Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Improving the Universality and Learnability of Neural Programmer-Interpreters with Combinator Abstraction

To overcome the limitations of Neural Programmer-Interpreters (NPI) in its universality and learnability, we propose the incorporation of combinator abstraction into neural programing and a new NPI architecture to support this abstraction, which we call Combinatory Neural Programmer-Interpreter (CNPI). Combinator abstraction dramatically reduces the number and complexity of programs that need to be interpreted by the core controller of CNPI, while still allowing the CNPI to represent and interpret arbitrary complex programs by the collaboration of the core with the other components. We propose a small set of four combinators to capture the most pervasive programming patterns. Due to the finiteness and simplicity of this combinator set and the offloading of some burden of interpretation from the core, we are able construct a CNPI that is universal with respect to the set of all combinatorizable programs, which is adequate for solving most algorithmic tasks. Moreover, besides supervised training on execution traces, CNPI can be trained by policy gradient reinforcement learning with appropriately designed curricula.
Some Remarks on General Nonlinear Stochastic $H_{\infty }$ Control With State, Control, and Disturbance-Dependent Noise

This technical note studies the nonlinear stochastic H∞ control of Itô-type differential systems with all the state, control input and external disturbance-dependent noise ( (x,u,v)-dependent noise for short). A sufficient condition is given for the finite/infinite horizon H∞ control of such a system by means of an Hamilton-Jacobi inequality (HJI) instead of three coupled Hamilton-Jacobi equations (HJEs) as in previous literature.
Efficient Nearest Neighbors via Robust Sparse Hashing Anoop

This work presents a new Nearest Neighbor (NN) retrieval framework: Robust Sparse Hashing (RSH). Our approach is inspired by the success of dictionary learning for sparse coding. Our key idea is to sparse code the data using a learned dictionary, and then to generate hash codes out of these sparse codes for accurate and fast NN retrieval. But direct application of sparse coding to NN retrieval poses a technical difficulty: when data are noisy or uncertain (which is the case with most real world datasets), for a query point, an exact match of the hash code generated from the sparse code seldom happens, thereby breaking the NN retrieval. Borrowing ideas from robust optimization theory, we circumvent this difficulty via our novel robust dictionary learning and sparse coding framework called RSH, by learning dictionaries on the robustified counterparts of the perturbed data points. The algorithm is applied to NN retrieval on both simulated and real world data. Our results demonstrate that RSH holds significant promise for efficient NN retrieval against the state of the art.
Scalable Betweenness Centrality Maximization via Sampling

Betweenness centrality (BWC) is a fundamental centrality measure in social network analysis. Given a large-scale network, how can we find the most central nodes? This question is of great importance to many key applications that rely on BWC, including community detection and understanding graph vulnerability. Despite the large amount of work on scalable approximation algorithm design for BWC, estimating BWC on large-scale networks remains a computational challenge. In this paper, we study the Centrality Maximization problem (CMP): given a graph G = (V,E) and a positive integer k, find a set S* ⊆ V that maximizes BWC subject to the cardinality constraint |S*| ≤ k. We present an efficient randomized algorithm that provides a (1 -- 1/e -- ε)-approximation with high probability, where ε > 0. Our results improve the current state-of-the-art result [40]. Furthermore, we provide the first theoretical evidence for the validity of a crucial assumption in betweenness centrality estimation, namely that in real-world networks O(|V|2) shortest paths pass through the top-k central nodes, where k is a constant. This also explains why our algorithm runs in near linear time on real-world networks. We also show that our algorithm and analysis can be applied to a wider range of centrality measures, by providing a general analytical framework. On the experimental side, we perform an extensive experimental analysis of our method on real-world networks, demonstrate its accuracy and scalability, and study different properties of central nodes. Then, we compare the sampling method used by the state-of-the-art algorithm with our method. Furthermore, we perform a study of BWC in time evolving networks, and see how the centrality of the central nodes in the graphs changes over time. Finally, we compare the performance of the stochastic Kronecker model [28] to real data, and observe that it generates a similar growth pattern.
Algorithms for the Approximate Common Divisor Problem

