Erratum: Linear Optical Quantum Computation with Frequency-Comb Qubits and Passive Devices [Phys. Rev. Lett. 130, 200602 (2023)].

This corrects the article DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.130.200602.

Dynamics of Center of Pressure Trajectory in Gait: Unilateral Transfemoral Amputees Versus Non-Disabled Individuals.

The primary goal of rehabilitation for individuals with lower limb amputation, particularly those with unilateral transfemoral amputation (uTFA), is to restore their ability to walk independently. Effective control of the center of pressure (COP) during gait is vital for maintaining balance and stability, yet it poses a significant challenge for individuals with uTFA. This study aims to study the COP during gait in individuals with uTFA and elucidate their unique compensatory strategies. This study involved 12 uTFA participants and age-matched non-disabled controls, with gait and COP trajectory data collected using an instrumented treadmill. Gait and COP parameters between the control limb (CL), prosthetic limb (PL), and intact limb (IL) were compared. Notably, the mediolateral displacement of COP in PL exhibited significant lateral displacement compared to the CL from 30% to 60% of the stance. In 20% to 45% of the stance, the COP forward speed of PL was significantly higher than that of the IL. Furthermore, during the initial 20% of the stance, the vertical ground reaction force of PL was significantly lower than that of IL. Additionally, individuals with uTFA exhibited a distinct gait pattern with altered duration of loading response, single limb support, pre-swing and swing phases, and step time. These findings indicate the adaptability of individuals with uTFA in weight transfer, balance control, and pressure distribution on gait stability. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the unique gait dynamics and balance strategies of uTFA patients, highlighting the importance of optimizing prosthetic design, alignment procedures, and rehabilitation programs to enhance gait patterns and reduce the risk of injuries due to compensatory movements.

Transfemoral prosthetic simulators versus amputees: ground reaction forces and spatio-temporal parameters in gait.

This study aimed to compare the ground reaction forces (GRFs) and spatio-temporal parameters as well as their asymmetry ratios in gait between individuals wearing a transfemoral prosthetic simulator (TFSim) and individuals with unilateral transfemoral amputation (TFAmp) across a range of walking speeds (2.0-5.5 km h-1). The study recruited 10 non-disabled individuals using TFSim and 10 individuals with unilateral TFAmp using a transfemoral prosthesis. Data were collected using an instrumented treadmill with built-in force plates, and subsequently, the GRFs and spatio-temporal parameters, as well as their asymmetry ratios, were analysed. When comparing the TFSim and TFAmp groups, no significant differences were found among the gait parameters and asymmetry ratios of all tested metrics except the vertical GRFs. The TFSim may not realistically reproduce the vertical GRFs during the weight acceptance and push-off phases. The structural and functional variations in prosthetic limbs and components between the TFSim and TFAmp groups may be primary contributors to the difference in the vertical GRFs. These results suggest that TFSim might be able to emulate the gait of individuals with TFAmp regarding the majority of spatio-temporal and GRF parameters. However, the vertical GRFs of TFSim should be interpreted with caution.

Biomechanical effects of foot orthoses on jump landing performance: A systematic review.

Jumping is involved in a wide range of sports and activities, and foot orthoses (FO) are suggested to enhance performance and prevent injury. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate whether using FO with different modifications affects jump landing biomechanics and improves performance in healthy individuals. The search strategy included 7 databases that identified 19 studies. The study quality was evaluated using a modified Downs and Black index. The primary outcome measures were joint kinematics, kinetics, muscle activity, vertical jump height, and horizontal jump distance. Our findings indicated that incorporating arch support with a rearfoot post and softer forefoot region into FO may improve several biomechanical variables during jump landing activities. Improvements in vertical ground reaction force loading rates, knee and ankle kinematics, and muscle cocontraction during jumping with FO could enhance jumping performance. In addition, improvements in hip, knee, ankle, and tibial kinematics and vertical ground reaction force loading rates during landing could reduce impact forces and related injuries. Although a limited number of studies have addressed the effects of FO on vertical jump height and horizontal jump distance, inserting such FO inside shoes with optimum bending stiffness could facilitate jumping performance. A rigorous exploration of the effect and mechanism of FO designs on jumping performance could benefit jumping-related activities and prevent ankle and knee injuries.

