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Objective: To three-dimensionally evaluate the position and morphology of the TMJ in skeletal Class I with variable degrees of overbite and overjet in comparison with normal peers. Methods: Pretreatment CBCT scans of 126 adults were retrieved. Based on the severity of overjet and overbite, the sample was divided into three main groups and six subgroups (18 patients each): the first group with a normal overbite and variable overjet degree and the second group with normal overjet and variable overbite degree. These six subgroups were compared with a third control group of normal overjet and overbite. Results: There were significant differences in vertical condylar position, vertical and anteroposterior condylar inclinations, condylar height, and significant posterior condylar positioning in severe deep overbite, compared with the control group. Conclusion: There were significant changes in the TMJ components in severe deep overbite cases. Therefore, sever deep overbite could be considered a predisposing factor for temporomandibular disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Responding to global standards and legislative updates in Canada, including Bill S-5 (2023), toxicity testing is shifting towards more ethical, in vitro methods. Traditional two-dimensional (2D) monolayer cell cultures, limited in replicating the complex in vivo environment, have prompted the development of more relevant three-dimensional (3D) spheroidal hepatocyte cultures. This study introduces the first 3D spheroid model for McA-RH7777 cells, assessing xenobiotic receptor activation, cellular signaling, and toxicity against dexamethasone and naphthenic acid (NA)-fraction components; NAFCs. Our findings reveal that 3D McA-RH7777 spheroids demonstrate enhanced sensitivity and more uniform dose–response patterns in gene expression related to xenobiotic metabolism (AhR and PPAR) for both single compounds and complex mixtures. Specifically, 3D cultures showed significant gene expression changes upon dexamethasone exposure and exhibited varying degrees of sensitivity and resistance to the apoptotic effects induced by NAFCs, in comparison to 2D cultures. The optimization of 3D culture conditions enhances the model's physiological relevance and enables the identification of genomic signatures under varied exposures. This study highlights the potential of 3D spheroid cultures in providing a more accurate representation of the liver's microenvironment and advancing our understanding of cellular mechanisms in toxicity testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the pore water pressure distribution in unsaturated soil is crucial in predicting shallow landslides triggered by rainfall, mainly when dealing with different temporal patterns of rainfall intensity. However, the hydrological response of vegetated slopes, especially three-dimensional (3D) slopes covered with shrubs, under different rainfall patterns remains unclear and requires further investigation. To address this issue, this study adopts a novel 3D numerical model for simulating hydraulic interactions between the root system of the shrub and the surrounding soil. Three series of numerical parametric studies are conducted to investigate the influences of slope inclination, rainfall pattern and rainfall duration. Four rainfall patterns (advanced, bimodal, delayed, and uniform) and two rainfall durations (4-h intense and 168-h mild rainfall) are considered to study the hydrological response of the slope. The computed results show that 17% higher transpiration-induced suction is found for a steeper slope, which remains even after a short, intense rainfall with a 100-year return period. The extreme rainfalls with advanced (PA), bimodal (PB) and uniform (PU) rainfall patterns need to be considered for the short rainfall duration (4 h), while the delayed (PD) and uniform (PU) rainfall patterns are highly recommended for long rainfall durations (168 h). The presence of plants can improve slope stability markedly under extreme rainfall with a short duration (4 h). For the long duration (168 h), the benefit of the plant in preserving pore-water pressure (PWP) and slope stability may not be sufficient.

Irregular topography of the free surface significantly affects seismic wavefield modelling, especially when employing finite-difference methods on rectangular grids. These methods represent the free surface as discrete points, resulting in a boundary that resembles a 'staircase'. This approximation inaccurately represents surface topography, introducing errors in surface reflection traveltimes and generating artificial diffractions in wavefield simulation. We introduce a stable three-dimensional immersed boundary method (3DIBM) employing Cartesian coordinates to address these challenges. The 3DIBM enables the simulation of acoustic waves in media with complex topography through standard finite difference, extending the two-dimensional immersed boundary approach to compute spatial coordinates for ghost and mirror points in a three-dimensional space. Wavefield values at these points are obtained by three-dimensional spatial iterative symmetric interpolation, specifically through the Kaiser-windowed sinc method. By implicitly implementing the free surface boundary condition in three dimensions, this method effectively reduces artificial diffractions and enhances the accuracy of reflection traveltime. The effectiveness and accuracy of 3DIBM are validated through numerical tests and pre-stack depth migration imaging with simulated data, demonstrating its superiority as a modelling engine for migration imaging and waveform inversion in three-dimensional land seismic analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-dimensional (2D) carbon nanomaterials feature exceptional properties, yet practical applications are challenged by poor interlayer connections, leading to suppressed electrical and thermal conductivity. To address this, constructing three-dimensional (3D) carbon nanonetworks is proposed to optimize interlayer interactions. In this study, a multiscale lamellar regulation (MLR) strategy is introduced for creating self-supporting 3D nanoarchitectures from polymeric precursors. The method is initiated with the construction of a 3D polymer network via an ultrasound-assisted freeze-drying (UAFD) process. Ultrasound application refines the lamellar structure by reducing the ice crystal sizes during freezing. Graphitization then further decreases the number of layers and forms interconnected graphitic crystals, leading to the formation of 3D nanostructures composed of continuous 2D nanosheets. This demonstrates the effectiveness of MLR in producing macroscopic-scale nanomaterials without graphene oxide or reduced graphene oxide precursors, cross-linking agents, or additional modification processes. MLR effectively controls the thickness of polymer laminates at submicrometer and nanoscale levels, resulting in a 3D graphene-like nanostructure (GUAFD) with superior electrical, thermal conductivity, and mechanical properties. GUAFD's continuous graphitic membranes form a supportive network, showing promise in EMI shielding and thermal management applications. Meanwhile, it can be used as a thermally conductive electromagnetic wave absorbing material for central processing units, graphic processing units, and power modules in electronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

