Three-dimensional structural models,evolution and petroleum geological significances of transtensional faults in the Ziyang area,central Sichuan Basin,SW China

With drilling and seismic data of Transtensional(strike-slip)Fault System in the Ziyang area of the central Sichuan Basin,SW China plane-section integrated structural interpretation,3-D fault framework model building,fault throw analyzing,and balanced profile restoration,it is pointed out that the transtensional fault system in the Ziyang 3-D seismic survey consists of the northeast-trending F_(I)19 and F_(I)20 fault zones dominated by extensional deformation,as well as 3 sets of northwest-trending en echelon normal faults experienced dextral shear deformation.Among them,the F_(I)19 and F_(I)20 fault zones cut through the Neoproterozoic to Lower Triassic Jialingjiang Formation,presenting a 3-D structure of an“S”-shaped ribbon.And before Permian and during the Early Triassic,the F_(I)19 and F_(I)20 fault zones underwent at least two periods of structural superimposition.Besides,the 3 sets of northwest-trending en echelon normal faults are composed of small normal faults arranged in pairs,with opposite dip directions and partially left-stepped arrangement.And before Permian,they had formed almost,restricting the eastward growth and propagation of the F_(I)19 fault zone.The F_(I)19 and F_(I)20 fault zones communicate multiple sets of source rocks and reservoirs from deep to shallow,and the timing of fault activity matches well with oil and gas generation peaks.If there were favorable Cambrian-Triassic sedimentary facies and reservoirs developing on the local anticlinal belts of both sides of the F_(I)19 and F_(I)20 fault zones,the major reservoirs in this area are expected to achieve breakthroughs in oil and gas exploration.

Oxygen tension modulates cell function in an in vitro three-dimensional glioblastoma tumor model

Hypoxia is a typical feature of the tumor microenvironment,one of the most critical factors affecting cell behavior and tumor progression.However,the lack of tumor models able to precisely emulate natural brain tumor tissue has impeded the study of the effects of hypoxia on the progression and growth of tumor cells.This study reports a three-dimensional(3D)brain tumor model obtained by encapsulating U87MG(U87)cells in a hydrogel containing type I collagen.It also documents the effect of various oxygen concentrations(1%,7%,and 21%)in the culture environment on U87 cell morphology,proliferation,viability,cell cycle,apoptosis rate,and migration.Finally,it compares two-dimensional(2D)and 3D cultures.For comparison purposes,cells cultured in flat culture dishes were used as the control(2D model).Cells cultured in the 3D model proliferated more slowly but had a higher apoptosis rate and proportion of cells in the resting phase(G0 phase)/gap I phase(G1 phase)than those cultured in the 2D model.Besides,the two models yielded significantly different cell morphologies.Finally,hypoxia(e.g.,1%O2)affected cell morphology,slowed cell growth,reduced cell viability,and increased the apoptosis rate in the 3D model.These results indicate that the constructed 3D model is effective for investigating the effects of biological and chemical factors on cell morphology and function,and can be more representative of the tumor microenvironment than 2D culture systems.The developed 3D glioblastoma tumor model is equally applicable to other studies in pharmacology and pathology.

Can preoperative planning using IRIS™three-dimensional anatomical virtual models predict operative findings during robot-assisted partial nephrectomy?

Objective To evaluate the predictive validity of IRIS™(Intuitive Surgical®,Sunnyvale,CA,USA)as a planning tool for robot-assisted partial nephrectomy(RAPN)by assessing the degree of overlap with intraoperative execution.Methods Thirty-one patients scheduled for RAPN by four experienced urologists were enrolled in a prospective study.Prior to surgery,urologists reviewed the IRIS™three-dimensional model on an iphone Operating System(iOS)app and completed a questionnaire outlining their surgical plan including surgical approach,and ischemia technique as well as confidence in executing this plan.Postoperatively,questionnaires assessing the procedural approach,clinical utility,efficiency,and effectiveness of IRIS™were completed.The degree of overlap between the preoperative and intraoperative questionnaires and between the planned approach and actual execution of the procedure was analyzed.Questionnaires were answered on a 5-point Likert scale and scores of 4 or greater were considered positive.Results Mean age was 65.1 years with a mean tumor size of 27.7 mm(interquartile range 17.5-44.0 mm).Hilar tumors consisted of 32.3%;48.4%of patients had R.E.N.A.L.nephrometry scores of 7-9.On preoperative questionnaires,the surgeons reported that in 67.7%cases they were confident that they can perform the procedure successfully,and on intraoperative questionnaires,the surgeons reported that in 96.8%cases IRIS™helped achieve good spatial sensation of the anatomy.There was a high degree of overlap between preoperative and intraoperative questionnaires for the surgical approach,interpreting anatomical details and clinical utility.When comparing plans for selective or off-clamp,the preoperative plan was executed in 90.0%of cases intraoperatively.Conclusion A high degree of overlap between the preoperative surgical approach and intraoperative RAPN execution was found using IRIS™.This is the first study to evaluate the predictive accuracy of IRIS™during RAPN by comparing preoperative plan and intraoperative execution.

