The anisotropic electronic structure of MgB2C2 was studied using soft X-ray emission spectroscopy electron microscopes. MgB2C2 fragments were selected by examining C K-emission profiles. C and B K-emission and Mg L-emission spectra were obtained, revealing common and distinct structures that reflect the mixing of valence orbitals. Since the material is reported to have two-dimensional B-C honeycomb layers, the orientational dependence of these emission spectra was also examined. Experimental data were compared with the theoretically calculated partial density of states of the valence bands (VBs) of the material. The C K-emission profile showed an apparent orientational dependence, while the B K-emission exhibited minimal dependence. This difference originated from the different energy distributions of C-2pz and B-2pz components in the VBs. The Mg L-emission intensity was very small, likely due to charge transfer from Mg atoms to B-N layers. The Mg L-emission profile showed a peak related to structures in C-K and B-K. An unexpected intensity was observed just above the VBs, which also showed orientational dependence, possibly due to a small deviation from the ideal composition of Mg:B:C = 1:2:2.

Renewable energy technologies are becoming increasingly important with the world's growing energy needs and environmental deterioration. In this context, thermoelectric materials capable of converting waste heat directly into electric power are at the forefront of extensive studies. The layered cobaltites have great potential for use in thermoelectric generators due to their environmental friendliness, good thermal and chemical stability, and relatively low cost of raw materials. Improving the thermoelectric properties of cobaltites using appropriate dopants and additives can increase their application potential. In this paper, we studied the impact of Na2B4O7-doping and addition of graphene on the thermoelectric performance of Bi2Sr2Co2Oy cobaltite. Reference and Na2B4O7-doped Bi2Sr2Co2Oy composites embedded with 0.8 wt. % graphene were prepared by the solid-state reaction route. The phase evolution and microstructure of the final products were studied by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. Temperature dependences of electrical resistivity, Seebeck coefficient, and thermal conductivity were measured and values of power factor (PF) and figure of merit (ZT) were calculated. It was found that the doping with Na2B4O7 and graphene dispersion enhanced the PF and ZT values by about 83 % and 20 %, respectively, compared with the reference Bi2Sr2Co2Oy.

Aim:Pathological mechanisms of "long COVID" after recovery from the main symptoms of COVID-19 are unclear. We compared psychological differences between individuals with and without long COVID symptoms after initial COVID-19 infections. Methods:This study includes medical workers with and without history of COVID-19. We assessed the degree of depression, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), the degree of anxiety and fear of COVID-19, and we used an original questionnaire. In the COVID-19 group, we also assessed personality traits and anxiety. The COVID-19 group was subclassified into those with and without long COVID to examine differences in circumstantial and psychological examinations. Results:Of 310 participants (141 men, 169 women, median age: 40 years), 167 had history of COVID-19 (83/84, 37 years) and 143 did not (58 men/85 women, 46 years). In the COVID-19 group, 26 had long COVID (12/14, 32 years) and 141 did not (58/85, 46 years). Fewer participants in the COVID-19 group had had COVID-19 vaccinations. The long COVID group had higher number of symptoms at the time of illness and higher NEO Five Factor Inventory Neuroticism scores than the non-long COVID group. They also had poorer mental health according to HRQOL than those without. Conclusion:Risk factors for long COVID may include the number of symptoms at the time of illness and neurotic tendency on NEO Five Factor Inventory. Participants with long COVID had poorer mental health according to HRQOL. People with long COVID might be especially sensitive to and pessimistic about the symptoms that interfere with their daily lives, resulting in certain cognitive and behavioral patterns. They may benefit from early psychiatric intervention.

