NOVEL VOLUMETRIC THREE-DIMENSIONAL DISPLAY SYSTEM

A novel volumetric three-dimensional（3-D） display system is developed based on the human eye persistence and the system fuses a time-series of image slices into a single hologram like 3-D aerial image. The system design is introduced and key components are described. Experimental results show that the 3-D system can guide people freely walk around the display to inspect the true 3-D image without goggles.

Three-dimensional models:from cell culture to Patient-Derived Organoid and its application to future liposarcoma research

Liposarcoma is one of the most common soft tissue sarcomas,however,its occurrence rate is still rare compared to other cancers.Due to its rarity,in vitro experiments are an essential approach to elucidate liposarcoma pathobiology.Conventional cell culture-based research(2D cell culture)is still playing a pivotal role,while several shortcomings have been recently under discussion.In vivo,mouse models are usually adopted for pre-clinical analyses with expectations to overcome the issues of 2D cell culture.However,they do not fully recapitulate human dedifferentiated liposarcoma(DDLPS)characteristics.Therefore,three-dimensional(3D)culture systems have been the recent research focus in the cell biology field with the expectation to overcome at the same time the disadvantages of 2D cell culture and in vivo animal models and fill in the gap between them.Given the liposarcoma rarity,we believe that 3D cell culture techniques,including 3D cell cultures/co-cultures,and Patient-Derived tumor Organoids(PDOs),represent a promising approach to facilitate liposarcoma investigation and elucidate its molecular mechanisms and effective therapy development.In this review,we first provide a general overview of 3D cell cultures compared to 2D cell cultures.We then focus on one of the recent 3D cell culture applications,Patient-Derived Organoids(PDOs),summarizing and discussing several PDO methodologies.Finally,we discuss the current and future applications of PDOs to sarcoma,particularly in the field of liposarcoma.

Estimation of Three-Dimensional Volumetric Errors of Numerically Controlled Machine Tools by a Tracking Interferometer

This paper presents the estimation of three-dimensional volumetric errors of a machining center by using a tracking interferometer. A tracking interferometer is a laser interferometer with the mechanism to steer the laser direction to follow a target retroreflector. Based on the triangulation principle, the three-dimensional position of the target can be estimated from measured laser displacements. Its capability to measure three-dimensional positioning errors for arbitrary trajectories is important for the indirect measurement of the machine＇s kinematic model. This paper presents experimental investigation of the estimation accuracy of the multilateration-based measurement by a tracking interferometer. A tracking interferometer developed by a part of the authors is used in experiments. In the present experiment, the measured volume of target positions was 100 mm × 100 mm × 100 mm. The estimation accuracy of targets within this volume was not sufficiently high compared to the positioning error of the measured machine tool. The results of the experiment and simulation show that the estimation uncertainty is dependent on tracking interferometer locations relative to target locations. Error sensitivity analysis shows that wider distribution of tracker positions in XY improves the estimation accuracy.

Three-Dimensional Volumetric Analysis of Venous Malformations for Assessing the Effectiveness of Percutaneous Sclerotherapy

BACKGROUND Percutaneous sclerotherapy can be used to successfully treat venous malformations(VMs)of the head,neck,and limbs.However,the standard curative effect of sclerotherapy has rarely been analyzed,and there is currently no accurate statistical method to measure the volume of VMs after sclerotherapy.Here,we propose a novel threedimensional(3D)reconstruction method to evaluate this effect.OBJECTIVE To test the feasibility of 3D software(MIMICS 19.0)to evaluate the treatment effect of sclerotherapy.METHODS This retrospective study included patients with VMs on the head,neck,and limbs who were treated with ethanol sclerotherapy or foam sclerotherapy every 8 weeks.MIMICS 19.0 was used to calculate the performance of the lesion after treatment and measure the VM volumes before and after the treatment.The effect of the clinical treatment dose on the lesion was evaluated,and the treatment effect of each patient was recorded.The relationship between the number of treatments and the reduced volume of VMs was analyzed.RESULTS Based on the MIMICS-calculated regions of interest(ROI),we found that 1 mL of ethanol reduced the lesion by 473 mm3 and that one dosage of foam(1 mL of polidocanol and 4 mL air content)reduced the lesion by 2138 mm3,demonstrating that the foam sclerosing agent exhibited greater efficacy in this study.CONCLUSIONS The MIMICS 3D volume reconstruction method can effectively and safely evaluate the efficacy of sclerotherapy and provide a preoperative evaluation.This method is simple,accurate,and feasible.

