bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SACRED TOURISM IN ZHAMBYL REGION
Authors:   L. N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, SYZDYKBAEVA B.U. , ZARUBEK А.Т. ,   L. N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University
Published: May 2024

The article considered the current state of sacred tourism in Zhambyl region in the southern region of the country and the possibilities of its development. The main goal is to increase the demand and attractiveness of sacred tourism among tourists by identifying factors that have a positive and negative impact on the development of sacred tourism in the region. In addition, a description of the sacred tourist and recreational sites of Zhambyl region will be given. It was found that the object of the study is a large concentration of monuments of cultural heritage, places of historical value, religious sites and mausoleums and other geographical places considered sacred, the visit of tourists to them for the purpose of pilgrimage has a significant impact on the development of sacred tourism in this region. In other words, it was found that the development and effective promotion of sacred tourism in Zhambyl region makes a special contribution to solving socio-economic problems in the region. A list of activities that need to be done in order to effectively promote sacred tourism as a separate direction and have a high potential for its development is proposed.
THE ROLE OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS ON TOURISM IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF TOURIST DESTINATIONS OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN
Authors:   International University of Tourism and Hospitality, ABDIKARIMOVA M. , IMANGULOVA T. ,   International University of Tourism and Hospitality, GUBARENKO А. ,   International University of Tourism and Hospitality, PESTOVA А. ,   International University of Tourism and Hospitality
Published: May 2024

In this article we will consider the role of educational programs on tourism in the development of tourist destinations. Tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors of the world economy and plays an important role in the development of tourist destinations. One of the key success factors in this industry is the quality and competence of the staff working in the tourism sector. Educational programs on tourism are important for the training of highly qualified specialists who will contribute to the development and improvement of tourist destinations. In order to improve the existing system of training tourist personnel in Kazakhstan, it is necessary to develop and implement in-depth educational trajectories within the group of educational programs in the direction of «Tourism» in order to more effectively train professional, competence-oriented and practical specialists in the tourism industry.
THE CURRENT STATE OF THE KAZAKHSTAN TOURIST MARKET
Authors:   M.H. Dulaty Taraz Regional University, BEKBAULINA S. KH. , ATASHEVA D. O. ,   M.H. Dulaty Taraz Regional University, DUISEMBAYEVA А. Т. ,   M.H. Dulaty Taraz Regional University
Published: May 2024

For many developed and developing countries, the tourism sector is the main source of employment, government revenue and foreign exchange earnings. The most important parameters of tourism development in the country are indicators of inbound and outbound tourism. Before the pandemic, both at the republican and regional levels, a lot of work was carried out to attract foreign tourists to Kazakhstan, measures were taken in the field of image policy and popularization of tourist destinations of the country. But many Kazakhstanis prefer to rest abroad, rather than in the resort areas of their homeland. The interrelation of the tourist attractiveness of the country with the category of tourist potential, factors of tourist attractiveness are considered. Tourist attractiveness is based on the tourism potential of the country, contributes to the growth of its competitiveness, the transformation of tourist supply into demand, is associated with various types of its assessment and is the result of its previous development. republic. Tourism activity is influenced by many factors of an economic, political, social, natural and technical nature, including: terrorism, the process of ensuring the safety of tourists, man-made disasters; uneven distribution of tourist flows; political instability in some regions of the world; prolonged global recession; volatility of exchange rates; priority of national rather than international norms in tourism, etc. The negative factors hindering the development of inbound tourism in the country have been identified, recommendations for eliminating existing problems have been proposed. The considered resources and tourist opportunities of Kazakhstan lead to the expediency of forming a modern tourist product. The development of a new tourist product in Kazakhstan would be competitive in the world market of tourist services and would help attract foreign tourists to Kazakhstan. The ways of development of domestic tourism in Kazakhstan, the creation of a competitive tourism industry, including the development of infrastructure and improving the quality of services provided, are proposed.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY AMONG STUDENTS OF TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY
Authors:   International University of Tourism and Hospitality, KENJAYEVA B.
Published: May 2024

This study explores the proficiency in English language among students pursuing careers in the tourism and hospitality industry, a sector where linguistic skills are pivotal. It investigates how English language proficiency impacts their academic performance and future professional prospects. The research hinges on two key questions: What is the level of English language proficiency among these students? How does this proficiency influence their academic and professional readiness? Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study combines quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews across several educational institutions specializing in tourism and hospitality. The survey targeted students, while interviews gathered insights from faculty and industry professionals. The findings reveal a significant correlation between high English proficiency and improved academic performance. Additionally, students with superior English skills demonstrated greater confidence and readiness for industry-specific challenges. The research highlights a notable disparity in language proficiency across different institutions, attributed to varying curriculities and exposure to practical language applications. These findings suggest a pressing need for integrating comprehensive English language training within the curriculum, emphasizing practical usage over theoretical knowledge. This study underscores the critical role of English language skills in shaping the career trajectories of future professionals in the tourism and hospitality sector, advocating for enhanced language education strategies to meet industry demands.
Une histoire de chair et de fureur : étude de la sexualité dans Kamouraska
Authors: Rannaud Adrien
Published: May 2024

