Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ultra-processed foods have the worst nutrient profile, yet they are the most available packaged products in a sample of New Zealand supermarkets

Abstract Objective To examine the availability of packaged food products in New Zealand supermarkets by level of industrial processing, nutrient profiling score (NPSC), price (energy, unit and serving costs) and brand variety. Design Secondary analysis of cross-sectional survey data on packaged supermarket food and non-alcoholic beverages. Products were classified according to level of industrial processing (minimally, culinary and ultra-processed) and their NPSC. Setting Packaged foods available in four major supermarkets in Auckland, New Zealand. Subjects Packaged supermarket food products for the years 2011 and 2013. Results The majority (84 % in 2011 and 83 % in 2013) of packaged foods were classified as ultra-processed. A significant positive association was found between the level of industrial processing and NPSC, i.e. ultra-processed foods had a worse nutrient profile (NPSC=11·63) than culinary processed foods (NPSC=7·95), which in turn had a worse nutrient profile than minimally processed foods (NPSC=3·27), P<0·001. No clear associations were observed between the three price measures and level of processing. The study observed many variations of virtually the same product. The ten largest food manufacturers produced 35 % of all packaged foods available. Conclusions In New Zealand supermarkets, ultra-processed foods comprise the largest proportion of packaged foods and are less healthy than less processed foods. The lack of significant price difference between ultra- and less processed foods suggests ultra-processed foods might provide time-poor consumers with more value for money. These findings highlight the need to improve the supermarket food supply by reducing numbers of ultra-processed foods and by reformulating products to improve their nutritional profile.
The Thatcher illusion in humans and monkeys

Primates possess the remarkable ability to differentiate faces of group members and to extract relevant information about the individual directly from the face. Recognition of conspecific faces is achieved by means of holistic processing, i.e. the processing of the face as an unparsed, perceptual whole, rather than as the collection of independent features (part-based processing). The most striking example of holistic processing is the Thatcher illusion. Local changes in facial features are hardly noticeable when the whole face is inverted (rotated 180°), but strikingly grotesque when the face is upright. This effect can be explained by a lack of processing capabilities for locally rotated facial features when the face is turned upside down. Recently, a Thatcher illusion was described in the macaque monkey analogous to that known from human investigations. Using a habituation paradigm combined with eye tracking, we address the critical follow-up questions raised in the aforementioned study to show the Thatcher illusion as a function of the observer's species (humans and macaques), the stimulus' species (humans and macaques) and the level of perceptual expertise (novice, expert).
Modulation of skeletal and cardiac voltage‐gated sodium channels by calmodulin

Calmodulin (CaM) has been shown to modulate different ion channels, including voltage‐gated sodium channels (NaChs). Using the yeast two‐hybrid assay, we found an interaction between CaM and the C‐terminal domains of adult skeletal (NaV1.4) and cardiac (NaV1.5) muscle NaChs. Effects of CaM were studied using sodium channels transiently expressed in CHO cells. Wild type CaM (CaMWT) caused a hyperpolarizing shift in the voltage dependence of activation and inactivation for NaV1.4 and activation for NaV1.5. Intracellular application of CaM caused hyperpolarizing shifts equivalent to those seen with CaMWT coexpression with NaV1.4. Elevated Ca2+ and CaM‐binding peptides caused depolarizing shifts in the inactivation curves seen with CaMWT coexpression with NaV1.4. KN93, a CaM‐kinase II inhibitor, had no effect on NaV1.4, suggesting that CaM acts directly on NaV1.4 and not through activation of CaM‐kinase II. Coexpression of hemi‐mutant CaMs showed that an intact N‐terminal lobe of CaM is required for effects of CaM upon NaV1.4. Mutations in the sodium channel IQ domain disrupted the effects of CaM on NaV1.4: the I1727E mutation completely blocked all calmodulin effects, while the L1736R mutation disrupted the effects of Ca2+–calmodulin on inactivation. Chimeric channels of NaV1.4 and NaV1.5 also indicated that the C‐terminal domain is largely responsible for CaM effects on inactivation. CaM had little effect on NaV1.4 expressed in HEK cells, possibly due to large differences in the endogenous expression of β‐subunits between CHO and HEK cells. These results in heterologous cells suggest that Ca2+ released during muscle contraction rapidly modulates NaCh availability via CaM.
Corecursive Algebras, Corecursive Monads and Bloom Monads

