Research on a Fault Diagnosis Method for Crankshafts Based on Improved Multi-Scale Permutation Entropy.

As the crucial part of a transmission assembly, the monitoring of the status of the crankshaft is essential for the normal working of a reciprocating machinery system. In consideration of the interaction between crankshaft system components, the fault vibration feature is typically non-stationary and nonlinear, and the single-scale feature extraction method cannot adequately assess the fault features, therefore a novel impact feature extraction method based on genetic algorithms to optimize multi-scale permutation entropy is proposed. Compared with other traditional feature extraction methods, the proposed method illustrates good robustness and high adaptability in the signal processing of crankshaft vibrations. Firstly, the improved complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise (ICEEMDAN) method is developed on the signal to obtain several intrinsic mode function (IMF) components, and the IMF components with a large kurtosis are selected for array reorganization. Then, the parameters of multi-scale permutation entropy (MPE) are optimized based on genetic algorithm (GA), the multi-scale permutation entropy is calculated and the feature vector set is constructed. The feature vector set is input into the support vector machine (SVM) and optimized by a particle swarm optimization (PSO) model for training and final pattern recognition, where the Variational Mode Decomposition(VMD)-GA-MPE with a PSO-SVM recognition model and the ICEEMDAN-MPE with PSO-SVM recognition model without GA optimization are constructed for a comparison with the proposed method. The research result illustrates that the proposed method, which inputs the genetic algorithm optimized multi-scale permutation entropy extracted from the ICEEMDAN decomposition into the PSO-SVM, performs well in impact feature extraction and the pattern recognition of crankshaft vibrations.

How to promote the accessibility of technology in the era of hESC patents-A comparative analysis of the systems of the US and China.

We have entered the era of human embryonic stem cell (hESC) patents and the focus of discussion has shifted to how to rebalance interests. A potential way is to limit hESC patents and seek more effective utilization forms, such as ethical limitation, compulsory licensing, antimonopoly law regulation, experimental exception, and open licensing. This paper compares the restrictive measures in two major hESC markets, the United States and China, and explores the possibility of a balanced interests system.

Modified Stabilization Test to Diagnose Chronic Syndesmotic Injuries Based on Posture Control.

BACKGROUND: To propose and validate a modified noninvasive method for the diagnosis of chronic syndesmotic injuries. METHODS: This study included 16 patients with chronic ankle instability. Herein, we propose the Modified Stabilization Test, a new measurement for use in the diagnosis of chronic syndesmotic injury, as determined by wearing a 60-kPa pneumatic brace. The test combines the center of pressure and sensory organization test to measure postural control. For comparison, we also measured the tibiofibular clear space, tibiofibular overlap, and medial clear space using anteroposterior radiograph; a line marked horizontally above the tibial plaque using computed tomography (CT) to measure the syndesmotic gap and fibular rotation angle; and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to determine the presence of the λ sign. The distance of syndesmosis was confirmed in 16 individuals through arthroscopy, and the results of the examination were used to determine the diagnostic efficacy of each index. RESULTS: Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that the optimal cut-off value, sensitivity, and specificity of the Modified Stabilization Test for the diagnosis of chronic syndesmotic injuries were 0.80, 100%, and 87.5%, respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) of the Modified Stabilization Test was 0.906 (95% CI 0.656, 0.993; P < .001), which was superior to imaging indices such as radiography, CT, and MRI (AUC = 0.516-0.891). CONCLUSION: We developed the Modified Stabilization Test-a noninvasive diagnostic tool for the screening of chronic syndesmotic injuries. The test showed high sensitivity and specificity for the identification of chronic syndesmotic injuries and is helpful in the identification of chronic syndesmotic injuries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, diagnostic-investigating a diagnostic test.

Functional insight into Cordyceps militaris sugar transporters by structure modeling, network analysis and allosteric regulation.

