bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes of spatial and temporal frequency tuning properties of neurons in the middle temporal area of aged rhesus monkeys
Authors: Yuan Nini , Liang Zhen , Yang Yun , Li Guangxing , Zhou Yifeng 
Published: June 2014

AbstractAged humans exhibit severe deficits in visual motion perception and contrast sensitivity under various levels of spatial and temporal modulation. Previous studies indicated that many of these deficits are probably mediated by the neural degradation of the central visual system. To clarify the neuronal response mechanisms underlying the visual degradation during aging, we examined the spatial and temporal frequency tuning properties of neurons from anesthetised and paralysed aged monkeys at the middle temporal area (areaMT), which is downstream of the primary visual cortex in the visual processing pathway and thought to be critical for motion perception. We found that the preferred spatial and temporal frequencies, spatial resolution and high temporal frequency cutoff of areaMTneurons were reduced in aged monkeys, and were accompanied by the broadened tuning width of spatial frequency, elevated spontaneous activity, and decreased signal‐to‐noise ratio. These results showed that, for neurons in areaMT, aging significantly changed both the spatial and temporal frequency response tuning properties. Such evidence provides new insight into the changes occurring at the electrophysiological level that may be related to the aging‐related visual deficits, especially in processing spatial and temporal information.
Clinical evolution of Parkinson's disease and prognostic factors affecting motor progression: 9‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Reinoso G. , Allen J. C. , Au W.‐L. , Seah S.‐H. , Tay K.‐Y. , Tan L. C. S. 
Published: June 2014

Background and purposeThere have been few long‐term studies that have characterized and charted the clinical progression of Parkinson's disease (PD). This study was therefore undertaken to understand the natural clinical evolution of treated PD patients and to identify the variables that predict greater progression in these patients.MethodsA longitudinal linear mixed model analysis of motor score progression was performed on 576 PD patients derived from the National Neuroscience Institute Movement Disorders Database. Clinical and demographic variables were taken at baseline and formed the subgroups for comparison (gender, age at diagnosis, subtype, Mini‐Mental State Examination score and baseline motor score). Motor score progression was calculated at each patient follow‐up time point as the difference between Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) motor score at baseline and follow‐up scores.ResultsThe overall annual motor score progression as measured by the change of UPDRS motor scores from baseline ranged from 0.62% to 3.67%. There are three distinct phases: improvement, stability, and steady progression. Patients returned to baseline score 2–2.5 years after diagnosis, with stability lasting to 7 years, followed by a period of steady progression. When analyzed longitudinally, male gender (P < 0.03), older age at diagnosis (P < 0.05), akinetic‐rigid subtype (P < 0.04), cognitive impairment (P < 0.005) and lower baseline motor score (P < 0.04) were associated with greater progression of motor scores.ConclusionsOur results show that, when measured clinically, motor progression was non‐linear and that it occurred in distinct phases, all of which were affected by baseline demographic and clinical variables such as gender, age at diagnosis, disease subtype, cognitive status and baseline motor score.
Early onset epileptic encephalopathy caused by de novo SCN8A mutations
Authors: Ohba Chihiro , Kato Mitsuhiro , Takahashi Satoru , Lerman‐Sagie Tally , Lev Dorit , Terashima Hiroshi , Kubota Masaya , Kawawaki Hisashi , Matsufuji Mayumi , Kojima Yasuko , Tateno Akihiko , Goldberg‐Stern Hadassa , Straussberg Rachel , Marom Dafna , Leshinsky‐Silver Esther , Nakashima Mitsuko , Nishiyama Kiyomi , Tsurusaki Yoshinori , Miyake Noriko , Tanaka Fumiaki , Matsumoto Naomichi , Saitsu Hirotomo 
Published: June 2014