Cet article propose d’aborder le déploiement et les conséquences de la sexualité dans Kamouraska d’Anne Hébert. À partir du personnage d’Elisabeth, héroïne en proie à une confusion des sentiments et des désirs, nous postulons que le système agentif est basé sur l’économie sexuelle des personnages féminins, et que les rapports sexuels dans le roman constituent un champ de bataille réinvestissant les enjeux idéologiques du 19e siècle québécois.
Histoire et scandales chez saint Augustin
Authors: Haddad Joachim
Published: May 2024

Saint Augustin n’est pas un auteur indifférent aux malheurs de son temps, comme le sac de Rome, qui apparaissent comme scandaleux et font douter bon nombre de ses fidèles. Ne témoignent-ils pas d’un abandon de Dieu, voire de son impuissance ? Augustin reprend, dans ses sermons, la notion de scandale afin de montrer qu’elle n’est pas adaptée pour définir ces événements malheureux. Il développe une réflexion sur l’histoire qui lui permet de donner un sens à ces apparents scandales, en les incluant dans l’histoire du salut sous la forme de l’épreuve. Cela suppose, pour le chrétien qui les subit, une herméneutique particulière.
Entre scandales et silences : bilan historique de la question du pillage et de la restitution des collections d’art spoliées en France sous l’Occupation
Authors: Bertrand-Remay Anaïs
Published: May 2024

Depuis les années 1990, la question du pillage des oeuvres d’art sous l’Occupation et des oeuvres non restituées occupe le devant de l’actualité, nous donnant la fausse impression qu’il en a toujours été ainsi. Les faits ont été exposés sur le mode du scandale et révélés dans une atmosphère de polémique mettant fin à près de quarante ans de silence. Cet article, présenté sous la forme de bilan historique, revient sur l’évolution mémorielle du pillage des oeuvres d’art en France sous l’Occupation, sur les raisons de ce silence pendant de nombreuses décennies jusqu’à sa redécouverte ces dernières années. 77 ans après la Seconde Guerre mondiale, la question des oeuvres d’art spoliées reste toujours d’actualité.
Analysis of line spectral fluctuation characteristics for source depth discrimination in shallow water
Authors: Deng Yu-Xin , Liu Xiong-Hou , Yang Yi-Xin ,   School of Marine Science and Technology, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China,   Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Underwater Information Technology, Xi’an 710072, China
Published: May 2024

The difference in intensity fluctuation between a surface signal and a submerged signal can be used to discriminate the source depth in the shallow water waveguide. However, the properties of fluctuation distinction in intensity between surface source and submerge source are rarely studied, resulting in the poor performance of fluctuation-based methods sometimes. In this work, the intensity fluctuations caused by source depth fluctuations is analyzed by differential method and variance statistics method to figure out the physics of intensity fluctuations, and to present the suitable quantity for depth discrimination. Firstly, the derivative expression of real part, power and amplitude of the pressure field are respectively derived from the normal mode theory, hence their fluctuation quantities are specified. Then, the numerical examples, including the factor of receiver depth, source frequency and source range, are treated to verify the derivation and summarize the characteristic of fluctuations. The property of the intensity fluctuations is also compared with the distribution of normalized quantity on the depth dimension. Finally, the SWellEx-96 experimental data processing results validate the conclusions. The processing results of derivation, simulation data and experimental data show that the interactions between modes excited by the source give rise to the fluctuations. Meanwhile, the property of the interactions is affected by the received depth, source range and source frequency. Amplitude is capable of building a quantity based on fluctuations for source depth discrimination. For surface and submerged sources with lower frequency, their distinction in their fluctuations is stably represented by amplitude. In the SWellEx-96 experiment, the normalized values calculated from the amplitude of surface noise and submerged sound sources show the lowest difference of 0.5 and the highest difference of 2.5, indicating the effectiveness of using amplitude fluctuations to discriminate the sound source depth.
UFMTrack: Under-Flow Migration Tracker enabling analysis of the entire multi-step immune cell extravasation cascade across the blood-brain barrier in microfluidic devices
Authors: Vladymyrov Mykhailo , Marchetti Luca , Aydin Sidar , Soldati Sasha , Mossu Adrien , Pal Arindam , Gueissaz Laurent , Ariga Akitaka , Engelhardt Britta
Published: May 2024

The endothelial blood-brain barrier (BBB) strictly controls immune cell trafficking into the central nervous system (CNS). In neuroinflammatory diseases such as multiple sclerosis, this tight control is, however, disturbed, leading to immune cell infiltration into the CNS. The development of in vitro models of the BBB combined with microfluidic devices has advanced our understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms mediating the multi-step T-cell extravasation across the BBB. A major bottleneck of these in vitro studies is the absence of a robust and automated pipeline suitable for analyzing and quantifying the sequential interaction steps of different immune cell subsets with the BBB under physiological flow in vitro.Here we present the Under-Flow Migration Tracker (
UFM
Track) framework and a pipeline built based on it to study the entire multi-step extravasation cascade of immune cells across brain microvascular endothelial cells under physiological flow in vitro.
UFM
Track achieves 90% track reconstruction efficiency and allows for scaling due to the reduction of the analysis cost and by eliminating experimenter bias. This allowed for an in-depth analysis of all behavioral regimes involved in the multi-step immune cell extravasation cascade. The study summarizes how
UFM
Track can be employed to delineate the interactions of CD4
+
and CD8
+
T cells with the BBB under physiological flow. We also demonstrate its applicability to the other BBB models.
Potassium-mediated bacterial chemotactic response
Authors: Zhang Chi , Zhang Rongjing , Yuan Junhua
Published: May 2024

