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Shi K, Zhang X, Wang X, Xu J, Mu B, Yan J, Wang F, Ding Y, Wang Z. ICF-PR-Net: a deep phase retrieval neural network for X-ray phase contrast imaging of inertial confinement fusion capsules. OPTICS EXPRESS 2024; 32:14356-14376. [PMID: 38859383 DOI: 10.1364/oe.518249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
X-ray phase contrast imaging (XPCI) has demonstrated capability to characterize inertial confinement fusion (ICF) capsules, and phase retrieval can reconstruct phase information from intensity images. This study introduces ICF-PR-Net, a novel deep learning-based phase retrieval method for ICF-XPCI. We numerically constructed datasets based on ICF capsule shape features, and proposed an object-image loss function to add image formation physics to network training. ICF-PR-Net outperformed traditional methods as it exhibited satisfactory robustness against strong noise and nonuniform background and was well-suited for ICF-XPCI's constrained experimental conditions and single exposure limit. Numerical and experimental results showed that ICF-PR-Net accurately retrieved the phase and absorption while maintaining retrieval quality in different situations. Overall, the ICF-PR-Net enables the diagnosis of the inner interface and electron density of capsules to address ignition-preventing problems, such as hydrodynamic instability growth.
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2
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Vincenti MA, Montereali RM, Bonfigli F, Nichelatti E, Nigro V, Piccinini M, Koenig M, Mabey P, Rigon G, Dabrowski HJ, Benkadoum Y, Mercere P, Da Silva P, Pikuz T, Ozaki N, Makarov S, Pikuz S, Albertazzi B. Advanced spectroscopic investigation of colour centres in LiF crystals irradiated with monochromatic hard x-rays. JOURNAL OF PHYSICS. CONDENSED MATTER : AN INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS JOURNAL 2024; 36:205701. [PMID: 38330460 DOI: 10.1088/1361-648x/ad2796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Nominally-pure lithium fluoride (LiF) crystals were irradiated with monochromatic hard x-rays of energy 5, 7, 9 and 12 keV at the METROLOGIE beamline of the SOLEIL synchrotron facility, in order to understand the role of the selected x-ray energy on their visible photoluminescence (PL) response, which is used for high spatial resolution 2D x-ray imaging detectors characterized by a wide dynamic range. At the energies of 7 and 12 keV the irradiations were performed at five different doses corresponding to five uniformly irradiated areas, while at 5 and 9 keV only two irradiations at two different doses were carried out. The doses were planned in a range between 4 and 1.4 × 103Gy (10.5 mJ cm-3to 3.7 J cm-3), depending on the x-ray energy. After irradiation at the energies of 7 and 12 keV, the spectrally-integrated visible PL intensity of the F2and F3+colour centres (CCs) generated in the LiF crystals, carefully measured by fluorescence microscopy under blue excitation, exhibits a linear dependence on the irradiation dose in the investigated dose range. This linear behaviour was confirmed by the optical absorption spectra of the irradiated spots, which shows a similar linear behaviour for both the F2and F3+CCs, as derived from their overlapping absorption band at around 450 nm. At the highest x-ray energy, the average concentrations of the radiation-induced F, F2and F3+CCs were also estimated. The volume distributions of F2defects in the crystals irradiated with 5 and 9 keV x-rays were reconstructed in 3D by measuring their PL signal using a confocal laser scanning microscope operating in fluorescence mode. On-going investigations are focusing on the results obtained through thisz-scanning technique to explore the potential impact of absorption effects at the excitation laser wavelength.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Vincenti
- Fusion and Technologies for Nuclear Safety and Security Department, ENEA C.R. Frascati, Rome, Italy
| | - R M Montereali
- Fusion and Technologies for Nuclear Safety and Security Department, ENEA C.R. Frascati, Rome, Italy
| | - F Bonfigli
- Fusion and Technologies for Nuclear Safety and Security Department, ENEA C.R. Frascati, Rome, Italy
| | - E Nichelatti
- Fusion and Technologies for Nuclear Safety and Security Department, ENEA C.R. Casaccia, Rome, Italy
| | - V Nigro
- Fusion and Technologies for Nuclear Safety and Security Department, ENEA C.R. Frascati, Rome, Italy
| | - M Piccinini
- Fusion and Technologies for Nuclear Safety and Security Department, ENEA C.R. Frascati, Rome, Italy
| | - M Koenig
- LULI-CNRS, Ecole Polytechnique, CEA, Université Paris-Saclay, Palaiseau Cedex, France
| | - P Mabey
- Department of Physics, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - G Rigon
- LULI-CNRS, Ecole Polytechnique, CEA, Université Paris-Saclay, Palaiseau Cedex, France
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
| | - H J Dabrowski
- LULI-CNRS, Ecole Polytechnique, CEA, Université Paris-Saclay, Palaiseau Cedex, France
| | - Y Benkadoum
- LULI-CNRS, Ecole Polytechnique, CEA, Université Paris-Saclay, Palaiseau Cedex, France
| | - P Mercere
- SOLEIL synchrotron, L'Orme des Merisiers, Départementale 128, Saint Aubin, France
| | - P Da Silva
- SOLEIL synchrotron, L'Orme des Merisiers, Départementale 128, Saint Aubin, France
| | - T Pikuz
- Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - N Ozaki
- Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - S Makarov
- Joint Institute for High Temperature RAS, Moscow, Russia
| | - S Pikuz
- Joint Institute for High Temperature RAS, Moscow, Russia
| | - B Albertazzi
- LULI-CNRS, Ecole Polytechnique, CEA, Université Paris-Saclay, Palaiseau Cedex, France
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3
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D'Amico L, Svetlove A, Longo E, Meyer R, Senigagliesi B, Saccomano G, Nolte P, Wagner WL, Wielpütz MO, Leitz DHW, Duerr J, Mall MA, Casalis L, Köster S, Alves F, Tromba G, Dullin C. Characterization of transient and progressive pulmonary fibrosis by spatially correlated phase contrast microCT, classical histopathology and atomic force microscopy. Comput Biol Med 2024; 169:107947. [PMID: 38211385 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2024.107947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a severe and progressive condition in which the lung becomes scarred over time resulting in pulmonary function impairment. Classical histopathology remains an important tool for micro-structural tissue assessment in the diagnosis of PF. A novel workflow based on spatial correlated propagation-based phase-contrast micro computed tomography (PBI-microCT), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and histopathology was developed and applied to two different preclinical mouse models of PF - the commonly used and well characterized Bleomycin-induced PF and a novel mouse model for progressive PF caused by conditional Nedd4-2 KO. The aim was to integrate structural and mechanical features from hallmarks of fibrotic lung tissue remodeling. PBI-microCT was used to assess structural alteration in whole fixed and paraffin embedded lungs, allowing for identification of fibrotic foci within the 3D context of the entire organ and facilitating targeted microtome sectioning of planes of interest for subsequent histopathology. Subsequently, these sections of interest were subjected to AFM to assess changes in the local tissue stiffness of previously identified structures of interest. 3D whole organ analysis showed clear morphological differences in 3D tissue porosity between transient and progressive PF and control lungs. By integrating the results obtained from targeted AFM analysis, it was possible to discriminate between the Bleomycin model and the novel conditional Nedd4-2 KO model using agglomerative cluster analysis. As our workflow for 3D spatial correlation of PBI, targeted histopathology and subsequent AFM is tailored around the standard procedure of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue specimens, it may be a powerful tool for the comprehensive tissue assessment beyond the scope of PF and preclinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo D'Amico
- University of Trieste, Department of Physics, Via Alfonso Valerio 2, Trieste, 34127, Italy; Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A., s.s. 14 km 163, 500 in Area Science Park, Basovizza, 34149, Italy
| | - Angelika Svetlove
- Translational Molecular Imaging, Max-Plank-Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Hermann-Rein-Straße 3, Göttingen, 37075, Germany; Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), Robert-Koch-Str. 40, Göttingen, 37075, Germany
| | - Elena Longo
- Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A., s.s. 14 km 163, 500 in Area Science Park, Basovizza, 34149, Italy
| | - Ruth Meyer
- Institute for X-ray Physics, University of Göttingen, Friedrich-Hund-Platz 1, Göttingen, 37077, Germany
| | - Beatrice Senigagliesi
- Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, University of Bordeaux-UMR 5297 and CNRS, 146 Rue Léo Saignat, Bordeaux, 33000, France
| | - Giulia Saccomano
- Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A., s.s. 14 km 163, 500 in Area Science Park, Basovizza, 34149, Italy; University of Trieste, Department of Architecture and Engineering, Via Alfonso Valerio 6/1, Trieste, 34127, Italy
| | - Philipp Nolte
- Faculty of Engineering and Health, University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Göttingen, 37085, Germany; Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center, Göttingen, 37075, Germany
| | - Willi L Wagner
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mark O Wielpütz
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dominik H W Leitz
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Immunology and Critical Care Medicine, Charite - University Hospital Berlin, Berlin, 13353, Germany; German Center for Lung Research (DZL), associated partner site, Berlin, Germany; Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, 10117, Germany
| | - Julia Duerr
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Immunology and Critical Care Medicine, Charite - University Hospital Berlin, Berlin, 13353, Germany; German Center for Lung Research (DZL), associated partner site, Berlin, Germany; Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, 10117, Germany
| | - Marcus A Mall
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Immunology and Critical Care Medicine, Charite - University Hospital Berlin, Berlin, 13353, Germany; German Center for Lung Research (DZL), associated partner site, Berlin, Germany; Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, 10117, Germany
| | - Loredana Casalis
- Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A., s.s. 14 km 163, 500 in Area Science Park, Basovizza, 34149, Italy
| | - Sarah Köster
- Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), Robert-Koch-Str. 40, Göttingen, 37075, Germany; Institute for X-ray Physics, University of Göttingen, Friedrich-Hund-Platz 1, Göttingen, 37077, Germany
| | - Frauke Alves
- Translational Molecular Imaging, Max-Plank-Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Hermann-Rein-Straße 3, Göttingen, 37075, Germany; Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), Robert-Koch-Str. 40, Göttingen, 37075, Germany; Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center, Göttingen, 37075, Germany; Department for Haematology and Medical Oncology, University Medical Center, Göttingen, 37075, Germany
| | - Giuliana Tromba
- Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A., s.s. 14 km 163, 500 in Area Science Park, Basovizza, 34149, Italy
| | - Christian Dullin
- Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A., s.s. 14 km 163, 500 in Area Science Park, Basovizza, 34149, Italy; Translational Molecular Imaging, Max-Plank-Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Hermann-Rein-Straße 3, Göttingen, 37075, Germany; Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center, Göttingen, 37075, Germany; Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
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Dierks H, Dreier T, Krüger R, Bech M, Wallentin J. Optimization of phase contrast imaging with a nano-focus x-ray tube. APPLIED OPTICS 2023; 62:5502-5507. [PMID: 37706868 DOI: 10.1364/ao.491669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Propagation-based phase contrast imaging with a laboratory x-ray source is a valuable tool for studying samples that show only low absorption contrast, either because of low density, elemental composition, or small feature size. If a propagation distance between sample and detector is introduced and the illumination is sufficiently coherent, the phase shift in the sample will cause additional contrast around interfaces, known as edge enhancement fringes. The strength of this effect depends not only on sample parameters and energy but also on the experimental geometry, which can be optimized accordingly. Recently, x-ray lab sources using transmission targets have become available, which provide very small source sizes in the few hundred nanometer range. This allows the use of a high-magnification geometry with a very short source-sample distance, while still achieving sufficient spatial coherence at the sample position. Moreover, the high geometrical magnification makes it possible to use detectors with a larger pixel size without reducing the image resolution. Here, we explore the influence of magnification on the edge enhancement fringes in such a geometry. We find experimentally and theoretically that the fringes become maximal at a magnification that is independent of the total source-detector distance. This optimal magnification only depends on the source size, the steepness of the sample feature, and the detector resolution. A stronger influence of the sample feature on the optimal magnification compared to low-magnification geometries is observed.
