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The progress of research focused on cholangiocytes and the biliary tree during development and following injury is hindered by limited available quantitative methodologies. Current techniques include two-dimensional standard histological cell-counting approaches, which are rapidly performed, error prone, and lack architectural context or three-dimensional analysis of the biliary tree in opacified livers, which introduce technical issues along with minimal quantitation. The present study aims to fill these quantitative gaps with a supervised machine-learning model (BiliQML) able to quantify biliary forms in the liver of anti-keratin 19 antibody-stained whole slide images. Training utilized 5,019 researcher-labeled biliary forms, which following feature selection, and algorithm optimization, generated an F score of 0.87. Application of BiliQML on seven separate cholangiopathy models [genetic (Afp-CRE;Pkd1l1null/Fl, Alb-CRE;Rbp-jkfl/fl, and Albumin-CRE;ROSANICD), surgical (bile duct ligation), toxicological (3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine), and therapeutic (Cyp2c70−/− with ileal bile acid transporter inhibition)] allowed for a means to validate the capabilities and utility of this platform. The results from BiliQML quantification revealed biological and pathological differences across these seven diverse models, indicating a highly sensitive, robust, and scalable methodology for the quantification of distinct biliary forms. BiliQML is the first comprehensive machine-learning platform for biliary form analysis, adding much-needed morphologic context to standard immunofluorescence-based histology, and provides clinical and basic science researchers with a novel tool for the characterization of cholangiopathies. NEW & NOTEWORTHY: BiliQML is the first comprehensive machine-learning platform for biliary form analysis in whole slide histopathological images. This platform provides clinical and basic science researchers with a novel tool for the improved quantification and characterization of biliary tract disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we investigated the sensitivity of the junctionless silicon nanotube tunnel field-effect transistor (JLSiNT-TFET). To accomplish this, we utilized the Sentaurus TCAD software tool to generate the 3D JLSiNT-TFET device. The sensitivity analysis is conducted using the device's geometrical parameters, including channel length (Lg), dielectric oxide (Tox) thickness, and silicon (tube wall) thickness (Tsi). This analysis is based on various device metrics, such as ON current (ION), OFF current (IOFF), sub-threshold swing (SS), threshold voltage (Vth), and cut-off frequency (fT). We observed that increasing the gate length (Lg) and tube wall thickness (Tsi) leads to sensitivity in ION, SS, and fT for larger values, while these parameters exhibited lower sensitivity to IOFF and Vth. Furthermore, when the dielectric oxide thickness (Tox) increased, we noted an increase in the sensitivity of IOFF current, accompanied by a decrease in ION and fT. Comparing the proposed device to the SiNT-TFET, we found significant improvements: ION improved by 39.51%, the ION/IOFF ratio increased by 40%, transconductance (gm) rose by 28.47%, and fT surged by 94.81%. Finally, the JLSiNT-TFET device metrics confirmed that substantial superiority over the silicon nanotube tunnel field-effect transistor (SiNT-TFET). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The alveolar ridge reconstruction of vertical and combined bone defects is a non-predictable procedure with varying percentages of success. The greatest challenge for vertical and combined bone augmentation is to maintain mechanical stability of the bone graft; therefore, it is mandatory to provide and preserve space for bone regeneration. The development of biomaterials and 3D printing has enabled the use of polymer scaffolds in the reconstruction of alveolar ridge defects. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the mechanical characteristics of an innovative individualized biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) scaffold, under dynamic conditions, simulating biodegradation and the influence of masticatory forces. After the design and 3D printing of PLA scaffolds, two groups of 27 scaffolds were formed according to the compression testing procedure. The compression tests were performed in occlusal and lateral directions. In each of the two groups, nine subgroups of three scaffolds were formed for different testing periods during in vitro degradation with a total period of 16 weeks. Results showed that biodegradation and load application had no significant influence on mechanical characteristics of tested scaffolds. It can be concluded that simulated masticatory forces and biodegradation do not significantly influence the mechanical characteristics of an individualized biodegradable augmentation scaffold. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the impact of height ratios on the seismic Structure-Soil-Structure Interaction (SSSI) for three adjacent bridges with varying superstructure masses (Mst = 350, 1050, 350 t) through 3D numerical simulations. A comprehensive series of numerical analyses has been conducted across different height ratios (R = 1, 1.1, 1.15, 1.2, 1.25, 1.5, 2, and 3) to assess their influence on superstructure acceleration and the internal forces within the foundation piles. The bridges under investigation are supported by groups of piles embedded in nonlinear clay. The numerical simulations were executed using fast Lagrangian analysis of continua in three dimensions (FLAC 3D), a three-dimensional finite differences modeling software. The findings revealed that variations in mass ratios significantly impact the SSSI effects on superstructure acceleration and pile internal forces. Notably, adverse effects were more pronounced for mass ratios of R = 1.1 and 1.2, leading to an increase in bending moment, shear force, and superstructure acceleration by up to 237.8%, 291.4%, and 70.33%, respectively. In contrast, a mass ratio of R = 3 resulted in a decrease in bending moment, shear force, and superstructure acceleration by up to 72%, 82.14%, and 81.13%, respectively. This implies that a careful arrangement of adjacent structures with different masses can be employed effectively to manage the (SSSI) effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the framework of 3D elasticity theory, the static behavior of functionally graded viscoelastic cylindrical panels with piezoelectric layers under electro-mechanical loads is investigated. The viscoelastic material is modeled using Boltzmann's integral model, and its Poisson's ratio is constant, and for its time-dependent Young's modulus, spatially, the power distribution in the radial direction is considered. Modulus time changes are also expressed using the Prony series. For simply supported edges, the state space method and Fourier expansion, and for other boundary conditions, the semi-analytical approach by the state space differential quadrature method (DQM) are used. Equations of motion are solved in the Laplace domain and by the Laplace inverse technique, results are transferred back to the time domain numerically. Also, the results of this research have been validated with other similar research. Finally, the effect of different parameters such as the type of supports, the relaxation time constant, thickness of the piezoelectric layer, and other important parameters on the static response of the panel have been investigated. Results demonstrate that if the ratio of the total layer thickness to the piezoelectric thickness exceeds a specified value, the effect of the thickness of the piezoelectric layer on mechanical behavior can be disregarded. Furthermore, when relaxation time constant increases, the amount of stress remains constant for a constant thickness and equals the amount of stress in the elastic panel. However, the amount of displacement decreases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Scaffold (SCA) functionalization with aptamers (APT) provides adsorption of specific bioactive molecules on biomaterial surfaces. The aim of this study was to observe if SCA enriched with anti-fibronectin APT can favor coagulum (PhC) and osteoblasts (OSB) differentiation. Methods: 20 μg of APT was functionalized on SCA by simple adsorption. For PhC formation, SCAs were inserted into rat calvaria defects for 17 h. Following proper transportation (buffer solution PB), OSBs (UMR-106 lineage) were seeded over PhC + SCAs with and without APT. Cells and PhC morphology, PhC cell population, protein labeling and gene expression were observed in different time points. Results: The APT induced higher alkaline phosphatase and bone sialoprotein immunolabeling in OSB. Mesenchymal stem cells, leukocytes and lymphocytes cells were detected more in the APT group than when scaffolds were not functionalized. Additionally, an enriched and dense fibrin network and different cell types were observed, with more OSB and white blood cells in PhC formed on SCA with APT. The gene expression showed higher transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-b1) detection in SCA with APT. Conclusions: The SCA functionalization with fibronectin aptamers may alter key morphological and functional features of blood clot formation, and provides a selective expression of proteins related to osteo differentiation. Additionally, aptamers increase TGF-b1 gene expression, which is highly associated with improvements in regenerative therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discussed in this investigation is the three-dimensional gravity-driven flow of a thin fluid layer down an incline and over topography. A new three-dimensional integral-boundary-layer (IBL) model is proposed to describe the flow. Numerical simulations are presented and comparisons with lubrication and two-dimensional IBL models are discussed for both steady and unsteady flows. Subcritical and supercritical cases are considered, along with symmetrical and asymmetrical bottom topographies. Also, good agreement was found with experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the