Harnessing Smectic Ordering for Electric-Field-Driven Guided-Growth of Surface Topography in a Liquid Crystal Polymer.

The guided-growth strategy has been widely explored and proved its efficacy in fabricating surface micro/nanostructures in a variety of systems. However, soft materials like polymers are much less investigated partly due to the lack of strong internal driving mechanisms. Herein, the possibility of utilizing liquid crystal (LC) ordering of smectic liquid crystal polymers (LCPs) to induce guided growth of surface topography during the formation of electrohydrodynamic (EHD) patterns is demonstrated. In a two-stage growth, regular stripes are first found to selectively emerge from the homogeneously aligned region of an initially flat LCP film, and then extend neatly along the normal direction of the boundary line between homogeneous and homeotropic alignments. The stripes can maintain their directions for quite a distance before deviating. Coupled with the advanced tools for controlling LC alignment, intricate surface topographies can be produced in LCP films starting from relatively simple designs. The regularity of grown pattern is determined by the LC ordering of the polymer material, and influenced by conditions of EHD growth. The proposed approach provides new opportunities to employ LCPs in optical and electrical applications.

De-icing performance evolution with increasing hydrophobicity by regulating surface topography.

It is of great significance to grasp the role of surface topography in de-icing, which however remains unclear yet. Herein, four textured surfaces are developed by regulating surface topography while keeping surface chemistry and material constituents same. Specifically, nano-textures are maintained and micro-textures are gradually enlarged. The resultant ice adhesion strength is proportional to a topography parameter, i.e. areal fraction of the micro-textures, owing to the localized bonding strengthening, which is verified by ice detachment simulation using finite element method. Moreover, the decisive topography parameter is demonstrated to be determined by the interfacial strength distribution between ice and test surface. Such parameters vary from paper to paper due to different interfacial strength distributions corresponding to respective situations. Furthermore, since hydrophobic and de-icing performance may rely on different topography parameters, there is no certain relationship between hydrophobicity and de-icing.

The role of surface topography in de-icing is verified to be determined by the interfacial strength distribution between ice and surface experimentally and numerically, unveiling the relationship between hydrophobicity and de-icing.

Active Dual Line-Laser Scanning for Depth Imaging of Piled Agricultural Commodities for Itemized Processing Lines.

The accurate depth imaging of piled products provides essential perception for the automated selection of individual objects that require itemized food processing, such as fish, crabs, or fruit. Traditional depth imaging techniques, such as Time-of-Flight and stereoscopy, lack the necessary depth resolution for imaging small items, such as food commodities. Although structured light methods such as laser triangulation have high depth resolution, they depend on conveyor motion for depth scanning. This manuscript introduces an active dual line-laser scanning system for depth imaging static piled items, such as a pile of crabs on a table, eliminating the need for conveyor motion to generate high-resolution 3D images. This advancement benefits robotic perception for loading individual items from a pile for itemized food processing. Leveraging a unique geometrical configuration and laser redundancy, the dual-laser strategy overcomes occlusions while reconstructing a large field of view (FOV) from a long working distance. We achieved a depth reconstruction MSE of 0.3 mm and an STD of 0.5 mm on a symmetrical pyramid stage. The proposed system demonstrates that laser scanners can produce depth maps of complex items, such as piled Chesapeake Blue Crab and White Button mushrooms. This technology enables 3D perception for automated processing lines and offers broad applicability for quality inspection, sorting, and handling of piled products.

Using Photogrammetry to Analyze Anatomical Changes in the Nipple in Juvenile and Adolescent Scoliosis Patients.