Bacteria in biofilms secrete potassium ions to attract free swimming cells. However, the basis of chemotaxis to potassium remains poorly understood. Here, using a microfluidic device, we found that
Escherichia coli
can rapidly accumulate in regions of high potassium concentration on the order of millimoles. Using a bead assay, we measured the dynamic response of individual flagellar motors to stepwise changes in potassium concentration, finding that the response resulted from the chemotaxis signaling pathway instead of the motor response to changes in the proton motive force (PMF). To characterize the chemotactic response to potassium, we exposed the bacteria to a range of potassium concentrations and measured the dose-response curve and adaptation kinetics via a FRET assay, finding that the chemotaxis pathway exhibited a sensitive response and fast adaptation to potassium. We further found that the two major chemoreceptors Tar and Tsr respond differently to potassium. Tar receptors exhibit a biphasic response, whereas Tsr receptors respond to potassium as an attractant. These different responses were consistent with the responses of the two receptors to intracellular pH changes. Therefore, bacteria may sense the change in potassium concentration by sensing the change in intracellular pH. The sensitive response and fast adaptation allow bacteria to sense and localize small changes in potassium concentration. As the ratio of the two major chemoreceptors changes with bacterial growth stages, the differential responses of Tar and Tsr receptors to potassium suggest that cells at different growth stages respond differently to potassium and may have different requirements for potassium.
Transdifferentiation of fibroblasts into muscle cells to constitute cultured meat with tunable intramuscular fat deposition
Authors: Ma Tongtong , Ren Ruimin , Lv Jianqi , Yang Ruipeng , Zheng Xinyi , Hu Yang , Zhu Guiyu , Wang Heng
Published: May 2024

Current studies on cultured meat mainly focus on the muscle tissue reconstruction in vitro, but lack the formation of intramuscular fat, which is a crucial factor in determining taste, texture, and nutritional contents. Therefore, incorporating fat into cultured meat is of superior value. In this study, we employed the myogenic/lipogenic transdifferentiation of chicken fibroblasts in 3D to produce muscle mass and deposit fat into the same cells without the co-culture or mixture of different cells or fat substances. The immortalized chicken embryonic fibroblasts were implanted into the hydrogel scaffold, and the cell proliferation and myogenic transdifferentiation were conducted in 3D to produce the whole-cut meat mimics. Compared to 2D, cells grown in 3D matrix showed elevated myogenesis and collagen production. We further induced fat deposition in the transdifferentiated muscle cells and the triglyceride content could be manipulated to match and exceed the levels of chicken meat. The gene expression analysis indicated that both lineage-specific and multifunctional signalings could contribute to the generation of muscle/fat matrix. Overall, we were able to precisely modulate muscle, fat, and extracellular matrix contents according to balanced or specialized meat preferences. These findings provide new avenues for customized cultured meat production with desired intramuscular fat contents that can be tailored to meet the diverse demands of consumers.
Specific and comprehensive genetic targeting reveals brain-wide distribution and synaptic input patterns of GABAergic axo-axonic interneurons
Authors: Raudales Ricardo , Kim Gukhan , Kelly Sean M. , Hatfield Joshua , Guan Wuqiang , Zhao Shengli , Paul Anirban , Qian Yongjun , Li Bo , Huang Z. Josh
Published: May 2024

Axo-axonic cells (AACs), also called chandelier cells (ChCs) in the cerebral cortex, are the most distinctive type of GABAergic interneurons described in the neocortex, hippocampus, and basolateral amygdala (BLA). AACs selectively innervate glutamatergic projection neurons (PNs) at their axon initial segment (AIS), thus may exert decisive control over PN spiking and regulate PN functional ensembles. However, the brain-wide distribution, synaptic connectivity, and circuit function of AACs remains poorly understood, largely due to the lack of specific and reliable experimental tools. Here, we have established an intersectional genetic strategy that achieves specific and comprehensive targeting of AACs throughout the mouse brain based on their lineage (
Nkx2.1
) and molecular (
Unc5b
,
Pthlh
) markers. We discovered that AACs are deployed across essentially all the pallium-derived brain structures, including not only the dorsal pallium-derived neocortex and medial pallium-derived hippocampal formation, but also the lateral pallium-derived claustrum-insular complex, and the ventral pallium-derived extended amygdaloid complex and olfactory centers. AACs are also abundant in anterior olfactory nucleus, taenia tecta and lateral septum. AACs show characteristic variations in density across neocortical areas and layers and across subregions of the hippocampal formation. Neocortical AACs comprise multiple laminar subtypes with distinct dendritic and axonal arborization patterns. Retrograde monosynaptic tracing from AACs across neocortical, hippocampal and BLA regions reveal shared as well as distinct patterns of synaptic input. Specific and comprehensive targeting of AACs facilitates the study of their developmental genetic program and circuit function across brain structures, providing a ground truth platform for understanding the conservation and variation of a bona fide cell type across brain regions and species.
Mapping Spatial Patterns to Energetic Benefits in Groups of Flow-coupled Swimmers
Authors: Heydari Sina , Hang Haotian , Kanso Eva
Published: May 2024

