Search

Background: Dynamic contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (DCE‐US) is highly susceptible to motion artifacts arising from patient movement, respiration, and operator handling and experience. Motion artifacts can be especially problematic in the context of perfusion quantification. In conventional 2D DCE‐US, motion correction (MC) algorithms take advantage of accompanying side‐by‐side anatomical B‐Mode images that contain time‐stable features. However, current commercial models of 3D DCE‐US do not provide side‐by‐side B‐Mode images, which makes MC challenging. Purpose: This work introduces a novel MC algorithm for 3D DCE‐US and assesses its efficacy when handling clinical data sets. Methods: In brief, the algorithm uses a pyramidal approach whereby short temporal windows consisting of three consecutive frames are created to perform local registrations, which are then registered to a master reference derived from a weighted average of all frames. We applied the algorithm to imaging studies from eight patients with metastatic lesions in the liver and assessed improvements in original versus motion corrected 3D DCE‐US cine using: (i) frame‐to‐frame volumetric overlap of segmented lesions, (ii) normalized correlation coefficient (NCC) between frames (similarity analysis), and (iii) sum of squared errors (SSE), root‐mean‐squared error (RMSE), and r‐squared (R2) quality‐of‐fit from fitted time‐intensity curves (TIC) extracted from a segmented lesion. Results: We noted improvements in frame‐to‐frame lesion overlap across all patients, from 68% ± 13% without correction to 83% ± 3% with MC (p = 0.023). Frame‐to‐frame similarity as assessed by NCC also improved on two different sets of time points from 0.694 ± 0.057 (original cine) to 0.862 ± 0.049 (corresponding MC cine) and 0.723 ± 0.066 to 0.886 ± 0.036 (p ≤ 0.001 for both). TIC analysis displayed a significant decrease in RMSE (p = 0.018) and a significant increase in R2 goodness‐of‐fit (p = 0.029) for the patient cohort. Conclusions: Overall, results suggest decreases in 3D DCE‐US motion after applying the proposed algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intestinal homeostasis results from the proper interplay among epithelial cells, the enteric nervous system (ENS), interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs), smooth muscle cells, the immune system, and the microbiota. The disruption of this balance underpins the onset of gastrointestinal-related diseases. The scarcity of models replicating the intricate interplay between the ENS and the intestinal epithelium highlights the imperative for developing novel methods. We have pioneered a sophisticated tridimensional in vitro technique, coculturing small intestinal organoids with myenteric and submucosal neurons. Notably, we have made significant advances in (1) refining the isolation technique for culturing the myenteric plexus, (2) enhancing the isolation of the submucosal plexus—both yielding mixed cultures of enteric neurons and glial cells from both plexuses, and (3) subsequently co-culturing myenteric and submucosal neurons with small intestinal organoids. This co-culture system establishes neural innervations with intestinal organoids, allowing for the investigation of regulatory interactions in the context of gastrointestinal diseases. Furthermore, we have developed a method for microinjecting the luminal space of small intestinal organoids with fluorescently labeled compounds. This technique possesses broad applicability such as the assessment of intestinal permeability, transcytosis, and immunocytochemical and immunofluorescence applications. This microinjection method could be extended to alternative experimental setups, incorporating bacterial species, or applying treatments to study ENS-small intestinal epithelium interactions. Therefore, this technique serves as a valuable tool for evaluating the intricate interplay between neuronal and intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) and shows great potential for drug screening, gene editing, the development of novel therapies, the modeling of infectious diseases, and significant advances in regenerative medicine. The co-culture establishment process spans twelve days, making it a powerful asset for comprehensive research in this critical field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review addresses the need for innovative co-culture systems integrating the enteric nervous system (ENS) with intestinal organoids. The breakthroughs achieved through these techniques will pave the way for a transformative era in gastrointestinal (GI) disease modeling and treatment strategies. This review serves as an introduction to the companion protocol paper featured in this journal. The protocol outlines the isolation and co-culture of myenteric and submucosal neurons with small intestinal organoids. This review provides an overview of the intestinal organoid culture field to establish a solid foundation for effective protocol application. Remarkably, the ENS surpasses the number of neurons in the spinal cord. Referred to as the "second brain", the ENS orchestrates pivotal roles in GI functions, including motility, blood flow, and secretion. The ENS is organized into myenteric and submucosal plexuses. These plexuses house diverse subtypes of neurons. Due to its proximity to the gut musculature and its cell type complexity, there are methodological intricacies in studying the ENS. Diverse approaches such as primary cell cultures, three-dimensional (3D) neurospheres, and induced ENS cells offer diverse insights into the multifaceted functionality of the ENS. The ENS exhibits dynamic interactions with the intestinal epithelium, the muscle layer, and the immune system, influencing epithelial physiology, motility, immune responses, and the microbiome. Neurotransmitters, including acetylcholine (ACh), serotonin (5-HT), and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), play pivotal roles in these intricate interactions. Understanding these dynamics is imperative, as the ENS is implicated in various diseases, ranging from neuropathies to GI disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. The emergence of organoid technology presents an unprecedented opportunity to study ENS interactions within the complex milieu of the small and large intestines. This manuscript underscores the urgent need for standardized protocols and advanced techniques to unravel the complexities of the ENS and its dynamic relationship with the gut ecosystem. The insights gleaned from such endeavors hold the potential to revolutionize GI disease modeling and treatment paradigms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on a three-dimensional (3D) underwater analysis, the objective of the present study was to identify the biomechanical variables the most associated with turn times in 10 elite female swimmers. For each participant (95.7 ± 2.6% of the 200 m freestyle world record), the best-time turn (from 3 m in to 3 m out, 2.89 ± 0.08 s) was analysed from a three-dimensional (3D) direct linear transformation kinematical reconstruction and the use of a piezoelectric force platform. Bivariate analysis showed that lateral impulse was linked to turn time (r = -0.76, p = 0.01) as well as horizontal velocities at end of the glide and swim resumption (respectively, 1.88 ± 0.2 m·s−1 and 1.48 ± 0.15 m·s−1; r = -0.67 and -0.68; p < 0.05 for both variables). One variable was considered relevant in the best Lasso (Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator) model: the lateral impulse (8.8 ± 5.1 N·s) during the placement sub-phase.The best tumble turn times were associated with higher lateral impulse during the placement and faster velocities during the underwater actions. The lateral impulse may reflect the swimmers' longitudinal rotation which was higher for the fastest swimmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A three‐dimensional (3D) P‐wave seismic velocity (Vp) model of the crust in the northern South China Sea margin drilled by IODP Expeditions 367/368/368X has been obtained with first‐arrival travel‐time tomography using wide‐angle seismic data from a network of 49 OBSs and 11 air‐gun shot lines. The 3D Vp distribution constrains the extent, structure and nature of the continental, continent to ocean transition (COT), and oceanic domains. Continental crust laterally ranges in thickness from ∼8 to 20 km, a ∼20 km‐width COT contains no evidence of exhumed mantle, and crust with clear oceanic seismic structure ranges in thickness from ∼4.5 to 9 km. A high‐velocity (7.0–7.5 km/s) lower crust (HVLC) ranges in thickness from ∼1 to 9 km across the continental and COT domains, which is interpreted as a proxy of syn‐rift and syn‐breakup magma associated to underplating and/or intrusions. Continental crust thinning style is abrupter in the NE segment and gradual in the SW segment. Abrupter continental thinning exhibits thicker HVLC at stretching factor (β) < ∼3, whereas gentler thinning associates to thinner HVLC at β > ∼4. Opening of the NE segment thus occurred by comparatively increased magmatism, whereas tectonic extension was more important in the SW segment. The Vp distribution