The CSU-RAMS-2A was used to simulate the meteorological fields over the Zhujiang River Delta in South China. Initialized from a horizontally homogeneous atmosphere,real topography and inhomogeneous surface boundary co...The CSU-RAMS-2A was used to simulate the meteorological fields over the Zhujiang River Delta in South China. Initialized from a horizontally homogeneous atmosphere,real topography and inhomogeneous surface boundary condi- tions,the model was run with thermal and terrain forcing.The modeling results of winter and summer cases are com- pared with those observed.The similarity of the predicted distributions of winds,temperatures and humidities to the ob- served patterns permits us to conclude that the mesoscale distribution of meteorological elements for the two study dates is the result of the thermal and dynamical forcing by the underlying surface and topography.展开更多
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 ...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.展开更多
In this paper, the axial-flux permanent magnet driver is modeledand analyzed in a simple and novel way under three-dimensional cylindricalcoordinates. The inherent three-dimensional characteristics of the deviceare co...In this paper, the axial-flux permanent magnet driver is modeledand analyzed in a simple and novel way under three-dimensional cylindricalcoordinates. The inherent three-dimensional characteristics of the deviceare comprehensively considered, and the governing equations are solved bysimplifying the boundary conditions. The axial magnetization of the sectorshapedpermanent magnets is accurately described in an algebraic form bythe parameters, which makes the physical meaning more explicit than thepurely mathematical expression in general series forms. The parameters of theBessel function are determined simply and the magnetic field distribution ofpermanent magnets and the air-gap is solved. Furthermore, the field solutionsare completely analytical, which provides convenience and satisfactoryaccuracy for modeling a series of electromagnetic performance parameters,such as the axial electromagnetic force density, axial electromagnetic force,and electromagnetic torque. The correctness and accuracy of the analyticalmodels are fully verified by three-dimensional finite element simulations and a15 kW prototype and the results of calculations, simulations, and experimentsunder three methods are highly consistent. The influence of several designparameters on magnetic field distribution and performance is studied and discussed.The results indicate that the modeling method proposed in this papercan calculate the magnetic field distribution and performance accurately andrapidly, which affords an important reference for the design and optimizationof axial-flux permanent magnet drivers.展开更多
Mesoscale eddies play vital roles in ocean processes.Although previous studies focused on eddy surface features and individual three-dimensional(3D)eddy cases in the northwestern Pacific Ocean,the analysis of unique e...Mesoscale eddies play vital roles in ocean processes.Although previous studies focused on eddy surface features and individual three-dimensional(3D)eddy cases in the northwestern Pacific Ocean,the analysis of unique eddy3D regional characteristics is still lacking.A 3D eddy detection scheme is applied to 9 years(2000-2008)of eddyresolving Regional Ocean Modeling System(ROMS)output to obtain a 3D eddy dataset from the surface to a depth of 1000 m in the northwestern Pacific Ocean(15°-35°N,120°-145°E).The 3D characteristics of mesoscale eddies are analyzed in two regions,namely,Box1(Subtropical Countercurrent,15°-25°N,120°-145°E)and Box2(Southern Kuroshio Extension,25°-35°N,120°-145°E).In Box1,the current is characterized by strong vertical shear and weak horizontal shear.In Box2,the current is characterized by the strong Kuroshio,topographic effect,and the westward propagation of Rossby waves.The results indicate the importance of baroclinic instability in Box1,whereas in Box2,both the barotropic and baroclinic instability are important.Moreover,the mesoscale eddies’properties in Box1 and Box2 are distinct.The eddies in Box1 have larger number and radius but a shorter lifetime.By contrast,Box2 has fewer eddies,which have smaller radius but longer lifetime.Vertically,more eddies are detected at the subsurface than at the surface in both regions;the depth of 650 m is the turning point in Box1.Above this depth,the number of cyclonic eddies(CEs)is larger than that of anticyclonic eddies(AEs).In Box2,the number of CEs is dominant vertically.Eddy kinetic energy(EKE)and mean normalized relative vorticity in Box2are significantly higher than those in Box1.With increasing depth,the attenuation trend of EKE and relative vorticity of Box1 become greater than those of Box2.Furthermore,the upper ocean(about 300 m in depth)contains 68.6%of the eddies(instantaneous eddy).Only 16.6%of the eddies extend to 1000 m.In addition,about87%of the eddies are bowl-shaped eddies in the two regions.Only about 3%are cone-shaped eddies.With increasing depth of the eddies,the proportion of bowl-shaped eddies gradually decreases.Conversely,the coneand lens-shaped eddies are equal in number at 700-1000 m,accounting for about 30%each.Studying the 3D characteristics of eddies in two different regions of the northwestern Pacific Ocean is an important stepping stone for discussing the different eddy generation mechanisms.展开更多
A three-dimensional density field associated with mesoscaie unstable waves generated by the 3-D, primitive-equation model (Wang and Ikeda, 1996) is provided to the quasi-geostrophic pressure tendency and ω-equations,...A three-dimensional density field associated with mesoscaie unstable waves generated by the 3-D, primitive-equation model (Wang and Ikeda, 1996) is provided to the quasi-geostrophic pressure tendency and ω-equations, and to the (ageostrophic) Q-vector equation. Diagnostic analyses, analogous to the approaches in meteorology: ω-equation and Q-vector method, are for the first time developed to examine the mesoscaie dynamical processes and mechanisms of the unstable waves propagating in the mid-latitude ocean. The weaknesses and strengths of these two diagnostic approaches are evaluated and compared to the model results. The Q-vector method is then recommended to diagnose the vertical motion associated with the mesoscaie dynamics from a hydrographic CTD (conductivity-temperature-depth) array, while the quasi-geostrophic equations produce some small-scale features (errors) in the diagnosed fields.展开更多
