a stronger compression of the colliding clouds. This last effect inhibits direct contact of the two clouds. In both cases, we found that the field lines show a chaotic aspect in large scales. Also, the field magnitude is considerably amplified in the shock layer. However, the field distribution is almost coherent in the higher density regions.

Analytical study of the nonlinear behavior of a shape memory oscillator: Part II-resonance secondary

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Ceramic Crucible Corrosion by Heavy Metal Oxide Glasses, Part II: Diffusion Study

Due to their low cost and high resistance to corrosion, ceramic crucibles can be used for the melting of PBG glasses (PbO-BiO 1.5GaO 1.5). These glasses present good window transmission from ultra-violet to infrared, making their use as optical fibres promising. However, their disadvantage is the high reactivity, leading to the corrosion of different crucibles, including gold and platinum ones. In this work, the corrosion of Al 2O 3, SnO 2 and ZrO 2 crucibles after melting at temperatures varying from 850 to 1000°C, was evaluated by Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM) in conjunction with microanalysis by EDS. The lead diffusion profile in the crucible material was obtained. Diffusion coefficients were calculated according to the Fick and Fisher theories. Results indicated that the different crucibles presented similar behaviour: in the region near the interface, diffusion occurs in the volumetric way and in regions away from the interface, diffusion occurs through grain boundary.