Three-dimensional (3D) woven and knitted spacer fabrics have emerged as significant advancements in the field of technical textiles, driven by notable progress made by the textile industry. These unique fabrics possess desirable characteristics that render them suitable for various technical applications. As we look towards the future, spacer fabrics are expected to find innovative applications in various functional products. However, despite the growing interest in their use in the technical textile sector, comprehensive reviews exploring their potential are lacking. Therefore, this review aims to fill this gap in the existing literature by examining the potential of 3D woven and knitted spacer fabrics in technical textiles. It provides a comprehensive exploration of their fabrication techniques, properties, key parameters, and potential applications in technical textiles. This review highlights that woven spacer fabrics exhibit high integrity and stability, making them suitable for composite reinforcement. On the other hand, knitted spacer fabrics offer a higher air-trapping capacity and a double-faced nature, leading to their extensive use in cushions, medical textiles, and protective technical textiles. Additionally, this review provides valuable insights for researchers and manufacturers interested in harnessing the potential of spacer fabrics for various functional products in the field of technical textiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In this study, a three-dimensional (3D) finite element modelling (FEM) analysis is carried out to investigate the effects of soil spatial variability on the response of retaining walls and an adjacent box culvert due to a braced excavation. The spatial variability of soil stiffness is modelled using a variogram and calibrated by high-quality experimental data. Multiple random field samples (RFSs) of soil stiffness are generated using geostatistical analysis and mapped onto a finite element mesh for stochastic analysis of excavation-induced structural responses by Monte Carlo simulation. It is found that the spatial variability of soil stiffness can be described by an exponential variogram, and the associated vertical correlation length is varied from 1.3 m to 1.6 m. It also reveals that the spatial variability of soil stiffness has a significant effect on the variations of retaining wall deflections and box culvert settlements. The ignorance of spatial variability in 3D FEM can result in an underestimation of lateral wall deflections and culvert settlements. Thus, the stochastic structural responses obtained from the 3D analysis could serve as an effective aid for probabilistic design and analysis of excavations.

Background: Recently, three-dimensional (3D) models have been used more frequently than the traditional two-dimensional (2D) models as an intraoperative guide to ease sculpture of costal cartilages in total auricular aesthetic reconstruction in cases of microtia. Usually, 3D imaging techniques are used to create compact ear models, however, there is insufficient clinical knowledge of using them to create segmented 3D auricular models for cartilage framework reconstruction. In this study: assessment of the advantages of segmentation of 3D models over the traditional compact 3D models in total auricular aesthetic reconstruction has been discussed. Patients and methods: In the current study, 16 patients who underwent total auricular aesthetic reconstruction using 3D models were included, patients were divided into two groups (Group I, 8 patients had total auricular aesthetic reconstruction using compact 3D printed mirror image model). Whereas (Group II, 8 patients had total auricular aesthetic reconstruction using segmented 3D printed mirror image model into auricular subunits. Then, each subunit was used for reconstruction of the corresponding part of the auricle. In both groups the patient's unaffected ear was mirrored and used as a reference to reconstruct the affected side. Results: The results were evaluated in both groups. The overall operative and carving times were found to be less in Group II; Also, postoperative aesthetic outcome and patient satisfaction were favorable in this group. Conclusion: Using segmentation of 3D printed models in total auricular aesthetic reconstruction had less intraoperative time, better aesthetic results, and high postoperative patient satisfaction.