Background Chronic inflammation is a factor in the pathogenesis of sarcopenia, which is characterized by low muscle mass and reduced strength. Complement C3 is important in the management of the immune network system. This study seeks to determine the relationship between serum C3 levels and body composition and sarcopenia-related status in community-dwelling older adults. Methods Study participants were 269 older adults living in rural Japan. A bioelectrical impedance analysis device was used to measure body composition parameters including body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, waist-hip-ratio, and appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (SMI). Muscle function was measured by handgrip strength and 6-m walking speed. The correlation coefficients for C3 level and measurements were calculated using Pearson correlation analysis. Participants were categorized into normal, pre-sarcopenia, dynapenia, or sarcopenia groups. Sarcopenia was defined according to 2019 Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia definition, dynapenia was defined as low muscle function without low muscle mass, and pre-sarcopenia was defined as the presence of low muscle mass only. The C3 threshold score for sarcopenia status was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis. Results Significant positive correlations were found between C3 and BMI, body fat percentage, and waist-hip ratio in both sexes, and further positive correlations with SMI were found in women. The relationship with body fat percentage was particularly strong. Body composition measurements (BMI, body fat percentage, and waist- hip ratio) and C3 levels were lowest in the sarcopenia group compared with the others. ROC analysis showed that the significant threshold of C3 for discriminating between the normal and sarcopenia groups was 105 mg/dL. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that participants with C3 < 105 mg/dL had an odds ratio of 3.27 (95% confidence interval, 1.49–7.18) for sarcopenia adjusted by sex, age and body fat percentage. Conclusion C3 levels are suggested to be related to body composition and pathophysiological functions of sarcopenia. C3 is expected to become a useful biomarker for sarcopenia, for predicting the onset of the disease and for predicting the effectiveness of interventions.

Kim's novel electrothermodynamic cycle enables the Ba(Zr0.1Ti0.9)O3 ceramic to achieve a significantly high energy density at temperatures 20-120 degrees C by utilizing its mixed ferroelectric-relaxor behavior. This allows the material to replace lead-based compositions and provides a clean, environmentally friendly, sustainable power source from low-grade waste heat for technologies like the Internet of Things. However, this still does not represent the highest potential of this material. In this research, our group utilizes the smaller ionic radii of the isovalent dopants Sr and Ca to enhance the relaxor behavior, hence improving the pyroelectric conversion ability of Ba(Zr0.1Ti0.9)O3. Actual measurements using the Olsen and Kim cycles revealed enhancement by factors of 1.29 and 1.55 for each cycle due to the improvement in remanent and saturated polarization and temperature dependence of the pyroelectricity. The results suggested that lead-free Ba(Zr0.1Ti0.9)O3 has promising potential as a critical pyroelectric waste heat recovery-based element.

Low levels of physical activity in individuals with chronic pain can lead to additional functional impairment and disability. This study aims to investigate the predictors of low physical activity levels in individuals with chronic pain, and to determine the accuracy of the artificial neural network used to analyze these predictors. Community-dwelling older adults with chronic pain (n = 103) were surveyed for their physical activity levels and classified into low, moderate, or high physical activity level groups. Chronic pain-related measurements, physical function assessment, and clinical history, which all influence physical activity, were also taken at the same time. Logistic regression analysis and analysis of multilayer perceptron, an artificial neural network algorithm, were performed. Both analyses revealed that history of falls was a predictor of low levels of physical activity in community-dwelling older adults. Multilayer perceptron analysis was shown to have excellent accuracy. Our results emphasize the importance of fall prevention in improving the physical activity levels of community-dwelling older adults with chronic pain. Future cross-sectional studies should compare multiple analysis methods to show results with improved accuracy.

Background: Serum transthyretin (TTR) level has suggested association with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. To clarify its usefulness as a biomarker of change in cognitive function in older individuals with normal cognitive function (NC) as a phenotype, we investigated the relationship between cognitive scores and TTR levels. We also investigated the involvement of TTR in the transition from NC to MCI.Methods: Cognitive function was evaluated using Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination-Revised (ACE-R). A cross-sectional study was conducted in community-dwelling older people (n = 211) with NC, MCI, or dementia according to ACE-R scores. A 32-month longitudinal study was then conducted (n = 29).Results: Mean TTR levels did not differ between the NC, MCI and dementia groups. Linear regression analysis showed a significant relationship in people with NC between TTR and ACE-R (beta = -0.192; p < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis adjusted for stepwise procedure-selected covariates showed that TTR was significantly associated with ACE-R in people with NC (beta = -0.130; p = 0.014). Furthermore, multiple regression analysis showed significant association between TTR level and memory (beta = -0.584; p = 0.002) and with language (beta = -0.743; p = 0.031) in people with NC. In the longitudinal study, mean TTR level at baseline in women with MCI was significantly higher than that in women with NC (p = 0.044).Conclusions: Serum TTR level is suggested to be associated with cognitive scores in people with NC and to be an indicator of progression from NC to MCI.

