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BACKGROUND: The association between the toe angle and bony rotational factors is critical to explain issues related to the onset and progression of knee osteoarthritis (OA). OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to clarify the association between the toe angle and each of the femoral and tibial transvers direction relative to gait direction, rotational knee alignment, and bony torsional deformity for the subjects with knee OA. METHODS: This study evaluated 58 knees in 24 healthy elderly (72 ± 5 years) and 34 varus knee OA (72 ± 6 years). A three-dimensional (3D) assessment system was used on 3D models and biplanar long-leg radiographs with the toe angle reflecting gait direction, applying a 3D-to-2D image registration technique. The main parameters on the transverse plane were: (1) toe angle, (2) transverse direction of the femur and tibia relative to the gait direction, (3) femoral neck anteversion, (4) condylar twist angle, (5) tibial torsion, and (6) rotational knee alignment. RESULTS: The alignment parameters, except for the tibial transverse direction, were different between healthy and osteoarthritic knees. In knee OA, the femoral neck anteversion - femoral transverse direction (p = 0.001), femoral transverse direction - tibial transverse direction (p

BACKGROUND: Assessment of three-dimensional (3D) femorotibial alignment is essential for successful knee osteoarthritis treatment in the elderly. The complex morphology of the posterior tibial slope (PTS) might have an influence on sagittal and rotational alignment and the positional relationship between the femur and tibia in the anterior–posterior (AP) direction under weight-bearing conditions. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to clarify the association between the PTS and 3D femorotibial alignment under weight-bearing conditions in healthy Japanese elderly individuals. METHODS: We investigated the 3D femorotibial alignment of 110 lower extremities of 55 healthy individuals (26 women, 29 men, mean age: 70 ± 6 years). Using our previously reported 3D-to-2D image registration technique, we evaluated the 3D hip-knee-ankle angle (3DHKA) in the sagittal plane, rotational alignment, and the distance between the femoral and tibial origins in the AP direction (tibial AP position) as femorotibial alignment parameters under weight-bearing conditions. We assessed the medial and lateral PTS and their angular difference (PTS difference) as PTS parameters. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was performed using PTS parameters and other possible confounders (age, sex, height, and weight) as the independent variables and femorotibial alignment parameters as the dependent variable. RESULTS: Weight (𝛽 = 0.393, p

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is thought to lead to a loss of lumbar lordosis (LL) as a compensation for knee flexion contracture. Changes in sagittal alignment are not limited to the lumbar spine and involve a complex interplay of alignment of the hip, pelvis, and spine. While spine–hip interactions have been previously explored, the influence of knee OA sagittal alignment parameters on spinopelvic alignment and global sagittal balance remains unexplored. Standing radiological examination using EOS biplanar radiography was examined in 108 patients with knee OA. Whole-body sagittal alignment parameters (thoracic kyphosis, LL, pelvic incidence, pelvic tilt [PT], femoropelvic angle [FPA], femoral tilt angle [FTA], tibial tilt angle, and knee flexion angle [KFA]) and global balance parameters (sagittal vertical axis [SVA] and odontoid hip axis [OD-HA] angle) were measured three dimensionally (3D). The correlation coefficients among all parameters were assessed. A multiple stepwise linear regression model was built to investigate the direct association between SVA or OD-HA angle (dependent variables) and sagittal alignment parameters and demographic data (independent variables). Significant correlations between KFA, FPA, FTA, SVA, and OD-HA angle were found. FTA was correlated with LL and FPA. The FTA was the most influential predictor of both global sagittal balance parameters (p

PurposeThe objective of this study was to evaluate the functional lower extremity alignment based on both position and motion [functionally oriented alignment (FOA)] of the knee in healthy elderly, varus osteoarthritis (OA), and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) subjects.MethodsThis study evaluated 87 knees in 24 healthy elderly (72 ± 5 years), 39 varus OA (72 ± 6 years), and 24 TKA (75 ± 4 years) subjects. A 3D assessment system was used on 3D models and biplanar long-leg radiographs with the toe angle reflecting gait direction, by applying a 3D-to-2D image registration technique. In the world coordinate system, they-,z-, andx-axes were defined as gait direction, gravity direction, and the cross product ofy- andz-axes, respectively. The parameters were: (a) coronal inclination, sagittal inclination, and transverse direction of the femur and tibia relative to the ground and (b) the difference between theyz-plane of the world coordinate system (functional plane) and theyz-plane of the femoral or tibial coordinate system (anatomical plane).ResultsThe femur had more medial and posterior inclination and the tibia had more lateral and anterior inclination in osteoarthritic knees as compared to healthy knees, and TKA knees had inclinations similar to healthy knees. Rotation was similar or different in the anatomical and functional planes among the subjects with the healthy, knee OA, and TKA.ConclusionsThe association between the anatomical and functional planes and the position of each bone relative to gravity varied depending on the condition of the knees.Level of Evidence: Level of III