BACKGROUND: The need for an objective set of anterior trunk measurements, such as nipple and clavicular shoulder joints, is essential to quantify the anterior asymmetry present in scoliosis. This study aims to characterize breast asymmetry (BA) in young individuals with scoliosis using photogrammetry. METHODS: Digital photographs of the anterior trunk of the 51 scoliosis patients aged 4-20 years were taken from an anterior perspective. These images were then transferred to a computer. Ten parameters were measured using the ImageJ software. The positions of patients' nipples were classified into 6 types based on ratios on the x-axis. RESULTS: The majority of patients had a right breast that was larger, intensifying the apparent BA due to trunk rotation. The apical vertebra level in patients was found at T8 in 23.6% and T9 in 45.1%. In 92.5% of the patients, the right breast was consistently larger. The lengths between the lateral boundaries and nipples of the right and left breasts and between the medial boundary and nipple of the right breast were statistically significantly higher in males than in females (p < 0.05). Significant differences were found when comparing the values of the lengths between the medial boundaries and nipples of the right and left breasts, the difference in length between the right and left acromioclavicular joint lines, and the angles of the nipple and acromioclavicular joint with the degrees of scoliosis in juvenile and adolescents (p < 0.05). Pearson regression analysis revealed a significant correlation between BA differences and the Cobb angle with a correlation coefficient of 0.901. Factors related to breast aesthetics, like differences in the height of nipples and the distance from the sternal notch to the nipple, represent 30% of the overall score. CONCLUSION: The study concluded that there is a significant correlation between the severity of scoliosis and BA differences. Augmentation mammaplasty for BA not only decreased the breast difference but also leveled the nipple disparities. Photogrammetry is considered to be an alternative to other methods and is believed to contribute to the follow-up of BA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Impact of acidic beverages on composition and surface characteristics of human teeth: scanning electron microscopic, stereomicroscopic and energy dispersive x-ray analyses.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of acidic beverages on the surface topography and elemental composition of human teeth. METHODS: A total of five highly acidic beverages (Red Bull, Pepsi, Apple Cidra, Tang Mosambi, and Tang Orange) were investigated. The tooth specimens of experimental groups were submerged in each beverage and incubated at 37 °C for 7 days, whereas, the tooth specimens of control groups were placed in distilled water. Afterwards, tooth specimens were analyzed using scanning electron microscopic (SEM), stereomicroscopic, and energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) techniques. RESULTS: All experimental groups revealed a decline in the tooth elements compared to controls, however, such decline was not statistically significant. Nevertheless, comparing the experimental groups, the Red Bull beverage caused a marked reduction in the percentage of both calcium and phosphorus elements compared to the Pepsi, Apple Cidra, Tang Mosambi, and Tang Orange beverages but it was insignificant as well in contrast to its control counterpart. All five acidic beverages demonstrated erosive potential under SEM analysis; however, each group of specimens showed a diverse amount of demineralization. In addition, all experimental groups exhibited significant discoloration of tooth specimens compared to their respective control counterparts. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of study, all five acidic beverages demonstrated erosive potential in the simulated in vitro conditions under SEM analysis; however, each group of specimens exhibited a different extent of demineralization. In addition, the overall effect of all beverages was insignificant under EDX analysis as no substantial difference was revealed between the elemental composition of experimental and control group specimens.

[Effects of removing superficial layer of cartilage on the surface morphology and mechanical behavior of cartilage].

Superficial cartilage defect is an important factor that causes osteoarthritis. Therefore, it is very important to investigate the influence of superficial cartilage defects on its surface morphology and mechanical properties. In this study, the knee joint cartilage samples of adult pig were prepared, which were treated by enzymolysis with chymotrypsin and physical removal with electric friction pen, respectively. Normal cartilage and surface treated cartilage were divided into five groups: control group (normal cartilage group), chymotrypsin immersion group, chymotrypsin wiping group, removal 10% group with electric friction pen, and removal 20% group with electric friction pen. The surface morphology and structure of five groups of samples were characterized by laser spectrum confocal microscopy and environmental field scanning electron microscopy, and the mechanical properties of each group of samples were evaluated by tensile tests. The results show that the surface arithmetic mean height and fracture strength of the control group were the smallest, and the fracture strain was the largest. The surface arithmetic mean height and fracture strength of the removal 20% group with electric friction pen were the largest, and the fracture strain was the smallest. The surface arithmetic mean height, fracture strength and fracture strain values of the other three groups were all between the above two groups, but the surface arithmetic mean height and fracture strength of the removal 10% group with electric friction pen, the chymotrypsin wiping group and the chymotrypsin soaking group decreased successively, and the fracture strain increased successively. In addition, we carried out a study on the elastic modulus of different groups, and the results showed that the elastic modulus of the control group was the smallest, and the elastic modulus of the removal 20% group with electric friction pen was the largest. The above study revealed that the defect of the superficial area of cartilage changed its surface morphology and structure, and reduced its mechanical properties. The research results are of great significance for the prevention and repair of cartilage injury.