The coordinated motion of animal groups through fluids is thought to reduce the cost of locomotion to individuals in the group. However, the connection between the spatial patterns observed in collectively moving animals and the energetic benefits at each position within the group remains unclear. To address this knowledge gap, we study the spontaneous emergence of cohesive formations in groups of fish, modeled as flapping foils, all heading in the same direction. We show in pairwise formations and with increasing group size that (1) in side-by-side arrangements, the reciprocal nature of flow coupling results in an equal distribution of energy requirements among all members, with reduction in cost of locomotion for swimmers flapping inphase but an increase in cost for swimmers flapping antiphase, and (2) in inline arrangements, flow coupling is non-reciprocal for all flapping phase, with energetic savings in favor of trailing swimmers, but only up to a finite number of swimmers, beyond which school cohesion and energetic benefits are lost at once. We explain these findings mechanistically and we provide efficient diagnostic tools for identifying locations in the wake of single (and multiple) swimmers that offer opportunities for hydrodynamic benefits to aspiring followers. Our results imply a connection between the resources generated by flow physics and social traits that influence greedy and cooperative group behavior.
Single-nucleus multiomics reveals the gene-regulatory networks underlying sex determination of murine primordial germ cells
Authors: Alexander Adriana K , Rodriguez Karina F , Chen Yu-Ying , Amato Ciro M , Estermann Martin A , Nicol Barbara , Xu Xin , Yao Humphrey Hung-Chang
Published: May 2024

Accurate specification of female and male germ cells during embryonic development is critical for sexual reproduction. Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are the bipotential precursors of mature gametes that commit to an oogenic or spermatogenic fate in response to sex-determining cues from the fetal gonad. The critical processes required for PGCs to integrate and respond to signals from the somatic environment in gonads are not understood. In this study, we developed the first single-nucleus multiomics map of chromatin accessibility and gene expression during murine PGC development in both XX and XY embryos. Profiling of cell-type specific transcriptomes and regions of open chromatin from the same cell captured the molecular signatures and gene networks underlying PGC sex determination. Joint RNA and ATAC data for single PGCs resolved previously unreported PGC subpopulations and cataloged a multimodal reference atlas of differentiating PGC clusters. We discovered that regulatory element accessibility precedes gene expression during PGC development, suggesting that changes in chromatin accessibility may prime PGC lineage commitment prior to differentiation. Similarly, we found that sexual dimorphism in chromatin accessibility and gene expression increased temporally in PGCs. Combining single-nucleus sequencing data, we computationally mapped the cohort of transcription factors that regulate the expression of sexually dimorphic genes in PGCs. For example, the gene regulatory networks of XX PGCs are enriched for the transcription factors, TFAP2c, TCFL5, GATA2, MGA, NR6A1, TBX4, and ZFX. Sex-specific enrichment of the forkhead-box and POU6 families of transcription factors was also observed in XY PGCs. Finally, we determined the temporal expression patterns of WNT, BMP, and RA signaling during PGC sex determination, and our discovery analyses identified potentially new cell communication pathways between supporting cells and PGCs. Our results illustrate the diversity of factors involved in programming PGCs towards a sex-specific fate.
A packaging signal-binding protein regulates the assembly checkpoint of integrative filamentous phages
Authors: Yeh Ting-Yu , Feehley Michael C. , Feehley Patrick J. , Ooi Vivian Y. , Hung Yi-Yung , Wang Shao-Cheng , Contreras Gregory P.
Published: May 2024

Many integrative filamentous phages not only lack Ff coliphage homologues essential for assembly but also have distinct packaging signals (PS). Their encapsidation remains completely uncharacterized to date. Here we report the first evidence of a PS-dependent checkpoint for integrative filamentous phage assembly. Suppressor screening of PS-deficient phages identified an unknown protein, PSB15 (

PS

-

b

inding

15

kDa), crucial for encapsidation. The WAGFXF motif of the PSB15 N-terminus directly binds to PS DNA with conformational change, while suppressor mutations relieve DNA binding specificity constraints to rescue assembly arrest. PSB15 interacts with phospholipid cardiolipin via its basic helix and C-terminus, and recruits PS DNA to the inner membrane (IM). The PSB15-PS complex is released from the IM by interaction between its hydrophobic linker and thioredoxin (Trx), a host protein that is required for Ff assembly but whose mechanisms are still unclear. Live cell imaging shows that thioredoxin and DNA binding regulate the dwelling time of PSB15 at cell poles, suggesting that they both facilitate the dissociation of PSB15 from the IM. Loss of PSB15 or its PS-binding and IM-targeting/dissociation activity compromised virus egress, indicating that the PS/PSB15/Trx complex establishes a regulatory phage assembly checkpoint critical for integrative phage infection and life cycles.
Estimates on age, growth, and mortality of Leuciscus chuanchicus (Kessler 1876) in the Ningxia section of the upper reaches of the Yellow River, China
Authors: Xiong Shuhan , Liu Jiacheng , Li Peilun , Liu Yanbin , Liu Kai , Wang Yongjie , Wang Jilong
Published: May 2024

