bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and Correlates of Insomnia Symptoms in Older Chinese Adults During the COVID-19 Outbreak: A Classification Tree Analysis
Authors: Xu Yan-Min , Li Chao , Zhu Ruizi , Zhong Bao-Liang 
Published: March 2022

Objective To examine prevalence and correlates of insomnia symptoms in older Chinese adults (OCAs) during the COVID-19 outbreak. Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, insomnia is a major health concern of elderly individuals, but its subtypes have not been investigated. Methods Altogether, 590 OCAs (50+ years) were recruited via snowball sampling during the COVID-19 outbreak. Standardized self-report questions were used to assess the presence of difficulty initiating sleep (DIS), difficulty maintaining sleep (DMS), and early morning awakening (EMA). Classification tree analysis (CTA) was used to identify correlates of insomnia. Results The one-month prevalence (95% confidence interval) of any subtype of insomnia symptoms was 23.4% (20.0–26.8%), with DIS, DMS, and EMA being 15.4% (12.5–18.3%), 17.1% (14.1–20.2%), and 11.2% (8.64–13.7%), respectively. Worry about being infected with COVID-19 emerged as the most salient correlate of insomnia ( P < .001); compared to participants who were not worried about being infected, those who were worried and very worried were 3.2-fold (24.3% vs 7.5%) and 5.5-fold (24.3% vs 7.5%) more likely to have insomnia, respectively. Among participants in the “very worried” branch, those residing in Wuhan were 1.8-fold more likely to have insomnia than those residing in other places (50.0% vs 27.5%, P = .011). Among participants in the “worried” branch, unemployed persons were 2.0-fold more likely to have insomnia than employed persons (37.0% vs 18.1%, P < .001). Conclusions Insomnia symptoms were prevalent among OCAs during the COVID-19 outbreak. Selective intervention programs targeting elderly individuals who are worried about being infected, living in the epicenter of COVID-19, and unemployed might be effective.
Explaining the Psychosocial Effects of COVID-19 Among Older Hong Kong Chinese People—A Qualitative Analysis
Authors: Sit Regina W.-S. , Lai Harmony Hoi Ki , Dong Dong , Wang Bo , Wong Martin Chi-sang , Chung Roger Yat-Nork , Wong Samuel Y.-S. 
Published: March 2022

Background Social distancing and “stay-at-home” orders are essential to contain the coronavirus outbreak; however, there are growing concerns about physical and other mental distress in older people. Apart from quantitative data, their feelings, thoughts, and experience are essential to inform the implementation of patient-centered health care policy. Aim This study explained the psychosocial effects of COVID-19 on Hong Kong Chinese older people. Design and Setting This was a qualitative study. Twenty-three participants aged between 63 and 86 were recruited in primary care through purposive sampling. Method Semi-structured in-depth telephone interviews were conducted to explore participants’ experience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Grounded theory was used to analyze the data. Results Three themes, nine subthemes, and 24 quotes were identified. The 3 themes included the psychological response of fear, annoyance, and worrisome; social isolation leading to loneliness and physical exhaustion; and the coping strategies in adversity. Fear was the major emotional response, which was not entirely explained by the uncertainty of the disease, but also the embedded routines norms and values. Loneliness was aggravated by the depleted family and community support. Physical distancing had intensified ones physical demand on self-care, especially among those with comorbid illnesses. The use of digital tools and telecommunications maintained the social connection, but the overexposure had led to a vicious cycle of anxiety and distress. Conclusion Self-isolation has disproportionately affected older individuals whose only social contact is out of the home. Online technologies can be harnessed to provide social support networks and a sense of belonging, but its adaptive and positive uses should be encouraged. Interventions can also involve more frequent telephone contact with significant others, close family and friends, voluntary organizations, or health-care professionals, or community outreach teams. Enhancing the values of older people’s in calamity through active engagement may also potentially reduce the detrimental effect of social isolation.
Preparation and performance of sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) membranes enhanced with ammonium ionic liquid and graphene oxide
Authors: Song Jinxun , Sun Lijun , Duan Jihai , Wang Weiwen , Qu Shuguo 
Published: March 2022