We report a quantum-dot single-photon source (QD SPS) hybrid integrated on a silicon waveguide embedding a photonic crystal mirror, which reflects photons and enables efficient unidirectional output from the waveguide. The silicon waveguide is constituted of a subwavelength grating so as to maintain the high efficiency even under the presence of stacking misalignment accompanied by hybrid integration processes. Experimentally, we assembled the hybrid photonic structure by transfer printing, and demonstrated single-photon generation from a QD and its unidirectional output from the waveguide. These results point out a promising approach toward scalable integration of SPSs on silicon quantum photonics platforms., 17 pages, 5 figures

We report the hybrid integration of a telecom band InAs/InP quantum-dot (QD) single-photon source on a CMOS-processed Si photonics chip using transfer printing. The integration technique allows for the assembly of photonic components in a pick-and-place operation and therefore can introduce them on Si photonics chips after completing the entire CMOS-compatible fabrication processes. We demonstrate telecom single-photon generation from an InAs/InP QD integrated on Si and its coupling into a waveguide. We also demonstrate the integration of a QD on a fiber-pigtailed Si chip and single-photon output through the optical fiber, showing a novel pathway for modularizing solid-state quantum light sources.

Negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond have emerged as promising candidates for a wide range of quantum applications, especially quantum sensing of magnetic field. Implementation of nanostructure into diamond is powerful for efficient photon collection of NV centers and chip-scale miniaturization of the device, which is crucial for sensitive and practical diamond magnetometers. However, fabrication of the diamond nanostructure involves technical limitations and can degrade the spin coherence of the NV centers. In this study, we demonstrate the hybrid integration of a silicon nitride grating structure on a single-crystal diamond by utilizing transfer printing. This approach allows the implementation of the nanostructure in diamond using a simple pick-and-place assembly, facilitating diamond-based quantum applications without any complicated diamond nanofabrication. We observed the intensity enhancement in the collected NV emissions both theoretically and experimentally using the integrated grating structure. By applying the increased photon intensity, we demonstrate the improved magnetic sensitivity of the fabricated device. The proposed hybrid integration approach will offer a promising route toward a compact and sensitive diamond NV-based magnetometer.

To test the hypothesis that an inclined articular surface on the medial proximal tibia is aligned more parallel to the ground in three-dimensional (3D) space under weight-bearing (WB) conditions (parallel phenomenon) than under non-WB (NWB) conditions in healthy and varus osteoarthritic knees. We examined 55 healthy knees (26 women, 29 men; mean age, 70 ± 6 years) and 108 varus osteoarthritic knees (66 women, 16 men; mean age, 74 ± 7 years). For the evaluation under WB conditions, a 3D assessment system was used on biplanar long-leg radiographs and 3D bone models using a 3D-to-2D image registration technique. In addition, the least square method was used to determine the approximation plane. The angles between the normal vector for the approximation plane of an articular surface on the medial proximal tibia and each axis of the tibial or world coordinate system were calculated. Morphologically, the inclination of the approximation plane was steeper in osteoarthritic knees than in healthy knees (p

The ensemble of nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond allows for the potential realization of the sensitive magnetometers by leveraging their excellent spin properties. However, the NV-based magnetometers are limited by their experimental magnetic field sensitivity owing to its inefficient photon collection. Moreover, they are a disadvantage to the reduced spatial resolution and excessive excitation power. To overcome these issues, we propose a ultra-sensitive diamond magnetometer based on nanocavities. The device structure can attain a high collective efficiency and enhance the photon emission intensity of the NV ensemble. This device can allow the efficient photon collection even when considering the positional distribution of the NV centers. Our theoretical analysis indicates that the minimum expected sensitivity is 60 fT/ H z . The proposed design can achieve a volume-normalized sensitivity of 0.92 aT/ H z c m − 3 along with the required power of 7 μW, both of which are superior to those of bulk diamond. The proposed approach offers a promising route towards highly sensitive and energy-efficient magnetometers.