outcomes of corrective surgical treatment for craniofacial asymmetry using four different methods with the aim of developing the best technique for craniofacial asymmetry assessment. Materials and methods: CBCT images of twenty-one class III subjects with surgically corrected craniofacial asymmetry and twenty-one matched controls were analyzed. Twenty-seven hard tissue landmarks were used to quantify asymmetry using the following methodologies: the asymmetry index (AI), asymmetry scores based on the clinically derived midline (CM), Procrustes analysis (PA), and modified Procrustes analysis (MPA). Results: Modified Procrustes analysis successfully identified pre-operative asymmetry and revealed severe asymmetry at the mandibular regions compared to controls, which was comparable to the asymmetry index and clinically derived midline methods, while Procrustes analysis masked the asymmetric characteristics. Likewise, when comparing the post-surgical outcomes, modified Procrustes analysis not only efficiently determined the changes evidencing decrease in facial asymmetry but also revealed significant residual asymmetry in the mandible, which was congruent with the asymmetry index and clinically derived midline methods but contradictory to the results shown by Procrustes analysis. Conclusions: In terms of quantifying cranio-facial asymmetry, modified Procrustes analysis has evidenced to produce promising results that were comparable to the asymmetry index and the clinically derived midline, making it a more viable option for craniofacial asymmetry assessment. Clinical relevance: Modified Procrustes analysis is proficient in evaluating cranio-facial asymmetry with more valid clinical representation and has potential applications in assessing asymmetry in a wide spectrum of patients, including syndromic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Using three-dimensional printed duplicates of the donor teeth, three-dimensional auto-transplantation is a medical procedure that moves a tooth from one location inside a patient to another. The intraoperative practicability during 3D auto-transplantation of teeth was evaluated in the present study. Material and Methods: A prospective multicenter clinical study was done among the subjects. "Preoperative cone-beam computed tomography imaging," "computer-assisted design (CAD)," and "computer-assisted manufacturing (CAM)" were used in all operations to make a 3D duplicate of the donor teeth. The clinical parameters that were evaluated were the time required for the fit, number of attempts to fit, and intra-operative experience. Results: Canines, premolars, molars, and one extra tooth were all transplanted during the 200 auto-transplantation surgeries among 152 subjects. An initial satisfactory fit of the donor tooth and an extra-alveolar time of less than one minute were achieved in 80% of the surgeries. The extra-alveolar time exceeded 3 minutes in ten teeth. Difficulties that were faced were related to the imaging, patient cooperation, and the bone quality. Conclusions: The application of the duplicate teeth by 3D printing of a donor tooth all through auto-transplantation techniques reduced the time the tooth stays extra-alveolar as well as the efforts at transplant fitting during implantation. This allowed for more challenging surgeries as well as a speedy and reliable therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The success of orthodontic treatment depends on accurate bracket placement, so researchers are constantly exploring new direct and indirect bonding methods with the help of cutting-edge imaging technologies like cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), which provides full three-dimensional visualization of tissues down to the root of the tooth. Aim: The primary goals of this analysis are to determine the degree of section angulation and adhesive thickness, as well as the accuracy of the vertical and flat section positions. The correlation between total clinical crown height, minor edge to focus of section, and minimum edge to complete curve crown length is one of several possible goals of this investigation (FACC). Materials and Methods: Currently, 10 patients aged 15-30 who needed fixed appliance treatment were enrolled in an in vivo research conducted by the orthodontics department. Cases with and without extractions of the crooked teeth were counted. Full mouth analysis is being used in this investigation. Ten patients were selected at random and placed in either Group A (the study group) or Group B (the control group) (control group). Group A bonds are more indirect, whereas group B bonds are more like "normal" direct bonds. We used a Canon 700D camera, a biocompatible transparent 3D printing resin, and a 3M Gemini MBT.022 in bracket kit for CT scanning and imaging. Brackets are placed by experienced orthodontists in both treatment groups. Result: There is a statistically significant (P 0.05) difference between the indirect and direct bonding group when all five factors are taken into account, with the indirect bonding group demonstrating superiority in terms of accuracy. Conclusion: The results of the current investigation support the premise that there is a clinically significant difference between direct bonding and 3D indirect bonding in terms of bracket placement accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The management of missing teeth as a result of dental trauma or associated with hypodontia in children and adolescents presents as a clinical challenge for the dental team. One of the options that is regaining popularity is dental autotransplantation. To improve autotransplantation outcomes, careful interdisciplinary planning, surgical simulation using cone beam computed tomography images and three‐dimensional‐printed teeth replicas should be undertaken for presurgical preparation. This case report showcases two applications of autotransplantation, with emphasis on interdisciplinary management, presurgical preparation and postsurgical orthodontic and aesthetic management to deliver a good long‐term, sustainable, biological outcome, as a part of a comprehensive rehabilitation treatment plan in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy efficiency enhancement methods have received considerable attention within the industry and scientific community, owing to the rising concern of global energy sustainability. The present article attempts to scrutinize the effects of electrohydrodynamics and nanofluids on the rate of heat transfer and fluid flow in the 3-D chain microchannels. Improved heat exchangers (e.g., chain microchannel) would have a key role in increasing of the performance of such systems since they provide efficient thermal management needed for more robust computational power. To date, analysis of electrohydrodynamics and nanofluids in the chain microchannel was not comprehensively discussed. Here, steady-state, laminar, and three-dimensional chain microchannel are numerically modeled based on a control volume method in Fluent. Results show that by increasing the volume fraction of nanoparticles, the viscosity of the nanofluid increases leading to an increase in pressure drops. Moreover, Nusselt at Re = 125, 250, 500 and 1000 for hybrid nanofluid ( ∅ A L 2 O 3 = ∅ CuO = 4 %) is 1.206, 1.541, 2.075 and 2.707, respectively which, in turn, depicts surging by 22.94%, 24.17%, 24.70% and 24.707% in comparison to water, respectively. In addition, at low Reynolds number (0.416 ≤ R e ≤ 4.166) , the lower Reynolds results in decreasing of percentage of pressure drop. Meanwhile, imposing electrohydrodynamic (V = 30 KV) at Re= 125, 250, 500 and 1000 leads to increasing by 23%, 22%, 20% and 18% of Nusselt number in comparison to absence of electric field, respectively. It means that the considered effect of the increasing the Nusselt number at lower Reynolds number is more effective. Moreover, heat transfer rises with augmentation of supplied voltage and Reynolds number. Using active (electrohydrodynamics and hybrid nanofluid) and passive (3-D chain microchannel) methods to enhance heat transfer rate. Adding two additional equations (including ρ c and V) in Fluent With Using UDS (User Defined Scalar). Writing UDM to achieve E ( E → = − ∇ V) as well as UDF to solve source terms ( ρ c. E and J →. E → ) Considering the charge convection term ( ρ c u → ) in the electric current density ( j → = ρ (ρ c β E → + ρ c u → + D e ∇ ρ c)) owing to used fluids (water and nanofluids) in this article, whilst it is negligible for air. Investigation of effects of different types of nanofluid and their concentration as well as impacts of adding electrode and its voltages. Imposing electrohydrodynamic (V = 30 KV) at Re= 125, 250, 500 and 1000 leads to increasing by 23%, 22%, 20% and 18% of Nusselt number in comparison to absence of electric field, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regenerative medicine, and dentistry offers enormous potential for enhancing treatment results and has been fueled by bioengineering breakthroughs over the previous few decades. Bioengineered tissues and constructing functional structures capable of healing, maintaining, and regenerating damaged tissues and organs have had a broad influence on medicine and dentistry. Approaches for combining bioinspired materials, cells, and therapeutic chemicals are critical in stimulating tissue regeneration or as medicinal systems. Because of its capacity to maintain an unique 3D form, offer physical stability for the cells in produced tissues, and replicate the native tissues, hydrogels have been utilized as one of the most frequent tissue engineering scaffolds during the last twenty years. Hydrogels' high water content can provide an excellent conditions for cell viability as well as an architecture that mimics real tissues, bone, and cartilage. Hydrogels have been used to enable cell immobilization and growth factor application. This paper summarizes the features, structure, synthesis and production methods, uses, new challenges, and future prospects of bioactive polymeric hydrogels in dental and osseous tissue engineering of clinical, exploring, systematical and scientific applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The operative microscope (OM) has revolutionized the field of modern spine surgery, however, it remains limited by several drawbacks. Recently, the exoscope (EX) system has been designed to assistant spine surgery. It provides a three‐dimensional (3D) high‐definition (HD) operative experience and becomes an alternative to the OM. The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes, advantages and limitations of EX‐assisted minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (EMIS‐TLIF) and OM‐assisted MIS‐TLIF (OMIS‐TLIF). Methods: The clinical outcomes were assessed in 47 patients with lumbar degenerative diseases (LDD) who underwent MIS‐TLIF assisted with the OM or EX between January 2019 and September 2020. A total of 22 were treated with EMIS‐TLIF, and 25 received OMIS‐TLIF. Perioperative parameters (including sex, age, number of fusion levels and body mass index), perioperative parameters (operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage, postoperative hospitalization stay, and duration of follow‐up), visual analogue scale (VAS) of back pain, VAS of leg pain, Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores and clinical outcomes were assessed and compared. Image quality, handling of equipment, ergonomics, 3D glasses and educational usefulness were scored according to a questionnaire. Results: Operation time in the OMIS‐TLIF group (121.92 ± 16.92 min) was significantly increased compared with that in the EMIS‐TLIF group (111.00 ± 19.87 min) (P < 0.05). The VAS of the back pain and ODI scores in the EMIS‐TLIF group were significantly lower compared with the OMIS‐TLIF group at 1 week postoperatively (P < 0.05). The good‐excellent outcomes rate was 90.91% in the EMIS‐TLIF group and 88.00% in the OMIS‐TLIF group, and there was no significant difference. A total of 44 visits completed the questionnaire. The results of the questionnaire showed that the EX has exhibited advantages regarding handing of equipment, ergonomics and educational usefulness, and comparable image quality as compared with the OM, however, operating surgeons complained uncomfortable sensation when wearing 3D glasses. Conclusions: The EMIS‐TLIF was a safe and effective procedure in the management of LDD as compared with the OMIS‐LIF. Meanwhile, EMIS‐TLIF might resulted in a short operation time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Teeth are considered to be the prime organs for mastication, speech, and esthetics. The basic structure of tooth involves enamel, dentin, and pulp. Each of these is formed by specialized structures during the various phases of tooth development. One of such specialized structures forming dentin of the tooth are odontoblasts. Being present at the periphery of the pulp chamber, they are in close contact with dentin through cytoplasmic extensions which travel into the entire length of dentin through dentinal tubules. In addition to dentin formation, they play a vital role in performing the various functions of the tooth including nerve sensation. They are functionally active throughout the life span of a healthy tooth and are subjective to numerous injuries causing various oral lesions. This review aims to collect the information with an additional note on the role of odontoblasts and their characteristics in a healthy and diseased tooth structure, their significance in endodontics and three-dimensional (3D) histological means. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smile appearance has a major psychological impact. Orthognathic surgery, which has harmonizing results on skeletal structures, can negatively influence the smile appearance due to soft tissue effects. To enhance the aesthetic effects of orthognathic surgery on soft tissues, reference models for large parts of the hospital's adherent area are called for. This study aims to create average facial models for different sex and age groups in two facial exercises: maximum closed smile, and pouting. These models were created using coherent point drift and Procrustes algorithms in MATLAB. Principal component analysis was performed, and of 20 surgical landmarks, the in-group variation using standard deviation was calculated. Three distances were analyzed: nasal width, philtral width, and mouth width. To correct for facial size, these distances were analyzed as a ratio of intercanthal width. In total, 328 healthy subjects were included in the study. Subjects were grouped by sex, and in age categories spanning four years each, with an adult group with all ages >16 years. For both smiling and pouting faces, all ratios increased with ageing. These templates and data can benefit facial surgeons, to obtain an expected outcome according to the age of the patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organoids have been used to investigate the three-dimensional (3D) organization and function of their respective organs. These self-organizing 3D structures offer a distinct advantage over traditional two-dimensional (2D) culture techniques by creating a more physiologically relevant milieu to study complex biological systems. The goal of this study was to determine the feasibility of establishing organoids from various pediatric liver diseases and characterize the long-term evolution of cholangiocyte organoids (chol-orgs) under a single continuous culture condition. We established chol-orgs from 10 different liver conditions and characterized their multicellular organization into complex epithelial structures through budding, merging, and lumen formation. Immunofluorescent staining, electron microscopy, and single-nucleus RNA (snRNA-seq) sequencing confirmed the cholangiocytic nature of the chol-orgs. There were significant cell population differences in the transcript profiles of two-dimensional and organoid cultures based on snRNA-seq. Our study provides an approach for the generation and long-term maintenance of chol-orgs from various pediatric liver diseases under a single continuous culture condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of bimaxillary orthognathic surgery on the short-term soft tissue changes of facial structures using a laser scanner for 3D facial acquisition. Materials and methods: Thirty patients were selected for this study with skeletal class III malocclusion that required bimaxillary orthognathic surgery A Le Fort I maxillary advancement with or without maxillary impaction and a bilateral sagittal split osteotomy were performed. 3D acquisition of the craniofacial structures was obtained by Planmeca ProMax® laser surface scanner, preoperatively and postoperatively after 6 months. Result: These scans were superimposed over each other and was analyzed by the color-coded map. Bimaxillary orthognathic surgery resulted in soft-tissue changes that were maximized in the central parts of the face than in the lateral parts. Conclusion: The color-coded analysis provides a better understanding of the three-dimensional soft tissue changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a three‐dimensional (3D) finite‐difference time‐domain (FDTD) approach utilizing time‐domain weighted Laguerre polynomials (WLPs) and space‐domain isotropic–dispersion (ID) finite‐difference scheme is presented (i.e., 3D ID‐WLP‐FDTD). The method exhibits unconditional stability and comprehensively improved performance such as lower anisotropic numerical dispersion error. To demonstrate its advantage, it is applied in an example of the propagation of a plane wave in a 3D cavity. The results calculated by the proposed ID‐WLP‐FDTD method and the conventional 3D WLP‐FDTD are compared, which shows that the proposed method can achieve reduced anisotropic numerical dispersion error while consuming less calculation time and hardware resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isolation and culturing of cardiac fibroblasts (CF) induces rapid differentiation toward a myofibroblast phenotype, which is partly mediated by the high substrate stiffness of the culture plates. In the present study, a 3D model of Engineered Heart Matrix (EHM) of physiological stiffness (Youngs modulus ~15 kPa) was developed using primary adult rat CF and a natural hydrogel collagen type 1 matrix. CF were equally distributed, viable and quiescent for at least 13 days in EHM and the baseline gene expression of myofibroblast-markers alfa-smooth muscle actin (Acta2), and connective tissue growth factor (Ctgf) was significantly lower, compared to CF cultured in 2D monolayers. CF baseline gene expression of transforming growth factor-beta1 (Tgfβ1) and brain natriuretic peptide (Nppb) was higher in EHM-fibers compared to the monolayers. EHM stimulation by 10% cyclic stretch (1 Hz) increased the gene expression of Nppb (3.0-fold), Ctgf (2.1-fold) and Tgfβ1 (2.3-fold) after 24 h. Stimulation of EHM with TGFβ1 (1 ng/mL, 24 h) induced Tgfβ1 (1.6-fold) and Ctgf (1.6-fold). In conclusion, culturing CF in EHM of physiological stiffness reduced myofibroblast marker gene expression, while the CF response to stretch or TGFβ1 was maintained, indicating that our novel EHM structure provides a good physiological model to study CF function and myofibroblast differentiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene is a nano-allotrope of carbon. It is a two dimensional (2D) one atom thick single layer of sp2 hybridized carbon atoms. An important form of graphene is the three dimensional (3D) graphene, also known as graphene nanofoam. This review article précises progress in the field of 3D graphene-based polymeric nanocomposites. The 3D macroscopic graphene nanostructures when used to reinforce polymer matrices attain superior structural and physical properties. This article considers the design, fabrication, characteristics, and promising applications of polymer/graphene nanofoam nanocomposites. The graphene nanofoam and polymer/graphene nanofoam nanocomposites have been prepared through advance approaches. The microstructure, electrical conductivity, specific capacitance, radiation shielding, mechanical properties, and other physical properties of the polymer/graphene nanofoam architectures have been studied. Interactions between the polymers and 3D graphene architecture are essential