Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Investigation of schoolchildren's understanding of the process of dissolving with special reference to the conservation of matter and the development of atomistic ideas.

The study is set in a constructivist framework within which children are regarded as actively engaged in constructing and restructuring their knowledge of the 'physical' world. The overall purpose of the research is to describe the development of children's conceptions about the nature of matter as disclosed by their ideas concerning the dissolving process. Information about children's ideas concerning various aspects of the dissolving process was obtained through individual interviews with a representative sample of pupils between the ages of seven and seventeen selected from school year groups 3,5,7,10 and 12. In addition a survey was conducted in which a further representative sample of 588 pupils were given group administered tasks relating to the same phenomena. In both the interview and the survey, pupils were required to make predictions, observations and explanations which were subsequently categorised to reflect recurrent features in their responses. These categories were coded and entered on a computer for further analysis. Aspects of children's conceptions as they related to atomistic ideas and to the conservation of matter, weight and volume formed the focus of the research. Most of the pupils in all five year-group conserved substance but a considerable number did not conserve its weight/mass and/or its volume. A U-shaped trend was found in the development of weight/mass conservation. This is interpreted in terms of the developing complexity of children's conceptions making schema selection and co-ordination more problematic. The development of 'dissolved volume' conservation started with few pupils in the early years and progressed in an almost linear fashion. There is evidence of a complex relationship between the development of volume displacement and the way matter is modelled. The findings about atomism indicated that whereas a major proportion of pupils in each year-group spontaneously imagined an atomistic view of matter, few of them used such a conception to explain weight/mass or volume conservation. It appears that early atomism is based on the view Of matter being broken down into 'bits'. The way this interacts with conservation reasoning is described. Educational implications of the findings are discussed together with suggestions for further research.
Analysis of Anisotropic Jovian Electron Events

The Jovian magnetosphere, besides the Sun and galactic cosmic radiation, is a considerable source of energetic particle in the solar system. The focus of this work is on so-called ``Jovian electrons'', i.e. electrons of about ~1 to >40 MeV. This particle population was first observed by the Pioneer 10 and 11 spacecraft in the early 1970s. Within the scope of this work is an analysis of MeV electrons measured by the Ulysses and Pioneer 10/11 spacecraft in the Jovian magnetosphere. Due to the application of statistical and time series analysis methods it was possible to identify another quasi-periodic variation of the energy spectrum beside the famous "Jovian clock" related to the Jovian periodicity of 10h. While the latter observation is extensively discussed in the corresponding literature, the work at hand provides a more detailed discussion of the second quasi-periodic variation based on the analysis and comparison of Ulysses and Pioneer data. The main part of this work is dedicated to the analysis of "Jovian jet" events. These events - discussed for the first time in 1993 by Ulysses data - are characterized by sharp increases and decreases of flux and a duration of not more than a few hours. Furthermore, these events are accompanied by significant directional anisotropies of the particles. Some events also show evidence for the presence of the Jovian 10h periodicity in the energy spectrum similar to the observations inside the magnetosphere. The application of a "three-dimensional" spectral analysis method was found to be superior to previously used methods with respect to the identification of the 10h modulation. In particular, it was possible to detect the 10h periodicity well beyond a distance of 1AU (Astronomical Unit) from Jupiter, increasing the previous detection limit by a factor of ~1.5. An application of these methods to the Pioneer 10 data revealed a good agreement with Ulysses data. In particular, it could be shown that larger bursts of Jovian electrons named "Jovian jets" can be interpreted as being composed of Jovian jet events. The development of a pitch-angle dependent numerical transport model for Jovian electron events is presented. The consideration of the pitch angle in the propagation of Jovian electrons lead to the interpretation that the observation of Jovian jets are a direct consequence of the injection of electrons near the Jovian magnetosphere.
A physical model for the continuum variability and QPO in accreting black holes