Three-Dimensional Models for Analyzing the Cyclic Variations in a Lean Burn CNG Engine

Three-dimensional models, consisting of the flame kernel formation model, flame kernel development model and natural gas single step reaction model, are used to analyze the contribution of cyclic equivalence ratio variations to cyclic variations in the compressed natural gas （CNG） lean burn spark ignition engine. Computational results including the contributions of equivalence ratio cyclic variations to each combustion stage and effects of engine speed to the extent of combustion variations are discussed. It is concluded that the equivalence ratio variations affect mostly the main stage of combustion and hardly influence initial kernel development stage.

Digital Models: Comparison of Scanning Angulations and Superimposition

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate linear measurements in digital models, scanned at different angulations, in order to compare four methods of superimposing digital models. Methods: Dental models obtained from the database of the School of Health and Life Sciences of the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS) were scanned three-dimensionally at different angulations (0°, 5°, 10° and 15° in relation to the occlusal plane) and divided in four groups. The sample size was calculated and 43 dental models were used in this study. Linear measurements were obtained to assess the central and lateral portions of the 3D models, so that any possible distortion would be detected. Additionally, the digital models were superimposed using four approaches based on anatomical references: Methods 1 (three central landmarks), 2 (three lateral landmarks), 3 (surface + single landmark) and 4 (surface + three landmarks). Intraclass correlation coefficient was applied to evaluate the intra-observer reliability. Kruskal-Wallis was calculated to compare the groups according to the angulation during scanning, and Kappa to evaluate the agreement between superimposition methods. Results: No differences were found in models scanned at different angulations. Better superimposition correlation was observed between methods 3 and 4 those used techniques based on palatal surface associated to anatomical landmarks to superimpose. Conclusions: Linear measurements and superimpositions were not affected by the different angulations of the models during the scanning process. The most reliable superimposition methods were the ones using surface and landmarks.

Evaluation of Maxillary Dental Arch Widths in Individuals Having Unilateral and Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Using Three-Dimensional Digital Models

Aim: Maxillary dental arch widths were evaluated in individuals having unilateral (UCLP) and bilateral (BCLP) cleft lip and palate (CLP) using three-dimensional (3D) digital models. Material and Method: The study had been conducted on 80 individuals aged between 14 - 17 years having UCLP and BCLP. 40 of the individuals had UCLP, whereas 40 had BCLP. The maxillary dental models taken from patients before the treatment were scanned using Orthomodel Programme (v.1.01, Orthomodel Inc., Istanbul, Turkey) to obtain 3D imagery. Student’s t-test was used in order to assess the data obtained by using SPSS software version 22.0. Results: In BCLP, the average inter-canine distance was 17.44 ± 1.31 mm, the average inter-molar distance was 36.57 ± 1.12 mm, while inter-canine/inter-molar ratio was 0.47. Whereas in UCLP, it was 25.10 ± 0.63 mm, 42.20 ± 0.53 mm and 0.59. The inter-canine distance in UCLP was found to be large enough to be statistically significant (p 0.05), even though there were differences in inter-molar widths. Conclusion: For the stable orthodontic treatment results, one of the most important points is arch form and widths to be coherent with each other. In our study, the increase of inter-canine distance seen in UCLP indicates that in the cleft region, the maxillary arch is inclined over to the back, while the same situation in BCLP suggests that the maxillary segments are collapsed inside. The difference in the arch is highly affected by the primary surgical treatment.

Three-Dimensional Cerebral Aneurysm Models for Surgical Simulation and Education—Development of Aneurysm Models with Perforating Arteries and for Application of Fenestrated Clips

We modified a three-dimensional cerebral aneurysm model for surgical simulation and educational demonstration. Novel models are made showing perforating arteries arising around the aneurysm. Information about perforating arteries is difficult to obtain from individual radiological data sets. Perforators are therefore reproduced based on previous anatomical knowledge instead of personal data. Due to their fragility, perforating arteries are attached to the model using hard materials. At the same time, hollow models are useful for practicing clip application. We made a model for practicing the application of fenestrated clips for paraclinoid internal carotid aneurysms. Situating aneurysm models in the fissure of a brain model simulates the real surgical field and is helpful for educational demonstrations.

