Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Link Prediction Based on Graph Neural Networks

Link prediction is a key problem for network-structured data. Link prediction heuristics use some score functions, such as common neighbors and Katz index, to measure the likelihood of links. They have obtained wide practical uses due to their simplicity, interpretability, and for some of them, scalability. However, every heuristic has a strong assumption on when two nodes are likely to link, which limits their effectiveness on networks where these assumptions fail. In this regard, a more reasonable way should be learning a suitable heuristic from a given network instead of using predefined ones. By extracting a local subgraph around each target link, we aim to learn a function mapping the subgraph patterns to link existence, thus automatically learning a `heuristic' that suits the current network. In this paper, we study this heuristic learning paradigm for link prediction. First, we develop a novel $\gamma$-decaying heuristic theory. The theory unifies a wide range of heuristics in a single framework, and proves that all these heuristics can be well approximated from local subgraphs. Our results show that local subgraphs reserve rich information related to link existence. Second, based on the $\gamma$-decaying theory, we propose a new algorithm to learn heuristics from local subgraphs using a graph neural network (GNN). Its experimental results show unprecedented performance, working consistently well on a wide range of problems.
Population-based validation of a German version of the Brief Resilience Scale

Smith and colleagues developed the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS) to assess the individual ability to recover from stress despite significant adversity. This study aimed to validate the German version of the BRS. We used data from a population-based (sample 1: n = 1.481) and a representative (sample 2: n = 1.128) sample of participants from the German general population (age ≥ 18) to assess reliability and validity. Confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) were conducted to compare one- and two-factorial models from previous studies with a method-factor model which especially accounts for the wording of the items. Reliability was analyzed. Convergent validity was measured by correlating BRS scores with mental health measures, coping, social support, and optimism. Reliability was good (α = .85, ω = .85 for both samples). The method-factor model showed excellent model fit (sample 1: χ2/df = 7.544; RMSEA = .07; CFI = .99; SRMR = .02; sample 2: χ2/df = 1.166; RMSEA = .01; CFI = 1.00; SRMR = .01) which was significantly better than the one-factor model (Δχ2(4) = 172.71, p < . 001) or the two-factor model (Δχ2(3) = 31.16, p < . 001). The BRS was positively correlated with well-being, social support, optimism, and the coping strategies active coping, positive reframing, acceptance, and humor. It was negatively correlated with somatic symptoms, anxiety and insomnia, social dysfunction, depression, and the coping strategies religion, denial, venting, substance use, and self-blame. To conclude, our results provide evidence for the reliability and validity of the German adaptation of the BRS as well as the unidimensional structure of the scale once method effects are accounted for.
Ultraviolet and visible semiconductor lasers based on ZnO heterostructures