With the increased availability of three‐dimensional (3D) printers, innovative teaching and training materials have been created in medical fields. For pathology, the use of 3D printing has been largely limited to anatomic representations of disease processes or the development of supplies during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Herein, an institution's 3D printing laboratory and staff with expertise in additive manufacturing illustrate how this can address design issues in cytopathology specimen collection and processing. The authors' institutional 3D printing laboratory, along with students and trainees, used computer‐aided design and 3D printers to iterate on design, create prototypes, and generate final usable materials using additive manufacturing. The program Microsoft Forms was used to solicit qualitative and quantitative feedback. The 3D‐printed models were created to assist with cytopreparation, rapid on‐site evaluation, and storage of materials in the preanalytical phase of processing. These parts provided better organization of materials for cytology specimen collection and staining, in addition to optimizing storage of specimens with multiple sized containers to optimize patient safety. The apparatus also allowed liquids to be stabilized in transport and removed faster at the time of rapid on‐site evaluation. Rectangular boxes were also created to optimally organize all components of a specimen in cytopreparation to simplify and expedite the processes of accessioning and processing, which can minimize errors. These practical applications of 3D printing in the cytopathology laboratory demonstrate the utility of the design and printing process on improving aspects of the workflow in cytopathology laboratories to maximize efficiency, organization, and patient safety. Novel and innovative ways to solve problems in the cytopathology laboratory are now possible with the increased access and decreased cost of three‐dimensional (3D) printers. In this report, an institution shares how expertise in 3D design and access to a 3D printing laboratory can help to create customized materials to address design issues in cytopathology specimen collection and processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transition metal single atoms have been considered as promising candidates for oxygen reduction reaction catalysts for developing high-performance zinc–air batteries. How to uniformly disperse metal single atoms onto an ideal porous carbon framework for full utilization of the catalyst with enriched active sites and fast mass diffusion still remains a challenge. Herein, by taking advantage of both the efficient single-atom Cu catalyst and the effective NaCl-template sacrificing method, we report the design and fabrication of a single-atom Cu catalyst decorated on a three-dimensional (3D) nitrogen–carbon (NC) framework. The developed catalyst exhibits excellent (oxygen reduction reaction) ORR catalytic activity with a high half-wave potential of 0.86 V, maximum current density of 5.53 mA cm–2, and Tafel slope of 81.52 mV dec–1, which are better than those of the commercial Pt/C catalyst. The comparison experiment with the 3D NC framework (no copper salt added) and the bulk Cu decorated NC framework (no NaCl added) verifies the synergistic effect between the Cu single atoms as the efficient ORR catalyst and the NaCl template to achieve the ideal porous structure. Aqueous zinc–air batteries assembled with the developed catalyst deliver good battery performance with a high open circuit voltage of 1.48 V, large specific discharge capacity of 760.47 mAh g–1, high peak power density of 120 mW cm–2, and stable charge–discharge cyclability for 600 h. Gel polymer electrolyte-based zinc–air batteries are also demonstrated to be workable under bending conditions for practical wearable electronic applications. [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]