Prediction of Salinity Variations in a Tidal Estuary Using Artificial Neural Network and Three-Dimensional Hydrodynamic Models

The simulation of salinity at different locations of a tidal river using physically-based hydrodynamic models is quite cumbersome because it requires many types of data, such as hydrological and hydraulic time series at boundaries, river geometry, and adjusted coefficients. Therefore, an artificial neural network (ANN) technique using a back-propagation neural network (BPNN) and a radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) is adopted as an effective alternative in salinity simulation studies. The present study focuses on comparing the performance of BPNN, RBFNN, and three-dimensional hydrodynamic models as applied to a tidal estuarine system. The observed salinity data sets collected from 18 to 22 May, 16 to 22 October, and 26 to 30 October 2002 (totaling 4320 data points) were used for BPNN and RBFNN model training and for hydrodynamic model calibration. The data sets collected from 30 May to 2 June and 11 to 15 November 2002 (totaling 2592 data points) were adopted for BPNN and RBFNN model verification and for hydrodynamic model verification. The results revealed that the ANN (BPNN and RBFNN) models were capable of predicting the nonlinear time series behavior of salinity to the multiple forcing signals of water stages at different stations and freshwater input at upstream boundaries. The salinity predicted by the ANN models was better than that predicted by the physically based hydrodynamic model. This study suggests that BPNN and RBFNN models are easy-to-use modeling tools for simulating the salinity variation in a tidal estuarine system.

Cosmetic Safety Evaluation Based on In Vitro Three-dimensional Reconstructed Human Epidermis(3D-RHE) Models

Cosmetic safety evaluation employs a series of toxicological tests, on both qualitative and quantitative levels, to assess the potential risks for the daily use of selected cosmetic ingredients and final products. Traditionally, safety evaluation of cosmetics uses animal tests. With the development of in vitro science and the 3R （Reduction, Replacement and Refinement） principle, three-dimensional reconstructed human epidermis （3D-RHE） models have been developed and widely applied in cosmetic safety evaluation. Reconstructed human skin models possess anatomy and metabolism biology similar to real human tissue. This paper reviews the current application of 3D-RHE models in the safety evaluation of skin irritation, eye irritation, phototoxicity and genotoxicity potential of cosmetic ingredients/formulas. The advantages and disadvantages of using skin models are also discussed, and comments and suggestions are given for its future development.

DEVELOPMENT OF A HYBRID MODEL FOR THREE-DIMENSIONAL GIS

This paper presents a hybrid model for three-dimensional Geographical Information Systems which is an integration of surface- and volume-based models. The Triangulated Irregular Network (TIN) and octree models are integrated in this hybrid models. The TIN model works as a surface-based model which mainly serves for surface presentation and visualization. On the other hand, the octree encoding supports volumetric analysis. The designed data structure brings a major advantage in the three-dimensional selective retrieval. This technique increases the efficiency of three-dimensional data operation.

A three-dimensional semi-implicit unstructured grid finite volume ocean model

A new three-dimensional semi-implicit finite-volume ocean model has been developed for simulating the coastal ocean circulation, which is based on the staggered C-unstructured non-orthogonal grid in the hor- izontal direction and z-level grid in the vertical direction. The three-dimensional model is discretized by the semi-implicit finite-volume method, in that the free-surface and the vertical diffusion are semi-implicit, thereby removing stability limitations associated with the surface gravity wave and vertical diffusion terms. The remaining terms in the momentum equations are discretized explicitly by an integral method. The partial cell method is used for resolving topography, which enables the model to better represent irregular topography. The model has been tested against analytical cases for wind and tidal oscillation circulation, and is applied to simulating the tidal flow in the Bohal Sea. The results are in good agreement both with the analytical solutions and measurement results.