The power spectra of black hole binaries have been well studied for decades, giving a detailed phenomenological picture of the variability properties and their correlation with the energy spectrum (spectral state) of the source. Here we take the truncated disc/hot inner flow picture which can describe the spectral changes, and show that propagating mass accretion rate fluctuations in the hot flow can match the broad band power spectral properties seen in black hole binaries, i.e. give approximately band limited noise between a low and high frequency break. The low frequency break marks the viscous timescale at the outer edge of the hot inner flow, which is the inner edge of the truncated disc. The model also predicts the Lense-Thirring precession timescale of the hot flow, as this is set by the surface density of the flow which is self consistently calculated from the propagating fluctuations. We show that this naturally gives the observed relation between the low frequency break and QPO frequency as the outer radius of the flow moves inwards, and that this model predicts many of the observed QPO properties such as correlation of coherence with frequency, and of the recently discovered correlation of frequency with flux on short timescales. We fit this total model of the variability to a sequence of 5 observed power spectra from the bright black hole binary XTE J1550-564 as the source transitioned from a low/hard to very high state. This is the first time that a power spectrum from a black hole binary has been fit with a physical model for the variability. The data are well fit if the inner radius of the flow remains constant, while the outer radius sweeps inwards from ~60-12 Rg. This range of radii agrees with models of the energy spectral evolution, giving the first self consistent description of the evolution of both the spectrum and variability of BHB.
Parent-offspring turn-taking dynamics influence parents’ song structure and elaboration in a singing primate

Parent-offspring interactions are essential to interpret animal social evolution and behavior, but their role in mediating acoustic communication in animals that interact vocally is still unclear. Increasing evidence shows that primate vocal communication is way more flexible than previously assumed, and research on this topic can provide further information on how the social environment shaped vocal plasticity during the evolution of the Primate order. Indris communicate through elaborated vocal emissions, usually termed songs. Songs are interactive vocal displays in which all members of the family group alternate their emissions, taking turns during chorusing events. We aimed to understand whether specific rules regulate the turn-taking of different group members and investigate the flexibility of indris’ vocal behavior when co-singing with their offspring. We found that social factors can influence the turn-taking organization in a chorus, as offspring were more likely to drop out from the parents’ duet than join in, and we speculate that overlap might signal competition by members of the same-sex. The duet between the reproductive pair was the most common type of singing organization, followed by a duet between mothers and sons and the triadic interaction between mother, father, and son. Interestingly, parents’ solo singing seems to stimulate offspring to vocalize, and we also found that mothers and fathers simplify, at least in part, song elaboration when chorusing with offspring. Our results indicate that indris can perform short-time adjustments to the number of co-emitters and their identity: our approach is advantageous in highlighting the multilevel influences on primate vocal flexibility. Moreover, it provides evidence that some aspects of our vocal plasticity were already present in the lemur lineage.
DNAM-1-chimeric receptor-engineered NK cells, combined with Nutlin-3a, more effectively fight neuroblastoma cells in vitro: a proof-of-concept study

Adoptive transfer of engineered NK cells, one of clinical approaches to fight cancer, is gaining great interest in the last decade. However, the development of new strategies is needed to improve clinical efficacy and safety of NK cell-based immunotherapy. NK cell-mediated recognition and lysis of tumor cells are strictly dependent on the expression of ligands for NK cell-activating receptors NKG2D and DNAM-1 on tumor cells. Of note, the PVR/CD155 and Nectin-2/CD112 ligands for DNAM-1 are expressed primarily on solid tumor cells and poorly expressed in normal tissue cells. Here, we generated human NK cells expressing either the full length DNAM-1 receptor or three different DNAM-1-based chimeric receptor that provide the expression of DNAM-1 fused to a costimulatory molecule such as 2B4 and CD3ζ chain. Upon transfection into primary human NK cells isolated from healthy donors, we evaluated the surface expression of DNAM-1 and, as a functional readout, we assessed the extent of degranulation, cytotoxicity and the production of IFNγ and TNFα in response to human leukemic K562 cell line. In addition, we explored the effect of Nutlin-3a, a MDM2-targeting drug able of restoring p53 functions and known to have an immunomodulatory effect, on the degranulation of DNAM-1-engineered NK cells in response to human neuroblastoma (NB) LA-N-5 and SMS-KCNR cell lines. By comparing NK cells transfected with four different plasmid vectors and through blocking experiments, DNAM-1-CD3ζ-engineered NK cells showed the strongest response. Furthermore, both LA-N-5 and SMS-KCNR cells pretreated with Nutlin-3a were significantly more susceptible to DNAM-1-engineered NK cells than NK cells transfected with the empty vector. Our results provide a proof-of-concept suggesting that the combined use of DNAM-1-chimeric receptor-engineered NK cells and Nutlin-3a may represent a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of solid tumors, such as NB, carrying dysfunctional p53.
Impact of brand hate on consumer well-being for technology products through the lens of stimulus organism response approach

