Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Markov Chain Approach to Baseball

Most earlier mathematical studies of baseball required particular models for advancing runners based on a small set of offensive possibilities. Other efforts considered only teams with players of identical ability. We introduce a Markov chain method that considers teams made up of players with different abilities and which is not restricted to a given model for runner advancement. Our method is limited only by the available data and can use any reasonable deterministic model for runner advancement when sufficiently detailed data are not available. Furthermore, our approach may be adapted to include the effects of pitching and defensive ability in a straightforward way. We apply our method to find optimal batting orders, run distributions per half inning and per game, and the expected number of games a team should win. We also describe the application of our method to test whether a particular trade would benefit a team.
Body iron stores and their determinants in healthy postmenopausal US women.

BACKGROUND Data on the determinants of body iron stores in middle-aged women are sparse. OBJECTIVE We prospectively evaluated nondietary and dietary determinants of iron stores. DESIGN Using blood samples collected in 1989-1990, we measured plasma ferritin concentrations in 620 healthy postmenopausal women aged 44-69 y who participated in the Nurses' Health Study. Food-frequency questionnaires completed in 1980, 1984, and 1986 were used to calculate average dietary intakes. Generalized linear regression and multiple logistic regression models were used to assess the association between plasma ferritin and its determinants. RESULTS Among these postmenopausal women, the median plasma ferritin concentration was 73.8 ng/mL (interquartile range: 41.6-125.8 ng/mL), 2.7% were iron depleted (ferritin concentration < 12 ng/mL), and 9.8% had an elevated ferritin concentration (> 200 ng/mL). Age, time since menopause, time since the last postmenopausal hormone (PMH) use, body mass index, iron supplement use, and alcohol and heme-iron intakes were positively associated with ferritin concentrations, whereas PMH use, physical activity, aspirin use, and gastrointestinal ulcer were inversely related. The association between heme-iron intake and ferritin was most apparent among the women who consumed > 30 g alcohol/d. CONCLUSIONS Our prospective data confirm that in postmenopausal women, intakes of heme iron, supplemental iron, and alcohol are dietary determinants of plasma ferritin, and age, PMH use, body mass index, physical activity, aspirin use, and gastrointestinal ulcer are nondietary determinants.
Hyperhomocysteinemia and elevated methylmalonic acid indicate a high prevalence of cobalamin deficiency in Asian Indians.

BACKGROUND In India, most people adhere to a vegetarian diet, which may lead to cobalamin deficiency. OBJECTIVE The objective was to examine indicators of cobalamin status in Asian Indians. DESIGN The study population included 204 men and women aged 27-55 y from Pune, Maharashtra, India, categorized into 4 groups: patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes, patients with CVD but no diabetes, patients with diabetes but no CVD, and healthy subjects. Data on medical history, lifestyle, and diet were obtained by interviews and questionnaires. Blood samples were collected for measurement of serum or plasma total cobalamin, holotranscobalamin (holoTC), methylmalonic acid (MMA), and total homocysteine (tHcy) and hemetologic indexes. RESULTS MMA, tHcy, total cobalamin, and holoTC did not differ significantly among the 4 groups; therefore, the data were pooled. Total cobalamin showed a strong inverse correlation with tHcy (r = -0.59) and MMA (r = -0.54). Forty-seven percent of the subjects had cobalamin deficiency (total cobalamin <150 pmol/L), 73% had low holoTC (<35 pmol/L), 77% had hyperhomocysteinemia (tHcy >15 micromol/L), and 73% had elevated serum MMA (>0.26 micromol/L). These indicators of impaired cobalamin status were observed in both vegetarians and nonvegetarians. Folate deficiency was rare and only 2.5% of the subjects were homozygous for the MTHFR 677C-->T polymorphism. CONCLUSIONS About 75% of the subjects had metabolic signs of cobalamin deficiency, which was only partly explained by the vegetarian diet. If impaired cobalamin status is confirmed in other parts of India, it may have important health implications.
Intraretinal Correlates of Reticular Pseudodrusen Revealed by Autofluorescence and En Face OCT