shows the changes in deformation and magmatism are abrupt along the strike of the margin, with the segments possibly bounded by a transfer fault system. No conventional model explains the structure and segmentation of tectonic and magmatic processes. Local inherited lithospheric heterogeneities during rifting may have modulated the contrasting opening styles. Plain Language Summary: Rapid transition from continent to ocean at the northern South China Sea has been found by IODP Expeditions 367/368/368X through seven drilling sites, but where and how the transition occurred along the strike of the rifted margin is still debated. A three‐dimensional (3D) P‐wave seismic velocity (Vp) model is therefore constructed with first‐arrival travel‐time tomography using wide‐angle seismic data from a network of 49 OBSs and 11 air‐gun shot lines. In combination with other geophysical and geological data, we reveal the geometry of a comparatively narrow continent to ocean transition zone of ∼20 km in width and the significant along‐strike variation in the continental crust thinning style and magma generation. Furthermore, a transfer fault system has been inferred to possibly separate the NE tectono‐magmatic segment from the SW tectonic‐dominated segment. The segmentation in tectonic and magmatic domains supports that local inherited lithospheric heterogeneities may have led to the different opening styles during rift‐to‐drift process. Key Points: Crustal structure at the northern South China Sea drilled by IODP Expeditions 367/368/368X is unraveled by 3D controlled‐source tomographyAbrupt along‐strike change in deformation and magmatism from the NE tectono‐magmatic segment to the SW tectonic‐dominated segment is foundLocal inherited lithospheric heterogeneities may have caused the along‐strike segmentation and the resultant contrasting opening styles [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: To report the first endothelial keratoplasty procedures performed using a 3D digital head-mounted ophthalmic exoscope. Methods: Three patients underwent Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) using a 3D digital ophthalmic exoscope (Beyeonics One, Beyeonics Vision, Haifa, Israel) at the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel. Results: All procedures were uneventful, leading to resolution of corneal edema and vision improvement. Surgeons reported excellent visualization and minimal lag, almost negligible, with the benefits of improved ergonomics and the use of head gestures to control zoom, focus, brightness, and panning. There were no postoperative complications. Conclusion: The new 3D digital ophthalmic exoscope system can be successfully used in DSAEK surgery with potential advantages in ergonomics, picture quality, and image control. Further studies can compare this system with either standard operating microscopes or 3D heads-up display systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High frame rate three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound imaging would offer excellent possibilities for the accurate assessment of carotid artery diseases. This calls for a matrix transducer with a large aperture and a vast number of elements. Such a matrix transducer should be interfaced with an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) for channel reduction. However, the fabrication of such a transducer integrated with one very large ASIC is very challenging and expensive. In this study, we develop a prototype matrix transducer mounted on top of multiple identical ASICs in a tiled configuration. The matrix was designed to have 7680 piezoelectric elements with a pitch of 300 μm × 150 μm integrated with an array of 8 × 1 tiled ASICs. The performance of the prototype is characterized by a series of measurements. The transducer exhibits a uniform behavior with the majority of the elements working within the −6 dB sensitivity range. In transmit, the individual elements show a center frequency of 7.5 MHz, a −6 dB bandwidth of 45%, and a transmit efficiency of 30 Pa/V at 200 mm. In receive, the dynamic range is 81 dB, and the minimum detectable pressure is 60 Pa per element. To demonstrate the imaging capabilities, we acquired 3D images using a commercial wire phantom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although three-dimensional (3D) co-culture of gingival keratinocytes and fibroblasts-populated collagen gel can mimic 3D structure of in vivo tissue, the uncontrolled contraction of collagen gel restricts its application in clinical and experimental practices. We here established a stable 3D gingival tissue equivalent (GTE) using hTERT-immortalized gingival fibroblasts (hGFBs)-populated collagen gel directly crosslinked with genipin/cytochalasin D and seeding hTERT-immortalized gingival keratinocytes (TIGKs) on the upper surface for a 2-week air–liquid interface co-culture. MTT assay was used to measure the cell viability of GTEs. GTE size was monitored following culture period, and the contraction was analyzed. Immunohistochemical assay was used to analyze GTE structure. qRT-PCR was conducted to examine the mRNA expression of keratinocyte-specific genes. Fifty µM genipin (G50) or combination (G + C) of G50 and 100 nM cytochalasin D significantly inhibited GTE contraction. Additionally, a higher cell viability appeared in GTEs crosslinked with G50 or G + C. GTEs crosslinked with genipin/cytochalasin D showed a distinct multilayered stratified epithelium that expressed keratinocyte-specific genes similar to native gingiva. Collagen directly crosslinked with G50 or G + C significantly reduced GTE contraction without damaging the epithelium. In summary, the TIGKs and hGFBs can successfully form organotypic multilayered cultures, which can be a valuable tool in the research regarding periodontal disease as well as oral mucosa disease. We conclude that genipin is a promising crosslinker with the ability to reduce collagen contraction while maintaining normal cell function in collagen-based oral tissue engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three-dimensional (3D) synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images can provide comprehensive 3D spatial information for environmental monitoring, high dimensional mapping and radar cross sectional (RCS) measurement. However, the SAR image obtained by the traditional matched filtering (MF) method has a high sidelobe and is easily disturbed by noise. In order to obtain high-quality 3D SAR images, sparse signal processing has been used in SAR imaging in recent years. However, the typical L 1 regularization model is a biased estimation, which tends to underestimate the target intensity. Therefore, in this article, we present a 3D sparse SAR image reconstruction method combining the Cauchy penalty and improved alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM). The Cauchy penalty is a non-convex penalty function, which can estimate the target intensity more accurately than L 1 . At the same time, the objective function maintains convexity via the convex non-convex (CNC) strategy. Compared with L 1 regularization, the proposed method can reconstruct the image more accurately and improve the image quality. Finally, three indexes suitable for SAR images are used to evaluate the performance of the method under different conditions. Simulation and experimental results verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Treatment of the free-surface pressure boundary (FSPB) remains a challenge for the three-dimensional (3D) nonhydrostatic hydrodynamic models using a vertical staggered-grid variable arrangement. Through the tests of the small-amplitude wave, it was found that the pressure of the top layer of the vertical grid is semihydrostatic for vertical staggered-grid nonhydrostatic models. Based on this finding, a modified ghost-cell FSPB treatment is proposed and a fully nonhydrostatic staggered-grid model developed. The new method is simple and easy to implement, and has the self-calibration property of its parameters. The model was further tested using a laboratory experiment of nonlinear waves propagating over a bar toward a beach. Sensitivity studies of model parameters and grid scales were performed. The vertical staggered-grid model using the new FSPB treatment is shown to require only coarse vertical grids to achieve accurate simulations of nonhydrostatic free-surface flows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the three-dimensional (3D) position of the cervical vertebrae of growing subjects with unilateral posterior crossbite (UPC). Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of 1455 patients were screened, and ultimately 58 scans (26 patients with UPC and 32 controls with normal occlusion) were included after imposing inclusion/exclusion criteria. Roll, yaw, and deviation of the geometric center of C1, C2, and C3 vertebrae were measured and compared between groups. A correlation between these parameters and different variables on mandibular positioning was also carried out. Results: A statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) was observed between groups for the deviation of pogonium (Pog), mandibular plane roll, and C3 roll, and patients with UPC showed higher cant or deviation. A significant correlation was reported for the roll of C2 and C3 with the deviation of Pog, a roll of the occlusal plane, and roll of the mandibular plane (p < 0.05). The greater the deviation of the Pog to one side, the greater the roll of the vertebrae with this same side up. The same tendency was observed between the roll of the occlusal plane or the mandibular plane with the roll of these cervical vertebrae. Conclusions: There is a positive correlation between transverse occlusal changes and positional deviations of the cervical vertebrae, especially C2 and C3. Clinical relevance: The study results do not allow us to infer the clinical/functional consequences of these deviations, as well as if malocclusion's treatment would result in an improvement of intervertebral relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel, 3D agent-based model simulated the COVID-19 Omicron spread in Hong Kong • Stringent interventions would be most effective during the peak time of the Omicron wave • Flexible long-term strategies may be needed for managing future infectious diseases We simulated the COVID-19 Omicron spread in Hong Kong, China, by building a novel three-dimensional agent-based model that incorporates its vertically expanded, hyperdense urban environment. The model examined the effectiveness of the 'zero-COVID' interventions (i.e., Compulsory Universal Testing (CUT) and citywide lockdown) that were for debate during the Omicron wave in Hong Kong. We found that such stringent interventions would be effective only with even faster and stricter implementation. Therefore, flexible long-term strategies should also be considered to contain and prevent future infectious diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this study was to measure the mediastinal-thoracic volume ratio (CTR_VOL) on PMCT as a more accurate version of traditional CTR, in order to assess the terminal positional relationship between the heart and lungs in the different causes of death with regard to age, gender, BMI, cardiomegaly, and lung expansion. Materials: Two hundred fifty consecutive postmortem cases with pre-autopsy PMCT and full forensic autopsy were retrospectively evaluated. The lungs and the mediastinum were manually segmented on the PMCT data and the correspondent volumes were estimated in situ. CTR_VOL was calculated as the ratio of the mediastinal to the thoracic volume. The volume measurements were repeated by the same rater for the evaluation of the intrarater reliability. Age, gender, body weight and height, heart weight at autopsy, and cause of death were retrieved from the autopsy reports. Presence of lung expansion was radiologically evaluated in situ. Results: CTR_VOL was positively associated with age and BMI but not with gender and was higher for cardiomegaly compared to normal hearts, lower for asphyxiation-related deaths compared to cardiac deaths and intoxications, and lower for cases with lung expansion. The intrarater reliability was excellent for the calculated volumes of both lungs and mediastinum. Conclusion: The results of the present study support CTR_VOL as a tool to assess the relationship between the heart and lungs in situ, which differs significantly between the studied cause of death categories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Only a few studies in the literature have focused on the effects of age on fatigue susceptibility and hand operation performance in virtual environments, and even less research has been carried out focusing on older adults. This study aimed to assess the hand movement performance in a virtual environment with two group measures, including visual fatigue and depth perception. A total of 10 adults (5 young adults and 5 older adults) participated in this study. This study was conducted in the following order: pre-CFF measurement, performance of a Fitts' Law task with stereoscopic viewing, post-CFF measurement every 10 min (during task), and recording of task movement time and error rate after each condition of the task. This study found significant effects of age and task index of difficulty on hand movement. Compared to the older adults, the young adults appeared to have better hand movement performance. Regarding eye fatigue, eye fatigue was significantly higher at binocular parallax of 9 cm than at 6 cm and 3 cm. Surprisingly, age had a significant effect on hand movement performance but not on visual fatigue. This study suggests that the operation time should be less than 20 min and that parallax should be 6 cm (visual angle = 1.38 degrees) to prevent visual fatigue when movement tasks are performed in a virtual environment. These data highlight the potential for age-related differences in hand movement performance during the performance of tasks in which fast and accurate selection are required in combination with the manipulation of 3D objects in a virtual environment, and the study provides directions for further exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A compact dual-passband three-dimensional (3D) frequency selective surface (FSS) is proposed based on multiple square coaxial waveguides (SCWs), which exhibits good angular stability and both-side fast roll-off characteristics. The unit cell of the proposed 3D FSS is composed of one parallel plate waveguide (PPW) propagation path and two SCW propagation paths. By etching a centered annular slot, each SCW path forms two identical short SCWs. Each short SCW inherently generates one square slot resonance. In each SCW path, on the account of electromagnetic coupling between two square slot resonators provided by two short SCWs, the square slot resonant mode will split into even-/oddresonant modes. Accordingly, each SCW path can provide a flat second-order passband with two transmission poles. Due to the reflection and out of phase of electromagnetic waves, four transmission zeros located at both sides of the passbands are introduced for high frequency selectivity, realizing both-side fast roll-off performances. In order to explain the operating principle, the electricfield distributions at transmission-zero/pole frequencies are investigated. Finally, an FSS prototype is fabricated and measured, and the results exhibit good angular stability for both TE and TM polarizations under incident angles from 0° to 60°. In addition, the proposed 3D FSS has a compact unit cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is devoted to advancing hydroenvironmental modeling of large-scale shallow water systems to the times of three-dimensional (3D) simulations, where the solution of advective transport of scalar is the focus. The solution to the transport model is demonstrated using a semi-implicit hydrostatic 3D flow model, which uses an Eulerian–Lagrangian method (ELM) and a prediction-correction method. A new 3D scalar advection scheme, the 3D flux-form ELM (FFELM), is proposed based on layer-integrated advection subequations. The new scheme allows large time steps for which the Courant number is greater than 1 and is parallelizable. A grid sensitivity study is performed using a solid-body rotation experiment, in which the FFELM is indicated to achieve the performance of second-order accuracy advection schemes and run stably under a time step for which the Courant number is much larger than 1. Moreover, a nested FFELM (FFELM-N) is proposed, in which the trajectory-tracking information of the ELM in the 3D flow model is reused to reduce the startup cost of the transport model. The new model is also tested using the real Jing-Dongting (JDT) river–lake system, for which the computational domain (3,900 km2 in the horizontal) is divided by a computational grid of 327,820×10 cells. A parallel run of the transport model (using 16 cores) is approximately 10 times faster than a sequential run. The runtime of the transport model using the FFELM-N is reduced to one-third that using the FFELM in both sequential and parallel tests. Using 16 cores, it takes 6.02 days to complete the calculation of a one-year unsteady process of flow and scalar transport in the JDT system, for which the runtime of the transport model using the FFELM-N is only 1.28 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A three-dimensional (3D) activated framework carbon (3D AFC) was prepared in our research group and applied to adsorb U(VI) from radioactive waste water. Meanwhile, The effects of solid–liquid ratio, contact time, pH value, ionic strength and ionic concentration of adsorbate on the adsorption of U(VI) by the 3D AFC were studied. The calculated maximum adsorption capacity of 3D AFC was 127.5 mg/g under the condition that pH was 5.8. Combined with the properties of excellent three-dimensional network structure, simple synthesis methodology, and the adsorption capacity for U(VI), 3D AFC is considered to be feasible for recycling U(VI) from waste water solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) enable the visualization of three-dimensional (3D) microstructures ranging from atomic to micrometer scales using 3D reconstruction techniques based on computed tomography algorithms. This 3D microscopy method is called electron tomography (ET) and has been utilized in the