High-resolution ex vivo micro-computerized tomography system

描述(申请人提供)：这项建议的主要目标是购买体外标本微型计算机断层扫描(体外微型CT)仪器。我们提议购买SkyScan 1172微型CT系统，该系统将为坦普尔大学16个联邦资助研究项目(14个NIH，1个NIOSH，1个能源部)的11名联邦资助的研究人员(10名NIH，1名能源部(DOE))提供服务。我们的大学缺乏任何类型的微型CT系统，尽管我们的需求很大，而且还在继续增长。在拟议的应用中，即使在低对比度的样品中，该仪器也将允许良好的精细结构分辨率，从而可以适应MicroCT的新应用。SkyScan 1172可以拍摄高分辨率的样品--体素尺寸小于1.5米，低对比度分辨率为5.5米。一次典型的扫描需要30分钟到1小时，该系统配备了一个由集群PC组成的重建工作站和特殊软件，可以从每张图像幻灯片快速计算信息，以便用户可以在下一个样本扫描时重建扫描。这将提供所需的高吞吐量，以满足我们的研究界对微CT的需求。然后，数字数据可以定量确定骨、软骨、肌肉、脂肪、血管和肿瘤的各种结构参数。这台高分辨率的微型CT仪器将被安置在我们位于成像中心的健康科学园区。MicroCT的加入将大大增强现有的成像服务，并将补充该中心现有的基于光的荧光技术。该仪器将由一个由来自医学院、牙科、工程学、卫生专业和科学技术学院/学院的用户组成的教职员工委员会管理。拟议的高分辨率MicroCT SkyScan 1172仪器的应用包括：1)对执行重复性和强力工作任务引起的骨骼退行性变化进行成像和量化，以及干预的有效性。2)基因工程小鼠(转基因和基因敲除模型)、病理性骨重建(如卵巢切除和低钙饮食后)和颅脑创伤骨折后骨结构的成像和定量研究。3)发现龋齿的早期阶段，并制定预防和治疗干预措施。4)以改善牙科修复材料为目标，对合成牙科复合材料的力学性能进行检测。5)研究中风和心血管疾病的血管形成和动脉粥样硬化及其影响因素。6)评估肝、肺疾病和癌症的治疗方法的有效性。收购SkyScan 1172对于这些和未来需要这种最先进技术的项目的持续进展至关重要。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The primary objective of this proposal is to purchase an ex vivo specimen microcomputed tomography (ex vivo microCT) instrument. We are proposing the purchase of a SkyScan 1172 microCT system, which will serve 11 federally funded investigators (10 NIH, 1 Department of Energy (DOE)) in 16 federally funded research projects (14 NIH, 1 NIOSH, 1 DOE) at Temple University. Our university lacks any type of microCT system, although our need is large and continues to grow. The instrument in the proposed application will allow excellent resolution of fine structure even in low contrast samples, so that new applications for microCT can be accommodated. The SkyScan 1172 can image specimens with high-resolution - less than 1 5m voxel size and low-contrast resolution of 5 5m. A typical scan takes 30 min to 1 hr, and the system comes with a reconstruction workstation of clustered PCs and special software to rapidly calculate information from each image slide, so that a user can reconstruct a scan while the next specimen is scanning. This will provide the high throughput required to service the needs of our research community for microCT. The digital data then permits quantitative determination of a variety of structural parameters in bone, cartilage, muscle, fat, vasculature and tumors. This high-resolution microCT instrument will be housed at our Health Science campus in the Imaging Center. The addition of microCT will significantly enhance the available imaging services and will complement the light-based, fluorescence technologies that already exist in this center. The instrument will be administered by a committee of faculty members drawn from the users from the Schools/Colleges of Medicine, Dentistry, Engineering, Health Professions, and Science and Technology. Applications for the proposed high-resolution microCT SkyScan 1172 instrument include: 1) Imaging and quantification of bone degenerative changes induced by performing repetitive and forceful work tasks, and the effectiveness of interventions. 2) Imaging and quantification of bone architecture in studies of genetically engineered mice (transgenic and knockout models), pathological bone remodeling (such as after ovariectomy and low calcium diet), and after head trauma fracture. 3) Detection of the earliest stages of dental caries and the development of preventative and treatment interventions. 4) Examination of mechanical properties of synthetic dental composites with the goal of improving dental restorative materials. 5) To study vascular formation and atherosclerosis in, and contributing factors of, stroke and cardiovascular disease. 6) To assess effectiveness of therapeutic approaches for liver and lung diseases and cancer. The acquisition of the SkyScan 1172 is essential for continued progress of these and future projects requiring this state-of-the-art technology.