Forecasts and simulations are varied owing to different allocation of 3-dimensional variables in mesoscale models. No attempts have been made to address the issue of optimizing the simulation with a 3-dimensional vari...Forecasts and simulations are varied owing to different allocation of 3-dimensional variables in mesoscale models. No attempts have been made to address the issue of optimizing the simulation with a 3-dimensional variables distribution that should come to be. On the basis of linear nonhydrostatic anelastic equations, the paper hereby compares, mainly graphically, the computational dispersion with analytical solutions for four kinds of 3-dimensional meshes commonly found in mesoscale models, in terms of frequency, horizontal and vertical group velocities. The result indicates that the 3-D mesh C/CP has the best computational dispersion, followed by Z/LZ and Z/LY, with the C/L having the worst performance. It is then known that the C/CP mesh is the most desirable allocation in the design of nonhydrostatic baroclinic models. The mesh has, however, larger errors when dealing with shorter horizontal wavelengths. For the simulation of smaller horizontal scales, the horizontal grid intervals have to be shortened to reduce the errors. Additionally, in view of the dominant use of C/CP mesh in finite-difference models, it should be used in conjunction with the Z/LZ or Z/LY mesh if variables are allocated in spectral models.展开更多
Natural slopes usually display complicated exposed rock surfaces that are characterized by complex and substantial terrain undulation and ubiquitous undesirable phenomena such as vegetation cover and rockfalls.This st...Natural slopes usually display complicated exposed rock surfaces that are characterized by complex and substantial terrain undulation and ubiquitous undesirable phenomena such as vegetation cover and rockfalls.This study presents a systematic outcrop research of fracture pattern variations in a complicated rock slope,and the qualitative and quantitative study of the complex phenomena impact on threedimensional(3D)discrete fracture network(DFN)modeling.As the studies of the outcrop fracture pattern have been so far focused on local variations,thus,we put forward a statistical analysis of global variations.The entire outcrop is partitioned into several subzones,and the subzone-scale variability of fracture geometric properties is analyzed(including the orientation,the density,and the trace length).The results reveal significant variations in fracture characteristics(such as the concentrative degree,the average orientation,the density,and the trace length)among different subzones.Moreover,the density of fracture sets,which is approximately parallel to the slope surface,exhibits a notably higher value compared to other fracture sets across all subzones.To improve the accuracy of the DFN modeling,the effects of three common phenomena resulting from vegetation and rockfalls are qualitatively analyzed and the corresponding quantitative data processing solutions are proposed.Subsequently,the 3D fracture geometric parameters are determined for different areas of the high-steep rock slope in terms of the subzone dimensions.The results show significant variations in the same set of 3D fracture parameters across different regions with density differing by up to tenfold and mean trace length exhibiting differences of 3e4 times.The study results present precise geological structural information,improve modeling accuracy,and provide practical solutions for addressing complex outcrop issues.展开更多
The thermal evolution of the Earth’s interior and its dynamic effects are the focus of Earth sciences.However,the commonly adopted grid-based temperature solver is usually prone to numerical oscillations,especially i...The thermal evolution of the Earth’s interior and its dynamic effects are the focus of Earth sciences.However,the commonly adopted grid-based temperature solver is usually prone to numerical oscillations,especially in the presence of sharp thermal gradients,such as when modeling subducting slabs and rising plumes.This phenomenon prohibits the correct representation of thermal evolution and may cause incorrect implications of geodynamic processes.After examining several approaches for removing these numerical oscillations,we show that the Lagrangian method provides an ideal way to solve this problem.In this study,we propose a particle-in-cell method as a strategy for improving the solution to the energy equation and demonstrate its effectiveness in both one-dimensional and three-dimensional thermal problems,as well as in a global spherical simulation with data assimilation.We have implemented this method in the open-source finite-element code CitcomS,which features a spherical coordinate system,distributed memory parallel computing,and data assimilation algorithms.展开更多
We combined domestic ground-based and satellite magnetic measurements to create a regional three-dimensional surface Spline(3DSS)gradient model of the main geomagnetic field over the Chinese continent.To improve the p...We combined domestic ground-based and satellite magnetic measurements to create a regional three-dimensional surface Spline(3DSS)gradient model of the main geomagnetic field over the Chinese continent.To improve the precision of the model,we considered the data gap between the ground and satellite data.We compared and analyzed the results of the Taylor polynomial,surface Spline,and CHAOS-6(the CHAMP,?rsted and SAC-C model of Earth’s magnetic field)gradient models.Results showed that the gradients in the south-north and east-west directions of the four models were consistent.The 3DSS model was able to express not only gradients at different altitudes,but also average gradients inside the research area.The two Spline models were able to capture more information on gradient anomalies than were the fitted models.Strong local anomalies were observed in northern Xinjiang,Beijing,and the junction area between Jiangsu and Zhejiang,and the total intensity F decreased whereas the altitude increased.The gradient decreased by 21.69%in the south-north direction and increased by 11.78%in the east-west direction.In addition,the altitude gradient turned from negative to positive while the altitude increased.The Spline model and the two fitted models differed mainly in the field sources they expressed and the modeling theory.展开更多
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 ex...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.展开更多