The security of several homomorphic encryption schemes depends on the hardness of variants of the approximate common divisor (ACD) problem. We survey and compare a number of lattice-based algorithms for the ACD problem, with particular attention to some very recently proposed variants of the ACD problem. One of our main goals is to compare the multivariate polynomial approach with other methods. We find that the multivariate polynomial approach is not better than the orthogonal lattice algorithm for practical cryptanalysis. We also briefly discuss a sample-amplification technique for ACD samples and a pre-processing algorithm similar to the Blum–Kalai–Wasserman algorithm for learning parity with noise. The details of this work are given in the full version of the paper.
The Many Faces of Exponential Weights in Online Learning

A standard introduction to online learning might place Online Gradient Descent at its center and then proceed to develop generalizations and extensions like Online Mirror Descent and second-order methods. Here we explore the alternative approach of putting exponential weights (EW) first. We show that many standard methods and their regret bounds then follow as a special case by plugging in suitable surrogate losses and playing the EW posterior mean. For instance, we easily recover Online Gradient Descent by using EW with a Gaussian prior on linearized losses, and, more generally, all instances of Online Mirror Descent based on regular Bregman divergences also correspond to EW with a prior that depends on the mirror map. Furthermore, appropriate quadratic surrogate losses naturally give rise to Online Gradient Descent for strongly convex losses and to Online Newton Step. We further interpret several recent adaptive methods (iProd, Squint, and a variation of Coin Betting for experts) as a series of closely related reductions to exp-concave surrogate losses that are then handled by Exponential Weights. Finally, a benefit of our EW interpretation is that it opens up the possibility of sampling from the EW posterior distribution instead of playing the mean. As already observed by Bubeck and Eldan, this recovers the best-known rate in Online Bandit Linear Optimization.
Folic acid for the prevention of colorectal adenomas: a randomized clinical trial.

CONTEXT Laboratory and epidemiological data suggest that folic acid may have an antineoplastic effect in the large intestine. OBJECTIVE To assess the safety and efficacy of folic acid supplementation for preventing colorectal adenomas. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS A double-blind, placebo-controlled, 2-factor, phase 3, randomized clinical trial conducted at 9 clinical centers between July 6, 1994, and October 1, 2004. Participants included 1021 men and women with a recent history of colorectal adenomas and no previous invasive large intestine carcinoma. INTERVENTION Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive 1 mg/d of folic acid (n = 516) or placebo (n = 505), and were separately randomized to receive aspirin (81 or 325 mg/d) or placebo. Follow-up consisted of 2 colonoscopic surveillance cycles (the first interval was at 3 years and the second at 3 or 5 years later). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome measure was occurrence of at least 1 colorectal adenoma. Secondary outcomes were the occurrence of advanced lesions (> or =25% villous features, high-grade dysplasia, size > or =1 cm, or invasive cancer) and adenoma multiplicity (0, 1-2, or > or =3 adenomas). RESULTS During the first 3 years, 987 participants (96.7%) underwent colonoscopic follow-up, and the incidence of at least 1 colorectal adenoma was 44.1% for folic acid (n = 221) and 42.4% for placebo (n = 206) (unadjusted risk ratio [RR], 1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.90-1.20; P = .58). Incidence of at least 1 advanced lesion was 11.4% for folic acid (n = 57) and 8.6% for placebo (n = 42) (unadjusted RR, 1.32; 95% CI, 0.90-1.92; P = .15). A total of 607 participants (59.5%) underwent a second follow-up, and the incidence of at least 1 colorectal adenoma was 41.9% for folic acid (n = 127) and 37.2% for placebo (n = 113) (unadjusted RR, 1.13; 95% CI, 0.93-1.37; P = .23); and incidence of at least 1 advanced lesion was 11.6% for folic acid (n = 35) and 6.9% for placebo (n = 21) (unadjusted RR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.00-2.80; P = .05). Folic acid was associated with higher risks of having 3 or more adenomas and of noncolorectal cancers. There was no significant effect modification by sex, age, smoking, alcohol use, body mass index, baseline plasma folate, or aspirin allocation. CONCLUSIONS Folic acid at 1 mg/d does not reduce colorectal adenoma risk. Further research is needed to investigate the possibility that folic acid supplementation might increase the risk of colorectal neoplasia. TRIAL REGISTRATION clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00272324.
Assessing care‐giving demands, resources and costs of family/friend caregivers for persons with mental health disorders: A scoping review