Effects of foot orthoses on running kinetics and kinematics: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Foot orthoses (FOs) are often prescribed by clinicians to treat foot and ankle conditions, prevent running injuries, and enhance performance. However, the lack of higher-order synthesis of clinical trials makes it challenging for clinicians to adopt an evidence-based approach to FOs' prescriptions. RESEARCH QUESTION: Do FOs with different modifications alter lower extremity running kinematics and kinetics? METHODS: A systematic search of seven databases was conducted from inception to February 2023. The analysis was restricted to healthy adults without foot musculoskeletal impairments and studies that compared the FOs effects with the controls. The methodological quality of the 35 studies that met the eligibility criteria was evaluated using the modified Downs and Black checklist. The random effects model estimated the standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals and effect sizes. Sub-group analyses based on FOs type were performed to assess the potential effects of the intervention. RESULTS: Our findings indicated that both custom and off-the-shelf arch-support FOs reduced peak plantar pressure at the medial heel (SMD=-0.35, and SMD=-1.03), lateral heel (SMD=-0.50, and SMD=-0.53), and medial forefoot (SMD=-0.20, and SMD=-0.27), but increased plantar pressure at the mid-foot (SMD=0.30, and SMD=0.56). Compared with the controls, significant increases (SMD=0.36) in perceived comfort were found with custom FOs. A reduction (SMD=-0.58) in initial ankle inversion was found when a raised heel cup was integrated with arch-support FOs. A medial post integrated with arch support exhibited a reduced ankle (SMD=-1.66) and tibial (SMD=-0.63) range of motion. Custom FOs, however, unfavorably affected the running economy (SMD=-0.25) and perceived exertion (SMD=0.20). SIGNIFICANCE: Although FOs have been reported to have some positive biomechanical effects in healthy populations without musculoskeletal impairments or running-related issues, they need to be optimized and generalized to achieve better running performance and prevent injury.

Effects of ankle-foot orthoses on step activities in the community: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: To determine the effects of ankle-foot orthoses (AFO) on step-based physical activities in individuals with neurological, orthopaedic, or cardiovascular disorders. METHODS: Electronic searches of databases such as Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, ProQuest, Cochrane Library, and EBSCO were conducted. Two evaluators independently searched with keywords focusing on step-based physical activities, and either articulated or non-articulated AFO. Study quality was assessed using a modified Downs and Black quality scale. RESULTS: Eleven studies that met the inclusion criteria were selected, including four being classified as good, four as fair, and three as poor in quality. The majority of these trials found no significant effects of AFO on step activities. Only a few studies reported improvements in step counts and active times in step activity with a limited to moderate level of evidence. Subjective evaluations such as user satisfaction, and physical functionality during step activity, on the other hand, showed substantial changes with the use of AFO interventions, although there was no evidence of improvement in the quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: Although the AFO did not seem to have a substantial effect on step activity, it appeared to play a vital role in improving the patient satisfaction level of step activity.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONAnkle-foot orthoses (AFO) may not significantly affect the step activity of individuals with impaired ankle-foot complex.AFO may enhance patient-reported satisfaction, physical functioning, participation, and fatigue level during step activity.The patient's perception that the AFO is beneficial is in contrast to objective data showing no significant increase in real-world activity.

Relationship between foot morphologic characteristic and postural control after jump-landing in youth competitive athletes.

BACKGROUND: Foot arch dynamics play an important role in dynamic postural control. Association between foot arch dynamics and postural control among adolescent athletes remains poorly explored. OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between foot arch dynamics, intrinsic foot muscle (IFM) morphology, and toe flexor strength and dynamic postural stability after jump landing and repetitive rebound jump performance in competitive adolescent athletes. METHODS: Based on foot arch dynamics, evaluated from relative change in the foot arch height in sitting and standing positions, 50 adolescent athletes were classified as stiff, normal, or flexible. IFM morphology was evaluated by ultrasonography. Dynamic postural stability index (DPSI) was measured as participants jumped and landed with the right leg onto a force plate, whereas repetitive rebound jumping performance was assessed using the jump height and reactive jump index. RESULTS: The stiff group had a significantly worse DPSI and vertical stability index than the normal group (p= 0.26, p= 0.44, respectively), and worse anteroposterior stability index (APSI) values than the flexible group (p= 0.005). Multivariate regression models of the relationship between the APSI and foot arch dynamics showed adequate power (probability of error = 0.912). CONCLUSIONS: Increased foot arch stiffness negatively affects dynamic balance during jump-landing, which may deteriorate their performance.

