A dynamic micro-CT scanner based on a carbon nanotube field emission x-ray source

Thermally Driven Field Emission from Zinc Oxide Wires on a Nanomembrane Used as a Detector for Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry

Mass spectrometry is a crucial technology in numerous applications, but it places stringent requirements on the detector to achieve high resolution across a broad spectrum of ion masses. Low-dimensional nanostructures offer opportunities to tailor properties and achieve performance not reachable in bulk materials. Here, an array of sharp zinc oxide wires was directly grown on a 30 nm thin, free-standing silicon nitride nanomembrane to enhance its field emission (FE). The nanomembrane was subsequently used as a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry detector. When ionized biomolecules impinge on the backside of the surface-modified nanomembrane, the current-emitted from the wires on the membrane's front side-is amplified by the supplied thermal energy, which allows for the detection of the ions. An extensive simulation framework was developed based on a combination of lateral heat diffusion in the nanomembrane, heat diffusion along the wires, and FE, including Schottky barrier lowering, to investigate the impact of wire length and diameter on the FE. Our theoretical model suggests a significant improvement in the overall FE response of the nanomembrane by growing wires on top. Specifically, long thin wires are ideal to enhance the magnitude of the FE signal and to shorten its duration for the fastest response simultaneously, which could facilitate the future application of detectors in mass spectrometry with properties improved by low-dimensional nanostructures.

Application of medical imaging methods and artificial intelligence in tissue engineering and organ-on-a-chip

Organ-on-a-chip (OOC) is a new type of biochip technology. Various types of OOC systems have been developed rapidly in the past decade and found important applications in drug screening and precision medicine. However, due to the complexity in the structure of both the chip-body itself and the engineered-tissue inside, the imaging and analysis of OOC have still been a big challenge for biomedical researchers. Considering that medical imaging is moving towards higher spatial and temporal resolution and has more applications in tissue engineering, this paper aims to review medical imaging methods, including CT, micro-CT, MRI, small animal MRI, and OCT, and introduces the application of 3D printing in tissue engineering and OOC in which medical imaging plays an important role. The achievements of medical imaging assisted tissue engineering are reviewed, and the potential applications of medical imaging in organoids and OOC are discussed. Moreover, artificial intelligence - especially deep learning - has demonstrated its excellence in the analysis of medical imaging; we will also present the application of artificial intelligence in the image analysis of 3D tissues, especially for organoids developed in novel OOC systems.

Achieving High Current Stability of Gated Carbon Nanotube Cold Cathode Electron Source Using IGBT Modulation for X-ray Source Application

The cold cathode X-ray source has potential application in the field of radiotherapy, which requires a stable dose. In this study, a gated carbon nanotube cold cathode electron gun with high current stability was developed by using Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) modulation, and its application in X-ray source was explored. Carbon nanotube (CNTs) films were prepared directly on stainless steel substrate by chemical vapor deposition and assembled with control gate and focus electrodes to form an electron gun. A maximum cathode current of 200 μA and approximately 53% transmission rate was achieved. An IGBT was used to modulate and stabilize the cathode current. High stable cathode current with fluctuation less than 0.5% has been obtained for 50 min continuous operation. The electron gun was used in a transmission target X-ray source and a stable X-ray dose rate was obtained. Our study demonstrates the feasibility of achieving high current stability from a gated carbon nanotube cold cathode electron source using IGBT modulation for X-ray source application.

Simulation on system configuration for stationary head CT using linear carbon nanotube x-ray source arrays

