SkyScan 1276: Multiscale Micro-CT SystemLaboratory

摘要 我们正在申请资金购买布鲁克SkyScan 1276高分辨率体内X射线显微断层扫描仪 （微型CT扫描仪）。该仪器将直接支持18名研究者（用户）的研究计划， 包括11个NIH资助的用户（16个不同的项目）。S10用户代表6个不同的教师 在UTHealth（MMS）麦戈文医学院内的部门和一个来自邻近机构。 四个主要用户代表MMS中的三个不同部门。所要求的文书将是 这是MMS中的第一个同类产品，因此是执行高分辨率体内成像的宝贵新资源 老鼠和老鼠。这款最先进的微型CT扫描仪能够在体内或体外进行 测量分辨率高达2.8 um。扫描仪的尺寸可容纳多达 160 mm（孔径），扫描视野为80 mm。大多数应用将包括鼠标 和大鼠，利用仪器的高图像分辨率-这对许多应用至关重要， 小动物。该仪器的另一个关键应用是纵向体内成像。方面具有独特的 SkyScan 1276仪器允许显着减少辐射暴露，从而允许重复 成像时X射线暴露的生物效应最小。该仪器配备了麻醉 系统（异氟烷）和综合生理监测（包括呼吸传感器、ECG、温度 稳定和身体运动检测）。监测系统允许基于以下条件进行门控采集： 呼吸或心率，以提高体内分辨率。峰值X射线能量可在20至100 kV之间调节， 专有的空间射束整形器将辐射剂量减少到5倍。集成仪表跟踪动物 辐射剂量仪器配有功能强大的计算机进行采集和处理， 高速图像重建（NRecon 3D）和充足的数据存储。离线分析可在 通过布鲁克公司的免费查看器和分析软件，在任何计算机上都可以使用。仪器的占地面积小， 只需要6英尺的标准长凳。神经科已指定了一个空间， 该办公室位于MSB3.508室，对MMS用户来说既安全又方便。该机构承诺， 支持88%的服务合同成本（至5年）和50%的专门技术人员的工资， 保持SkyScan 1276该仪器将以非常低的使用费（15 -45美元/小时）运行， 收回运营成本。NIH资助项目的使用率将> 75%，至少剩余10%的峰值使用率 适用于非S10用户。为了支持初级研究者或未资助的研究者，最多10%的使用率将 免费提供。总之，我们正在申请资金，以购买一项文书， 在MMS，啮齿类动物缺乏高分辨率的体内微型CT成像能力。仪器将 作为一个国家的最先进的资源，以S10用户，调查人员在整个MMS，甚至邻近 德克萨斯州医学中心校园内的机构。

ABSTRACT We are requesting funds to purchase a Bruker SkyScan 1276 High-Resolution In Vivo X-Ray Microtomograph (micro-CT scanner). This instrument will directly support the research programs of 18 investigators (Users), including 11 NIH-funded Users (with 16 different projects). The S10 Users represent faculty from 6 different departments within the McGovern Medical School at UTHealth (MMS) and one from a neighboring institution. The four Major Users represent three different departments within the MMS. The requested instrument would be the first of its kind in the MMS, and thus a valuable new resource for performing high resolution in vivo imaging of rats and mice. This state-of-the-art micro-CT scanner offers the ability to perform in vivo or ex vivo measurements at resolution up to 2.8 um. The dimensions of the scanner can accommodate specimens up to 160 mm (bore diameter) with a scanning field of view of 80 mm. The majority of the applications will include mice and rats, capitalizing on the instrument’s high image resolution – essential for many of the applications with these smaller animals. Another key application of this instrument will be longitudinal in vivo imaging. Features unique to the SkyScan 1276 instrument allow for significant reduction of radiation exposure, thus permitting repeated imaging with minimal biological effect from X-ray exposure. The instrument is equipped with an anesthesia system (isoflurane) and integrated physiological monitoring (including a breathing sensor, ECG, temperature stabilization, and body movement detection). The monitoring system allows for gated acquisition based on respiration or heart rate for improved in vivo resolution. Peak X-ray energy is adjustable from 20 to 100 kV and a proprietary spatial beam shaper reduces radiation dose up to 5 fold. An integrated meter keeps track of animal radiation dosage. The instrument is supplied with a powerful computer for acquisition and processing, capable of high-speed image reconstruction (NRecon 3D) and with ample data storage. Offline analysis is available on any computer through free viewer and analysis software from Bruker. The footprint of the instrument is small, requiring only 6 feet of a standard bench. The Department of Neurology has designated a space for the instrument (room MSB 3.508), which is secure and convenient to MMS users. The Institution has committed to support 88% of the service contract cost (to 5 years) and salary of a 50% dedicated technician to operate and maintain the SkyScan 1276. The instrument will be operated on a very low fee-for-use basis ($15-45/hr) to recover operation costs. Usage for NIH-funded projects will be >75%, with at least 10% of peak usage remaining available for non-S10 Users. To support junior investigators or un-funded investigators, up to 10% usage will be provided free of charge. In summary, we are requesting funds to purchase an instrument which will address the absence of high resolution in vivo micro-CT imaging capabilities for rodents at the MMS. The instrument will serve as a state-of-the-art resource to the S10 Users, investigators throughout the MMS, and even neighboring institutions on the Texas Medical Center campus.