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Deshpande R, Avachat A, Brooks FJ, Anastasio MA. Investigating the robustness of a deep learning-based method for quantitative phase retrieval from propagation-based x-ray phase contrast measurements under laboratory conditions. Phys Med Biol 2023; 68:10.1088/1361-6560/acc2aa. [PMID: 36889005 PMCID: PMC10405978 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/acc2aa] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
Objective.Quantitative phase retrieval (QPR) in propagation-based x-ray phase contrast imaging of heterogeneous and structurally complicated objects is challenging under laboratory conditions due to partial spatial coherence and polychromaticity. A deep learning-based method (DLBM) provides a nonlinear approach to this problem while not being constrained by restrictive assumptions about object properties and beam coherence. The objective of this work is to assess a DLBM for its applicability under practical scenarios by evaluating its robustness and generalizability under typical experimental variations.Approach.Towards this end, an end-to-end DLBM was employed for QPR under laboratory conditions and its robustness was investigated across various system and object conditions. The robustness of the method was tested via varying propagation distances and its generalizability with respect to object structure and experimental data was also tested.Main results.Although the end-to-end DLBM was stable under the studied variations, its successful deployment was found to be affected by choices pertaining to data pre-processing, network training considerations and system modeling.Significance.To our knowledge, we demonstrated for the first time, the potential applicability of an end-to-end learning-based QPR method, trained on simulated data, to experimental propagation-based x-ray phase contrast measurements acquired under laboratory conditions with a commercial x-ray source and a conventional detector. We considered conditions of polychromaticity, partial spatial coherence, and high noise levels, typical to laboratory conditions. This work further explored the robustness of this method to practical variations in propagation distances and object structure with the goal of assessing its potential for experimental use. Such an exploration of any DLBM (irrespective of its network architecture) before practical deployment provides an understanding of its potential behavior under experimental settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rucha Deshpande
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Ashish Avachat
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States of America
| | - Frank J Brooks
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States of America
| | - Mark A Anastasio
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States of America
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6
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Pil-Ali A, Adnani S, Karim KS. Self-aligned multi-layer X-ray absorption grating using large-area fabrication methods for X-ray phase-contrast imaging. Sci Rep 2023; 13:2508. [PMID: 36781907 PMCID: PMC9925796 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-29580-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
X-ray phase-contrast (XPCi) imaging methods are an emerging medical imaging approach that provide significantly better soft tissue contrast and could function as a viable extension to conventional X-ray, CT, and even some MRI. Absorption gratings play a central role in grating-based XPCi systems, especially because they enable the acquisition of three images in a single exposure: transmission, refraction, and dark-field. An impediment to commercial development and adoption of XPCi imaging systems is the lack of large area, high aspect ratio absorption gratings. Grating technology development, primarily due to technological limitations, has lagged system development and today prevents the scaling up of XPCi system into a footprint and price point acceptable to the medical market. In this work, we report on a self-aligned multi-layer grating fabrication process that can enable large-area X-ray absorption gratings with micron-scale feature sizes. We leverage large-area fabrication techniques commonly employed by the thin-film transistor (TFT) display industry. Conventional ITO-on-glass substrates are used with a patterned film of Cr/Au/Cr that serves as a self-aligned lithography mask for backside exposure. Commonly available SU-8 photoresist is patterned using the backside exposure mask followed by an electroplating step to fill the gaps in the SU-8 with X-ray attenuating material. Consequently, the electroplated patterned material acts as a self-aligned photomask for subsequent SU-8 layer patterning and so forth. The repeatability of the reported process makes it suitable for achieving higher aspect ratio structures and is advantageous over previously reported X-ray LIGA approaches. A prototype three-layer grating, with a thickness of around [Formula: see text], having a visibility of 0.28 at [Formula: see text] with a [Formula: see text] active area was fabricated on a 4-inch glass substrate and demonstrated by modifying a commercially available 3D propagation-based XPCi Microscope. The scalable and cost-effective approach to build larger area X-ray gratings reported in this work can help expedite the commercial development and adoption of previously reported Talbot-Lau, speckle-tracking, as well as coded-aperture XPCi systems for large-area clinical and industrial applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdollah Pil-Ali
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON, N2L3G1, Canada. .,Centre for Bioengineering and Biotechnology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON, N2L3G1, Canada.
| | - Sahar Adnani
- grid.46078.3d0000 0000 8644 1405Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON N2L3G1 Canada ,grid.46078.3d0000 0000 8644 1405Centre for Bioengineering and Biotechnology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON N2L3G1 Canada
| | - Karim S. Karim
- grid.46078.3d0000 0000 8644 1405Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON N2L3G1 Canada ,grid.46078.3d0000 0000 8644 1405Centre for Bioengineering and Biotechnology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON N2L3G1 Canada
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7
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Tadano W, Tanabe E, Stellhorn JR, Komaguchi K, Hayakawa S. Density estimations and comparisons of a fragmented single fiber using X-ray computed tomography. ANAL SCI 2023; 39:235-240. [PMID: 36418842 DOI: 10.1007/s44211-022-00225-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
A commercial X-ray computed tomography (CT) apparatus using a quasi-monochromatic beam was utilized for density estimations and comparisons of a fragmented single fiber. The validation of quasi-monochromaticity of the X-ray source was investigated by radiograph measurements. For the case of a transmittance higher than 50%, the contribution of Cu Kα characteristic X-rays was dominant. To realize a sufficient statistical quality, an attempt to increase the number of averaged voxels was demonstrated using the neighboring slices of the 3D-CT image. A minimum value of the coefficient of variation (CV) was achieved using multiple images rather than using a single image. The observed values of the inverse of the transmitted X-ray intensity (CT value) of the polymers showed a fairly good relationship with their density. An analytical curve derived from measurements of reference samples of known densities could provide the relative density of an unknown fragmented fiber down to the size of 30 μm in diameter and 35 μm in length. The CV of the estimated density was from 1.5 to 2%, which was estimated from the CV of CT values. Moreover, the correlation of CT values was improved with the linear absorption coefficient than the density. A better performance of discrimination of polymers including fibers might be realized with the difference of linear absorption coefficients for X-rays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wataru Tadano
- Forensic Science Laboratory, Hiroshima Prefectural Police H.Q, 2-26-3 Konan, Naka, Hiroshima, 730-0825, Japan. .,Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Hiroshima University, 1-4-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, 739-8527, Japan.
| | - Eishi Tanabe
- West Region Industrial Research Center, Hiroshima Prefectural Technology Research Institute, 3-13-26 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, 739-0046, Japan
| | - Jens R Stellhorn
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Hiroshima University, 1-4-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, 739-8527, Japan.,Applied Chemistry Program, Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Hiroshima University, 1-4-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, 739-8527, Japan
| | - Kenji Komaguchi
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Hiroshima University, 1-4-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, 739-8527, Japan.,Applied Chemistry Program, Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Hiroshima University, 1-4-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, 739-8527, Japan
| | - Shinjiro Hayakawa
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Hiroshima University, 1-4-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, 739-8527, Japan. .,Applied Chemistry Program, Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Hiroshima University, 1-4-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, 739-8527, Japan.
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8
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µ-CT Investigation of Hydrogen-Induced Cracks and Segregation Effects in Austenitic Stainless Steel. HYDROGEN 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/hydrogen4010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydrogen can drastically degrade the mechanical properties of a variety of metallic materials. The so-called hydrogen environment embrittlement of austenitic CrNi-type steels is usually accompanied by the formation of secondary surface cracks, which can be investigated in order to assess the embrittlement process. The occurrence of hydrogen-induced cracks is often related to element segregation effects that locally impact the austenite stability. Since there is as yet a lack of investigation methods that can visualize both structures three-dimensionally, the present study investigates the imageability of hydrogen-induced cracks and element segregation structures in austenitic CrNi-steel via micro-computed tomography (CT). In order to improve the X-ray visibility of segregation structures, modified versions of the reference steel, X2CrNi18-9, that contain W and Si are designed and investigated. The investigations demonstrated that small differences in the X-ray attenuation, caused by the W or Si modifications, can be detected via CT, although segregation structures could not be imaged due to their small size scale and image noise. Hydrogen-induced cracks were characterized successfully; however, the detection of the smaller cracks is limited by the resolution capability.
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9
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Maes A, Pestiaux C, Marino A, Balcaen T, Leyssens L, Vangrunderbeeck S, Pyka G, De Borggraeve WM, Bertrand L, Beauloye C, Horman S, Wevers M, Kerckhofs G. Cryogenic contrast-enhanced microCT enables nondestructive 3D quantitative histopathology of soft biological tissues. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6207. [PMID: 36266273 PMCID: PMC9584947 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34048-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological tissues comprise a spatially complex structure, composition and organization at the microscale, named the microstructure. Given the close structure-function relationships in tissues, structural characterization is essential to fully understand the functioning of healthy and pathological tissues, as well as the impact of possible treatments. Here, we present a nondestructive imaging approach to perform quantitative 3D histo(patho)logy of biological tissues, termed Cryogenic Contrast-Enhanced MicroCT (cryo-CECT). By combining sample staining, using an X-ray contrast-enhancing staining agent, with freezing the sample at the optimal freezing rate, cryo-CECT enables 3D visualization and structural analysis of individual tissue constituents, such as muscle and collagen fibers. We applied cryo-CECT on murine hearts subjected to pressure overload following transverse aortic constriction surgery. Cryo-CECT allowed to analyze, in an unprecedented manner, the orientation and diameter of the individual muscle fibers in the entire heart, as well as the 3D localization of fibrotic regions within the myocardial layers. We foresee further applications of cryo-CECT in the optimization of tissue/food preservation and donor banking, showing that cryo-CECT also has clinical and industrial potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arne Maes
- grid.5596.f0000 0001 0668 7884Department of Materials Engineering, KU Leuven, Heverlee, Belgium ,grid.7942.80000 0001 2294 713XBiomechanics lab, Institute of Mechanics, Materials and Civil Engineering, UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium ,grid.7942.80000 0001 2294 713XPole of Morphology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Camille Pestiaux
- grid.7942.80000 0001 2294 713XBiomechanics lab, Institute of Mechanics, Materials and Civil Engineering, UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium ,grid.7942.80000 0001 2294 713XPole of Morphology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Alice Marino
- grid.7942.80000 0001 2294 713XPole of Cardiovascular Research, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Tim Balcaen
- grid.7942.80000 0001 2294 713XBiomechanics lab, Institute of Mechanics, Materials and Civil Engineering, UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium ,grid.7942.80000 0001 2294 713XPole of Morphology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium ,grid.5596.f0000 0001 0668 7884Molecular Design and Synthesis, Department of Chemistry, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lisa Leyssens
- grid.7942.80000 0001 2294 713XBiomechanics lab, Institute of Mechanics, Materials and Civil Engineering, UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium ,grid.7942.80000 0001 2294 713XPole of Morphology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sarah Vangrunderbeeck
- grid.7942.80000 0001 2294 713XBiomechanics lab, Institute of Mechanics, Materials and Civil Engineering, UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium ,grid.7942.80000 0001 2294 713XPole of Morphology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium ,grid.5596.f0000 0001 0668 7884Molecular Design and Synthesis, Department of Chemistry, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Grzegorz Pyka
- grid.7942.80000 0001 2294 713XBiomechanics lab, Institute of Mechanics, Materials and Civil Engineering, UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium ,grid.7942.80000 0001 2294 713XPole of Morphology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Wim M. De Borggraeve
- grid.5596.f0000 0001 0668 7884Molecular Design and Synthesis, Department of Chemistry, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Luc Bertrand
- grid.7942.80000 0001 2294 713XPole of Cardiovascular Research, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christophe Beauloye
- grid.48769.340000 0004 0461 6320Division of Cardiology, University Hospital Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sandrine Horman
- grid.7942.80000 0001 2294 713XPole of Cardiovascular Research, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Martine Wevers
- grid.5596.f0000 0001 0668 7884Department of Materials Engineering, KU Leuven, Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Greet Kerckhofs
- grid.5596.f0000 0001 0668 7884Department of Materials Engineering, KU Leuven, Heverlee, Belgium ,grid.7942.80000 0001 2294 713XBiomechanics lab, Institute of Mechanics, Materials and Civil Engineering, UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium ,grid.7942.80000 0001 2294 713XPole of Morphology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium ,grid.5596.f0000 0001 0668 7884Prometheus, Division for Skeletal Tissue Engineering, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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10
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Mom K, Langer M, Sixou B. Nonlinear primal-dual algorithm for the phase and absorption retrieval from a single phase contrast image. OPTICS LETTERS 2022; 47:5389-5392. [PMID: 36240370 DOI: 10.1364/ol.469174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
We propose a nonlinear primal-dual algorithm for the retrieval of phase shift and absorption from a single x ray in-line phase contrast, or Fresnel diffraction, image. The algorithm permits us to regularize phase and absorption separately. We demonstrate that taking into account the nonlinearity in the reconstruction improves reconstruction compared with linear methods. We also demonstrate that choosing different regularizers for absorption and phase can improve the reconstructions. The use of the total variation and its generalization in a primal-dual approach allows us to exploit the sparsity of the investigated sample. On both simulated and real datasets, the proposed nonlinear primal-dual hybrid gradient (NL-PDHG) method yields reconstructions with considerably fewer artifacts and improved the normalized mean squared error compared with its linearized version.