An algebra is called corecursive if from every coalgebra a unique coalgebra-to-algebra homomorphism exists into it. We prove that free corecursive algebras are obtained as coproducts of the terminal coalgebra (considered as an algebra) and free algebras. The monad of free corecursive algebras is proved to be the free corecursive monad, where the concept of corecursive monad is a generalization of Elgot's iterative monads, analogous to corecursive algebras generalizing completely iterative algebras. We also characterize the Eilenberg-Moore algebras for the free corecursive monad and call them Bloom algebras.
Synthesis, characterization, and biological properties of small branched RNA fragments containing chiral (Rp and Sp) 2′,5′-phosphorothioate linkages

Synthetic branched RNA fragments were prepared to examine the stereochemical requirements for hydrolysis of RNA lariats by the yeast debranching enzyme (yDBR). Specifically, two branched trinucleoside diphosphates and a tetranucleoside triphosphate containing a 2′,5′-linked phosphorothioate linkage of defined stereochemistry, namely Rp-A(2′ps5′G)pC, Sp-A(2′ps5′G)pC and Sp-ApA(2′ps5′G)pC, were prepared via solution-phase methods. Unlike the all-phosphodiester control, A(2′p5′G)pC, the Rp-thioated trimer was not cleaved by yDBR, demonstrating that changing the pro-Rp oxygen at the 2′,5′-phosphodiester bond averts hydrolysis by the enzyme. In contrast, the Sp branched compounds (trimer and tetramer) were cleaved yDBR, albeit with reduced efficiency relative to the corresponding all-phosphodiester branched compounds. Furthermore, the small branched RNAs (5 nt) were not cleaved as efficiently as a 18-nt bRNA, suggesting that the enzyme appears to have a stronger preference for larger bRNA substrates. The non-hydrolyzable branched RNA fragments prepared during these studies may be promising candidates for the future co-crystallization and X-ray analyses of DBR:bRNA complexes.
Dense Percolation in Large-Scale Mean-Field Random Networks Is Provably “Explosive”

Recent reports suggest that evolving large-scale networks exhibit “explosive percolation”: a large fraction of nodes suddenly becomes connected when sufficiently many links have formed in a network. This phase transition has been shown to be continuous (second-order) for most random network formation processes, including classical mean-field random networks and their modifications. We study a related yet different phenomenon referred to as dense percolation, which occurs when a network is already connected, but a large group of nodes must be dense enough, i.e., have at least a certain minimum required percentage of possible links, to form a “highly connected” cluster. Such clusters have been considered in various contexts, including the recently introduced network modularity principle in biological networks. We prove that, contrary to the traditionally defined percolation transition, dense percolation transition is discontinuous (first-order) under the classical mean-field network formation process (with no modifications); therefore, there is not only quantitative, but also qualitative difference between regular and dense percolation transitions. Moreover, the size of the largest dense (highly connected) cluster in a mean-field random network is explicitly characterized by rigorously proven tight asymptotic bounds, which turn out to naturally extend the previously derived formula for the size of the largest clique (a cluster with all possible links) in such a network. We also briefly discuss possible implications of the obtained mathematical results on studying first-order phase transitions in real-world linked systems.
The Use of a Modified Sphygmomanometer to Detect Atrial Fibrillation in Outpatients