In the framework of this thesis, the optical properties of ZnO-based heterostructures fabricated by molecular beam epitaxy have been investigated, particularly with regard to their suitability for semiconductor laser devices operating in the ultraviolet and visible spectral range. It turned out that ZnO and its ternary alloys ZnMgO and ZnCdO are extremely versatile. They allow to tune the laser emission in a wide spectral range as well as to realize various laser geometries, even if they require a considerable amount of optical gain. In detail, it was shown that the laser emission of ZnCdO/ZnO multiple quantum wells can cover a spectral range from violet to green wavelengths. Although these structures suffer from large built-in electric fields, room temperature laser action under optical pumping was demonstrated up to a wavelength of 510 nm on appropriately designed samples. The optical feedback for lasing is provided by growth imperfections on a macroscopic length scale turning these structures into random lasers. The fabrication of micro-resonators allowed for the first study on the interplay between random and Fabry-Perot feedback. The experimental and theoretical analysis show that random feedback generally requires a larger gain than under Fabry-Perot feedback, which can be provided by ZnO nanostructures. Moreover, the random feedback creates a subtle modal gain distribution of the Fabry-Perot laser. Further, this work demonstrates for the first time that ZnOand ZnMgO-layers can be used to fabricate highly reflective distributed Bragg reflectors for applications in the ultraviolet and blue/green spectral range. The key is the ability for growth of strongly alloyed, single-phase ZnMgO ternary films with a good surface morphology. The index of refraction of such an alloy is significantly reduced compared to that of ZnO, which makes the fabrication of distributed Bragg reflectors possible. The partly unknown dispersion curves of the index of refraction of the employed ternary alloys have been elaborated, allowing for a theoretical description of the experimental spectra. This enabled the design and finally the realization of all monolithic microcavities with ZnO/ZnMgO quantum wells as active zone. For temperatures below 150 K strong exciton-photon coupling is observed in such microcavities. The homogeneous broadening of the quantum well excitons destroys the strong coupling at higher temperatures. Increasing the number of quantum wells will allow to overcome this limitation. At room temperature, vertical cavity surface emitting laser action in the near UV spectral range is demonstrated for appropriately designed microcavities.
Identification of Histone Epigenetic Modifications with Chromatin Immunoprecipitation PCR Array in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Histone epigenetic modifications are one of the frequently observed epigenetic alterations in leukemic cells. To efficiently identify histone acetylation status of a number of gene promoters in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) specimens, we performed a combination of chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and PCR array. ChIP by an antipan acetylated H4 histone antibody was followed by a PCR amplification of gene promoters (n=84) to determine their histone acetylation status. A subset of genes with differential histone acetylation status was identified in CLL specimens, and their RNA expression level was correlated with real time quantitative RT-PCR analysis (qRT-PCR). Globally CLL specimens have more hypo-acetylated or epigenetically silenced gene promoters as compared to normal peripheral-blood mononuclear cells. Promoters of E-cadherin, Fos, CDKN2B, c-Jun, BAX genes were found to be histone hypo-acetylated while the promoters of cyclin D1, CDK4, Myc, and TGF beta were hyper-acetylated. The histone acetylation status correlated well with qRT-PCR analysis of a number of CLL specimens. Based on the ChIP-PCR array epigenetically silenced genes and transcriptionaly active genes can be identified. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) induce apoptosis in CLL specimens and to determine changes in gene transcription induced by HDACi the ChIP-PCR array was performed with HDACi treatment. Interestingly the HDACi exposure resulted in histone hyper-acetylation of a subset of genes with increased expression of CDKN2B, c-Jun and BAX RNA while promoters of pro-growth and survival genes such as BCL-2, NFKB1, beta-catenin and CDK4 underwent promoter histone hypo-acetylation and downregulation of their RNA expression. The ChIP-PCR array assay can be utilized to detect histone modifications in the genome of leukemic cells and reflects the transcriptional status of the genes.
Differential IL-1 signaling induced by BMPR2 deficiency drives pulmonary vascular remodeling

Bone morphogenetic protein receptor type 2 (BMPR2) mutations are present in patients with heritable and idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Circulating levels of interleukin-1 (IL-1) are raised in patients and animal models. Whether interplay between BMP and IL-1 signaling can explain the local manifestation of PAH in the lung remains unclear. Cell culture, siRNA, and mRNA microarray analysis of RNA isolated from human pulmonary artery (PASMC) and aortic (AoSMC) smooth muscle cells were used. R899X+/– BMPR2 transgenic mice fed a Western diet for six weeks were given daily injections of IL-1ß prior to assessment for PAH and tissue collection. PASMC have reduced inflammatory activation in response to IL-1ß compared with AoSMCs; however, PASMC with reduced BMPR2 demonstrated an exaggerated response. Mice treated with IL-1ß had higher white blood cell counts and significantly raised serum protein levels of IL-6 and osteoprotegerin (OPG) plasma levels recapitulating in vitro data. Phenotypically, IL-1ß treated mice demonstrated increased pulmonary vascular remodeling. IL-1ß induces an exaggerated pulmonary artery specific transcriptomic inflammatory response when BMPR2 signaling is reduced.
Brain resting‐state networks in adolescents with high‐functioning autism: Analysis of spatial connectivity and temporal neurodynamics

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is mainly characterized by functional and communication impairments as well as restrictive and repetitive behavior. The leading hypothesis for the neural basis of autism postulates globally abnormal brain connectivity, which can be assessed using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Even in the absence of a task, the brain exhibits a high degree of functional connectivity, known as intrinsic, or resting‐state, connectivity. Global default connectivity in individuals with autism versus controls is not well characterized, especially for a high‐functioning young population. The aim of this study is to test whether high‐functioning adolescents with ASD (HFA) have an abnormal resting‐state functional connectivity.
Isolation Improvement between Closely Spaced Microstrip Loop Antennas using Metamaterial Structure