A theory for three-dimensional response of micropolar plates

Through combined applications of the transfer-matrix method and asymptotic expansion technique,we formulate a theory to predict the three-dimensional response of micropolar plates.No ad hoc assumptions regarding through-thickness assumptions of the field variables are made,and the governing equations are two-dimensional,with the displacements and microrotations of the mid-plane as the unknowns.Once the deformation of the mid-plane is solved,a three-dimensional micropolar elastic field within the plate is generated,which is exact up to the second order except in the boundary region close to the plate edge.As an illustrative example,the bending of a clamped infinitely long plate caused by a uniformly distributed transverse force is analyzed and discussed in detail.

Three-dimensional visualization technology for guiding one-step percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopic lithotripsy for the treatment of complex hepatolithiasis

BACKGROUND Biliary stone disease is a highly prevalent condition and a leading cause of hospitalization worldwide.Hepatolithiasis with associated strictures has high residual and recurrence rates after traditional multisession percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopic lithotripsy(PTCSL).AIM To study one-step PTCSL using the percutaneous transhepatic one-step biliary fistulation(PTOBF)technique guided by three-dimensional(3D)visualization.METHODS This was a retrospective,single-center study analyzing,140 patients who,between October 2016 and October 2023,underwent one-step PTCSL for hepatolithiasis.The patients were divided into two groups:The 3D-PTOBF group and the PTOBF group.Stone clearance on choledochoscopy,complications,and long-term clearance and recurrence rates were assessed.RESULTS Age,total bilirubin,direct bilirubin,Child-Pugh class,and stone location were similar between the 2 groups,but there was a significant difference in bile duct strictures,with biliary strictures more common in the 3D-PTOBF group(P=0.001).The median follow-up time was 55.0(55.0,512.0)days.The immediate stone clearance ratio(88.6%vs 27.1%,P=0.000)and stricture resolution ratio(97.1%vs 78.6%,P=0.001)in the 3D-PTOBF group were significantly greater than those in the PTOBF group.Postoperative complication(8.6%vs 41.4%,P=0.000)and stone recurrence rates(7.1%vs 38.6%,P=0.000)were significantly lower in the 3D-PTOBF group.CONCLUSION Three-dimensional visualization helps make one-step PTCSL a safe,effective,and promising treatment for patients with complicated primary hepatolithiasis.The perioperative and long-term outcomes are satisfactory for patients with complicated primary hepatolithiasis.This minimally invasive method has the potential to be used as a substitute for hepatobiliary surgery.

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.

Three-dimensional cell-based strategies for liver regeneration

Liver regeneration and the development of effective therapies for liver failure remain formidable challenges in modern medicine.In recent years,the utilization of 3D cell-based strategies has emerged as a promising approach for addressing these urgent clinical requirements.This review provides a thorough analysis of the application of 3D cell-based approaches to liver regeneration and their potential impact on patients with end-stage liver failure.Here,we discuss various 3D culture models that incorporate hepatocytes and stem cells to restore liver function and ameliorate the consequences of liver failure.Furthermore,we explored the challenges in transitioning these innovative strategies from preclinical studies to clinical applications.The collective insights presented herein highlight the significance of 3D cell-based strategies as a transformative paradigm for liver regeneration and improved patient care.