Consumer well-being is a micromarketing concept that emphasizes on contributions of marketing activities in social welfare. The major objective of the current study is to analyze the impact of self-incongruence on brand dissatisfaction, brand hate, and consumer well-being. This study has utilized the Self-incongruity Theory and the Stimulus-Organism-Response model to test the impact of self-incongruity on anti-consumption and consumer voice behaviors, and subsequent effects on consumer well-being. Data were collected from young consumers of technology products from major cities of Pakistan. A total of 592 consumers answered a paper-and-pencil questionnaire using purposive sampling technique. The data were analyzed by partial least square structural equation modeling. The findings of this study reveal that functional and symbolic incongruity predict brand hate and dissatisfaction, which is positively related with brand retaliation. Brand retaliation is negatively related with consumer well-being. This study offers implications for product designers, marketers, advertisers and other stakeholders to improve congruence between what young consumers of technology products expect and what brands are offering to mitigate negative attitudes and behaviors and increase consumer well-being.
A new genetic lineage of Asparagopsis taxiformis (Rhodophyta) in the Mediterranean Sea: As the DNA barcoding indicates a recent Lessepsian introduction

Asparagopsis taxiformis (Delile) Trevisan is a red marine macroalga (Bonnemaisoniales, Rhodophyta) with high invasive potential and broad worldwide distribution. In the Mediterranean Sea, A. taxiformis was reported before the opening of the Suez Canal and is comprised of two different cryptic lineages, named L2 and L3. As for the Israeli Mediterranean Sea (IMS), A. taxiformis benthic populations have seemingly expanded with several large seasonal blooms recorded in recent years. However, neither ecology nor molecular substantial studies have been conducted for this particular geographical area. Increasing sampling intensity and geographical coverage may reveal new lineages or indicate human-mediated spread routes not only for A. taxiformis but for macroalgae in general. This approach is particularly important in areas such as the eastern Mediterranean Sea, which experiences intense biological invasion on a global scale. In this study, randomly samples specimens (n = 30) of A. taxiformis and preserved herbarium samples (n = 4) collected from the IMS in the past, were all barcoded and taxonomically identified using three molecular genetic markers (LSU, cox2-3 spacer, and rbcL). We found a cryptic lineage 4 (L4) of A. taxiformis first reported here for the Mediterranean Sea, and previously described for the western Indo-Pacific and Hawaii. Herbarium samples confirmed the presence of L4 as early as 2013. Comparative assessment of cox2-3 spacer marker indicates 100% similarity to sequenced L4 samples from Egypt in the Red Sea. The IMS cox2-3 spacer sequences differed from previously sequenced samples from the Mediterranean Sea by 2.3% and 3.9% bp, compared to L3 and L2 Mediterranean populations, respectively. Morphological inspections indicate monoecious L4 gametophytes which are larger than the L4 population reported previously from Hawaii. Altogether, our results strongly indicate a Lessepsian migration route for A. taxiformis L4 with yet unknown consequences for the local marine ecosystems. Graphical Abstract
Mediating and moderating effects of perceived social support on the relationship between discrimination and well-being: A study of South Koreans living in Japan