Three-dimensional numerical modeling of gravity anomalies based on Poisson equation in spacewavenumber mixed domain

In gravity-anomaly-based prospecting, the computational and memory requirements for practical numerical modeling are potentially enormous. Achieving an efficient and precise inversion for gravity anomaly imaging over large-scale and complex terrain requires additional methods. To this end, we have proposed a new topography-capable By performing a two-dimensional Fourier transform in the horizontal directions, threedimensional partial differential equations in the spatial domain were transformed into a group of independent, one-dimensional differential equations engaged with different wave numbers. These independent differential equations are highly parallel across different wave numbers. differential equations with different wave numbers, and the efficiency of solving fixedbandwidth linear equations was further improved by a chasing method. In a synthetic test, a prism model was used to verify the accuracy and reliability of the proposed algorithm by comparing the numerical solution with the analytical solution. We studied the computational precision and efficiency with and without topography using different Fourier transform methods. The results showed that the Guass-FFT method has higher numerical precision, while the standard FFT method is superior, in terms of computation time, for inversion and quantitative interpretation under complicated terrain.

Three-dimensional cell culture systems as an in vitro platform for cancer and stem cell modeling

Three-dimensional(3D)culture systems are becoming increasingly popular due to their ability to mimic tissue-like structures more effectively than the monolayer cultures.In cancer and stem cell research,the natural cell characteristics and architectures are closely mimicked by the 3D cell models.Thus,the 3D cell cultures are promising and suitable systems for various proposes,ranging from disease modeling to drug target identification as well as potential therapeutic substances that may transform our lives.This review provides a comprehensive compendium of recent advancements in culturing cells,in particular cancer and stem cells,using 3D culture techniques.The major approaches highlighted here include cell spheroids,hydrogel embedding,bioreactors,scaffolds,and bioprinting.In addition,the progress of employing 3D cell culture systems as a platform for cancer and stem cell research was addressed,and the prominent studies of 3D cell culture systems were discussed.

Three-Dimensional Tidal Model and Its Application to Numerical Simulation of Water Quality in Coastal Waters

The turbulence mechanism plays an important part in the mixing process and momentum transfer of turbulence. A three-dimensional Prandtl mixing length tidal model has been developed to simulate tidal flows and water quality. The eddy viscosities and diffusivities are computed from the Prandtl mixing length model. In order to model the water quality of an estuary or coastal area many interdependent processes need to be simulated. These may be conveniently separated into three main groups: transport and mixing processes, biochemical interaction of water quality variables and the utilization and re-cycling of nutrients by living matter. The model simulates full oxygen and nutrient balance, primary productivity and the transport, reaction mechanism and fate of pollutants over tidal time-scales. The model is applied to numerical simulation of tidal flows and water quality in Dalian Bay. The model has been calibrated against a limited data set of historical water quality observations and in general demonstrates excellent agreement with all available data.

Three-dimensional land FD-CSEM forward modeling using edge finite-element method

A modeling tool for simulating three-dimensional land frequency-domain controlled-source electromagnetic surveys,based on a finite-element discretization of the Helmholtz equation for the electric fields,has been developed.The main difference between our modeling method and those previous works is edge finite-element approach applied to solving the three-dimensional land frequency-domain electromagnetic responses generated by horizontal electric dipole source.Firstly,the edge finite-element equation is formulated through the Galerkin method based on Helmholtz equation of the electric fields.Secondly,in order to check the validity of the modeling code,the numerical results are compared with the analytical solutions for a homogeneous half-space model.Finally,other three models are simulated with three-dimensional electromagnetic responses.The results indicate that the method can be applied for solving three-dimensional electromagnetic responses.The algorithm has been demonstrated,which can be effective to modeling the complex geo-electrical structures.This efficient algorithm will help to study the distribution laws of3-D land frequency-domain controlled-source electromagnetic responses and to setup basis for research of three-dimensional inversion.

The study on three-dimensional numerical model and fronts of the Jiulong Estuary and the Xiamen Bay

Applying the methods of on-site observation and dynamic model, the research on the fronts at the Jiulong Estuary has been carried out, during which spatial and temporal distribution, dynamic characteristics and formation mechanism of salinity fronts are analyzed and discussed. The research shows that the estuarine fronts mainly lie in the area from the Jiyu Islet to the Haimen Island, outside of Yuweizai to Hulishan cross-section, the near coast of Yuweizai and the south of the Songyu-Gulangyu Channel. The fronts in the former two regions are formed directly by plume, while the one near the coast of Yuweizai is a tidal intrusion front caused by flood current and the one at the south of the Songyu-Gulangyu Channel is the result of current shear transformation. Under normal circumstances, fresh water of the Jiulong River mainly influences the inside of the Xiamen Bay, and when it is in typhoon seasons, plume front can affect the Taiwan Strait and has an effect on the biogeochemical Drocesses in the strait.