Purpose: The invention of carbon nanotube (CNT) x-ray source arrays has enabled the development of novel imaging systems, including stationary tomosynthesis and stationary computed tomography (CT) with fast data acquisition, mechanically robust structures, and reduced image blur from source-detector motion. In this work, we report the results of simulation studies of potential system configurations for a stationary head CT (s-HCT) using linear CNT x-ray sources and detector arrays. Approach: We explored s-HCT configurations that utilize one, two, and three linear CNT source arrays. Simulations were implemented using three digital phantoms with both CPU and GPU computing. Sinogram coverage was used for qualitative evaluation of the CT projection collection efficiency for each configuration. A modified low-contrast Shepp-Logan (SL) phantom was implemented for image quality assessment using quantitative metrics. Different iterative reconstruction (IR) methods were compared with both qualitative and quantitative assessments. Results: Sinogram coverage of s-HCT configurations was sensitive to the number of CNT source arrays and geometry. The simulations suggest that a s-HCT configuration with three planes gives near complete sinogram coverage. Such a configuration enables accurate reconstruction of the low-contrast SL phantom and considerably diminished artifacts caused by the system geometry. Conclusions: An optimized s-HCT system configuration with three linear CNT x-ray source arrays is feasible. IR algorithms can diminish artifacts caused by sparse and asymmetrical scans. The proposed s-HCT system configuration is currently under construction.

Small Animal IMRT Using 3D-Printed Compensators

PURPOSE

Preclinical radiation replicating clinical intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) techniques can provide data translatable to clinical practice. For this work, treatment plans were created for oxygen-guided dose-painting in small animals using inverse-planned IMRT. Spatially varying beam intensities were achieved using 3-dimensional (3D)-printed compensators.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Optimized beam fluence from arbitrary gantry angles was determined using a verified model of the XRAD225Cx treatment beam. Compensators were 3D-printed with varied thickness to provide desired attenuation using copper/polylactic-acid. Spatial resolution capabilities were investigated using printed test-patterns. Following American Association of Physicists in Medicine TG119, a 5-beam IMRT plan was created for a miniaturized (∼1/8th scale) C-shape target. Electron paramagnetic resonance imaging of murine tumor oxygenation guided simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) plans conformally treating tumor to a base dose (Rx₁) with boost (Rx₂) based on tumor oxygenation. The 3D-printed compensator intensity modulation accuracy and precision was evaluated by individually delivering each field to a phantom containing radiochromic film and subsequent per-field gamma analysis. The methodology was validated end-to-end with composite delivery (incorporating 3D-printed tungsten/polylactic-acid beam trimmers to reduce out-of-field leakage) of the oxygen-guided SIB plan to a phantom containing film and subsequent gamma analysis.

RESULTS

Resolution test-patterns demonstrate practical printer resolution of ∼0.7 mm, corresponding to 1.0 mm bixels at the isocenter. The miniaturized C-shape plan provides planning target volume coverage (V_95% = 95%) with organ sparing (organs at risk D_max < 50%). The SIB plan to hypoxic tumor demonstrates the utility of this approach (hypoxic tumor V_95%,Rx2 = 91.6%, normoxic tumor V_95%,Rx1 = 95.7%, normal tissue V_100%,Rx1 = 7.1%). The more challenging SIB plan to boost the normoxic tumor rim achieved normoxic tumor V_95%,Rx2 = 90.9%, hypoxic tumor V_95%,Rx1 = 62.7%, and normal tissue V_100%,Rx2 = 5.3%. Average per-field gamma passing rates using 3%/1.0 mm, 3%/0.7 mm, and 3%/0.5 mm criteria were 98.8% ± 2.8%, 96.6% ± 4.1%, and 90.6% ± 5.9%, respectively. Composite delivery of the hypoxia boost plan and gamma analysis (3%/1 mm) gave passing results of 95.3% and 98.1% for the 2 measured orthogonal dose planes.

CONCLUSIONS

This simple and cost-effective approach using 3D-printed compensators for small-animal IMRT provides a methodology enabling preclinical studies that can be readily translated into the clinic. The presented oxygen-guided dose-painting demonstrates that this methodology will facilitate studies driving much needed biologic personalization of radiation therapy for improvements in patient outcomes.

Coronary micro-computed tomography angiography in mice

Coronary computed tomography angiography is an established technique in clinical practice and a valuable tool in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease in humans. Imaging of coronaries in preclinical research, i.e. in small animals, is very difficult due to the high demands on spatial and temporal resolution. Mice exhibit heart rates of up to 600 beats per minute motivating the need for highest detector framerates while the coronaries show diameters below 100 μm indicating the requirement for highest spatial resolution. We herein use a custom built micro-CT equipped with dedicated reconstruction algorithms to illustrate that coronary imaging in mice is possible. The scanner provides a spatial and temporal resolution sufficient for imaging of smallest, moving anatomical structures and the dedicated reconstruction algorithms reduced radiation dose to less than 1 Gy but do not yet allow for longitudinal studies. Imaging studies were performed in ten mice administered with a blood-pool contrast agent. Results show that the course of the left coronary artery can be visualized in all mice and all major branches can be identified for the first time using micro-CT. This reduces the gap in cardiac imaging between clinical practice and preclinical research.