The Kuroshio Extension(KE)is one of the most eddy-energetic regions in the global ocean.However,most mesoscale eddy studies in the region are focused on surface eddies and the structure and characteristics of three-di...The Kuroshio Extension(KE)is one of the most eddy-energetic regions in the global ocean.However,most mesoscale eddy studies in the region are focused on surface eddies and the structure and characteristics of three-dimensional(3-D)eddies require additional research.In this study,we proposed a 3-D eddy identification and tracking algorithm based on pressure anomalies,similar to sea level anomalies(SLAs)for surface eddy identification.We applied this scheme to a 5-year(2008-2012)high-resolution numerical product to develop a 3-D eddy dataset in the KE.The reliability of the numerical product was verified by the 5-year temperature/salinity hydrological characteristics and surface eddy distribution.According to the 3-D eddy tracking dataset,the number of eddies decreased dramatically as the eddy existence-time increased and more anticyclonic eddies(AEs)had an existence-time longer than 1 week than cyclonic eddies(CEs).We presented daily variations in the 3-D structure of two 3-D eddy-tracking trajectories that exhibit a certain jump in depth and a shift toward the west and equator.In addition to the bowl,lens,and cone eddies that have been discovered by previous researchers,we found that there is a cylindrical eddy,and its eddy radii are almost consistent across all layers.CEs cause significant negative temperature anomalies,“negative-positive”salinity anomalies,and sinking current fields in the KE region,while AEs cause positive temperature anomalies,“positive-negative”salinity anomalies,and upward current fields.The four types of eddies have different effects on the temperature/salinity anomalies and current field distribution which are related to their structure.展开更多
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 cel...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.展开更多
The traditional fuzzy logic system (FLS) can only model and control the process in two-dimensional nature. Many of real-world systems are of multidimensional features, such as, thermal and fluid processes with spati...The traditional fuzzy logic system (FLS) can only model and control the process in two-dimensional nature. Many of real-world systems are of multidimensional features, such as, thermal and fluid processes with spatiotemporal dynamics, biological systems, or decision-making processes that contain stochastic and imprecise uncertainties. These types of systems are difficult for the traditional FLS to model and control because they require a third dimension for spatial or probabilistic information. The type-2 fuzzy set provides the possibility to develop a three-dimensional fuzzy logic system for modeling and controlling these processes in three-dimensional nature.展开更多
Mesoscale eddies play an important role in modulating the ocean circulation.Many previous studies on the threedimensional structure of mesoscale eddies were mainly based on composite analysis,and there are few targete...Mesoscale eddies play an important role in modulating the ocean circulation.Many previous studies on the threedimensional structure of mesoscale eddies were mainly based on composite analysis,and there are few targeted observations for individual eddies.A cyclonic eddy surveyed during an oceanographic cruise in the Northwest Pacific Ocean is investigated in this study.The three-dimensional structure of this cyclonic eddy is revealed by observations and simulated by the four-dimensional variational data assimilation(4 DVAR)system combined with the Regional Ocean Modeling System.The observation and assimilation results together present the characteristics of the cyclonic eddy.The cold eddy has an obvious dual-core structure of temperature anomaly.One core is at 50–150 m and another is at 300–550 m,which both have the average temperature anomaly of approximately-3.5℃.The salinity anomaly core is between 250 m and 500 m,which is approximately-0.3.The horizontal velocity structure is axis-asymmetric and it is enhanced on the eastern side of the cold eddy.In the assimilation experiment,sea level anomaly,sea surface temperature,and in situ measurements are assimilated into the system,and the results of assimilation are close to the observations.Based on the high-resolution assimilation output results,the study also diagnoses the vertical velocity in the mesoscale eddy,which reaches the maximum of approximately 10 m/d.The larger vertical velocity is found to be distributed in the range of 0.5 to 1 time of the normalized radius of the eddy.The validation of the simulation result shows that the 4 DVAR method is effective to reconstruct the three-dimensional structure of mesoscale eddy and the research is an application to study the mesoscale eddy in the Northwest Pacific by combining observation and assimilation methods.展开更多
An optimized device structure for reducing the RESET current of phase-change random access memory (PCRAM) with blade-type like (BTL) phase change layer is proposed. The electrical thermal analysis of the BTL cell ...An optimized device structure for reducing the RESET current of phase-change random access memory (PCRAM) with blade-type like (BTL) phase change layer is proposed. The electrical thermal analysis of the BTL cell and the blade heater contactor structure by three-dimensional finite element modeling are compared with each other during RESET operation. The simulation results show that the programming region of the phase change layer in the BTL cell is much smaller, and thermal electrical distributions of the BTL cell are more concentrated on the TiN/GST interface. The results indicate that the BTL cell has the superiorities of increasing the heating efficiency, decreasing the power consumption and reducing the RESET current from 0.67mA to 0.32mA. Therefore, the BTL cell will be appropriate for high performance PCRAM device with lower power consumption and lower RESET current.展开更多
In the past decades,physical modeling has been widely used in hydrogeology for teaching,studying and exhibition purposes.Most of these models are used to illustrate hydrogeological profiles,but few can depict three-di...In the past decades,physical modeling has been widely used in hydrogeology for teaching,studying and exhibition purposes.Most of these models are used to illustrate hydrogeological profiles,but few can depict three-dimensional groundwater flows,making it impossible to validate groundwater flows simulated by numerical methods with physical modeling.展开更多