Wetting of Cell Aggregates on Microdisk Topography Structures Achieved by Maskless Optical Projection Lithography.

Cell aggregates as a 3D culture model can effectively mimic the physiological processes such as embryonic development, immune response, and tissue renewal in vivo. Researches show that the topography of biomaterials plays an important role in regulating cell proliferation, adhesion, and differentiation. It is of great significance to understand how cell aggregates respond to surface topography. Herein, microdisk array structures with the optimized size are used to investigate the wetting of cell aggregates. Cell aggregates exhibit complete wetting with distinct wetting velocities on the microdisk array structures of different diameters. The wetting velocity of cell aggregates reaches a maximum of 293 µm h-1 on microdisk structures with a diameter of 2 µm and is a minimum of 247 µm h-1 on microdisk structures of 20 µm diameter, which suggests that the cell-substrates adhesion energy on the latter is smaller. Actin stress fibers, focal adhesions (FAs), and cell morphology are analyzed to reveal the mechanisms of variation of wetting velocity. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that cell aggregates adopt climb and detour wetting modes on small and large-sized microdisk structures, respectively. This work reveals the response of cell aggregates to micro-scale topography, providing guidance for better understanding of tissue infiltration.

Osteoinductive calcium phosphate with submicron topography as bone graft substitute for maxillary sinus floor augmentation: A translational study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was the preclinical and clinical evaluation of osteoinductive calcium phosphate with submicron surface topography as a bone graft substitute for maxillary sinus floor augmentation (MSFA). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A preclinical sheep model of MSFA was used to compare a calcium phosphate with submicron needle-shaped topography (BCPN , MagnetOs Granules, Kuros Biosciences BV) to a calcium phosphate with submicron grain-shaped topography (BCPG ) and autologous bone graft (ABG) as controls. Secondly, a 10-patient, prospective, randomized, controlled trial was performed to compare BCPN to ABG in MSFA with two-stage implant placement. RESULTS: The pre-clinical study demonstrated that both BCPN and BCPG were highly biocompatible, supported bony ingrowth with direct bone apposition against the material, and exhibited bone formation as early as 3 weeks post-implantation. However, BCPN demonstrated significantly more bone formation than BCPG at the study endpoint of 12 weeks. Only BCPN reached an equivalent amount of bone formation in the available space and a greater proportion of calcified material (bone + graft material) in the maxillary sinus compared to the "gold standard" ABG after 12 weeks. These results were validated in a small prospective clinical study, in which BCPN was found comparable to ABG in implant stability, bone height, new bone formation in trephine core biopsies, and overall clinical outcome. CONCLUSION: This translational work demonstrates that osteoinductive calcium phosphates are promising bone graft substitutes for MSFA, whereas their bone-forming potential depends on the design of their surface features. Netherlands Trial Register, NL6436.

Molecular height measurement by cell surface optical profilometry (CSOP).

The physical dimensions of proteins and glycans on cell surfaces can critically affect cell function, for example, by preventing close contact between cells and limiting receptor accessibility. However, high-resolution measurements of molecular heights on native cell membranes have been difficult to obtain. Here we present a simple and rapid method that achieves nanometer height resolution by localizing fluorophores at the tip and base of cell surface molecules and determining their separation by radially averaging across many molecules. We use this method, which we call cell surface optical profilometry (CSOP), to quantify the height of key multidomain proteins on a model cell, as well as to capture average protein and glycan heights on native cell membranes. We show that average height of a protein is significantly smaller than its contour length, due to thermally driven bending and rotation on the membrane, and that height strongly depends on local surface and solution conditions. We find that average height increases with cell surface molecular crowding but decreases with solution crowding by solutes, both of which we confirm with molecular dynamics simulations. We also use experiments and simulations to determine the height of an epitope, based on the location of an antibody, which allows CSOP to profile various proteins and glycans on a native cell surface using antibodies and lectins. This versatile method for profiling cell surfaces has the potential to advance understanding of the molecular landscape of cells and the role of the molecular landscape in cell function.