fields of materials science and engineering for more than two decades. Although atomic resolution is one of the current topics in ET research, the development and deployment of intermediate-resolution (non-atomic-resolution) ET imaging methods have garnered considerable attention from researchers. This research trend is probably not irrelevant due to the fact that the spatial resolution and functionality of 3D imaging methods of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray microscopy have come to overlap with those of ET. In other words, there may be multiple ways to carry out 3D visualization using different microscopy methods for nanometer-scale objects in materials. From the above standpoint, this review paper aims to (i) describe the current status and issues of intermediate-resolution ET with regard to enhancing the effectiveness of TEM/STEM imaging and (ii) discuss promising applications of state-of-the-art intermediate-resolution ET for materials research with a particular focus on diffraction contrast ET for crystalline microstructures (superlattice domains and dislocations) including a demonstration of in situ dislocation tomography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Three-dimensional (3D) laparoscopic surgery is becoming more popular with the development of laparoscopic devices. The objective of this study was to explore whether the 3D imaging system could improve surgical outcomes of laparoscopic surgery for gastrointestinal cancer compared with the 2D imaging system. Methods: Systematic literature search was performed using PubMed and Embase databases and relevant data were extracted. Surgical quality, postoperative complications, and postoperative recovery between 3D and 2D laparoscopic surgery groups were compared using a fixed or random effect model. Results: A total of 12 studies involving 1456 patients (3D group 683 patients and 2D group 773 patients) were included in this meta-analysis. The results indicated that mean operation time was significantly shorter in 3D group than in 2D group (WMD, − 9.08; 95% CI, − 14.77, − 3.40; P = 0.002; I2 = 70.3%), especially for gastric cancer patients (WMD, − 14.61; 95% CI, − 26.00, − 3.23, P = 0.012; I2 = 74.1%). In addition, 3D laparoscopic surgery for gastric cancer had an advantage than 2D group in reducing the amount of intraoperative blood loss (WMD, − 13.60, 95% CI, − 21.48, − 5.72; P = 0.001; I2 = 0%). The number of retrieved lymph nodes in 3D group was not significantly different from that in 2D group, regardless of laparoscopic gastrectomy (WMD, 1.10; 95% CI, − 0.67, 2.88; P = 0.222; I2 = 18.8%) and laparoscopic colorectal surgery (WMD, 0.55, 95% CI; − 1.99, 3.09; P = 0.671; I2 = 76.9%). In addition, there was no significant difference between 3D and 2D laparoscopic surgery for postoperative complications and postoperative recovery. Conclusion: Main advantages of 3D laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer were that it could shorten the operation time and reduce the amount of intraoperative blood loss. However, 3D laparoscopic surgery had no obvious advantage over 2D laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three-dimensional structure and growth can be more appropriately realized through a nanomanufacturing process that uses a mask patterning and etching process. Unlike conventional single-wavelength semiconductor lighting sources, the uniformity and reproducibility of the nanomolding process in this study enable multiple wavelengths to be used in lighting and display applications. This study shows the various wavelength characteristics through a newly developed nanomold and its nanorod array and also proves the feasibility of a white light without phosphors for emitting multiple wavelengths from a single chip. In this study, we proposed the possibility of wavelength control by fabricating a light-emitting diode with a three-dimensional nanostructure, using a nanomold with semiconductor processing. A nonlinear etching method has been applied that changes the conditions during etching. The improved etch conditions were applied at various nanomold depths, and nanomolds at depths of 2 and 3 μm had a high verticality. The wavelength of emitted light changes from 450 to 540 nm as the pitch of the nanorods increases. It can be assumed that the change in the wavelength with an increasing nanorod pitch is attributed to the compositional change of indium constituting the light-emitting layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

S-bend waveguides with low-loss and downscaled footprints are indispensable devices in photonic integrated circuits (PICs). In this study, two low-loss 3D S-bend waveguides are designed. The simulation results for communication band (1530–1570 nm) reveal that two 3D S-bend waveguides with inner height of 2300/2400/2500 nm (1000/1100/1200 nm lower than the outer height of the transmission center) hold higher transmission efficiencies and lower crosstalk than planar S-bend waveguide of the same size. The S-bend waveguides were fabricated on the thick-silicon layer of silicon-on-insulator (SOI). For the 1550 nm, the measured transmission efficiencies of S-bend 1 (S-bend 2) with three different inner heights were 1.06/0.99/0.91 dB (1.19/1.21/1.26 dB) and 1.47/1.35/1.21 dB (1.81/1.79/1.74 dB) for TE and TM modes, respectively. 2.67/2.74/2.82 dB (2.54/2.52/2.47 dB) and 2.46/2.58/2.72 dB (2.12/2.14/2.19 dB) higher than those of the planar ones. This study provides a basis for the design and research of large-scale PICs. • Propose and design two innovative S-bend waveguides with 3D morphology for the photonic chip integration. • Calculate and exhibit the high optical transmission efficiency and low crosstalk of the two 3D S-bend waveguides by comparison. • Experimental results verify the higher transmission efficiency of the two 3D S-bend waveguides for both the TE and TM modes. • Pave a way for the design and research of large-scale PICs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • It is unclear if 3D emotional scenes are effective in capturing attention. • Dual-tasks (2D and 3D) reduced the P3 amplitude compared to the standard oddball. • 2D was as effective in capturing attention as 3D. • This effect was observed in all emotional scenes (pleasant, unpleasant, neutral). Abstract Past research on emotions was mostly supported on emotion inducing slides, but studies in the field are moving towards more ecological stimuli, including 3D stimuli and virtual reality scenes. The present study aims to compare the effects of two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) emotion-inducing scenes in the modulation of attention, as indexed by the amplitude of the P3 event-related component in a dual-task paradigm. We recorded the EEG signal of 31 healthy male participants performing an active auditory oddball task, while simultaneously observing pleasant, unpleasant and neutral scenes in 2D or 3D. We analyzed the effects of emotional valence and visualization mode in the mean amplitude of the P3 component at Pz. The results revealed than revealed that 2D scenarios were as effective as 3D stimuli in capturing attention resources and this effect was consistently observed in all emotional scenes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have outperformed dermatologists in classifying pigmented skin lesions under artificial conditions. We investigated, for the first time, the performance of three-dimensional (3D) and two-dimensional (2D) CNNs and dermatologists in the early detection of melanoma in a real-world setting. In this prospective study, 1690 melanocytic lesions in 143 patients with high-risk criteria for melanoma were evaluated by dermatologists, 2D-FotoFinder-ATBM and 3D-Vectra WB360 total body photography (TBP). Excision was based on the dermatologists' dichotomous decision, an elevated CNN risk score (study-specific malignancy cut-off: FotoFinder >0.5, Vectra >5.0) and/or the second dermatologist's assessment with CNN support. The diagnostic accuracy of the 2D and 3D CNN classification was compared with that of the dermatologists and the augmented intelligence based on histopathology and dermatologists' assessment. Secondary end-points included reproducibility of risk scores and naevus counts per patient by medical staff (gold standard) compared to automated 3D and 2D TBP CNN counts. The sensitivity, specificity, and receiver operating characteristics area under the curve (ROC-AUC) for risk-score-assessments compared to histopathology of 3D-CNN with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were 90.0%, 64.6% and 0.92 (CI 0.85–1.00), respectively. While dermatologists and augmented intelligence achieved the same sensitivity (90%) and comparable classification ROC-AUC (0.91 [CI 0.80–1.00], 0.88 [CI 0.77–1.00]) with 3D-CNN, their specificity was superior (92.3% and 86.2%, respectively). The 2D-CNN (sensitivity: 70%, specificity: 40%, ROC-AUC: 0.68 [CI 0.46–0.90]) was outperformed by 3D CNN and dermatologists. The 3D-CNN showed a higher correlation coefficient for repeated measurements of 246 lesions (R = 0.89) than the 2D-CNN (R = 0.79). The mean naevus count per patient varied significantly (gold standard: 210 lesions; 3D-CNN: 