Insights into the structures, functions and dynamics of Cordyceps militaris (C. militaris) sugar transporters are necessary for understanding their versatile metabolic capability for fungal growth. The sequence-function relationship study of 85 C. militaris sugar transporters showed that there is a gap between phylogenetic-based subfamily classification and their functions. Beyond protein sequences, structural modeling and principal component analysis of the structural ensemble revealed the different folds of the Car and Org subfamilies. Performing channel detection and network analysis found that the Alp and Hex subfamilies can be specifically distinguished from others by the betweenness of channel residues. Signature dynamics analysis further suggested that the Hex subfamily demonstrates different dynamics, with high flexibility at the H1 region in TM11. Furthermore, the H1 region as an allosteric site was examined by network parameter calculations that guided allosteric pathways between this region and the channel cavity. Together with gene expression data of C. militaris, e.g., Hex06741 in the Hex subfamily, it was promisingly expressed when sugar utilization was altered. This work demonstrates an in silico framework for investigating C. militaris sugar transporters as an example case study of the allosteric activity of the Hex subfamily and can facilitate sugar transporter engineering design that can further optimize the preferable sugar utilization and fermentation process of C. militaris.

Total Talar Replacement With Custom-Made Vitallium Prosthesis for Talar Avascular Necrosis.

Background: The current study investigated the application of three-dimensional (3D) printing technology in the treatment of talar avascular necrosis (TAN). Custom-made Vitallium talar prostheses were designed and generated via 3D printing. We hypothesized that these talar prostheses would facilitate more stable positioning, better ergonomically fit the ankle joint surfaces, and promote favorable long-term prognoses. Material and Methods: Computed tomography scans of both ankle joints were acquired from three patients diagnosed with TAN. The talar on the unaffected side was used as the design blueprint. Hence, with the aid of 3D printing technology a customized talar prosthesis made from a novel Vitallium alloy could be manufactured for each individual patient. Results: In all three cases there were no signs of prosthesis loosening or substantial degenerative change in the surrounding area of the joint, but small osteophytes were observed on the tibial side and navicular side. No chronic infection or other prosthesis-related complications were observed in any of the patients. All three were able to walk without pain at the most recent follow-up. Conclusion: With the aid of 3D printing and a novel Vitallium alloy, total talar replacement achieved encouraging results in 3/3 patients. All patients were satisfied with their joint function, and were able to return to their daily activities without limitations. Although more cases and longer-term follow-up periods are required, the success rate reported herein is encouraging.

Biomechanical comparison between bioabsorbable and medical titanium screws in distal chevron osteotomy of first metatarsal in hallux valgus treatment.

Polylactic acid (PLA) composite materials have been used for manufacturing surgical internal fixations owing to their satisfactory mechanical strength and absorbability. This, in turn, reduces the pain and risks associated with the secondary operation on patients. Although the mechanical properties of bioabsorbable materials have been considerably enhanced via modifications and optimization, the strength and stiffness of these materials are considerably inferior to those of metals. Therefore, whether PLA fixation can satisfy the required mechanical properties has been a consistent subject of interest in clinical practice. In this study, the mechanical properties of PLA bioabsorbable (Changchun SinoBiomaterials Co., Ltd., China) and titanium hollow screws (Shanghai Carefix Medical Instrument Co., Ltd., China) were compared in hallux valgus surgery with chevron osteotomy. Three-dimensionally printed osteotomy guides were used for cutting the artificial first metatarsal model (SKU3422, Sawbones) to reduce the errors due to the variations in individual bone densities and osteotomy angles; the cut parts were subsequently fixed with the PLA and titanium alloy screws. A digital image correlation system was used to obtain the full-field strain of the specimen to evaluate the mechanical behaviors under static and fatigue loads. The experimental results demonstrated that, by designing a reasonable osteotomy angle, the compressive strength of the specimen with PLA screws under chevron osteotomy can be as high as that of the specimen with titanium screws. Moreover, their stiffness can reach up to 60%-90% that of titanium screws. After 240,000 cycles of compression, the PLA screws maintained their strength and stiffness. These bioabsorbable fixtures can effectively prevent stress shielding under a suitable osteotomy. Hence, as an optimal substitute for metal fixtures, an increase in clinical applications to surgery is anticipated, along with progressive in-depth research on the biomechanical properties of bioabsorbable materials.