The exploration of proton exchange membranes with excellent performance has always been under focus for improving the performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cells. In this study, novel ternary composite proton exchange membranes based on sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK), triethylamine phosphate (TEAP) as the ammonium ionic liquid (AIL), and graphene oxide (GO) were prepared. The prepared membranes were characterized for their physical, physico-chemical, structural, morphological, thermal, mechanical, and electrical characteristics. The thermal stability of the SPEEK membrane was improved by the addition of GO and TEAP. GO was inserted into the composite membrane to form proton transfer channels. The amine ions in AIL formed acid–base pairs with the sulfonic acid group, whereas the oxygen-containing group on GO formed hydrogen bonds with the phosphate group. These groups interacted with each other to form a honeycomb-like structure, which anchored the AIL in the membrane and reduced its loss, providing additional sites for proton transport at higher temperatures. The proton conductivity of the SPEEK/AIL/GO-2 membrane reached 17.345 mS/cm at 120°C, which was 2.09 times higher than that of the pristine SPEEK membrane. This study provides the possibility for better preparation of proton exchange membranes used for high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells.
Assessing the ability of regions to attract foreign tourists: The case of Italy
Authors: Algieri Bernardina , Álvarez Antonio 
Published: March 2022

This study examines the ability of Italian regions to attract foreign tourists and the factors influencing the choice of regional destinations using a novel Stochastic Frontier Demand Model. The results show that several factors including climate, seasonality, cultural heritage and infrastructures influence tourism performance. Easy accessibility to World Heritage Sites drives international tourism demand too. On average, Southern regions lie below the stochastic frontier and are inefficient, while Northern regions tend to be efficient. Calabria, Sardinia and Molise have a low ability to entice foreign tourists, while Veneto maximizes the number of tourist arrivals, overnight stays and expenditures. JEL Classification: C51; R11; Z32.
‘Someone like-minded in a big place’: Autistic young adults’ attitudes towards autistic peer support in mainstream education
Authors: Crompton Catherine J , Hallett Sonny , Axbey Harriet , McAuliffe Christine , Cebula Katie 
Published: March 2022

Autistic young people in mainstream schools often experience low levels of peer social support, have negative perceptions of their differences and feel disconnected from their school community. Previous research findings have suggested that encouraging autistic young people to explore autistic culture and spending time with autistic peers may be associated with more positive outcomes. Autism-specific peer support is a framework that may support this process. Thirteen participants (eight male/five female) completed semi-structured interviews, exploring the idea of autism-specific peer support within mainstream schools and the practicalities of how it may work within a school setting. Thematic analysis was applied, and three themes are reported: (1) neurodiversity and an ethos of inclusivity, (2) flexibility and (3) benefits and challenges of embedding peer support in the wider school community. The idea of autism-specific peer support for autistic pupils in mainstream secondary schools was generally positively received. Peer support may provide a unique opportunity for autistic pupils to interact in a natural, comfortable way; share useful strategies; and build their identities. Nevertheless, careful design, training and ongoing support, alongside awareness of the rights, needs and preferences of individual pupils involved are likely to be crucial in ensuring the success of any peer support programme. Lay abstract Autistic young people may struggle in mainstream schools and feel disconnected from their peers and their school. We know that autistic adults can benefit from spending time with other autistic people, but we don’t know if this is the case for younger autistic people. We conducted interviews with 13 autistic young adults in the United Kingdom who recently left mainstream schooling. We asked them if they would have been interested in being involved in autistic peer support when they were at school, and if so, what that peer support should look like. Results indicated that autistic young people were enthusiastic about the idea of peer support. They thought it was important that peer support was flexible to suit their needs at different times, as well as inclusive, positive, and embracing neurodiversity. They also discussed the potential benefits and difficulties of having a peer support system within a school setting. This adds to the growing body of research on the potential benefits of autistic-autistic interactions on autistic people’s well-being and sense of belonging. Findings can be used to help design pilot peer support projects in schools that can be tested to see how effective they are.
Fabrication and evaluation of aramid fiber/polytetrafluoroethylene emulsion/tourmaline particle composite filter media: Filtration performance, thermal behavior, and mechanical property
Authors: Lv Chao , Cheng Jiao , Shen Ruiqing , Zhang Shu , Shu Rui , Li Guodong , Liu Jingxian 
Published: March 2022

