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We herein report photodoping and thereby photochromism of semiconductor nanocrystals under air in a temperature-responsive supramolecular gel and its back reactions induced by direct heating or near-infrared photothermal conversion. We also present their application to the spatiotemporal patterning of photoluminescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study examined the association between memory function and reduced olfactory and gustatory function among independent community-dwelling older adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 127 older adults (65.4% women). We assessed their memory, odor, and taste identification skills. Open essence (OE) test and taste strips (TS) were used to identify hyposmia (OE test ≤6) and hypogeusia (TS test ≤8), respectively. Results: Participants with severe hyposmia had significantly poorer memory functions compared to participants without severe hyposmia. After adjusting for covariates, multivariate logistic regression models revealed a significant association between immediate recognition performance and a decreased likelihood of severe hyposmia (odds ratio=0.65; 95% confidence interval 0.47--0.90). We observed no significant association between taste function and memory. Conclusion: Memory function may be associated with olfactory impairment in older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Muscle strength and mass strongly influence performance. The role of the trunk, upper limbs, and lower limbs in a specific performance is important but unclear in terms of muscle strength, muscle mass, and the degree of influence of each part. Standing long jump is a performance that produces results by not only the muscles of the lower limbs working together but also the entire body, including the trunk and upper limbs. To determine the influence of muscle strength and the mass of each body part on standing long jump, 31 healthy young adults (18 males and 13 females) participated in this study. Abdominal trunk muscle strength, grip strength, and knee extension muscle strength were measured, each of which was defined as trunk, upper limb, and lower limb muscle strength. The trunk, upper limb, and lower limb muscle masses were measured using a body composition analyzer. Performance was measured using the standing long jump test (jumping power). Factors influencing standing long jump were examined. A multiple regression analysis revealed that trunk (β = 0.367, p = 0.006) and upper limb (β = 0.608, p < 0.001) muscle strength values were extracted for standing long jump (adjusted R2 = 0.574, p < 0.01). Trunk and upper limb muscle strength influence standing long jumps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted that demonstrates a novel core power distribution reconstruction method based on ex-core detectors using time-dependent measurement at the University Teaching and Research Reactor of Kindai University (UTR-KINKI). Although the proposed method PHOEBE was able to identify the power distribution change caused by control rods under static conditions in a previous experiment, time-dependent experiments were not conducted. Hence, the present study measured time-dependent neutron counts using ex-core detectors to reconstruct the power distribution based on PHOEBE. Extraction of the control rods was expected to cause a shift in the reactor power distribution from the north side to the south, and the results of the power distribution reconstruction also demonstrated this power shift. This result experimentally and qualitatively demonstrated the detection of time-dependent power shifts based on PHOEBE. However, quantitative verification was difficult in this study because there are no verified time-dependent three-dimensional neutronics codes available. This issue will be addressed in a future study when a code becomes available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the field of 4‐D space visualization, the information of 4‐D space is obtained by projecting 4‐D data onto 3‐D space. Most of the previous research has been aimed at the recognition of 4‐D space, whereas the target of the recognition has been limited to the geometrical information of 4‐D objects in 4‐D space or static spatial information without dynamics. Our research aims to develop a visualization system for providing the human experience of the physics‐based environment in 4‐D space. In this research, we mainly focus on collision detection and the behaviour of 4‐D objects in 4‐D space in order to construct the physics‐based environment of 4‐D space. Our contribution in this paper is the development of a collision detection algorithm for 4‐D objects and a calculation method for physics based behaviour of 4‐D objects. Our proposed collision detection algorithm is based on the intersection test of tetrahedrons in 4‐D space, so that 4‐D objects in our system is represented as tetrahedral meshes. The tetrahedron‐based collision detection algorithm is performed by a combination of half‐space tests with the use of 5‐D homogeneous processing to enhance the calculation accuracy of the collision detection. Our proposed method calculates the behaviour of the 4‐D objects after the collision by solving the motion equation based on the principle of physics. Consequently, the visualization system with the proposed algorithm allows us to observe the physics‐based environment in 4‐D space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate whether the