Retraction notice to "Tanshinone IIA exerts beneficial effects on fracture healing in vitro and in vivo" [Chem. Biol. Interact. 310 (2019) 108748].

This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (https://www.elsevier.com/about/our-business/policies/article-withdrawal). This article has been retracted at the request of the Editor-in-Chief. There were serious questions about the validity of the data contained in these articles: " … the Western blot bands in … papers are all very regularly spaced and have a smooth appearance in the shape of a dumbbell or tadpole, without any of the usual smudges or stains. All bands are placed on similar looking backgrounds, suggesting they were copy/pasted from other sources, or computer generated". Based on the latter findings, the Editor-in-Chief requested the authors to provide the raw data. However, the authors were not willing and/or able to fulfil this request and therefore the Editor-in-Chief decided to retract the article. As a consequence the writing in this article misled and deceived reviewers and readers of the journal and thus as a whole represents a gross misuse of the scientific publishing system. The scientific community takes a very strong view on this matter and apologies are offered to readers of the journal that this was not detected during the submission process.

A general approach to composites containing nonmetallic fillers and liquid gallium.

We report a versatile method to make liquid metal composites by vigorously mixing gallium (Ga) with non-metallic particles of graphene oxide (G-O), graphite, diamond, and silicon carbide that display either paste or putty-like behavior depending on the volume fraction. Unlike Ga, the putty-like mixtures can be kneaded and rolled on any surface without leaving residue. By changing temperature, these materials can be stiffened, softened, and, for the G-O-containing composite, even made porous. The gallium putty (GalP) containing reduced G-O (rG-O) has excellent electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness. GalP with diamond filler has excellent thermal conductivity and heat transfer superior to a commercial liquid metal-based thermal paste. Composites can also be formed from eutectic alloys of Ga including Ga-In (EGaIn), Ga-Sn (EGaSn), and Ga-In-Sn (EGaInSn or Galinstan). The versatility of our approach allows a variety of fillers to be incorporated in liquid metals, potentially allowing filler-specific "fit for purpose" materials.

Ankle distraction arthroplasty for the treatment of severe ankle arthritis: Case report, technical note, and literature review.

RATIONALE: Widely applied in the treatment of severe ankle arthritis (AA), ankle distraction arthroplasty (ADA) can avoid not only the ankle range of motion loss but also ankle fusion. However, the clinical outcomes of ADA for severe AA are poorly understood. This study aims to present our clinical outcomes of severe AA treated by ADA. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 53-year-old man suffered right ankle sprain 10 years ago, endured right ankle pain and limited movement for 6 years. DIAGNOSIS: The patient was diagnosed as severe AA. INTERVENTIONS: He received ankle distraction arthroplasty. No adjuvant procedures were performed. The visual analog scale (VAS), the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, the short-form (SF)-36 physical component summary (PCS) score and ankle activity score (AAS) were recorded to access the clinical outcomes pre- and postoperatively. Moreover, ankle joint space distance was evaluated on weight-bearing radiographs. OUTCOMES: The patient derived effective pain relief and restored a satisfactory range of movement. There was a 13-month follow-up period after frame removal. The AOFAS score improved from 56 preoperatively to 71 postoperatively. The VAS score decreased from 6 prior to surgery to 1 after surgery. The SF-36 PCS was 47.2 and 71.8 pre- and postoperative, respectively. The AAS scores were improved from 3.4 preoperatively to 7.3 postoperatively. LESSONS: ADA is reliable to achieve pain relief, functional recovery, and serve AA resolution. Besides, it is an alternative to ankle arthrodesis or total ankle arthroplasty in selected patients with severe AA.