SummaryObjectiveDe novo SCN8A mutations have been reported in patients with epileptic encephalopathy. Herein we report seven patients with de novo heterozygous SCN8A mutations, which were found in our comprehensive genetic analysis (target capture or whole‐exome sequencing) for early onset epileptic encephalopathies (EOEEs).MethodsA total of 163 patients with EOEEs without mutations in known genes, including 6 with malignant migrating partial seizures in infancy (MMPSI), and 60 with unclassified EOEEs, were analyzed by target capture (28 samples) or whole‐exome sequencing (135 samples).ResultsWe identified de novo SCN8A mutations in 7 patients: 6 of 60 unclassified EOEEs (10.0%), and one of 6 MMPSI cases (16.7%). The mutations were scattered through the entire gene: four mutations were located in linker regions, two in the fourth transmembrane segments, and one in the C‐terminal domain. The type of the initial seizures was variable including generalized tonic–clonic, atypical absence, partial, apneic attack, febrile convulsion, and loss of tone and consciousness. Onset of seizures was during the neonatal period in two patients, and between 3 and 7 months of age in five patients. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed cerebellar and cerebral atrophy in one and six patients, respectively. All patients with SCN8A missense mutations showed initially uncontrollable seizures by any drugs, but eventually one was seizure‐free and three were controlled at the last examination. All patients showed developmental delay or regression in infancy, resulting in severe intellectual disability.SignificanceOur data reveal that SCN8A mutations can cause variable phenotypes, most of which can be diagnosed as unclassified EOEEs, and rarely as MMPSI. Together with previous reports, our study further indicates that genetic testing of SCN8A should be considered in children with unclassified severe epilepsy.A PowerPoint slide summarizing this article is available for download in the Supporting Information section here.
Quantitative analysis of surface electromyography during epileptic and nonepileptic convulsive seizures
Authors: Beniczky Sándor , Conradsen Isa , Moldovan Mihai , Jennum Poul , Fabricius Martin , Benedek Krisztina , Andersen Noémi , Hjalgrim Helle , Wolf Peter 
Published: June 2014

SummaryObjectiveTo investigate the characteristics of sustained muscle activation during convulsive epileptic and psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES), as compared to voluntary muscle activation. The main goal was to find surface electromyography (EMG) features that can distinguish between convulsive epileptic seizures and convulsive PNES.MethodsIn this case–control study, surface EMG was recorded from the deltoid muscles during long‐term video–electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring in 25 patients and in 21 healthy controls. A total of 46 clinical episodes were recorded: 28 generalized tonic–clonic seizures (GTCS) from 14 patients with epilepsy, and 18 convulsive PNES from 12 patients (one patient had both GTCS and PNES). The healthy controls were simulating GTCS. To quantitatively characterize the signals we calculated the following parameters: root mean square (RMS) of the amplitude, median frequency (MF), coherence, and duration of the seizures, of the clonic EMG discharges, and of the silent periods between the cloni. Based on wavelet analysis, we distinguished between a low‐frequency component (LF 2–8 Hz) and a high‐frequency component (HF 64–256 Hz).ResultsDuration of the seizure, and separation between the tonic and the clonic phases distinguished at group‐level but not at individual level between convulsive PNES and GTCS. RMS, temporal dynamics of the HF/LF ratio, and the evolution of the silent periods differentiated between epileptic and nonepileptic convulsive seizures at the individual level. A combination between HF/LF ratio and RMS separated all PNES from the GTCS. A blinded review of the EMG features distinguished correctly between GTCS and convulsive PNES in all cases. The HF/LF ratio and the RMS of the PNES were smaller compared to the simulated seizures.SignificanceIn addition to providing insight into the mechanism of muscle activation during convulsive PNES, these results have diagnostic significance, at the individual level. Surface EMG features can accurately distinguish convulsive epileptic from nonepileptic psychogenic seizures, even in PNES cases without rhythmic clonic movements.A PowerPoint slide summarizing this article is available for download in the Supporting Information section here.
Energy potential for combustion and anaerobic digestion of biomass from low‐input high‐diversity systems in conservation areas
Authors: Van Meerbeek Koenraad , Appels Lise , Dewil Raf , Van Beek Jonathan , Bellings Lore , Liebert Kenny , Muys Bart , Hermy Martin 
Published: June 2014