type and frequency of social interaction during the state of emergency due to coronavirus disease were associated with self‐rated health (SRH) after the state of emergency. Methods: Data from a cross‐sectional study were collected for 889 oldest‐old adults in Bibai City, Hokkaido, Japan. In total, 612 participants (mean age: 83.0 ± 4.3 years; women: 51.8%) were included in the analysis, taking biological sex into account. The self‐reported questionnaire included questions about demographic variables, SRH (July 2020, after the emergency), and the type and frequency of social interaction (March 2020, during the state of emergency). Results: There was no significant association between social interaction and SRH in men (P > 0.05). Women who had social interactions (both face‐to‐face and non‐face‐to‐face) more than once a week during the state of emergency reported higher SRH after the emergency than those who did not (odds ratio 2.17, 95% confidence interval 1.07–4.41). Conclusions: Having both types of interaction more than once a week during the state of emergency was related to higher SRH after the emergency among oldest‐old women. It is suggested that having opportunities for both types of interaction at least once a week would potentially be beneficial for high SRH in women, even in situations where the declaration of a state of emergency restricts face‐to‐face interaction. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 405–411. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel ex-core-detector–based core power reconstruction method is presented. The method uses power correlations between fuel regions and can be applied to a real-time small reactor core monitoring system especially for the detection of abnormal behavior. The use of ex-core detectors reduces the installation and maintenance costs of small modular reactors (SMRs) compared to conventional in-core detectors. To construct the power distribution with ex-core-detector count rates, it is necessary to account for the scattering and absorption reactions of neutrons within the core that make it difficult to extract information directly from the central core region. In the proposed method, detector responses and power correlations are preevaluated and revised by mathematical transformation. Monte Carlo simulations using the realistic SMR core design MoveluXTM demonstrated that the present method is capable of reconstructing the core power distributions within an average error of 10% using the count rates of the ex-core detectors. Also, the reconstruction successfully identified the position of abnormal power peaks in the central core region and an unbalanced power distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dementia is a critical late-life health issue that occurs among members of aging societies. This study examined the relationships between eating out, dietary diversity, and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) among community-dwelling older adults. Methods: We analyzed data from 597 older adults (median age 73.0 years, interquartile range 69.0–78.0 years; 62.6% females). We applied the food frequency score to evaluate diet variety and the weekly consumption frequencies of ten food items were determined. The National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology Functional Assessment Tool (NCGG-FAT) was used to evaluate MCI. Finally, we asked the participants how often they ate out each month; those who replied "none" were categorized into the "non-eating out" group. Results: The overall prevalence of MCI was 122 (20.4%), with a higher prevalence in the low dietary diversity group than in the high dietary diversity group (28.6% vs. 18.6%). After adjusting for covariates, the participants who self-described as not eating out were independently associated with low dietary diversity (odds ratio [OR]=1.97, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.20–3.20), while low dietary diversity was associated with MCI (OR=1.72; 95% CI 1.02–2.87). Structural equation models revealed that not eating out had no direct effect on MCI but was associated with MCI via low dietary diversity (root mean square error of approximation=0.030, goodness-of-fit index=0.999, and adjusted goodness-of-fit index=0.984). Conclusions: Although non-eating out may not have a direct effect on MCI, an indirect relationship may exist between eating-out habits and MCI via dietary diversity status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of an interaction between trunk stability muscles and hip muscle function has been suggested. However, reported exercises rarely act on the trunk and hip muscles simultaneously. Here, we devised an abdominal oblique and hip muscle exercise, the Self-oblique exercise (SOE). We examined whether SOE activated abdominal and hip muscles in the supine and half-kneeling positions, compared with abdominal crunch (AC) and plank exercises; and whether participants could modulate the exercise load. Participants were 20 healthy males with some sports experience such as football and baseball on average 10.5 ± 4.0 years. Participants applied self-pressure to their right thighs using the contralateral upper limb with 40% or 70% of the maximum force in Supine SOE and Half- kneeling SOE. The following abdominal and hip muscles were measured using surface electromyography: bilateral external obliques (EO), bilateral internal obliques (IO), right rectus abdominis, right gluteus medius (GMed), and right adductor longus (ADD). All evaluated