We examined the relationship between discrimination and mental wellbeing among South Korean residents (N = 181) in Japan. The roles of need for belonging (NTB) as a mediator and identification with one’s group as a moderator of this relationship were examined. Perceived social support was also examined as both a potential moderator and mediator. We also included a measure of perceived in-group inclusion in the host society, the Circle of Ingroup Inclusion (CII), to examine its influence on the relationship between discrimination and wellbeing. Three types of coping styles-active constructive coping, passive constructive coping, and destructive coping-were controlled for in the analysis. Results showed that participants’ educational level, socioeconomic status, and different coping styles predicted wellbeing; however, discrimination was the strongest (negative) predictor of wellbeing. Social support was both a moderator and mediator of the relationship between discrimination and wellbeing, suggesting that perceived social support not only buffers the negative effect of discrimination on wellbeing, but also partially explains the negative association between discrimination and wellbeing. NTB was not a significant mediator. Identification with one’s ethnic group and perceived membership in one’s group also did not affect the relationship. The results suggest that it is important to consider social support based on interpersonal relationships among members of minority groups in Japanese society. The psychological factors involved in acculturation processes may be different in different ethnic groups. This study calls for greater consideration of group-specific characteristics in understanding acculturation processes and interactions between groups in society.
Horse odor exploration behavior is influenced by pregnancy and age

In spite of a highly developed olfactory apparatus of horses, implying a high adaptive value, research on equine olfaction is sparse. Our limited knowledge on equine olfaction poses a risk that horse behavior does not match human expectations, as horses might react fearful when exposed to certain odors, which humans do not consider as frightening. The benefit of acquiring more knowledge of equine olfaction is therefore twofold; (1) it can aid the understanding of horse behavior and hence reduce the risk of dangerous situations, and (2) there may be unexplored potential of using odors in several practical situations where humans interact with horses. This study investigated behavior and olfactory sensitivity of 35 Icelandic horses who were presented with four odors: peppermint, orange, lavender and cedar wood in a Habituation/Dishabituation paradigm. The response variables were sniffing duration per presentation and behavioral reaction (licking, biting, snorting, and backing), and data were analyzed for potential effects of age, sex and pregnancy. Results showed that habituation occurred between successive odor presentations (1st vs. 2nd and 2nd vs. 3rd presentations: P < 0.001), and dishabituation occurred when a new odor was presented (1st vs. 3rd presentations: P < 0.001). Horses were thus able to detect and distinguish between all four odors, but expressed significantly longer sniffing duration when exposed to peppermint (peppermint vs. orange, lavender and cedar wood: P < 0.001). More horses expressed licking when presented to peppermint compared to cedar wood and lavender (P = 0.0068). Pregnant mares sniffed odors less than non-pregnant mares (P = 0.030), young horses (age 0-5 years) sniffed cedar wood for longer than old horses (P = 0.030), whereas sex had no effect (P > 0.050). The results show that horses’ odor exploration behavior and interest in odors varies with age and pregnancy and that horses naïve to the taste of a substrate, may be able to link smell with taste, which has not been described before. These results can aid our understanding of horses’ behavioral reactions to odors, and in the future, it may be possible to relate these to the physiology and health of horses.
Morphological Priming Effects in L2 English Verbs for Japanese-English Bilinguals