BACKGROUND: Identifying the time course of rotational knee alignment is crucial for elucidating the etiology in knee osteoarthritis. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to propose new rotational indices for calculating the change in relative rotational angles between the femur and tibia in standing anteroposterior (AP) radiographs. METHODS: Forty healthy elderly volunteers (20 women and 20 men; mean age, 70 ± 6 years) were assessed. The evaluation parameters were as follows: (1) femoral rotational index: the distance between the sphere center of the medial posterior femoral condyle and the lateral edge of the patella, and (2) tibial rotational index: the distance between the medial eminence of the tibia and the lateral edge of the fibula head. The indices were standardized by the diameter of the sphere of the medial posterior femoral condyle. This study (1) identified the relationship between changes in rotational indices and the simulated rotational knee angles in the standing position, (2) proposed a regression equation for the change in relative rotational angles between the femur and tibia in standing AP radiographs, and (3) verified the accuracy of the regression equation. RESULTS: The rotational indices increased in direct proportion to simulated rotational knee angles (femoral index: r > 0.9,p 0.9, p

We report a topologically-protected single photon source in a slow light waveguide based on valley photonic crystals. Purcell-enhanced single photon generation from a quantum dot and its robust propagation in the topological waveguide are demonstrated.

Slow light waveguides are advantageous for implementing high-performance single-photon sources required for scalable operation of integrated quantum photonic circuits (IQPCs), though such waveguides are known to suffer from propagation loss due to backscattering. A way to overcome the drawback is to use topological photonics, in which robust waveguiding in topologically-protected optical modes has recently been demonstrated. Here, we report single-photon sources using single quantum dots (QDs) embedded in topological slow light waveguides based on valley photonic crystals. We observe Purcell-enhanced single-photon emission from a QD into a topological slow light mode with a group index over 20 and its robust propagation even under the presence of sharp bends. These results pave the way for the realization of robust and high-performance single-photon sources indispensable for IQPCs.

Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the age- and sex-related characteristics in cortical thickness of the tibial diaphysis between non-obese healthy young and elderly subjects as reference data. Methods The study investigated 31 young subjects (12 men and 19 women; mean age, 25 ± 8 years) and 54 elderly subjects (29 men and 25 women; mean age, 70 ± 6 years). Three-dimensional estimated cortical thickness of the tibial diaphysis was automatically calculated for 5000–9000 measurement points using the high-resolution cortical thickness measurement from clinical computed tomography data. In 12 assessment regions created by combining three heights (proximal, central, and distal diaphysis) and four areas of the axial plane at 90° (medial, anterior, lateral, and posterior areas) in the tibial coordinate system, the standardized thickness was assessed using the tibial length. Results As structural characteristics, there were no differences in the medial and lateral thicknesses, while the anterior thickness was greater than the posterior thickness in all groups. The sex-related difference was not shown. As an age-related difference, elderly subjects showed greater or lesser cortical thickness than the young subjects, depending on the regions of the tibia. Conclusions Cortical thickness was different depending on sex, age, and regions in the tibia. The results of this study are of clinical relevance as reference points to clarify the causes of various pathological conditions for diseases. Level of evidence Level 3.

We report efficient quantum-dot single-photon sources with unidirectional output integrated on Si by transfer printing. The device was designed to be robust against misalignment accompanied by the hybrid integration. Efficient single-photon generation was experimentally confirmed.

We demonstrate slow light waveguides using topological valley kink states. We found in-gap high-group-index inodes at bearded interfaces of silicon-based valley photonic crystals, clearing the path to build topologically-protected slow light waveguides only using semiconductors.