Three-dimensional stability calculation method for high and large composite slopes formed by mining stope and inner dump in adjacent open pits

The 2D limit equilibrium method is widely used for slope stability analysis.However,with the advancement of dump engineering,composite slopes often exhibit significant 3D mechanical effects.Consequently,it is of significant importance to develop an effective 3D stability calculation method for composite slopes to enhance the design and stability control of open-pit slope engineering.Using the composite slope formed by the mining stope and inner dump in Baiyinhua No.1 and No.2 open-pit coal mine as a case study,this research investigates the failure mode of composite slopes and establishes spatial shape equations for the sliding mass.By integrating the shear resistance and sliding force of each row of microstrip columns onto the bottom surface of the strip corresponding to the main sliding surface,a novel 2D equivalent physical and mechanical parameters analysis method for the strips on the main sliding surface of 3D sliding masses is proposed.Subsequently,a comprehensive 3D stability calculation method for composite slopes is developed,and the quantitative relationship between the coordinated development distance and its 3D stability coefficients is examined.The analysis reveals that the failure mode of the composite slope is characterized by cutting-bedding sliding,with the arc serving as the side interface and the weak layer as the bottom interface,while the destabilization mechanism primarily involves shear failure.The spatial form equation of the sliding mass comprises an ellipsoid and weak plane equation.The analysis revealed that when the coordinated development distance is 1500 m,the error rate between the 3D stability calculation result and the 2D stability calculation result of the composite slope is less than 8%,thereby verifying the proposed analytical method of equivalent physical and mechanical parameters and the 3D stability calculation method for composite slopes.Furthermore,the3D stability coefficient of the composite slope exhibits an exponential correlation with the coordinated development distance,with the coefficient gradually decreasing as the coordinated development distance increases.These findings provide a theoretical guideline for designing similar slope shape parameters and conducting stability analysis.

The combined application of stem cells and three-dimensional bioprinting scaffolds for the repair of spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injury is considered one of the most difficult injuries to repair and has one of the worst prognoses for injuries to the nervous system.Following surgery,the poor regenerative capacity of nerve cells and the generation of new scars can make it very difficult for the impaired nervous system to restore its neural functionality.Traditional treatments can only alleviate secondary injuries but cannot fundamentally repair the spinal cord.Consequently,there is a critical need to develop new treatments to promote functional repair after spinal cord injury.Over recent years,there have been seve ral developments in the use of stem cell therapy for the treatment of spinal cord injury.Alongside significant developments in the field of tissue engineering,three-dimensional bioprinting technology has become a hot research topic due to its ability to accurately print complex structures.This led to the loading of three-dimensional bioprinting scaffolds which provided precise cell localization.These three-dimensional bioprinting scaffolds co uld repair damaged neural circuits and had the potential to repair the damaged spinal cord.In this review,we discuss the mechanisms underlying simple stem cell therapy,the application of different types of stem cells for the treatment of spinal cord injury,and the different manufa cturing methods for three-dimensional bioprinting scaffolds.In particular,we focus on the development of three-dimensional bioprinting scaffolds for the treatment of spinal cord injury.

Application of three-dimensional speckle tracking technique in measuring left ventricular myocardial function in patients with diabetes

BACKGROUND Diabetic cardiomyopathy is considered as a chronic complication of diabetes mellitus(DM).Therefore,early detection of left ventricular systolic function(LVSF)damage in DM is essential.AIM To explore the use of the three-dimensional speckle tracking technique(3D-STI)for measuring LVSF in DM patients via meta-analysis.METHODS The electronic databases were retrieved from the initial accessible time to 29 April 2023.The current study involved 9 studies,including 970 subjects.We carried out this meta-analysis to estimate myocardial function in DM compared with controls according to myocardial strain attained by 3D-STI.RESULTS Night articles including 970 subjects were included.No significant difference was detected in the left ventricular ejection fraction between the control and the diabetic group(P>0.05),while differences in global longitudinal strain,global circumferential strain,global radial strain,and global area strain were markedly different between the controls and DM patients(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION The 3D-STI could be applied to accurately measure early LVSF damage in patients with DM.

