bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sociability, Social Isolation, and Social Interaction During the First Months of COVID-19 Pandemic: a Qualitative Analysis of Brazilian, Finnish, and American Adults
Authors: Ferreira Juliene Madureira , Merçon-Vargas Elisa A. , Midgette Allegra J. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The
social distancing imposed by the pandemic transformed how people interact with others, and little is known about how it has impacted new ways of sociability and if culture influences this process. This is a qualitative study exploring changes in the configurations of social interactions and the resources for sociability that adults in Brazil, the USA, and Finland have developed during the initial stage of quarantine. A total of 95 participants (ages between 20 and 60) experiencing social isolation either living alone or with their partners (without children) completed online questionnaires about their interactive experiences. The questionnaire was composed of multiple choices, addressing the frequency, types, and length of social interactions before and during the pandemic, and open questions focusing on the participants’ experiences on online interactions during the pandemic. Frequencies were analyzed through a paired-sample t-test, and open-ended responses were thematically analyzed. Results revealed, first, that social isolation did not represent a significant change in the composition of the participants’ social network, but family bonds became the main connection during the period, and other sources of social interaction were kept due to the possibility of interaction through virtual means. Although the frequency of social interactions reduced, their significance increased. Second, virtual environments reframed social interactions, influencing individual’s bodily perceptions such as differences in attentional demands, communication processes, and awareness of their own image, and the interaction itself. Third, cultural values seemed to influence the way participants signified their interactive experiences. This study suggests that although virtual environments changed the ways interactions happen, virtual encounters were essential for maintaining participants’ social networks.
Exploration of Target Spaces in the Human Genome for Protein and Peptide Drugs
Authors: Liu Zhongyang , Li Honglei , Jin Zhaoyu , Li Yang , Guo Feifei , He Yangzhige , Liu Xinyue , Qi Yaning , Yuan Liying , He Fuchu , Li Dong 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
After decades of development, protein and peptide drugs have now grown into a major drug class in the marketplace. Target identification and validation are crucial for the discovery of protein and peptide drugs, and bioinformatics prediction of targets based on the characteristics of known target proteins will help improve the efficiency and success rate of target selection. However, owing to the developmental history in the pharmaceutical industry, previous systematic exploration of the target spaces has mainly focused on traditional small-molecule drugs, while studies related to protein and peptide drugs are lacking. Here, we systematically explore the target spaces in the human genome specifically for protein and peptide drugs. Compared with other proteins, both successful protein and peptide drug targets have many special characteristics, and are also significantly different from those of small-molecule drugs in many aspects. Based on these features, we develop separate effective genome-wide target prediction models for protein and peptide drugs. Finally, a user-friendly web server, Predictor Of Protein and PeptIde drugs’ therapeutic Targets (POPPIT) (http://poppit.ncpsb.org.cn/), is established, which provides not only target prediction specifically for protein and peptide drugs but also abundant annotations for predicted targets.
The New Humanitarian Crisis in Ukraine: Coping With the Public Health Impact of Hybrid Warfare, Mass Migration, and Mental Health Trauma
Authors: Patel Sonny S. , Erickson Timothy B. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractOne of the largest mass movements of displaced people from their homelands in recent history must be recognized and assisted by the Free World. The unprovoked Russian attacks on Ukraine beginning in February 2022 will leave long-lasting devastating effects on millions of innocent victims. Nations worldwide, especially NATO member countries, will need to intervene to ameliorate the situation. This letter describes major public health issues apart from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic that are emerging concerns, such as shortages of health-care professionals, chronic care treatments and health prevention services, disinformation communication campaigns affecting the health-care infrastructure, and the generational impact of the conflict on people’s mental health. A global response and public health support need immediate action, including humanitarian assistance, food security, clean water supplies, adequate shelter, and safe transportation out of the active military zones.
The Constitutional Role of Independent Fiscal Institutions in the Eurozone
Authors: Fasone Cristina 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe new European economic governance has made the creation or reform of independent fiscal institutions (IFIs) compulsory, in particular for Eurozone countries. While these institutions have been subject to extensive investigation by the economic literature, a constitutional analysis of their prospective and actual impact on national legal systems is lacking. In fact, depending on their design and powers, they could alter the ordinary inter-institutional dynamics on budgetary decisions. IFIs could redress the marginalization of parliaments in budgetary procedures in so far as they are able to offer reliable and independent information from the executive, and should mechanisms of “comply or explain” be put in place. By contrast, in the event an IFI operates within the executive branch and is not autonomous in the exercise of its mandate, parliamentary accountability could be further jeopardized. IFIs could also affect democratic rule-making over the budget, should their technocratic determinations be able to replace those of the budgetary authorities. Through a comparative constitutional analysis and based on selected case studies—France, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands—the article aims to assess the constitutional impact of IFIs on parliaments and on the problem of information asymmetry on the budget.
