Novel ultrahigh resolution microCT imaging system

描述（由申请人提供）：本申请的目的是购买一种新型的超高分辨率微型计算机断层扫描系统，用于合成和离体标本的非破坏性三维分析。提出的Scanco 5CT50系统是目前第一个也是唯一一个能够在足够大的视野内产生亚微米体素图像的系统，可以用于小动物标本。如果成功，范德比尔特大学将成为美国第一个获得具有这些功能的系统的学术机构。该系统将开辟新的研究途径，因为它将解决迄今为止隐藏的特征，如小鼠皮质骨的孔隙度，小梁中矿化的空间分布，毛细血管床和胆道血管的完整结构。此外，它的速度和自动试样加载系统将减少数据采集时间和调查员的等待时间。因此，5CT50将支持和扩大众多范围广泛的NIH资助项目以及未来调查的试点项目。支持的研究项目包括血管生成、乳腺癌、前列腺癌和多发性骨髓瘤对骨骼的影响、骨质量、颅面发育、软骨内成骨、胆管发育和组织培养支架的发展。这些研究的各个方面都集中在微观结构上（例如，肿瘤-骨界面、矿化骨折痂、微裂缝、胆管、毛细血管等），这些结构的尺寸通常为5¿- 5mm，因此5CT50的高分辨率将显著增强。此外，这些项目将受益于改进后的计算机支助系统的更多使用机会和速度。该系统将重建和分析数据集，大大超过其他现有系统的能力。由于其开创性的决议，5CT50无疑将促进范德比尔特大学和邻近机构之间的合作。将该仪器安置在范德比尔特大学成像科学研究所（VUIIS），该研究所在为用户管理众多成像模式方面取得了巨大成功，将确保校园范围内的广泛访问和卓越的管理。收购5CT50将加速颅面、癌症、骨骼、肝脏和组织再生等领域的重要发现和治疗。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The purpose of this application is to purchase a novel, ultrahigh resolution micro computed tomography system for non-destructive three dimensional analyses of synthetic and ex vivo specimens. The proposed Scanco 5CT50 system is the first and only system currently capable of producing images with submicron voxels in a field of view large enough for small animal specimens. If successful, Vanderbilt will be the first academic institution in the United States to obtain a system with these capabilities. This system will open new avenues of research because it will resolve heretofore hidden features such as porosity in murine cortical bone, the spatial distribution of mineralization in trabeculae, the complete structure of capillary beds and biliary vasculature. Moreover, its speed and automated specimen loading system will reduce data acquisition time and investigator wait time. Thus, the 5CT50 will support and expand numerous, wide ranging, NIH funded projects as well as pilot projects for future investigations. Supported projects include investigations on angiogenesis, skeletal consequences of breast cancer, prostate cancer, and multiple myeloma, bone quality, craniofacial development, endochondral ossification, biliary duct development, and development of tissue culture scaffolds. Aspects of each of these studies are focused on microstructures (e.g., the tumor- bone interface, mineralizing fracture callus, microcracks, biliary ducts, capillaries, etc.) that are often 5¿- 5mm in size and will therefore be significantly enhanced by the superior resolution of the 5CT50. In addition, these projects will benefit from the increased access and speed of the improved computer support system. This system will reconstruct and analyze data sets that significantly exceed the capabilities of other currently available systems. Due to its ground breaking resolution, the 5CT50 will undoubtedly foster collaborations within Vanderbilt University and at neighboring institutions. Housing this instrument in the Vanderbilt University Institute for Imaging Science (VUIIS), which has been highly successful in managing numerous, imaging modalities for users, will ensure campus wide access and superior management. Acquisition of the 5CT50 will hasten important discoveries and treatments in areas of craniofacial, cancer, skeletal, hepatic and tissue regeneration fields, among others. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: This novel microCT, which is not currently housed by any U.S. company or institution, is the only instrument available that can acquire images of small animal specimens with detail to see structures as small as 1 micrometer in diameter. This instrument will allow investigators to obtain heretofore unattainable information about the three dimensional architecture of microstructures that affect disease and development.