An electrostatically enhanced aramid fiber/polytetrafluoroethylene emulsion/tourmaline particle (AF/PTFE/TM) composite filter media was successfully designed and fabricated by impregnation technology, especially for harsh industrial environment with high temperature. The AF/PTFE/TM composite filter media exhibited the optimum quality factor when the concentration of PTFE emulsion was 10% and the content of TM particles was 12.5 g/cm2. The collection efficiency, pressure drop characteristic, thermal decomposition behavior and kinetics, and tensile strength in machine and cross directions of the composite filter media have been systematically evaluated. Benefiting from the pyroelectricity and piezoelectricity of TM particles, the composite filter media has better collection efficiency with the increase of incoming air temperature. With the increase of flow velocity, the decrease of collection efficiency is smaller than the filter media without TM particles. Meanwhile, the pressure drop across the composite filter media is a little higher than that across the raw filter media. Additionally, it was found PTFE emulsion coating can improve the thermal stability and tensile strength of the composite filter media. TM particles have no negative impact on the thermal behavior of the composite filter media, but slightly attenuates the enhancement in tensile strength. This study provides new insight into the application of TM particles as well as other pyroelectric and piezoelectric materials in industrial filtration.
Evaluation of Monoclonal Antibodies in Preventing Hospitalizations, Emergency Department Visits, and Mortality in High-Risk COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Milam Ashlee N. , Doan Diana T. , Childress Darrell T. , Durham Spencer H. 
Published: March 2022

Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a novel coronavirus that has caused an unprecedented global pandemic, with few treatment options currently available. Neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are a promising treatment approach to reduce hospitalizations in high-risk patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 infections. Objective The primary objective is to compare hospitalization rates of high-risk patients who tested positive for COVID-19 within 28 days between those who received mAb infusions versus those who did not. Secondary objectives were emergency department (ED) visits and mortality within 28 days of a positive test. Methods This single-center, institutional review board–approved, retrospective, observational cohort study included patients aged 19 years and older who tested positive for COVID-19 between December 2, 2020 and February 28, 2021. Patients who received the mAbs bamlanivimab or casirivimab/imdevimab were compared with patients who did not receive mAb infusions to examine hospitalization rates, ED visits, and mortality within 28 days of the positive COVID-19 test. Results A total of 2780 patients were evaluated for inclusion using electronic chart review via Cerner. Of the 1612 patients who met inclusion criteria, 568 received an mAb infusion (mAb group) and 1044 did not (non-mAb group). Baseline characteristics were similar between the 2 groups. Of the patients in the mAb group, 34 (6%) were hospitalized versus 397 (38%) in the non-mAb group. Patients with ED visits included 111 (20%) and 672 (64%) in the mAb and non-mAb groups, respectively. Finally, 5 patients in the mAb group experienced mortality (0.9%) versus 83 (8%) in the non-mAb group. Each endpoint achieved statistical significance with a P value of <0.0001. Conclusion Monoclonal antibody infusions are effective in preventing hospitalization, ED visits, and mortality in high-risk patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19.
Influence of Device Geometry and Imperfections on the Interpretation of Transverse Magnetic Focusing Experiments
Authors: Lee Yik Kheng , Smith Jackson S. , Cole Jared H. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractSpatially separating electrons of different spins and efficiently generating spin currents are crucial steps towards building practical spintronics devices. Transverse magnetic focusing is a potential technique to accomplish both those tasks. In a material where there is significant Rashba spin–orbit interaction, electrons of different spins will traverse different paths in the presence of an external magnetic field. Experiments have demonstrated the viability of this technique by measuring conductance spectra that indicate the separation of spin-up and spin-down electrons. However the effect that the geometry of the leads has on these measurements is not well understood. By simulating an InGaAs-based transverse magnetic focusing device, we show that the resolution of features in the conductance spectra is affected by the shape, separation and width of the leads. Furthermore, the number of subbands occupied by the electrons in the leads affects the ratio between the amplitudes of the spin-split peaks in the spectra. We simulated devices with random onsite potentials and observed that transverse magnetic focusing devices are sensitive to disorder. Ultimately we show that careful choice and characterisation of device geometry are crucial for correctly interpreting the results of transverse magnetic focusing experiments.
Simultaneous interfacility transfer of multiple non-critically ill COVID-19 patients using a single vehicle: the ambulance bus experience
Authors: Barten Dennis G. , van Zijl Remco , Körver Frank W. J. , Peters Nathalie A. L. R. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
During the COVID-19 pandemic, hospital capacity in the Netherlands has been pushed to its limits. In order to prevent hospitals from collapse due to capacity issues, hospitalized COVID-19 patients were redistributed throughout the country. The numerous individual interfacility transfers further increased the pressure on emergency medical services (EMS), which simultaneously had to serve the community during the pandemic. In this report, we evaluate the interfacility transport of multiple non-critically ill COVID-19 patients using one single vehicle: a coach converted into an ambulance bus.