Adtech and Real-Time Bidding under European Data Protection Law
Authors: Veale Michael , Zuiderveen Borgesius Frederik 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThis article discusses the troubled relationship between contemporary advertising technology (adtech) systems, in particular systems of real-time bidding (RTB, also known as programmatic advertising) underpinning much behavioral targeting on the web and through mobile applications. This article analyzes the extent to which practices of RTB are compatible with the requirements regarding a legal basis for processing, transparency, and security in European data protection law.We first introduce the technologies at play through explaining and analyzing the systems deployed online today. Following that, we turn to the law. Rather than analyze RTB against every provision of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), we consider RTB in the context of the GDPR’s requirement of a legal basis for processing and the GDPR’s transparency and security requirements. We show, first, that the GDPR requires prior consent of the internet user for RTB, as other legal bases are not appropriate. Second, we show that it is difficult—and perhaps impossible—for website publishers and RTB companies to meet the GDPR’s transparency requirements. Third, RTB incentivizes insecure data processing. We conclude that, in concept and in practice, RTB is structurally difficult to reconcile with European data protection law. Therefore, intervention by regulators is necessary.
A tale of two epicentres: Lombardy and New York City at the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic
Authors: Storti Luca , Torpey John , Dagnes Joselle , Filandri Marianna , Lyons Justine 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe paper explores the tale of two 'epicentres’ – metropolitan New York and Lombardy – and seeks to depict the socio-demographic patterns that characterise the worst cases of infection, hospitalisation, and death during the first six months of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. By drawing upon secondary data concerning sub-territorial units within the two regions – ZIP-code level and counties in New York and municipalities in Italy – the paper compares the characteristics of the two areas in an effort to understand bothhowthey became the original major epicentres andhowtheir experiences of the pandemic differed. We suspected initially that the pandemic in Lombardy was a function of a complex constellation of variables, such as the age of the population, the unexpected emergence of the virus, and features of the local health system. In New York, the pattern seemed to fit a more familiar dynamic, the kind one would expect from the course that most pandemics take: the poor suffer the worst. The paper tries to extend the understanding of the complex and not univocal mix of social variables that can facilitate the spread of a pandemic and make its effects extreme.
Late-onset swallowing outcomes post-treatment for head and neck cancer in a UK-based population
Authors: Tengku S , Lohi I , Connelly A , Slaven E , Sloane K , Herity K , McBlain L , Douglas C M , Montgomery J 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundAdverse swallowing outcomes following head and neck squamous cell carcinoma treatment in the context of late-onset post-radiotherapy changes can occur more than five years post-treatment.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted utilising patient records from March 2013 to April 2015. Patients were categorised into ‘swallow dysfunction’ and ‘normal swallow’ groups. Quality of life was investigated using the MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory and EuroQol questionnaires.ResultsSwallow dysfunction was seen in 77 (51 per cent) of 152 patients. Twenty-eight patients (36 per cent) in the swallow dysfunction group reported symptoms in year five. Swallow dysfunction was associated with stage IV head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (p< 0.001) and radiotherapy (p< 0.001). MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory global scores showed significant differences between swallow dysfunction and normal swallow groups (p= 0.01), and radiotherapy and surgery groups (p= 0.03), but there were no significant differences between these groups in terms of MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory composite or EuroQol five-dimensions instrument scores.ConclusionOne-third of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma survivors with swallow dysfunction still show symptoms at more than five years post-surgery, a point at which they are typically discharged.
Establishment of four head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell lines: importance of reference DNA for accurate genomic characterisation
Authors: Patel K B , Prokopec S , Barrett J W , Mymryk J S , Boutros P C , Nichols A C 
Published: March 2022

AbstractObjectiveThere is significant interest in developing early passage cell lines with matched normal reference DNA to facilitate a precision medicine approach in assessing drug response. This study aimed to establish early passage cell lines, and perform whole exome sequencing and short tandem repeat profiling on matched normal reference DNA, primary tumour and corresponding cell lines.MethodsA cell culture based, in vitro study was conducted of patients with primary human papillomavirus positive and human papillomavirus negative tumours.ResultsFour early passage cell lines were established. Two cell lines were human papillomavirus positive, confirmed by sequencing and p16 immunoblotting. Short tandem repeat profiling confirmed that all cell lines were established from their index tumours. Whole exome sequencing revealed that the matched normal reference DNA was critical for accurate mutational analysis: a high rate of false positive mutation calls were excluded (87.6 per cent).ConclusionEarly passage cell lines were successfully established. Patient-matched reference DNA is important for accurate cell line mutational calls.