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11
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Hodge DS, Leong AFT, Pandolfi S, Kurzer-Ogul K, Montgomery DS, Aluie H, Bolme C, Carver T, Cunningham E, Curry CB, Dayton M, Decker FJ, Galtier E, Hart P, Khaghani D, Ja Lee H, Li K, Liu Y, Ramos K, Shang J, Vetter S, Nagler B, Sandberg RL, Gleason AE. Multi-frame, ultrafast, x-ray microscope for imaging shockwave dynamics. OPTICS EXPRESS 2022; 30:38405-38422. [PMID: 36258406 DOI: 10.1364/oe.472275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Inertial confinement fusion (ICF) holds increasing promise as a potential source of abundant, clean energy, but has been impeded by defects such as micro-voids in the ablator layer of the fuel capsules. It is critical to understand how these micro-voids interact with the laser-driven shock waves that compress the fuel pellet. At the Matter in Extreme Conditions (MEC) instrument at the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS), we utilized an x-ray pulse train with ns separation, an x-ray microscope, and an ultrafast x-ray imaging (UXI) detector to image shock wave interactions with micro-voids. To minimize the high- and low-frequency variations of the captured images, we incorporated principal component analysis (PCA) and image alignment for flat-field correction. After applying these techniques we generated phase and attenuation maps from a 2D hydrodynamic radiation code (xRAGE), which were used to simulate XPCI images that we qualitatively compare with experimental images, providing a one-to-one comparison for benchmarking material performance. Moreover, we implement a transport-of-intensity (TIE) based method to obtain the average projected mass density (areal density) of our experimental images, yielding insight into how defect-bearing ablator materials alter microstructural feature evolution, material compression, and shock wave propagation on ICF-relevant time scales.
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12
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Markötter H, Sintschuk M, Britzke R, Dayani S, Bruno G. Upgraded imaging capabilities at the BAMline (BESSY II). JOURNAL OF SYNCHROTRON RADIATION 2022; 29:1292-1298. [PMID: 36073889 PMCID: PMC9455212 DOI: 10.1107/s1600577522007342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The BAMline at the BESSY II synchrotron X-ray source has enabled research for more than 20 years in widely spread research fields such as materials science, biology, cultural heritage and medicine. As a nondestructive characterization method, synchrotron X-ray imaging, especially tomography, plays a particularly important role in structural characterization. A recent upgrade of key equipment of the BAMline widens its imaging capabilities: shorter scan acquisition times are now possible, in situ and operando studies can now be routinely performed, and different energy spectra can easily be set up. In fact, the upgraded double-multilayer monochromator brings full flexibility by yielding different energy spectra to optimize flux and energy resolution as desired. The upgraded detector (based on an sCMOS camera) also allows exploiting the higher flux with reduced readout times. Furthermore, an installed slip ring allows the sample stage to continuously rotate. The latter feature enables tomographic observation of processes occurring in the time scale of a few seconds.
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Affiliation(s)
- H. Markötter
- Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -Prüfung, Unter den Eichen 87, 12205 Berlin, Germany
| | - M. Sintschuk
- Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -Prüfung, Unter den Eichen 87, 12205 Berlin, Germany
| | - R. Britzke
- Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -Prüfung, Unter den Eichen 87, 12205 Berlin, Germany
| | - S. Dayani
- Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -Prüfung, Unter den Eichen 87, 12205 Berlin, Germany
| | - G. Bruno
- Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -Prüfung, Unter den Eichen 87, 12205 Berlin, Germany
- University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht-Strasse 24/25, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
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13
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Indore NS, Karunakaran C, Jayas DS. Synchrotron tomography applications in agriculture and food sciences research: a review. PLANT METHODS 2022; 18:101. [PMID: 35964094 PMCID: PMC9375343 DOI: 10.1186/s13007-022-00932-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Synchrotron imaging is widely used for research in many scientific disciplines. This article introduces the characteristics of synchrotron X-ray imaging and its applications in agriculture and food science research. The agriculture and food sector are a vast area that comprises of plants, seeds, animals, food and their products; soils with thriving microbial communities; and natural resources such as water, fertilizers, and organic matter. These entities have unique internal features, structures and compositions which differentiate them from each other in varieties, species, grades, and types. The use of a bright and tuneable monochromatic source of synchrotron imaging techniques enables researchers to study the internal features and compositions of plants, seeds, soil and food in a quick and non-destructive way to enhance their use, conservation and productivity. Synchrotron's different X-ray imaging techniques offer a wide domain of applications, which make them perfect to enhance the understanding of structures of raw and processed food products to promote food safety and security. Therefore, this paper summarizes the results of major experiments carried out with seeds, plants, soil, food and relevant areas of agricultural sciences with more emphasis on two synchrotron X-ray imaging techniques: absorption and phase-contrast imaging and computed tomography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Navnath S Indore
- Biosystem Engineering, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 5V6, Canada
| | - Chithra Karunakaran
- Biosystem Engineering, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 5V6, Canada
- Canadian Light Source Inc., Saskatoon, SK, S7N 2V3, Canada
| | - Digvir S Jayas
- Biosystem Engineering, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 5V6, Canada.
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14
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Massimi L, Clark SJ, Marussi S, Doherty A, Shah SM, Schulz J, Marathe S, Rau C, Endrizzi M, Lee PD, Olivo A. Time resolved in-situ multi-contrast X-ray imaging of melting in metals. Sci Rep 2022; 12:12136. [PMID: 35840749 PMCID: PMC9287332 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-15501-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In this work, the application of a time resolved multi-contrast beam tracking technique to the investigation of the melting and solidification process in metals is presented. The use of such a technique allows retrieval of three contrast channels, transmission, refraction and dark-field, with millisecond time resolution. We investigated different melting conditions to characterize, at a proof-of-concept level, the features visible in each of the contrast channels. We found that the phase contrast channel provides a superior visibility of the density variations, allowing the liquid metal pool to be clearly distinguished. Refraction and dark-field were found to highlight surface roughness formed during solidification. This work demonstrates that the availability of the additional contrast channels provided by multi-contrast X-ray imaging delivers additional information, also when imaging high atomic number specimens with a significant absorption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Massimi
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Samuel J Clark
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, Gower St, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.,X-ray Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, 9700 S Cass Ave, Lemont, IL, USA
| | - Sebastian Marussi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, Gower St, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Adam Doherty
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, UK
| | - Saurabh M Shah
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, Gower St, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Joachim Schulz
- MicroWorks GmbH, Schnetzlerstraße 9, 76137, Karlsruhe, Germany.,Institute of Microstructure Technology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, 76021, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | | | - Christoph Rau
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Oxford Campus, OX11 0DE, Didcot, UK
| | - Marco Endrizzi
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, UK
| | - Peter D Lee
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, Gower St, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Alessandro Olivo
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, UK
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15
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Sala S, Zhang Y, De La Rosa N, Dreier T, Kahnt M, Langer M, Dahlin LB, Bech M, Villanueva-Perez P, Kalbfleisch S. Dose-efficient multimodal microscopy of human tissue at a hard X-ray nanoprobe beamline. JOURNAL OF SYNCHROTRON RADIATION 2022; 29:807-815. [PMID: 35511013 PMCID: PMC9070709 DOI: 10.1107/s1600577522001874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
X-ray fluorescence microscopy performed at nanofocusing synchrotron beamlines produces quantitative elemental distribution maps at unprecedented resolution (down to a few tens of nanometres), at the expense of relatively long measuring times and high absorbed doses. In this work, a method was implemented in which fast low-dose in-line holography was used to produce quantitative electron density maps at the mesoscale prior to nanoscale X-ray fluorescence acquisition. These maps ensure more efficient fluorescence scans and the reduction of the total absorbed dose, often relevant for radiation-sensitive (e.g. biological) samples. This multimodal microscopy approach was demonstrated on human sural nerve tissue. The two imaging modes provide complementary information at a comparable resolution, ultimately limited by the focal spot size. The experimental setup presented allows the user to swap between them in a flexible and reproducible fashion, as well as to easily adapt the scanning parameters during an experiment to fine-tune resolution and field of view.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Sala
- MAX IV Laboratory, Lund University, 22100 Lund, Sweden
| | - Yuhe Zhang
- Division of Synchrotron Radiation Research and NanoLund, Department of Physics, Lund University, 22100 Lund, Sweden
| | - Nathaly De La Rosa
- Department of Medical Radiation Physics, Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, 22185 Lund, Sweden
| | - Till Dreier
- Department of Medical Radiation Physics, Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, 22185 Lund, Sweden
- Excillum AB, 16440 Kista, Sweden
| | - Maik Kahnt
- MAX IV Laboratory, Lund University, 22100 Lund, Sweden
| | - Max Langer
- Univ Lyon, INSA-Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, UJM-Saint Etienne, CNRS, Inserm, CREATIS UMR 5220, U1206, 69621 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Lars B. Dahlin
- Department of Translational Medicine – Hand Surgery, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Hand Surgery, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Martin Bech
- Department of Medical Radiation Physics, Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, 22185 Lund, Sweden
| | - Pablo Villanueva-Perez
- Division of Synchrotron Radiation Research and NanoLund, Department of Physics, Lund University, 22100 Lund, Sweden
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16
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Comparative X-ray Shielding Properties of Single-Layered and Multi-Layered Bi 2O 3/NR Composites: Simulation and Numerical Studies. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14091788. [PMID: 35566961 PMCID: PMC9099843 DOI: 10.3390/polym14091788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
This work theoretically compared the X-ray attenuation capabilities in natural rubber (NR) composites containing bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) by determining the effects of multi-layered structures on the shielding properties of the composites using two different software packages (XCOM and PHITS). The shielding properties of the single-layered and multi-layered Bi2O3/NR composites investigated consisted of the transmission factor (I/I0), effective linear attenuation coefficient (µeff), effective mass attenuation coefficient (µm,eff), and effective half-value layer (HVLeff). The results, with good agreement between those obtained from XCOM and PHITS (with less than 5% differences), indicated that the three-layered NR composites (sample#4), with the layer arrangement of pristine NR (layer#1)-Bi2O3/NR (layer#2)-pristine NR (layer#3), had relatively higher X-ray shielding properties than either a single-layer or the other multi-layered structures for all X-ray energies investigated (50, 100, 150, and 200 keV) due to its relatively larger effective percentage by weight of Bi2O3 in the composites. Furthermore, by varying the Bi2O3 contents in the middle layer (layer#2) of sample#4 from 10 to 90 wt.%, the results revealed that the overall X-ray shielding properties of the NR composites were further enhanced with additional filler, as evidenced by the highest values of µeff and µm,eff and the lowest values of I/I0 and HVLeff observed in the 90 wt.% Bi2O3/NR composites. In addition, the recommended Bi2O3 contents for the actual production of three-layered Bi2O3/NR composites (the same layer structure as sample#4) were determined by finding the least Bi2O3 content that enabled the sample to attenuate incident X-rays with equal efficiency to that of a 0.5-mm lead sheet (with an effective lead equivalence of 0.5 mmPb). The results suggested that the recommended Bi2O3 contents in layer#2 were 82, 72, and 64 wt.% for the combined 6 mm, 9 mm, and 12 mm samples, respectively.