to enhance the nanocomposite performance. Polymer/graphene nanofoam nanocomposites applications are for solar cells, fuel cells, supercapacitors, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatial transcriptomics (ST) methods unlock molecular mechanisms underlying tissue development, homeostasis, or disease. However, there is a need for easy-to-use, high-resolution, cost-efficient, and 3D-scalable methods. Here, we report Open-ST, a sequencing-based, open-source experimental and computational resource to address these challenges and to study the molecular organization of tissues in 2D and 3D. In mouse brain, Open-ST captured transcripts at subcellular resolution and reconstructed cell types. In primary head-and-neck tumors and patient-matched healthy/metastatic lymph nodes, Open-ST captured the diversity of immune, stromal, and tumor populations in space, validated by imaging-based ST. Distinct cell states were organized around cell-cell communication hotspots in the tumor but not the metastasis. Strikingly, the 3D reconstruction and multimodal analysis of the metastatic lymph node revealed spatially contiguous structures not visible in 2D and potential biomarkers precisely at the 3D tumor/lymph node boundary. All protocols and software are available at https://rajewsky-lab.github.io/openst. [Display omitted] • Open-ST is an end-to-end, open-source framework applicable to any species • Open-ST is easy to use, high resolution, cost efficient, and 3D scalable • Open-ST dissects tissue heterogeneity in human clinical samples • Open-ST generates 3D virtual tissue blocks to identify potential biomarkers in 3D Open-ST is an end-to-end experimental and computational workflow for do-it-yourself subcellular spatial transcriptomics in 2D or 3D at low cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A major focus of current biological studies is to fill the knowledge gaps between cell, tissue and organism scales. To this end, a wide array of contemporary optical analytical tools enable multiparameter quantitative imaging of live and fixed cells, three-dimensional (3D) systems, tissues, organs and organisms in the context of their complex spatiotemporal biological and molecular features. In particular, the modalities of luminescence lifetime imaging, comprising fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLI) and phosphorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (PLIM), in synergy with Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) assays, provide a wealth of information. On the application side, the luminescence lifetime of endogenous molecules inside cells and tissues, overexpressed fluorescent protein fusion biosensor constructs or probes delivered externally provide molecular insights at multiple scales into protein-protein interaction networks, cellular metabolism, dynamics of molecular oxygen and hypoxia, physiologically important ions, and other physical and physiological parameters. Luminescence lifetime imaging offers a unique window into the physiological and structural environment of cells and tissues, enabling a new level of functional and molecular analysis in addition to providing 3D spatially resolved and longitudinal measurements that can range from microscopic to macroscopic scale. We provide an overview of luminescence lifetime imaging and summarize key biological applications from cells and tissues to organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to develop a three-dimensional (3D) measurement for acetabular fracture displacement, determine the inter- and intra-observer variability, and correlate the measurement with clinical outcome. Three-dimensional models were created for 100 patients surgically treated for acetabular fractures. The '3D gap area', the 3D surface between all the fracture fragments, was developed. The association between the 3D gap area and the risk of conversion to a total hip arthroplasty (THA) was determined by an ROC curve and a Cox regression analysis. The 3D gap area had an excellent inter-observer and intra-observer reliability. The preoperative median 3D gap area for patients without and with a THA was 1731 mm2 versus 2237 mm2. The median postoperative 3D gap area was 640 mm2 versus 845 mm2. The area under the curve was 0.63. The Cox regression analysis showed that a preoperative 3D gap area > 2103 mm2 and a postoperative 3D gap area > 1058 mm2 were independently associated with a 3.0 versus 2.4 times higher risk of conversion to a THA. A 3D assessment of acetabular fractures is feasible, reproducible, and correlates with clinical outcome. Three-dimensional measurements could be added to the current classification systems to quantify the level of fracture displacement and to assess operative results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant phenotype has been one of the most important indicators to select and breed superior varieties in modern agriculture. The traditional phenotypic analysis of leafy vegetables cannot fully meet the requirement of large-scale production in recent years, such as the slow speed, large error, and limited dimension. Moreover, most morphological measurements have been currently confined to only several plants (such as maize, cotton and sorghum), particularly with the complex procedure and low automation. Taking the Chinese cabbage sprout as the research object, this study aims to extract the key phenotypic parameters of the plant using the high-throughput reconstruction and automatic segmentation of stem and leaf. Firstly, a multi-view geometry was utilized to reconstruct the three-dimensional model of Chinese cabbage sprout from sequence images. A series of pre-processing operations were used to establish the three-dimensional model of pure plants with the actual scale, including scale recovery, background removal, point cloud denoising, and uniform simplification. Secondly, the stem and leaf organs were automatically segmented using the convexity criterion and random sampling consistency. Thirdly, the principal component analysis and directed bounding box were combined to measure the plant height and width for the phenotypic parameters. The number of leaves was counted by the cluster segmentation of leaf clusters. The shortest path searching was selected to accurately calculate the leaf length and width. A greedy projection triangulation was used to calculate the leaf area. An HSV model and mean color histogram were utilized to measure the color characteristics for distinguishing health status of plants. The classification accuracy, recall, and F1-score were 0.922, 0.938, and 0.930, respectively. Finally, the segmentation experiments were carried out on the six varieties of Chinese cabbage sprouts at different growth stages. A comparison was then made with the ground truth. It was found that the parts belonging to stem and leaf were segmented correctly. The average precision, recall, and F1-score of stem and leaf organ segmentation were 0.961, 0.940 and 0.943 respectively, indicating better performance than the smoothing threshold-based and the color-based region growth. In addition, 50 samples were tested to verify the measurement. A regression analysis was performed between the algorithmic and manual measurements of Chinese cabbage sprout plant traits. The experimental results showed that the determination coefficients of plant height, plant width, leaf length, leaf width, leaf area, and leaf number were 0.987, 0.982, 0.984, 0.985, 0.922, and 0.924, respectively. The mean absolute percentage errors were 1.659%, 1.643%, 1.417%, 2.486%, 8.258%, and 6.000%, respectively. Among them, the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of plant height, plant width, leaf length, and leaf width were 0.261, 0.313, 0.174, and 0.100 cm, respectively. The RMSE of leaf area and number were 1.608 cm2, and 0.283, respectively. Consequently, the automatic measurement was realized for the seven key phenotypes of Chinese cabbage sprouts, including the plant height, leaf length, and color in lower error. Therefore, the segmentation and measurement can be expected to extract the plant phenotypic parameters with irregular leaf shape, especially in the young leaves of plant canopy, with high efficiency of phenotype extraction. The finding can provide an effective technical means for the efficient and accurate phenotypic analysis of leafy vegetables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A major focus of current biological studies is to fill the knowledge gaps between cell, tissue and organism scales. To this end, a wide array of contemporary optical analytical tools enable multiparameter quantitative imaging of live and fixed cells, three-dimensional (3D) systems, tissues, organs and organisms in the context of their complex spatiotemporal biological and molecular features. In particular, the modalities of luminescence lifetime imaging, comprising fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLI) and phosphorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (PLIM), in synergy with Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) assays, provide a wealth of information. On the application side, the luminescence lifetime of endogenous molecules inside cells and tissues, overexpressed fluorescent protein fusion biosensor constructs or probes delivered externally provide molecular insights at multiple scales into protein-protein interaction networks, cellular metabolism, dynamics of molecular oxygen and hypoxia, physiologically important ions, and other physical and physiological parameters. Luminescence lifetime imaging offers a unique window into the physiological and structural environment of cells and tissues, enabling a new level of functional and molecular analysis in addition to providing 3D spatially resolved and longitudinal measurements that can range from microscopic to macroscopic scale. We provide an overview of luminescence lifetime imaging and summarize key biological applications from cells and tissues to organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A major focus of current biological studies is to fill the knowledge gaps between cell, tissue and organism scales. To this end, a wide array of contemporary optical analytical