Musculoskeletal ultrasonography combined with electromyography in the diagnosis of massage-inducted lateral plantar nerve injury: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: It is well known that foot massage is a very prevalent stress relief method in China. Literatures have reported various massage-inducted peripheral nerve injuries. However, massage-inducted lateral plantar nerve (LPN) injury is very rare. Here, we represent an unusual case of massage-inducted LPN damage, and we also report the diagnostic method of this patient using musculoskeletal ultrasonography combined with electromyography (EMG). PATIENT CONCERNS: A 21-year-old woman presented symptoms of redness, swelling, pain and numbness in the medial right ankle joint for 2 days. DIAGNOSIS: The results of musculoskeletal ultrasonography and EMG provide great help for doctors to make accurate diagnosis. The patient was eventually diagnosed with LPN injury. INTERVENTIONS: No further foot massage was allowed. Vitamin B12 was taken orally for 2 months. Conservative therapy, including electrical stimulation therapy and infrared therapy, was conducted. Besides, active rehabilitation training was also performed. OUTCOMES: The discomfort symptoms were relieved significantly after 2 months conservative treatment. Clinical symptoms and EMG examination illustrated satisfactory result during follow up time. CONCLUSION: The report showed that the masseur should be very careful when doing foot massage to prevent nerve damage. Besides, musculoskeletal ultrasonography combined with EMG can provide important evidence for accurate and effective diagnosis of LPN injury.

The Electromagnetic Absorption of a Na-Ethylenediamine Graphite Intercalation Compound.

A sodium-ethylenediamine graphite intercalation compound (Na(ethylenediamine)C15: "GIC") made from graphite flakes was used to study the microwave absorption performance of a GIC for the first time. Compared with the pristine graphite flakes, the neighboring layers in this GIC are pillared by Na(ethylenediamine)+ and possess a larger layer distance and improved electrical conductivity. Owing to the electrical conductivity of this GIC, only half of the loading content, compared to graphite flakes, is needed to achieve an outstanding absorption of -75.6 dB at 9.25 GHz (10.0 wt % GIC in paraffin in a 4.0 mm thick sample), but for graphite, 20.0 wt % is required for an absorption of -37.6 dB.

RETRACTED: Tanshinone IIA exerts beneficial effects on fracture healing in vitro and in vivo.

This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (https://www.elsevier.com/about/our-business/policies/article-withdrawal). This article has been retracted at the request of the Editor-in-Chief. There were serious questions about the validity of the data contained in these articles: "... the Western blot bands in ... papers are all very regularly spaced and have a smooth appearance in the shape of a dumbbell or tadpole, without any of the usual smudges or stains. All bands are placed on similar looking backgrounds, suggesting they were copy/pasted from other sources, or computer generated". Based on the latter findings, the Editor-in-Chief requested the authors to provide the raw data. However, the authors were not willing and/or able to fulfil this request and therefore the Editor-in-Chief decided to retract the article. As a consequence the writing in this article misled and deceived reviewers and readers of the journal and thus as a whole represents a gross misuse of the scientific publishing system. The scientific community takes a very strong view on this matter and apologies are offered to readers of the journal that this was not detected during the submission process.

Degradable poly-L-lysine-modified PLGA cell microcarriers with excellent antibacterial and osteogenic activity.

The surface modification of polymeric materials has become critical for improving the bone repair capability of materials. In this study, we used a poly-L-lysine (PLL) coating method to prepare functional poly (lactic acid-glycolic acid) (PLGA) cell microcarriers, and bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP-7) and ponericin G1 were immobilized on the surface of microcarriers. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM), water contact angle measurement, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) was used to analyse the surface morphology of PLL-modified PLGA microcarriers (PLL@PLGA) and their ability to promote mineralization. At the same time, the growth factor binding efficiency and antimicrobial activity of the microcarriers were studied. The effects of microcarriers on cell behaviors were evaluated by cultivating MC3T3-E1 cells on different microcarriers. The results showed that the hydrophilicity, protein adsorption, and mineralization induction capability of the microcarriers were significantly improved by PLL surface modification. The biological experiments revealed that BMP-7 and ponericin G1 immobilized-PLL modified microcarriers can effectively inhibit the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms while enhancing the ability of the microcarriers to promote cell proliferation and osteogenesis differentiation. Therefore, we believe that PLL-modified PLGA cell microcarriers loaded with BMP-7 and ponericin G1 (PLL@PLGA/BMP-7/ponericin G1) have great potential in the field of bone repair.