Topological edge states exist at the interfaces between two topologically-distinct materials. The presence and number of such modes are deterministically predicted from the bulk-band topologies, known as the bulk-edge correspondence. This principle is highly useful for predictably controlling optical modes in resonators made of photonic crystals (PhCs), leading to the recent demonstrations of micro-scale topological lasers. Meanwhile, zero-dimensional topological trapped states in the nanoscale remained unexplored, despite its importance for enhancing light-matter interactions and for wide applications including single-mode nanolasers. Here, we report a topological PhC nanocavity with a near-diffraction-limited mode volume and its application to single-mode lasing. The topological origin of the nanocavity, formed at the interface between two topologically-distinct PhCs, guarantees the existence of only one mode within its photonic bandgap. The observed lasing accompanies a high spontaneous emission coupling factor stemming from the nanoscale confinement. These results encompass a way to greatly downscale topological photonics., Comment: 17 pages, 6 figures

We report local wavelength tuning of quantum-dot single-photon sources integrated on a CMOS silicon chip as well as in-situ spectral matching between two dissimilar sources. All the necessary heterogeneous integration processes were performed in a simple pick-and-place manner based on transfer printing, largely facilitating the fabrication of complicated device structures.

Accurate assessment of the locations of patellar avulsion fractures in acute patellar dislocations is clinically relevant for decision making for treatment. The study aim was to classify the locations of patellar avulsion fractures with a focus on the ligament attachments of medial stabilizing structures. Out of 131 first-time acute traumatic patellar dislocations, 61 patients had patellar fractures. Subsequently, 10 patients with isolated osteochondral fractures of the articular surface in the patella were excluded. Finally, 51 patients (34 females and 17 males, average age: 18.5 years, 95% CI 16.1–20.9) were included in the study cohort. Based on the locations of the patellar attachment, the patients were divided into three groups: the superior group [medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) attachment], inferior group [medial patellotibial ligament (MPTL)/medial patellomeniscal ligament (MPML) attachment], and mixed group. In the patellar avulsion group (51 patients), the superior group, mixed group, and inferior group contained 8/51 (16%), 12/51 (24%), and 31/51 (61%) patients, respectively. This study showed that 84% of the patellar avulsion fractures were located in the inferomedial patellar border, which consisted of MPTL/MPML attachments that were clearly different from the true “MPFL” attachment at the superomedial patellar border. In terms of the clinical relevance, the acute surgical repair of MPTL/MPML attachments in the inferomedial patellar border may not sufficiently control the patella if optimal management of the MPFL is not performed. IV.

The purpose of this study was to three-dimensionally analyse the size and shape of the femoral posterior condyles of the normal knee. A total of 62 healthy Japanese volunteers (37 males and 25 females) providing a sample of 124 normal knee joints, who had no knee-related symptoms and no history of major trauma, underwent computed tomography scans of the bilateral femur and tibia. Three-dimensional digital models of the femur were constructed from computed tomography data using visualisation and modelling software. The following parameters were evaluated: (1) the radii of the posterior condyles approximated to spheres and (2) the inclination angle of the posterior condyles in the coronal plane of the femoral coordinate system. The radii of the medial and lateral condyles approximated to spheres were 17.0 ± 1.6 and 17.1 ± 1.8 mm, respectively and were not different. The inclination angles of the medial and lateral condyles in the coronal plane were − 0.6° ± 4.6° and 9.7° ± 5.7°, respectively. The medial condyle was almost vertical, whereas the lateral one was medially tilted. This study found an asymmetrical inclination between medial and lateral condyles. This may be related to the asymmetrical motion of the knee, which is known as medial pivot motion. This finding provides valuable morphological information and may be useful for implant designs for total knee arthroplasty. IV.

Glycerol kinase (GK) is a key enzyme of glycerol metabolism. It participates in glycolysis and lipid membrane biosynthesis. A hexamer of GK from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Thermococcus kodakarensis KOD1(Tk-GK) was identified as a substrate-binding form of the enzyme. Here, the X-ray crystal structure analysis and the biochemical analysis was done and the relationships between its unique oligomer structure and substrate binding affinity were investigated. Wild type GK and mutant K271E GK, which disrupts the hexamer formation interface, were crystallized with and without their substrates and analyzed at 2.19–3.05 A resolution. In the absence of glycerol, Tk-GK was a dimer in solution. In the presence of its glycerol substrate, however, it became a hexamer consisting of three symmetrical dimers about the threefold axis. Through glycerol binding, all Tk-GK molecules in the hexamer were in closed form as a result of domain-motion. The closed form of Tk-GK had tenfold higher ATP affinity than the open form of Tk-GK. The hexamer structure stabilized the closed conformation and enhanced ATP binding affinity when the GK was bound to glycerol. This molecular mechanism is quite simple activity regulation mechanism among known GKs.