Purpose We sought to determine whether information revealed from the reflectance, autofluorescence, and absorption properties of RPE cells situated posterior to reticular pseudodrusen (RPD) could provide insight into the origins and structure of RPD. Methods RPD were studied qualitatively by near-infrared fundus autofluorescence (NIR-AF), short-wavelength fundus autofluorescence (SW-AF), and infrared reflectance (IR-R) images, and the presentation was compared to horizontal and en face spectral domain optical coherence tomographic (SD-OCT) images. Images were acquired from 23 patients (39 eyes) diagnosed with RPD (mean age 80.7 ± 7.1 [SD]; 16 female; 4 Hispanics, 19 non-Hispanic whites). Results In SW-AF, NIR-AF, and IR-R images, fundus RPD were recognized as interlacing networks of small scale variations in IR-R and fluorescence (SW-AF, NIR-AF) intensities. Darkened foci of RPD colocalized in SW-AF and NIR-AF images, and in SD-OCT images corresponded to disturbances of the interdigitation (IZ) and ellipsoid (EZ) zones and to more pronounced hyperreflective lesions traversing photoreceptor-attributable bands in SD-OCT images. Qualitative assessment of the outer nuclear layer (ONL) revealed thinning as RPD extended radially from the outer to inner retina. In en face OCT, hyperreflective areas in the EZ band correlated topographically with hyporeflective foci at the level of the RPE. Conclusions The hyperreflective lesions corresponding to RPD in SD-OCT scans are likely indicative of degenerating photoreceptor cells. The darkened foci at positions of RPD in NIR-AF and en face OCT images indicate changes in the RPE monolayer with the reduced NIR-AF and en face OCT signal suggesting a reduction in melanin that could be accounted for by RPE thinning.
Maternal and fetal stress are associated with impaired lactogenesis in humans.

Studies in animals indicate that various types of stressful stimuli can depress lactation, but there is much less information in humans. Experimental studies in breastfeeding women have shown that acute physical and mental stress can impair the milk ejection reflex by reducing the release of oxytocin during a feed. If this occurs repeatedly, it could reduce milk production by preventing full emptying of the breast at each feed. Prospective observational studies indicate that both maternal and fetal stress during labor and delivery (e.g., urgent Cesarean sections or long duration of labor in vaginal deliveries) are associated with delayed onset of lactation. The effects of chronic emotional stress on lactation are not known. Mothers who experience high levels of stress during and after childbirth should receive additional lactation guidance during the first week or two postpartum.
Avaliação histológica do polímero derivado do óleo de mamona (Ricinus communis) aplicado na diáfise proximal da tíbia de cães Histological evaluation of polymer derived from castor oil bean (Ricinus communis) in the tibia proximal diaphase in dogs

The present work evaluated the biocompatibility and osseointegration of the polymer derived from castor oil bean (PDOM) as a bone substitute in the repair of bony defects in the tibia proximal diaphase in dogs. This experimental sudy was carried out with 20 clinically heathy dogs, divided in two groups consisting of 10 dogs each. One group had the 10 x 5 mm defect completely filled with PDOM and the other did not receive any treatment, used as control. Material from two animals of each group were collected in days eight, 30, 60, 120 and 180 after surgery for histological analysis. At the histological exam, a no integration of PDOM was observed in the treated group. In the control group, the bone repair ocurred at 30 days after surgery. During the experiment no foreign body reaction was observed, neither a complete filling of the bony defect in the animals treated with PDOM.
Analytical evidence to show letters impregnated with novel psychoactive substances are a means of getting drugs to inmates within the UK prison service