Volumetric lattice Boltzmann method for pore-scale mass diffusionadvection process in geopolymer porous structures

Porous materials present significant advantages for absorbing radioactive isotopes in nuclear waste streams.To improve absorption efficiency in nuclear waste treatment,a thorough understanding of the diffusion-advection process within porous structures is essential for material design.In this study,we present advancements in the volumetric lattice Boltzmann method(VLBM)for modeling and simulating pore-scale diffusion-advection of radioactive isotopes within geopolymer porous structures.These structures are created using the phase field method(PFM)to precisely control pore architectures.In our VLBM approach,we introduce a concentration field of an isotope seamlessly coupled with the velocity field and solve it by the time evolution of its particle population function.To address the computational intensity inherent in the coupled lattice Boltzmann equations for velocity and concentration fields,we implement graphics processing unit(GPU)parallelization.Validation of the developed model involves examining the flow and diffusion fields in porous structures.Remarkably,good agreement is observed for both the velocity field from VLBM and multiphysics object-oriented simulation environment(MOOSE),and the concentration field from VLBM and the finite difference method(FDM).Furthermore,we investigate the effects of background flow,species diffusivity,and porosity on the diffusion-advection behavior by varying the background flow velocity,diffusion coefficient,and pore volume fraction,respectively.Notably,all three parameters exert an influence on the diffusion-advection process.Increased background flow and diffusivity markedly accelerate the process due to increased advection intensity and enhanced diffusion capability,respectively.Conversely,increasing the porosity has a less significant effect,causing a slight slowdown of the diffusion-advection process due to the expanded pore volume.This comprehensive parametric study provides valuable insights into the kinetics of isotope uptake in porous structures,facilitating the development of porous materials for nuclear waste treatment applications.

Highly Aligned Ternary Nanofiber Matrices Loaded with MXene Expedite Regeneration of Volumetric Muscle Loss

Current therapeutic approaches for volumetric muscle loss(VML)face challenges due to limited graft availability and insufficient bioactivities.To overcome these limitations,tissue-engineered scaffolds have emerged as a promising alternative.In this study,we developed aligned ternary nanofibrous matrices comprised of poly(lactide-co-ε-caprolactone)integrated with collagen and Ti_(3)C_(2)T_(x)MXene nanoparticles(NPs)(PCM matrices),and explored their myogenic potential for skeletal muscle tissue regeneration.The PCM matrices demonstrated favorable physicochemical properties,including structural uniformity,alignment,microporosity,and hydrophilicity.In vitro assays revealed that the PCM matrices promoted cellular behaviors and myogenic differentiation of C2C12 myoblasts.Moreover,in vivo experiments demonstrated enhanced muscle remodeling and recovery in mice treated with PCM matrices following VML injury.Mechanistic insights from next-generation sequencing revealed that MXene NPs facilitated protein and ion availability within PCM matrices,leading to elevated intracellular Ca^(2+)levels in myoblasts through the activation of inducible nitric oxide synthase(i NOS)and serum/glucocorticoid regulated kinase 1(SGK1),ultimately promoting myogenic differentiation via the m TOR-AKT pathway.Additionally,upregulated i NOS and increased NO–contributed to myoblast proliferation and fiber fusion,thereby facilitating overall myoblast maturation.These findings underscore the potential of MXene NPs loaded within highly aligned matrices as therapeutic agents to promote skeletal muscle tissue recovery.

Virtual and augmented reality systems and three-dimensional printing of the renal model—novel trends to guide preoperative planning for renal cancer