Three-dimensional modeling of virtual hoisting machinery is the critical works to structure the system of virtual construction, and the foundation to realize intelligent and interactive virtual hoisting. Aimed at enha...Three-dimensional modeling of virtual hoisting machinery is the critical works to structure the system of virtual construction, and the foundation to realize intelligent and interactive virtual hoisting. Aimed at enhancing the requests of image quality and stability of the virtual construction scene, taking a tower crane for example. We studied the technology of three-dimensional modeling and optimization of a virtual tower crane, and a method named two-stage model optimization was put forward. This depended on the modeling stage using Solidworks and 3DS Max and the performance optimization stage in EON. The practice of software development indicates that the proposed methods of three-dimensional modeling and optimization could satisfy the performance request of virtual construction system and be popularized to other virtual system.展开更多
In previous studies,Lagrangian analyses were used to assess large-scale ocean circulation,and the Lagrangian coherent structure could also reveal the evolution of the two-dimensional structure of the mesoscale eddies....In previous studies,Lagrangian analyses were used to assess large-scale ocean circulation,and the Lagrangian coherent structure could also reveal the evolution of the two-dimensional structure of the mesoscale eddies.However,few studies have demonstrated the three-dimensional structure of the mesoscale eddies via Lagrangian analysis.Compared with previous studies,which investigated the eddy structure via a Eulerian view,we used a Lagrangian view to provide a different perspective to study the eddy structure.An idealized cyclonic mesoscale eddy is built up over a seamount,and it presents downwelling inside the eddy and upwelling alongside the eddy formed within a closed circulation system.This structure is difficult to display via a Eulerian analysis.However,the trajectories of particles can well demonstrate the full cycle:the fluid sank and rotated inside the eddies,converged to the upwelling zone of the bottom layer and returned to the surface through upwelling.We also applied a Lagrangian analysis to a realistic simulation.As a significant phenomenon in the South China Sea,the dipole structure of the anticyclonic eddy(AE)/cyclonic eddy(CE)pair off of central Vietnam has been well studied but mainly at the sea surface.With a Lagrangian analysis,we illustrate the three-dimensional structure of the eddy pair:the fluid sank(rose)and rotated inside the AE(CE).More importantly,the trajectories of the particles suggested that there was no fluid exchange between the two eddies since the strong boundary jet separates them from each other.All the conclusions above have been verified and are supported by the computational error estimate.With a selected time step and integral period,the computational errors always present small values,although they increase with strong divergent and vertical diffusive flow.展开更多
Large coarse aggregates used in fully-graded hydraulic concrete necessitate large specimens for numerical modeling.This leads to a high computational cost for mesoscale modeling and thus slows the development of multi...Large coarse aggregates used in fully-graded hydraulic concrete necessitate large specimens for numerical modeling.This leads to a high computational cost for mesoscale modeling and thus slows the development of multiscale modeling of hydraulic mass concrete structures.To overcome this obstacle,an efficient approach for mesoscale fracture modeling of fully-graded hydraulic concrete was developed based on the concept of the governing mesostructure.The mesostructure was characterized by a critical aggregate size.Coarse aggregates smaller than the critical size were homogenized into mortar matrices.Key issues in mesostructure generation of fully-graded hydraulic concrete are discussed,as is the development of mesoscale finite element modeling methodology.The basic concept and implementation procedures of the proposed approach are also described in detail.The numerical results indicated that the proposed approach not only significantly improves the compu-tational efficiency of mesoscale modeling but also captures the dominant fracturing mechanism at the mesoscale and reproduces reasonable fracture properties at the macroscale.Therefore,the proposed approach can serve as a basis for multiscale fracture modeling of hydraulic mass concrete structures.展开更多
Metastasis is the leading cause of most cancer deaths, as opposed to dysregulated cell growth of the primary tumor. Molecular mechanisms of metastasis have been studied for decades and the findings have evolved our un...Metastasis is the leading cause of most cancer deaths, as opposed to dysregulated cell growth of the primary tumor. Molecular mechanisms of metastasis have been studied for decades and the findings have evolved our understanding of the progression of malignancy. However, most of the molecular mechanisms fail to address the causes of cancer and its evolutionary origin, demonstrating an inability to find a solution for complete cure of cancer. After being a neglected area of tumor biology for quite some time, recently several studies have focused on the impact of the tumor microenvironment on cancer growth. The importance of the tumor microenvironment is gradually gaining attention, particularly from the per- spective of biophysics. In vitro three-dimensional (3-D) metastatic models are an indispensable platform for investigating the tumor microenvironment, as they mimic the in vivo tumor tissue. In 3-D metastatic in vitro models, static factors such as the mechanical properties, biochemical factors, as well as dynamic factors such as cell-cell, cell-ECM interactions, and fluid shear stress can be studied quantitatively. With increasing focus on basic cancer research and drug development, the in vitro 3-D models offer unique advantages in fundamental and clinical biomedical studies.展开更多
文摘The CSU-RAMS-2A was used to simulate the meteorological fields over the Zhujiang River Delta in South China. Initialized from a horizontally homogeneous atmosphere,real topography and inhomogeneous surface boundary condi- tions,the model was run with thermal and terrain forcing.The modeling results of winter and summer cases are com- pared with those observed.The similarity of the predicted distributions of winds,temperatures and humidities to the ob- served patterns permits us to conclude that the mesoscale distribution of meteorological elements for the two study dates is the result of the thermal and dynamical forcing by the underlying surface and topography.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 52275291)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universitiesthe Program for Innovation Team of Shaanxi Province,China (No. 2023-CX-TD-17)
文摘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.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant[52077027]Liaoning Province Science and Technology Major Project[No.2020JH1/10100020].