Discussion
Between March 28, 2020, and July 17, 2021, the ambulance bus was dispatched 22 times. In total, 102 patients were transferred over a mean distance of 79.6 km. No technical or patient-related adverse events were reported. The primary benefits of the ambulance bus were its time and staff reducing potential, as well as the ability to provide relief to overwhelmed hospitals. Furthermore, it could be assembled from existing equipment in a relatively short time span. However, the efficiency of dispatches and matching between hospitals could be improved.

Conclusion
The simultaneous interfacility transfer of multiple non-critically ill COVID-19 patients using an ambulance bus was feasible. No technical or patient-related adverse events were reported during 22 dispatches, involving a total of 102 patients. This mode of transport may also be useful in non-pandemic situations, such as hospital and nursing home evacuations.
Genetic Background Negates Improvements in Rice Flour Characteristics and Food Processing Properties Caused by a Mutant Allele of the PDIL1-1 Seed Storage Protein Gene
Authors: Hori Kiyosumi , Okunishi Tomoya , Nakamura Kenji , Iijima Ken , Hagimoto Masahiro , Hayakawa Katsuyuki , Shu Koka , Ikka Takashi , Yamashita Hiroto , Yamasaki Masanori , Takeuchi Yoshinobu , Koyama Shota , Tsujii Yoshimasa , Kayano Toshiaki , Ishii Takuro , Kumamaru Toshihiro , Kawagoe Yasushi , Yamamoto Toshio 
Published: March 2022

AbstractPhenotypic differences among breeding lines that introduce the same superior gene allele can be a barrier to effective development of cultivars with desirable traits in some crop species. For example, a deficient mutation of the Protein Disulfide Isomerase Like 1–1 (PDIL1-1) gene can cause accumulation of glutelin seed storage protein precursors in rice endosperm, and improves rice flour characteristics and food processing properties. However, the gene must be expressed to be useful. A deficient mutant allele of PDIL1-1 was introduced into two rice cultivars with different genetic backgrounds (Koshihikari and Oonari). The grain components, agronomic traits, and rice flour and food processing properties of the resulting lines were evaluated. The two breeding lines had similar seed storage protein accumulation, amylose content, and low-molecular-weight metabolites. However, only the Koshihikari breeding line had high flour quality and was highly suitable for rice bread, noodles, and sponge cake, evidence of the formation of high-molecular-weight protein complexes in the endosperm. Transcriptome analysis revealed that mRNA levels of fourteen PDI, Ero1, and BiP genes were increased in the Koshihikari breeding line, whereas this change was not observed in the Oonari breeding line. We elucidated part of the molecular basis of the phenotypic differences between two breeding lines possessing the same mutant allele in different genetic backgrounds. The results suggest that certain genetic backgrounds can negate the beneficial effect of the PDIL1-1 mutant allele. Better understanding of the molecular basis for such interactions may accelerate future breeding of novel rice cultivars to meet the strong demand for gluten-free foods.
Patients’ life quality during ureterorenoscopy, ureterorenoscopy plus JJ insertion and shock wave lithotripsy in the management of distal ureteral stone: a prospective clinical study
Authors: Kezer Cem 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
To clarify the effects of ureterorenoscopy (URS) and shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) on patients’ life quality in the management of distal ureteral stone (DUS) with using Short Form 36 (SF 36).