Abstract Introduction Novel psychotropic substances also known as legal highs are a major concern in UK prisons, fuelling violence and putting a strain on resources for inmates requiring medical treatment for adverse effects. We provide a clinical toxicology service including routine screening for novel psychoactive substances. In 2015, we were approached by Her Majesty Prison Service search dog training team to advise on which novel psychoactive substances to target, and again in 2016 to further provide analytical support to test five letters which the dogs positively identified for novel psychotropic substances during routine searches of prison mail rooms. Here we provide the first analytical confirmation that letters sent to inmates are being used to smuggle novel psychotropic substances into UK prisons. Results Novel psychotropic substances were detected on all five letters and these included the stimulants ethylphenidate, methiopropamine and methoxiphenidaine, the sedative etizolam and the third generation synthetic cannabinoids 5F-AKB-48, AB-FUBINACA, MDMB-CHMICA. Other compounds detected include the class A drug cocaine, class B drug methylphenidate and the cutting agents lignocaine, benzocaine and procaine. Conclusion Novel psychotropic substances smuggled into UK prisons is a major safety and security concern. By analytically confirming letters sent to inmates do contain novel psychotropic substances, we have produced categorical evidence to support anecdotal suggestions that novel psychotropic substances are entering UK prisons in this manner.
A new approach to Service Differentiation : Non-Congestive

We evaluate a new approach to service differentiation, based on distinguishing congestive and non-congestive data. We initially define as non-congestive data only minimal-size packets, which do not contribute to congestion themselves, but, however, do suffer delays caused by larger packets. Case examples of such data are typical sensor data. Non-Congestive Queuing (NCQ) needs not follow a state-full approach to traffic differentiation. We show that (i) non congestive data gets a much better service from the network, (ii) congestive data suffers no extra delays; instead, both fairness and efficiency are occasionally improved due to lower contention. Having more flows finishing early may lead to better resource sharing.
Undernutrition as an underlying cause of child deaths associated with diarrhea, pneumonia, malaria, and measles.

BACKGROUND Previous analyses derived the relative risk (RR) of dying as a result of low weight-for-age and calculated the proportion of child deaths worldwide attributable to underweight. OBJECTIVES The objectives were to examine whether the risk of dying because of underweight varies by cause of death and to estimate the fraction of deaths by cause attributable to underweight. DESIGN Data were obtained from investigators of 10 cohort studies with both weight-for-age category (<-3 SDs, -3 to <-2 SDs, -2 to <-1 SD, and >-1 SD) and cause of death information. All 10 studies contributed information on weight-for-age and risk of diarrhea, pneumonia, and all-cause mortality; however, only 6 studies contributed information on deaths because of measles, and only 3 studies contributed information on deaths because of malaria or fever. With use of weighted random effects models, we related the log mortality rate by cause and anthropometric status in each study to derive cause-specific RRs of dying because of undernutrition. Prevalences of each weight-for-age category were obtained from analyses of 310 national nutrition surveys. With use of the RR and prevalence information, we then calculated the fraction of deaths by cause attributable to undernutrition. RESULTS The RR of mortality because of low weight-for-age was elevated for each cause of death and for all-cause mortality. Overall, 52.5% of all deaths in young children were attributable to undernutrition, varying from 44.8% for deaths because of measles to 60.7% for deaths because of diarrhea. CONCLUSION A significant proportion of deaths in young children worldwide is attributable to low weight-for-age, and efforts to reduce malnutrition should be a policy priority.
Animal protein intake, serum insulin-like growth factor I, and growth in healthy 2.5-y-old Danish children.

BACKGROUND Studies from developing countries indicate that intake of animal protein, especially of milk, is associated with greater velocity of linear growth in childhood. Whether the same association exists in industrialized countries, where protein intake is high, is not clear. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to examine associations between protein intake, serum insulin-like growth factor I (sIGF-I) concentrations, and height in healthy children. DESIGN We analyzed the associations between protein intake, sIGF-I concentrations, and height in 2.5-y-old children. Diet (7-d record) and sIGF-I (radioimmunoassay) data were available from 90 children (54 boys). RESULTS The 10th, 50th, and 90th percentiles of protein intake were 2.4, 2.9, and 4.0 g. kg(-1). d(-1), respectively; 63% was animal protein. In multiple linear regressions with adjustment for sex and weight, height (cm) was positively associated with intakes of animal protein (g/d) [0.10 +/- 0.038 (b +/- SE); P = 0.01] and milk (0.0047 +/- 0.002; P = 0.007), but not with those of vegetable protein or meat. The sIGF-I concentration was significantly associated with intakes of animal protein (1.4 +/- 0.53; P = 0.01) and milk (0.049 +/- 0.024; P = 0.045), but not with those of vegetable protein or meat. sIGF-I concentrations were positively associated with height (0.019 +/- 0.008; P = 0.02). CONCLUSION Milk intake was positively associated with sIGF-I concentrations and height. An increase in milk intake from 200 to 600 mL/d corresponded to a 30% increase in circulating IGF-I. This suggests that milk compounds have a stimulating effect on sIGF-I concentrations and, thereby, on growth.
Combined associations of prepregnancy body mass index and gestational weight gain with the outcome of pregnancy.