Recently, three-dimensional (3D) models have been used more frequently than the traditional two-dimensional (2D) models as an intraoperative guide to ease sculpture of costal cartilages in total auricular aesthetic reconstruction in cases of microtia. Usually, 3D imaging techniques are used to create compact ear models, however, there is insufficient clinical knowledge of using them to create segmented 3D auricular models for cartilage framework reconstruction. assessment of the advantages of segmentation of 3D models over the traditional compact 3D models in total auricular aesthetic reconstruction has been discussed. In the current study, 16 patients who underwent total auricular aesthetic reconstruction using 3D models were included, patients were divided into two groups (Group I , 8 patients had total auricular aesthetic reconstruction using compact 3D printed mirror image model). Whereas (Group II , 8 patients had total auricular aesthetic reconstruction using segmented 3D printed mirror image model into auricular subunits. Then, each subunit was used for reconstruction of the corresponding part of the auricle. In both groups the patient's unaffected ear was mirrored and used as a reference to reconstruct the affected side. The results were evaluated in both groups. The overall operative and carving times were found to be less in Group II ; Also, postoperative aesthetic outcome and patient satisfaction were favorable in this group. Using segmentation of 3D printed models in total auricular aesthetic reconstruction had less intraoperative time, better aesthetic results, and high postoperative patient satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, the use of additive technologies for the production of bone substitutes determines the effectiveness of the latest methods of treatment and prosthetics in traumatic surgery, oncology, crania-maxillofacial surgery, dentistry, etc. The introduction of additive technologies is the result of the integration of medical visualization, in particular, based on the technologies of computer imaging, and engineering CAD/CAM/CAE systems. In connection with the increase in the number and severity of various types of bone tissue injuries received as a result of wounds during military operations in Ukraine, an important issue in orthopaedics and traumatology is making informed decisions about the possibility of restoring the integrity and functions of bone tissue when using different types of composition, the strength of biopolymer composites. The scientific aim of research is the development of principles and methods for making scientifically based decisions in the design and additive manufacturing of bone substitutes based on biopolymer composites with functional properties depending on the nature of the localization of the cavity bone defect and its size. The new knowledge will become the necessary basis for making optimal decisions in practice for the introduction of the latest methods of treatment and prosthetics in trauma surgery, oncology, crania-maxillofacial surgery, dentistry, taking into account the risks of biocompatibility of biopolymer composites. The results of the research will be used to design bone substitutes with controlled composition, structure, porosity, and mechanical strength for the further selection of additive technology for its production from apatite-polymer composites, which will contribute to increasing the efficiency of treatment and prosthetics in orthopaedics and traumatology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Responding to global standards and legislative updates in Canada, including Bill S-5 (2023), toxicity testing is shifting towards more ethical, in vitro methods. Traditional two-dimensional (2D) monolayer cell cultures, limited in replicating the complex in vivo environment, have prompted the development of more relevant three-dimensional (3D) spheroidal hepatocyte cultures. This study introduces the first 3D spheroid model for McA-RH7777 cells, assessing xenobiotic receptor activation, cellular signaling, and toxicity against dexamethasone and naphthenic acid (NA)-fraction components; NAFCs. Our findings reveal that 3D McA-RH7777 spheroids demonstrate enhanced sensitivity and more uniform dose–response patterns in gene expression related to xenobiotic metabolism (AhR and PPAR) for both single compounds and complex mixtures. Specifically, 3D cultures showed significant gene expression changes upon dexamethasone exposure and exhibited varying degrees of sensitivity and resistance to the apoptotic effects induced by NAFCs, in comparison to 2D cultures. The optimization of 3D culture conditions enhances the model’s physiological relevance and enables the identification of genomic signatures under varied exposures. This study highlights the potential of 3D spheroid cultures in providing a more accurate representation of the liver’s microenvironment and advancing our understanding of cellular mechanisms in toxicity testing.

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.

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.

To improve the accuracy of personnel positioning in underground coal mines, in this paper, we propose a convolutional neural network (CNN) three-dimensional (3D) visible light positioning (VLP) system based on the Inception-v2 module and efficient channel attention mechanism. The system consists of two LEDs and four photodetectors (PDs), with the four PDs on the miner's helmet. Considering the height fluctuation of PD and the impact of wall reflection on the received light power, we adopt the Inception module to perform a multi-scale extraction of the features of the received light power, thus solving the limitation of the single-scale convolution kernel on the positioning accuracy. In order to focus on the information that is more critical to positioning among the numerous input features, giving different features of the optical power data corresponding weights, we use an efficient channel attention mechanism to make the positioning model more accurate. The simulation results show that the average positioning error of the system was 1.63 cm in the space of 6 m × 3 m × 3.6 m when both the line-of-sight (LOS) and non-line-of-sight (NLOS) links were considered, with 90% of the localization errors within 4.55 cm. During the experimental stage, the average positioning error was 11.12 cm, with 90% of the positioning errors within 28.75 cm. These show that the system could achieve centimeter-level positioning accuracy and meet the requirements for underground personnel positioning in coal mines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the continuous development of artificial intelligence technology, visible-light positioning (VLP) based on machine learning and deep learning algorithms has become a research hotspot for indoor positioning technology. To improve the accuracy of robot positioning, we established a three-dimensional (3D) positioning system of visible-light consisting of two LED lights and three photodetectors. In this system, three photodetectors are located on the robot's head. We considered the impact of line-of-sight (LOS) and non-line-of-sight (NLOS) links on the received signals and used gated recurrent unit (GRU) neural networks to deal with nonlinearity in the system. To address the problem of poor stability during GRU network training, we used a learning rate attenuation strategy to improve the performance of the GRU network. The simulation results showed that the average positioning error of the system was 2.69 cm in a space of 4 m × 4 m × 3 m when only LOS links were considered and 2.66 cm when both LOS and NLOS links were considered with 95% of the positioning errors within 7.88 cm. For two-dimensional (2D) positioning with a fixed positioning height, 80% of the positioning error was within 9.87 cm. This showed that the system had a high anti-interference ability, could achieve centimeter-level positioning accuracy, and met the requirements of robot indoor positioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Though increasing understanding and remarkable clinical successes have been made, enormous challenges remain to be solved in the field of cancer immunotherapy. In this context, biomaterial-based immunomodulatory strategies are being developed to boost antitumor immunity. For the local immunotherapy, macroscale biomaterial scaffolds with 3D network structures show great superiority in the following aspects: facilitating the encapsulation, localized delivery, and controlled release of immunotherapeutic agents and even immunocytes for more efficient immunomodulation. The concentrating immunomodulation in situ could minimize systemic toxicities, but still exert abscopal effects to harness the power of overall anticancer immune response for eradicating malignancy. To promote such promising immunotherapies, the design requirements of macroscale 3D scaffolds should comprehensively consider their physicochemical and biological properties, such as porosity, stiffness, surface modification, cargo release kinetics, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and delivery modes. To date, increasing studies have focused on the relationships between these parameters and the biosystems which will guide/assist the 3D biomaterial scaffolds to achieve the desired immunotherapeutic outcomes. In this review, by highlighting some recent achievements, we summarized the latest advances in the development of various 3D scaffolds as niches for cancer immunotherapy. We also discussed opportunities, challenges, current trends, and future perspectives in 3D macroscale biomaterial scaffold-assisted local treatment strategies. More importantly, this review put more efforts to illustrate how the 3D biomaterial systems affect to modulate antitumor immune activities, where we discussed how significant the roles and behaviours of 3D macroscale scaffolds towards in situ cancer immunotherapy in order to direct the design of 3D immunotherapeutic.