AbstractIn this study, we assessed the potential for bioenergy production of Low‐Input High‐Diversity (LIHD) systems in temperate West‐European conservation areas. A wide range of seminatural ecosystems (wet and dry grasslands, marshes, tall‐herb vegetation and heathlands) was sampled. Because LIHD biomass is often scattered and discontinuously available, we only considered the potential for anaerobic digestion and combustion. Both technologies are suitable for decentralized biomass utilization. The gross energy yield showed a promising range between 46–277 GJ per hectare per mowing cycle (MC). The energy efficiency of the anaerobic digestion process was rather low (10–30%) with a methane energy yield of 5.5–35.5 GJ ha−1 MC−1, experimentally determined by batch digestion tests. The water content, functional group composition and biochemical composition (hemicellulose, cellulose, lignin and Kjeldahl nitrogen) of the biomass were analyzed to assess the suitability of different valorization pathways. On the basis of the results, we were able to propose recommendations regarding the appropriate conversion techniques. Biomass from plant communities with ‘late’ harvest dates (August–October) or a high fraction of woody species like heathland and dune slacks, is best valorized through combustion, while herbaceous biomass of ‘early’ harvested grasslands (June–July) and tall‐herb vegetation can better be digested. The main advantages of the production of bioenergy from LIHD biomass originating from conservation management are the minimization of the competition with food production and its potential to reconcile renewable energy policies and biodiversity goals.
Influence of sonication and high hydrostatic pressure on the quality of carrot juice
Authors: Jabbar Saqib , Abid Muhammad , Hu Bing , Muhammad Hashim Malik , Saeeduddin Muhammad , Lei Shicheng , Wu Tao , Zeng Xiaoxiong 
Published: June 2014

SummaryThe combined effects of ultrasound (US) and high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) on enzymes, micro‐organisms, colouring pigments, total polyphenols, ascorbic acid and physicochemical properties of carrot juice were investigated. Carrot juice was treated with sonication (20 kHz, 70% amplitude) and HHP (250, 350, 450 MPa) at room temperature for 10 min. For comparison, fresh carrots were water blanched (WB) at 100 °C for 4 min and carrot juice was then extracted. As results, highest improvements in colouring pigments were observed in WB and US‐HHP450 treatments, which also completely inactivated micro‐organisms. The highest reduction in enzymes was observed in WB treatment followed by US‐HHP450. Total polyphenol contents increased significantly in US, HHP and US‐HHP treatments with the highest increase in US‐HHP450, but it decreased significantly in WB treatment. Ascorbic acid contents significantly decreased in WB and HHP450, while increased in US and US‐HHP treatments. Results indicate that US‐HHP450 treatment improves the quality of carrot juice and serves as a good alternative for blanching treatment.
Profile of antioxidant and antibacterial activities of different solvent extracts from Rabdosia rubescens
Authors: Feng Sai‐Sai , Xu Jian‐Guo 
Published: June 2014

SummaryThe objective of this work was to investigate the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of different extracts from Rabdosia rubescens and to further evaluate the antibacterial mechanism of extracts. The results showed that 80% acetone extracts had the highest contents of total polyphenols (8.09 mg GAE g−1) and flavonoids (5.69 mg RE g−1) and exhibited the strongest antioxidant activities, followed by 80% methanol and 80% ethanol, and the lowest for hexane extracts. Others except for hexane extracts showed different antibacterial activities against Gram‐positive strains, while no inhibitory effects were found on tested Gram‐negative bacterial strains. Among these extracts, 80% acetone and ethanol extracts had relatively higher antibacterial activities with the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration values of 5 and 10 mg mL−1. The antibacterial mechanism of ethanol extracts against Staphylococcus aureus might be described as it disrupts cell wall, increases cell membrane permeability and then leads to the leakage of cell constituents.
Monthly variation of total lipid and fatty acid contents of Atlantic bonito, Sarda sarda (Bloch, 1793) of Black Sea
Authors: Balçik Misir Gülsüm , Tufan Bekir , Köse Sevim 
Published: June 2014

SummaryThis study represents significant monthly variations of total lipid and fatty acid composition of muscle and liver tissue of Black Sea bonito (P < 0.05). Average total lipids of bonito muscle and liver were 8.4% and 25.1%, respectively, and the highest polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) was observed in September and March as 52.9% and 46.6%, respectively. Bonito muscle was found to contain good amounts of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in a range of 252.0–1169.1 mg/100 g and 712.1–3324.1 g/100 g, respectively. Higher levels were found in liver at 3323.3 mg/100 g for EPA and 6996.5 mg/100 g for DHA. Although 25–100 g edible muscle is necessary to reach 1 g per day of EPA+DHA requirement for a healthy diet, only 9.8–87.9 g of bonito liver is enough to cover the recommended daily amount for these fatty acids. The results indicate that bonito livers constitute a rich and underexploited source of PUFAs.
Development of a flavour fingerprint by GC‐MS and GC‐O combined with chemometric methods for the quality control of Korla pear (Pyrus serotina Reld)
Authors: Tian Honglei , Zhan Ping , Deng Zeyuan , Yan Haiyan , Zhu Xinrong 
Published: June 2014

