Magnetic resonance spectroscopy and imaging for the study of fossils

Computer tomography and magnetic resonance for multimodal imaging of fossils and mummies

The study of fossils and mummies has largely benefited from the use of modern noninvasive and nondestructive imaging technologies and represents a fast developing area. In this review, we describe the emerging role of imaging based on Magnetic Resonance (MR) and Computer Tomography (CT) employed for the study of ancient remains and mummies. For each methodology, the state of the art in paleoradiology applications is described, by emphasizing new technologies developed in the field of both CT, such as micro- and nano-CT, dual-energy and multi-energy CT, and MR, with the description of novel dedicated sequences, radiofrequency coils and gradients. The complementarity of CT and MR in paleoradiology is also discussed, by pointing out what MR provides in addition to CT, with an overview on the state of the art of emerging strategies in the use of CT/MR combination for the study of a sample following a multimodal integrated approach.

Radionuclide, magnetic resonance and computed tomography imaging in European round back slugs (Arionidae) and leopard slugs (Limacidae)

Other than in animal models of human disease, little functional imaging has been performed in most of the animal world. The aim of this study was to explore the functional anatomy of the European round back slug (Arionidae) and leopard slug (Limacidae) and to establish an imaging protocol for comparative species study. Radionuclide images with single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET) were obtained after injections of standard clinical radiopharmaceuticals ^99mtechnetium dicarboxypropane diphosphonate (bone scintigraphy), ^99mtechnetium mercaptoacetyltriglycine (kidney function), ^99mtechnetium diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (kidney function), ^99mtechnetium pertechnetate (mediated by the sodium-iodide symporter), ^99mtechnetium sestamibi (cardiac scintigraphy) or ¹⁸F-fluoro-deoxyglucose (glucose metabolism) in combination with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) for uptake anatomic definition. Images were compared with anatomic drawings for the Arionidae species. Additionally, organ uptake data was determined for a description of slug functional anatomy in comparison to human tracer biodistribution patterns identifying the heart, the open circulatory anatomy, calcified shell remnant, renal structure (nephridium), liver (digestive gland) and intestine. The results show the detailed functional anatomy of Arionidae and Limacidae, and describe an in vivo whole-body imaging procedure for invertebrate species.

Direct Imaging of Superwetting Behavior on Solid-Liquid-Vapor Triphase Interfaces

A solid-liquid-vapor interface dominated by a three-phase contact line usually serves as an active area for interfacial reactions and provides a vital clue to surface behavior. Recently, direct imaging of the triphase interface of superwetting interfaces on the microscale/nanoscale has attracted broad scientific attention for both theoretical research and practical applications, and has gradually become an efficient and intuitive approach to explore the wetting behaviors of various multiphase interfaces. Here, recent progress on characterizing the solid-liquid-vapor triphase interface on the microscale/nanoscale with diverse types of imaging apparatus is summarized. Moreover, the accurate, visible, and quantitative information that can be obtained shows the real interfacial morphology of the wetting behaviors of multiphase interfaces. On the basis of fundamental research, technical innovations in imaging and complicated multiphase interfaces of the superwetting surface are also briefly presented.