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]

Single-atom catalyst (SAC) is one of the newest catalysts, and attracts people's wide attention in cancer therapy based on their characteristics of maximum specific catalytic activity and high stability. We designed and synthesized a Fe-N decorated graphene nanosheet (Fe-N5/GN SAC) with the coordination number of five. Through enzymology and theoretical calculations, the Fe-N5/GN SAC has outstanding intrinsic peroxidase-like catalytic activity due to single-atom Fe site with five-N-coordination structure. We explored its potential on lung cancer therapy, and found that it could kill human lung adenocarcinoma cells (A549) by decomposing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) under acidic microenvironment in three-dimensional (3D) lung cancer cell model. Our study demonstrates a promising application of SAC with highly efficient single-atom catalytic sites for cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) are among the remarkable next-generation energy storage technologies for a broad range of applications, including (implantable) medical devices, portable electronic devices, (hybrid) electric vehicles, and even large-scale grid storage. All-solid-state thin film Li-ion batteries (TFLIBs) with an extended cycle life, broad temperature operation range, and minimal self-discharge rate are superior to bulk-type ASSBs and have attracted considerable attention. Compared with conventional batteries, stacking dense thin films reduces the Li-ion diffusion length, thereby improving the rate capability. It is vital to develop TFLIBs with higher energy density and stability. However, multiple challenges, such as interfacial instability, low volumetric energy density, and high manufacturing cost, still hinder the widespread application of TFLIBs. At present, many approaches, such as materials optimization and novel architecture design, have been explored to enhance the stability and energy density of TFLIBs. An overview of these discoveries and developments in TFLIBs is presented in this review, together with new insights into the intrinsic mechanisms of operation; this is of great value to the batteries research community and facilitates further improvements in batteries in the near future. [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]

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 Multiple three-dimensional (3D) tumour organoid models assisted by multi-omics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) have contributed greatly to preclinical drug development and precision medicine. The intrinsic ability to maintain genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity of tumours allows for the reconciliation of shortcomings in traditional cancer models. While their utility in preclinical studies have been well established, little progress has been made in translational research and clinical trials. In this review, we identify the major bottlenecks preventing patient-derived tumour organoids (PDTOs) from being used in clinical setting. Unsuitable methods of tissue acquisition, disparities in establishment rates and a lengthy timeline are the limiting factors for use of PDTOs in clinical application. Potential strategies to overcome this include liquid biopsies via circulating tumour cells (CTCs), an automated organoid platform and optical metabolic imaging (OMI). These proposed solutions accelerate and optimize the workflow of a clinical organoid drug screening. As such, PDTOs have the potential for potential applications in clinical oncology to improve patient outcomes. If remarkable progress is made, cancer patients can finally benefit from this revolutionary technology.