Cortical thickness of the femoral diaphysis is assumed to be a preferred parameter in the assessment of the structural adaptation by mechanical use and biological factors. This study aimed to investigate the age- and sex-specific characteristics in cortical thickness of the femoral diaphysis between young and elderly non-obese people. This study investigated 34 young subjects (21 men and 13 women; mean age: 27 ± 8 years) and 52 elderly subjects (29 men and 23 women; mean age: 70 ± 6 years). Three-dimensional (3D) cortical thickness of the femoral diaphysis was automatically calculated for 5000–8000 measurement points using the high-resolution cortical thickness measurement from clinical CT data. In 12 assessment regions created by combining three heights (proximal, central, and distal diaphysis) and four areas of the axial plane at 90° (medial, anterior, lateral, and posterior areas) in the femoral coordinate system, the standardized thickness was assessed using the femoral length. As per the trends, (1) there were no differences in medial and lateral thicknesses, while the posterior thickness was greater than the anterior thickness, (2) the thickness in men was higher than that in women, and (3) the thickness in young subjects was higher than that in elderly subjects. The results of this study are of clinical relevance as reference points to clarify the causes of various pathological conditions for diseases of the lower extremities.

We report a valley photonic crystal (VPhC) waveguide in a GaAs slab with InAs quantum dots (QDs) as an internal light source exploited for experimental characterization of the waveguide. A topological interface state formed at the interface between two topologically-distinct VPhCs is used as the waveguide mode. We demonstrate robust propagation for near-infrared light emitted from the QDs even under the presence of sharp bends as a consequence of the topological protection of the guided mode. Our work will be of importance for developing robust photonic integrated circuits with small footprints, as well as for exploring active semiconductor topological photonics., 14 pages, 4 figures

We discuss a transfer printing method for on-silicon hybrid integration. This technique simplifies the integration process of III-V quantum dots in nanocavities on CMOS-processed circuits, enabling single photon sources and cavity QED systems on Si.

We experimentally demonstrate topological slow light waveguides in valley photonic crystals (VPhCs). We employed a bearded interface formed between two topologically-distinct VPhCs patterned in an air-bridged silicon slab. The interface supports both topological and non-topological slow light modes below the light line. By means of optical microscopy, we observed light propagation in the topological mode in the slow light regime with a group index n g over 30. Furthermore, we confirmed light transmission via the slow light mode even under the presence of sharp waveguide bends. In comparison between the topological and non-topological modes, we found that the topological mode exhibits much more efficient waveguiding than the trivial one, demonstrating topological protection in the slow light regime. This work paves the way for exploring topological slow-light devices compatible with existing photonics technologies.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the functional lower extremity alignment based on both position and motion [functionally oriented alignment (FOA)] of the knee in healthy elderly, varus osteoarthritis (OA), and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) subjects. This study evaluated 87 knees in 24 healthy elderly (72 ± 5 years), 39 varus OA (72 ± 6 years), and 24 TKA (75 ± 4 years) subjects. A 3D assessment system was used on 3D models and biplanar long-leg radiographs with the toe angle reflecting gait direction, by applying a 3D-to-2D image registration technique. In the world coordinate system, the y-, z-, and x-axes were defined as gait direction, gravity direction, and the cross product of y- and z-axes, respectively. The parameters were: (a) coronal inclination, sagittal inclination, and transverse direction of the femur and tibia relative to the ground and (b) the difference between the yz-plane of the world coordinate system (functional plane) and the yz-plane of the femoral or tibial coordinate system (anatomical plane). The femur had more medial and posterior inclination and the tibia had more lateral and anterior inclination in osteoarthritic knees as compared to healthy knees, and TKA knees had inclinations similar to healthy knees. Rotation was similar or different in the anatomical and functional planes among the subjects with the healthy, knee OA, and TKA. The association between the anatomical and functional planes and the position of each bone relative to gravity varied depending on the condition of the knees. Level of Evidence: Level of III