To investigate the age structure, growth pattern, mortality and exploitation rates of Leuciscus chuanchicus in the upstream Ningxia section of the Yellow River, four sampling surveys were conducted between 2022 and 2023. A total of 472 individuals were measured for their total length (TL) and body weight (W). Age determination was performed using otoliths. The collected samples had a range of total lengths from 4.52 to 37.45 cm, body weights ranging from 0.68 to 552.43 g, and ages ranging from 1 to 7 years old. The relationship between total length and body weight was expressed as W = 0.0052 L3.19 for all samples, which indicates that the growth of L. chuanchicus adheres to allometry. The Von Bertalanffy growth equation revealed that the fish had an asymptotic total length (L∞) of approximately 37.9 cm with a growth coefficient (K) value of approximately 0.461 yr−1. Using the age-based catch curve method, the calculated total instantaneous mortality rate (Z) for all samples was determined as being equal to approximately 1.1302 yr−1. Additionally, three methods were used to estimate the average instantaneous rate of natural mortality (M), resulting in an approximate value of 0.7167 yr−1 for all samples. Furthermore, the instantaneous rate of fishing mortality (F) for all samples was calculated as 0.4134 yr−1, leading us to determine that the exploitation rate (E) is 0.3658. It was concluded that the growth rate of L. chuanchicus in the upstream of the Yellow River is relatively fast, and L. chuanchicus has not been subjected to excessive exploitation, yet its relatively high natural mortality rate underscores the need for targeted management measures aimed at preserving its habitat.
Challenges of menstrual management: an integrative review / Desafios da gestão menstrual: uma revisão integrativa
Authors: Silva Maria Eduarda Pascoaloto , Do Nascimento Silva Maria Heloísa , Silva Marcon Sonia , Dos Santos Junior Aires Garcia , Canato Gláucia Maria , Ribeiro Furlan Mara Cristina
Published: May 2024

Objetivo: analisar as evidências disponíveis na literatura sobre os desafios da gestão menstrual. Método: revisão integrativa da literatura realizada nas bases de dados PubMed, BVS, SciELO e Mendeley, utilizando os descritores "Menstruação", "Produtos de Higiene Menstrual" e "Saúde", para responder à questão norteadora "Quais são as dificuldades e os impactos encontrados pelas pessoas na gestão de suas menstruações?". Resultados: foram incluídos dezessete estudos os quais permitiram a construção de infográfico, que destacou como principais desafios da gestão menstrual: barreiras culturais e sociais, acesso a produtos de higiene menstrual, infraestrutura e ambientes adequados, educação e conscientização, e impacto na saúde e bem-estar. Considerações finais: barreiras culturais, falta de educação menstrual e acesso limitado a produtos e infraestrutura prejudicam a saúde e o bem-estar das mulheres, impactando suas atividades diárias, no âmbito escolar e/ou profissional. Reconhecer essas questões é crucial para a proposição de intervenções e políticas públicas.
An Economical, Green Pathway to Biaryls: Palladium Nanoparticles Catalyzed Ullmann Reaction in Ionic Liquid/ Supercritical Carbon Dioxide System
Authors: Cheng Jinsheng , Tang Longhua , Xu Jingying
Published: December 2010

In this paper, an economical, green pathway involving the palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs) catalyzed reductive Ullmann reaction of an aryl chloride to afford a biaryl with high conversion and selectivity in an ionic liquid (IL)/supercritical carbon dioxide (ScCO2) system was developed. The combination of IL and ScCO2 provides superior advantages in product separation, catalyst recycling and reuse of reaction media over traditional organic solvents. Further investigations showed that the Brønsted‐acidic imidazolium IL {e.g., (1‐butyl‐3‐(sulfobutyl)‐imidazolium) hydrogen sulfate, [bmim(HSO3C4)][HSO4]}, can replace the traditional active hydrogen donor readily with much enhanced product separation efficiency, the use of IL also led to an obvious improved stability of the Pd NPs, which was very helpful for catalyst recycling. Carbon dioxide, a naturally abundant, non‐flammable, relatively non‐toxic, economical and recyclable “greenhouse” gas, was found to significantly promote the selectivity of the Pd NPs‐catalyzed aluminium‐induced reductive Ullmann reaction of aryl chlorides. Investigations showed that the Pd NPs catalyst and IL can be recycled for at least five runs, indicating the economic viability of this process.
Improved Synthesis of 1,2‐Bis(trimethylsilyl)benzenes using Rieke‐Magnesium or the Entrainment Method
Authors: Lorbach Andreas , Reus Christian , Bolte Michael , Lerner Hans‐Wolfram , Wagner Matthias
Published: December 2010

1,2‐Bis(trimethylsilyl)benzene is the key starting material for the synthesis of efficient benzyne precursors and certain luminescent π‐conjugated materials. We now report that it can be conveniently prepared in tetrahydrofuran from 1,2‐dibromobenzene, chlorotrimethylsilane, and either Rieke‐magnesium (MgR) or magnesium turnings in the presence of 1,2‐dibromoethane as an entrainer (Mge). The most important advantages of these new protocols over the currently best‐established procedure (1,2‐dichlorobenzene, chlorotrimethylsilane, magnesium turnings, hexamethylphosphoramide) lie in the milder reaction conditions (MgR: 0 °C, 2 h; Mge: room temperature, 30 min vs. 100 °C, 2 days) and in the fact that the cancerogenic solvent hexamethylphosphoramide is avoided. Moreover, the improved protocols are also applicable for the high‐yield synthesis of 1,2,4,5‐tetrakis(trimethylsilyl)benzene, 4‐fluoro‐1,2‐bis(trimethylsilyl)benzene, 4‐chloro‐1,2‐bis(trimethylsilyl)benzene, and 4,5‐dichloro‐1,2‐bis(trimethylsilyl)benzene.
Stereoselective Tandem Epoxidation–Alcoholysis/Hydrolysis of Glycals with Molybdenum Catalysts
Authors: Marín Irene , Matheu M. Isabel , Díaz Yolanda , Castillón Sergio
Published: December 2010