Ultrafast Field-Emission Electron Sources Based on Nanomaterials

The search for electron sources with simultaneous optimal spatial and temporal resolution has become an area of intense activity for a wide variety of applications in the emerging fields of lightwave electronics and attosecond science. Most recently, increasing efforts are focused on the investigation of ultrafast field-emission phenomena of nanomaterials, which not only are fascinating from a fundamental scientific point of view, but also are of interest for a range of potential applications. Here, the current state-of-the-art in ultrafast field-emission, particularly sub-optical-cycle field emission, based on various nanostructures (e.g., metallic nanotips, carbon nanotubes) is reviewed. A number of promising nanomaterials and possible future research directions are also established.

A Prototype Intraoral Periapical Sensor with High Frame Rates for a 2.5D Periapical Radiography System

X-ray radiography is currently used in dentistry and can be divided into two categories: two-dimensional (2D) radiographic images (e.g., using periapical film, cephalometric film, and panoramic X-ray) and three-dimensional (3D) radiographic images (e.g., using dental cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT)). Among them, 2D periapical film images are most commonly used. However, 2D periapical film compresses 3D image information into a 2D image, which means that depth cannot be identified from the image. Such compressed images lose a considerable amount of information, reducing their clinical applicability. A 2.5D periapical radiography system prototype was developed by our research team. Our previous study indicated that this prototype could be used to capture images at different depths of an object. However, the prototype was limited by its commercially available intraoral periapical sensor, which had a low temporal resolution and could not capture multiple images in a short period of time. Therefore, the total time required for image capture was too long for practical clinical application. The present study developed a high-frame-rate intraoral periapical sensor with a sensor imaging speed of up to 15 Hz. The primary components of the developed intraoral periapical sensor include a scintillator, complementary metal oxide semiconductor chip, component circuit board, and video processing board. The external dimensions of the sensor are 41 × 26 × 6.6 mm³. The performance of the developed high-frame-rate intraoral periapical sensor was verified through qualified and quantified analyses using line pairs. The results showed that the resolution of the developed intraoral periapical sensor could reach 18 lp/mm. The sensor was further installed in our 2.5D periapical radiography system to conduct image capturing. The results indicated that the developed sensor could be used for high-frame-rate imaging to incorporate tomosynthesis to obtain reconstructed slice images of different depths. The developed sensor has the potential for clinical dentistry applications in the future.

An update on carbon nanotube-enabled X-ray sources for biomedical imaging

A new imaging technology has emerged that uses carbon nanotubes (CNT) as the electron emitter (cathode) for the X-ray tube. Since the performance of the CNT cathode is controlled by simple voltage manipulation, CNT-enabled X-ray sources are ideal for the repetitive imaging steps needed to capture three-dimensional information. As such, they have allowed the development of a gated micro-computed tomography (CT) scanner for small animal research as well as stationary tomosynthesis, an experimental technology for large field-of-view human imaging. The small animal CT can acquire images at specific points in the respiratory and cardiac cycles. Longitudinal imaging therefore becomes possible and has been applied to many research questions, ranging from tumor response to the noninvasive assessment of cardiac output. Digital tomosynthesis (DT) is a low-dose and low-cost human imaging tool that captures some depth information. Known as three-dimensional mammography, DT is now used clinically for breast imaging. However, the resolution of currently-approved DT is limited by the need to swing the X-ray source through space to collect a series of projection views. An array of fixed and distributed CNT-enabled sources provides the solution and has been used to construct stationary DT devices for breast, lung, and dental imaging. To date, over 100 patients have been imaged on Institutional Review Board-approved study protocols. Early experience is promising, showing an excellent conspicuity of soft-tissue features, while also highlighting technical and post-acquisition processing limitations that are guiding continued research and development. Additionally, CNT-enabled sources are being tested in miniature X-ray tubes that are capable of generating adequate photon energies and tube currents for clinical imaging. Although there are many potential applications for these small field-of-view devices, initial experience has been with an X-ray source that can be inserted into the mouth for dental imaging. Conceived less than 20 years ago, CNT-enabled X-ray sources are now being manufactured on a commercial scale and are powering both research tools and experimental human imaging devices. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2018, 10:e1475. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1475 This article is categorized under: Diagnostic Tools > Diagnostic Nanodevices Diagnostic Tools > In Vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging.