Silicon quantum photonics provides a promising pathway to realize large-scale quantum photonic integrated circuits (QPICs) by exploiting the power of complementary-metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology. Toward scalable operation of such silicon-based QPICs, a straightforward approach is to integrate deterministic single-photon sources (SPSs). To this end, hybrid integration of deterministic solid-state SPSs, such as those based on InAs/GaAs quantum dots (QDs), is highly promising. However, the spectral and spatial randomness inherent in the QDs pose a serious challenge for scalable implementation of multiple identical SPSs on a silicon CMOS chip. To overcome this challenge, we have been investigating a new hybrid integration technique called transfer printing, which is based on a pick-and-place operation and allows for the integration of desired QD SPSs on any locations on the silicon CMOS chips at will. Nevertheless, even in this scenario, in-situ fine tuning for perfect wavelength matching among the integrated QD SPSs will be required for interfering photons from the dissimilar sources. Here, we demonstrate in-situ wavelength tuning of QD SPSs integrated on a CMOS silicon chip. To thermally tune the emission wavelengths of the integrated QDs, we augmented the QD SPSs with optically driven heating pads. The integration of all the necessary elements was performed using transfer printing, which largely simplified the fabrication of the three-dimensional stack of micro/nanophotonic structures. We further demonstrate in-situ wavelength matching between two dissimilar QD sources integrated on the same silicon chip. Our transfer-printing-based approach will open the possibility for realizing large-scale QPICs that leverage CMOS technology.

Silicon photonics is a powerful platform for implementing large-scale photonic integrated circuits (PICs), because of its compatibility with mature complementary-metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology. Exploiting silicon-based PICs for quantum photonic information processing (or the so-called silicon quantum photonics) provides a promising pathway for large-scale quantum applications. For the development of scalable silicon quantum PICs, a major challenge is integrating on-silicon quantum light sources that deterministically emit single photons. In this regard, the use of epitaxial InAs/GaAs quantum dots (QDs) is a very promising approach, because of their capability of deterministic single-photon emission with high purity and indistinguishability. However, the required hybrid integration is inherently difficult and often lacks the compatibility with CMOS processes. Here, we demonstrate a QD single-photon source (SPS) integrated on a glass-clad silicon photonic waveguide processed by a CMOS foundry. Hybrid integration is performed using transfer printing, which enables us to integrate heterogeneous optical components in a simple pick-and-place manner and thus assemble them after the entire CMOS process is completed. We observe single-photon emission from the integrated QD and its efficient coupling into the silicon waveguide. Our transfer-printing-based approach is fully compatible with CMOS back-end processes, and thus will open the possibility for realizing large-scale quantum PICs that leverage CMOS technology., 15 pages, 5 figures

Topological phonics has emerged as a novel approach to engineer the flow of light and provides unprecedented means for developing diverse photonic elements, including robust optical waveguides immune to structural imperfections. However, the development of nanoscale standing-wave cavities in topological photonics is rather slow, despite its importance when building densely-integrated photonic integrated circuits. In this Letter, we report a photonic crystal nanocavity based on a topological corner state, supported at a 90-degrees-angled rim of a two dimensional photonic crystal. A combination of the bulk-edge and edge-corner correspondences guarantees the presence of the higher-order topological state in a hierarchical manner. We experimentally observed a corner mode that is tightly localized in space while supporting a high Q factor over 2,000, verifying its promise as a nanocavity. These results cast new light on the way to introduce nanocavities in topological photonics platforms., 11 pages, 4 figures

Background Humans support their bodies exclusively by vertical balance in bipedal locomotion, and the body, especially the lower extremity, generally changes with age. Sex and body constitution are assumed to be associated with lower extremity alignment, but this association remains to be elucidated. This study sought to clarify this association in healthy, elderly, non-obese humans in a Japanese population. Methods The present study investigated 55 healthy volunteers (mean age: 70 ± 6 years). A 3D extremity alignment system was applied under weight-bearing conditions on biplane long lower extremities X-rays using a 3D-to-2D image registration technique. The evaluation parameters included 3D hip-knee-ankle angle (3DHKA) alignment in the coronal (coronal alignment) and sagittal planes (sagittal alignment) and rotational alignment between the femur and tibia. The influences of sex and body constitution on all the alignment were analyzed. Results Multiple linear regression analysis with the dependent variable of each alignment showed that sex was the dominant factor for coronal and rotational alignment (coronal: p