BACKGROUND Although both maternal prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) may affect birth weight, their separate and joint associations with complications of pregnancy and delivery and with postpartum weight retention are unclear. OBJECTIVES We aimed to investigate the combined associations of prepregnancy BMI and GWG with pregnancy outcomes and to evaluate the trade-offs between mother and infant for different weight gains. DESIGN Data for 60892 term pregnancies in the Danish National Birth Cohort were linked to birth and hospital discharge registers. Self-reported total GWG was categorized as low (<10 kg), medium (10-15 kg), high (16-19 kg), or very high (>or=20 kg). Adjusted associations of prepregnancy BMI and GWG with outcomes of interest were estimated by logistic regression analyses. RESULTS High and very high GWG added to the associations of high prepregnancy BMI with cesarean delivery and were strongly associated with high postpartum weight retention. Moreover, greater weight gains and high maternal BMI decreased the risk of growth restriction and increased the risk of the infant's being born large-for-gestational-age or with a low Apgar score. Generally, low GWG was advantageous for the mother, but it increased the risk of having a small baby, particularly for underweight women. CONCLUSIONS Heavier women may benefit from avoiding high and very high GWG, which brings only a slight increase in the risk of growth restriction for the infant. High weight gain in underweight women does not appear to have deleterious consequences for them or their infants, but they may want to avoid low GWG to prevent having a small baby.
Extranodal lymphomas.

At least one quarter of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL) arise from tissue other than lymph nodes and even from sites which normally contain no lymphoid tissue. These forms are referred to as primary extranodal lymphomas [1,2]. Since these tumours, numerous when considered together, are widely distributed throughout the body, it is difficult to find adequate series of any given site. Moreover, many historical series were published before the recognition of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue as the origin of many extranodal lymphomas and in general, classification of primary extranodal lymphomas was similar to that of nodal lymphomas, without consideration that their origin could be different. Hence, the literature lacks uniformity in histopathological classification. The first attempt to eliminate this problem was made only very recently with the proposal of the Revised European-American Lymphoid Neoplasms (REAL) classification [3].
Mechanisms of association of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli with intestinal epithelium.

The small intestine of pigs normally contains mainly transient microbes that include nonenteropathogenic Escherichia coli (NEEC) (Fig. 1A). Peristalsis and the flow of contents, accompanied by mucus moving over the surfaces of the constantly pumping viffi tend to keep this population small. Their numbers do increase slightly during transit through small intestine and dramatically during comparatively delayed transit through the avillous large intestine. Colonization of small intestine (numbers greater than usually attained by NEEC and comparable to those in normal large intestine; i.e. 108/10 cm) was the initial evidence that E. coli caused the diarrheal disease of newborn pigs now recognized as enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) infection. Reproduction of disease by exposure of normal neonates to enteropathogemc E. coli (EEC) but not by exposure to NEEC, demonstrated that EEC had special attributes that facilitated colonization in spite of normal intestinal motility (Fig. lB and C). EEC have the ability to colonize intestine (site not specified) and cause enteric disease (mechanism not specified). ETEC produce enterotoxin of the heat-stable (ST) or heat-labile (LT) types. ST and LT cause the intact small intestinal mucosa to secrete fluid. ETEC that also have the ability to colonize small intestine are EEC.
Iodine supplementation improves cognition in iodine-deficient schoolchildren in Albania: a randomized, controlled, double-blind study.