Under the state of emergency, it has been reported that the amount of physical activity among community-dwelling older adults has decreased significantly due to refraining from going out, and there are strong concerns about the Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale and deterioration of mental health. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether the depressive state before the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic affected the 25-Geriatric Locomotive (GLFS) score during the COVID-19 pandemic among community-dwelling older adults. The participants were 194 community-dwelling older adults (45 men, 149 women) with an average age of 75.5 ± 5.5 years who responded to a self-administered survey conducted three times (preliminary, second, and third) from before the 2018 COVID-19 pandemic to March 2021. Individuals with a score of ≥ 10 on the Geriatric Depression Scale 15 (GDS 15) were excluded. The survey items included the 25-question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale (GLFS25), GDS 15, and other basic attributes. Those with scores of 5 to 9 on the GDS 15 and those with scores of 0 to 4 were assigned to the depressive symptoms (DS) group and the non-DS group, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using two-way analysis of variance. The Mann–Whitney U test was used for comparisons between the groups. In total, 187 patients were included in the analysis, excluding 7 patients. GLFS 25 showed a significant increase in scores at the second and third time points compared with baseline, and a main effect was confirmed in both groups, with no interaction effect. The second time, the score was 10.0 ± 8.5 and 13.7 ± 10.5 in the non-DS and DS groups, respectively. The third time, the non-DS and DS groups scored 10.8 ± 10.5 and 14.9 ± 10.1 points, respectively, indicating a significant difference. Our results revealed that the increase in the GLFS 25 score in community-dwelling older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic was related to their DS during normal times before the pandemic. Evaluating such individuals and providing social support may effectively reduce the deterioration of the GLFS 25 score.

Abstract Serum transthyretin (TTR) level has been shown in several studies to be associated with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. This study aims to clarify the usefulness of TTR as a biomarker of change in cognitive function in people with normal cognitive function (NC) as a phenotype. We therefore investigate the relationship between cognitive scores and TTR in a cross-sectional study. A longitudinal study then examines the involvement of TTR level in the transition from NC to MCI. Cognitive function was evaluated using Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination-Revised (ACE-R). A cross-sectional study was conducted in community-dwelling older people (n=211) classified into NC, MCI, or dementia by ACE-R score. A 32-month longitudinal study was then conducted (n=29). Multiple regression analysis used sex, age, years of education and TTR as dependent variables and ACE-R scores as an independent variable. TTR was significantly associated with ACE-R in people with NC (β = -0.295, p =0.0008). No association with TTR was found in the MCI or dementia groups. Multiple regression analysis using sex, age and each ACE-R subdomain as dependent variables and TTR level as independent variable showed significant association with memory and language. In the longitudinal study, data analysis revealed that TTR level at baseline in females with MCI was significantly higher than it in females with NC. Our results suggest serum TTR levels might be a useful marker for cognitive function in preclinical AD. Elevated TTR might be a predictor of transition to MCI in old-aged adults with NC.

Hallux valgus, a frequently seen foot deformity, requires early detection to prevent it from becoming more severe. It is a medical economic problem, so a means of quickly distinguishing it would be helpful. We designed and investigated the accuracy of an early version of a tool for screening hallux valgus using machine learning. The tool would ascertain whether patients had hallux valgus by analyzing pictures of their feet. In this study, 507 images of feet were used for machine learning. Image preprocessing was conducted using the comparatively simple pattern A (rescaling, angle adjustment, and trimming) and slightly more complicated pattern B (same, plus vertical flip, binary formatting, and edge emphasis). This study used the VGG16 convolutional neural network. Pattern B machine learning was more accurate than pattern A. In our early model, Pattern A achieved 0.62 for accuracy, 0.56 for precision, 0.94 for recall, and 0.71 for F1 score. As for Pattern B, the scores were 0.79, 0.77, 0.96, and 0.86, respectively. Machine learning was sufficiently accurate to distinguish foot images between feet with hallux valgus and normal feet. With further refinement, this tool could be used for the easy screening of hallux valgus.