muscle groups showed significant differences between exercises (p < 0.001). Supine SOE-70% showed 80.4% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) for left EO (p < 0.017), 61.4% MVC for right IO (p < 0.027), 24.3% MVC for GMed (p < 0.002), and 42.4% MVC for ADD (p < 0.004); these were significantly greatest among all exercises. Muscle activity during Supine SOE-70% was greater than that during Supine SOE-40%. Similarly, Half-kneeling SOE-40% promoted abdominal and hip muscle exertion, and showed more significant activity in GMed (p < 0.006) and ADD (p < 0.001) than AC and plank. SOE could activate abdominal and hip muscles depends on the pressure applied by upper limb. Also, SOE allows participants to modulate the exercise load in a self-controlled step by step manner. Modulation of the exercise load is difficult in AC or plank compared to SOE, and AC or plank cannot obtain simultaneous oblique and hip muscle activity. SOE could be practiced anywhere, in various positions, without any tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Perceived health status, including physical and cognitive fitness, will be negatively associated with future health conditions among old‐old adults. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has caused sudden changes in lifestyle. Thus, this study examined the associations of participation in an exercise class before the COVID‐19 pandemic and the exercise habits and disruption to the rhythms of daily life during the COVID‐19 state of emergency with perceived declining physical and cognitive fitness among community‐dwelling old‐old adults. Methods: In July 2020, we carried out a mail survey of community‐dwelling old‐old adults aged between 77 and 99 years in Bibai, Hokkaido, Japan, to determine their perceived declining physical and cognitive fitness during the COVID‐19 state of emergency. Results: Of the 774 responders, 339 (43.8%) participants reported a decline in physical fitness, whereas 259 (33.5%) perceived declining cognitive fitness during the COVID‐19 state of emergency. In a multivariate logistic regression model adjusted for potential confounders, exercise habits during the COVID‐19 state of emergency were significantly associated with a lower perception of declining physical fitness. Disruption to the rhythms of daily life during the COVID‐19 state of emergency was significantly associated with a higher perception of declining physical and cognitive fitness. Conclusions: Approximately half and more than one‐third of community‐dwelling old‐old adults perceived declining physical and cognitive fitness, respectively, during the COVID‐19 state of emergency. During this period, exercise habits were positively correlated with perceived health status among old‐old adults, whereas disruption to the rhythms of daily life was negatively correlated. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021; 21: 364–369. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Although arterial stiffness has been suggested to be associated with poor physical function and mild cognitive impairment (MCI), its association with cognitive frailty (CF), a comorbidity of both, is unclear. This study aims to examine the association between CF and arterial stiffness in community-dwelling older adults. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of 511 community-dwelling older adults aged 65 years or older (mean age 73.6 ± 6.2 years, 63.6% women), who participated in a community cohort study (Tarumizu Study, 2019), was conducted. Poor physical function was defined as either slowness (walking speed <1.0 m/s) or weakness (grip strength <28 kg for men and <18 kg for women). MCI was defined by the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology Functional Assessment Tool as a decline of at least 1.5 standard deviation from age- and education-adjusted baseline values in any one of the four cognitive domains (memory, attention, executive, and information processing). CF was defined as the combination of poor physical function and MCI. Arterial stiffness was measured using the Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index (CAVI), and the average of the left and right sides (mean CAVI) was used. Results: Multinomial logistic regression analysis adjusted for covariates was performed with the four groups of robust, poor physical function, MCI, and CF as dependent variables and mean CAVI as an independent variable. Using the robust group as reference, the poor physical function and MCI groups showed no significant relationship with the mean CAVI. The mean CAVI was significantly higher in the CF group (odds ratio 1.62, 95% confidence interval: 1.14–2.29). Conclusion: A significant association was found between CF and the higher CAVI (progression of arterial stiffness). Careful observation and control of CAVI, which is also an indicator of arterial stiffness, may be a potential target for preventive interventions for CF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Walking is the most important mode of human locomotion; however, the ability to walk often decreases with age. Age-related differences in lower-limb kinematics during gait may differ depending on sex. However, the question of the compounded effects of age and sex on gait kinematics remains unsolved. The present study aimed to clarify the interaction between age and sex in differences in gait kinematics of community-dwelling middle-age and older individuals. This study included 836 community-dwelling middle-age and