Molybdenum catalysts are efficient and selective catalysts for the tandem epoxidation/alcoholysis or epoxidation/hydrolysis of glucal and galactal derivatives. In glucal derivatives the selectivity is mainly controlled by the allylic substituent at position 3 of the glycal, obtaining in general the products derived from the initial formation of the α‐epoxide (gluco) when this hydroxy group is protected, while products derived from the β‐epoxide (manno) are mainly obtained when it is unprotected. In galactal derivatives the estereoselectivity is always high to give the α‐epoxide (galacto) and independent of the protecting groups.
Ruthenium Pincer‐Catalyzed Acylation of Alcohols Using Esters with Liberation of Hydrogen under Neutral Conditions
Authors: Gnanaprakasam Boopathy , Ben‐David Yehoshoa , Milstein David
Published: December 2010

Acylation of secondary alcohols using non‐activated esters, in particular symmetrical esters (such as ethyl acetate), is achieved under neutral conditions with the liberation of molecular hydrogen. This unprecedented, environmentally benign reaction is homogenously catalyzed by a dearomatized ruthenium pincer PNN complex.
Highly Diastereoselective Indium‐Mediated Allenylation of N‐tert‐Butanesulfinyl Imino Ester: Efficient Synthesis of Optically Active α‐Allenylglycines
Authors: Jin Shen‐Shuang , Xu Ming‐Hua
Published: December 2010

An efficient and practical asymmetric synthesis of highly enantiomerically enriched α‐allenylglycines by room temperature indium‐mediated allenylation of chiral N‐tert‐butanesulfinyl imino esters with propargylic halides is described. The synthetic utilities of the approach were demonstrated by the rapid and convenient preparation of challenging cis‐substituted proline derivatives.
The von economo neurons in apes and humans
Authors: Allman John M. , Tetreault Nicole A. , Hakeem Atiya Y. , Park Soyoung
Published: December 2010

The von Economo neurons (VENs) are large bipolar neurons located in frontoinsular (FI) and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) in great apes and humans but not other primates. We stereologically counted the VENs in FI and the limbic anterior (LA) area of ACC and found them to be more numerous in humans than in apes. In humans, VENs first appear in small numbers in the 36th week postconception are rare at birth and increase in number during the first 8 months after birth. There are significantly more VENs in the right hemisphere than the left in FI and LA in postnatal brains; this may be related to asymmetries in the autonomic nervous system. The activity of the inferior anterior insula, containing FI, is related to physiological changes in the body, decision‐making, error recognition, and awareness. In a preliminary diffusion tensor imaging study of the connections of FI, we found that the VEN‐containing regions connect with the frontal pole as well as with other parts of frontal and insular cortex, the septum, and the amygdala. The VENs and a related cell population, the fork cells, selectively express the bombesin peptides neuromedin B (NMB) and gastrin releasing pepide, which signal satiety. The loss of VENs and fork cells may be related to the loss of satiety signaling in patients with frontotemporal dementia who have damage to FI. These cells may be morphological specializations of an ancient population of neurons involved in the control of appetite present in the insular cortex in all mammals. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Preparation and study of thermal properties of phase change materials based on paraffin–alumina‐filled polyethylene
Authors: Vakhshouri Amir Reza , Akif Azizov , Reyhan Aliyeva , Gala Martinova , Akif Quliev
Published: December 2010

Novel phase change materials based on paraffin and alumina‐filled polyethylene (FPE) were prepared using a two‐step process. In the first step, PE is synthesized using metallocene catalyst system. The synthesized PE is subsequently purified, whereas hydrated alumina–PE composites will be formed by the hydrolysis of aluminum organic cocatalyst and dispersion of hydrated alumina in the PE matrix. In the second step, paraffin–alumina‐FPE composites were prepared by using the ex situ technique. Scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry were used to evaluate the structure and thermal properties of the composites. The results show that the incorporation of a suitable amount of alumina into the composites changes their thermal stability. It is also possible to improve the thermophysical properties of the thermal energy storage materials by altering the paraffin ratio to the FPE. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Structure and mechanical properties of nanodispersed fibrous silicate‐reinforced ethylene–propylene–diene monomer nanocomposites
Authors: Su Lili , Zhang Liqun , Yin Shi , Tian Ming
Published: December 2010