This paper presents a new method to improve isolation between two loop antennas with absorber cells exhibiting negative permittivity and permeability at the aimed frequency of 2.5 GHz [1]. The observed isolation was around -17 dBs when separation between Microstrip antennas was λ/24. The Separation of λ/24 was 5.2 mm at 2.5 GHz and it was insufficient to provide desired radiation pattern and impedance bandwidth. This paper aims at presenting a new technique of isolation between closely spaced antennas that are separated by a distance of λ/16 at 2.5 GHZ. This technique uses (metamaterials) MTM unit cell that exhibits negative permittivity and permeability. Insertion of negative permeability structure between two loop controls mutual coupling between them by controlling amount wave propagation due to surface wave and near field radiations [2]. Since material offers negative permeability, amount of magnetic coupling was reduced. The MTM Unit Cell having plasma frequency same as loop antenna resonating frequency was designed on FR4 dielectric material. From simulated results negative permeability had been extracted. The MTM is constructed using SRR (split ring resonator) and CSRR (complimentary split ring resonator). The desired result of this technique is to obtain isolation of more than -20dB at 2.5 GHz. Placement of MTM cell improves the isolation almost by -35 dBs. Remarkable improvement in -10 dB impedance bandwidth had been observed at 2.5 GHz. Proposed technique improves the impedance bandwidth for loop antenna for same number of loops and also improves its radiation pattern for minimum physical separation between loop antennas.
Low-level laser irradiation promotes proliferation of cryopreserved adipose-derived stem cells

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the effect of low-level laser irradiation on proliferation and viability of murine adipose-derived stem cells previously submitted to cryopreservation. Methods Adipose-derived stem cells were isolated from inguinal fat pads of three mice, submitted to cryopreservation in fetal bovine serum with 10% dimethylsulfoxide for 30 days and then thawed and maintained in normal culture conditions. Culture cells were either irradiated or not (control) with an InGaAIP diode laser at zero and 48 hours, using two different energy densities (0.5 and 1.0J/cm2). Cell proliferation was evaluated by trypan blue exclusion method and MTT assay at intervals of zero, 24, 48, and 72 hours after the first laser application. Cell viability and apoptosis of previously cryopreserved cells submitted to laser therapy were evaluated by flow cytometry. Results The Irradiated Groups (0.5 and 1.0J/cm2) showed an increased cell proliferation (p<0.05) when compared to the Control Group, however no significant difference between the two energy densities was observed. Flow cytometry revealed a percentage of viable cells higher than 99% in all groups. Conclusion Low-level laser irradiation has stimulatory effects on the proliferation of adipose-derived stem cells previously submitted to cryopreservation.
Assessing effects of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium brunneum on soil microbial communities in Agriotes spp. biological pest control

ABSTRACT The release of large quantities of microorganisms to soil for purposes such as pest control or plant growth promotion may affect the indigenous soil microbial communities. In our study, we investigated potential effects of Metarhizium brunneum ART2825 on soil fungi and prokaryota in bulk soil using high‐throughput sequencing of ribosomal markers. Different formulations of this strain, and combinations of the fungus with garlic as efficacy‐enhancing agent, were tested over 4 months in a pot and a field experiment carried out for biological control of Agriotes spp. in potatoes. A biocontrol effect was observed only in the pot experiment, i.e. the application of FCBK resulted in 77% efficacy. Colony counts combined with genotyping and marker sequence abundance confirmed the successful establishment of the applied strain. Only the formulated applied strain caused small shifts in fungal communities in the pot experiment. Treatment effects were in the same range as the effects caused by barley kernels, the carrier of the FCBK formulation and temporal effects. Garlic treatments and time affected prokaryotic communities. In the field experiment, only spatial differences affected fungal and prokaryotic communities. Our findings suggest that M. brunneum may not adversely affect soil microbial communities.
Seasonal Changes in Movements, Abundance, Size Composition and Diversity of the Fish Fauna of the Severn Estuary