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17
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Multi-Modal X-ray Imaging and Analysis for Characterization of Urinary Stones. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12083798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Backgound: The composition of stones formed in the urinary tract plays an important role in their management over time. The most common imaging method for the non-invasive evaluation of urinary stones is radiography and computed tomography (CT). However, CT is not very sensitive, and cannot differentiate between all critical stone types. In this study, we propose the application, and evaluate the potential, of a multi-modal (or multi-contrast) X-ray imaging technique called speckle-based imaging (SBI) to differentiate between various types of urinary stones. Methods: Three different stone samples were extracted from animal and human urinary tracts and examined in a laboratory-based speckle tracking setup. The results were discussed based on an X-ray diffraction analysis and a comparison with X-ray microtomography and grating-based interferometry. Results: The stones were classified through compositional analysis by X-ray diffraction. The multi-contrast images obtained using the SBI method provided detailed information about the composition of various urinary stone types, and could differentiate between them. X-ray SBI could provide highly sensitive and high-resolution characterizations of different urinary stones in the radiography mode, comparable to those by grating interferometry. Conclusions: This investigation demonstrated the capability of the SBI technique for the non-invasive classification of urinary stones through radiography in a simple and cost-effective laboratory setting. This opens the possibility for further studies concerning full-field in vivo SBI for the clinical imaging of urinary stones.
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18
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Non contrast enhanced volumetric histology of blood clots through high resolution propagation-based X-ray microtomography. Sci Rep 2022; 12:2778. [PMID: 35177767 PMCID: PMC8854637 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-06623-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
We have demonstrated the capability of laboratory propagation-based microtomography (miroCT) in non-destructive 3D virtual histopathology of human blood clots without any contrast agent. The volumetric information are valuable to understand the mechanical properties of clots which are crucial in selecting the most efficient mechanical thrombectomy method for clot extraction. Different clot types retrieved by mechanical thrombectomy from patient victims of acute ischemic stroke were evaluated through propagation-based microCT. The results were correlated with high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images, confirming detected cellular and fibrillary structures. Calcifications appeared as glassy opacity areas with relatively intense signal on microCT images, also proved by energy-dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Hyperintense regions on the microCT corresponded to individual or compact aggregates of red blood cells, whereas fibrin dominated volumes appeared at consistently moderate to low normalized microCT values. Red blood cell shapes and sizes are consistent with the SEM observations. Together with other potential parameters, 3D porosity distribution and volume fraction of structures can be easily measured by microCT data. Further development of automated post-processing techniques for X-ray propagation-based micro/nanoCT, also based on machine learning algorithms, can enable high throughput analysis of blood clot composition and their 3D histological features on large sample cohorts.
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19
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An In-House Cone-Beam Tomographic Reconstruction Package for Laboratory X-ray Phase-Contrast Imaging. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12031430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Phase-contrast, and in general, multi-modal, X-ray micro-tomography is proven to be very useful for low-density, low-attention samples enabling much better contrast than its attenuation-based pendant. Therefore, it is increasingly applied in bio- and life sciences primarily dealing with such samples. Although there is a plethora of literature regarding phase-retrieval algorithms, access to implementations of those algorithms is relatively limited and very few packages combining phase-retrieval methods with the full tomographic reconstruction pipeline are available. This is especially the case for laboratory-based phase-contrast imaging typically featuring cone-beam geometry. We present here an in-house cone-beam tomographic reconstruction package for laboratory X-ray phase-contrast imaging. It covers different phase-contrast techniques and phase retrieval methods. The paper explains their implementation and integration in the filtered back projection chain. Their functionality and efficiency will be demonstrated through applications on a few dedicated samples.
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20
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Rossi F, Mancini L, Sgura I, Boniardi M, Casaroli A, Kao AP, Bozzini B. Insight into the cycling behaviour of metal anodes, enabled by X‐ray tomography and mathematical modelling. ChemElectroChem 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/celc.202101537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Rossi
- University of Salento Faculty of Engineering: Universita del Salento Dipartimento di Ingegneria Department of Innovation Engineering via Monteroni s.n. 73100 Lecce ITALY
| | - Lucia Mancini
- Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste SCpA SYMEP & TomoLab lines ITALY
| | - Ivonne Sgura
- Universita del Salento Depatment of Mathematics and Physics ITALY
| | | | | | | | - Benedetto Bozzini
- Politecnico di Milano Dipartimento di Energia Department of Energy via Lambruschini 4 20156 Milano ITALY
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21
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Mettivier G, di Franco F, Sarno A, Castriconi R, Di Lillo F, Bliznakova K, Russo P. In-Line Phase Contrast Mammography, Phase Contrast Digital Breast Tomosynthesis, and Phase Contrast Breast Computed Tomography With a Dedicated CT Scanner and a Microfocus X-Ray Tube: Experimental Phantom Study. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON RADIATION AND PLASMA MEDICAL SCIENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.1109/trpms.2020.3003380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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22
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Multipurpose Processing Additives for Silica/Rubber Composites: Synthesis, Characterization, and Application. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:polym13213608. [PMID: 34771165 PMCID: PMC8587921 DOI: 10.3390/polym13213608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Processing additives are a special group of chemicals included in rubber formulations to facilitate the flowability of the resultant compounds. Their addition generally affects the cured properties of the subsequent rubber composites, and fine-tuning of the compound formulation is therefore required. In this work, an attempt has been made to address this issue through the preparation of new bio-based processing additives capable of promoting the mixing of the rubber compound while at the same time enhancing mechanical properties following curing. A significant decrease in the mixing energy at the first stage of mixing (~10%) has been observed by substituting only a small percentage of the conventional petroleum-derived process oil with aminated epoxidized soybean oil. Concomitantly, it is found that this aminated epoxidized soybean oil promotes rubber curing and increases the tensile strength of the final composite by ~20% compared to the control.