469; 2D-CNN: 1324; p < 0.0001). Our study emphasises the importance of validating the classification of CNNs in real life. The novel 3D-CNN device outperformed the 2D-CNN and achieved comparable sensitivity with dermatologists. The low specificity of CNNs and the lack of automated counting of TBP nevi currently limit the use of augmented intelligence in clinical practice. • Real-world comparison of dermatologists and AI in melanoma detection. • Sensitivity of 3D CNN versus dermatologists comparable in classification. • 2D CNN was outperformed in classifying melanocytic lesions by 3D CNN/dermatologists. • Low specificity by augmented intelligence in real-life setting. • CNN nevi counting still lacking utility for clinical practice due to low correlation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Edge couplers connecting the optical fiber and the on-chip waveguide are indispensable devices in integrated photonics. In this study, a 3D edge coupler with trapezoidal cross-section is proposed and designed. High coupling efficiencies of the edge couplers are verified by theoretical calculations. The 3D trapezoidal edge couplers are fabricated on the thick-silicon layer of a Silicon-on-Insulator (SOI) substrate by using 3D grayscale lithography. Over the communication band (C-band), the fiber-to-chip measured results indicate that the maximum coupling efficiency of the 3D edge coupler is 0.68/0.99 dB for the TE/TM mode. The misalignment tolerances are less than 0.65 dB and 0.90 dB for the TE and TM modes within ±5 μm in the horizontal direction. The same measured values are less than 0.60 dB for both the TE and TM modes within 4 μm in the vertical direction. The excellent coupling characteristics of the 3D edge coupler are attractive for the large-scale photonic integration. • A 3D trapezoidal edge coupler is proposed and designed. • A high coupling efficiency of the 3D trapezoidal edge coupler over communication band is calculated and illustrated. • The 3D edge coupler is fabricated on a 5-μm-thick Si platform. • The high coupling efficiency and the large misalignment tolerances of the 3D edge coupler are validated with experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, an electrochemical nonenzymatic sensor using three dimensional Fe 3 O 4 accumulated sphere-like nanocomposites as the carriers was designed. The decorated materials with homogeneous stacked sphere-like morphologies were synthesized through a facile one-step solvothermal reaction by selecting Fe(CO) 5 as the iron sources and absolute ethanol as the solvent. We used cyclic voltammetric (CVs) and current-time (I-t) curves to detect the current response towards H 2 O 2 . Achieved consequences demonstrated that the as-prepared nonenzymatic H 2 O 2 sensor revealed the low detection potential (−0.1 V) as well as high sensitivity (205 μA mM −1  cm −2 ), wide linear range (5.0 μM-4.995 mM) and low detection limit (2 μM, S/N = 3). In addition, the novel nonenzymatic sensor was successfully applied to the detection of H 2 O 2 in pasteurized milk samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: MoS2, a novel inorganic graphene analogues with typical two‐dimensional structure, has attracted increasing interest in various fields. MoS2‐based hybrid plasmonic structures have been extensively investigated as higher quality surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates. Herein, we have designed a three‐dimensional (3D) MoS2 nanospheres (NSs) based hybrid nanostructure as SERS sensor by decorating Au nanoparticles (NPs) on the surface of 3D MoS2‐NSs (3D MoS2‐NS@Au‐NPs). 3D MoS2‐NSs acts as (a) a stable scaffold for Au NPs decoration via microwave‐irradiation hydrothermal process, (b) a chemical mechanism source for Raman enhancement, and (c) a 3D spatial structure for generation of more effective hot spots due to Au coupling effect and supply larger surface area for adsorbing probe molecules. The 3D MoS2‐NS@Au‐NPs hybrid structure exhibits 56‐fold improvement on enhancement factor compared to two‐dimensional MoS2‐NST@Au‐NPs hybrid structures. SERS performance was easily and effectively optimized with the tuning of the density and sizes of Au NPs. The optimized 3D MoS2‐NS@Au‐NPs was applied as SERS sensor for melamine detection in milk. Quantitative detection was realized in the range of 1 ppb–10 ppm with a linear coefficient of .997. Excellent sensitivity of 1 ppb and uniformity of 10.12% relative standard deviation was achieved, which could meet the demand for melamine detection as prescribed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a promising radar imaging technique, terahertz coded-aperture imaging (TCAI) can achieve high-resolution, forward-looking, and staring imaging by producing spatiotemporal independent signals with coded apertures. In this paper, we propose a three-dimensional (3D) TCAI architecture based on single input multiple output (SIMO) technology, which can reduce the coding and sampling times sharply. The coded aperture applied in the proposed TCAI architecture loads either purposive or random phase modulation factor. In the transmitting process, the purposive phase modulation factor drives the terahertz beam to scan the divided 3D imaging cells. In the receiving process, the random phase modulation factor is adopted to modulate the terahertz wave to be spatiotemporally independent for high resolution. Considering human-scale targets, images of each 3D imaging cell are reconstructed one by one to decompose the global computational complexity, and then are synthesized together to obtain the complete high-resolution image. As for each imaging cell, the multi-resolution imaging method helps to reduce the computational burden on a large-scale reference-signal matrix. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed architecture can achieve high-resolution imaging with much less time for 3D targets and has great potential in applications such as security screening, nondestructive detection, medical diagnosis, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: In the Netherlands, cyclists continue to outnumber other road users in injuries and deaths. The wearing of bicycle helmets is not mandatory in the Netherlands even though research has shown that wearing bicycle helmets can reduce head and brain injuries by up to 88%. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of using 3D technology to evaluate bicycle-related head injuries and helmet protection.Methods: Three patients who had been involved in a bicycle accident while wearing a helmet were subjected to multi-detector row computed tomography (MDCT) imaging after trauma. The helmets were separately scanned using the same MDCT scanner with tube voltages ranging from 80kVp to 140kVp and tube currents ranging from 10mAs to 300mAs in order to determine the best image acquisition parameters for helmets. The acquired helmet images were converted into virtual 3D surface hence Standard Tessellation Language (STL) models and merged with MDCT-derived STL models of the patients' skulls. Finally, all skull fractures and corresponding helmet damage were visualized and related.Results: Imaging bicycle helmets on an MDCT scanner proved to be feasible using a tube voltage of 120kVp and a tube current of 120mAs. Merging the resulting STL models of the patients' skull and helmet allowed the overall damage sustained by both skull and helmet to be related.Conclusion: Our proposed 3D method of assessing bicycle helmet damage and corresponding head injuries could offer valuable information for the development and design of safer bicycle helmets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predicting the experienced visual comfort in line with human subjective perception is a non-trivial task in stereoscopic three-dimensional (3D) imaging system. For the task of 3D visual comfort assessment (VCA), an intuitive idea is to develop effective subjective assessment-like models. As one of the most widely used subjective assessment methods, the absolute category rating (ACR) requires each observer to conduct a multi-grade judgment with respect to one's subjective sensation of visual comfort. Motivated by this fact, we propose a novel VCA method for stereoscopic images based on sparse coding with multi-scale dictionaries. The main technical innovations of our proposed method are threefold. First, we construct multi-scale dictionaries that correspond to the multiple visual comfort scales in subjective assessment to serve as the prior knowledge for objective VCA. Second, we apply the sparse coding algorithm to estimate a testing sample's probabilities of belonging to each scale and also to derive multiple scale-specific visual comfort scores. Finally, by linearly combining all the scale-specific visual comfort scores with their corresponding probabilities as weights, the final visual comfort score is generated. Experimental results on two benchmark databases demonstrate that the proposed method can achieve higher consistency with human subjective perception compared with some state-of-the-art approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The two-degree-of-freedom (2DOF) vortex-induced vibration (VIV) of a circular cylinder with varying in-line to cross-flow natural frequency ratios ( f ∗ = f n x ∕ f n y ) is studied using a three-dimensional (3D) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach. Numerical simulation is carried out for a constant mass ratio of 2 at a fixed Reynolds number Re = 500 . The reduced velocity ranges from 2 to 12. Three natural frequency ratios are considered, i.e., f ∗ = 1 , 1 . 