文摘In this paper, the axial-flux permanent magnet driver is modeledand analyzed in a simple and novel way under three-dimensional cylindricalcoordinates. The inherent three-dimensional characteristics of the deviceare comprehensively considered, and the governing equations are solved bysimplifying the boundary conditions. The axial magnetization of the sectorshapedpermanent magnets is accurately described in an algebraic form bythe parameters, which makes the physical meaning more explicit than thepurely mathematical expression in general series forms. The parameters of theBessel function are determined simply and the magnetic field distribution ofpermanent magnets and the air-gap is solved. Furthermore, the field solutionsare completely analytical, which provides convenience and satisfactoryaccuracy for modeling a series of electromagnetic performance parameters,such as the axial electromagnetic force density, axial electromagnetic force,and electromagnetic torque. The correctness and accuracy of the analyticalmodels are fully verified by three-dimensional finite element simulations and a15 kW prototype and the results of calculations, simulations, and experimentsunder three methods are highly consistent. The influence of several designparameters on magnetic field distribution and performance is studied and discussed.The results indicate that the modeling method proposed in this papercan calculate the magnetic field distribution and performance accurately andrapidly, which affords an important reference for the design and optimizationof axial-flux permanent magnet drivers.
基金The National Natural Science Foundation of China under contract Nos NSFC 41806030 and 42076021the China Ocean Mineral Resources Research and Development Association Program under contract No.DY135-E2-3-01+4 种基金the Basic Scientific Research Business Expenses of Zhejiang Provincial Universities under contract No.2020J00007the project of State Key Laboratory of Tropical Oceanography,South China Sea Institute of Oceanology,Chinese Academy of Sciences under contract No.LTO1807the project of Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory(Zhuhai)under contract No.SML2020SP007the Innovation Group Project of Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory(Zhuhai)under contract No.311020004the Strategic Priority Research Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences under contract No.XDB42000000。
文摘Mesoscale eddies play vital roles in ocean processes.Although previous studies focused on eddy surface features and individual three-dimensional(3D)eddy cases in the northwestern Pacific Ocean,the analysis of unique eddy3D regional characteristics is still lacking.A 3D eddy detection scheme is applied to 9 years(2000-2008)of eddyresolving Regional Ocean Modeling System(ROMS)output to obtain a 3D eddy dataset from the surface to a depth of 1000 m in the northwestern Pacific Ocean(15°-35°N,120°-145°E).The 3D characteristics of mesoscale eddies are analyzed in two regions,namely,Box1(Subtropical Countercurrent,15°-25°N,120°-145°E)and Box2(Southern Kuroshio Extension,25°-35°N,120°-145°E).In Box1,the current is characterized by strong vertical shear and weak horizontal shear.In Box2,the current is characterized by the strong Kuroshio,topographic effect,and the westward propagation of Rossby waves.The results indicate the importance of baroclinic instability in Box1,whereas in Box2,both the barotropic and baroclinic instability are important.Moreover,the mesoscale eddies’properties in Box1 and Box2 are distinct.The eddies in Box1 have larger number and radius but a shorter lifetime.By contrast,Box2 has fewer eddies,which have smaller radius but longer lifetime.Vertically,more eddies are detected at the subsurface than at the surface in both regions;the depth of 650 m is the turning point in Box1.Above this depth,the number of cyclonic eddies(CEs)is larger than that of anticyclonic eddies(AEs).In Box2,the number of CEs is dominant vertically.Eddy kinetic energy(EKE)and mean normalized relative vorticity in Box2are significantly higher than those in Box1.With increasing depth,the attenuation trend of EKE and relative vorticity of Box1 become greater than those of Box2.Furthermore,the upper ocean(about 300 m in depth)contains 68.6%of the eddies(instantaneous eddy).Only 16.6%of the eddies extend to 1000 m.In addition,about87%of the eddies are bowl-shaped eddies in the two regions.Only about 3%are cone-shaped eddies.With increasing depth of the eddies,the proportion of bowl-shaped eddies gradually decreases.Conversely,the coneand lens-shaped eddies are equal in number at 700-1000 m,accounting for about 30%each.Studying the 3D characteristics of eddies in two different regions of the northwestern Pacific Ocean is an important stepping stone for discussing the different eddy generation mechanisms.