Recent Advances in X-ray Cone-beam Computed Laminography

X-ray computed tomography is an established volume imaging technique used routinely in medical diagnosis, industrial non-destructive testing, and a wide range of scientific fields. Traditionally, computed tomography uses scanning geometries with a single axis of rotation together with reconstruction algorithms specifically designed for this setup. Recently there has however been increasing interest in more complex scanning geometries. These include so called X-ray computed laminography systems capable of imaging specimens with large lateral dimensions or large aspect ratios, neither of which are well suited to conventional CT scanning procedures. Developments throughout this field have thus been rapid, including the introduction of novel system trajectories, the application and refinement of various reconstruction methods, and the use of recently developed computational hardware and software techniques to accelerate reconstruction times. Here we examine the advances made in the last several years and consider their impact on the state of the art.

A novel design of ultrafast micro-CT system based on carbon nanotube: A feasibility study in phantom

Artifacts induced by respiratory motion during routine diagnosis severely degrades the image quality. The increase of scanning speed plays an important role to avoid motion artifacts. Limited to the mechanical structure of conventional CT, the increase of gantry rotational speed is unsustainable and a more feasible way is to increase the number of X-ray sources and detectors like the dual-source CT. This paper focuses on high-speed scanning CT and proposes a novel ultrafast micro-CT (UMCT) system based on carbon nanotube (CNT). At each exposure position, all of the X-ray sources are fast activated by turns and the flat-panel detectors collect the corresponding projection data. Then, the gantry will be contrarotated 40° to prepare for the next exposure until the rotation covers full 360°. Because each exposure is very fast, the organ motions of in vivo human body can be greatly reduced. This paper introduces the UMCT system design, image reconstruction algorithm and experimental results. Simulation experiment was also carried out on UMCT system. The result validated the feasibility of the UMCT system.

Physiologically gated microbeam radiation using a field emission x-ray source array

PURPOSE

Microbeam radiation therapy (MRT) uses narrow planes of high dose radiation beams to treat cancerous tumors. This experimental therapy method based on synchrotron radiation has been shown to spare normal tissue at up to 1000 Gy of peak entrance dose while still being effective in tumor eradication and extending the lifetime of tumor-bearing small animal models. Motion during treatment can lead to significant movement of microbeam positions resulting in broader beam width and lower peak to valley dose ratio (PVDR), which reduces the effectiveness of MRT. Recently, the authors have demonstrated the feasibility of generating microbeam radiation for small animal treatment using a carbon nanotube (CNT) x-ray source array. The purpose of this study is to incorporate physiological gating to the CNT microbeam irradiator to minimize motion-induced microbeam blurring.

METHODS

The CNT field emission x-ray source array with a narrow line focal track was operated at 160 kVp. The x-ray radiation was collimated to a single 280 μm wide microbeam at entrance. The microbeam beam pattern was recorded using EBT2 Gafchromic(©) films. For the feasibility study, a strip of EBT2 film was attached to an oscillating mechanical phantom mimicking mouse chest respiratory motion. The servo arm was put against a pressure sensor to monitor the motion. The film was irradiated with three microbeams under gated and nongated conditions and the full width at half maximums and PVDRs were compared. An in vivo study was also performed with adult male athymic mice. The liver was chosen as the target organ for proof of concept due to its large motion during respiration compared to other organs. The mouse was immobilized in a specialized mouse bed and anesthetized using isoflurane. A pressure sensor was attached to a mouse's chest to monitor its respiration. The output signal triggered the electron extraction voltage of the field emission source such that x-ray was generated only during a portion of the mouse respiratory cycle when there was minimum motion. Parallel planes of microbeams with 12.4 Gy/plane dose and 900 μm pitch were delivered. The microbeam profiles with and without gating were analyzed using γ-H2Ax immunofluorescence staining.