This study was designed to assess the accuracy of a modified sphygmomanometer, that measures pulse irregularity, to detect atrial fibrillation (AF). An irregularity index, defined as the standard deviation of the time intervals between beats divided by the mean of the time intervals, was used to analyze standard 12‐lead ECGs from hospitalized patients. A threshold irregularity index was selected such that all ECGs with AF exceeded this irregularity index value. A modified automatic blood pressure monitor was designed to detect AF by calculating the irregularity index of the pulse. The device was used to calculate the irregularity index in an unselected group of outpatients during scheduled office visits in which a standard 12‐lead ECG was performed. A total of 125 ECGs, 53 with AF, were analyzed. Using a threshold irregularity index of 0.066, the sensitivity for detecting AF was 100%, the specificity was 92% and diagnostic accuracy 95%. A modified sphygmomanometer was used to analyze the pulse of 450 outpatients, 54 of whom were documented by ECG to be in AF. When paired readings were analyzed, the rhythm was considered to be irregular if both readings were greater than the threshold index. Using a threshold index of 0.06, all the AF patients were correctly identified while 37 non‐AF patients also exceeded the threshold irregularity index. In this analysis, the sensitivity was 100%, the specificity 91%, and the diagnostic accuracy 92% for detecting AF. The irregularity index determined using a modified sphygmomanometer can accurately identify AF. (PACE 2004; 27:639–643)
Health policies on dialysis modality selection: a nationwide population cohort study

Objectives In Taiwan, peritoneal dialysis (PD) and haemodialysis are fully accessible to patients with end-stage renal disease. However, the usage of PD is considered low in Taiwan. Since 2005, 4 major policies have been implemented by Taiwan's Ministry of Health and Welfare, namely a multidisciplinary predialysis care programme and usage increasing the PD incidence as a key performance indicator (KPI) for hospital accreditation, both of which were implemented in 2006; reimbursement of the glucose-free dialysate, icodextrin that was implemented in 2007; and insurance reimbursement for renting automated PD machines that was implemented in 2008. The aim of this study was to analyse the associations between the PD promotional policies and the actual PD selection rates. Setting We analysed data within the Taiwan Renal Registry Data System from 2006 to 2013, focusing on the PD incidence in relation to the timings of the 4 PD promotional policies; then we stratified the results according to age, sex and the presence of diabetes mellitus. Participants From 2006 to 2013, 115 565 patients were enrolled in this study. The mean (SD) age of patients on PD was 54.6 (15.7) years. Results During the time frame in which the 4 PD promotional policies were implemented, the PD incidence increased from 12.8% in 2006 to 15.1% in 2009. The PD incidence started to decline in 2010 (13.8%) when the hospital accreditation policy was repealed. The 3 remaining policies were weakly associated with the PD incidence. The observational analysis determined that the patients' ages, sexes and diabetes mellitus incidence rates were relatively stable from 2006 to 2013. Conclusions Of the 4 health policies intended to promote PD usage, using increasing the PD incidence as a KPI for hospital accreditation had the strongest association with the PD incidence.
An integrated active-quenching circuit for single-photon avalanche diodes

We introduce the first integrated active quenching circuit (I-AQC) that drives an avalanche photodiode (APD) above its breakdown voltage, in order to detect single photons. Based on the I-AQC, we developed a compact and versatile photon-counting module suitable for applications in which very weak optical signals have to be detected, as for instance, photon correlation spectroscopy, luminescence measurements, and laser ranging. The prototype photon-counting module features quenching pulses up to 60 V amplitude, minimum dead time of less than 36 ns, corresponding to a saturated counting rate exceeding 25 Mcounts/s, user-controllable hold-off time, for reducing the afterpulsing effect, and nanosecond gating capability. The power dissipation is 60 mW in stand-by conditions, and the module size is less than 1 cm/spl times/2 cm.
Manycore Algorithms for Batch Scalar and Block Tridiagonal Solvers