Estuaries perform a crucial role in the life-cycle of many fish (Cronin & Mansueti, 1971; Day, Blaber & Wallace, 1981; Dando, 1984). They provide a migratory route for anadromous and catadromous species and an environment in which the limited number of true estuarine teleosts spend the whole of their life cycle. The upper reaches are colonized by certain freshwater species while the lower regions are penetrated by some marine fish during high tide. However, many marine teleosts enter and remain within estuaries for a period of time, often in very large numbers and particularly during the early part of life (see e.g. Gunter, 1938, 1961, 1967; Huddart & Arthur, 1971; van den Broek, 1980; Blaber & Blaber, 1980; Potter et al. 1983; Whitfield, 1983). The recognition that estuaries act as important nursery areas for certain teleosts by providing such features as a rich food source and protection from predation (see e.g. Pearcy & Richards, 1962] Jacquaz, Able & Leggett, 1977; Blaber & Blaber, 1980) has led to such species being referred to as estuarine-dependent (see e.g. McHugh, 1976; Beal, 1980; Fortier & Leggett, 1982).
Effects of Improvisational Music Therapy vs Enhanced Standard Care on Symptom Severity Among Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: The TIME-A Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance Music therapy may facilitate skills in areas affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD), such as social interaction and communication. Objective To evaluate effects of improvisational music therapy on generalized social communication skills of children with ASD. Design, Setting, and Participants Assessor-blinded, randomized clinical trial, conducted in 9 countries and enrolling children aged 4 to 7 years with ASD. Children were recruited from November 2011 to November 2015, with follow-up between January 2012 and November 2016. Interventions Enhanced standard care (n = 182) vs enhanced standard care plus improvisational music therapy (n = 182), allocated in a 1:1 ratio. Enhanced standard care consisted of usual care as locally available plus parent counseling to discuss parents’ concerns and provide information about ASD. In improvisational music therapy, trained music therapists sang or played music with each child, attuned and adapted to the child’s focus of attention, to help children develop affect sharing and joint attention. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was symptom severity over 5 months, based on the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), social affect domain (range, 0-27; higher scores indicate greater severity; minimal clinically important difference, 1). Prespecified secondary outcomes included parent-rated social responsiveness. All outcomes were also assessed at 2 and 12 months. Results Among 364 participants randomized (mean age, 5.4 years; 83% boys), 314 (86%) completed the primary end point and 290 (80%) completed the last end point. Over 5 months, participants assigned to music therapy received a median of 19 music therapy, 3 parent counseling, and 36 other therapy sessions, compared with 3 parent counseling and 45 other therapy sessions for those assigned to enhanced standard care. From baseline to 5 months, mean ADOS social affect scores estimated by linear mixed-effects models decreased from 14.08 to 13.23 in the music therapy group and from 13.49 to 12.58 in the standard care group (mean difference, 0.06 [95% CI, −0.70 to 0.81]; P = .88), with no significant difference in improvement. Of 20 exploratory secondary outcomes, 17 showed no significant difference. Conclusions and Relevance Among children with autism spectrum disorder, improvisational music therapy, compared with enhanced standard care, resulted in no significant difference in symptom severity based on the ADOS social affect domain over 5 months. These findings do not support the use of improvisational music therapy for symptom reduction in children with autism spectrum disorder. Trial Registration isrctn.org Identifier: ISRCTN78923965
Research on Localization Algorithms Based on Acoustic Communication for Underwater Sensor Networks

The water source, as a significant body of the earth, with a high value, serves as a hot topic to study Underwater Sensor Networks (UWSNs). Various applications can be realized based on UWSNs. Our paper mainly concentrates on the localization algorithms based on the acoustic communication for UWSNs. An in-depth survey of localization algorithms is provided for UWSNs. We first introduce the acoustic communication, network architecture, and routing technique in UWSNs. The localization algorithms are classified into five aspects, namely, computation algorithm, spatial coverage, range measurement, the state of the nodes and communication between nodes that are different from all other survey papers. Moreover, we collect a lot of pioneering papers, and a comprehensive comparison is made. In addition, some challenges and open issues are raised in our paper.
Mathematical Simulation of Fabric Bagging

A mathematical model is developed to simulate the rheological behavior of fabric bagging. The model is based on the assumption that stress-strain relationships in fabric consist of three essential components: elastic deformation and viscoelastic deformation of fibers and the friction between fibers and yarns within the fabric structure. The nonlinear strain of the fabric, the elastic and viscoelastic deformation of fibers, and interfiber friction during the bagging process have been taken into account in the model. By specifying the fundamental parameters of fiber mechanical properties and yarn-fabric structural features, the model is able to predict fabric bagging behavior under test conditions, such as loading and unloading processes in each cycle, change of bagging force with cycles, relative contributions of the three components (elasticity, viscoelasticity, and frictional forces) in each cycle, and residual bagging height in each cycle. A comparison of theoretical predictions with experimental measurements for two wool fabrics with different structures reveals good agreement between them. The results indicate that the mathematical model is able to quantitatively simulate fabric bagging rheological behavior and predict fabric bagging performance by specifying basic fiber mechanical properties and yarn-fabric structural parameters.
Critical success factors for ERP projects in small and medium-sized enterprises - The perspective of selected German SMEs

The aim of our study was to provide a contribution to the research field of the critical success factors (CSFs) of ERP projects, with a specific focus on smaller enterprises (SMEs). Therefore, we conducted a systematic literature review in order to update the existing reviews of CSFs. On the basis of that review, we led several interviews within German SMEs that have implemented ERP systems. As a result, we showed that all factors found in the literature also affected the success of ERP projects in SMEs. However, within those projects, technological factors gained much more importance compared to those factors that most influence the success of larger ERP projects. For SMEs, factors such as the Organizational fit of the ERP system as well as ERP system tests are even more important than Top management support or Project management, which were the most important factors for large-scale companies.