RESULTS

The phantom study showed that the respiratory motion caused a 50% drop in PVDR from 11.5 when there is no motion to 5.4, whereas there was only a 5.5% decrease in PVDR for gated irradiation compared to the no motion case. In the in vivo study, the histology result showed gating increased PVDR by a factor of 2.4 compared to the nongated case, similar to the result from the phantom study. The full width at tenth maximum of the microbeam decreased by 40% in gating in vivo and close to 38% with phantom studies.

CONCLUSIONS

The CNT field emission x-ray source array can be synchronized to physiological signals for gated delivery of x-ray radiation to minimize motion-induced beam blurring. Gated MRT reduces valley dose between lines during long-time radiation of a moving object. The technique allows for more precise MRT treatments and makes the CNT MRT device practical for extended treatment.

Nanotube x-ray for cancer therapy: a compact microbeam radiation therapy system for brain tumor treatment

Microbeam radiation therapy (MRT) is a promising preclinical modality for cancer treatment, with remarkable preferential tumoricidal effects, that is, tumor eradication without damaging normal tissue functions. Significant lifespan extension has been demonstrated in brain tumor-bearing small animals treated with MRT. So far, MRT experiments can only be performed in a few synchrotron facilities around the world. Limited access to MRT facilities prevents this enormously promising radiotherapy technology from reaching the broader biomedical research community and hinders its potential clinical translation. We recently demonstrated, for the first time, the feasibility of generating microbeam radiation in a laboratory environment using a carbon nanotube x-ray source array and performed initial small animal studies with various brain tumor models. This new nanotechnology-enabled microbeam delivery method, although still in its infancy, has shown promise for achieving comparable therapeutic effects to synchrotron MRT and has offered a potential pathway for clinical translation.

Nanotube field electron emission: principles, development, and applications

There is a growing trend to apply field emission (FE) electron sources in vacuum electronic devices due to their fast response, high efficiency and low energy consumption compared to thermionic emission ones. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been regarded as a promising class of electron field emitters since the 1990s and have promoted the development of FE technology greatly because of their high electrical and thermal conductivity, chemical stability, high aspect ratio and small size. Recent studies have shown that FE from CNTs has the potential to replace conventional thermionic emission in many areas and that it exhibits advanced features in practical applications. Consequently, FE from nanotubes and applications thereof have attracted much attention. This paper provides a comprehensive review of both recent advances in CNT field emitters and issues related to applications of CNT based FE. FE theories and principles are introduced, and the early development of field emitters is related. CNT emitter types and their FE performance are discussed. The current situation for applications based on nanotube FE is reviewed. Although challenges remain, the tremendous progress made in CNT FE over the past ten years indicates the field's development potential.

Micro-CT of rodents: state-of-the-art and future perspectives

Micron-scale computed tomography (micro-CT) is an essential tool for phenotyping and for elucidating diseases and their therapies. This work is focused on preclinical micro-CT imaging, reviewing relevant principles, technologies, and applications. Commonly, micro-CT provides high-resolution anatomic information, either on its own or in conjunction with lower-resolution functional imaging modalities such as positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). More recently, however, advanced applications of micro-CT produce functional information by translating clinical applications to model systems (e.g., measuring cardiac functional metrics) and by pioneering new ones (e.g. measuring tumor vascular permeability with nanoparticle contrast agents). The primary limitations of micro-CT imaging are the associated radiation dose and relatively poor soft tissue contrast. We review several image reconstruction strategies based on iterative, statistical, and gradient sparsity regularization, demonstrating that high image quality is achievable with low radiation dose given ever more powerful computational resources. We also review two contrast mechanisms under intense development. The first is spectral contrast for quantitative material discrimination in combination with passive or actively targeted nanoparticle contrast agents. The second is phase contrast which measures refraction in biological tissues for improved contrast and potentially reduced radiation dose relative to standard absorption imaging. These technological advancements promise to develop micro-CT into a commonplace, functional and even molecular imaging modality.