Objective:This study aimed to explore the applications of three-dimensional (3D) technology, including virtual reality, augmented reality (AR), and 3D printing system, in the field of medicine, particularly in renal interventions for cancer treatment.Methods:A specialized software transforms 2D medical images into precise 3D digital models, facilitating improved anatomical understanding and surgical planning. Patient-specific 3D printed anatomical models are utilized for preoperative planning, intraoperative guidance, and surgical education. AR technology enables the overlay of digital perceptions onto real-world surgical environments.Results:Patient-specific 3D printed anatomical models have multiple applications, such as preoperative planning, intraoperative guidance, trainee education, and patient counseling. Virtual reality involves substituting the real world with a computer-generated 3D environment, while AR overlays digitally created perceptions onto the existing reality. The advances in 3D modeling technology have sparked considerable interest in their application to partial nephrectomy in the realm of renal cancer. 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, constructs 3D objects based on computer-aided design or digital 3D models. Utilizing 3D-printed preoperative renal models provides benefits for surgical planning, offering a more reliable assessment of the tumor's relationship with vital anatomical structures and enabling better preparation for procedures. AR technology allows surgeons to visualize patient-specific renal anatomical structures and their spatial relationships with surrounding organs by projecting CT/MRI images onto a live laparoscopic video. Incorporating patient-specific 3D digital models into healthcare enhances best practice, resulting in improved patient care, increased patient satisfaction, and cost saving for the healthcare system.

High-speed autopolarization synchronization modulation three-dimensional structured illumination microscopy

In recent years,notable progress has been achieved in both the hardware and algorithms of structured illumination microscopy(SIM).Nevertheless,the advancement of three-dimensional structured illumination microscopy(3DSIM)has been impeded by challenges arising from the speed and intricacy of polarization modulation.We introduce a high-speed modulation 3DSIM system,leveraging the polarizationmaintaining and modulation capabilities of a digital micromirror device(DMD)in conjunction with an electrooptic modulator.The DMD-3DSIM system yields a twofold enhancement in both lateral(133 nm)and axial(300 nm)resolution compared to wide-field imaging and can acquire a data set comprising 29 sections of 1024 pixels×1024 pixels,with 15 ms exposure time and 6.75 s per volume.The versatility of the DMD-3DSIM approach was exemplified through the imaging of various specimens,including fluorescent beads,nuclear pores,microtubules,actin filaments,and mitochondria within cells,as well as plant and animal tissues.Notably,polarized 3DSIM elucidated the orientation of actin filaments.Furthermore,the implementation of diverse deconvolution algorithms further enhances 3D resolution.The DMD-based 3DSIM system presents a rapid and reliable methodology for investigating biomedical phenomena,boasting capabilities encompassing 3D superresolution,fast temporal resolution,and polarization imaging.

A fast forward computational method for nuclear measurement using volumetric detection constraints

Owing to the complex lithology of unconventional reservoirs,field interpreters usually need to provide a basis for interpretation using logging simulation models.Among the various detection tools that use nuclear sources,the detector response can reflect various types of information of the medium.The Monte Carlo method is one of the primary methods used to obtain nuclear detection responses in complex environments.However,this requires a computational process with extensive random sampling,consumes considerable resources,and does not provide real-time response results.Therefore,a novel fast forward computational method(FFCM)for nuclear measurement that uses volumetric detection constraints to rapidly calculate the detector response in various complex environments is proposed.First,the data library required for the FFCM is built by collecting the detection volume,detector counts,and flux sensitivity functions through a Monte Carlo simulation.Then,based on perturbation theory and the Rytov approximation,a model for the detector response is derived using the flux sensitivity function method and a one-group diffusion model.The environmental perturbation is constrained to optimize the model according to the tool structure and the impact of the formation and borehole within the effective detection volume.Finally,the method is applied to a neutron porosity tool for verification.In various complex simulation environments,the maximum relative error between the calculated porosity results of Monte Carlo and FFCM was 6.80%,with a rootmean-square error of 0.62 p.u.In field well applications,the formation porosity model obtained using FFCM was in good agreement with the model obtained by interpreters,which demonstrates the validity and accuracy of the proposed method.