BACKGROUND Iodine is required for the production of thyroid hormones, which are necessary for normal brain development and cognition. Although several randomized trials examined the effect of iodine supplementation on cognitive performance in schoolchildren, the results were equivocal. OBJECTIVE We aimed to ascertain whether providing iodized oil to iodine-deficient children would affect their cognitive and motor performance. DESIGN In a double-blind intervention trial, 10-12-y-old children (n = 310) in primary schools in rural southeastern Albania were randomly assigned to receive 400 mg I (as oral iodized oil) or placebo. We measured urinary iodine (UI), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and total thyroxine (TT4) concentrations and thyroid gland volume (by ultrasound). The children were given a battery of 7 cognitive and motor tests, which included measures of information processing, working memory, visual problem solving, visual search, and fine motor skills. Thyroid ultrasound and the biochemical and psychological tests were repeated after 24 wk. RESULTS At baseline, the children's median UI concentration was 43 microg/L; 87% were goitrous, and nearly one-third had low concentrations of circulating TT4. Treatment with iodine markedly improved iodine and thyroid status: at 24 wk, median UI in the treated group was 172 microg/L, mean TT4 was approximately 40% higher, and the prevalence of hypothyroxinemia was < 1%. In the placebo group after the intervention, these variables did not differ significantly from baseline. Compared with placebo, iodine treatment significantly improved performance on 4 of 7 tests: rapid target marking, symbol search, rapid object naming, and Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION Information processing, fine motor skills, and visual problem solving are improved by iodine repletion in moderately iodine-deficient schoolchildren.
Trends in blood folate and vitamin B-12 concentrations in the United States, 1988 2004.

BACKGROUND Monitoring the folate status of US population groups over time has been a public health priority for the past 2 decades, and the focus has been enhanced since the implementation of a folic acid fortification program in the mid-1990s. OBJECTIVE We aimed to determine how population concentrations of serum and red blood cell (RBC) folate and serum vitamin B-12 have changed over the past 2 decades. DESIGN Measurement of blood indicators of folate and vitamin B-12 status was conducted in approximately 23,000 participants in the prefortification third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III; 1988-1994) and in approximately 8000 participants in 3 postfortification NHANES periods (together covering 1999-2004). RESULTS Serum and RBC folate concentrations increased substantially (by 119-161% and 44-64%, respectively) in each age group in the first postfortification survey period and then declined slightly (by 5-13% and 6-9%, respectively) in most age groups between the first and third postfortification survey periods. Serum vitamin B-12 concentrations did not change appreciably. Prevalence estimates of low serum and RBC folate concentrations declined in women of childbearing age from before to after fortification (from 21% to <1% and from 38% to 5%, respectively) but remained unchanged thereafter. Prevalence estimates of high serum folate concentrations increased in children and older persons from before to after fortification (from 5% to 42% and from 7% to 38%, respectively) but decreased later after fortification. CONCLUSIONS The decrease in folate concentrations observed longer after fortification is small compared with the increase soon after the introduction of fortification. The decrease is not at the low end of concentrations and therefore does not raise concerns about inadequate status.
Functional Characterization of Src-interacting Na/K-ATPase Using RNA Interference Assay*

We have shown that the Na/K-ATPase and Src form a signaling receptor complex. Here we determined how alterations in the amount and properties of the Na/K-ATPase affect basal Src activity and ouabain-induced signal transduction. Several α1 subunit knockdown cell lines were generated by transfecting LLC-PK1 cells with a vector expressing α1-specific small interference RNA. Although the α1 knockdown resulted in significant decreases in Na/K-ATPase activity, it increased the basal Src activity and tyrosine phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase, a Src effector. Concomitantly it also abolished ouabaininduced activation of Src and ERK1/2. When the knockdown cells were rescued by a rat α1, both Na/K-ATPase activity and the basal Src activity were restored. In addition, ouabain was able to stimulate Src and ERK1/2 in the rescued cells at a much higher concentration, consistent with the established differences in ouabain sensitivity between pig and rat α1. Finally both fluorescence resonance energy transfer analysis and co-immunoprecipitation assay indicated that the pumping-null rat α1 (D371E) mutant could also bind Src. Expression of this mutant restored the basal Src activity and focal adhesion kinase tyrosine phosphorylation. Taken together, the new findings suggest that LLC-PK1 cells contain a pool of Src-interacting Na/K-ATPase that not only regulates Src activity but also serves as a receptor for ouabain to activate protein kinases.