Three-dimensional Element-by-element Surface Topography Reconstruction of Compound Samples Using Multisegment Silicon Drift Detectors.

Elemental surface topography information in microscopic material characterization contributes to a better understanding of surfaces, interfaces, substrates, and their applications. Here, a general approach based on microbeam proton-induced X-ray emission (micro-PIXE) to reconstruct the three-dimensional (3D) elemental surface topography using the annular multisegment silicon drift detector has been demonstrated. The proposed method includes four main steps: acquiring four two-dimensional elemental concentration maps using the multichannel spectrometer, reconstructing the local inclination angle from the atomic model of ion-matter interaction, calculating the two independent topography gradient components, and numerical surface topography integration. In this study, the general algorithm to obtain the gradient components has been successfully tested on a four-segment configuration to reconstruct the 3D surface topography of compound alloys with different microstructure scales. In synchrotron and accelerator facilities dealing with elemental X-ray mapping where the development of customized multisegment detectors is needed, the introduced method is applicable to elemental surface/interface roughness reconstruction in microscale for cultural heritage samples, fusion plasma-facing materials, and microelectronic devices.

Gastric acid challenge of lithium disilicate-reinforced glass-ceramics and zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate glass-ceramic after polishing and glazing-impact on surface properties.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the impact of simulated gastric acid on the surface properties of lithium disilicate-reinforced glass-ceramics and zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate glass-ceramic after certain polishing and glazing procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four different types of square-shaped specimens (10 × 10 × 2 mm3, n = 13) were manufactured: lithium disilicate-reinforced glass-ceramic milled and polished (LDS-P); milled, polished, and glazed (LDS-PG); milled, glazed, and no polishing (LDS-G); and milled and polished zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate glass-ceramic (ZR-LS). Specimens were immersed in hydrochloride acid (HCl 0.06 M, pH 1.2) to simulate gastric acid irritation and stored in the acid for 96 h in 37 °C. Specimen weight, surface gloss, Vickers surface microhardness and surface roughness (Ra, Rq, with optical profilometer), and surface roughness on nanometer level (Sq, Sal, Sq/Sal, Sdr, Sds with atomic force microscope) were measured before and after the acid immersion. RESULTS: ZR-LS specimens lost significantly more weight after acid immersion (p = 0.001), also surface microhardness of ZR-LS was significantly reduced (p = 0.001). LDS-G and LDS-PG showed significantly lower surface roughness (Sa, Sq) values compared to LDS-P before (p ≤ 0.99) and after (p ≤ 0.99) acid immersion and ZR-LS after acid immersion (p ≤ 0.99). CONCLUSIONS: Gastric acid challenge affects the surface properties of lithium disilicate-reinforced glass-ceramic and zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate glass-ceramic. Glazing layer provides lower surface roughness, and the glazed surface tends to smoothen after the gastric acid challenge. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Surface finish of lithium disilicate-reinforced glass-ceramic and zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate glass-ceramic has a clear impact on material's surface properties. Gastric acidic challenge changes surface properties but glazing seems to function as a protective barrier. Nevertheless, also glazing tends to smoothen after heavy gastric acid challenge. Glazing can be highly recommended to all glass-ceramic restorations but especially in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and eating disorders like bulimia nervosa.

Non-Invasive Assessment of Back Surface Topography: Technologies, Techniques and Clinical Utility.