Nanotechnology in radiation oncology

Nanotechnology, the manipulation of matter on atomic and molecular scales, is a relatively new branch of science. It has already made a significant impact on clinical medicine, especially in oncology. Nanomaterial has several characteristics that are ideal for oncology applications, including preferential accumulation in tumors, low distribution in normal tissues, biodistribution, pharmacokinetics, and clearance, that differ from those of small molecules. Because these properties are also well suited for applications in radiation oncology, nanomaterials have been used in many different areas of radiation oncology for imaging and treatment planning, as well as for radiosensitization to improve the therapeutic ratio. In this article, we review the unique properties of nanomaterials that are favorable for oncology applications and examine the various applications of nanotechnology in radiation oncology. We also discuss the future directions of nanotechnology within the context of radiation oncology.

Pilot study for compact microbeam radiation therapy using a carbon nanotube field emission micro-CT scanner

PURPOSE

Microbeam radiation therapy (MRT) is defined as the use of parallel, microplanar x-ray beams with an energy spectrum between 50 and 300 keV for cancer treatment and brain radiosurgery. Up until now, the possibilities of MRT have mainly been studied using synchrotron sources due to their high flux (100s Gy/s) and approximately parallel x-ray paths. The authors have proposed a compact x-ray based MRT system capable of delivering MRT dose distributions at a high dose rate. This system would employ carbon nanotube (CNT) field emission technology to create an x-ray source array that surrounds the target of irradiation. Using such a geometry, multiple collimators would shape the irradiation from this array into multiple microbeams that would then overlap or interlace in the target region. This pilot study demonstrates the feasibility of attaining a high dose rate and parallel microbeam beams using such a system.

METHODS

The microbeam dose distribution was generated by our CNT micro-CT scanner (100 μm focal spot) and a custom-made microbeam collimator. An alignment assembly was fabricated and attached to the scanner in order to collimate and superimpose beams coming from different gantry positions. The MRT dose distribution was measured using two orthogonal radiochromic films embedded inside a cylindrical phantom. This target was irradiated with microbeams incident from 44 different gantry angles to simulate an array of x-ray sources as in the proposed compact CNT-based MRT system. Finally, phantom translation in a direction perpendicular to the microplanar beams was used to simulate the use of multiple parallel microbeams.

RESULTS

Microbeams delivered from 44 gantry angles were superimposed to form a single microbeam dose distribution in the phantom with a FWHM of 300 μm (calculated value was 290 μm). Also, during the multiple beam simulation, a peak to valley dose ratio of ~10 was found when the phantom translation distance was roughly 4x the beam width. The first prototype CNT-based x-ray tube dedicated to the development of compact MRT technology development was proposed and planned based on the preliminary experimental results presented here and the previous corresponding Monte Carlo simulations.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors have demonstrated the feasibility of creating microbeam dose distributions at a high dose rate using a proposed compact MRT system. The flexibility of CNT field emission x-ray sources could possibly bring compact and low cost MRT devices to the larger research community and assist in the translational research of this promising new approach to radiation therapy.

Image-guided microbeam irradiation to brain tumour bearing mice using a carbon nanotube x-ray source array

Microbeam radiation therapy (MRT) is a promising experimental and preclinical radiotherapy method for cancer treatment. Synchrotron based MRT experiments have shown that spatially fractionated microbeam radiation has the unique capability of preferentially eradicating tumour cells while sparing normal tissue in brain tumour bearing animal models. We recently demonstrated the feasibility of generating orthovoltage microbeam radiation with an adjustable microbeam width using a carbon nanotube based x-ray source array. Here we report the preliminary results from our efforts in developing an image guidance procedure for the targeted delivery of the narrow microbeams to the small tumour region in the mouse brain. Magnetic resonance imaging was used for tumour identification, and on-board x-ray radiography was used for imaging of landmarks without contrast agents. The two images were aligned using 2D rigid body image registration to determine the relative position of the tumour with respect to a landmark. The targeting accuracy and consistency were evaluated by first irradiating a group of mice inoculated with U87 human glioma brain tumours using the present protocol and then determining the locations of the microbeam radiation tracks using γ-H2AX immunofluorescence staining. The histology results showed that among 14 mice irradiated, 11 received the prescribed number of microbeams on the targeted tumour, with an average localization accuracy of 454 µm measured directly from the histology (537 µm if measured from the registered histological images). Two mice received one of the three prescribed microbeams on the tumour site. One mouse was excluded from the analysis due to tissue staining errors.