5 and 2. The structural damping is set to zero to maximise the response of the cylinder. The main objective of this study is to investigate the effect of f ∗ on the 2DOF VIV responses and the 3D characteristics of the flow. It is discovered that there is a significant increase in the vibration amplitude, and the peak amplitude shifts to a higher reduced velocity when f ∗ increases from 1 to 2. A single-peak cross-flow response is observed for the identical in-line and cross-flow mass ratios when f ∗ = 2 . Dual resonance is found to exist over the range of f ∗ studied. The preferable trajectories of the cylinder in the lock-in range are counterclockwise figure-eight orbits. Oblique figure-eight trajectories appear at V r = 6 , 7 and 8 when f ∗ = 1 . The third harmonic component which is observed in the lift fluctuation increases with f ∗ . The correlation decreases in the lock-in range and reaches its minimum value around the transition region between the lock-in and post-lock-in ranges. Three vortex shedding modes (2S, P + S and 2P) appear in the present simulation. A dominant P + S mode is associated with the oblique figure-eight trajectories. Variation of vortex shedding flows along the cylinder is observed leading to the poor correlation of the sectional lift forces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the dispersion of graphene oxide (GO) and form effective synergistic effect between GO and WS 2 nanosheets, the layer-by-layer electrostatic assembly method was used to synthesize three-dimensional (3D) reduced graphene oxide/WS 2 nanosheet/Mg-doped ZnO nanohybrid (rGOWMZ). The enhancement of photocatalytic activity of a reduced graphene oxide/Mg-doped ZnO composites (rGOMZ) was achieved through introducing WS 2 nanoplate, in which the decomposition rate of Rhodamine B (RhB) reached 100% within 5 min. Furthermore, the rGOWMZ hybrids possess better anti-bacterial activity in dark than rGOMZ hybrid. The enhanced sunlight-driven photocatalytic and anti-bacterial activities are mainly attributed to defect and efficient electron-hole separation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Microscopic evaluation of prostate specimens for both clinical and research purposes is generally performed on 5-μm-thick tissue sections. Because cross-sections give a two-dimensional (2D) representation, little is known about the actual underlying three-dimensional (3D) architectural features of benign prostate tissue and prostate cancer ( PCa). The aim of this study was to show that a combination of tissue-clearing protocols and confocal microscopy can successfully be applied to investigate the 3D architecture of human prostate tissue. Methods and results Optical clearing of intact fresh and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded ( FFPE) clinical prostate specimens allowed us to visualize tissue structures up to a depth of 800 μm, whereas, in uncleared tissue, detection of fluorescence was only possible up to 70 μm. Fluorescent labelling with a general nuclear dye and antibodies against cytokeratin ( CK) 5 and CK8-18 resulted in comprehensive 3D imaging of benign peripheral and transition prostate zones, as well as individual PCa growth patterns. After staining, clearing, and imaging, samples could still be processed for 2D (immuno)histochemical staining and DNA analysis, enabling additional molecular and diagnostic characterization of small tissue specimens. Conclusions In conclusion, the applicability of 3D imaging to archival FFPE and fresh clinical specimens offers unlimited opportunities to study clinical and biological topics of interest in their actual 3D context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the design of breakwaters, the evaluation of wave-induced seabed response around breakwaters is particularly crucial. Most of the previous studies of the wave–seabed interactions in the vicinity of a breakwater have been limited to two dimensions, which cannot replicate the inherent complexity of the ocean environment. Unlike the previous studies, an integrated three-dimensional numerical model is developed in OpenFOAM. In this study, the engineering problem of two-layered detached breakwaters is investigated and compared with conventional one-layered breakwaters in terms of transmission rate, consolidation process, wave-induced seabed dynamic response, shear failure, and momentary liquefaction. Numerical results indicate that the two-layered breakwater has a greater ability for wave dissipation regarding to the lower transmission rate found at the shore-ward of breakwaters. The consolidation process reveals that the self-weight of the breakwater has a substantial impact on the stress fields in the vicinity of breakwaters, which will directly affect shear failure and transient liquefaction in the seabed. Ignoring the consolidation process will miss-estimate the failure potential of the seabed, which may result in permanent damage to offshore structures. • The inertial term is considered in this numerical model for dynamic seabed responses. • Details of 3D geometry is simulated for wave–structure–seabed interaction problems. • Two-layered breakwater has advantages in reduction of shear failure and liquefaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shape-related properties of irregular particles are of interest in many fields. The volume and dimensions of rocks, such as coarse and larger fine concrete aggregates, can be physically measured rather easily. However, the surface area is difficult to measure physically, if at all possible. A combination of computed tomography and spherical harmonic analysis can be used to calculate the surface areas of micrometer-sized to centimeter-sized particles. This paper compares the success of several approaches that use easy-to-measure properties, specifically the orthogonal length, width, and thickness of a particle and its volume to estimate its surface area. A training set of 3,359 particles varying widely in size and shape is used to develop regression equations between various shape parameters. These equations are then used to estimate surface areas of cement and aggregate particles in three different validation sets. Improvements are offered to some existing surface area estimation methods. Finally, a novel method is proposed that estimates surface area with a mean absolute percentage error of 2.8 to 3.8% and with ≤14% individual particle error. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Building information modeling (BIM) fundamentally requires the importation of a three-dimensional (3D) model with a series of repository data. Numerous studies have been conducted to clarify the philosophy of BIM and promote its adoption in construction and engineering projects. The primary contributions of this research to the construction engineering and management body of knowledge are the technical review, analysis, and appraisal of various issues concerning the usability of four-dimensional (4D) BIM. The research aims to determine the readiness and development of 4D BIM. A technical literature review was conducted of various BIM software websites, journal articles, brochures, and videos about required 4D elements. A comparative analysis was conducted to compare the technical (TECA) and project-planning functionality (PPFA) aspects of developing 4D models with features provided by available BIM software. This analysis yielded matrices that can be used to guide decision making on which BIM software to invest in. The results reveal that all of the software packages in their way serve the purpose of developing a 4D BIM model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The realization of atomically flat side-surfaces, which are vertical planes on a substrate, would make an enormous contribution to a paradigm shift from two-dimensional planar film structures to three-dimensional (3D) nanostructures. In this paper, we demonstrate the successful creation of well-defined Si{111}7 × 7 side-surfaces on a 3D-architected Si(110) substrate by the combination of 3D Si patterning and surface preparation techniques, as confirmed by reflection high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED). The RHEED patterns consisted of 7 × 7 diffraction spots from the Si{111} side-surfaces and 2 × 16 diffraction spots from the Si(110) top/bottom surface. We also performed the deposition of metals (Au and Ag) onto the side-surfaces, leading to the formation of Si( 1 ¯ 11 ) √3 × √3R30°-Au and Si( 1 1 ¯ 1 ¯ ) √3 × √3R30°-Ag structures. This is the first demonstration indicating super-reconstructions of such well-defined side-surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To discriminate clinically relevant aberrance, the accuracy of linear measurements in three-dimensional (3D) reconstructed datasets was investigated.Materials and Methods: Three partly edentulous