As mental health (MH) care has shifted from institutional settings to the community, families and friends are responsible for providing the majority of the care at home. The substantial literature on the adverse effects experienced by caregivers has focused mainly on psychological morbidity. Less attention has been paid to how caregivers for persons with MH disorders interact with larger social systems and the impacts of factors such as financial strain, lost time from leisure activities, and the availability of health and social services. We conducted a scoping review of MH and other caregiver questionnaires published between 1990 and 2016 to determine whether they addressed four key domains: caregiver work demands, resource needs, resource utilisation and costs. A range of health and social care databases were searched, including MEDLINE and Health and Psychosocial Instruments. After screening for relevance and quality, our search identified 14 instruments addressing elements related to one or more of our domains. Because these instruments covered only a small portion of our domains, we conducted a second targeted search of the general care-giving literature and consulted with experts, identifying an additional 18 instruments. A total of 32 questionnaires were reviewed, 14 specific to care-giving for mental health problems and 18 for other health conditions. Our search identified instruments or items within instruments that assess constructs in each of our domains, but no one instrument covered them completely. Additionally, some constructs were evaluated in detail and others only addressed by single items. While these instruments are helpful for moving measurement beyond the psychological impacts of care-giving, our results serve only as an initial guide. Additional methodological work is needed to more comprehensively measure the impact of care-giving for individuals with MH disorders and to contribute to the development of more meaningful and effective policies and programmes.
Influence of a dried Bacillus subtilis culture and antibiotics on performance and intestinal microflora in turkeys.

Two experiments, each involving a 3 x 2 factorial design, were conducted with Large White Nicholas turkeys. The first experiment involved three antibiotic treatments: an unmedicated control diet, the diet plus 44 ppm of penicillin-streptomycin (1:3), and the diet plus 44 ppm of Zn bacitracin; each diet was fed in the presence and absence of a dried Bacillus subtilis culture to females 0 to 16 wk of age. Antibiotic supplements increased body weight at 12 (P less than .05) and 16 (P less than .001) wk of age. Body weight and feed efficiency were not significantly affected by feeding the B. subtilis culture in this experiment. The dietary B. subtilis culture significantly increased B. subtilis counts in the crop and cecum but failed to influence intestinal Lactobacillus or Escherichia coli counts. The second experiment also involved three antibiotic treatments: an unmedicated control diet, 44 ppm of Zn-bacitracin, and 2.2 ppm of bambermycins, and each diet was fed in the presence and absence of the dried B. subtilis culture to male birds from 0 to 20 wk of age. Increased body weight gain was observed in birds receiving the B. subtilis culture at 12 wk (P less than .01). Feed efficiency of birds receiving the B. subtilis culture was improved (P less than .05) at 20 wk. Birds receiving bambermycins had greater body weights (P less than .05) at 12 and 16 wk of age than birds receiving Zn bacitracin or the control diet. Livability was not affected by the B. subtilis culture or the antibiotic treatments in either experiment.
Phosphorus phase feeding and uterine and isthmus mucosal enzymes and minerals in relation to soft-shelled and shell-less egg production.