SummaryBased on solid‐phase micro‐extraction/gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (SPME/GC‐MS) and gas chromatography‐olfactometry (GC‐O), a new method was described for the first time to establish flavour fingerprint for the quality control of Korla pear. Twenty‐three batches of Korla pear collected from different regions in Xinjiang, China were analysed via GC‐MS, among which 21 were selected to establish the fingerprint. The results of the analysis were combined with GC‐O assessment to obtain 26 common odour‐active compounds as the characteristics of the Korla pear flavour fingerprint. The method for flavour fingerprint analysis was then validated on the basis of the relative retention time and relative peak area of the common peaks, sample stability and similarity analysis. The similarities in the 21 Korla pear samples were more than 0.80, thereby indicating that the samples from different batches were consistent to a particular extent. The chemometrics method (principal component analysis, PCA) was performed to develop a flavour fingerprint that is suitable for identifying and differentiating Korla pears and can be used for quality control.
Hazelnut milk fermentation using probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and inulin
Authors: Bernat Neus , Cháfer Maite , Chiralt Amparo , González‐Martínez Chelo 
Published: June 2014

SummaryFollowing the consumer demand of healthy vegetable products due to their interesting nutritional profiles and potential functionalities, the fermentation process of hazelnut milk with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and S. thermophilus was studied. The effect of different factors (glucose, inulin and inoculum contents) was analysed to ensure sufficient probiotic survivals in a minimum time. The shelf life of the optimised product was characterised in terms of its main physicochemical and quality parameters (probiotic survivals and sensory analysis). Results showed that the defined formulation allowed high probiotic survivals (≈108 cfu mL−1) throughout cold storage and >60% survived to the in vitro digestion process (≈105 cfu mL−1). Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG was no able to degrade inulin, which remained to exert health benefits in the host. The product was highly appreciated by the sensory panel during its shelf life despite the formation of a weak gel, which presented syneresis at the last storage time.
Proteolysis in dry‐aged loins manufactured with sonicated pork and inoculated with Lactobacillus casei ŁOCK 0900 probiotic strain
Authors: Stadnik Joanna , Stasiak Dariusz M. , Dolatowski Zbigniew J. 
Published: June 2014