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23
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Pyakurel U, Sun W, Cheung P, D'Moore D, Zhang X, MacDonald CA, Petruccelli JC. Phase and dark-field imaging with mesh-based structured illumination and polycapillary optics. Med Phys 2021; 48:6642-6657. [PMID: 34554583 DOI: 10.1002/mp.15247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE X-ray phase and dark-field (DF) imaging have been shown to improve the diagnostic capabilities of X-ray systems. However, these methods have found limited clinical use due to the need for multiple precision gratings with limited field of view or requirements on X-ray coherence that may not be easily translated to clinical practice. This work aims to develop a practicable X-ray phase and DF imaging system that could be translated and practiced in the clinic. METHODS This work employs a conventional source to create structured illumination with a simple wire mesh. A mesh-shifting algorithm is used to allow wider Fourier windowing to enhance resolution. Deconvolution of the source spot width and camera resolution improves accuracy. Polycapillary optics are employed to enhance coherence. The effects of incorporating optics with two different focal lengths are compared. Information apparent in enhanced absorption images, phase images, and DF images of fat embedded phantoms were compared and subjected to a limited receiver operator characteristic (ROC) study. The DF images of the moist and dry porous object (sponges) were compared. RESULTS The mesh-based phase and DF imaging system constructs images with three different information types: scatter-free absorption images, differential phase images, and scatter magnitude/DF images, simultaneously from the same original image. The polycapillary optic enhances the coherence of the beam. The deblurring technique corrects the phase signal error due to geometrical blur and the limitation of the camera modulation transfer function (MTF) and removes image artifacts to improve the resolution in a single shot. The mesh-shifting method allows the use of a wider Fourier processing window, which gives even higher resolution, at the expense of an increased dose. The limited ROC study confirms the efficacy of the system over the conventional system. DF images of moist and dry porous object show the significance of the system in the imaging of lung infections. CONCLUSION The mesh-based X-ray phase and DF imaging system is an inexpensive and easy setup in terms of alignment and data acquisition and can produce phase and DF images in a single shot with wide field of view. The system shows significant potential for use in diagnostic imaging in a clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uttam Pyakurel
- Department of Physics, University at Albany, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Weiyuan Sun
- Department of Physics, University at Albany, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Pikting Cheung
- Department of Physics, University at Albany, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Desirée D'Moore
- Department of Physics, University at Albany, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Xiaoyun Zhang
- Department of Physics, University at Albany, Albany, New York, USA.,Nuclear Science and Technology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
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24
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Margaritondo G, Hwu Y. Imaging with Coherent X-rays: From the Early Synchrotron Tests to SYNAPSE. J Imaging 2021; 7:132. [PMID: 34460768 PMCID: PMC8404945 DOI: 10.3390/jimaging7080132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The high longitudinal and lateral coherence of synchrotron X-rays sources radically transformed radiography. Before them, the image contrast was almost only based on absorption. Coherent synchrotron sources transformed radiography into a multi-faceted tool that can extract information also from "phase" effects. Here, we report a very simple description of the new techniques, presenting them to potential new users without requiring a sophisticated background in advanced physics. We then illustrate the impact of such techniques with a number of examples. Finally, we present the international collaboration SYNAPSE (Synchrotrons for Neuroscience-an Asia-Pacific Strategic Enterprise), which targets the use of phase-contrast radiography to map one full human brain in a few years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Margaritondo
- Faculté des Sciences de Base, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Yeukuang Hwu
- Institute of Physics, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan;
- Department of Engineering Science, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan
- Brain Research Center, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
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25
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Da Costa SF, Zuber M, Zakharova M, Mikhaylov A, Baumbach T, Kunka D, Pezzin SH. Self‐healing triggering mechanism in epoxy‐based material containing microencapsulated amino‐polysiloxane. NANO SELECT 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/nano.202100091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Ferreira Da Costa
- Center of Technological Sciences State University of Santa Catarina R. Paulo Malschitzki, 200 ‐ Zona Industrial Norte Joinville SC 89219‐710 Brazil
- Institute of Microstructure Technology Karlsruhe Institute of Technology Hermann‐von‐Helmholtz‐Platz 1 Eggenstein‐Leopodshafen 76344 Germany
| | - Marcus Zuber
- Institute for Photon Science and Synchrotron Radiation Karlsruhe Institute of Technology Eggenstein‐Leopoldshafen D‐76344 Germany
- Laboratory for Applications of Synchrotron Radiation (LAS) Karlsruhe Institute of Technology Kaiserstr. 12 Karlsruhe D‐76131 Germany
| | - Margarita Zakharova
- Institute of Microstructure Technology Karlsruhe Institute of Technology Hermann‐von‐Helmholtz‐Platz 1 Eggenstein‐Leopodshafen 76344 Germany
| | - Andrey Mikhaylov
- Institute of Microstructure Technology Karlsruhe Institute of Technology Hermann‐von‐Helmholtz‐Platz 1 Eggenstein‐Leopodshafen 76344 Germany
| | - Tilo Baumbach
- Institute for Photon Science and Synchrotron Radiation Karlsruhe Institute of Technology Eggenstein‐Leopoldshafen D‐76344 Germany
- Laboratory for Applications of Synchrotron Radiation (LAS) Karlsruhe Institute of Technology Kaiserstr. 12 Karlsruhe D‐76131 Germany
| | - Danays Kunka
- Institute of Microstructure Technology Karlsruhe Institute of Technology Hermann‐von‐Helmholtz‐Platz 1 Eggenstein‐Leopodshafen 76344 Germany
| | - Sergio Henrique Pezzin
- Center of Technological Sciences State University of Santa Catarina R. Paulo Malschitzki, 200 ‐ Zona Industrial Norte Joinville SC 89219‐710 Brazil
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26
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Fatima A, Kataria S, Agrawal AK, Singh B, Kashyap Y, Jain M, Brestic M, Allakhverdiev SI, Rastogi A. Use of Synchrotron Phase-Sensitive Imaging for the Investigation of Magnetopriming and Solar UV-Exclusion Impact on Soybean ( Glycine max) Leaves. Cells 2021; 10:1725. [PMID: 34359895 PMCID: PMC8307725 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The combined response of exclusion of solar ultraviolet radiation (UV-A+B and UV-B) and static magnetic field (SMF) pre-treatment of 200 mT for 1 h were studied on soybean (Glycine max) leaves using synchrotron imaging. The seeds of soybean with and without SMF pre-treatment were sown in nursery bags kept in iron meshes where UV-A+B (280-400 nm) and UV-B (280-315 nm) from solar radiation were filtered through a polyester filters. Two controls were planned, one with polythene filter controls (FC)- which allows all the UV (280-400 nm); the other control had no filter used (open control-OC). Midrib regions of the intact third trifoliate leaves were imaged using the phase-contrast imaging technique at BL-4, Indus-2 synchrotron radiation source. The solar UV exclusion results suggest that ambient UV caused a reduction in leaf growth which ultimately reduced the photosynthesis in soybean seedlings, while SMF treatment caused enhancement of leaf growth along with photosynthesis even under the presence of ambient UV-B stress. The width of midrib and second-order veins, length of the second-order veins, leaf vein density, and the density of third-order veins obtained from the quantitative image analysis showed an enhancement in the leaves of plants that emerged from SMF pre-treated seeds as compared to untreated ones grown in open control and filter control conditions (in the presence of ambient UV stress). SMF pre-treated seeds along with UV-A+B and UV-B exclusion also showed significant enhancements in leaf parameters as compared to the UV excluded untreated leaves. Our results suggested that SMF-pretreatment of seeds diminishes the ambient UV-induced adverse effects on soybean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anis Fatima
- Technical Physics Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai 400085, India; (A.K.A.); (B.S.); (Y.K.)
| | - Sunita Kataria
- School of Biochemistry, Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Khandwa Road, Indore 452001, India;
| | - Ashish Kumar Agrawal
- Technical Physics Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai 400085, India; (A.K.A.); (B.S.); (Y.K.)
| | - Balwant Singh
- Technical Physics Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai 400085, India; (A.K.A.); (B.S.); (Y.K.)
| | - Yogesh Kashyap
- Technical Physics Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai 400085, India; (A.K.A.); (B.S.); (Y.K.)
| | - Meeta Jain
- School of Biochemistry, Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Khandwa Road, Indore 452001, India;
| | - Marian Brestic
- Department of Plant Physiology, Slovak University of Agriculture, A. Hlinku 2, 94976 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Suleyman I. Allakhverdiev
- K.A. Timiryazev Institute of Plant Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Botanicheskaya St. 35, 127276 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Anshu Rastogi
- Laboratory of Bioclimatology, Department of Ecology and Environmental Protection, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Piątkowska 94, 60-649 Poznan, Poland;
- Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC), University of Twente, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
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27
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Valdivia MP, Stutman D, Stoeckl C, Theobald W, Collins GW, Bouffetier V, Vescovi M, Mileham C, Begishev IA, Klein SR, Melean R, Muller S, Zou J, Veloso F, Casner A, Beg FN, Regan SP. Talbot-Lau x-ray deflectometer: Refraction-based HEDP imaging diagnostic. THE REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS 2021; 92:065110. [PMID: 34243593 DOI: 10.1063/5.0043655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Talbot-Lau x-ray interferometry has been implemented to map electron density gradients in High Energy Density Physics (HEDP) experiments. X-ray backlighter targets have been evaluated for Talbot-Lau X-ray Deflectometry (TXD). Cu foils, wires, and sphere targets have been irradiated by 10-150 J, 8-30 ps laser pulses, while two pulsed-power generators (∼350 kA, 350 ns and ∼200 kA, 150 ns) have driven Cu wire, hybrid, and laser-cut x-pinches. A plasma ablation front generated by the Omega EP laser was imaged for the first time through TXD for densities >1023 cm-3. Backlighter optimization in combination with x-ray CCD, image plates, and x-ray film has been assessed in terms of spatial resolution and interferometer contrast for accurate plasma characterization through TXD in pulsed-power and high-intensity laser environments. The results obtained thus far demonstrate the potential of TXD as a powerful diagnostic for HEDP.
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Affiliation(s)
- M P Valdivia
- Physics and Astronomy Department, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, USA
| | - D Stutman
- Physics and Astronomy Department, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, USA
| | - C Stoeckl
- Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14623, USA
| | - W Theobald
- Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14623, USA
| | - G W Collins
- Center for Energy Research, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California 92093, USA
| | - V Bouffetier
- Université de Bordeaux-CNRS-CEA, Centre Lasers Intenses et Applications, UMR5107, F-33405 Talence, France
| | - M Vescovi
- Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Casilla 306, Santiago, Chile
| | - C Mileham
- Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14623, USA
| | - I A Begishev
- Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14623, USA
| | - S R Klein
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - R Melean
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - S Muller
- General Atomics, Inertial Fusion Technology, San Diego, California 92921, USA
| | - J Zou
- Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14623, USA
| | - F Veloso
- Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Casilla 306, Santiago, Chile
| | - A Casner
- CEA-CESTA, 15 avenue des Sablières, CS 60001, 33116 Le Barp CEDEX, France
| | - F N Beg
- Center for Energy Research, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California 92093, USA
| | - S P Regan
- Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14623, USA
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28
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Barr MR, Jervis R, Zhang Y, Bodey AJ, Rau C, Shearing PR, Brett DJL, Titirici MM, Volpe R. Towards a mechanistic understanding of particle shrinkage during biomass pyrolysis via synchrotron X-ray microtomography and in-situ radiography. Sci Rep 2021; 11:2656. [PMID: 33514765 PMCID: PMC7846555 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-80228-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Accurate modelling of particle shrinkage during biomass pyrolysis is key to the production of biochars with specific morphologies. Such biochars represent sustainable solutions to a variety of adsorption-dependent environmental remediation challenges. Modelling of particle shrinkage during biomass pyrolysis has heretofore been based solely on theory and ex-situ experimental data. Here we present the first in-situ phase-contrast X-ray imaging study of biomass pyrolysis. A novel reactor was developed to enable operando synchrotron radiography of fixed beds of pyrolysing biomass. Almond shell particles experienced more bulk shrinkage and less change in porosity than did walnut shell particles during pyrolysis, despite their similar composition. Alkaline pretreatment was found to reduce this difference in feedstock behaviour. Ex-situ synchrotron X-ray microtomography was performed to study the effects of pyrolysis on pore morphology. Pyrolysis led to a redistribution of pores away from particle surfaces, meaning newly formed surface area may be less accessible to adsorbates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith Rose Barr
- Division of Chemical Engineering and Renewable Energy, School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Rhodri Jervis
- Electrochemical Innovation Lab, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Sciences, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 7JE, UK
| | - Yeshui Zhang
- Electrochemical Innovation Lab, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Sciences, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 7JE, UK
| | - Andrew J Bodey
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science & Innovation Campus, Didcot, OX11 0DE, UK
| | - Christoph Rau
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science & Innovation Campus, Didcot, OX11 0DE, UK
| | - Paul R Shearing
- Electrochemical Innovation Lab, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Sciences, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 7JE, UK
| | - Dan J L Brett
- Electrochemical Innovation Lab, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Sciences, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 7JE, UK
| | - Maria-Magdalena Titirici
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Roberto Volpe
- Division of Chemical Engineering and Renewable Energy, School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK.