Quantum frequency conversion using 4-port fiber-pigtailed PPLN module.

Quantum frequency conversion (QFC), which involves the exchange of frequency modes of photons, is a prerequisite for quantum interconnects among various quantum systems, primarily those based on telecom photonic network infrastructures. Compact and fiber-closed QFC modules are in high demand for such applications. In this paper, we report such a QFC module based on a fiber-coupled 4-port frequency converter with a periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN) waveguide. The demonstrated QFC shifted the wavelength of a single photon from 780 to 1541 nm. The single photon was prepared via spontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC) with heralding photon detection, for which the cross-correlation function was 40.45 ± 0.09. The observed cross-correlation function of the photon pairs had a nonclassical value of 13.7 ± 0.4 after QFC at the maximum device efficiency of 0.73, which preserved the quantum statistical property. Such an efficient QFC module is useful for interfacing atomic systems and fiber-optic communication.

Coordination of Lower Limb During Gait in Individuals With Unilateral Transfemoral Amputation.

Understanding the lower-limb coordination of individuals with unilateral transfemoral amputation (uTFA) while walking is essential to understand their gait mechanisms. Continuous relative phase (CRP) analysis provides insights into gait coordination patterns of the neuromusculoskeletal system based on movement kinematics. Fourteen individuals with uTFA and their age-matched non-disabled individuals participated in this study. Kinematic data of the lower limbs of the participants were collected during walking. The joint angles, segment angles, and CRP values of the thigh-shank and shank-foot couplings were investigated. The curves among the lower limbs of the participants were compared using a statistical parametric mapping test. Compensatory strategies were found in the lower limbs from coordination patterns. In thigh-shank coupling, although distinct coordination traits in stance and swing phases among the lower limbs were found, the lower limbs in both groups were discovered to remain in a similar coordination pattern during gait. For individuals with uTFA, in shank-foot coupling, intact limbs demonstrated a short period of foot-leading pattern which was significantly different from that of the other limbs during mid-stance to compensate for the weaker force generation by prosthetic limbs. The findings offer normative coordination patterns on the walking of individuals with uTFA, which could benefit prosthetic gait rehabilitation and development.

Characteristic Gut Bacteria in High Barley Consuming Japanese Individuals without Hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Barley, a grain rich in soluble dietary fiber ß-glucan, is expected to lower blood pressure. Conversely, individual differences in its effects on the host might be an issue, and gut bacterial composition may be a determinant. METHODS: Using data from a cross-sectional study, we examined whether the gut bacterial composition could explain the classification of a population with hypertension risks despite their high barley consumption. Participants with high barley intake and no occurrence of hypertension were defined as "responders" (n = 26), whereas participants with high barley intake and hypertension risks were defined as "non-responders" (n = 39). RESULTS: 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that feces from the responders presented higher levels of Faecalibacterium, Ruminococcaceae UCG-013, Lachnospira, and Subdoligranulum and lower levels of Lachnoclostridium and Prevotella 9 than that from non-responders. We further created a machine-learning responder classification model using random forest based on gut bacteria with an area under the curve value of 0.75 for estimating the effect of barley on the development of hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings establish a link between the gut bacteria characteristics and the predicted control of blood pressure provided by barley intake, thereby providing a framework for the future development of personalized dietary strategies.

Linear Optical Quantum Computation with Frequency-Comb Qubits and Passive Devices.

We propose a linear optical quantum computation scheme using time-frequency degrees of freedom. In this scheme, a qubit is encoded in single-photon frequency combs, and manipulation of the qubits is performed using time-resolving detectors, beam splitters, and optical interleavers. This scheme does not require active devices such as high-speed switches and electro-optic modulators and is robust against temporal and spectral errors, which are mainly caused by the detectors' finite resolution. We show that current technologies almost meet the requirements for fault-tolerant quantum computation.

Dynamic Balance During Walking in Transfemoral Prosthesis Users: Step-to-Step Changes in Whole-Body and Segment Angular Momenta.