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the whether multi-tasking performance in (three-dimensional) 3D aid or impede cognition compare to (two-dimensional) 2D environments, as reflected by cognitive load. Specifically, we aim to examine the mechanism of multi-tasking under 3D (virtual reality [VR]) and 2D (PC monitor) conditions using the widely used Multi-Attribute Task Battery (MATB) II paradigm., Methodology: The MATB-II sub-tasks, namely "Tracking" and "System Monitoring," were conducted with varying task demands in both 3D conditions (Tracking Far - System Monitoring Near [TF-SN], Tracking Near - System Monitoring Far [TN-SF]) and a 2D condition with no depth perception (No Depth [ND]). Participants' cognitive load was assessed using subjective reporting (NASA-TLX) and physiological measure (root mean square of successive difference (RMSSD) of heart rate variability (HRV))., Results: The study found that performance was significantly better in the ND condition compared to the TF-SN and TN-SF conditions. Furthermore, higher NASA-TLX scores and lower RMSSD values were observed in the TF-SN and TN-SN conditions compared to the ND condition, providing additional support for the overall findings of the MATB-II paradigm., Conclusion: These findings suggest that processing multiple tasks in different depth planes may lead to poorer performance and increased subjective and physiological cognitive load., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest We declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Background: The precise identification of the position and form of a tumor mass can improve early diagnosis and treatment. However, due to the complicated tumor categories and varying sizes and forms, the segregation of brain gliomas and their internal sub-regions is still very challenging. This study sought to design a new deep-learning network based on three-dimensional (3D) U-Net to address its shortcomings in brain tumor segmentation (BraTS) tasks., Methods: We developed a 3D dilated multi-scale residual attention U-Net (DMRA-U-Net) model for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) BraTS. It used dilated convolution residual (DCR) modules to better process shallow features, multi-scale convolution residual (MCR) modules in the bottom encoding path to create richer and more comprehensive feature expression while reducing overall information loss or blurring, and a channel attention (CA) module between the encoding and decoding paths to address the problem of retrieving and preserving important features during the processing of deep feature maps., Results: The BraTS 2018-2021 datasets served as the training and evaluation datasets for this study. Further, the proposed architecture was assessed using metrics such as the dice similarity coefficient (DSC), Hausdorff distance (HD), and sensitivity (Sens). The DMRA U-Net model segments the whole tumor (WT), and the tumor core (TC), and the enhancing tumor (ET) regions of brain tumors. Using the suggested architecture, the DSCs were 0.9012, 0.8867, and 0.8813, the HDs were 28.86, 13.34, and 10.88 mm, and the Sens was 0.9429, 0.9452, and 0.9303 for the WT, TC, and ET regions, respectively. Compared to the traditional 3D U-Net, the DSC of the DMRA U-Net increased by 4.5%, 2.5%, and 0.8%, the HD of the DMRA U-Net decreased by 21.83, 16.42, and 10.00, the Sens of the DMRA U-Net increased by 0.4%, 0.7%, and 1.4% for the WT, TC, and ET regions, respectively. Further, the results of the statistical comparison of the performance indicators revealed that our model performed well generally in the segmentation of the WT, TC, and ET regions., Conclusions: We developed a promising tumor segmentation model. Our solution is open sourced and is available at: https://github.com/Gold3nk/dmra-unet., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: All authors have completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form (available at https://qims.amegroups.com/article/view/10.21037/qims-24-779/coif). The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare., (2024 AME Publishing Company. All rights reserved.)

Background: Evaluation of mitral (MA) and tricuspid annuli (TA) in the same healthy subject in a non-invasive way in real-life clinical settings makes an opportunity to compare their dimensions and derived functional properties. The purpose of the present cohort study was to investigate whether there are any differences in the three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography- (3DSTE-) measured size and derived functional characteristics of the MA and TA in the same healthy adults., Methods: The study comprised 248 healthy adults, in which 3DSTE was performed to determine MA and TA dimensions and functional properties. Due to insufficient image quality, 89 cases were excluded, therefore the remaining population consisted of 159 subjects (age: 35.6±12.9 years, 76 males). Subjects were enrolled on a voluntary basis consecutively between January 2011 and November 2017 in the outpatient clinic of the tertiary cardiology center at the Department of Medicine, University of Szeged, Hungary. Data were analyzed by Student's t -test, analysis of variance (ANOVA) test, Fischer's exact test, Pearsons' correlations, interclass correlations and Bland-Altman tests., Results: Same-side MA/TA end-diastolic annular dilation is associated with simultaneous MA/TA end-systolic dilation and vice versa. MA dilation in end-diastole and end-systole results in MA functional improvement/deterioration. Dilation of end-diastolic TA dimensions does not obviously entail differences in TA function. However, similar to MA, more dilated TA in end-systole is associated with impaired TA function. Dilated MA dimensions (end-diastolic MA area: 4.31±0.62 vs. 10.89±1.18 cm 2 , P<0.05) are not obviously associated with dilated end-diastolic TA dimensions (area: 7.05±1.42 vs. 7.81±1.48 cm 2 , P=ns) and functional improvement/impairment (fractional area change: 27.5%±10.8% vs. 25.2%±10.6%, P=ns)., Conclusions: Dilation of MA and TA is associated with different contralateral responses in morphology and function., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: All authors have completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form (available at https://qims.amegroups.com/article/view/10.21037/qims-24-630/coif). A.N. serves as an unpaid editorial board member of Quantitative Imaging in Medicine and Surgery. The other authors have no conflicts of interest to declare., (2024 Quantitative Imaging in Medicine and Surgery. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To three-dimensionally evaluate the position and morphology of the TMJ in skeletal Class I with variable degrees of overbite and overjet in comparison with normal peers., Methods: Pretreatment CBCT scans of 126 adults were retrieved. Based on the severity of overjet and overbite, the sample was divided into three main groups and six subgroups (18 patients each): the first group with a normal overbite and variable overjet degree and the second group with normal overjet and variable overbite degree. These six subgroups were compared with a third control group of normal overjet and overbite., Results: There were significant differences in vertical condylar position, vertical and anteroposterior condylar inclinations, condylar height, and significant posterior condylar positioning in severe deep overbite, compared with the control group., Conclusion: There were significant changes in the TMJ components in severe deep overbite cases. Therefore, sever deep overbite could be considered a predisposing factor for temporomandibular disorders.