older adults (61.8 % female). Joint motion during comfortable gait was measured using magnetic and inertial measurement units. Hip, knee, and ankle joint angles were calculated in the sagittal plane. Participants were divided into four groups according to age: 50–59, 60–69, 70–79, and 80–89 years. The interaction of sex and age on spatiotemporal gait parameters and the peak value of joint angles was analyzed using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's post hoc test. Gait speed (F = 43.92, P < 0.001), step length (F = 73.00, P < 0.001), hip extension (F = 12.89, P = 0.002), knee flexion (F = 39.99, P < 0.001), and ankle plantar flexion (F = 27.43, P < 0.001) significantly decreased with age. Significant differences according to sex were observed in all parameters except gait speed. Significant age and sex interaction effects were observed for knee flexion (F = 4.97, P = 0.002) and ankle dorsiflexion (F = 4.04, P = 0.007). A significant interaction effect of age and sex was observed for peak angle of knee flexion and ankle dorsiflexion during gait. In particular, the knee flexion angle among females during gait began to decrease from 60 years of age, and the decreasing trend was faster and more prominent than that among males. • Gait speed, step length and joint angle decreased with age, particularly among those >60 years old. • Significant age and sex interaction effects were observed in knee flexion and ankle dorsiflexion. • Females exhibited decreased knee flexion and increased ankle dorsiflexion with increases in age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The separation and removal of the metallic debris originating from pipe of manufacturing line are required in the manufacturing process of the fine particle products. In this study, we develop a high gradient magnetic separation system (HGMS) under a dry process by using a superconducting magnet to remove ferromagnetic particles such as the material stainless steel (SUS). To avoid the obstruction of the separation part by aggregation of the processed material, we develop a magnetic separation system using a pneumatic conveying as a new transportation method of the particles. The magnetic separations were experimented under the same conditions on different days, but the results were different. The reason is considered to be the difference in adhesion force between the particles due to a change of humidity, we have measured the adhesion forces between the ferromagnetic particles and the paramagnetic medium particles using AFM (Atomic Force Microscope) while changing the humidity. As a result, the adhesion force between the particles increased with the increasing of humidity. Furthermore, we saw that the effect of relative humidity was larger in the adhesion force of alumina with larger cohesive property. Based on these results, an appropriate condition of the separation experiment was clarified. And a dehumidification mechanism was introduced. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The interfusion of ferromagnetic impurities such as metallic wear debris has been one of the problems in the manufacturing process of powder products. To remove such impurities, we developed high gradient magnetic separation system (HGMS) under dry process which has many advantages against conventional technology under wet process. The major problem of dry HGMS system was the blockage of magnetic filter caused by particle aggregation or deposition. In our previous study, we succeeded to reduce the blockage under dry condition by using prismatic-shaped filter whose slope was steeper than repose angle of the powder samples. In order to actualize the magnetic separation without blockage, we introduced the mechanism of pneumatic conveyance system of powders. The powder samples are dispersed adequately, and high separation efficiency can be obtained with developed system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Chiral rhombamine macrocycles 1a–b were prepared by a [2+2]cyclocondensation reaction of (R,R)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane with corresponding dialdehydes and were found to be useful as NMR chiral shift reagents for the determination of enantiomeric purity and the absolute configuration of a wide range of carboxylic acid and amino acid derivatives. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The interfusion of impurities such as metallic wear debris has been a problem in the manufacturing process of foods, medicines, and industrial products. Gravity separation system and membrane separation system have been widely used for powder separation, however, sufficient separation rate was never achieved. Magnetic separation is a promising method to separate magnetic particles efficiently. Magnetic separation system under wet process is used conventionally, but it has some demerits such as necessity of drying treatment after separation and difficulty of running the system in the cold region. Thus, magnetic separation under dry process is prospective as an alternative method. In this paper, we developed High Gradient Magnetic Separation (HGMS) system under dry process. The present major problem of dry HGMS system is the blockage of magnetic filter caused by particle coagulation or deposition. To solve this problem, we developed the apparatus in which arrangement of magnetic filter is variable. Using this apparatus, we optimized the filter arrangement and achieved high separation efficiency of impurities from the mixed powder (0.1wt% content of impurities) without blocking of filters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bone and muscle mass loss are known to occur simultaneously. The alpha-actinin three (ACTN3) genotype has been shown to potentially affect bone and muscle mass. In this study, we investigated the association between the ACTN3 genotype and bone and muscle mass loss in community-dwelling adults aged ≥ 60 years. This study was a cross-sectional analysis of data from 295 participants who participated in a community health checkup. The ACTN3 genotypes were classified as RR, RX, or XX types. Bone mass loss was defined as a calcaneal speed of sound T-score of <−1.32 and <−1.37, and muscle mass loss was defined as an appendicular skeletal muscle index of <7.0 kg/m2 and <5.7 kg/m2 in men and women, respectively. The percentages of XX, RX, and RR in the combined bone and muscle mass loss group were 33.8%, 30.8%, and 16.7%, respectively, with a significantly higher trend for XX. Multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that XX had an odds ratio of 3.00 (95% confidence interval 1.05–8.54) of being in the combined bone and muscle mass loss group compared to the RR group (covariates: age, sex, grip strength, and medications). The ACTN3 genotype of XX is associated with a higher rate of comorbid bone and muscle mass loss. Therefore, ACTN3 genotyping should be considered for preventing combined bone and muscle mass loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amount of neutral debris emanated from extreme ultraviolet light source must be minimized to maximize its lifetime. Emanation of neutral atomic debris was experimentally investigated using laser-induced-fluorescence technique for carbon dioxide (CO2, 10.6 μm in wavelength) and Nd-doped yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG, 1.064 μm) lasers irradiated tin foils. Total number of neutral atomic debris from CO2 laser-irradiated tin foils was 1/100 times smaller than that from Nd:YAG irradiated ones. Competitiveness of CO2 laser was revealed in terms of debris mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess the effects of a multicomponent exercise program on physical function and muscle mass in older adults with sarcopenia or pre-sarcopenia. Moreover, we aim to standardize the exercise program for easy incorporation in the daily life of community-dwelling older adults as a secondary outcome. A single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted with individuals (≥60 years) who had sarcopenia or pre-sarcopenia (n = 72). Participants were randomly assigned to the exercise and control groups. The exercise program consisted of 12 weekly 60-min sessions that included resistance, balance, flexibility, and aerobic training. Outcome measures were physical function and muscle mass. Assessments were conducted before and immediately after the intervention. Among the 72 participants (mean age: 75.0 ± 6.9 years; 70.8% women), 67 (93.1%) completed the trial. Group-by-time interactions on the chair stand (p = 0.02) and timed "up and go" (p = 0.01) tests increased significantly in the exercise group. Although the exercise group showed a tendency to prevent loss of muscle mass, no significant interaction effects were observed for cross-sectional muscle area and muscle volume. The 12-week exercise program improved physical function in the intervention group. Although it is unclear whether the program is effective in increasing muscle mass, a multicomponent exercise program would be an effective treatment for physical function among older adults with sarcopenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to clarify the muscle activation during trunk stabilizing exercise with isometric hip rotation in healthy males by comparing that with abdominal crunch (AC) and active straight leg raise (ASLR). Electromyography and ultrasound imaging were used to simultaneously measure muscle activity and thickness of the internal oblique (IO), the external oblique (EO), transverse abdominis (TrA) and multifidus (MF) on the right side during exercise.Methods: Twenty healthy participants performed the following exercises in supine position: isometric right or left hip internal/external rotation, AC, and ASLR. Muscle activity was normalized to maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), and muscle thickness was normalized to resting muscle thickness.Results: Muscle activation and thickness of IO, MF and TrA increased significantly during the isometric hip rotation compared with other exercises. Muscle activation during the trunk stabilizing exercise with ipsilateral isometric hip internal rotation was 21% in IO, 26% in MF, and with ipsilateral hip external rotation was 12% of MVC in EO.Conclusion: These findings suggest that trunk stabilizing exercise with isometric hip rotation exercise may be a more safe and effective exercise to promote trunk muscle activity than AC and ASLR. These findings would be beneficial for therapists engaged in prevention and treatment of low back pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Propulsion force and trailing limb angle (TLA) are meaningful indicators for evaluating quality of gait. This study examined the validity of measurement for TLA and propulsion force during various gait conditions using magnetic inertial measurement units (IMU), based on measurements using a three-dimensional motion analysis system and a force platform. Eighteen healthy males (mean age 25.2 ± 3.2 years, body height 1.70 ± 0.06 