(1) Background: Frequent exposure to ionising radiation is often used to determine the diagnosis of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), a lateral curvature of the spine in those aged between 10 and 18 years, and a treatment plan according to Cobb angle. This narrative review outlines the clinical utility of surface topography (ST), a radiation-free imaging modality. (2) Methods: Publicly available databases were searched to yield literature related to ST. Identified articles were classified based on the equipment used and in order of how it was developed, i.e., historical, recent developments, and state-of-the-art developments. (3) Conclusions: ST is a reliable cost-effective non-invasive technique that provides an alternative to radiation-based imaging to aid with the diagnosis and potential screening of AIS. Several scanning methods are available, which allows ST to be used in several clinical environments. Limitations of inter-reliability and differences of apparatus resulting in variations of data have been noted through this narrative review.

An Approach for 3D Modeling of the Regular Relief Surface Topography Formed by a Ball Burnishing Process Using 2D Images and Measured Profilograms.

Advanced in the present paper is an innovative approach for three-dimensional modeling of the regular relief topography formed via a ball burnishing process. The proposed methodology involves capturing a greyscale image of and profile measuring the surface topography in two perpendicular directions using a stylus method. A specially developed algorithm further identifies the best match between the measured profile segment and a row or column from the captured topography image by carrying out a signal correlation assessment based on an appropriate similarity metric. To ensure accurate scaling, the image pixel grey levels are scaled with a factor calculated as being the larger ratio between the ultimate heights of the measured profilograms and the more perfectly matched image row/column. Nine different similarity metrics were tested to determine the best performing model. The developed approach was evaluated for eight distinct types of fully and partially regular reliefs, and the results reveal that the best-scaled 3D topography models are produced for the fully regular reliefs with much greater heights. Following a thorough analysis of the results obtained, at the end of the paper, we draw some conclusions and discuss potential future work.

Point Density Variations in Airborne Lidar Point Clouds.

In spite of increasing point density and accuracy, airborne lidar point clouds often exhibit point density variations. Some of these density variations indicate issues with point clouds, potentially leading to errors in derived products. To highlight these issues, we provide an overview of point density variations and show examples in six airborne lidar point cloud datasets that we used in our topographic and geospatial modeling research. Using the published literature, we identified sources of point density variations and issues indicated or caused by these variations. Lastly, we discuss the reduction in point density variations using decimations, homogenizations, and their applicability.

Nature-Inspired Surface Structures Design for Antimicrobial Applications.

Surface contamination by microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria may simultaneously aggravate the biofouling of surfaces and infection of wounds and promote cross-species transmission and the rapid evolution of microbes in emerging diseases. In addition, natural surface structures with unique anti-biofouling properties may be used as guide templates for the development of functional antimicrobial surfaces. Further, these structure-related antimicrobial surfaces can be categorized into microbicidal and anti-biofouling surfaces. This review introduces the recent advances in the development of microbicidal and anti-biofouling surfaces inspired by natural structures and discusses the related antimicrobial mechanisms, surface topography design, material application, manufacturing techniques, and antimicrobial efficiencies.

Interaction of Bacteria, Immune Cells, and Surface Topography in Periprosthetic Joint Infections.

The incidence of periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) is ~2% of total procedures and it is expected to rise due to an ageing population. Despite the large burden PJI has on both the individual and society, the immune response to the most commonly isolated pathogens, i.e., Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, remains incompletely understood. In this work, we integrate the analysis of synovial fluids from patients undergoing hip and knee replacement surgery with in-vitro experimental data obtained using a newly developed platform, mimicking the environment of periprosthetic implants. We found that the presence of an implant, even in patients undergoing aseptic revisions, is sufficient to induce an immune response, which is significantly different between septic and aseptic revisions. This difference is confirmed by the presence of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in synovial fluids. Moreover, we discovered that the immune response is also dependent on the type of bacteria and the topography of the implant surface. While S. epidermidis seems to be able to hide better from the attack of the immune system when cultured on rough surfaces (indicative of uncemented prostheses), S. aureus reacts differently depending on the contact surface it is exposed to. The experiments we performed in-vitro also showed a higher biofilm formation on rough surfaces compared to flat ones for both species, suggesting that the topography of the implant could influence both biofilm formation and the consequent immune response.