文摘A three-dimensional density field associated with mesoscaie unstable waves generated by the 3-D, primitive-equation model (Wang and Ikeda, 1996) is provided to the quasi-geostrophic pressure tendency and ω-equations, and to the (ageostrophic) Q-vector equation. Diagnostic analyses, analogous to the approaches in meteorology: ω-equation and Q-vector method, are for the first time developed to examine the mesoscaie dynamical processes and mechanisms of the unstable waves propagating in the mid-latitude ocean. The weaknesses and strengths of these two diagnostic approaches are evaluated and compared to the model results. The Q-vector method is then recommended to diagnose the vertical motion associated with the mesoscaie dynamics from a hydrographic CTD (conductivity-temperature-depth) array, while the quasi-geostrophic equations produce some small-scale features (errors) in the diagnosed fields.
基金Supported by the open research program of LASG Institute of Atmospheric Physics Chinese Academy of Sciences
文摘Forecasts and simulations are varied owing to different allocation of 3-dimensional variables in mesoscale models. No attempts have been made to address the issue of optimizing the simulation with a 3-dimensional variables distribution that should come to be. On the basis of linear nonhydrostatic anelastic equations, the paper hereby compares, mainly graphically, the computational dispersion with analytical solutions for four kinds of 3-dimensional meshes commonly found in mesoscale models, in terms of frequency, horizontal and vertical group velocities. The result indicates that the 3-D mesh C/CP has the best computational dispersion, followed by Z/LZ and Z/LY, with the C/L having the worst performance. It is then known that the C/CP mesh is the most desirable allocation in the design of nonhydrostatic baroclinic models. The mesh has, however, larger errors when dealing with shorter horizontal wavelengths. For the simulation of smaller horizontal scales, the horizontal grid intervals have to be shortened to reduce the errors. Additionally, in view of the dominant use of C/CP mesh in finite-difference models, it should be used in conjunction with the Z/LZ or Z/LY mesh if variables are allocated in spectral models.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(Grant No.2022YFC3080200)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.42022053)the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(Grant No.2023M731264).
文摘Natural slopes usually display complicated exposed rock surfaces that are characterized by complex and substantial terrain undulation and ubiquitous undesirable phenomena such as vegetation cover and rockfalls.This study presents a systematic outcrop research of fracture pattern variations in a complicated rock slope,and the qualitative and quantitative study of the complex phenomena impact on threedimensional(3D)discrete fracture network(DFN)modeling.As the studies of the outcrop fracture pattern have been so far focused on local variations,thus,we put forward a statistical analysis of global variations.The entire outcrop is partitioned into several subzones,and the subzone-scale variability of fracture geometric properties is analyzed(including the orientation,the density,and the trace length).The results reveal significant variations in fracture characteristics(such as the concentrative degree,the average orientation,the density,and the trace length)among different subzones.Moreover,the density of fracture sets,which is approximately parallel to the slope surface,exhibits a notably higher value compared to other fracture sets across all subzones.To improve the accuracy of the DFN modeling,the effects of three common phenomena resulting from vegetation and rockfalls are qualitatively analyzed and the corresponding quantitative data processing solutions are proposed.Subsequently,the 3D fracture geometric parameters are determined for different areas of the high-steep rock slope in terms of the subzone dimensions.The results show significant variations in the same set of 3D fracture parameters across different regions with density differing by up to tenfold and mean trace length exhibiting differences of 3e4 times.The study results present precise geological structural information,improve modeling accuracy,and provide practical solutions for addressing complex outcrop issues.
基金the National Supercomputer Center in Tianjin for their patient assistance in providing the compilation environment.We thank the editor,Huajian Yao,for handling the manuscript and Mingming Li and another anonymous reviewer for their constructive comments.The research leading to these results has received funding from National Natural Science Foundation of China projects(Grant Nos.92355302 and 42121005)Taishan Scholar projects(Grant No.tspd20210305)others(Grant Nos.XDB0710000,L2324203,XK2023DXC001,LSKJ202204400,and ZR2021ZD09).
文摘The thermal evolution of the Earth’s interior and its dynamic effects are the focus of Earth sciences.However,the commonly adopted grid-based temperature solver is usually prone to numerical oscillations,especially in the presence of sharp thermal gradients,such as when modeling subducting slabs and rising plumes.This phenomenon prohibits the correct representation of thermal evolution and may cause incorrect implications of geodynamic processes.After examining several approaches for removing these numerical oscillations,we show that the Lagrangian method provides an ideal way to solve this problem.In this study,we propose a particle-in-cell method as a strategy for improving the solution to the energy equation and demonstrate its effectiveness in both one-dimensional and three-dimensional thermal problems,as well as in a global spherical simulation with data assimilation.We have implemented this method in the open-source finite-element code CitcomS,which features a spherical coordinate system,distributed memory parallel computing,and data assimilation algorithms.