Transfemoral prosthesis users (TFPUs) typically have a high risk of balance loss and falling. Whole-body angular momentum ( [Formula: see text] is a common measure for assessing dynamic balance during human walking. However, little is known about how unilateral TFPUs maintain this dynamic balance through segment-to-segment cancellation strategies. Better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of dynamic balance control in TFPUs is required to improve gait safety. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate dynamic balance in unilateral TFPUs during walking at a self-selected constant speed. Fourteen unilateral TFPUs and fourteen matched controls performed level-ground walking at a comfortable speed on a straight, 10-m-long walkway. In the sagittal plane, the TFPUs had a greater and smaller range of [Formula: see text] compared to controls during intact and prosthetic steps, respectively. Further, the TFPUs generated greater average positive and negative [Formula: see text] than did the controls during intact and prosthetic steps, respectively, which may necessitate larger step-to-step postural changes in the forward and backward rotation about the body center of mass (COM). In the transverse plane, no significant difference was observed in the range of [Formula: see text] between groups. However, the TFPUs displayed smaller negative average [Formula: see text] in the transverse plane than did the controls. In the frontal plane, the TFPUs and controls demonstrated similar range of [Formula: see text] and step-to-step whole-body dynamic balance owing to the employment of different segment-to-segment cancellation strategies. Our findings should be interpreted and generalized with caution for the demographic features in our participants.

Short- and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic radical gallbladder resection for gallbladder carcinoma: A multi-institutional retrospective study in Japan.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Laparoscopic resection of gallbladder carcinomas remains controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the surgical and oncological outcomes of laparoscopic procedures for suspected gallbladder carcinoma (GBC). METHODS: In this retrospective study, data regarding suspected GBC treated with laparoscopic radical cholecystectomy before 2020 in Japan, was included. Patient characteristics, surgical procedure details, surgical outcomes, and long-term outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: Data of 129 patients with suspected GBC who underwent laparoscopic radical cholecystectomy were retrospectively collected from 11 institutions in Japan. Among them, 82 patients with pathological GBC were included in the study. Laparoscopic gallbladder bed resection was performed in 114 patients and laparoscopic resection of segments IVb and V was performed in 15 patients. The median operation time was 269 min (range: 83-725 min), and the median intraoperative blood loss was 30 mL (range: 0-950 mL). The conversion and postoperative complication rates were 8% and 2%, respectively. During the follow-up period, the 5-year overall survival rate was 79% and the 5-year disease-free survival rate was 87%. Recurrence was detected in the liver, lymph nodes, and other local tissues. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic radical cholecystectomy is a treatment option with potential favorable outcomes in selected patients with suspected GBC.

Sprinting performance of individuals with unilateral transfemoral amputation: compensation strategies for lower limb coordination.

Understanding the sprinting patterns of individuals with unilateral transfemoral amputation (uTFA) is important for designing improved running-specific prostheses and for prosthetic gait rehabilitation. Continuous relative phase (CRP) analysis acquires clues from movement kinematics and obtains insights into the sprinting coordination of individuals with uTFA. Seven individuals with uTFA sprinted on a 40 m runway. The spatio-temporal parameters, joint and segment angles of the lower limbs were obtained, and CRP analysis was performed on thigh-shank and shank-foot couplings. Subsequently, the asymmetry ratios of the parameters were calculated. Statistical analyses were performed between the lower limbs. Significant differences in the stance time, stance phase percentage, ankle joint angles and CRP of the shank-foot coupling (p < 0.05) were observed between the lower limbs. The primary contributor to these differences could be the structural differences between the lower limbs. Despite the presence of different coordination features in the stance and swing phases between the lower limbs, no significant difference in the coordination patterns of the thigh-shank coupling was observed. This may be a compensation strategy for achieving coordination patterns with improved symmetry between the lower limbs. The results of this study provide novel insights into the sprinting movement patterns of individuals with uTFA.

Rupture of the internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm resulting from fungal sinusitis.

Although vasculitis due to infection with fungi, including Aspergillus, causes aneurysm formation, reports of internal carotid artery aneurysm formation resulting from fungal sinusitis are few. We report on a patient who experienced massive epistaxis from rupture of an internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm, caused by fungal sinusitis. We treated the aneurysm with endovascular coil embolization, followed by endoscopic sinus surgery to remove the fungal mass. Intraoperative findings included a torn internal carotid artery and exposure of the coil to the sinus. Performing endoscopic sinus surgery before the embolization procedure would have increased the risks of massive intraoperative bleeding and mortality. Even after achieving hemostasis, serious sequelae, such as cerebral infarction, might occur. In this type of case, otorhinolaryngologists and neurosurgeons should collaborate, and an aneurysm should be treated before endoscopic sinus surgery. Although the treatment strategy for fungal internal carotid artery aneurysms is controversial, this case suggested the use of the embolization procedure followed by endoscopic debridement and antifungal therapy to treat a pseudoaneurysm of the internal carotid artery caused by fungal sinusitis.