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29
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Vásárhelyi L, Kónya Z, Kukovecz Á, Vajtai R. Microcomputed tomography–based characterization of advanced materials: a review. MATERIALS TODAY ADVANCES 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mtadv.2020.100084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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30
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Zboray R. Optimizing and applying high-resolution, in-line laboratory phase-contrast X-ray imaging for low-density material samples. J Microsc 2020; 282:123-135. [PMID: 33219697 DOI: 10.1111/jmi.12986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In-line, or propagation-based phase-contrast X-ray imaging (PBI) is an attractive alternative to the attenuation-based modality for low-density, soft samples showing low attenuation contrast. With the growing availability of micro- and nano-focus X-ray tubes, the method is increasingly applied in the laboratory. Here, we discuss the technique and demonstrate its advantages for selected low-density, low attenuation material samples using a lab-based micro- and nano-computed tomography systems Easytom XL Ultra, providing micron and sub-micron range resolution PBI images. We demonstrate a multi-step optimization of the lab-based PBI technique on our scanner that includes choosing the optimal detector-source hardware combination available in the setup, then optimizing the imaging geometry and finally the phase retrieval process through a parametric study. We point out and elaborate on the effect of noise correlation and texturing due to phase retrieval. We demonstrate the overall benefits of using the phase image and the phase retrieval for the selected samples such as improved image quality, increased contrast-to-noise ratio while only marginally influencing the spatial resolution. The improvement in image quality also enables further image processing steps for detailed structural analysis of the samples, which would be much more complicated if not impossible based on the transmission image.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Zboray
- Center for X-ray Analytics, Department Materials Meet Life, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Material Science and Technology, Empa, Überlandstrasse 129, Dübendorf, Switzerland
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31
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Quantitative and qualitative bone imaging: A review of synchrotron radiation microtomography analysis in bone research. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2020; 110:103887. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2020.103887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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32
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Dierks H, Wallentin J. Experimental optimization of X-ray propagation-based phase contrast imaging geometry. OPTICS EXPRESS 2020; 28:29562-29575. [PMID: 33114854 DOI: 10.1364/oe.399819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Propagation-based phase contrast imaging (PB-PCI) with an X-ray lab source is a powerful technique to study low absorption samples, e.g. soft tissue or plastics, on the micrometer scale but is often limited by the low flux and coherence of the source. The setup geometry is essential for the performance since there is a trade-off where a short source distance yields a high contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) but a low relative fringe contrast. While theoretical optimization strategies based on Fresnel propagation have been reported, there is a need for experimental testing of these models. Here, we systematically investigate this trade-off experimentally using two different setups with high-resolution detectors: a custom-built system with a Cu X-ray source and a commercial system (Zeiss Xradia) with a W source. The fringe contrast, CNR and fringe separation for a low-absorption test sample were measured for 130 different combinations of magnification and overall distances. We find that these figures-of-merit are sensitive to the magnification and that an optimum can be found that is independent of the overall source-detector distance. In general, we find that the theoretical models show excellent agreement with the measurements. However, this requires the complicated X-ray spectrum to be considered, in particular for the broadband W source.
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33
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Krivonosov YS, Asadchikov VE, Buzmakov AV. Phase-Contrast Imaging in a Polychromatic X-ray Beam at a Laboratory Source. CRYSTALLOGR REP+ 2020. [DOI: 10.1134/s1063774520040136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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34
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Gambari M, Clady R, Stolidi A, Utéza O, Sentis M, Ferré A. Exploring phase contrast imaging with a laser-based K α x-ray source up to relativistic laser intensity. Sci Rep 2020; 10:6766. [PMID: 32317682 PMCID: PMC7174335 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-63614-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
This study explores the ability of a hard Kα x-ray source (17.48 keV) produced by a 10 TW class laser system operated at high temporal contrast ratio and high repetition rate for phase contrast imaging. For demonstration, a parametric study based on a known object (PET films) shows clear evidence of feasibility of phase contrast imaging over a large range of laser intensity on target (from ~1017 W/cm2 to 7.0 × 1018 W/cm2). To highlight this result, a comparison of raw phase contrast and retrieved phase images of a biological object (a wasp) is done at different laser intensities below the relativistic intensity regime and up to 1.3 × 1019 W/cm2. This brings out attractive imaging strategies by selecting suitable laser intensity for optimizing either high spatial resolution and high quality of image or short acquisition time.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Gambari
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, LP3, 13288, Marseille, France.
| | - R Clady
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, LP3, 13288, Marseille, France
| | - A Stolidi
- CEA, LIST, Department of Imaging and Simulation for Non-Destructive Testing, F-91191, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - O Utéza
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, LP3, 13288, Marseille, France
| | - M Sentis
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, LP3, 13288, Marseille, France
| | - A Ferré
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, LP3, 13288, Marseille, France
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35
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Gajjar P, Styliari ID, Nguyen TTH, Carr J, Chen X, Elliott JA, Hammond RB, Burnett TL, Roberts K, Withers PJ, Murnane D. 3D characterisation of dry powder inhaler formulations: Developing X-ray micro computed tomography approaches. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2020; 151:32-44. [PMID: 32268190 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2020.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Carrier-based dry powder inhaler (DPI) formulations need to be accurately characterised for their particle size distributions, surface roughnesses, fines contents and flow properties. Understanding the micro-structure of the powder formulation is crucial, yet current characterisation methods give incomplete information. Commonly used techniques like laser diffraction (LD) and optical microscopy (OM) are limited due to the assumption of sphericity and can give variable results depending on particle orientation and dispersion. The aim of this work was to develop new three dimensional (3D) powder analytical techniques using X-ray computed tomography (XCT) that could be employed for non-destructive metrology of inhaled formulations. α-lactose monohydrate powders with different characteristics have been analysed, and their size and shape (sphericity/aspect ratio) distributions compared with results from LD and OM. The three techniques were shown to produce comparable size distributions, while the different shape distributions from XCT and OM highlight the difference between 2D and 3D imaging. The effect of micro-structure on flowability was also analysed through 3D measurements of void volume and tap density. This study has demonstrated for the first time that XCT provides an invaluable, non-destructive and analytical approach to obtain number- and volume-based particle size distributions of DPI formulations in 3D space, and for unique 3D characterisation of powder micro-structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Gajjar
- Henry Moseley X-ray Imaging Facility, Department of Materials, School of Natural Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK.
| | - I D Styliari
- School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, College Lane, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK
| | - T T H Nguyen
- Centre for the Digital Design of Drug Products, School of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - J Carr
- Henry Moseley X-ray Imaging Facility, Department of Materials, School of Natural Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - X Chen
- Department of Materials Science & Metallurgy, 27 Charles Babbage Road, Cambridge CB3 0FS, UK
| | - J A Elliott
- Department of Materials Science & Metallurgy, 27 Charles Babbage Road, Cambridge CB3 0FS, UK
| | - R B Hammond
- Centre for the Digital Design of Drug Products, School of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - T L Burnett
- Henry Moseley X-ray Imaging Facility, Department of Materials, School of Natural Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - K Roberts
- Centre for the Digital Design of Drug Products, School of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - P J Withers
- Henry Moseley X-ray Imaging Facility, Department of Materials, School of Natural Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK; Henry Royce Institute for Advanced Materials, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - D Murnane
- School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, College Lane, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK.
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36
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Gajjar P, Styliari ID, Nguyen TTH, Carr J, Chen X, Elliott JA, Hammond RB, Burnett TL, Roberts K, Withers PJ, Murnane D. WITHDRAWN: 3D characterisation of dry powder inhaler formulations: Developing X-ray micro computed tomography approaches. Int J Pharm 2020:118988. [PMID: 31935476 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2019.118988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- P Gajjar
- Henry Moseley X-ray Imaging Facility, Department of Materials, School of Natural Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
| | - I D Styliari
- School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, College Lane, Hatfield, AL10 9AB, UK
| | - T T H Nguyen
- Centre for the Digital Design of Drug Products, School of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - J Carr
- Henry Moseley X-ray Imaging Facility, Department of Materials, School of Natural Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - X Chen
- Department of Materials Science & Metallurgy, 27 Charles Babbage Road, Cambridge, CB3 0FS, UK
| | - J A Elliott
- Department of Materials Science & Metallurgy, 27 Charles Babbage Road, Cambridge, CB3 0FS, UK
| | - R B Hammond
- Centre for the Digital Design of Drug Products, School of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - T L Burnett
- Henry Moseley X-ray Imaging Facility, Department of Materials, School of Natural Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - K Roberts
- Centre for the Digital Design of Drug Products, School of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - P J Withers
- Henry Moseley X-ray Imaging Facility, Department of Materials, School of Natural Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK; Henry Royce Institute for Advanced Materials, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - D Murnane
- School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, College Lane, Hatfield, AL10 9AB, UK.
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37
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Synchrotron Radiation-Based Three-Dimensional Visualization of Angioarchitectural Remodeling in Hippocampus of Epileptic Rats. Neurosci Bull 2019; 36:333-345. [PMID: 31823302 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-019-00450-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Characterizing the three-dimensional (3D) morphological alterations of microvessels under both normal and seizure conditions is crucial for a better understanding of epilepsy. However, conventional imaging techniques cannot detect microvessels on micron/sub-micron scales without angiography. In this study, synchrotron radiation (SR)-based X-ray in-line phase-contrast imaging (ILPCI) and quantitative 3D characterization were used to acquire high-resolution, high-contrast images of rat brain tissue under both normal and seizure conditions. The number of blood microvessels was markedly increased on days 1 and 14, but decreased on day 60 after seizures. The surface area, diameter distribution, mean tortuosity, and number of bifurcations and network segments also showed similar trends. These pathological changes were confirmed by histological tests. Thus, SR-based ILPCI provides systematic and detailed views of cerebrovascular anatomy at the micron level without using contrast-enhancing agents. This holds considerable promise for better diagnosis and understanding of the pathogenesis and development of epilepsy.
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38
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Leong AFT, Asare E, Rex R, Xiao XH, Ramesh KT, Hufnagel TC. Determination of size distributions of non-spherical pores or particles from single x-ray phase contrast images. OPTICS EXPRESS 2019; 27:17322-17347. [PMID: 31252944 DOI: 10.1364/oe.27.017322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Although x-ray tomography is commonly used to characterize the three-dimensional structure of materials, sometimes this is impractical due either to limited time for data collection (such as in rapidly-evolving systems) or the need to limit the radiation exposure of the sample. In such situations, it is desirable to extract as much information as possible from a more limited data set. In this paper, we describe how to extract the size distribution of non-spherical pores (or, equivalently, particles) from single x-ray phase contrast imaging (XPCI). Because the pores overlap in projection, interpreting the images and extracting quantitative information about the size distribution is non-trivial. In this paper we extend a previously-developed Fourier-based framework for interpreting the speckle pattern of XPCI images from materials with spherical pores to the more challenging case of non-spherical pores. We develop an analytical expression for the XPCI image from a distribution of randomly-oriented ellipsoidal pores, and show that we can use this expression to extract quantitative information about the size distribution from single images. We discuss three approaches to evaluating this expression, corresponding to different assumptions about the nature of the size distribution, and validate our results with simulated XPCI images and experimental data from Berea sandstone.
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39
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High-resolution phase-contrast imaging of biological specimens using a stable betatron X-ray source in the multiple-exposure mode. Sci Rep 2019; 9:7796. [PMID: 31127147 PMCID: PMC6534593 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-42834-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Phase-contrast imaging using X-ray sources with high spatial coherence is an emerging tool in biology and material science. Much of this research is being done using large synchrotron facilities or relatively low-flux microfocus X-ray tubes. An alternative high-flux, ultra-short and high-spatial-coherence table-top X-ray source based on betatron motions of electrons in laser wakefield accelerators has the promise to produce high quality images. In previous phase-contrast imaging studies with betatron sources, single-exposure images with a spatial resolution of 6-70 μm were reported by using large-scale laser systems (60-200 TW). Furthermore, images obtained with multiple exposures tended to have a reduced contrast and resolution due to the shot-to-shot fluctuations. In this article, we demonstrate that a highly stable multiple-exposure betatron source, with an effective average source size of 5 μm, photon number and pointing jitters of <5% and spectral fluctuation of <10%, can be obtained by utilizing ionization injection in pure nitrogen plasma using a 30-40 TW laser. Using this source, high quality phase-contrast images of biological specimens with a 5-μm resolution are obtained for the first time. This work shows a way for the application of high resolution phase-contrast imaging with stable betatron sources using modest power, high repetition-rate lasers.