基金the support of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.41974073,41404053)the Macao Foundation and the pre-research project of Civil Aerospace Technologies(Nos.D020308 and D020303)+2 种基金funded by the National Space Administration of Chinathe opening fund of the State Key Laboratory of Lunar and Planetary Sciences(Macao University of Science and Technology,Macao Science and Technology Development Fund No.119/2017/A3)the Specialized Research Fund for State Key Laboratories,and the NUIST-UoR International Research Institute。
文摘We combined domestic ground-based and satellite magnetic measurements to create a regional three-dimensional surface Spline(3DSS)gradient model of the main geomagnetic field over the Chinese continent.To improve the precision of the model,we considered the data gap between the ground and satellite data.We compared and analyzed the results of the Taylor polynomial,surface Spline,and CHAOS-6(the CHAMP,?rsted and SAC-C model of Earth’s magnetic field)gradient models.Results showed that the gradients in the south-north and east-west directions of the four models were consistent.The 3DSS model was able to express not only gradients at different altitudes,but also average gradients inside the research area.The two Spline models were able to capture more information on gradient anomalies than were the fitted models.Strong local anomalies were observed in northern Xinjiang,Beijing,and the junction area between Jiangsu and Zhejiang,and the total intensity F decreased whereas the altitude increased.The gradient decreased by 21.69%in the south-north direction and increased by 11.78%in the east-west direction.In addition,the altitude gradient turned from negative to positive while the altitude increased.The Spline model and the two fitted models differed mainly in the field sources they expressed and the modeling theory.
文摘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.
文摘The Kuroshio Extension(KE)is one of the most eddy-energetic regions in the global ocean.However,most mesoscale eddy studies in the region are focused on surface eddies and the structure and characteristics of three-dimensional(3-D)eddies require additional research.In this study,we proposed a 3-D eddy identification and tracking algorithm based on pressure anomalies,similar to sea level anomalies(SLAs)for surface eddy identification.We applied this scheme to a 5-year(2008-2012)high-resolution numerical product to develop a 3-D eddy dataset in the KE.The reliability of the numerical product was verified by the 5-year temperature/salinity hydrological characteristics and surface eddy distribution.According to the 3-D eddy tracking dataset,the number of eddies decreased dramatically as the eddy existence-time increased and more anticyclonic eddies(AEs)had an existence-time longer than 1 week than cyclonic eddies(CEs).We presented daily variations in the 3-D structure of two 3-D eddy-tracking trajectories that exhibit a certain jump in depth and a shift toward the west and equator.In addition to the bowl,lens,and cone eddies that have been discovered by previous researchers,we found that there is a cylindrical eddy,and its eddy radii are almost consistent across all layers.CEs cause significant negative temperature anomalies,“negative-positive”salinity anomalies,and sinking current fields in the KE region,while AEs cause positive temperature anomalies,“positive-negative”salinity anomalies,and upward current fields.The four types of eddies have different effects on the temperature/salinity anomalies and current field distribution which are related to their structure.
文摘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.
基金supported by the National 973 Fundamental Research Program of China (No.2005CB724102,2006CB705404)
文摘The traditional fuzzy logic system (FLS) can only model and control the process in two-dimensional nature. Many of real-world systems are of multidimensional features, such as, thermal and fluid processes with spatiotemporal dynamics, biological systems, or decision-making processes that contain stochastic and imprecise uncertainties. These types of systems are difficult for the traditional FLS to model and control because they require a third dimension for spatial or probabilistic information. The type-2 fuzzy set provides the possibility to develop a three-dimensional fuzzy logic system for modeling and controlling these processes in three-dimensional nature.
基金The National Key R&D Program of China under contract No.2018YFC1406202the National Natural Science Foundation of China under contract Nos 41811530301,41830964 and 41976188。
文摘Mesoscale eddies play an important role in modulating the ocean circulation.Many previous studies on the threedimensional structure of mesoscale eddies were mainly based on composite analysis,and there are few targeted observations for individual eddies.A cyclonic eddy surveyed during an oceanographic cruise in the Northwest Pacific Ocean is investigated in this study.The three-dimensional structure of this cyclonic eddy is revealed by observations and simulated by the four-dimensional variational data assimilation(4 DVAR)system combined with the Regional Ocean Modeling System.The observation and assimilation results together present the characteristics of the cyclonic eddy.The cold eddy has an obvious dual-core structure of temperature anomaly.One core is at 50–150 m and another is at 300–550 m,which both have the average temperature anomaly of approximately-3.5℃.The salinity anomaly core is between 250 m and 500 m,which is approximately-0.3.The horizontal velocity structure is axis-asymmetric and it is enhanced on the eastern side of the cold eddy.In the assimilation experiment,sea level anomaly,sea surface temperature,and in situ measurements are assimilated into the system,and the results of assimilation are close to the observations.Based on the high-resolution assimilation output results,the study also diagnoses the vertical velocity in the mesoscale eddy,which reaches the maximum of approximately 10 m/d.The larger vertical velocity is found to be distributed in the range of 0.5 to 1 time of the normalized radius of the eddy.The validation of the simulation result shows that the 4 DVAR method is effective to reconstruct the three-dimensional structure of mesoscale eddy and the research is an application to study the mesoscale eddy in the Northwest Pacific by combining observation and assimilation methods.
基金Supported by the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences under Grant No XDA09020402the National Integrate Circuit Research Program of China under Grant No 2009ZX02023-003+1 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant Nos 61261160500,61376006,61401444 and 61504157the Science and Technology Council of Shanghai under Grant Nos 14DZ2294900,15DZ2270900 and 14ZR1447500
文摘An optimized device structure for reducing the RESET current of phase-change random access memory (PCRAM) with blade-type like (BTL) phase change layer is proposed. The electrical thermal analysis of the BTL cell and the blade heater contactor structure by three-dimensional finite element modeling are compared with each other during RESET operation. The simulation results show that the programming region of the phase change layer in the BTL cell is much smaller, and thermal electrical distributions of the BTL cell are more concentrated on the TiN/GST interface. The results indicate that the BTL cell has the superiorities of increasing the heating efficiency, decreasing the power consumption and reducing the RESET current from 0.67mA to 0.32mA. Therefore, the BTL cell will be appropriate for high performance PCRAM device with lower power consumption and lower RESET current.