tools enable multiparameter quantitative imaging of live and fixed cells, three-dimensional (3D) systems, tissues, organs and organisms in the context of their complex spatiotemporal biological and molecular features. In particular, the modalities of luminescence lifetime imaging, comprising fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLI) and phosphorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (PLIM), in synergy with Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) assays, provide a wealth of information. On the application side, the luminescence lifetime of endogenous molecules inside cells and tissues, overexpressed fluorescent protein fusion biosensor constructs or probes delivered externally provide molecular insights at multiple scales into protein-protein interaction networks, cellular metabolism, dynamics of molecular oxygen and hypoxia, physiologically important ions, and other physical and physiological parameters. Luminescence lifetime imaging offers a unique window into the physiological and structural environment of cells and tissues, enabling a new level of functional and molecular analysis in addition to providing 3D spatially resolved and longitudinal measurements that can range from microscopic to macroscopic scale. We provide an overview of luminescence lifetime imaging and summarize key biological applications from cells and tissues to organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skeletal muscle is now regarded as an endocrine organ based on its secretion of myokines and exerkines, which, in response to metabolic stimuli, regulate the crosstalk between the skeletal muscle and other metabolic organs in terms of systemic energy homeostasis. This conceptual basis of skeletal muscle as a metabolically active organ has provided insights into the potential role of physical inactivity and conditions altering muscle quality and quantity in the development of multiple metabolic disorders, including insulin resistance, obesity, and diabetes. Therefore, it is important to understand human muscle physiology more deeply in relation to the pathophysiology of metabolic diseases. Since monolayer cell lines or animal models used in conventional research differ from the pathophysiological features of the human body, there is increasing need for more physiologically relevant in vitro models of human skeletal muscle. Here, we introduce recent studies on in vitro models of human skeletal muscle generated from adult myogenic progenitors or pluripotent stem cells and summarize recent progress in the development of three-dimensional (3D) bioartificial muscle, which mimics the physiological complexity of native skeletal muscle tissue in terms of maturation and functionality. We then discuss the future of skeletal muscle 3D-organoid culture technology in the field of metabolic research for studying pathological mechanisms and developing personalized therapeutic strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a three–dimensional (3D) local boundary element model based on meshless moving least squares (MLS) method for ultrasonic wave propagation fractional order boundary value problems of functionally graded anisotropic (FGA) fiber-reinforced plates. The problem domain is split into several circular sub-domains. The nodal points are randomly distributed across the examined region. Each node is the focal point of a circular sub-domain that encircles it. The Laplace-transform approach is used to solve dynamic issues. In the local weak form of the governing equations for the converted quantities, a unit test function is utilized. The Gauss divergence theorem to the weak-form is used to produce local boundary-domain integral equations. A meshless approximation is achieved using the MLS method. To find time-dependent solutions, an inverse Laplace-transform approach is used. The effects of the fractional order parameter, functionally graded material, anisotropy, and the time characteristic of the laser pulse are investigated. The proposed method's validity and performance are demonstrated for a two-dimensional problem with excellent agreement with the finite element method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A polarization‐insensitive three‐dimensional (3‐D) microwave absorber is proposed in this letter for ultra‐wideband radar section cross (RCS) reduction. The lossy layer of the designed absorber is evolved from the bent metallic strip with a center‐embedded resistor, which performs the property of absorption‐reflection‐absorption due to its multimode resonances. A short stub with a center‐embedded resistor is connected to the long‐bent strip to abolish the reflection performance, for the sake of achieving wide absorption performance. The fundamental working principle of the designed structure is explained adequately using an intuitive equivalent circuit model. Additionally, the absorber is designed, fabricated, and measured for validation, whose fractional bandwidths is 151.5% with at least 10‐dB RCS reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A three-dimensional covalent organic framework (3D COF) with fjh topology was targeted synthesized. • The 3D COF demonstrates exceptional photoluminescence with a quantum yield (QY) of 60.1% in acetonitrile. • The 3D COF functions as an efficient fluorescent probe for the chemical sensing of furantoin. The inappropriate use of antibiotics poses significant risks to both the environment and human health, necessitating the development of accurate and sensitive detection methods. Fluorescence detection, particularly utilizing three-dimensional (3D) covalent organic frameworks (COFs), stands out as a promising avenue. Unlike two-dimensional COFs, 3D COFs can mitigate fluorescence quenching resulting from non-radiative energy loss, primarily attributed to π-π interlayer stacking. In this study, by carefully selecting and designing the building blocks, we synthesized a 3D COF named PyTTA-TTFB-COF with fjh topology and remarkable photoluminescence. This was achieved through the combination of a 4-connected square chromophore, 1,3,6,8-Tetrakis(4-aminophenyl) pyrene, with a 3-connected triangle, 1,3,5-trimethyl-2,4,6-tris(4-formylphenyl) benzene, possessing a specific stereo conformation. Significantly, PyTTA-TTFB-COF exhibits a high photoluminescence quantum yield, notably reaching 60.1% in acetonitrile. Moreover, it displays substantial fluorescence quenching when exposed to furantoin, surpassing the performance observed with other antibiotics. Competitive experiments have confirmed that PyTTA-TTFB-COF can serve as a specific fluorescent probe for the interference-free detection of furantoin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cell culturing is a cornerstone of tissue engineering, playing a crucial role in tissue regeneration, drug screening, and the study of disease mechanisms. Among various culturing techniques, 3D culture systems, particularly those utilizing suspended fiber scaffolds, offer a more physiologically relevant environment than traditional 2D monolayer cultures. These 3D scaffolds enhance cell growth, differentiation, and proliferation by mimicking the in vivo cellular milieu. This review focuses on the critical role of suspended fiber scaffolds in tissue engineering. We compare the effectiveness of 3D suspended fiber scaffolds with 2D culture systems, discussing their respective benefits and limitations in the context of tissue regeneration. Furthermore, we explore the preparation methods of suspended fiber scaffolds and their potential applications. The review concludes by considering future research directions for optimizing suspended fiber scaffolds to address specific challenges in tissue regeneration, underscoring their significant promise in advancing tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Malocclusion is a misalignment or inappropriate relationship between the upper and lower dental arches when the jaws close. Orthodontics, such as tooth extraction, clear aligners, or dental braces, are frequently used to address malocclusion, followed by growth modification in children or orthognathic surgery in adults. The treatment goals are to improve facial and dental esthetics, functional occlusion, periodontal health, and stability. It is also feasible to achieve an esthetic improvement of the soft tissue. This study shows how soft tissues change after extraction of premolars in patients with Angle Class I bimaxillary alveolar protrusion through three-dimensional analysis. The results show that changes in soft tissue point A and skeletal point A are three-dimensionally related. Aim. To investigate the effect of changes in incisor tip, apex movement, and inclination on skeletal points A and B and characterize changes in skeletal points A and B to the soft tissue points A and B after incisor retraction in Angle Class I bimaxillary dentoalveolar protrusion. Methods. Twenty-two patients with Angle Class I bimaxillary dentoalveolar protrusion treated with four first premolar extractions were included in this study. The displacement of skeletal and soft tissue points A and B was measured using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) using a three-dimensional coordinate system. The movement of the upper and lower incisors was also measured using CBCT-synthesized lateral cephalograms. Results. Changes in the incisal tip, apex, and inclination after retraction did not significantly affect the position of points A and B in any direction (x, y, z). Linear regression analysis showed a statistically significant relationship between skeletal point A and soft tissue point A on the anteroposterior axis (z). Skeletal point A moved forward by 0.07 mm, and soft tissue point A moved forward by 0.38 mm, establishing a ratio of 0.18: 1 (r = 0.554, p < 0.01). Conclusion. The positional complexion of the skeletal points A and B was not directly influenced by changes in the incisor tip, apex, and inclination. Although the results suggest that soft tissue point A follows the anteroposterior position of skeletal point A, its clinical significance is suspected. Thus, hard and soft tissue analysis should be considered in treatment planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Finite