Workstation for quantitative analysis and visualization of multi-dimensional imaging datasets

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Applicants, Drs. J. Singh, G. Adams and B. Singh, have diverse NSERC-funded research programs that rely heavily on imaging technologies. Dr. J. Singh's research focus is on factors affecting oocyte quality in cattle, Dr. G. Adams is investigating the role of ovulation inducing factor in seminal plasma and early detection of prostatic cancer, and Dr. B. Singh explores the mechanisms of lung inflammation. They study cellular and molecular interactions in healthy and diseased tissues by confocal microscopy, ultrasonography, and synchrotron based x-ray imaging. These imaging methods generate complex and very large datasets representing distribution of cells, sub-cellular structures and functional molecules in tissue volumes. The applicants request funding for a computer workstation to perform quantitative analyses and visualization of these datasets. The workstation will consist of 1) a high-power desktop computer capable of real-time rendering and displaying 3D volumes, 2) a deconvolution software package to correct for optical artifacts introduced by imaging methods, and 3) a segmentation and quantitative software package for separation of voxels representing objects of interest from the rest of tissue. Analysis modules of this software will permit quantitative assessment of differences in structural features (e.g., number, distribution, surface area, volume, spatial inter-relationship) during normal physiologic phases and during disease processes. The applicants are intensely involved in the training of highly-qualified personnel and take pride in celebrating the accomplishments of their students. Collectively, the applicants have trained more than 125 students in their labs since 2003. The availability of the requested equipment will enhance the graduate student experience, improve the quality and impact of their research, and make them more competitive in research careers. We anticipate that several other colleagues in our area will benefit from the imaging workstation.