SummarySelected parameters related to proteolysis were evaluated in dry‐aged loins manufactured with sonicated pork and inoculated with Lactobacillus casei ŁOCK 0900 probiotic strain. Dehydration, pH, water activity and total nitrogen content were not affected by ultrasound treatment. Neither sonication nor inoculation has an influence on L* and a* colour parameters. Sonication significantly influenced the pattern of proteolysis providing higher nonprotein nitrogen content (NPN) and proteolysis index (PI). The highest intensity of proteolysis, as assessed by NPN and PI, occurred in an inoculated sample. Neither sonication nor inoculation with L. casei had a significant effect on total viable counts. Loins inoculated with L. casei had the highest lactic acid bacteria count, followed by the sonicated and nonsonicated control. This research shows that sonication followed by inoculation with L. casei ŁOCK 0900 could be used as an effective measure to speed up the proteolytic changes in dry‐aged meat cuts.
Biochemical characterisation and application of lipases produced by Aspergillus sp. on solid‐state fermentation using three substrates
Authors: Fleuri Luciana F. , Novelli Paula K. , Delgado Clarissa H. O. , Pivetta Mayara R. , Pereira Milene S. , Arcuri Mariana de L. C. , Capoville Bruna L. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryLipase from Aspergillus sp. obtained by solid‐state fermentation (SSF) on wheat bran (LWB), soybean bran (LSB) and soybean bran combined with sugarcane bagasse (LSBBC) were 67.5, 58 and 57.3 U of crude lipase per gram substrate, respectively. The optimum pH of activity and stability of the LWB was between 8 and 9, and the optimum temperature of activity and stability was 50 °C and up to 60 °C, respectively. The LSB and LSBBC showed two peaks of optimum pH (4 and 6) and optimal values of temperature and stability at 50 °C. The LSB was stable in the pH range of 6–7, while LSBBC in the range of pH 4–7. All the enzymes show activities on p‐nitrophenyl esters (butyrate, laurate and palmitate). LWB stood out either on the hydrolysis of sunflower oil, presenting 66.1% of the activity over commercial lipase and on the esterification of oleic acid and ethanol, surpassing the activities of the commercial lipases studied. The thin layer chromatography showed that LWB and LSB have produced ethyl esters from corn oil, while LWB produced it from sunflower oil.
THE GEOGRAPHY OF REBELLION: STRATEGY AND SUPPLY IN THE TWO ‘SICILIAN SLAVE WARS’
Authors: MORTON PETER 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
The two Sicilian ‘Slave Wars’ of the second century BC have rarely been studied in terms of their strategic complexities. Previous efforts to do so have started from the assumption that each conflict was a priori the same or similar. In addition, both wars have been placed into a separate category of analysis from other wars, leading to analyses that have characterised the wars together as disorganized guerrilla campaigns or examples of ancient marronage. In this paper I argue, by contrast, that we must consider the two conflicts as separate entities, and that we must approach their study as we would any other wars. By studying the rebel strategies of each war in terms of their relationships with the geography of Sicily and the logistics of warfare I contend that the two wars were fought in contrasting manners, with the method used in the first being highly strategic, and in the second confused and ineffectual.
THE AEOLUS OF EURIPIDES: CONCEPTS AND MOTIFS
Authors: XANTHAKI-KARAMANOU G. , MIMIDOU E. 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
The paper deals with the reconstruction and the basic concepts and themes of E. Aeolus. The play is distinct of its purely tragic action with exploitation of pathetic and rhetorical motifs, and, particularly, of an admired agon logon as an ‘artificial speech’. The fragmentary evidence reveals a conjunction of tradition and innovation, of the earlier competitive excellencies, identifying the agathos with the noble and the rich, as against the new co-operative excellencies which do not presuppose high social status, but moral virtues, such as wisdom, self-control, and good social behaviour. The play displays typically Euripidean beliefs on wealth and poverty, prudent political decisions as a prime quality of a ruler, bravery in battle and rhetorical skill, nobility and virtue, the harmony of opposites, good marriage, the ingenuity of the human mind, all reflecting democratic concepts which form the moral background of the fifth-century Athenian City-State.
The petaltail dragonflies (Odonata: Petaluridae): Mesozoic habitat specialists that survive to the modern day
Authors: Ware Jessica L. , Beatty Christopher D. , Sánchez Herrera Melissa , Valley Steve , Johnson Jim , Kerst Cary , May Michael L. , Theischinger Gunther 
Published: June 2014

AbstractAimTo explore the phylogenetics and historical biogeography of the dragonfly family Petaluridae (known as ‘petaltails’), a relict dragonfly group with unique habitat and life history attributes.LocationAustralia, New Zealand, Japan, Chile and North America.MethodsUsing five mitochondrial and three nuclear gene fragments we recovered garli‐part maximum likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic hypotheses for 10 of the 11 extant petaltail species. Biogeographical patterns were analysed using Lagrange and interpreted through beast relaxed clock dating analysis.ResultsPetaluridae is monophyletic with an origin in the mid‐Jurassic, c. 157 Ma. The family consists of two major clades: one with a Laurasian distribution containing the genera Tachopteryx and Tanypteryx, and another containing the genera Petalura, Phenes and Uropetala, distributed in Gondwanan remnants. Based on our beast molecular clock, these two clades separated c. 146 Ma. Species ages in Petaluridae range from c. 100 to c. 30 million years, with the majority of the species persisting for 70–75 million years. Analysis with Lagrange points to an origin for the family associated with New Zealand, with subsequent dispersal to other Gondwanan remnants (Australia and Chile) as well as Laurasia (eastern and western North America) and subsequent dispersal from western North America to Japan.Main conclusionsThe extant species of Petaluridae are extremely old, with most species persisting as independent lineages since the Jurassic. Our results suggest that New Zealand was close to the origin point in the Jurassic; one possibility is that Antarctica was at the centre of the petalurid distribution, based on Permian fossil evidence. Such long persistence for species is surprising, especially considering the specialized habitat required by petalurid larvae; unlike the majority of modern dragonflies, which spend their larval stage in ponds or streams, petaltails live in fen habitats. Petaltails also take multiple years to develop from egg to adult, another trait uncommon in modern dragonflies. Specialization in a species is normally associated with higher extinction rates; the petaltails appear to be an exception to this rule.