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Xie J, Yang Y, Gao B, Wan Y, Li YC, Cheng D, Xiao T, Li K, Fu Y, Xu J, Zhao Q, Zhang Y, Tang Y, Yao Y, Wang Z, Liu L. Magnetic-Sensitive Nanoparticle Self-Assembled Superhydrophobic Biopolymer-Coated Slow-Release Fertilizer: Fabrication, Enhanced Performance, and Mechanism. ACS NANO 2019; 13:3320-3333. [PMID: 30817124 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.8b09197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Although commercialized slow-release fertilizers coated with petrochemical polymers have revolutionarily promoted agricultural production, more research should be devoted to developing superhydrophobic biopolymer coatings with superb slow-release ability from sustainable and ecofriendly biomaterials. To inform the development of the superhydrophobic biopolymer-coated slow-release fertilizers (SBSF), the slow-release mechanism of SBSF needs to be clarified. Here, the SBSF with superior slow-release performance, water tolerance, and good feasibility for large-scale production was self-assembly fabricated using a simple, solvent-free process. The superhydrophobic surfaces of SBSF with uniformly dispersed Fe3O4 superhydrophobic magnetic-sensitive nanoparticles (SMNs) were self-assembly constructed with the spontaneous migration of Fe3O4 SMNs toward the outermost surface of the liquid coating materials ( i.e., pig fat based polyol and polymethylene polyphenylene isocyanate in a mass ratio 1.2:1) in a magnetic field during the reaction-curing process. The results revealed that SBSF showed longer slow-release longevity (more than 100 days) than those of unmodified biopolymer-coated slow-release fertilizers and excellent durable properties under various external environment conditions. The governing slow-release mechanism of SBSF was clarified by directly observing the atmosphere cushion on the superhydrophobic biopolymer coating using the synchrotron radiation-based X-ray phase-contrast imaging technique. Liquid water only contacts the top of the bulges of the solid surface (10.9%), and air pockets are trapped underneath the liquid (89.1%). The atmosphere cushion allows the slow diffusion of water vapor into the internal urea core of SBSF, which can decrease the nutrient release and enhance the slow-release ability. This self-assembly synthesis of SBSF through the magnetic interaction provides a strategy to fabricate not only ecofriendly biobased slow-release fertilizers but also other superhydrophobic materials for various applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiazhuo Xie
- National Engineering Laboratory for Efficient Utilization of Soil and Fertilizer Resources, National Engineering & Technology Research Center for Slow and Controlled-release Fertilizers, College of Resources and Environment , Shandong Agricultural University , Taian , Shandong 271018 , China
| | - Yuechao Yang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Efficient Utilization of Soil and Fertilizer Resources, National Engineering & Technology Research Center for Slow and Controlled-release Fertilizers, College of Resources and Environment , Shandong Agricultural University , Taian , Shandong 271018 , China
- Department of Soil and Water Science, Tropical Research and Education Center, IFAS , University of Florida , Homestead , Florida 33031 , United States
| | - Bin Gao
- Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences , University of Florida , Gainesville , Florida 32611-0570 , United States
| | - Yongshan Wan
- National Engineering Laboratory for Efficient Utilization of Soil and Fertilizer Resources, National Engineering & Technology Research Center for Slow and Controlled-release Fertilizers, College of Resources and Environment , Shandong Agricultural University , Taian , Shandong 271018 , China
| | - Yuncong C Li
- Department of Soil and Water Science, Tropical Research and Education Center, IFAS , University of Florida , Homestead , Florida 33031 , United States
| | - Dongdong Cheng
- National Engineering Laboratory for Efficient Utilization of Soil and Fertilizer Resources, National Engineering & Technology Research Center for Slow and Controlled-release Fertilizers, College of Resources and Environment , Shandong Agricultural University , Taian , Shandong 271018 , China
| | - Tiqiao Xiao
- Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Shanghai 201800 , China
- Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility/Zhangjiang Laboratory , Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Shanghai 201210 , China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100049 , China
| | - Ke Li
- Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Shanghai 201800 , China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100049 , China
| | - Yanan Fu
- Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Shanghai 201800 , China
- Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility/Zhangjiang Laboratory , Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Shanghai 201210 , China
| | - Jing Xu
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science , Shandong Agricultural University , Taian , Shandong 271018 , China
| | - Qinghua Zhao
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science , Shandong Agricultural University , Taian , Shandong 271018 , China
| | - Yanfei Zhang
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science , Shandong Agricultural University , Taian , Shandong 271018 , China
| | - Yafu Tang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Efficient Utilization of Soil and Fertilizer Resources, National Engineering & Technology Research Center for Slow and Controlled-release Fertilizers, College of Resources and Environment , Shandong Agricultural University , Taian , Shandong 271018 , China
| | - Yuanyuan Yao
- National Engineering Laboratory for Efficient Utilization of Soil and Fertilizer Resources, National Engineering & Technology Research Center for Slow and Controlled-release Fertilizers, College of Resources and Environment , Shandong Agricultural University , Taian , Shandong 271018 , China
| | - Zhonghua Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Efficient Utilization of Soil and Fertilizer Resources, National Engineering & Technology Research Center for Slow and Controlled-release Fertilizers, College of Resources and Environment , Shandong Agricultural University , Taian , Shandong 271018 , China
| | - Lu Liu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Efficient Utilization of Soil and Fertilizer Resources, National Engineering & Technology Research Center for Slow and Controlled-release Fertilizers, College of Resources and Environment , Shandong Agricultural University , Taian , Shandong 271018 , China
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Levine ZH, Peskin AP, Garboczi EJ, Holmgren AD. Multi-Energy X-Ray Tomography of an Optical Fiber: The Role of Spatial Averaging. MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA, MICROBEAM ANALYSIS SOCIETY, MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 2019; 25:70-76. [PMID: 30869576 PMCID: PMC6572719 DOI: 10.1017/s1431927618016136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Using a commercial X-ray tomography instrument, we have obtained reconstructions of a graded-index optical fiber with voxels of edge length 1.05 µm at 12 tube voltages. The fiber manufacturer created a graded index in the central region by varying the germanium concentration from a peak value in the center of the core to a very small value at the core-cladding boundary. Operating on 12 tube voltages, we show by a singular value decomposition that there are only two singular vectors with significant weight. Physically, this means scans beyond two tube voltages contain largely redundant information. We concentrate on an analysis of the images associated with these two singular vectors. The first singular vector is dominant and images of the coefficients of the first singular vector at each voxel look are similar to any of the single-energy reconstructions. Images of the coefficients of the second singular vector by itself appear to be noise. However, by averaging the reconstructed voxels in each of several narrow bands of radii, we can obtain values of the second singular vector at each radius. In the core region, where we expect the germanium doping to go from a peak value at the fiber center to zero at the core-cladding boundary, we find that a plot of the two coefficients of the singular vectors forms a line in the two-dimensional space consistent with the dopant decreasing linearly with radial distance from the core center. The coating, made of a polymer rather than silica, is not on this line indicating that the two-dimensional results are sensitive not only to the density but also to the elemental composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary H Levine
- Sensor Science Division,National Institute of Standards and Technology,Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899-8441,USA
| | - Adele P Peskin
- Software and Systems Division,National Institute of Standards and Technology,Boulder, Colorado 80305-3337,USA
| | - Edward J Garboczi
- Applied Chemicals and Materials Division,National Institute of Standards and Technology,Boulder, Colorado 80305,USA
| | - Andrew D Holmgren
- Holmgren Professional Research Experience Program,University of Colorado,Boulder, Colorado 80309,USA
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Baran P, Mayo S, McCormack M, Pacile S, Tromba G, Dullin C, Zanconati F, Arfelli F, Dreossi D, Fox J, Prodanovic Z, Cholewa M, Quiney H, Dimmock M, Nesterets Y, Thompson D, Brennan P, Gureyev T. High-Resolution X-Ray Phase-Contrast 3-D Imaging of Breast Tissue Specimens as a Possible Adjunct to Histopathology. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON MEDICAL IMAGING 2018; 37:2642-2650. [PMID: 29994112 DOI: 10.1109/tmi.2018.2845905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Histopathological analysis is the current gold standard in breast cancer diagnosis and management, however, as imaging technology improves, the amount of potential diagnostic information that may be demonstrable radiologically should also increase. We aimed to evaluate the potential clinical usefulness of 3-D phase-contrast micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) imaging at high spatial resolutions as an adjunct to conventional histological microscopy. Ten breast tissue specimens, 2 mm in diameter, were scanned at the SYRMEP beamline of the Elettra Synchrotron using the propagation-based phase-contrast micro-tomography method. We obtained pixel size images, which were analyzed and compared with corresponding histological sections examined under light microscopy. To evaluate the effect of spatial resolution on breast cancer diagnosis, scans with four different pixel sizes were also performed. Our comparative analysis revealed that high-resolution images can enable, at a near-histological level, detailed architectural assessment of tissue that may permit increased breast cancer diagnostic sensitivity and specificity when compared with current imaging practices. The potential clinical applications of this method are also discussed.
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Kim MG, Miao H, Gao B, Cheong SW, Mazzoli C, Barbour A, Hu W, Wilkins SB, Robinson IK, Dean MPM, Kiryukhin V. Imaging antiferromagnetic antiphase domain boundaries using magnetic Bragg diffraction phase contrast. Nat Commun 2018; 9:5013. [PMID: 30479333 PMCID: PMC6258669 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-07350-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Manipulating magnetic domains is essential for many technological applications. Recent breakthroughs in Antiferromagnetic Spintronics brought up novel concepts for electronic device development. Imaging antiferromagnetic domains is of key importance to this field. Unfortunately, some of the basic domain types, such as antiphase domains, cannot be imaged by conventional techniques. Herein, we present a new domain projection imaging technique based on the localization of domain boundaries by resonant magnetic diffraction of coherent X rays. Contrast arises from reduction of the scattered intensity at the domain boundaries due to destructive interference effects. We demonstrate this approach by imaging antiphase domains in a collinear antiferromagnet Fe2Mo3O8, and observe evidence of domain wall interaction with a structural defect. This technique does not involve any numerical algorithms. It is fast, sensitive, produces large-scale images in a single-exposure measurement, and is applicable to a variety of magnetic domain types. Imaging the antiferromagnetic (AFM) domains facilitates the understanding and design of AFM spintronics but is still challenging. Here the authors show an imaging approach for antiphase domains in AFM Fe2Mo3O8 by resonantly scattered coherent soft X-rays, which is also applicable to collinear antiferromagnets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Gyu Kim
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Hu Miao
- Condensed Matter Physics and Materials Science Department, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY, 11973, USA
| | - Bin Gao
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - S-W Cheong
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - C Mazzoli
- National Synchrotron Light Source II, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY, 11973, USA
| | - A Barbour
- National Synchrotron Light Source II, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY, 11973, USA
| | - Wen Hu
- National Synchrotron Light Source II, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY, 11973, USA
| | - S B Wilkins
- National Synchrotron Light Source II, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY, 11973, USA
| | - I K Robinson
- Condensed Matter Physics and Materials Science Department, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY, 11973, USA
| | - M P M Dean
- Condensed Matter Physics and Materials Science Department, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY, 11973, USA
| | - V Kiryukhin
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA.