Lipopolysaccharides-mediated injury to chondrogenic ATDC5 cells can be relieved by Sinomenine via downregulating microRNA-192.

Sinomenine (SIN) is an isoquinoline derived from Caulis Sinomenii that has been used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis for several decades in China. This study aims to reveal the effects of SIN on mouse chondrogenic ATDC5 cells growth and inflammation. SIN was used to treat ATDC5 cells injured by lipopolysaccharides (LPS). The following parameters were determined for evaluating the treatment effects of SIN: cell viability, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species generation, and pro-inflammatory cytokines release. Besides, the expression of LPS-sensitive miRNA (miR-192) and the activation of NF-κB and MAPK signaling were studied to explain SIN's function. SIN with concentration of 30 µM significantly attenuated LPS-induced cell damage via increasing cell viability, inhibiting apoptosis and reactive oxygen species generation, and declining IL-6 and TNF-α release. miR-192 was downregulated by SIN treatment. Restoration of miR-192 expression by miRNA transfection could significantly impede SIN's protective action. Besides, the inhibitory effects of SIN on the activation of NF-κB and MAPK signaling were attenuated by miR-192 overexpression. Furthermore, GDF11 was found to be a target gene of miR-192. LPS-mediated injury to chondrogenic ATDC5 cells can be relieved by SIN via downregulating miR-192 and subsequently repressing the activation of NF-κB and MAPK signaling.

Kaempferol promotes proliferation, migration and differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells via up-regulation of microRNA-101.

Osteoblast has been found to exert indispensable functions during fracture healing. This study aimed to investigate the effects of kaempferol, a natural flavonoid compound, on osteoblast proliferation, migration and differentiation, as well as possible molecular mechanisms. qRT-PCR was performed to measure the expression level of microRNA-101 (miR-101). Cell viability and migration were respectively assessed using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and two-chamber migration assay. Relative alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was evaluated using p-nitrophenyl phosphate (pNPP) as substrate. Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression levels of key molecules involved in cell proliferation, migration, differentiation, and Wnt/ß-catenin pathway. Kaempferol treatment significantly promoted MC3T3-E1 cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Mechanistically, kaempferol notably enhanced the expression level of miR-101 in MC3T3-E1 cells. Knockdown of miR-101 obviously weakened the promoting effects of kaempferol on MC3T3-E1 cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. In addition, kaempferol remarkably activated Wnt/ß-catenin pathway in MC3T3-E1 cells via up-regulating miR-101. This research further confirmed the promoting effects of kaempferol on osteoblast proliferation, migration, and differentiation. The up-regulation of miR-101 and activation of Wnt/ß-catenin pathway caused by kaempferol play critical roles in the promoting effects of kaempferol on osteoblast proliferation, migration, and differentiation.

Accurate Osteotomy for the Treatment of a Rare Case of Postaxial Polydactyly of the Foot That Originated From a Deformed Calcaneus Using a 3D-Printed Guiding Plate.

Polydactyly is a common congenital deformity of the foot that can be categorized as preaxial, central, or postaxial. Current treatments involve resecting the supernumerary toe(s) and repairing the normal toe(s) and soft tissue. Here, we present the first published report describing a very rare case of polydactyly of the foot, in which the supernumerary toe originated from a deformed calcaneus, which formed an abnormal bony bump. Preoperatively, 3-dimensional (3D) computed tomography reconstruction images revealed the morphology of the deformed toe and calcaneus, and gait analysis showed an abnormal weightbearing zone in the left foot. The 3D printing technology and a specially designed 3D-printed guiding plate were used for osteotomy. Postoperatively, x-ray showed that the calcaneus had a normal shape and surface, whereas gait analysis showed that the left foot was uniformly loaded and the area of pain was eliminated. Our findings should raise awareness among clinicians that a 3D-printed guiding plate is useful in the treatment of such an unusual deformity.