Development of a toroidal soft x-ray imaging system and application for investigating three-dimensional plasma on J-TEXT

A toroidal soft x-ray imaging(T-SXRI)system has been developed to investigate threedimensional(3D)plasma physics on J-TEXT.This T-SXRI system consists of three sets of SXR arrays.Two sets are newly developed and located on the vacuum chamber wall at toroidal positionsφof 126.4°and 272.6°,respectively,while one set was established previously atφ=65.50.Each set of SXR arrays consists of three arrays viewing the plasma poloidally,and hence can be used separately to obtain SXR images via the tomographic method.The sawtooth precursor oscillations are measured by T-SXRI,and the corresponding images of perturbative SXR signals are successfully reconstructed at these three toroidal positions,hence providing measurement of the 3D structure of precursor oscillations.The observed 3D structure is consistent with the helical structure of the m/n=1/1 mode.The experimental observation confirms that the T-SXRI system is able to observe 3D structures in the J-TEXT plasma.

Intraoperative application of three-dimensional printed guides in total hip arthroplasty: A systematic review

BACKGROUND Acetabular component positioning in total hip arthroplasty(THA)is of key importance to ensure satisfactory post-operative outcomes and to minimize the risk of complications.The majority of acetabular components are aligned freehand,without the use of navigation methods.Patient specific instruments(PSI)and three-dimensional(3D)printing of THA placement guides are increasingly used in primary THA to ensure optimal positioning.AIM To summarize the literature on 3D printing in THA and how they improve acetabular component alignment.METHODS PubMed was used to identify and access scientific studies reporting on different 3D printing methods used in THA.Eight studies with 236 hips in 228 patients were included.The studies could be divided into two main categories;3D printed models and 3D printed guides.RESULTS 3D printing in THA helped improve preoperative cup size planning and post-operative Harris hip scores between intervention and control groups(P=0.019,P=0.009).Otherwise,outcome measures were heterogeneous and thus difficult to compare.The overarching consensus between the studies is that the use of 3D guidance tools can assist in improving THA cup positioning and reduce the need for revision THA and the associated costs.CONCLUSION The implementation of 3D printing and PSI for primary THA can significantly improve the positioning accuracy of the acetabular cup component and reduce the number of complications caused by malpositioning.

Computer-assisted three-dimensional individualized extreme liver resection for hepatoblastoma in proximity to the major liver vasculature

BACKGROUND The management of hepatoblastoma(HB)becomes challenging when the tumor remains in close proximity to the major liver vasculature(PMV)even after a full course of neoadjuvant chemotherapy(NAC).In such cases,extreme liver resection can be considered a potential option.AIM To explore whether computer-assisted three-dimensional individualized extreme liver resection is safe and feasible for children with HB who still have PMV after a full course of NAC.METHODS We retrospectively collected data from children with HB who underwent surgical resection at our center from June 2013 to June 2023.We then analyzed the detailed clinical and three-dimensional characteristics of children with HB who still had PMV after a full course of NAC.RESULTS Sixty-seven children diagnosed with HB underwent surgical resection.The age at diagnosis was 21.4±18.8 months,and 40 boys and 27 girls were included.Fifty-nine(88.1%)patients had a single tumor,39(58.2%)of which was located in the right lobe of the liver.A total of 47 patients(70.1%)had PRE-TEXT III or IV.Thirty-nine patients(58.2%)underwent delayed resection.After a full course of NAC,16 patients still had close PMV(within 1 cm in two patients,touching in 11 patients,compressing in four patients,and showing tumor thrombus in three patients).There were 6 patients of tumors in the middle lobe of the liver,and four of those patients exhibited liver anatomy variations.These 16 children underwent extreme liver resection after comprehensive preoperative evaluation.Intraoperative procedures were performed according to the preoperative plan,and the operations were successfully performed.Currently,the 3-year event-free survival of 67 children with HB is 88%.Among the 16 children who underwent extreme liver resection,three experienced recurrence,and one died due to multiple metastases.CONCLUSION Extreme liver resection for HB that is still in close PMV after a full course of NAC is both safe and feasible.This approach not only reduces the necessity for liver transplantation but also results in a favorable prognosis.Individualized three-dimensional surgical planning is beneficial for accurate and complete resection of HB,particularly for assessing vascular involvement,remnant liver volume and anatomical variations.

Three-dimensional numerical analysis of plant-soil hydraulic interactions on pore water pressure of vegetated slope under different rainfall patterns

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