element (FE) modeling plays a well-established and increasingly significant role in analyses of articular cartilage at the organ, tissue, and cell scales: for example understanding the functional relationships among constituents, microstructure, and tissue function in diarthrodial joints. A constitutive model, the crux of an accurate FE model, formalizes the functional dependencies among physical variables (e.g., strain, stress, and energy), thereby providing the missing equations to close the system generated by the classical balance principals, while accounting for the specific behavior of cartilage. In the future, fully 3-D FE modeling of cartilage could provide clinical diagnostic tools for patient-specific analyses. Computational analyses of full, patient-specific knee joints under load, especially before and after surgical intervention, would facilitate: (1) investigating fundamental research questions, e.g., structure-function relationships, load support, and mechanobiological cellular stimuli; (2) assessing individual patients, e.g., assessing joint integrity, preventing damage, and prescribing therapies; and (3) advancing tissue engineering, i.e., building replacement materials for cartilage. Approaches to computational modeling generally aim to adopt the simplest possible formulation that can describe experimental data, yet the complexity of articular cartilage mechanics demands similarly complex models. This review discusses extant multi-phase, large-strain (i.e., finite-deformation) constitutive models for cartilage which have been implemented in 3-D nonlinear finite elements. These have paved the way toward 3-D patient-specific clinical tools and along with advances in the underlying continuum theories and computational methods provide the foundations of improved constitutive models for 3-D FE modeling of cartilage in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has experienced tremendous increase in interest and demand alongside the rapid growth of transcatheter structural cardiac interventions. TEE instruction prolongs the procedure, increasing the risk of probe malfunction from overheating and patient complications from prolonged sedation. Echocardiographic simulation programs have been developed to hone the procedural skills of novice operators in a time‐unrestricted, low‐pressure environment before they perform TEEs on real patients. Simulators likely benefit training in interventional TEE for the same reasons. We searched PubMed, basic Google, and Google Scholar for currently marketed TEE simulators, including foreign as well as US companies. We queried the vendors regarding features of the simulators that pertain to effective instructional design for diagnostic TEE. We also queried regarding the simulators' applicability to training in interventional TEE. The vendors' responses are reported here. In addition, we discuss the specific training needs for structural heart interventions, for which echocardiographic simulation could be a powerful educational tool. Lastly, we discuss the role of simulation for formative and summative assessment, and the advances required to improve training in complex procedures within the field of interventional echocardiography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the upper airway space changes after miniscrew-anchored maxillary protraction with hybrid (HH) and conventional hyrax (CH) expanders. Material and methods: The sample comprised Class III malocclusion growing patients that were randomized into two groups of miniscrew-anchored maxillary protraction. The group HH was treated with a hybrid hyrax appliance in the maxilla and two miniscrews distally to the canines in the mandible. Class III elastics were used from the maxillary first molar to the mandibular miniscrews until anterior crossbite correction. The group CH was treated with a similar protocol except for the conventional hyrax expander in the maxilla. Cone-beam computed tomography was obtained before (T1) and after 12 months of therapy (T2). The shape and size of upper airway were assessed. Intergroup comparisons were performed using Mann-Whitney U test (p < 0.05). Results: The group HH was composed of 20 patients (8 female, 12 male) with a mean age of 10.76 years. The group CH was composed of 15 patients (6 female, 9 male) with a mean age of 11.52 years. Anteroposterior and transverse increases of the upper airway were found for both groups. The oropharynx and the most constricted area increased similarly in both groups. Conclusions: No differences in upper airway changes were observed using protraction anchored on hybrid or conventional hyrax expanders. Clinical relevance: Maxillary protraction anchored on hybrid or conventional hyrax expanders may benefit patients with breathing disorders due to the increase of the upper airway volume and most constricted area. Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03712007). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Landslide is a uniquely dynamic large-deformation process that can present serious threat to human lives and infrastructures. The natural soil properties often exhibit inherent spatial variability, which affects the landslide behavior significantly. This paper focuses on combined Monte Carlo simulation and three-dimensional (3D) dynamic large-deformation finite-element (LDFE) analysis using the coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian method to investigate the whole runout process of landslide induced by the earthquake in spatially varying soil. The results from LDFE analysis show that the mean value of runout distance in spatially varying soil is significantly higher than that of the deterministic value obtained from a homogeneous slope due to the slope failure developed along the weakest path in soils. The mean runout distance increases and converges with increasing slope length in 3D-LDFE stochastic analysis. The advantages and necessities of 3D-LDFE analysis were illustrated by comparing it with two-dimensional (2D) LDFE analysis of landslide in spatially varying soil. The results show that the calculated mean runout distance using 3D-LDFE method is at least 16.1% higher than that calculated using 2D-LDFE analysis. Finally, a linear regression formula was established to estimate the mean runout distance of landslide due to horizontal inertia acceleration. Such a formula may facilitate the risk assessment of landslide in practical engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exploration of highly-active non-platinum electrocatalysts with low-cost has been regarded as a crucial way to alleviate the major bottleneck in electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) technology. Herein, we demonstrate the bottom-up construction of three-dimensional (3D) hybrid architectures built from Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene and nitrogen-doped graphene nanosheets (MX/NG) through a facile and cost-effective co-assembly approach. The as-derived MX/NG architectures are endowed with a number of distinctive structural advantages, such as large specific surface areas, 3D cross-linked porous frameworks, ultrathin walls, optimized electronic structures, and good electron conductivity. As a result, exceptional HER performances with a relatively low onset potential, a small Tafel slope, and reliable long-term stability are achieved on the optimized MX/NG electrode, markedly outperforming those of bare Ti 3 C 2 T x and NG electrodes. The controllable construction of 3D hybrid architectures built from Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene and nitrogen-doped graphene nanosheets is achieved by a bottom-up co-assembly method. By virtue of the porous networks and optimized electronic structure, the resulting 3D architectures exhibit superior electrocatalytic properties toward hydrogen evolution reaction. [Display omitted] • The 3D MXene/N-doped graphene architectures are constructed by a bottom-up approach. • The 3D porous network provides accessible pores for the fast electrolyte transport. • The optimized electronic structure endows the hybrid with numerous active sites. • The resulting architectures show superior electrocatalytic ability towards HER. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we concern with the haptotaxis system modeling oncolytic virotherapy. We present the global classical solution under appropriate regularity assumptions on the initial data. Our results generalize some well‐known results in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid digitalization and technological advancements of the modern society, the seriously increasing electromagnetic pollution has created stronger demand for advanced electromagnetic wave shielding and absorbing materials in both civilian and military fields. Multifunctional materials with ultra-lightweight, wide bandwidth, highly flexible and robustness are the future development direction to meet the applications. Graphene and MXene, as two typical 2D nanomaterials, have attracted considerable interests for the electromagnetic wave shielding and absorbing materials. More importantly, three dimensional (3D) cross-linked graphene or/and MXene based materials, where graphene or/and MXene sheets are interconnected into a macroscopic monolithic bulk material, can achieve excellent electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding and microwave absorption (MA) performance, together with lightweight, exceptional mechanical properties and so on. This review addresses the construction methods of graphene and MXene based 3D cross-linked materials, and the effects of different fabrication methods toward the structure and EMI shielding and/or MA properties are discussed. Additionally, some perceptions and discussions are proposed for the future studies. In this Review Article, 3DGraphene, 3DMXene and 3DGraphene/MXene hybrid structures containing 3D cross-linked networks of graphene or/and MXene sheets as the building units are reviewed for their EMI shielding and microwave absorption. The recent development, including their construction methods and the effects of different fabrication methods for these three kinds of 3D cross-linked materials toward their structures and EMI shielding or/and MA performance are summarized. Future outlook of such 3D cross-linked materials and their associated challenges in electromagnetic interference shielding and microwave absorption field are also proposed and discussed. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought events occur more frequently against global warming in recent years. There is a great threat to the regional water resource management, ecosystem, and sustainable socio-economic development in China. Identification of drought events is essential to further understand characteristics of drought onset, evolution, and recovery. In this study, taking the Yangtze River Basin (YRB) as the study area, a new recognition method was proposed to identify the regional drought events using three-dimensional graph connectedness. By contrast, the specific procedure was first to identify the drought patches in each month using the threshold of occurring areas, and then to merge the drought patches in adjacent months using the threshold of overlapping areas, particularly in the conventional identification of drought events, such as clustering. This new identification was first to recognize the three-dimensional continuum with no limitation, and then to split the continuum using the threshold of occurring and overlapping areas, finally to extract the drought events with three-dimensional characteristics. The number of times was reduced significantly to calculate the overlaid area in space. The spatial-temporal patterns of droughts were obtained to verify the efficiency using the three-month YRB Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI3) from 1960-2015. The results showed that: 1) 1.5% of the study region was considered as the threshold of occurring and overlapping areas, compared with the previous official reports. The drought events identified by the new method in YRB matched very well with the historical occurred ones, covering the onset, termination, and propagation. There was a significant positive correlation between the drought intensity of single drought events and the moisture deficit of surface soil in the affected region. The moisture deficit of surface soil was larger, as the drought intensity increased. It proved the efficiency of the new method in identifying and extracting three-dimensional drought events; 2) 281 drought events are identified in YRB from 1960-2015 and the drought duration of 64 events are larger than 4 months; 3) The duration of long duration drought events (which duration is larger than 4 months) decreased, while the drought area and drought frequency increased. Long duration droughts occurred 43 times during 1960-1999, the average drought duration and drought area were 8.1 months and 2.74×104 km², respectively. And long duration droughts occurred 21 times during 2000-2015, the average drought duration and drought area were 7.6 months and 3.50×104 km² respectively. The frequency of long duration drought events in the middle region of YRB is higher than that in the eastern and western regions. 4) The drought events occurred more frequently in Shannxi, Hubei, and Sichuan provinces, while the north Yunnan and Guizhou provinces presented a relatively lower frequency. Accumulative drought intensity was large in north Guizhou, northwest and east Sichuan, and Hubei provinces and Chongqing City, whereas, relatively small in the north Yunnan, Jiangxi and south Jiangsu provinces. The frequency and severity of drought events presented an increasing trend in the middle region of YRB, while a decreasing trend in the western and the eastern. The center of about 50% drought events moved to the northwest, due mainly to the water vapor transference and the migration of precipitation belt. The identification of drought events can effectively recognize and extract drought events in three-dimension images. The finding can provide greatly promising guidance for drought and regional water resource management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoarthritis (OA) is among the top 10 burdensome diseases, with the knee the most affected joint. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows whole-knee assessment, making it ideally suited for imaging OA, considered a multitissue disease. Three-dimensional (3D) MRI enables the comprehensive assessment of OA, including quantitative morphometry of various joint tissues. Manual tissue segmentation on 3D MRI is challenging but may be overcome by advanced automated image analysis methods including artificial intelligence (AI). This review presents examples of the utility of 3D MRI for knee OA, focusing on the articular cartilage, bone, meniscus, synovium, and infrapatellar fat pad, and it highlights several applications of AI that facilitate segmentation, lesion detection, and disease classification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruit trees are important agricultural and forestry plants; their life is a complex system. Digital technology can help humans effectively perceive and recognize the life, production, and ecosystem of fruit trees, and then realize intelligent production. Nowadays, reducing the planting cost of fruit trees, improving the quality of fruit products, and promoting the marketing of fruit products, digital technology has increasingly become a hot research topic of fruit tree planting, and it is also an urgent need for the development of fruit industry. In this review, firstly, the concept and connotation of digital fruit tree were discussed systematically under the category of digital plant technology, its concept was defined as a theoretical technology and technical service platform system that comprehensively uses digital technology to study life, production, and ecosystem of fruit trees through high-throughput information acquisition and intelligent processing, and to realize the quantification, visual perception, and cognition of complex system of fruit trees. Secondly, the framework of the digital fruit tree technology system was put forward, its main modules included the classification of digital elements, digital data acquisition, construction of the digital cognitive model, and digital application services, then, the hierarchical structure of the technical framework was described in detail. Thirdly, the research progress of key technologies of digital fruit trees were systematically reviewed, including five aspects: 1) the fruit tree phenotype information acquisition technologies; 2) the fruit tree growth environment data acquisition technologies; 3) the fruit tree three-dimensional model construction and visualization technology; 4) the fruit tree digital breeding technologies; 5) the fruit big data and virtual reality technology. At the same time, the current development progress and technical bottlenecks of various key technologies were reviewed. Among them, the phenotypic technology runs through the lifeline of digital fruit trees, which is the key link in the construction of a digital fruit tree technology system. Under different scales of the sky, air, and earth, therefore, the performance characteristics, the phenotype platform flux, the accuracy and efficiency of phenotype acquisition sensors were summarized in this review. Indeed, phenotypic information acquisition and analysis technology are still one of the bottlenecks. Digital fruit tree technology has been widely used in many links of fruit production. So, fourthly, the effects and challenges were reviewed and discussed in detail from the perspective of fruit industry application. At present, the main application scenarios of digital fruit technology include tree shape management, growth monitoring, planting management, digital agricultural technology training, digital brand building, agricultural tourism digital service, and so on. Typical application cases were classified and introduced to provide application ideas for researchers and fruit production management personnel. Fifthly, the development trend, research hotspots, and technical breakthrough direction of digital fruit trees prospected, including big data technology, artificial intelligence technology, multi reconfiguration technology, virtual reality technology, and so on. To improve the intelligence level for the digital fruit tree technology system, the different technologies should be integrated deeply. This review could provide a useful reference for the further development of the digital fruit trees, for knowing the research hot spot, and for understanding the application bottleneck. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The fit of implant‐supported prostheses is of prime importance for the long‐term success of implant therapy. Purpose This systematic review aimed to evaluate recent evidence on current techniques for assessing implant‐framework misfit, its associated strain/stress, and whether these misfits are related to mechanical, biological, and clinical consequences. Materials and methods: An electronic search for publications from January 2010 to October 2020 was performed using the Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases with combined keywords on implant‐framework misfit assessments and related clinical complications. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. After full‐text analyses, data extraction was implemented on current techniques of misfit assessment and the relationship between the misfit and the induced strain/stress. Results: A total of 3 in vivo and 92 in vitro studies were selected, including 47 studies on quantifying the degree of implant‐framework misfit with dimensional techniques, 24 studies measuring misfit‐induced strain/stress with modeling techniques, and 24 studies using both methods. The technical details, advantages, and limitations of each technique were illustrated. The correlation between the implant‐framework misfit and the induced strain/stress has been revealed in vitro, while that with the biological complications and implant/prostheses failure was weak in clinical studies. Conclusions: Dimensional and modeling techniques are available to measure the implant‐framework misfit. The passivity of implant‐supported fixed prostheses appeared related to the induced strain/stress, but not the clinical complications. Further studies combining three‐dimensional (3D) assessments using dimensional and modeling techniques was needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of a Ni–ZnS/three-dimensional (3D) graphene aerogel (GA) composite photocatalyst for hydrogen production was investigated in this study. Ni–ZnS precursor was loaded on 3D graphene aerogel through a simple solvothermal method, and the composite Ni–ZnS/GA was successfully synthesized. The average hydrogen production rate of Ni–ZnS/GA-4 can reached 12.06 mmol·g−1·h−1 and after three cycles for 9 h, the hydrogen production efficiency remained at 97.81%. Ni2+ doping provided suitable band gap for ZnS, which could fully absorb sunlight, and made the photo-generated carriers have sufficient redox ability. The large specific surface of 3D graphene gel enhanced the dispersion of nano Ni-ZnS, boosted photo-generated carrier separation, and accelerated sacrificial agent adsorption. The Ni–ZnS/GA composite had more active adsorption sites and photocatalytic reaction centers, improving photocatalytic activity and efficiency. [Display omitted] • Ni–ZnS/GA-4 has high hydrogen production rate (12.06 mmol g−1 h−1) and cycle stability. • The three-dimensional porous structure of graphene gel provides rich active sites for the reaction. • The low work function of graphene enables electrons to reach the surface of graphene quickly and inhibits electron-hole recombination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Developed innovative 3DF-SnS 2 /g-C 3 N 4 nanohybrid with solvothermal method. • Achieved significant pollutants degradation via enhanced photocatalytic activity. • Successfully narrowed the band gap, broadening solar energy absorption. • Enabled efficient charge separation through 3D/2D structural synergy. • Increased reaction sites, enhancing surface area and catalytic efficacy. Creating superior nanohybrids with a narrow band gap to harness a larger portion of the solar spectrum is a contemporary necessity. In this study, we utilized a streamlined solvothermal approach to develop a three-dimensional, flower-like tin sulfide (3DF-SnS 2) which was integrated atop graphitic nitride layers (g-C 3 N 4). Using a suite of standardized characterization techniques, we delved deep into understanding the design intricacies, structural aspects, photophysical properties, chemical interplay, and surface dynamics of the produced nanohybrids. A noteworthy enhancement in the photocatalytic activity was observed in the p-n heterojunction (3DF-SnS 2 /g-C 3 N 4) when tested under visible light using the benchmark organic pollutant, Rhodamine B (RhB). When pitted against other nanohybrids from this study, the optimized 3DF-SnS 2 /g-C 3 N 4 structure displayed a remarkable aptitude for RhB degradation. This was largely due to its adept ability to segregate photo-generated charges efficiently and the harmonious synergy between the 3D and 2D structures, streamlining the charge transfer processes. This commendable photocatalytic efficacy can be attributed to several factors. First, band gap narrowing, the hybrid structure successfully reduces its band gap, allowing for a broader spectrum of solar energy absorption. Second, harmonized charge separation, the interplay between the 3D flower and the 2D sheet structures ensures an effective and efficient separation of photo-generated charges, optimizing their availability for catalytic reactions. 3D/2D Interface Dynamics: The interaction between the 3D floral configuration and the 2D sheet enhances charge mobility, further boosting efficiency. Third, enhanced surface area, the 3D flower-like design of SnS 2 , in conjunction with the planar nature of g-C 3 N 4 , offers abundant active sites for photocatalytic reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three-dimensional (3D) preoperative planning tools can be used to help plan and compare component alignment scenarios for different total hip arthroplasty systems to ultimately improve postoperative outcomes and patient satisfaction. The objective of this study is to use 3D preoperative planning tools based on patient-specific bone models to compare two different stem designs, specifically a compaction broach stem and a proximal press fit stem. The planner uses patient-specific proximal femoral bone morphology to suggest a specific implant size and placement. The planner then allows for preoperative predictions of component head positioning, stem fit within the canal, and potential cortical bone reaming that must be done, as well as postoperative predictions of stability and mechanics. The stems were evaluated to determine the accuracy of stem placement, the theoretical volumetric bone removal/reaming required to achieve a desired fit, and the associated postoperative mechanics. This study demonstrated that there was a difference in component alignment and predicted postoperative mechanics between a compaction broach stem and a press fit stem, with the compaction broach stem allowing for more accurate alignment with less required bone removal, resulting in improved postoperative stability and mechanics. This study also demonstrated that much of the stem misalignment for both systems occurred in the anterior/posterior direction. Overall, 3D preoperative planning offers significant benefits and novel intraoperative insight, and the industry should continue to enhance their THA preoperative planning tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Superselective intraarterial infusion chemoradiotherapy is a modality of oral cancer therapy in which the artery feeding the tumor is catheterized. 3D information about the carotid artery is required to enable the surgeon to judge whether to advance, retract, or rotate the catheter. For this purpose, we proposed and conducted a model experiment to assess a new method of catheterization that applies a tracking system using registration with a monocular camera using the maxillary arch as the anatomical landmark. In this method, the preoperative 3D computer tomography angiographic image of the carotid artery that the catheter will be passed through is overlaid on the 2D video image. The mean TRE was 0.96 ± 0.36 mm and 0.88 ± 0.31 mm and 1.12 ± 0.46 mm when images were registered with the anterior and posterior teeth as the landmarks, respectively; the difference was not significant (p = 0.21). This tracking system that enables markerless registration simply by taking images of the maxillary anterior teeth with a single camera was convenient and effective for catheterization. In this study, we propose the new application of this tracking system and a novel method of catheterization for superselective intraarterial infusion chemoradiotherapy for oral cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mandibular deficiency leading to facial asymmetry causes cosmetic deformity as well as psychological stigma for the patient. Correction of these mandibular asymmetries is a major challenge. The study investigates the efficacy of bidirectional mandible distraction for the treatment of mandibular deficiency. Methods: This prospective study included six individuals aged between 17 and 24.4 years. Five patients had hemifacial microsomia and one had unilateral temporomandibular joint ankyloses. All patients underwent mandibular distraction osteogenesis. Postoperative skeletal changes in affected mandible, and changes in occlusal plane and oral commissure cant were evaluated using three-dimensional reconstruction. Patient satisfaction and understanding of the procedure were assessed through three questionnaires administered during pre-distraction, distraction and postdistraction phases. Results: In pre-distraction phase, aesthetic appearance seemed to be the primary indication for surgery. In distraction phase, pain while chewing was the primary handicap. In post-distraction phase all patients were satisfied with the aesthetic outcome. The facial deformity was improved through mandibular distraction osteogenesis. On the affected side in all the patients, height and length of the mandible increased. Canting of the occlusal plane and oral commissure was corrected. Conclusion: Bidirectional mandible distraction is an effective treatment for correction of mandible deformities in adult patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the short-term outcomes of three dimensional (3D) versus two dimensional (2D) laparoscopic procedures used for cholecystectomy. Methods: This study was conducted at minimally invasive surgery center of Liaquat University of Medical Health and Sciences (LUMHS) Jamshoro Pakistan, between 15th May 2017 to 16th December 2017 after taking informed consent. All patients were diagnosed cases of cholelithiasis without any complications. Patients having risk factors for inability to get access to gall bladder via laparoscope and in whom the chances of conversion to open cholecystectomy were greater were not included as part of study. One group of patients underwent cholecystectomy under 3D laparoscopy while other group underwent 2D laparoscopy. Surgeons included in the study were all well-trained. The short-term outcome noted were intraoperative and postoperative complications, conversion to open, operative time, mortality and hospital stay. Visual strain and headache for the surgeon in three D laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Results: A total of one hundred forty patients were included in the study. Group-A consists of sixty two females and eleven males whereas Group-B comprised of fifty eight females and fifteen males. Eight percent of patients in Group-A whereas in Group-B two percent had gallbladder rupture. Fifteen percent of patients in Group-A whereas 5.4% from Group-B had bleeding from liver bed. One patient from Group-A had CBD (Common Bile Duct) injury. Post-operatively two (2.73%) patients from Group-A had port site bleeding. Six (8.21%) patients had port site infection in Group-A. Conclusion: Three dimensional was found to have low incidence of intra-operative and post-operative complications compared to 2D laparoscopic cholecystectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]