The relationships among phosphorus phase feeding, egg shell quality, and the activities and concentrations of several enzymes and minerals in the uterine and isthmus mucosae of hens at the time of oviposition were investigated. During the first 8 months of production (Phase 1), layer diets contained . 3, . 5, or . 7% available phosphorus. Between 9 and 12 months of production (Phase 2), dietary available phosphorus was either increased or decreased by . 2% phosphorus, or was left unchanged. No significant differences due to Phase 1 diets were demonstrated for hard-shelled (HS), soft-shelled (SS), or shell-less (SL) egg production, livability, egg weight, or specific gravity. Phase 2 diets had no significant effect on SS or SL egg production, livability, or egg specific gravity; however, decreasing dietary phosphorus reduced egg weight. Levels as high as . 9% had no effect on specific gravity or HS egg production, while . 1% dietary phosphorus was detrimental to HS egg production and feed consumption. No significant differences due to dietary available phosphorus or egg type (SS vs. HS) were demonstrated for uterine or isthmus mucosal enzyme activities or mineral contents, with one exception. Higher inorganic phosphorus concentrations were found in the uterus of HS egg layers when compared to levels in the uterus of SS egg layers and the isthmus of HS and SS egg layers. Acid phosphatase and carbonic anhydrase activities, and total calcium levels were significantly higher in the isthmus than the uterus, while alkaline phosphatase and pyrophosphatase activities, and inorganic phosphorus levels were significantly higher in the uterus than the isthmus. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
A Novel Potentially Causative Variant of NDUFAF7 Revealed by Mutation Screening in a Chinese Family With Pathologic Myopia.

Purpose Pathologic myopia described as myopia accompanied by severe deformation of the eye besides excessive elongation of eye, is usually a genetic heterogeneous disorder characterized by extreme, familial, early-onset vision loss. However, the exact pathogenesis of pathologic myopia remains unclear. In this study, we screened a Han Chinese family with pathologic myopia to identify the causative mutation and explore the possible pathogenic mechanism based on evaluation of the biological functions of the mutation. Methods We identified the mutations in a family with pathologic myopia by single nucleotide polymorphism array combined with short tandem repeat microsatellite marker analysis and exome sequencing. Mutations were validated among family members by direct Sanger sequencing. The subcellular localization of the protein variant was investigated by immunofluorescence, and the stability of the mutant protein was determined by immunoblotting. Intracellular levels of adenosine triphosphate and reactive oxygen species and complex I activity were measured by traditional biochemical methods to determine the functional role of the disease-associated mutation. Results The novel missense mutation: c.798C>G (p.Asp266Glu) in NDUFAF7, cosegregated with the disease and the resulting amino acid substitution affected a highly conserved residue in its protein. The mutation D266E in NDUFAF7 impaired complex I activity, which resulted in decreased ATP levels in cultured cells. Conclusions We propose that the heterozygous mutation (c.798C>G) in NDUFAF7 may contribute to the pathogenesis of pathologic myopia, possibly by interfering with the phototransduction cascade. Mitochondrial dysfunction during eye development may lead to pathologic myopia.
Polyketide synthase genes and the natural products potential of Dictyostelium discoideum

MOTIVATION The genome of the social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum contains an unusually large number of polyketide synthase (PKS) genes. An analysis of the genes is a first step towards understanding the biological roles of their products and exploiting novel products. RESULTS A total of 45 Type I iterative PKS genes were found, 5 of which are probably pseudogenes. Catalytic domains that are homologous with known PKS sequences as well as possible novel domains were identified. The genes often occurred in clusters of 2-5 genes, where members of the cluster had very similar sequences. The D.discoideum PKS genes formed a clade distinct from fungal and bacterial genes. All nine genes examined by RT-PCR were expressed, although at different developmental stages. The promoters of PKS genes were much more divergent than the structural genes, although we have identified motifs that are unique to some PKS gene promoters.
Azithromycin Mass Treatment for Trachoma Control: Risk Factors for Non-Participation of Children in Two Treatment Rounds

