X-ray tube replacement for Micro-CT Imaging of Musculoskeletal Development and Adaptation

非侵入性3D成像的进步为研究人员提供了以前所未有的水平研究生物形态的机会，同时保存标本以供补充或未来研究。这项提议汇集了三位职业生涯早期的科学家，他们使用先进的3D成像技术来研究骨骼发育和适应。具体地说，请拨的资金将用于更换微型计算机断层扫描仪的X射线管。这项技术是医疗诊所中使用的计算机断层扫描(CT)的一种更强大的变体，它利用X射线对生物结构的外部和内部结构进行成像，分辨率可达千分之几毫米--字面上接近细胞细节。在这种尺度上非侵入性地研究内部结构的能力对骨骼的研究具有变革性的作用。事实上，申请者库珀博士、布赫纳博士和伊姆斯博士都依靠微型CT来研究各种动物的骨骼是如何发育和适应一系列功能和环境的。库珀博士的研究重点是骨骼内输送血管的小通道，其3D模式已被调整，以将这些空洞对骨骼机械功能的影响降至最低。Boughner博士专注于牙齿和颌骨发育之间的关系，在这些关系中，协调对生物体的生存至关重要。埃姆斯博士研究骨骼适应和发育，重点放在鱼类模型上，因为骨骼形态和功能的最广泛变化发生在鱼类身上。X射线管就像灯泡一样，最终会因使用而烧毁。目前的申请寻求获得资金，以缓解费用的突然增加，这将导致微CT技术的中断和可能失去获得的机会。来自RTI计划的支持将确保他们目前X射线管即将发生的故障不会对该小组的研究生产力产生负面影响。

Advances in non-invasive 3D imaging afford researchers the opportunity to investigate biological form at an unprecedented level while preserving the specimen for complementary or future study. This proposal brings together three early-career scientists who employ advanced 3D imaging to study skeletal development and adaptation. Specifically, the funds requested will contribute to the replacement of an X-ray tube for a micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) scanner. This technology, a more powerful variant of computed tomography (CT) seen in medical clinics, utilizes x-rays to image the external and internal structure of biological structures down to the scale of a few thousandths of a millimeter - literally approaching cellular detail. The ability to non-invasively study internal structure on this scale has been transformative for the study of the skeleton. Indeed, the applicants, Drs. Cooper, Boughner and Eames, all rely on micro-CT to study how the skeletons of various animals develop and adapt to a range of functions and environments. Dr. Cooper's research focuses on the small channels within bone which convey blood vessels and whose 3D patterns have been adapted to minimize the impact of these voids on bone's mechanical function. Dr. Boughner focuses on the relationship between tooth and jaw development where coordination is critical for an organism's survival. Dr. Eames studies skeletal adaptation and development with a focus on fish models, since the broadest variations in skeletal form and function occur in fishes. X-ray tubes, like light bulbs, eventually burn out from use. The current application seeks to secure funds to mitigate a sudden increase in costs that will lead to the interruption and possible loss of access to micro-CT technology. Support from the RTI program will ensure that the imminent failure of their current X-ray tube does not negatively impact the research productivity of this group.