Engineering, scientific, and financial applications often require the simultaneous solution of a large number of independent tridiagonal systems of equations with varying coefficients. Since the number of systems is large enough to offer considerable parallelism on manycore systems, the choice between different tridiagonal solution algorithms, such as Thomas, Cyclic Reduction (CR) or Parallel Cyclic Reduction (PCR) needs to be reexamined. This work investigates the optimal choice of tridiagonal algorithm for CPU, Intel MIC, and NVIDIA GPU with a focus on minimizing the amount of data transfer to and from the main memory using novel algorithms and the register-blocking mechanism, and maximizing the achieved bandwidth. It also considers block tridiagonal solutions, which are sometimes required in Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) applications. A novel work-sharing and register blocking--based Thomas solver is also presented.
Inkjet-Printed Alginate Microspheres as Additional Drug Carriers for Injectable Hydrogels

Local delivery of bioactive molecules to the inner ear via diffusion through the round window membrane is becoming an attractive approach to treat sensorineural hearing loss compared to systemic drug administration. Pluronics® (Lutrol F127) are a class of thermosensitive hydrogels that remain liquid prior to injection and rapidly gel under physiological conditions. They are, however, limited to short-term drug release due to rapid hydrolysis in aqueous solution. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate an approach, using an ink-jet printing system, to sustain the drug release by incorporating hydrogel microspheres within Lutrol F127. Various concentrations of Lutrol F127 and calcium chloride (CaCl2) were examined by rheology to determine the optimum combinations to use for injection and then blended with inkjet-printed alginate microspheres. Drug release (FITC-Dextran) from Lutrol F127 alone reached completion in less than 24 h. Release from alginate spheres alone showed a burst release and reached 100% in 6 h. Interestingly, the incorporation of microspheres within Lutrol F127 allowed a more sustained release profile and a slower burst release. By varying the quantity of microspheres, concentration of alginate, or ionic cross-linking ratio, the release profile can be adjusted to suit the desired application.
Location of the Permeation Pathway in the Recombinant Type 1 Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptor

The inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (InsP3R) forms ligand-regulated intracellular Ca2+ release channels in the endoplasmic reticulum of all mammalian cells. The InsP3R has been suggested to have six transmembrane regions (TMRs) near its carboxyl terminus. A TMR-deletion mutation strategy was applied to define the location of the InsP3R pore. Mutant InsP3Rs were expressed in COS-1 cells and single channel function was defined in planar lipid bilayers. Mutants having the fifth and sixth TMR (and the interceding lumenal loop), but missing all other TMRs, formed channels with permeation properties similar to wild-type channels (gCs = 284; gCa = 60 pS; P Ca/P Cs = 6.3). These mutant channels bound InsP3, but ligand occupancy did not regulate the constitutively open pore (P o > 0.80). We propose that a region of 191 amino acids (including the fifth and sixth TMR, residues 2398–2589) near the COOH terminus of the protein forms the InsP3R pore. Further, we have produced a constitutively open InsP3R pore mutant that is ideal for future site-directed mutagenesis studies of the structure–function relationships that define Ca2+ permeation through the InsP3R channel.
The electron microscope enters the realm of the intact cell

T his issue of the Journal marks the fiftieth anniversary of the paper where Keith Porter, Albert Claude, and Ernest FuUam published the first electron micrograph of a complete cell (1). The cell was a fibroblast grown in tissue culture from the foregut of a chick embryo. The March 1945 article in which this micrograph appears, "A Study of Tissue Culture Cells by Electron Microscopy" opened the world of the cell for discovery. In the authors' own words, their paper demonstrates that
Secondhand tobacco smoke exposure is associated with increased risk of failed implantation and reduced IVF success.