m) walked with and without trunk fluctuation at preferred, slow, and fast velocities. IMU were fixed on the thorax, lumbar spine, and right thigh and shank. IMU calculated the acceleration and tilt angles in a global coordinate system. TLA, consisting of a line connecting the hip joint with the ankle joint, and the laboratory's vertical axis at late stance in the sagittal plane, was calculated from thigh and shank segment angles obtained by IMU, and coordinate data from the motion analysis system. Propulsion force was estimated by the increment of velocity calculated from anterior acceleration measured by IMU fixed on the thorax and lumbar spine, and normalized impulse of the anterior component of ground reaction force (AGRF) during late stance. Similarity of TLA measured by IMU and the motion analysis system was tested by the coefficient of multiple correlation (CMC), intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and root mean square (RMS) of measurement error. Relationships between normalized impulse of AGRF and increments of velocity, as measured by IMU, were tested using correlation analysis. CMC of TLA was 0.956–0.959. ICC between peak TLAs was 0.831–0.876 (p < 0.001), and RMS of error was 1.42°–1.92°. Velocity increment calculated from acceleration on the lumbar region showed strong correlations with normalized impulse of AGRF (r = 0.755 – 0.892 , p < 0.001). These results indicated a high validity of estimation of TLA and propulsion force by IMU during various gait conditions; these methods would be useful for best clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Investigated the association between meaningful activities and frailty based on sex. • Activity satisfaction was associated with frailty in men. • Activity satisfaction and performance were associated with frailty in women. • Prevention of frailty may play a positive role in meaningful activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Cognitive frailty (CF) is comorbid physical frailty and mild cognitive impairment. • Older adults should maintain higher-level competence to be independent in life. • We examined associations between CF and higher-level competence in older adults. • CF was associated with poor higher-level competence. • CF was associated with limitations on technology usage and low social engagement. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine the association between cognitive frailty (CF) and higher-level competence among community-dwelling older adults. Data from 871 older adults (aged ≥ 65 years, mean age 74.3 years, 61.5% women) who had participated in a community-based health check survey (Tarumizu Study 2018-2019) were analyzed. CF was defined as comorbid physical frailty and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). We defined physical frailty as either slow walking speed or poor grip strength. MCI was defined as values below the age- and education-adjusted reference threshold in several tests. Participants were categorized into four groups: robust, physical frailty, MCI, and CF. Higher-level competence was assessed using the Japan Science and Technology Agency Index of Competence (JST-IC). The JST-IC consists of 16 items and four subscales (technology usage, information practice, life management and social engagement). The bottom 20–30% score of the JST-IC and each subscale corresponded to poor higher-level competence. The prevalence of CF was 14.4%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that, CF was significantly associated with poor higher-level competence (odds ratio 1.92, 95% confidence interval 1.18–3.13) after adjusting for covariates. Using a similar analysis to assess the JST-IC subscales, CF was associated with limitations on technology usage (odds ratio 2.29, 95% confidence interval 1.36–3.85) and low social engagement (odds ratio 1.62, 95% confidence interval 1.00–2.61). This study suggests that CF is associated with poor higher-level competence, especially limitations on technology usage and low social engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in stride regularity and joint motion during gait appear to be related to improved gait speed in hospitalized patients with stroke. We aimed to clarify the changes in stride regularity and joint motion during gait through longitudinal observations. Furthermore, we aimed to clarify the relationship between changes in gait speed, stride regularity, and joint motion during gait. Seventeen inpatients with stroke were assessed for physical and gait functions at baseline, when they reached functional ambulation category 3, and before discharge. Physical function was assessed using the Fugl-Meyer assessment for the lower extremities and the Berg Balance Scale. Gait function was assessed on the basis of gait speed, joint motion, stride regularity, and step symmetry using inertial sensors. The correlations between the ratio of change in gait speed and each indicator from baseline to discharge were analyzed. Both physical and gait functions improved significantly during the hospital stay. The ratio of change in gait speed was significantly and positively correlated with the ratio of change in vertical stride regularity (r = 0.662), vertical step symmetry (rs = 0.627), hip flexion (rs = 0.652), knee flexion (affected side) (r = 0.611), and ankle plantarflexion (unaffected side) (rs = 0.547). Vertical stride regularity, hip flexion, and knee flexion (affected side) were significant factors in determining the ratio of changes in gait