INTRODUCTION:Posterior tibial slope (PTS) and sagittal alignment are important factors in the etiology of knee osteoarthritis and knee surgery. Clinically, sagittal alignment, which indicates flexion contracture of the knee, contributes to knee function in weight-bearing (WB) conditions. PTS and sagittal alignment under WB conditions in varus osteoarthritic knees are presumed to affect each other, but their association remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to clarify the association. MATERIAL AND METHODS:In total, 140 osteoarthritic varus knees were investigated. Under WB conditions, a three-dimensional (3D) alignment assessment system was applied via biplanar long-leg X-rays, using 3D-to-2D image registration technique. The evaluation parameters were as follows: 1) 3D mechanical flexion angle (3DMFA) in regards to sagittal alignment, 2) passing point in the WB line (PP), and 3) medial and lateral PTS. RESULTS:The medial and lateral PTS showed a positive correlation with 3DMFA and PP, respectively (medial PTS-3DMFA, p = 0.001; medial PTS-PP, p < 0.0001; lateral PTS-3DMFA, p < 0.0001; lateral PTS-PP, p = 0.002). The flexion contracture group with 3DMFA >5° demonstrated greater PTS than non-flexion contracture group (medial PTS, p = 0.006; lateral PTS, p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS:Both medial and lateral PTS were correlated with sagittal alignment under WB conditions and were larger in the flexion contracture group. This finding can explain the function to take the load articular surface parallel to the ground for holding the balance in WB conditions in the sagittal plane for osteoarthritic knees. Moreover, surgeons may be required to decrease the PTS during knee arthroplasty to restore full extension in knees of patients with fixed flexion contracture.

We report quantum dot single photon sources coupled to glass-clad wire waveguides by transfer printing, which enables the heterogeneous source integration in a simple pick-and-place manner. A high waveguide coupling efficiency >60% is experimentally demonstrated.

Quantum photonic integrated circuit (QPIC) is a promising tool for constructing integrated devices for quantum technology applications. In the optical regime, silicon photonics empowered by complementary-metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology provides optical components useful for realizing large-scale QPICs. Optical nonlinearity at the single-photon level is required for QPIC to facilitate photon-photon interaction. However, to date, realization of optical elements with deterministic( i.e., not probabilistic) single-photon nonlinearity by using silicon-based components is challenging, despite the enhancement of the functionality of QPICs based on silicon photonics. In this study, we realize for the first time a strongly coupled InAs/GaAs quantum dot-cavity quantum electrodynamics (QED) system on a CMOS-processed silicon photonic chip. The heterogeneous integration of the GaAs cavity on the silicon chip is performed by transfer printing. The cavity QED system on the CMOS photonic chip realized in this work is a promising candidate for on-chip single-photon nonlinear element, which constitutes the fundamental component for future applications based on QPIC, such as, coherent manipulation and nondestructive measurement of qubit states via a cavity, and efficient single-photon filter and router., Comment: 5 pages, 3 figures

Quantum-dot (QD) nanolasers integrated on a silicon photonic circuit are demonstrated for the first time. QD nanolasers based on one-dimensional photonic crystal nanocavities containing InAs/GaAs QDs are integrated on CMOS-processed silicon waveguides with silicon dioxide cladding. We employed transfer printing, whereby the three-dimensional stack of photonic nanostructures is assembled in a pick-and-place manner. The lasing operation and waveguide coupling of an assembled single nanolaser are confirmed through micro-photoluminescence spectroscopy. Furthermore, by repetitive transfer printing, two QD nanolasers integrated onto a single silicon waveguide are demonstrated, opening a path to the development of compact light sources potentially applicable to wavelength division multiplexing.

Photonic integrated circuits (PICs) are attractive platforms to perform large-scale quantum information processing. While highly-functional PICs (e.g. silicon based photonic-circuits) and high-performance single photon sources (SPSs, e.g. compound-semiconductor quantum dots (QDs)) have been independently demonstrated, their combination for single-photon-based applications has still been limited. This is largely due to the complexities of introducing SPSs into existing PIC platforms, which are generally realized with different materials and using distinct fabrication protocols. Here, we report a novel approach to combine SPSs and PICs prepared independently. We employ transfer printing, by which multiple desired SPSs can be integrated in a simple pick-and-place manner with a theoretical waveguide coupling efficiency >99%, fulfilling the demanding requirements of large-scale quantum applications. Experimentally, we demonstrated QD-based SPSs with high waveguide coupling efficiencies, together with the integration of two SPSs into a waveguide. Our approach will accelerate scalable fusion between modern PICs and cutting-edge quantum technologies., 16 pages and 5 figures for the main text, 17 pages and 8 figures for the supplementary