Microstructure modeling and virtual test of asphalt mixture based on three-dimensional discrete element method

The objective of this work is to model the microstructure of asphalt mixture and build virtual test for asphalt mixture by using Particle Flow Code in three dimensions(PFC^(3D))based on three-dimensional discrete element method.A randomly generating algorithm was proposed to capture the three-dimensional irregular shape of coarse aggregate.And then,modeling algorithm and method for graded aggregates were built.Based on the combination of modeling of coarse aggregates,asphalt mastic and air voids,three-dimensional virtual sample of asphalt mixture was modeled by using PFC^(3D).Virtual tests for penetration test of aggregate and uniaxial creep test of asphalt mixture were built and conducted by using PFC^(3D).By comparison of the testing results between virtual tests and actual laboratory tests,the validity of the microstructure modeling and virtual test built in this study was verified.Additionally,compared with laboratory test,the virtual test is easier to conduct and has less variability.It is proved that microstructure modeling and virtual test based on three-dimensional discrete element method is a promising way to conduct research of asphalt mixture.

Three-dimensional forward modeling for magnetotelluric sounding by finite element method

A finite element algorithm combined with divergence condition was presented for computing three-dimensional(3D) magnetotelluric forward modeling. The finite element equation of three-dimensional magnetotelluric forward modeling was derived from Maxwell's equations using general variation principle. The divergence condition was added forcedly to the electric field boundary value problem, which made the solution correct. The system of equation of the finite element algorithm was a large sparse, banded, symmetric, ill-conditioned, non-Hermitian complex matrix equation, which can be solved using the Bi-CGSTAB method. In order to prove correctness of the three-dimensional magnetotelluric forward algorithm, the computed results and analytic results of one-dimensional geo-electrical model were compared. In addition, the three-dimensional magnetotelluric forward algorithm is given a further evaluation by computing COMMEMI model. The forward modeling results show that the algorithm is very efficient, and it has a lot of advantages, such as the high precision, the canonical process of solving problem, meeting the internal boundary condition automatically and adapting to all kinds of distribution of multi-substances.

A Novel Three-Dimensional Mouse Embryonic Implantation Model In Vitro

To regenerate three-dimensional endometrium in vitro as a novel model for studying the mechanism of implantation of embryos, the luminal epithelial cells and stromal cells of the rabbit uterus were separated and cultured in vitro. The type Ⅰ mouse tail collagen was used as scaffolding material. The stromal cells were inoculated in the type I mouse tail collagen, and the luminal epithelial cells were inoculated on the type i mouse tall collagen to regenerate the endometrium in vitro. The regenerated endometrium was cultured in DMEM-F/12 media containing 100 nmol L^-1 progesterone, 10 nM β-estradiol, and 10% fetal bovine serum （FBS） for 3 d. The media were then replaced with CZB containing 100 nM progesterone, 10 nmol L-1 β-estradiol, and 10% FBS, and the mouse blastulas were co-cultured with it. The results of scanning electronic micrography showed that the epithelial cells on the surface of the reconstructed endometrium were covered with numerous slender microvilli and some epithelial cells protruded pinopodes. After culturing for 12 h with the mouse blastula, the shedding, attachment, and implantation of the blastula were observed. The blastula can escape from zona pellucida and attach to the three-dimensional endometrium and is then implanted into it. This study showed that the reconstructed three-dimensional endometrium can serve as a robust embryo implantation model in vitro.

A Three-Dimensional Water Quality Model and Its Application to Jiaozhou Bay, China

A three-dimensional coupled physical and water quality model was developed and applied to the Jiaozhou Bay to study water quality involving nutrients, biochemical oxygen demand, dissolved oxygen, and phytoplankton that are closely related to eutrophication process. The physical model is a modified ECOM-si version with inclusion of flooding/draining processes over the intertidal zone. The water quality model is based on WASP5 which quantifies processes governing internal nutrients cycling, dissolved oxygen balance and phytoplankton growth. The model was used to simulate the spatial distribution and the temporal variation of water quality in the Jiaozhou Bay for the period of May 2005 to May 2006. In addition, the effect of reduction of riverine nutrients load was simulated and evaluated. The simulated results show that under the influence of nutrients discharged from river, the concentrations of nutrients and phytoplankton were higher in the northwest and northeast of the bay, and decreased from the inner bay to the outer. Affected by strong tidal mixing, the concentrations of all state variables were vertically homogeneous except in the deeper regions where a small gradient was found. Obvious seasonal variation of phytoplankton biomass was found, which exhibited two peaks in March and July, respectively. The variation of riverine waste loads had remarkable impact on nutrients concentration in coastal areas, but slightly altered the distribution in the center of the bay.