Thermoelectric device is a transformative technology for renewable energy generation. It is designed in a small compact feature with a quiet mechanism and has no gas emission, enabling it to conserve energy and preserve the global environment. Iron disilicide (β-FeSi2/Si) composite materials prepared by eutectoid reaction is found promising for thermoelectric applications. The strategies to enhance the thermoelectric properties of these composites are mainly by conducting band structure engineering such as elemental doping and nanostructure engineering. This article reviews the effects of elemental doping and nanostructuring of β-FeSi2/Si composite materials. Mn and Co were found to be the most common dopants due to their contribution to carrier mobility and carrier concentration. Other dopant elements such as Al, introduced point defects on the composite structure that is effective in lowering thermal conductivity. P was also found to be effective on both electronic and lattice contribution of thermal conductivity. Furthermore, in thin films structure, flatter surface is highly recommended rather than the crystallinity of films to enhance carrier mobility and suppress thermal conductivity. Thus, the way to optimize β-FeSi2/Si composite materials were discovered by the significant number of studies on refinement of composite structure into nanoscale. From these studies, electrical conductivity value was significantly enhanced while reducing its thermal conductivity and Seebeck coefficient value. The deterioration of Seebeck coefficient is yet to be improved hence was estimated possible by introducing doping mechanisms. Therefore, this review concludes some potential strategies for improving Seebeck coefficient while simultaneously increasing electrical conductivity and decreasing thermal conductivity towards enhancing its thermoelectric performance.

The microscopic origin of the pyroelectric power generation using ferroelectric ceramics for energy harvesting from time-varying waste heat can be understood by conducting operando neutron diffraction measurements. The behavior of the domain orientation and lattice strain in the lead zirconate titanate-based ceramics with a tetragonal structure during the novel power generation cycle combining the electric field and the temperature change were investigated. The [001] domains and the lattice strain of the (111) plane in the direction parallel to the electric field increase in the process of simultaneous rise in the electric field and temperature and rapidly decrease in the process of the field drop. Furthermore, larger structural changes were found in the material and cycle condition, giving higher power density. The alignment of the domain orientation by the electric field and its randomization by the higher temperature during the cycle are critical features of the current power generation system.

The energy-harvesting ability of the lead-free ferroelectric Ba(Zr,Ti)O-3 was investigated and greatly enhanced using the Kim novel electrothermodynamic cycle for low-temperature application. Ba(Zr,Ti)O-3 was synthesized with a Zr:Ti ratio of 10:90 (BZT10) by hot-press sintering, which exhibited a mix relaxor-ferroelectric behavior. For power generation using the Kim cycle with low and high temperatures of T-L = 25 degrees C, T-H = 120 degrees C, the most optimized temperature pattern occurred for a heating time of 12.5 s and a cooling time of 22.5 s. Under these conditions, the electric field increased during the novel isodisplacement process, and the displacement variation in the isoelectric step reached the highest value and maximized the BZT10 cycle loop area. Applying these conditions while lowering T-L to 20 degrees C, an energy density N-D = 504 mJ/cm(3) was achieved. This value is the highest obtained energy density in a practical test for lead-free ferroelectric bulk material in the BaTiO3 family.

It has been reported that marked decreases in physical activity including social activities, deterioration in eating habits and mental health, and an increase in frailty have occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to devise a method to prevent the onset and progression of frailty during the COVID-19 pandemic and to verify its effect. The subjects were 111 community-dwelling older people who answered questionnaires before and after the intervention. A calendar incorporating 31 different tasks, one for each day, was created as an intervention tool with the aim of improving motor, oral, and cognitive functions. The intervention group (n = 49) participants performed these tasks every day for 3 months. The primary outcome was the Kihon checklist (KCL) score. When the amount of change in the KCL score before and after 3 months was compared between the two groups, no difference in the total score was observed between the two groups; however, the intervention group showed significantly improved cognitive function in the KCL sub-domain. In the intervention group, the number of pre-frailty and frailty patients decreased significantly after the intervention compared to before the intervention. These results suggest that the use of the calendar created in this study during the COVID-19 pandemic could prevent decreased cognitive function in the KCL sub-domain and could help prevent the onset and progression of pre-frailty and frailty.