human skulls were examined. Landmarks were defined prior to acquisition. Two CBCT-scanners and a Quad-slice CT-scanner were used. Actual distances were physically measured with calipers and defined as a reference. Subsequently, from digital DICOM datasets, 3D virtual models were generated using maximum intensity projections (MIPs). Linear measurements were performed by semi-automated image analysis. Virtual and analogue linear measurements were compared using repeated measurements in a mixed model (p ≤ 0.05).Results: No significant difference was found among all of the digital measurements when compared to one another, whereas a significant difference was found in matched-pairs analysis between CBCT and calipers (p = 0.032). All digitally acquired data resulted in lower mean values compared to the measurements via calipers. A high level of inter-observer reliability was obtained in the digital measurements (inter-rater correlation = 0.988-0.993).Conclusions: The reconstructed datasets led to highly consistent values among linear measurements. Yielding sub-millimeter precision, these modalities are assumed to reflect reality in a clinically irrelevant altered manner. During data acquisition and evaluation, a maximum of precision must be achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Particle morphology plays a significant role in influencing engineering behavior of granular materials. Surface texture, roundness, and sphericity represent distinct multiscale measures needed to fully describe particle morphology. Most studies reported in the literature rely on two-dimensional (2D) projected images of particles with a few three-dimensional (3D) images that mostly focused on relatively large-size aggregate samples. In this paper, 3D synchrotron microcomputed tomography (SMT) was used to acquire high-resolution images of glass beads, F-35 Ottawa sand, #1 dry glass sand, GS#40 Columbia sand, Toyoura sand, and Hostun RF sand. New roundness and sphericity indexes are proposed and calculated for the samples based on 3D measurements of surface area, volume, and three orthogonal diameters of particles. In addition, the surface texture of particles were measured using optical interferometry technique. The measurements reported in this paper can serve as a good source for other researchers working on sands to build on these intrinsic particle properties to link engineering behavior of sands to their morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Laparoscopic procedures for children and adults already provide many advantages in two-dimensional (2D) vision. Only limited experiences exist for laparoscopic three-dimensional (3D) procedures in vivo. The aim of this prospective trial was to identify indications and limitations of the 3D-system in laparoscopic minimally invasive procedures in children and adults. Material and methods: In a prospective quality assurance for laparoscopic 3D evaluation in children and adults, a total of 53 consecutive patients (22 children, 31 adults) were included. Laparoscopic transabdominal, retroperitoneal and thoracoscopic procedures were performed. For laparoscopic 3D imaging a Camera Control Unit (CCU), 3D monitor and 3D-TIPCAM® were used. Patient data, operative procedures and image quality of the 3D system were assessed. Results: Of 53 patients, 22/53 were children and 31/53 adults with a mean age of 7.6 years (range, 10 months to 15 years) and 51.5 years (range, 18 to 79 years), respectively. 8/22 children were two years old or younger. No relevant difficulties occurred with nausea, fatigue, vertigo, eye blurring or double vision, burning eyes, visual fatigue, inconvenience of visual adaptation of 3D to 2D, or medical discomforts for the surgeons in both children and adults. Difficulties were mainly addressed to the small distance of the video endoscope and the organ tissue in small children and affected mainly image definition, resolution and eye focusing. Conclusions: Advantages of 3D over 2D were mainly considered to be of relevant benefit in adults. Subjective advantages were seen in children and adults for stereoscopic depth perception, better visualization of anatomical structures and understanding of the anatomy, as well as for complex maneuvers such as suturing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indoor environments are challenging spaces to handle in location analysis and Geographic Information Science. In this paper, new techniques to visualize solutions of location models used for the optimal indoor placement of emergency devices are proposed in support of location planning decisions. The analysis compares and contrasts extensions of traditional 2D visualization techniques to display diverse aspects of the service coverage of demand nodes by devices in the form of canonical and network-based spider maps, areal and volume coverage. Other innovative approaches are suggested to visualize the spatio-temporal relationship of multiple facilities serving multiple demand nodes across a multi-story building. User surveys suggest that the proposed 3D visualization techniques are preferred to their 2D counterparts in terms of quickness, effectiveness, easiness, and usefulness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plastic geometry factors, i.e. the η pl and γ pl factors, are needed to calculate the J -integral from the load vs. crack mouth opening displacement (CMOD) or load-line displacement (LLD) curve in the J–R curve test. In this study, we carry out a systematic investigation of the η pl factor for plane-sided and side-grooved SE(B) specimens with a wide range of crack depths ( a / W ranging from 0.3 to 0.7) and thickness-to-width ratios ( B / W equal to 0.5, 1 and 2) based on three-dimensional (3D) finite element analyses (FEA). To examine the accuracy of the η pl factors suggested in ASTM E1820, the corresponding estimated J value are compared with the J value obtained from the 3D FEA based on both the large-strain and small-strain formulations. The LLD- and CMOD-based plastic η pl factors corresponding to both the average J value over the crack front and the local J value at the mid-thickness of the crack front are evaluated. The main finding of this study is that besides the crack depth, both the thickness and side grooves of the specimens have observable impacts on the η pl factor. Based on the results of the 3D large-strain FEA, a set of expressions for the η pl and γ pl factors are proposed. The results of this study can improve the accuracy of the experimentally determined J–R curve and facilitate the use of non-standard medium-cracked (0.3 ≤ a/W < 0.45) SE(B) specimens for the J–R curves testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Three-dimensional (3D) finite element analyses are carried out on single-edge bend [SE(B)] specimens for which the J-integral resistance curves ( J-R curves) have been experimentally determined to develop the constraint-corrected J-R curves for the X80 grade pipe steel. The constraint parameters considered in this study include QHRR, QSSY, Q SSY_ m, QLM, Q BM1, Q BM2, A2, h and Tz. The constraint-corrected J-R curves were developed on the basis of the constraint parameters obtained from finite element analysis and experimentally determined J-R curves associated with deeply cracked and medium-cracked SE(B) specimens and validated against shallow-cracked SE(B) specimens. The analysis results indicate that all the constraint parameters considered in this study except QHRR, QSSY, Q SSY_ m and QLM lead to reasonably accurate constraint-corrected J-R curves if the crack extensions are relatively small (≤0.7 mm). For larger crack extensions (≤1.5 mm), the Q BM1-based constraint-corrected J-R curve leads to the most accurate predictions of J among all the constraint parameters considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural disasters all too often place human lives and property at risk. Recovery efforts following a disaster can be slow and painstaking work, and potentially put responders in harm's way. A system which helps identify defects in critical building elements (e.g., concrete columns) before responders must enter a structure could save lives. In this paper we propose such a system, centered around an image-based three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction method and a new 3D crack detection algorithm. The image-based method is capable of detecting and analyzing surface damages in 3D. We also demonstrate how a robotic platform could be used to gather the set of images from which the reconstruction is created, further reducing the risk to responders. In this regard, image-based 3D reconstructions represent a convenient method of creating 3D models because most robotic platforms can carry a lightweight camera payload. Additionally, the proposed 3D crack detection algorithm also provides the advantage of being able to operate on 3D mesh models regardless of their data collection source. Our experimental results showed that the 3D crack detection algorithm performed well on several sample building elements, successfully identifying cracks, reconstructing 3D profiles, and measuring geometrical characteristics on damaged elements and not finding any cracks on