The crystal structure of glycerol kinase from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Thermococcus kodakaraensis (Tk-GK) in a dimeric form was determined at a resolution of 2.4 A. This is the first crystal structure of a hyperthermophilic glycerol kinase. The overall structure of the Tk-GK dimer is very similar to that of the Escherichia coli glycerol kinase (Ec-GK) dimer. However, two dimers of Ec-GK can associate into a tetramer with a twofold axis, whereas those of Tk-GK cannot. This may be the reason why Tk-GK is not inhibited by fructose 1,6-bisphosphate, because the fructose 1,6-bisphosphate binding site is produced only when a tetrameric structure is formed. Differential scanning calorimetry analyses indicate that Tk-GK is a highly thermostable protein with a melting temperature (T(m)) of 105.4 degrees C for the major transition. This value is higher than that of Ec-GK by 34.1 degrees C. Comparison of the crystal structures of Tk-GK and Ec-GK indicate that there is a marked difference in the number of ion pairs in the alpha16 helix. Four ion pairs, termed IP1-IP4, are formed in this helix in the Tk-GK structure. To examine whether these ion pairs contribute to the stabilization of Tk-GK, four Tk-GK and four Ec-GK derivatives with reciprocal mutations at the IP1-IP4 sites were constructed. The determination of their stabilities indicates that the removal of each ion pair does not affect the stability of Tk-GK significantly, whereas the mutations designed to introduce one of these ion pairs stabilize or destabilize Ec-GK considerably. These results suggest that the ion pairs in the alpha16 helix contribute to the stabilization of Tk-GK in a cooperative manner.

The crystal structure of glycerol kinase from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Thermococcus kodakaraensis (Tk-GK) in a dimeric form was determined at a resolution of 2.4 A. This is the first crystal structure of a hyperthermophilic glycerol kinase. The overall structure of the Tk-GK dimer is very similar to that of the Escherichia coli glycerol kinase (Ec-GK) dimer. However, two dimers of Ec-GK can associate into a tetramer with a twofold axis, whereas those of Tk-GK cannot. This may be the reason why Tk-GK is not inhibited by fructose 1,6-bisphosphate, because the fructose 1,6-bisphosphate binding site is produced only when a tetrameric structure is formed. Differential scanning calorimetry analyses indicate that Tk-GK is a highly thermostable protein with a melting temperature (T(m)) of 105.4 degrees C for the major transition. This value is higher than that of Ec-GK by 34.1 degrees C. Comparison of the crystal structures of Tk-GK and Ec-GK indicate that there is a marked difference in the number of ion pairs in the alpha16 helix. Four ion pairs, termed IP1-IP4, are formed in this helix in the Tk-GK structure. To examine whether these ion pairs contribute to the stabilization of Tk-GK, four Tk-GK and four Ec-GK derivatives with reciprocal mutations at the IP1-IP4 sites were constructed. The determination of their stabilities indicates that the removal of each ion pair does not affect the stability of Tk-GK significantly, whereas the mutations designed to introduce one of these ion pairs stabilize or destabilize Ec-GK considerably. These results suggest that the ion pairs in the alpha16 helix contribute to the stabilization of Tk-GK in a cooperative manner.

Glycerol kinase from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Thermococcus kodakaraensis was crystallized and preliminary crystallographic studies of the crystals were performed. Crystals were grown at 293 K by the sitting-drop vapour-diffusion method. Native X-ray diffraction data were collected to 2.4 A resolution using synchrotron radiation at station BL44XU of SPring-8. The crystal belongs to the rhombohedral space group R3, with unit-cell parameters a = b = 217.48, c = 66.48 A. Assuming the presence of two molecules in the asymmetric unit, the V(M) value was 2.7 A(3) Da(-1) and the solvent content was 54.1%. The protein was also cocrystallized with substrates and diffraction data were collected to 2.7 A resolution.

We report the hybrid integration of quantum dot nanolasers on silicon photonic circuits using transfer printing. The pick-and-place assembly method facilitates the integration of two nanolasers on a single CMOS-processed waveguide that supports two-wavelength output.