Collaborative Research: Digitization TCN: oVert: Open Exploration of Vertebrate Diversity in 3D

oVert（openVertebrate）专题收集网络（TCN）将生成和提供高分辨率数字三维（3D）数据，用于脊椎动物多样性的内部解剖。 通过遍布美国的数字化中心网络，将对超过20，000份流体保存的标本进行CT扫描，这些标本代表了超过80%的脊椎动物活属。 这将为对所有主要脊椎动物群体的探索和研究提供广泛的覆盖面。 将生成对比度增强扫描，以显示软组织和器官。 这些数字图像和三维卷的集合将开放供探索，下载和使用，以解决与发现新物种有关的问题，记录解剖多样性和生长模式，并测试功能和进化的假设。 该资源将提供前所未有的全球访问美国博物馆收藏的珍贵标本，并将开发高通量CT扫描的最佳实践和指南，包括高效的工作流程，首选分辨率和优化各种下游应用的存档格式。 博物馆专家将接受3D数据的生成、管理和分发方面的培训，研究人员将接受3D解剖数据的使用方面的培训，高中生和本科生将接受创建3D解剖模型的工具方面的培训。 为了推动K-12 STEM教育工作者使用这些数字标本，教师-由oVert驱动的研讨会，生成免费提供的课程计划，重点是基于美国博物馆收藏的标本的数字和打印3D模型的特定科学标准。oVert生成的数据将作为专注于了解脊椎动物形态多样性的各种研究项目的催化剂，并将大大增加美国科学收藏的标本。这些解剖表型代表了一种共同的货币，促进了分类学，进化，发育生物学，比较生理学，功能解剖学，古生物学和生态学领域的整合。 X射线计算机断层扫描（CT）扫描生成高分辨率数字解剖数据，表示为2D图像堆栈和3D体积和表面。 有了这些3D数字标本，美国和国际研究界将能够（1）诊断，描述和推断现存和灭绝的脊椎动物之间的关系模式，（2）测试形态进化的假设，如差异模式，模块化和表型-环境相关性，（3）开发结构-功能模型，用于测试有关形态适应的假设，例如，进食和运动，以及（4）探索大脑和神经系统解剖学之间的关系，以及感觉和肌肉骨骼功能。 3D数据将通过MorphoSource在全球范围内分发，MorphoSource是一个3D生物标本数据的在线数据存储库，它将捕获标准化的元数据，从以前和现有的项目中摄取遗留数据，并将向包括iDigBio（www.idigbio.org）在内的数据聚合器提供媒体信息。 计划在参与机构和国家学会科学家和教育工作者会议现场举办培训讲习班，以促进3D图像数据用户的创新和能力。

The oVert (openVertebrate) Thematic Collection Network (TCN) will generate and serve high-resolution digital three-dimensional (3D) data for internal anatomy across vertebrate diversity. Via a network of digitization centers across the US, more than 20,000 fluid-preserved specimens representing over 80% of the living genera of vertebrates will be CT-scanned. This will provide broad coverage for exploration and research on all major groups of vertebrates. Contrast-enhanced scans will be generated that reveal soft tissues and organs. This collection of digital imagery and three-dimensional volumes will be open for exploration, download, and use to address questions related to the discovery of new species, documenting patterns of anatomical diversity and growth, and testing hypotheses of function and evolution. The resource will provide unprecedented global access to valuable specimens in US museum collections and will develop best practices and guidelines for high-throughput CT-scanning, including efficient workflows, preferred resolutions, and archival formats that optimize the variety of downstream applications. Museum specialists will be trained on the generation, curation, and distribution of 3D data, researchers in using 3D anatomical data, and high school and undergraduate students in the tools for creating 3D anatomical models. To drive the use of these digital specimens by K-12 STEM educators, teacher-driven workshops that generate freely available lesson plans focused on specific science standards that are based on digital and printed 3D models of specimens in US museum collections.Data generated by oVert will serve as a catalyst for diverse research projects focused on understanding the vertebrate morphological diversity and will dramatically increase the accessibility of specimens housed in US scientific collections. These anatomical phenotypes represent a common currency that facilitates integration across the fields of taxonomy, evolution, developmental biology, comparative physiology, functional anatomy, paleontology, and ecology. The x-ray computed tomography (CT) scanning gemerates high-resolution digital anatomical data, represented as both 2D image stacks and 3D volumes and surfaces. With these 3D digital specimens, US and international research communities will be able to (1) diagnose, describe, and infer patterns of relationships among both living and extinct vertebrates, (2) test hypotheses of morphological evolution such as patterns of disparity, modularity, and phenotype-environment correlations, (3) develop structure-function models for testing hypotheses about morphological adaptations related to, e.g., feeding and locomotion, and (4) explore relationships between brain and nervous system anatomy and both sensory and musculoskeletal function. The 3D data will be distributed globally through MorphoSource, an on-line data repository for 3D biological specimen data, which will capture standardized metadata, ingest legacy data from previous and existing projects, and will supply media information to data aggregators including iDigBio (www.idigbio.org). Training workshops, both on-site at participating institutions and national society meetings of scientists and educators are planned to foster innovation and capabilities for users of 3D image data.