Background Persistent non-participation of children in mass drug administration (MDAs) for trachoma may reduce program impact. Risk factors that identify families where participation is a problem or program characteristics that foster non-participation are poorly understood. We examined risk factors for households with at least one child who did not participate in two MDAs compared to households where all children participated in both MDAs. Methods/Principal Findings We conducted a case control study in 28 Tanzanian communities. Cases included all 152 households with at least one child who did not participate in the 2008 and 2009 MDAs with azithromycin. Controls consisted of a random sample of 460 households where all children participated in both MDAs. A questionnaire was asked of all families. Random-intercept logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), control for clustering, and adjust for community size. In total, 140 case households and 452 control households were included in the analyses. Compared to controls, guardians in case households had higher odds of reporting excellent health (OR 4.12 (CI 95% 1.57–10.86)), reporting a burden due to family health (OR 3.15 (95% CI 1.35–7.35)), reduced ability to rely on others for assistance (OR 1.66 (95% CI 1.01–2.75)), being in a two (versus five) days distribution program (OR 3.31 (95% CI 1.68–6.50)) and living in a community with <2 community treatment assistants (CTAs)/1000 residents (OR 2.07 (95% CI 1.04–4.12). Furthermore, case households were more likely to have more children, younger guardians, unfamiliarity with CTAs, and CTAs with more travel time to their assigned households (p-values<0.05). Conclusions/Significance Compared to full participation households, households with persistent non-participation had a higher burden of familial responsibility and seemed less connected in the community. Additional distribution days and lessening CTAs' travel time to their furthest assigned households may prevent non-participation.
Effects of Physical Exercise on the Intestinal Mucosa of Rats Submitted to a Hypothalamic Obesity Condition

The small intestine plays a role in obesity as well as in satiation. However, the effect of physical exercise on the morphology and function of the small intestine during obesity has not been reported to date. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of physical exercise on morphological aspects of the rat small intestine during hypothalamic monosodium glutamate (MSG)‐induced obesity. The rats were divided into four groups: Sedentary (S), Monosodium Glutamate (MSG), Exercised (E), and Exercised Monosodium Glutamate (EMSG). The MSG and EMSG groups received a daily injection of monosodium glutamate (4 g/kg) during the 5 first days after birth. The S and E groups were considered as control groups and received injections of saline. At weaning, at 21 days after birth, the EMSG and E groups were submitted to swimming practice 3 times a week until the 90th day, when all groups were sacrificed and the parameters studied recorded. Exercise significantly reduced fat deposits and the Lee Index in MSG‐treated animals, and also reduced the thickness of the intestinal wall, the number of goblet cells and intestinal alkaline phosphatase activity. However, physical activity alone increased the thickness and height of villi, and the depth of the crypts. In conclusion, regular physical exercise may alter the morphology or/and functions of the small intestine, reducing the prejudicial effects of hypothalamic obesity. Anat Rec, 299:1389–1396, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Smooth Sensitivity Based Approach for Differentially Private Principal Component Analysis

Currently known methods for this task either employ the computationally intensive \emph{exponential mechanism} or require an access to the covariance matrix, and therefore fail to utilize potential sparsity of the data. The problem of designing simpler and more efficient methods for this task has been raised as an open problem in \cite{kapralov2013differentially}. In this paper we address this problem by employing the output perturbation mechanism. Despite being arguably the simplest and most straightforward technique, it has been overlooked due to the large \emph{global sensitivity} associated with publishing the leading eigenvector. We tackle this issue by adopting a \emph{smooth sensitivity} based approach, which allows us to establish differential privacy (in a worst-case manner) and near-optimal sample complexity results under eigengap assumption. We consider both the pure and the approximate notions of differential privacy, and demonstrate a tradeoff between privacy level and sample complexity. We conclude by suggesting how our results can be extended to related problems.