基金supported by the State Key Program of National Natural Science of China(Grant No.41130637)
文摘In the past decades,physical modeling has been widely used in hydrogeology for teaching,studying and exhibition purposes.Most of these models are used to illustrate hydrogeological profiles,but few can depict three-dimensional groundwater flows,making it impossible to validate groundwater flows simulated by numerical methods with physical modeling.
基金supported by Special Project of Scientific Research of Education Department of Shaanxi Provincial Government under Grant No.11JK0967
文摘Three-dimensional modeling of virtual hoisting machinery is the critical works to structure the system of virtual construction, and the foundation to realize intelligent and interactive virtual hoisting. Aimed at enhancing the requests of image quality and stability of the virtual construction scene, taking a tower crane for example. We studied the technology of three-dimensional modeling and optimization of a virtual tower crane, and a method named two-stage model optimization was put forward. This depended on the modeling stage using Solidworks and 3DS Max and the performance optimization stage in EON. The practice of software development indicates that the proposed methods of three-dimensional modeling and optimization could satisfy the performance request of virtual construction system and be popularized to other virtual system.
基金The National Key R&D Program of China under contract Nos 2018YFC1406202 and 2018YFC1406206the National University of Defense Technology under contract No.ZK18-03-29。
文摘In previous studies,Lagrangian analyses were used to assess large-scale ocean circulation,and the Lagrangian coherent structure could also reveal the evolution of the two-dimensional structure of the mesoscale eddies.However,few studies have demonstrated the three-dimensional structure of the mesoscale eddies via Lagrangian analysis.Compared with previous studies,which investigated the eddy structure via a Eulerian view,we used a Lagrangian view to provide a different perspective to study the eddy structure.An idealized cyclonic mesoscale eddy is built up over a seamount,and it presents downwelling inside the eddy and upwelling alongside the eddy formed within a closed circulation system.This structure is difficult to display via a Eulerian analysis.However,the trajectories of particles can well demonstrate the full cycle:the fluid sank and rotated inside the eddies,converged to the upwelling zone of the bottom layer and returned to the surface through upwelling.We also applied a Lagrangian analysis to a realistic simulation.As a significant phenomenon in the South China Sea,the dipole structure of the anticyclonic eddy(AE)/cyclonic eddy(CE)pair off of central Vietnam has been well studied but mainly at the sea surface.With a Lagrangian analysis,we illustrate the three-dimensional structure of the eddy pair:the fluid sank(rose)and rotated inside the AE(CE).More importantly,the trajectories of the particles suggested that there was no fluid exchange between the two eddies since the strong boundary jet separates them from each other.All the conclusions above have been verified and are supported by the computational error estimate.With a selected time step and integral period,the computational errors always present small values,although they increase with strong divergent and vertical diffusive flow.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grants No.51979092,51739006,and U1765204).
文摘Large coarse aggregates used in fully-graded hydraulic concrete necessitate large specimens for numerical modeling.This leads to a high computational cost for mesoscale modeling and thus slows the development of multiscale modeling of hydraulic mass concrete structures.To overcome this obstacle,an efficient approach for mesoscale fracture modeling of fully-graded hydraulic concrete was developed based on the concept of the governing mesostructure.The mesostructure was characterized by a critical aggregate size.Coarse aggregates smaller than the critical size were homogenized into mortar matrices.Key issues in mesostructure generation of fully-graded hydraulic concrete are discussed,as is the development of mesoscale finite element modeling methodology.The basic concept and implementation procedures of the proposed approach are also described in detail.The numerical results indicated that the proposed approach not only significantly improves the compu-tational efficiency of mesoscale modeling but also captures the dominant fracturing mechanism at the mesoscale and reproduces reasonable fracture properties at the macroscale.Therefore,the proposed approach can serve as a basis for multiscale fracture modeling of hydraulic mass concrete structures.
基金supported by the National Basic Research Program of China(Grant No.2013CB837200)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.11474345)the Beijing Natural Science Foundation,China(Grant No.7154221)
文摘Metastasis is the leading cause of most cancer deaths, as opposed to dysregulated cell growth of the primary tumor. Molecular mechanisms of metastasis have been studied for decades and the findings have evolved our understanding of the progression of malignancy. However, most of the molecular mechanisms fail to address the causes of cancer and its evolutionary origin, demonstrating an inability to find a solution for complete cure of cancer. After being a neglected area of tumor biology for quite some time, recently several studies have focused on the impact of the tumor microenvironment on cancer growth. The importance of the tumor microenvironment is gradually gaining attention, particularly from the per- spective of biophysics. In vitro three-dimensional (3-D) metastatic models are an indispensable platform for investigating the tumor microenvironment, as they mimic the in vivo tumor tissue. In 3-D metastatic in vitro models, static factors such as the mechanical properties, biochemical factors, as well as dynamic factors such as cell-cell, cell-ECM interactions, and fluid shear stress can be studied quantitatively. With increasing focus on basic cancer research and drug development, the in vitro 3-D models offer unique advantages in fundamental and clinical biomedical studies.