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Goyens J, Vasilopoulou-Kampitsi M, Claes R, Sijbers J, Mancini L. Enhanced contrast in X-ray microtomographic images of the membranous labyrinth using different X-ray sources and scanning modes. J Anat 2018; 233:770-782. [PMID: 30277260 DOI: 10.1111/joa.12885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The vestibular system, located in the inner ear, plays a crucial role in balance and gaze stabilisation by sensing head movements. The interconnected tubes with membranous walls of the vestibular system are located in the skull bone (the 'membranous labyrinth'). Unfortunately, these membranes are very hard to visualise using three-dimensional (3D) X-ray imaging techniques. This difficulty arises due to the embedment of the membranes in the dense skull bone, the thinness of the membranes, and the small difference in X-ray absorption between the membranes and the surrounding fluid. In this study, we compared the visualisation of very small specimens (lizard heads with vestibular systems smaller than 3 mm) by X-ray computed micro-tomography (μCT) based on synchrotron radiation and conventional sources. A visualisation protocol using conventional X-ray μCT would be very useful thanks to the ease of access and lower cost. Careful optimisation of the acquisition parameters enables detection of the membranes by using μCT scanners based on conventional microfocus sources, but in some cases a low contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) prevents fast and reliable segmentation of the membranes. Synchrotron radiation μCT proved to be preferable for the visualisation of the small samples with very thin membranes, because of their high demands for spatial and contrast resolution. The best contrast was obtained by using synchrotron radiation μCT working in phase-contrast mode, leading to up to twice as high CNRs than the best conventional μCT results. The CNR of the synchrotron radiation μCT scans was sufficiently high enough to enable the construction of a 3D model by the means of semi-automatic segmentation of the membranous labyrinth. Membrane thickness was found to range between 2.7 and 36.3 μm. Hence, the minimal membrane thickness was found to be much smaller than described previously in the literature (between 10 and 50 μm).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Goyens
- Laboratory of Functional Morphology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Raf Claes
- Laboratory of Functional Morphology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jan Sijbers
- Imec-Vision Lab, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Lucia Mancini
- Elettra - Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A., Basovizza, Trieste, Italy
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Kudrna Prašek M, Pistone M, Baker DR, Sodini N, Marinoni N, Lanzafame G, Mancini L. A compact and flexible induction furnace for in situ X-ray microradiograhy and computed microtomography at Elettra: design, characterization and first tests. JOURNAL OF SYNCHROTRON RADIATION 2018; 25:1172-1181. [PMID: 29979179 DOI: 10.1107/s1600577518005970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
A compact and versatile induction furnace for in situ high-resolution synchrotron and laboratory hard X-ray microradiography and computed microtomography is described. The furnace can operate from 773 to 1723 K. Its programmable controller enables the user to specify multiple heating and cooling ramp rates as well as variable dwell times at fixed temperatures allowing precise control of heating and cooling rates to within 5 K. The instrument can work under a controlled atmosphere. Thanks to the circular geometry of the induction coils, the heat is homogeneously distributed in the internal volume of the graphite cell (ca. 150 mm3) where the sample holder is located. The thermal gradient within the furnace is less than 5 K over a height of ca. 5 mm. This new furnace design is well suited to the study of melting and solidification processes in geomaterials, ceramics and several metallic alloys, allowing fast heating (tested up to 6.5 K s-1) and quenching (up to 21 K s-1) in order to freeze the sample microstructure and chemistry under high-temperature conditions. The sample can be held at high temperatures for several hours, which is essential to follow phenomena with relatively slow dynamics, such as crystallization processes in geomaterials. The utility of the furnace is demonstrated through a few examples of experimental applications performed at the Elettra synchrotron laboratory (Trieste, Italy).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mattia Pistone
- Institute of Earth Sciences, University of Lausanne (UNIL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Don R Baker
- Earth and Planetary Sciences, McGill University, Montréal, Canada H3A 2A7
| | - Nicola Sodini
- Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste SCpA, 34149 Basovizza (Trieste), Italy
| | - Nicoletta Marinoni
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra 'Ardito Desio', Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | | | - Lucia Mancini
- Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste SCpA, 34149 Basovizza (Trieste), Italy
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Zhou Z, Zhang L, Guo B, Ma W, Zhang L, Li J, Zhao H, Jiang J, Gao F. Improved phase-attenuation duality method with space-frequency joint domain iterative regularization. Med Phys 2018; 45:3681-3696. [PMID: 29957878 DOI: 10.1002/mp.13067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2017] [Revised: 06/17/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE A common problem of in-line phase contrast imaging systems based on laboratory source and detector is the negative effects of finite source size, limited spatial resolution, and system noise. These negative effects swamp the fine phase contrast fringes and impede the precise retrieval of phase maps. This study aims to develop a novel phase retrieval method to restore phase information that is lost due to an imperfect system. METHODS An improved phase-attenuation duality (PAD) method based on space-frequency joint domain iterative regularization (JDIR) is proposed to overcome the problems of the analytical PAD method and the spatial-domain iterative regularization (SDIR) based PAD method. These problems include noise robustness and optical transfer function compensation. The proposed method was compared with the two former PAD methods through computer simulations and experiments for validation. RESULTS Results reveal that JDIR method outperforms the other two methods in terms of improving the visibility of structures in the retrieved phase maps. Among all the phase retrieval algorithms, the TV-norm-based JDIR method performed the best in considering the contrast and noise performance. CONCLUSIONS This paper provides a new method to investigate quantitative phase-contrast imaging when considering the negative effects of an imperfect system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongxing Zhou
- School of Precision Instrument and Optoelectronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biomedical Detecting Techniques and Instruments, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- School of Precision Instrument and Optoelectronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Baikuan Guo
- School of Precision Instrument and Optoelectronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Wenjuan Ma
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Limin Zhang
- School of Precision Instrument and Optoelectronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biomedical Detecting Techniques and Instruments, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Jiao Li
- School of Precision Instrument and Optoelectronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biomedical Detecting Techniques and Instruments, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Huijuan Zhao
- School of Precision Instrument and Optoelectronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biomedical Detecting Techniques and Instruments, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Jingying Jiang
- Paul C Lauterbur Research Center for Biomedical Imaging, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China
| | - Feng Gao
- School of Precision Instrument and Optoelectronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biomedical Detecting Techniques and Instruments, Tianjin, 300072, China
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Guan H, Hagen CK, Olivo A, Anastasio MA. Subspace-based resolution-enhancing image reconstruction method for few-view differential phase-contrast tomography. J Med Imaging (Bellingham) 2018; 5:023501. [PMID: 29963577 DOI: 10.1117/1.jmi.5.2.023501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
It is well known that properly designed image reconstruction methods can facilitate reductions in imaging doses and data-acquisition times in tomographic imaging. The ability to do so is particularly important for emerging modalities, such as differential x-ray phase-contrast tomography (D-XPCT), which are currently limited by these factors. An important application of D-XPCT is high-resolution imaging of biomedical samples. However, reconstructing high-resolution images from few-view tomographic measurements remains a challenging task due to the high-frequency information loss caused by data incompleteness. In this work, a subspace-based reconstruction strategy is proposed and investigated for use in few-view D-XPCT image reconstruction. By adopting a two-step approach, the proposed method can simultaneously recover high-frequency details within a certain region of interest while suppressing noise and/or artifacts globally. The proposed method is investigated by the use of few-view experimental data acquired by an edge-illumination D-XPCT scanner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huifeng Guan
- Washington University in St. Louis, Department of Biomedical Engineering, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Charlotte Klara Hagen
- University College London, Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alessandro Olivo
- University College London, Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mark A Anastasio
- Washington University in St. Louis, Department of Biomedical Engineering, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
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Sartori J, Köhring S, Witte H, Fischer MS, Löffler M. Three-dimensional imaging of the fibrous microstructure of Achilles tendon entheses in Mus musculus. J Anat 2018; 233:370-380. [PMID: 29920671 PMCID: PMC6081500 DOI: 10.1111/joa.12837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The whole-organ, three-dimensional microstructure of murine Achilles tendon entheses was visualized with micro-computed tomography (microCT). Contrast-enhancement was achieved either by staining with phosphotungstic acid (PTA) or by a combination of cell-maceration, demineralization and critical-point drying with low tube voltages and propagation-based phase-contrast (fibrous structure scan). By PTA-staining, X-ray absorption of the enthesial soft tissues became sufficiently high to segment the tendon and measure cross-sectional areas along its course. With the fibrous structure scans, three-dimensional visualizations of the collagen fiber networks of complete entheses were obtained. The characteristic tissues of entheses were identified in the volume data. The tendon proper was marked as a segment manually. The fibers within the tendon were marked by thresholding. Tendon and fiber cross-sectional areas were measured. The measurements were compared between individuals and protocols for contrast-enhancement, using a spatial reference system within the three-dimensional enthesis. The usefulness of the method for investigations of the fibrous structure of collagenous tissues is demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Sartori
- Institut für Zoologie und EvolutionsforschungFriedrich‐Schiller‐Universität JenaJenaGermany
| | - Sebastian Köhring
- Fachgebiet BiomechatronikFakultät für Maschinenbau / IMN MacroNano®Technische Universität IlmenauIlmenauGermany
| | - Hartmut Witte
- Fachgebiet BiomechatronikFakultät für Maschinenbau / IMN MacroNano®Technische Universität IlmenauIlmenauGermany
| | - Martin S. Fischer
- Institut für Zoologie und EvolutionsforschungFriedrich‐Schiller‐Universität JenaJenaGermany
| | - Markus Löffler
- Dresden Center for Nanoanalysis (DCN)Center for Advancing Electronics Dresden (cfaed)Technische Universität DresdenDresdenGermany
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50
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Yao S, Zong Y, Huang X, Liu Y, Gong N, Zhang J, Li Z, Cao F, Wang X, Liang XJ, Jiang H. Periodic microstructures of blood capillaries revealed by synchrotron X-ray multi-resolution microscopic analysis. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2017; 8:5825-5833. [PMID: 29296507 PMCID: PMC5745122 DOI: 10.1364/boe.8.005825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Revised: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 11/24/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases are closely related to structural blood capillaries lesions. Herein, microscopic investigations of mouse blood capillaries were performed at multiple spatial resolution by using synchrotron X-ray in-line phase contrast tomography and scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM). The chemically fixed blood capillaries without any contrast agents were selected. For the first time, a periodic bamboo-shaped structure was observed at nanoscale resolution by STXM, and the three-dimensional tomographic slices at sub-micrometer resolution further confirmed the periodic wave profile of the blood capillaries. Then, a periodic microstructural model was suggested based on the microscopic images. By using high-performance imaging techniques, this work provides a better understanding of the relationship between the structure and function of blood capillaries, will be helpful in elucidating the causes of cardiovascular system diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengkun Yao
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
- These authors contributed equally to this paper
| | - Yunbing Zong
- State Key Laboratory of Crystal Materials, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China
- Department of Data and Business Analysis Product, Inspur International Ltd., Jinan 250101, China
- These authors contributed equally to this paper
| | - Xu Huang
- Department of Cardiology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Yang Liu
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
- State Key Laboratory of Crystal Materials, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Ningqiang Gong
- Laboratory of Controllable Nanopharmaceuticals, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Center for Excellence in Nanoscience; and CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, No. 11, First North Road Zhongguangcun, Beijing 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jianhua Zhang
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
- State Key Laboratory of Crystal Materials, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Ziqing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Crystal Materials, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Feng Cao
- Department of Cardiology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Xiangcheng Wang
- Department of Data and Business Analysis Product, Inspur International Ltd., Jinan 250101, China
| | - Xing-Jie Liang
- Laboratory of Controllable Nanopharmaceuticals, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Center for Excellence in Nanoscience; and CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, No. 11, First North Road Zhongguangcun, Beijing 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Huaidong Jiang
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
- State Key Laboratory of Crystal Materials, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China
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