To improve the accuracy of personnel positioning in underground coal mines, in this paper, we propose a convolutional neural network (CNN) three-dimensional (3D) visible light positioning (VLP) system based on the Inception-v2 module and efficient channel attention mechanism. The system consists of two LEDs and four photodetectors (PDs), with the four PDs on the miner’s helmet. Considering the height fluctuation of PD and the impact of wall reflection on the received light power, we adopt the Inception module to perform a multi-scale extraction of the features of the received light power, thus solving the limitation of the single-scale convolution kernel on the positioning accuracy. In order to focus on the information that is more critical to positioning among the numerous input features, giving different features of the optical power data corresponding weights, we use an efficient channel attention mechanism to make the positioning model more accurate. The simulation results show that the average positioning error of the system was 1.63 cm in the space of 6 m × 3 m × 3.6 m when both the line-of-sight (LOS) and non-line-of-sight (NLOS) links were considered, with 90% of the localization errors within 4.55 cm. During the experimental stage, the average positioning error was 11.12 cm, with 90% of the positioning errors within 28.75 cm. These show that the system could achieve centimeter-level positioning accuracy and meet the requirements for underground personnel positioning in coal mines.

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]

The emergence of three-dimensional printed (3DP) technology in the food industry is one of the possibilities for a source of global halal food supply in the future. Producing individualized nutritional meals, food sustainability, and developing new solutions worldwide are just a few of the benefits of using 3DP. However, there are still issues with 3DP, especially regarding safety issues and all the risks to the consumer that needs to be overcome. Besides, it will safeguard each essential component of food production for commercial purposes and acceptance by the public. The objective of this study is to gather information regarding the potential of 3DP as well as its availability in the halal market. This study revolves around the five main pillars of halal forensics for halal-based products. This qualitative study employs library research as the data collection method. Data were analysed using content analysis method. Based on this study, a new regulatory framework for halal 3DP food products can be suggested through the halal forensics concept. This allows the authenticity of halal 3DP food products to be certified to safeguard consumers when consuming especially the Muslim community.

With the continuous development of artificial intelligence technology, visible-light positioning (VLP) based on machine learning and deep learning algorithms has become a research hotspot for indoor positioning technology. To improve the accuracy of robot positioning, we established a three-dimensional (3D) positioning system of visible-light consisting of two LED lights and three photodetectors. In this system, three photodetectors are located on the robot’s head. We considered the impact of line-of-sight (LOS) and non-line-of-sight (NLOS) links on the received signals and used gated recurrent unit (GRU) neural networks to deal with nonlinearity in the system. To address the problem of poor stability during GRU network training, we used a learning rate attenuation strategy to improve the performance of the GRU network. The simulation results showed that the average positioning error of the system was 2.69 cm in a space of 4 m × 4 m × 3 m when only LOS links were considered and 2.66 cm when both LOS and NLOS links were considered with 95% of the positioning errors within 7.88 cm. For two-dimensional (2D) positioning with a fixed positioning height, 80% of the positioning error was within 9.87 cm. This showed that the system had a high anti-interference ability, could achieve centimeter-level positioning accuracy, and met the requirements of robot indoor positioning.

All-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) are among the remarkable next-generation energy storage technologies for a broad range of applications, including (implantable) medical devices, portable electronic devices, (hybrid) electric vehicles, and even large-scale grid storage. All-solid-state thin film Li-ion batteries (TFLIBs) with an extended cycle life, broad temperature operation range, and minimal self-discharge rate are superior to bulk-type ASSBs and have attracted considerable attention. Compared with conventional batteries, stacking dense thin films reduces the Li-ion diffusion length, thereby improving the rate capability. It is vital to develop TFLIBs with higher energy density and stability. However, multiple challenges, such as interfacial instability, low volumetric energy density, and high manufacturing cost, still hinder the widespread application of TFLIBs. At present, many approaches, such as materials optimization and novel architecture design, have been explored to enhance the stability and energy density of TFLIBs. An overview of these discoveries and developments in TFLIBs is presented in this review, together with new insights into the intrinsic mechanisms of operation; this is of great value to the batteries research community and facilitates further improvements in batteries in the near future.