Calcium Phosphate Cement loaded with 10% vancomycin delivering high early and late local antibiotic concentration in vitro.

BACKGROUND: Antibiotics impregnated calcium phosphate cement (CPC) has emerged as a local treatment of osteomyelitis. However, there is no study investigating the optimal concentrations of vancomycin (VCM) included in CPC to obtain prolonged drug release (≥8 weeks) and also with enough compressive strength (>the normal cancellous bone, 11MPa) for osteomyelitis therapy. Therefore, we bring forward two questions: 1) Was antibiotic activity of the eluates correlated to the load of antibiotics within the cement? 2) Were the mechanical properties of CPC affected by VCM-loading? HYPOTHESIZED: There was an optimal concentrations of vancomycin (VCM) loaded in CPC which could provide sufficient effective antibacterial time (≥8 weeks) and enough compressive strength (>11MPa). MATERIALS AND METHODS: CPC specimens were obtained by incorporating different doses (weigh ratios of 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25 and 30%) of injectable VCM into CPC. The antibacterial effect of released VCM solution against Staphylococcus aureus was assessed by inhibition ring assays. The physicochemical properties such as compressive strengths were characterized and compared among these specimens. RESULTS: Drug release profiles showed only 5 and 10% VCM-loaded CPC displayed a long enough drug release time (at least 8 weeks) and maintained the eluate concentrations (>4µg/mL) with effective antibacterial ability. The concentration of VCM in 10% group at 8th week was twice higher than 5% group. Compressive strength test showed that the proportional increase of VCM/CPC ratios resulted in a significant decrease of compressive strength (r=-0.906, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: 10% VCM-loaded CPC offered the optimal physicochemical properties and drug releasing profile and appears as the most suitable concentration for clinical use. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Graphite Intercalation by Mg Diamine Complexes.

The first structural and compositional details of a low-stage graphite interaction compound (GIC) containing Mg are reported, with the GIC obtained by combining magnesium metal and graphite powder in ethylenediamine (en) at 100 °C under an inert atmosphere. Thermal analyses indicate the bottle-green stage 1 product has a composition of [Mg(en)1.0]C13. X-ray diffraction shows a c-axis expansion of 0.55 nm, indicating the presence of intercalate monolayers with the en cointercalate oriented perpendicular to the encasing graphene layers. Redox titration indicates two electrons are transferred per Mg. A structural model is proposed with dimeric [Mg2(en)2]2+ intercalate species.

Pillared graphite anodes for reversible sodiation.

There has been a major effort recently to develop new rechargeable sodium-ion electrodes. In lithium ion batteries, LiC6 forms from graphite and desolvated Li cations during the first charge. With sodium ions, graphite only shows a significant capacity when Na+ intercalates as a solvated complex, resulting in ternary graphite intercalation compounds (GICs). Although this chemistry has been shown to be highly reversible and to support high rates in small test cells, these GICs can require >250% volume expansion and contraction during cycling. Here we demonstrate the first example of GICs that reversibly sodiate/desodiate without any significant volume change. These pillared GICs are obtained by electrochemical reduction of graphite in an ether/amine co-solvent electrolyte. The initial gallery expansion, 0.36 nm, is less than half of that in diglyme-based systems, and shows a similar capacity. Thermal analyses suggest the pillaring phenomenon arises from stronger co-intercalate interactions in the GIC galleries.

Preparation of Graphite Intercalation Compounds Containing Crown Ethers.

Crown ethers are well established as cointercalates in many layered hosts, but there are no reports of crown ethers incorporated into graphite. Here, we describe the preparation of the first graphite intercalation compounds (GICs) containing crown ethers. These GICs are obtained either by reductive intercalation of an alkali metal-amine complex followed by cointercalate exchange or by the direct reaction of graphite with a crown ether, alkali metal, and an electrocatalyst. Structural and compositional characterization of these new GICs using powder X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, and GC/MS indicates the formation of well-ordered, stage-1 bilayer galleries.