In this study, ethylene–propylene–diene monomer (EPDM)/fibrillar silicate (FS) nanocomposites were successfully prepared by mechanically blending EPDM with FS, which was modified by silane coupling agent KH570 containing methacryloxy group. The effects of silane content and modified FS on the dispersion of FS and mechanical properties of the composites were investigated. The impact of water in FS on mechanical properties of the composites was also evaluated. The results showed that modified FS could be dissociated into nanofibers dispersing evenly in the EPDM matrix by increasing substantially the loading of silane through the mechanical blending. The optimum loading level of silane coupling agent was up to 24 phr/100 phr FS. Silane KH570 could improve the dispersion of FS and strengthen nanofibers–rubber interfacial adhesion even at the loading of as high as 50 phr FS, making FS to exhibit excellent reinforcement to EPDM. Too much FS could not be completely dissociated into nanofibers, slowing down further improvement. The EPDM/FS composites exhibited the similar stress–strain behavior and obvious mechanical anisotropy with short microfiber‐reinforced rubber composites. With the increase in silane coupling agent and modified FS, the number of nanofibers increased because of the exfoliation of FS microparticles; thus, the mechanical behaviors would become more obvious. It was suggested that the free water in FS should be removed before mechanically blending EPDM with FS because it obviously affected the tensile properties of the composites. Regardless of whether FS was dried or modified, the EPDM/FS composites changed little in tensile strength after soaked in hot water. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Synthesis and characterization of nylon‐6/mesoporous silica nanocomposites via in situ synchronous hydrolytic polymerization of tetraethylorthosilicate and ε‐caprolactam
Authors: Li Lanjie , Yang Guisheng
Published: December 2010

Nylon 6 (N6)/mesoporous silica (MS) nanocomposites (NMSNs) were synthesized via in situ synchronous hydrolytic polymerization of tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) and ε‐caprolactam. The novelty of this technique lies in that the nanosilica generated in situ has unique mesoporous structure and ultrahigh‐specific surface area (SSA). Mechanical test showed that, compared to conventional precipitated silica (PS) nanofillers, the MS generated in situ shows better reinforcing efficiency on N6. At a loading of only 3.0 wt % MS, the tensile modulus, flexural modulus, and the heat distortion temperature of NMSNs exhibit increase of 54.8%, 77.9%, and 55.9°C, respectively. The effects of MS on the crystallization behaviors of N6 have been studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), which shows that the incorporation of MS influences the crystallization behaviors of N6 obviously: (1) increases crystallization temperature (Tc) by serving as heterogonous nucleating agent; (2) favors the formation of γ‐phase by hindering the mobility of N6 chains. Dynamic mechanical analysis confirmed that, compared ti that of neat N6, the temperature of the main α‐relaxation (Tα) and the secondary β‐relaxation (Tβ) of NMSNs is shifted 6.1°C and 5.3°C toward higher temperature. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
One‐Pot Synthesis of Carbon‐Supported Dendritic Pd‐Au Nanoalloys for Electrocatalytic Ethanol Oxidation
Authors: Kang Shin Wook , Lee Young Wook , Kim Minjung , Hong Jong Wook , Han Sang Woo
Published: December 2010

One‐pot synthesis of carbon‐supported Pd‐Au alloy nanoparticles with well‐defined dendritic shape (Pd‐Auden/C) was achieved by co‐reduction of K2PdCl4/HAuCl4 mixtures in a molar ratio of 1:1 with hydrazine in the presence of Vulcan XC‐72R. The prepared Pd‐Auden/C exhibited significantly enhanced performance in the electrocatalytic oxidation of ethanol compared with dendritic Pd nanoparticles and a commercial Pd/C catalyst. Pd‐Auden/C even showed higher durability in electro‐oxidation of ethanol than the supported catalyst prepared by the deposition of presynthesized dendritic Pd‐Au nanoparticles on the carbon support. The experimental results clearly indicate that enhanced interaction between nanoparticle catalysts and carbon support through the one‐pot synthesis protocol can improve the durability of the electrocatalysts.
Ethanol in biorefining and dehydration of agricultural materials: energy, capital cost, and product quality implications
Authors: Robertson George H. , Offeman Richard D. , Cao Trung K. , Orts William J.
Published: December 2010

The production of aqueous ethanol from fermentation‐based biorefining operations suggests the availability and possibility for its use within the refinery to aid in separations prior to and after fermentation. A variety of uses that have been considered are described here. In general, these rely on biomass constituent solubility enhanced by ethanol concentration and temperature so that lipids, proteins, and lignin may be dissolved and recovered. Additionally, ethanol may be applied to remove water from solids, such as wet starch, wet gluten, and distillers' wet grains. This technology has been described in the past as ‘extractive’ or ‘displacement’ drying and replaces conventional solids dehydration (a unit operation) with solvent drying plus solvent regeneration (a system of unit operations). Materials as diverse as wood, peat, coal, and starch have been dried experimentally in this way. General criteria using best‐case assumptions for this replacement are developed here. Applied to ethanol, these suggest significant potential energy savings for a system that combines low‐load solvent drying with distillation. Distillation energy for regenerating ethanol solvent to 90%v or less and producing water is equivalent to a 3 to 4 effect evaporation of water when compared on a separation‐energy per unit‐of‐water‐removed basis. Material properties of the dehydrated substance may be enhanced since the solvent drying is at a lower temperature and leaves the matrix without structural collapse. The parameters for capital cost comparison are delineated with important considerations and economies identified that result from the use of low‐cost solvent and compatible technologies in the biorefinery setting. Published in 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd

This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA
Symmetry Complementarity‐Guided Design of Anthrax Toxin Inhibitors Based on β‐Cyclodextrin: Synthesis and Relative Activities of Face‐Selective Functionalized Polycationic Clusters
Authors: Díaz‐Moscoso Alejandro , Méndez‐Ardoy Alejandro , Ortega‐Caballero Fernando , Benito Juan M. , Ortiz Mellet Carmen , Defaye Jacques , Robinson Tanisha M. , Yohannes Adiamseged , Karginov Vladimir A. , García Fernández José M.
Published: December 2010