An Integral Advaitic theodicy of spiritual evolution:karma, rebirth, universal salvation, and mystical panentheism
Authors: Medhananda Swami 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThis article outlines and defends an ‘Integral Advaitic’ theodicy that takes its bearings from the thought of three modern Indian mystics: Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda, and Sri Aurobindo. Their Integral Advaitic theodicy has two key dimensions: a doctrine of spiritual evolution and a panentheistic metaphysics. God has created this world as an arena for our moral and spiritual evolution in which evil and suffering are as necessary as good. The doctrine of spiritual evolution presupposeskarma, rebirth, and universal salvation. The doctrines ofkarmaand rebirth shift moral responsibility for evil from God to His creatures by explaining all instances of evil and suffering as the karmic consequence of their own past deeds, either in this life or in a previous life. The doctrine of universal salvation also has important theodical implications: the various finite evils of this life are outweighed by the infinite good of salvation that awaits us all. After outlining this Integral Advaitic theodicy, I address some of the main objections to it and then argue that it has a number of comparative advantages over John Hick's well-known ‘soul-making’ theodicy.
Encapsulation and subjectivity from the standpoint of viewpoint theory
Authors: Morsella Ezequiel , Velasquez Anthony G. , Yankulova Jessica K. , Li Yanming , Gazzaley Adam 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe groundbreaking, viewpoint theory of Merker et al. explains several properties of the conscious field, including why the observer cannot directly apprehend itself. We propose that viewpoint theory might also provide a progressive, constitutive marker of consciousness and shed light on why most of the contents of consciousness are encapsulated.
Computation, perception, and mind
Authors: Feldman Jerome A. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAdvances in behavioral and brain sciences have engendered wide ranging efforts to help understand consciousness. The target article suggests that abstract computational models (such as integrated information theory [IIT]) are ill-advised. This commentary broadens the discussion to include mysteries of subjective experience that are inconsistent with current neuroscience. It also discusses progress being made through demystifying specific cases and pursuing evolutionary considerations.
Meta-criteria to formulate criteria of consciousness
Authors: Kotchoubey Boris 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAny neurobiological model claiming explanation of a complex human phenomenon should start with an explicit definition of the explanandum. If a classical intensional definition is impossible, we can use a descriptive definition by listing necessary criteria (e.g., of consciousness). This commentary suggests four meta-criteria that different proposed criteria of consciousness should fulfill: phenomenological consensus, empirical evidence, domain specificity, and non-circularity.
Consciousness generates agent action
Authors: Delafield-Butt Jonathan , Trevarthen Colwyn 
Published: March 2022

AbstractConsciousness directs the actions of the agent for its own purposive gains. It re-organises a stimulus-response linear causality to deliver generative, creative agent action that evaluates the subsequent experience prospectively. This inversion of causality affords special properties of control that are not accounted for in integrated information theory (IIT), which is predicated on a linear, deterministic cause-effect model. IIT remains an incomplete, abstract, and disembodied theory without explanation of the psychobiology of consciousness that serves the vital agency the organism.
Do L1 tone language speakers enjoy a perceptual advantage in processing English contrastive prosody?*
Authors: Hwang Jiwon , Takahashi Chikako , Baek Hyunah , Yeung Alex Hong-Lun , Broselow Ellen 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThis study compared the ability of English monolinguals and Mandarin–English bilinguals to make use of English contrastive prosody not only in natural speech but also in masked speech, in which the only available information was prosodic. In contrast to earlier studies (Choi et al., 2019; Choi, 2021; Tong et al., 2015) which found that L1 tone language speakers outperformed native speakers in tasks involving the use of pitch to identify stress position in English, we did not find a similar advantage for Mandarin–English bilinguals in the interpretation of English contrastive prosody, even under conditions that enforced reliance on pitch contours. These findings are consistent with other studies suggesting that the integration of prosodic information into discourse is an area of particular difficulty for L2 speakers.