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]

This study aimed to establish a three-dimensional (3D) cephalometric analysis of craniofacial morphology and discuss its theoretical usefulness in orthognathic patients. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of Japanese subjects with skeletal Class I malocclusion before treatment were selected from among 1000 patients so that samples matched a historic 2D cephalometric cohort with normal occlusion using propensity score matching. In each CBCT image, 67 3D measurements were calculated based on manually identified landmarks. The mean and standard deviation of the measurements were calculated and used as the normative range for each sex. To confirm the usefulness of the 3D measurements, pre- and post-treatment CT data of nine jaw deformity patients who underwent orthognathic surgery with two-dimensional planning (2DP) in the past were used. Pre- and post-treatment CT values were evaluated with a paired t -test as well as a Z-score, which was calculated using the aforementioned normative range, and then categorized into five groups ("deteriorated", "no improvement", "over-treatment", "no change", "improvement") with −1 < Z-score < 1 considered normal. Fifty-six patients were matched to normal skeletal 1 subjects. The normative range of 67 items indicating 3D craniofacial morphology of the Japanese was calculated. Postoperatively, the horizontal position of the pogonion to the mid-sagittal plane significantly decreased (p = 0.043) and "improved"; however, the ramus axis on the right side significantly increased (p = 0.005) and "deteriorated". Maxillary yaw and the horizontal position of the gonion also tended to "deteriorated". The normative range for the 3D cephalometric analysis in Japanese has been established. Given findings of deteriorated maxillomandibular yawing after surgery when using conventional 2DP, 3D cephalometric measurements should be used when planning jaw positions after surgery for orthognathic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional visible light positioning (VLP) systems usually require at least three light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to enable trilateration or triangulation, which is infeasible when the LED condition is constrained. In this paper, we propose a novel indoor three-dimensional (3D) VLP and orienteering (VLPO) scheme. By using only two LEDs and two photo-detectors (PDs), our scheme can achieve simultaneous 3D localization and receiver orientation estimation efficiently. Further, to eliminate the location uncertainty caused by receiver tilt, we propose a location selection strategy which can effectively determine the true location of the receiver. Through extensive simulations, it is found that when the receiver faces upwards, the proposed scheme can achieve a mean 3D positioning error of 7.4 cm and a mean azimuthal error of 7.0°. Moreover, when the receiver tilts with a polar angle of 10°, accurate VLPO can still be achieved with 90.3% of 3D positioning errors less than 20 cm and 92.6% of azimuthal errors less than 5°. These results indicate that our scheme is a promising solution to achieve accurate VLPO when there is only two LEDs. Results also verify the effectiveness of the VLPO scheme when locating a tilted receiver. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine if laparoscopic skills acquisition will be superior with the use of 3D-enhanced training models with increased dimensionality and spatial complexity compared to standard 3D LapPass training models in novice medical students. We hypothesized that adopting low-fidelity, 3D-enhanced training models in the 2D visual modality may expedite adaptation to monocular cues related to depth perception, enhancing performance., Design: A prospective, single-center, 2-arm, randomized controlled trial with participants randomized equally into either 3D-enhanced or standard 3D group (allocation ratio 1:1, block sizes 2 and 4) performing 2 standardized laparoscopic tasks: (1) polo grasping and manipulation and (2) intracorporeal suturing. Performance was assessed using the Global Operative Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills (GOALS) tool, completion time, and number of errors, with evaluations at baseline, interim, and post-training for each task. A post-study survey measured participant-perceived confidence and performance (ID: NCT06184854)., Setting: Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, UK., Participants: Sixty-five medical students, all novices in laparoscopic surgery, were enrolled, with 3 dropouts., Results: Thirty-one participants in each group completed the study with homogeneity regarding demographic data (p > 0.05). Both groups had significantly superior performance post-training compared to baseline in the 2 tasks (intragroup comparison, p < 0.017). In the intergroup comparison, the 3D-enhanced group had statistically significantly greater improvements in the GOALS score parameter and depth perception domain across all comparisons for both tasks (p < 0.05). Time improvement and error reduction also favored the 3D-enhanced group, however, without reaching statistical significance. In the post-study survey, the 3D-enhanced group reported significantly greater perceived post-training confidence and performance in the suturing task alone (p < 0.05)., Conclusions: The use of 3D-enhanced training models resulted in superior laparoscopic skills acquisition for novices in 2 tasks compared to standard 3D LapPass models. Therefore, incorporating 3D-enhanced models into laparoscopic training curricula alongside standard 3D LapPass models can supplement learning. Further work should focus on long-term efficacy with a competency-based endpoint., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

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]