Three new series of potential anthrax toxin inhibitors based on the β‐cyclodextrin (βCD) scaffold were developed by exploiting face‐selective CuI‐catalyzed azide–alkyne 1,3‐cycloadditions, amine–isothiocyanate coupling, and allyl group hydroboration–oxidation/hydroxy → amine replacement reactions. The molecular design follows the “symmetry–complementarity” concept between homogeneously functionalized polycationic βCD derivatives and protective antigen (PA), a component of anthrax toxin known to form C7‐symmetric pores on the cell membrane used by lethal and edema factors to gain access to the cytosol. The synthesis and antitoxin activity of a collection of βCD derivatives differing in the number, arrangement, and face location of the cationic elements are reported herein. These results set the basis for a structure–activity relationship development program of new candidates to combat the anthrax threat.
Improved preoperative definitive diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma in FNAs prepared with both ThinPrep and conventional smears compared with FNAs prepared with ThinPrep alone
Authors: Luu Martin H. , Fischer Andrew H. , Pisharodi Latha , Owens Christopher L.
Published: December 2010

BACKGROUND:

ThinPrep (TP) liquid‐based preparations are increasingly being used in nongynecologic specimens. Few studies have evaluated TP as a sole diagnostic modality in the setting of thyroid fine‐needle aspiration (T‐FNA). Herein, the authors evaluate the usefulness of TP as a sole diagnostic modality in a nonsplit sample.

METHODS:

Consecutive T‐FNAs were identified at 2 tertiary care institutions; 1 institution processed thyroid FNA entirely with TP, and the other used a combination of TP and conventional preparations (CP). Cytodiagnoses, surgical pathology, and/or clinical follow‐up were recorded. Performance parameters for the 2 settings were compared.

RESULTS:

A cytologic diagnosis of positive for malignancy was correct in 98.8% of TP + CP cases and in 100% of TP cases. Papillary thyroid carcinoma cases were definitively diagnosed in 53.1% of T‐FNAs prepared by TP + CP compared with 34.4% of T‐FNAs prepared with TP alone (P = .0015 by Fisher 2‐tailed exact test). Of patients ultimately diagnosed with papillary thyroid carcinoma, 89% were initially treated by total thyroidectomy in the TP + CP group compared with 79.5% in the TP‐only group (P = .027 by Fisher exact test).

CONCLUSIONS:

TP as a sole preparatory technique does not improve the usefulness of T‐FNA as a screening test. However, combining CP and TP increases the rate of definitive cytologic diagnosis of malignancy in papillary thyroid carcinoma. Thus, combining TP and CP enhances the diagnostic component of T‐FNA. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2011. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Liquid‐based FNAC of the thyroid
Authors: Geers Caroline , Bourgain Claire
Published: December 2010

BACKGROUND:

The aims of this study were to analyze cytomorphological features of Tripath PREP (BD SurePath, Burlington, NC) preparations in thyroid nodules and to examine adequacy and accuracy of SurePath and frozen sections for both clinical outcome and histological diagnosis when applicable.

METHODS:

Gathered during a period of 4 years, 712 SurePath specimens of the thyroid were included. Histological (n = 207) or clinical follow‐up (n = 505) was available in all cases. During the same period, 253 frozen sections of surgical thyroid resection specimens were also assessed. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were calculated.

RESULTS:

Sensitivity was 77% for SurePath and 29% for frozen section; specificity was 81% for SurePath and 100% for frozen section; accuracy was 80% for SurePath and 90% for frozen section. One hundred seventy‐eight (25%) SurePath patients were considered unsatisfactory for diagnosis. In this study, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were comparable for SurePath and other reported results of liquid‐based thyroid cytology. Presence of free colloid or pure cystic changes favored a benign diagnosis. Cellular smears with nuclear atypia of papillary carcinoma allowed an overt diagnosis of malignancy.

CONCLUSIONS:

The authors concluded that SurePath is a reliable technique for assessment of thyroid nodules and offers the advantage of easy identification of colloid and atypical nuclei. Supplementary frozen section analysis should be limited to an FNAC diagnosis of suspicious for papillary carcinoma. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2011. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Far‐ and Mid‐Infrared Spectroscopic Analysis of the Substrate‐Induced Structural Dynamics of Respiratory Complex I
Authors: Hielscher Ruth , Friedrich Thorsten , Hellwig Petra
Published: December 2010

The catalytic activity of the respiratory NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I) is based on conformational reorganizations. Herein we probe the effect of substrates on the conformational flexibility of complex I by means of 1H/2H exchange kinetics at the level of the amide proton in the mid‐infrared spectral range (1700–1500 cm−1). Slow, medium, and fast exchanging domains are distinguished that reveal different accessibilities to the solvent. Whereas amide hydrogens undergo rapid exchange with the solvent in an open structure, hydrogens experience much slower exchange when they are involved in H‐bonded structures or when they are sterically inaccessible for the solvent. The results indicate a structure that is more open in the presence of both NADH and quinon. Complementary information on the overall internal hydrogen bonding of the protein was probed in the far infrared (300–30 cm−1), a spectral range that includes a continuum mode of the hydrogen bonding signature.