The fruit of Prunus mume (ume, also known as Japanese apricot) has been used as a functional food in Japan since ancient times. We previously reported that ume stimulates the differentiation of preosteoblastic cells. Osteocalcin (OCN) is secreted by osteoblasts, and there is known association with glucolipid metabolism and cognitive function. This study sought to clarify the relationship between ume extracts and OCN production both in vitro and in vivo. Alkaline phosphatase activity and OCN level in the ethyl acetate extracts of ume-treated extracts were significantly increased in preosteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells compared with the control group. In human study, serum OCN level was significantly higher in the high ume intake group than in the low intake group in community-dwelling participants over 60 years old. These results suggest that ume has the potential to upregulated OCN production both in vitro and in vivo.

This paper describes the experimental results of Carnot battery system using a thermoelectric module (TEM), which has no moving parts, and is compact. Experiments were conducted on its charge-discharge characteristics. In the charging mode, TEM was driven as a heat pump to convert electricity into heat and heat was stored in a metal block coupled to TEM. In the discharging mode, electricity is generated from the temperature difference between the metal block and the heat sink. The amount of generated electricity was measured at a constant load resistance. The experimental system has worked as a Carnot battery; however, the cycle efficiency was below 1% due to heat losses and other factors.

Efforts are being made to increase the efficiency of energy consumption by effectively using the dissipated heat as a source of renewable energy. Herein, we focused on a heat source wherein the temperature varies with time and recovers electrical energy from thermal energy by the pyroelectric effect. Further, we evaluated the net power density of the (Pb, La) (Zr, Sn, Ti)O3 material that is produced by its phase transformation as a result of increase in temperature. It was measured by the Sawyer-Tower circuit that was installed a diode and switch. The results showed that when the low or high temperature side of the measurement environment is in the antiferroelectric phase, the net power density decreased or became negative. Additionally, we estimated the range of temperature wherein a high-power density could be attained by examining the changes in it due to phase transformation.

Background: Oral dysfunction is related to long-term cares including activities of daily living. The objective of this study was to determine the association between oral function and the bone-related physiological substances osteocalcin (OC) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Methods: The study participants were 139 community-dwelling older people in Japan. Evaluation of oral dysfunction was based on subjective judgment by each participant. Blood analysis included OC, IGF-1, and albumin. Results: Univariate and multiple logistic analyses showed that IGF-1 was significantly associated with a “decline in masticatory function” (p = 0.0074 and p = 0.0308, respectively). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of IGF-1 levels revealed a threshold score of 108 ng/mL (p < 0.01) for discriminating a “decline in masticatory function”. Logistic regression analysis revealed that participants with an IGF-1 level ≤108 ng/mL had an odds ratio of 4.31 (p < 0.05) for a “decline in masticatory function”. No significant association was found between the OC level and oral dysfunction. Conclusions: These results suggest a possible relationship between lower serum IGF-1 levels and a decline in masticatory dysfunction in community-dwelling older people.

Background: Soy peptide, when consumed as a functional food, has been reported to improve cognitive function. This study aimed to verify the combined effect of soy peptide supplementation and exercise on cognitive function among community-dwelling older adults in Japan.Methods: In this population-based, non-blinded randomized controlled trial, 72 community-dwelling older adults who were independent in activities of daily living were randomly assigned to an "exercise plus nutrition" pro-gram (Ex + Nt group, n = 36) or an exercise program (Ex group, n = 36). For 3 months, both groups participated in an exercise and cognitive training regimen once per week, with the Ex + Nt group receiving soy supple-mentation once per week. Pre-and post-intervention measurements included grip strength, gait speed, skeletal muscle mass index, and scores on Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination-Revised, trail-making test A, and the Geriatric Depression Scale. Participant enrollment for this study started in January 2019 and ended in April 2019.Results: Exercise training increased the skeletal muscle mass index by 2.0% and 3.0% in the Ex + Nt and Ex groups, respectively. The Ex + Nt group exhibited a significant 0.3-point increase in the memory score.Conclusion: A 3-month exercise program combined with soy peptide supplementation may be effective in improving both motor and memory function in community-dwelling older adults.