intact ones. The operation and perceived benefits of the proposed method in a post-disaster situation are also discussed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation have been two computational techniques used to gain insight about the substrate orientation within protein active sites, allowing to identify potential residues involved in the binding and catalytic mechanisms. In this study, both methods were combined to predict the regioselectivity in the binding mode of valproic acid (VPA) on three cytochrome P-450 (CYP) isoforms CYP2C9, CYP2C11, and CYP2E1, which are involved in the biotransformation of VPA yielding reactive hepatotoxic intermediate 2-n-propyl-4-pentenoic acid (4nVPA). There are experimental data about hydrogen atom abstraction of the C4-position of VPA to yield 4nVPA, however, there are not structural evidence about the binding mode of VPA and 4nVPA on CYPs. Therefore, the complexes between these CYP isoforms and VPA or 4nVPA were studied to explore their differences in binding and energetic stabilization. Docking results showed that VPA and 4nVPA are coupled into CYPs binding site in a similar conformation, but it does not explain the VPA hydrogen atom abstraction. On the other hand, MD simulations showed a set of energetic states that reorient VPA at the first ns, then making it susceptible to a dehydrogenation reaction. For 4nVPA, multiple binding modes were observed in which the different states could favor either undergo other reaction mechanism or ligand expulsion from the binding site. Otherwise, the energetic and entropic contribution point out a similar behavior for the three CYP complexes, showing as expected a more energetically favorable binding free energy for the complexes between CYPs and VPA than with 4nVPA. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: MUC2 is the major gel-forming mucin of the colon forming a protective gel barrier organized into an inner stratified and an outer loose layer. The MUC2 N-terminus (D1-D2-D′D3 domains) has a dual function in building a net-like structure by disulfide-bonded trimerization and packing the MUC2 polymer into an N-terminal concatenated polygonal platform with the C-termini extending perpendicularly by pH- and calcium-dependent interactions. We studied the N-terminal D′D3 domain by producing three recombinant variants, with or without Myc tag and GFP (green fluorescent protein), and analyzed these by gel filtration, electron microscopy and single particle image processing. The three variants were all trimers when analyzed upon denaturing conditions but eluted as hexamers upon gel filtration under native conditions. Studies by electron microscopy and three-dimensional maps revealed cage-like structures with 2- and 3-fold symmetries. The structure of the MUC2 D3 domain confirms that the MUC2 mucin forms branched net-like structures. This suggests that the MUC2 mucin is stored with two N-terminal concatenated ring platforms turned by 180° against each other, implicating that every second unfolded MUC2 net in mature mucus is turned upside down. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Downscaled freeze-drying was demonstrated to be a valuable alternative for formulation development and optimization. Although the pore structure is known to exert a major influence on the freeze-drying cycle, little is known about the ones of microscale preparations. This study describes morphology evaluation methods for lysozyme formulations prepared in one microscale processing option and the assessment of fundamental product quality criteria. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed cooling rate dependent pore size variations at the nucleation site which diminished as the rate increased. Micro-X-ray computed tomography (μ-CT) showed that porosity generally increased in the sample from bottom to top, the pore size fractions shifted toward larger pores in elevated sample levels, and horizontal homogeneity was found throughout each sample with minor deviations in the bottom region. Furthermore, the event of microcollapse could be identified and quantified. Low residual moisture was achieved repeatedly and the procedure did not influence the post freeze-drying bioactivity. This microscale heating stage is a valuable option to reduce overall cycle times and cost, and to prepare freeze-drying formulations with high reproducibility. The mapping tools permit a quick but detailed insight into the structural features resulting from the process environment and processing conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Wheat puroindolines (PINs) spontaneously adsorb at air/water interfaces and show excellent foaming properties. They can positively impact bread quality, in which the formation of stable foam is important for product quality. The impact of endogenous PINs on bread quality was studied by preparing gluten–starch blends from isolated gluten and starch fractions with different PIN levels, which allowed largely retaining the interaction between PINs and flour components. Our results indicate that blends with high PIN levels yielded more homogeneous crumb structures with fine gas cells than bread made with blends containing medium or low PIN levels. However, the mechanism by which PINs exert this crumb improving effect is not clear. Varying PIN levels impacted neither dough extensibility nor did it result in different PIN levels in dough liquor. Lipid removal yielded bread with a less homogeneous crumb gas cell distribution, indicating that lipids also are required to obtain good crumb structure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Physiologically relevant hepatic cell culture models must be based on three-dimensional (3D) culture of human cells. However, liver cells are generally cultured in two-dimensional (2D) format that deviates from the normal in vivo morphology. We generated 3D culture environment for HepaRG liver progenitor cells using wood-derived nanofibrillar cellulose (NFC) and hyaluronan-gelatin (HG) hydrogels. Culture of undifferentiated HepaRG cells in NFC and HG hydrogels induced formation of 3D multicellular spheroids with apicobasal polarity and functional bile canaliculi-like structures, structural hallmarks of the liver tissue. Furthermore, hepatobiliary drug transporters, MRP2 and MDR1, were localized on the canalicular membranes of the spheroids and vectorial transport of fluorescent probes towards the biliary compartment was demonstrated. Cell culture in 3D hydrogel supported the mRNA expression of hepatocyte markers (albumin and CYP3A4), and metabolic activity of CYP3A4 in the HepaRG cell cultures. On the contrary, the 3D hydrogel cultures with pre-differentiated HepaRG cells showed decreasing expression of albumin and CYP3A4 transcripts as well as CYP3A4 activity. It is concluded that NFC and HG hydrogels expedite the hepatic differentiation of HepaRG liver progenitor cells better than the standard 2D culture environment. This was shown as improved cell morphology, expression and localization of hepatic markers, metabolic activity and vectorial transport. The NFC and HG hydrogels are promising materials for hepatic cell culture and tissue engineering. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: ABC (ATP-binding cassette) membrane exporters are efflux transporters of a wide diversity of molecule across the membrane at the expense of ATP. A key issue regarding their catalytic cycle is whether or not their nucleotide-binding domains (NBDs) are physically disengaged in the resting state. To settle this controversy, we obtained structural data on BmrA, a bacterial multidrug homodimeric ABC transporter, in a membrane-embedded state. BmrA in the apostate was reconstituted in lipid bilayers forming a mixture of ring-shaped structures of 24 or 39 homodimers. Three-dimensional models of the ring-shaped structures of 24 or 39 homodimers were calculated at 2.3nm and 2.5nm resolution from cryo-electron microscopy, respectively. In these structures, BmrA adopts an inward-facing open conformation similar to that found in mouse P-glycoprotein structure with the NBDs separated by 3nm. Both lipidic leaflets delimiting the transmembrane domains of BmrA were clearly resolved. In planar membrane sheets, the NBDs were even more separated. BmrA in an ATP-bound conformation was determined from two-dimensional crystals grown in the presence of ATP and vanadate. A projection map calculated at 1.6nm resolution shows an open outward-facing conformation. Overall, the data are consistent with a mechanism of drug transport involving large conformational changes of BmrA and show that a bacterial ABC exporter can adopt at least two open inward conformations in lipid membrane. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Interannual variability of plankton dynamics is examined in a deep convection area. [•] Mixing-induced dilution and its impact on prey–predator interactions are examined. [•] Winter minimum and spring maximum of primary production compensate on annual mean. [•] Low zooplankton grazing in winter favors phytoplankton on annual mean. [•] Winter mixing-induced nutrient supply is a bottom-up control for mesozooplankton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]