Methods
The present study was conducted in a prospective manner between July 2018 and July 2021. Patients who had DUS stone smaller than 1.5 cm were accepted as candidates for the study. Preoperative patient characteristics and treatment outcomes were recorded. Also, the SF-36 form was completed one day before the procedure and one month after the procedure. Patients were divided into three groups according to treatment modality as SWL, only URS, and URS including JJ stent insertion.

Results
Totally, 44 patients were treated with SWL, 27 patients were treated with URS, and 31 patients were treated with URS including JJ insertion. Hospitalisation period was significantly shorter in the SWL group (p = 0.001). Additionally, patients treated with SWL had a significantly lower analgesia requirement rate (31.8% in SWL group, 77.8% in URS group and 64.5% in URS + JJ stent group, p = 0.001). Stone-free status and complications did not significantly differ between groups (p = 0.846 and p = 0.096). Physical functioning score and role physical domains were significantly increased in patients treated with SWL (p = 0.005 and p = 0.031). Similarly, highest improvement for the body pain domain was achieved in the SWL group (p = 0.006).

Conclusion
The present study showed that URS, URS with JJ insertion and SWL are safe and reliable procedures for the management of DUS. However, hospitalisation time was significantly shorter and analgesia requirements were significantly lower in favour of SWL. Additionally, SWL was related with better SF-36 domains including physical functioning, role physical and body pain.
Genome-wide identification and characterization of the TIFY gene family in kiwifruit
Authors: Tao Junjie , Jia Huimin , Wu Mengting , Zhong Wenqi , Jia Dongfeng , Wang Zupeng , Huang Chunhui 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
The TIFY gene family is a group of plant-specific transcription factors involved in regulation of plant growth and development and a variety of stress responses. However, the TIFY family has not yet been well characterized in kiwifruit, a popular fruit with important nutritional and economic value.

Results
A total of 27 and 21 TIFY genes were identified in the genomes of Actinidia eriantha and A. chinensis, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses showed that kiwifruit TIFY genes could be classified into four major groups, JAZ, ZML, TIFY and PPD, and the JAZ group could be further clustered into six subgroups (JAZ I to JAZ VI). Members within the same group or subgroup have similar exon-intron structures and conserved motif compositions. The kiwifruit TIFY genes are unevenly distributed on the chromosomes, and the segmental duplication events played a vital role in the expansion of the TIFY genes in kiwifruit. Syntenic analyses of TIFY genes between kiwifruit and other five plant species (including Arabidopsis thaliana, Camellia sinensis, Oryza sativa, Solanum lycopersicum and Vitis vinifera) and between the two kiwifruit species provided valuable clues for understanding the potential evolution of the kiwifruit TIFY family. Molecular evolutionary analysis showed that the evolution of kiwifruit TIFY genes was primarily constrained by intense purifying selection. Promoter cis-element analysis showed that most kiwifruit TIFY genes possess multiple cis-elements related to stress-response, phytohormone signal transduction and plant growth and development. The expression pattern analyses indicated that TIFY genes might play a role in different kiwifruit tissues, including fruit at specific development stages. In addition, several TIFY genes with high expression levels during Psa (Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae) infection were identified, suggesting a role in the process of Pas infection.

Conclusions
In this study, the kiwifruit TIFY genes were identified from two assembled kiwifruit genomes. In addition, their basic physiochemical properties, chromosomal localization, phylogeny, gene structures and conserved motifs, synteny analyses, promoter cis-elements and expression patters were systematically examined. The results laid a foundation for further understanding the function of TIFY genes in kiwifruit, and provided a new potential approach for the prevention and treatment of Psa infection.