Relationship between sarcopenia and cardiovascular disease risk among Taiwanese older adults
Authors: Chen Yuan-Yuei , Chen Wei-Liang , Peng Tao-Chun , Liaw Fang-Yih , Chao Yuan-Ping , Kao Tung-Wei 
Published: March 2022

AbstractObjective:Increasing evidence supports sarcopenia as an important parameter for predicting cardiometabolic risks. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance, and cardiovascular risk among older community-dwelling adults.Design:The associations between dynapenia, sarcopenia, and Framingham risk score (FRS) were estimated by multivariate regression models.Setting:Muscle mass is estimated by skeletal muscle mass index using a bioelectrical impedance analysis. Muscle strength is measured by handgrip strength using an analogue isometric dynamometer. Physical performance is measured by gait speed using a 6-m walking distance. Dynapenia was defined as low muscle strength and/or slow gait speed presents with normal muscle mass. The diagnosis of presarcopenia and sarcopenia was based on criteria proposed by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia in 2014. The FRS was used for evaluating 10-year coronary heart disease (CHD) risk.Participants:Adults aged 65 years and older who attended health examinations from 2015 to 2017 were recruited.Results:There were totally 709 subjects enrolled in this study. Dynapenic men (n 47) had 17·70 ± 5·08 % FRS and sarcopenic women (n 74) had 7·74 ± 6·06 % FRS. Participants with presarcopenia had the lowest FRS (men: 15·41 ± 5·35 %; women: 5·25 ± 3·70 %). Men with dynapenia had higher FRS than the presarcopenia group with odds ratio (OR) of 2·52 (95 % confidence interval (CI): 1·03, 6·14). Women with sarcopenia had significantly higher FRS than the presarcopenia group with OR of 2·81 (95 % CI: 1·09, 7·27).Conclusion:Older dynapenic men and older sarcopenic women had higher risks of 10-year CHD. Presarcopenic older adults had the lowest CHD risk in both genders.
Individual and interpersonal factors affecting dietary intake of community-dwelling older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Ellis Amy , Jung Seung Eun , Palmer Frankie , Shahan Mackinsey 
Published: March 2022

AbstractObjective:As older adults are at higher risk for severe illness and mortality from SARS-CoV-2 infection, social distancing has been a primary means of mitigating risk. However, this lifestyle change may impact eating habits and food choices. The aim of this study was to explore individual and interpersonal factors affecting the eating behaviours and dietary intake of community-dwelling older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.Design:Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Qualitative data were analysed using a deductive content analysis approach to identify themes.Setting:Southeastern United StatesParticipants:Twenty-three men and women, 60 years of age and older (mean age 71·9 ± 7·7, 22 % male), completed both the interview and questionnaire.Results:Themes that emerged at the individual level included changes in eating habits and foods eaten, with most participants reporting healthier food choices during the pandemic. Participants also reported more frequent cooking, improved cooking skills and cooking as a form of stress relief. Although some older adults described increased snacking and consumption of ‘comfort foods’, others noted no influence of mood on food choices. At the interpersonal level, an increased use of technology for social interaction and the importance of social support were identified as influencing factors.Conclusions:Findings provide insight on how to help older adults maintain good nutrition amidst lifestyle changes imposed by social distancing. Nutrition educators may capitalise on positive behaviour changes that occurred during the pandemic such as increased cooking and increased use of technology for social interaction.
Thickness of Fluvial Deposits Records Climate Oscillations
Authors: Yuan X. P. , Guerit L. , Braun J. , Rouby D. , Shobe C. M. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractFluvial deposits offer Earth’s best‐preserved geomorphic record of past climate change over geological timescales. However, quantitatively extracting this information remains challenging in part due to the complexity of erosion, sediment transport and deposition processes and how each of them responds to climate. Furthermore, sedimentary basins have the potential to temporarily store sediments, and rivers subsequently rework those sediments. This may introduce time lags into sedimentary signals and obscure any direct correlation with climate forcing. Here, using a numerical model that combines all three processes—and a new analytical solution—we show that the thickness of fluvial deposits at the outlet of a mountain river can be linked to the amplitude and period of rainfall oscillations but is modulated by the mountain uplift rate. For typical uplift rates of a few mm/yr, climate oscillations at Milankovitch periods lead to alluvial sediment thickness of tens of meters as observed in nature. We also explain the time lag of the order of 20%–25% of the forcing period that is commonly observed between the timing of maximum rainfall and erosion. By comparing to field datasets, our predictions for the thickness and time lag of fluvial deposits are broadly consistent with observations despite the simplicity of our modeling approach. These findings provide a new theoretical framework for quantitatively extracting information on past rainfall variations from fluvial deposits.