The basement membrane as a structured surface - role in vascular health and disease.

The basement membrane (BM) is a thin specialized extracellular matrix that functions as a cellular anchorage site, a physical barrier and a signaling hub. While the literature on the biochemical composition and biological activity of the BM is extensive, the central importance of the physical properties of the BM, most notably its mechanical stiffness and topographical features, in regulating cellular function has only recently been recognized. In this Review, we focus on the biophysical attributes of the BM and their influence on cellular behavior. After a brief overview of the biochemical composition, assembly and function of the BM, we describe the mechanical properties and topographical structure of various BMs. We then focus specifically on the vascular BM as a nano- and micro-scale structured surface and review how its architecture can modulate endothelial cell structure and function. Finally, we discuss the pathological ramifications of the biophysical properties of the vascular BM and highlight the potential of mimicking BM topography to improve the design of implantable endovascular devices and advance the burgeoning field of vascular tissue engineering.

Evolution of and Disparity among Biomimetic Superhydrophobic Surfaces with Gecko, Petal, and Lotus Effect.

It is desirable to turn one kind of superhydrophobic (SHPO) surfaces into another by changing surface topography alone and attaining solid surfaces with tunable properties. Herein, gecko-, petal-, and lotus-like SHPO surfaces, composed of ZnO tetrapods and polydimethylsiloxane, are realized by adjusting the roughness factor and length scale of roughness, while keeping the surface chemistry the same. Afterward, water droplet sliding and impacting are investigated. The surfaces behave similarly in spreading but deviate from each other in sliding, receding, jetting, and rebounding due to their different adhesive properties. Moreover, the disparity between surfaces with petal and lotus effects is well explained by Furmidge's and Young-Dupre equations. On the other hand, these formulas fail to elucidate the surface with gecko effect because of its inside sealed air that produces negative pressure upon droplet motion. This paper provides a facile topography evolution path and a manifest correlation between topography and performance in water droplet dynamics for SHPO surfaces with gecko, petal, and lotus effects.

Surface topography as a material parameter.

Abstract: Materials science is about understanding the relationship between a material's structure and its properties-in the sphere of mechanical behavior, this includes elastic modulus, yield strength, and other bulk properties. We show in this issue that, analogously, a material's surface structure governs its surface properties-such as adhesion, friction, and surface stiffness. For bulk materials, microstructure is a critical component of structure; for surfaces, the structure is governed largely by surface topography. The articles in this issue cover the latest understanding of these structure-property connections for surfaces. This includes both the theoretical basis for how properties depend on topography, as well as the latest understanding of how surface topography emerges, how to measure and understand topography-dependent properties, and how to engineer surfaces to improve performance. The present article frames the importance of surface topography and its effect on properties; it also outlines some of the critical knowledge gaps that impede progress toward optimally performing surfaces.

Systems of conductive skin for power transfer in clinical applications.

The primary aim of this article is to review the clinical challenges related to the supply of power in implanted left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) by means of transcutaneous drivelines. In effect of that, we present the preventive measures and post-operative protocols that are regularly employed to address the leading problem of driveline infections. Due to the lack of reliable wireless solutions for power transfer in LVADs, the development of new driveline configurations remains at the forefront of different strategies that aim to power LVADs in a less destructive manner. To this end, skin damage and breach formation around transcutaneous LVAD drivelines represent key challenges before improving the current standard of care. For this reason, we assess recent strategies on the surface functionalization of LVAD drivelines, which aim to limit the incidence of driveline infection by directing the responses of the skin tissue. Moreover, we propose a class of power transfer systems that could leverage the ability of skin tissue to effectively heal short diameter wounds. In this direction, we employed a novel method to generate thin conductive wires of controllable surface topography with the potential to minimize skin disruption and eliminate the problem of driveline infections. Our initial results suggest the viability of the small diameter wires for the investigation of new power transfer systems for LVADs. Overall, this review uniquely compiles a diverse number of topics with the aim to instigate new research ventures on the design of power transfer systems for IMDs, and specifically LVADs.