BACKGROUND Infertility and early pregnancy loss are prevalent as is exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke (STS). Previous research has suggested a relationship between STS exposure and early pregnancy loss, but studies have been limited by small study sizes and/or imprecise methods for exposure estimation. IVF allows for the collection of follicular fluid (FF), the fluid surrounding the pre-ovulatory oocyte, which may be a more biologically relevant sample media than urine or serum in studies of early reproduction. METHODS In a retrospective analysis of a prospective cohort study, we measured cotinine in FF collected during 3270 IVF treatment cycles from 1909 non-smoking women between 1994 and 2003 to examine the relationship between STS exposure and implantation failure. RESULTS In adjusted models, we found a significant increase in the risk of implantation failure among women exposed to STS compared with those unexposed [odds ratio (OR) = 1.52; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.20-1.92; risk ratio (RR) = 1.17; 95% CI = 1.10-1.25]. We also found a significant decrease in the odds for a live birth among STS-exposed women (OR = 0.75; 95% CI = 0.57-0.99; RR = 0.81; 95% CI = 0.66-0.99). CONCLUSIONS Female STS exposure, estimated through the measurement of cotinine in FF, is associated with an increased risk of implantation failure and reduced odds of a live birth.
Concurrent and Retroactive Interference Effects in Memory of Movement Patterns

Three experiments examined memory for enacted and observed movement patterns. The effect of visuo-spatial tracing tasks requiring overt motor movements, comparable to those required by the to-be-recalled movement pattern task when enacted, were compared with the effects of non-motor interference tasks, such as articulatory suppression and counting backwards. None of the experiments was able to detect indices of motor mechanisms in memory of movement patterns. The results are discussed in terms of theories of action memory and working memory and of a problem-solving account.
Isobaric Versus Hypobaric Spinal Bupivacaine for Total Hip Arthroplasty in the Lateral Position

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is frequently performed under spinal anesthesia using either isobaric or hypobaric anesthetic solution. However, these two solutions have never been compared under similar surgical conditions. In the present study, we compared the anesthetic and hemodynamic effects of isobaric and hypobaric bupivacaine in 40 ASA physical status I–II patients undergoing THA in the lateral decubitus position under spinal anesthesia. With operative side up, patients randomly received, in a double-blinded manner, a spinal injection of 3.5 mL (17.5 mg) of plain bupivacaine mixed with either 1.5 mL of normal saline (isobaric group) or 1.5 mL of distilled water (hypobaric group). Sensory level and degree of motor block were evaluated on the nondependent and dependent sides until regression to L2 and total motor recovery. Hemodynamic changes during the first 45 min after spinal injection, and the time between spinal administration and first analgesic for a pain score >3 (on a 0–10 scale) were noted. Demographic characteristics of both groups were comparable. Upper sensory level and maximal degree of motor block were comparable between the operative and nonoperative sides in each group and between corresponding sides in both groups. Compared with the isobaric group, in the hypobaric group there was a prolonged time to sensory regression to L2 on the operative side (287 ± 51 versus 242 ± 36 min, P < 0.004) and a prolonged time to first analgesic (290 ± 46 versus 237 ± 39 min, P < 0.001). No difference in quality of motor block was noted at the end of surgery. Hemodynamic changes were comparable. We conclude that for THA in the lateral position, spinal hypobaric bupivacaine seems to be superior to isobaric in that it prolongs the sensory block on the operative side and delays the use of analgesics after surgery without further compromising hemodynamic stability.
The impact of vegetation growth on DInSAR coherence regions and estimated deformations

The polarization diversity of the phase in differential interferometry causes ambiguities in the estimation of displacements: it might be related to complex dynamic processes such as vegetation growth. As the properties and possible origins besides noise-like influences of such diversity over changing vegetation canopies are virtually unknown, we propose to investigate them empirically using an L band data set covering one growing season over different agricultural crops. The polarimetric coherence regions (i.e. the shape and relation to biomass) over wheat, barley and, to a lesser extent, rape suggest the presence of birefringence within the canopy, which can yield phase differences between HH and VV channels exceeding 0. 5π. The remaining fields (maize and sugar beet) - while also showing such a dependence on polarization - cannot be explained by birefringence. Irrespective of the origin of this dependence, its presence and magnitude indicate the importance of vegetation effects in differential interferometry, with potentially deleterious influences on the estimation of deformations.