speed. Our results suggest that stride regularity, hip flexion, and knee flexion could explain the entire gait cycle and that of the affected side. These parameters can be used as indices to improve gait speed. • Stride regularity and joint angle during gait improved during hospitalization for stroke. • The positive correlation was between the change in gait speed and stride regularity. • Vertical gait regularity contributed to improving gait speed between baseline and discharge. • Hip and knee flexion on the affected side during gait contributed to altering gait speed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the relationship of the ACTN3 genotype with thigh muscle volume and physical performance in older adults with sarcopenia or pre-sarcopenia. Data from 64 older Japanese adults (mean age 74.4 ± 6.9 years, women 71.9%) with sarcopenia or pre-sarcopenia were analyzed. Sarcopenia and pre-sarcopenia were defined using the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia. We collected oral mucosa samples to determine the ACTN3 genotype. Thigh muscle volumes were measured using magnetic resonance imaging. Physical performance was assessed using the usual and maximum gait speed, timed up and go test, and five-repetition sit-to-stand test. Muscle strength was assessed using grip strength. The ACTN3 genotype proportions were 20.3% for RR, 51.6% for RX, and 28.1% for XX. Participants with the RR genotype showed greater thigh muscle volume/ht2 compared to those with the RX and XX ACTN3 genotypes (p < 0.05). The multiple linear regression analysis revealed that RX (p < 0.01) and XX (p < 0.01) ACTN3 genotypes, compared to RR, were associated with lower thigh muscle volume/ht2 and with age, sex (reference; men), weight and maximum walking speed. There was no significant difference between physical performance and muscle strength between the ACTN3 genotypes. The ACTN3 genotype of the X allele was associated with decreased thigh muscle volume compared to the ACTN3 genotype of RR in older adults with sarcopenia or pre-sarcopenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many stroke patients rely on cane or ankle-foot orthosis during gait rehabilitation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the immediate effect of functional electrical stimulation (FES) to the gluteus medius (GMed) and tibialis anterior (TA) on gait performance in stroke patients, including those who needed assistive devices. Fourteen stroke patients were enrolled in this study (mean poststroke duration: 194.9 ± 189.6 d ; mean age: 72.8 ± 10.7 y). Participants walked 14 m at a comfortable velocity with and without FES to the GMed and TA. After an adaptation period, lower-limb motion was measured using magnetic inertial measurement units attached to the pelvis and the lower limb of the affected side. Motion range of angle of the affected thigh and shank segments in the sagittal plane, motion range of the affected hip and knee extension-flexion angle, step time, and stride time were calculated from inertial measurement units during the middle ten walking strides. Gait velocity, cadence, and stride length were also calculated. These gait indicators, both with and without FES, were compared. Gait velocity was significantly faster with FES (p = 0.035). Similarly, stride length and motion range of the shank of the affected side were significantly greater with FES (stride length: p = 0.018 ; motion range of the shank: p = 0.02 6). Meanwhile, cadence showed no significant difference (p = 0.238) in gait with or without FES. Similarly, range of motion of the affected hip joint, knee joint, and thigh did not differ significantly depending on FES condition (p = 0.115 ‐ 0.529). FES to the GMed and TA during gait produced an improvement in gait velocity, stride length, and motion range of the shank. Our results will allow therapists to use FES on stroke patients with varying conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The end-Triassic extinction event (ETE) marks one of the "Big five" mass extinction events of the Phanerozoic, yet the timing and nature of environmental changes on a global scale remain elusive. Here we report a mm-scale high-resolution δ30Si profile of sea surface-dwelling radiolaria, preserved as moulds, spanning the end-Triassic radiolarian turnover interval of the deep-sea succession at the Katsuyama section, Inuyama, Japan. The δ30Si of the Triassic-Jurassic radiolaria between − 0.6 ± 0.5‰ and 2.6 ± 0.3‰ overlap with available radiolarian δ30Si data for Triassic to Cenozoic, including modern samples. The mass balance of Si with dominant radiolaria up to 90% in chert supports negligible impact of diagenesis on δ30Si of radiolarian moulds. The cm-scale δ30Si variations up to 2 ‰ are overall associated with changes in silica contents. Here we hypothesize that the δ30Si of radiolarian reflect radiolarian productivity. We detected negative silicon isotope excursions within and above the end-Triassic radiolarian turnover interval, named here the SIE 1 and 2. The first SIE of 2 ‰ is detected from 0 mm to 10 mm above the base of purple chert interval, probably linked with the initial massive volcanism in the Central Atlantic magmatic provinces (CAMP) and associated deep-sea acidification and the onset of the end-Triassic radiolarian turnover. Subsequent positive SIE up to 2 ‰ ca. 10 mm above the first negative SIEs may record recovery of biosiliceous productivity, which could may be related with the first appearance of several Jurassic radiolarian taxa within the radiolarian turnover interval. We also detected data that is suggestive of SIE 2 in the lowermost dusky red chert bed, suggesting similar changes in productivity. These negative SIEs occurred within ~ 1 mm interval, implying the occurrence of kyr- or shorter-scale drastic environmental perturbations across the end-Triassic radiolarian turnover interval. • Similarity δ30Si of the Triassic-Jurassic radiolarian moulds with available modern and fossil radiolarian δ30Si data support negligible impact of diagenesis. • Intra-bed δ30Si variations are associated with silica contents. • Two negative silicon isotope excursions (the SIE 1 and 2) across theradiolarian extinction interval. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Hearing impairment (HI) is associated with cognitive decline. • However, the cognitive screening tasks effective in elderly HI subjects are unclear. • We examined this association in elderly community dwellers in Japan. • The clock drawing task (CDT) was independently associated with HI. • The CDT is useful for identifying increased risk of dementia in elderly HI cases. Hearing impairment (HI) is associated with dementia. However, the cognitive screening tasks effective in older community dwellers presenting with HI are unclear. We retrospectively and cross-sectionally investigated the associations between HI and cognitive function assessed with screening tasks using data from two healthcare check-up programs for community dwellers ≥65 years old in 2018. We examined demographics, risk factors, cognitive function, hearing condition, lifestyles, and self-care levels. Cognitive function was assessed using the clock drawing task and the delayed three words recall task. Hearing condition was assessed using questionnaires on the use of hearing aids and HI during conversation situations. Multivariate analysis was used to identify independent associations between HI and cognitive assessment tasks. We analyzed 1602 eligible participants (61.9% women; 74.3 ± 6.5 years old). Hearing aid users (n = 90) were older (80 vs. 73 years, respectively; p < 0.001) and less likely to draw the clock correctly (71.1% vs. 80.1% years, respectively; p = 0.044) than non-hearing aid users. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that HI was associated with inability to draw the clock correctly (odds ratio 1.60, 95% confidence interval 1.12–2.26; p = 0.011), independent of age, living alone, memory impairment, and impaired self-care levels. Hearing impairment is independently associated with cognitive decline assessed by the clock drawing task. The clock drawing task may be useful for identifying an increased risk of dementia in older subjects presenting with HI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laser-driven expansion of pure-tin microdroplets was demonstrated to produce an efficient and low-debris extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) light source. The pre-expansion is indispensable for resolving the considerable mismatch between the optimal laser spot diameter (∼300 μm) and the diameter (∼20 μm) of microdroplets containing the minimum-mass Sn fuel for generating the required EUV radiant energy (∼10 mJ/pulse). Explosive expansion of microdroplets was attained by using a laser prepulse, whose intensity was at least 3×1011 W/cm2. The expanded microdroplet was irradiated with a CO2 laser pulse to generate EUV light. A combination of low density and long-scale length of the expanded microdroplet leads to a higher EUV energy conversion efficiency (4%) than that (2.5%) obtained from planar Sn targets irradiated by a single CO2 laser pulse. This scheme can be used to produce a practical EUV light source system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Out-of-band (OOB) radiation (at wavelengths longer than 130 nm) from an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) light source reduces the precision of lithography. The energy of the OOB radiation from laser-produced Sn plasmas were measured by using an absolutely calibrated transmission grating spectrometer equipped with a charge-coupled device. The dependence of the OOB radiant energy on the mass and size of the tin fuel was clarified. The dominant source of the OOB radiation is peripheral heating around the laser spot via electron thermal conduction and radiation from the high-temperature EUV emission region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiation damage on front-end readout and trigger electronics is an important issue in the COMET Phase-I experiment at J-PARC, which plans to search for the neutrinoless transition of a muon to an electron. To produce an intense muon beam, a high-power proton beam impinges on a graphite target, resulting in a high-radiation environment. We require radiation tolerance to a total dose of 1. 0 kGy and 1 MeV equivalent neutron fluence of 1. 0 × 10 12 n eq cm − 2 including a safety factor of 5 over the duration of the physics measurement. The use of commercially-available electronics components which have high radiation tolerance, if such components can be secured, is desirable in such an environment. The radiation hardness of commercial electronic components has been evaluated in gamma-ray and neutron irradiation tests. As results of these tests, voltage regulators, ADCs, DACs, and several other components were found to have enough tolerance to both gamma-ray and neutron irradiation at the level we require. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]