A proper sequence of dynamic alignment in transtibial prosthesis: insight through socket reaction moments.

Dynamic alignment in prosthetic fitting is important because it affects the user's stability, kinematics, and kinetics such as socket reaction moments. It is performed by tuning the spatial relationship between the transtibial prosthetic socket and the foot following sequential observational gait analysis in the three anatomical planes. However, the order of planes in which the adjustment should be performed is still unclear. To investigate the appropriate sequence of dynamic alignment adjustment, ten participants with transtibial amputation were asked to walk in different alignment conditions (flexion, extension, adduction, abduction; lateral, medial, anterior, and posterior translation of the socket, and plantarflexion, dorsiflexion, inversion, and eversion of the foot) to measure socket reaction moments in the out-of-planes (e.g., the effect of sagittal alignment on the coronal moment). A significant difference was found only among socket posterior translation, socket flexion, and baseline alignment in the coronal moment (P = 0.02). The results of the current and previous studies suggest that moments in the coronal plane are affected by alignment changes in all three planes, whereas moments in the sagittal plane are affected only by sagittal alignment changes. It is suggested that the procedure of alignment adjustments should be finalized in the coronal plane.

Effect of 3D printed insoles for people with flatfeet: A systematic review.

This systematic review aimed to evaluate custom-made 3D printed insoles for people with flatfeet. PubMed, Embase, ISI web of knowledge, ProQuest, Scopus, and Cochrane databases, were searched from inception until January 2022. The quality assessment of included studies was performed through the Downs and Black checklist. A narrative analysis was performed since a meta-analysis could not be conducted. Ten studies including 225 subjects with flexible flatfeet were chosen for final evaluation. Although the evidence from selected literature was generally weak, using insoles with 3D printing technology may positively affect pain (comfort score) and foot function, with no significant change in vertical loading rate during walking or running. There were discrepancies among studies for plantar pressures, center of pressure trajectories, 3D ankle joint kinematics and kinetics of gait while wearing these insoles. Dose-response effects of medial posting on 3D printed insoles suggested beneficial effects on lower limb gait biomechanics in people with flatfeet. There was insufficient evidence to conclude the comparison between 3D printed insoles and other types of insoles. In conclusion, using a 3D printed insole may improve comfort score and foot function in people with flatfeet.

Association of the intrinsic foot muscles and plantar fascia with repetitive rebound jumping and jump landing in adolescent athletes: An ultrasound-based study.

BACKGROUND: The characteristics of foot structure in adolescents and adults are different, affecting sports performance and leading to the progression of foot and lower extremity disorders. RESEARCH QUESTION: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the intrinsic foot muscles (IFM) and plantar fascia morphology and the repetitive rebound jumping and jump landing ability in adolescent athletes. METHODS: A total of 60 adolescent athletes (35 boys and 25 girls) participated in this study. B-mode ultrasonography was used to obtain images of the IFM and plantar fascia morphology [thickness and cross-sectional area (CSA) of the abductor hallucis (AbH), flexor hallucis brevis (FHB), flexor digitorum brevis (FDB), and thickness of the plantar fascia]. The repetitive rebound jump performance was evaluated using the Optojump™ system. Participants were instructed to jump five times continuously with one leg, jumping as high as possible with minimal ground contact time. The jump landing was assessed by measuring the dynamic posture stability index (DPSI) using forward one-legged jump landings. RESULTS: The thickness and CSA of the AbH and FDB were positively correlated with the jump height and reactive jump index. The DPSI score was significantly correlated with the thickness of the AbH, but not with other IFMs or plantar fascia. In the multiple regression analysis, only the thickness of the FDB was associated with the jump height and reactive jump index, indicating that FDB thickness might facilitate adolescent athletes to jump higher with minimal contact time in repetitive rebounding movements. SIGNIFICANCE: The IFM (especially FDB) should be focused on when examining sports performance in adolescent athletes.