For native (L1) English readers, masked presentations of past-tense verb primes (e.g., fell and looked) produce faster lexical decision latencies to their present-tense targets (e.g., FALL and LOOK) than orthographically related (e.g., fill and loose) or unrelated (e.g., master and bank) primes. This facilitation observed with morphologically related prime-target pairs (morphological priming) is generally taken as evidence for strong connections based on morphological relationships in the L1 lexicon. It is unclear, however, if similar, morphologically based, connections develop in non-native (L2) lexicons. Several earlier studies with L2 English readers have reported mixed results. The present experiments examine whether past-tense verb primes (both regular and irregular verbs) significantly facilitate target lexical decisions for Japanese-English bilinguals beyond any facilitation provided by prime-target orthographic similarity. Overall, past-tense verb primes facilitated lexical decisions to their present-tense targets relative to both orthographically related and unrelated primes. Replicating previous masked priming experiments with L2 readers, orthographically related primes also facilitated target recognition relative to unrelated primes, confirming that orthographic similarity facilitates L2 target recognition. The additional facilitation from past-tense verb primes beyond that provided by orthographic primes suggests that, in the L2 English lexicon, connections based on morphological relationships develop in a way that is similar to how they develop in the L1 English lexicon even though the connections and processing of lower level, lexical/orthographic information may differ. Further analyses involving L2 proficiency revealed that as L2 proficiency increased, orthographic facilitation was reduced, indicating that there is a decrease in the fuzziness in orthographic representations in the L2 lexicon with increased proficiency.
Analysis of the miRNA expression from the adipose tissue surrounding the adrenal neoplasia

Background Primary aldosteronism (PA) is characterized by several metabolic changes such as insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and adipose tissue (AT) inflammation. Mi(cro)RNAs (miRNAs) are a class of non-coding small RNA molecules known to be critical regulators in several cellular processes associated with AT dysfunction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of some miRNAs in visceral and subcutaneous AT in patients undergoing adrenalectomy for aldosterone-secreting adrenal adenoma (APA) compared to the samples of AT obtained in patients undergoing adrenalectomy for non-functioning adrenal mass (NFA). Methods The quantitative expression of selected miRNA using real-time PCR was analyzed in surrounding adrenal neoplasia, peri-renal, and subcutaneous AT samples of 16 patients with adrenalectomy (11 patients with APA and 5 patients with NFA). Results Real-time PCR cycles for miRNA-132, miRNA-143, and miRNA-221 in fat surrounding adrenal neoplasia and in peri-adrenal AT were significantly higher in APA than in patients with NFA. Unlike patients with NFA, miRNA-132, miRNA-143, miRNA-221, and miRNA-26b were less expressed in surrounding adrenal neoplasia AT compared to subcutaneous AT in patients with APA. Conclusion This study, conducted on tissue expression of miRNAs, highlights the possible pathophysiological role of some miRNAs in determining the metabolic alterations in patients with PA.
Comparing Discounting of Potentially Real Rewards and Losses by Means of Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Aim Delay discounting (DD) has often been investigated in the context of decision making whereby individuals attribute decreasing value to rewards in the distant future. Less is known about DD in the context of negative consequences. The aim of this pilot study was to identify commonalities and differences between reward and loss discounting on the behavioral as well as the neural level by means of computational modeling and functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI). We furthermore compared the neural activation between anticipation of rewards and losses. Method We conducted a study combining an intertemporal choice task for potentially real rewards and losses (decision-making) with a monetary incentive/loss delay task (reward/loss anticipation). Thirty healthy participants (age 18-35, 14 female) completed the study. In each trial, participants had to choose between a smaller immediate loss/win and a larger loss/win at a fixed delay of two weeks. Task-related brain activation was measured with fMRI. Results Hyperbolic discounting parameters of loss and reward conditions were correlated (r = 0.56). During decision-making, BOLD activation was observed in the parietal and prefrontal cortex, with no differences between reward and loss conditions. During reward and loss anticipation, dissociable activation was observed in the striatum, the anterior insula and the anterior cingulate cortex. Conclusion We observed behavior concurrent with DD in both the reward and loss condition, with evidence for similar behavioral and neural patterns in the two conditions. Intertemporal decision-making recruited the fronto-parietal network, whilst reward and loss anticipation were related to activation in the salience network. The interpretation of these findings may be limited to short delays and small monetary outcomes.