A first generation compact microbeam radiation therapy system based on carbon nanotube X-ray technology

We have developed a compact microbeam radiation therapy device using carbon nanotube cathodes to create a linear array of narrow focal line segments on a tungsten anode and a custom collimator assembly to select a slice of the resulting wedge-shaped radiation pattern. Effective focal line width was measured to be 131 μm, resulting in a microbeam width of ∼300 μm. The instantaneous dose rate was projected to be 2 Gy/s at full-power. Peak to valley dose ratio was measured to be >17 when a 1.4 mm microbeam separation was employed. Finally, multiple microbeams were delivered to a mouse with beam paths verified through histology.

Characterization of rotating gantry micro-CT configuration for the in vivo evaluation of murine trabecular bone

The objective of this study is to determine the optimal physical parameters of a rotating gantry micro-CT system to assess in vivo changes to the trabecular bone of mice. Magnification, binning, peak kilovoltage, beam filtration, and tissue thickness are examined on a commercially available micro-CT system. The X-ray source and detector geometry provides 1.3×, 1.8×, or 3.3× magnification. Binning is examined from no binning to 2 to 4. Energy is varied from 40 to 80 kVp in 10 kVp increments and filter thickness is increased from no filtration to 1.5 mmAl in 0.5 mmAl increments. Mice are imaged at different magnifications and binning combinations to evaluate changes to image quality and microstructure estimation. Increasing magnification from 1.3× to 3.3× and lowering binning from 4 to 1 varies the spatial resolution from 2.5 to 11.8 lp/mm. Increasing the beam energy or filtration thickness decreases Hounsfield unit (HU) estimation, with a maximum rate of change being -286 HU/kVp for 80 kVp. Images for murine trabecular bone are blurred at effective pixel sizes above 60 μm. By comparing resolution, signal-to-noise ratio, and radiation dose, we find that a 3.3× magnification, binning of 2.80 kVp beam with a 0.5 mmAl filter comprises the optimal parameters to evaluate murine trabecular bone for this rotating gantry micro-CT.

Full-wave approach for x-ray phase imaging

We present a rigorous forward model for phase imaging of a 3-D object illuminated by a cone-shaped x-ray beam. Our model is based on a full-wave approach valid under the first Rytov approximation, and thus can be used with large and thick objects, e.g., luggage and human patients. We unify light-matter interaction and free-space propagation into an integrated wave optics framework. Therefore, our model can accurately calculate x-ray phase images formed with sources of arbitrary shape, and it can be effectively incorporated into x-ray phase tomography as a forward model. Within the best of our knowledge, this is the first non-paraxial, full-wave model for X-ray phase imaging.

Characterization of speckle in lung images acquired with a benchtop in-line x-ray phase-contrast system

We investigate the manifestation of speckle in propagation-based x-ray phase-contrast imaging of mouse lungs in situ by use of a benchtop imager. The key contributions of the work are the demonstration that lung speckle can be observed by use of a benchtop imaging system employing a polychromatic tube-source and a systematic experimental investigation of how the texture of the speckle pattern depends on the parameters of the imaging system. Our analyses consists of image texture characterization based on the statistical properties of pixel intensity values.

Physiologically gated micro-beam radiation therapy using electronically controlled field emission x-ray source array

Micro-beam radiation therapy (MRT) uses parallel planes of high dose narrow (10-100 um in width) radiation beams separated by a fraction of a millimeter to treat cancerous tumors. This experimental therapy method based on synchrotron radiation has been shown to spare normal tissue at up to 1000Gy of entrance dose while still being effective in tumor eradication and extending the lifetime of tumor-bearing small animal models. Motion during the treatment can result in significant movement of micro beam positions resulting in broader beam width and lower peak to valley dose ratio (PVDR), and thus can reduce the effectiveness of the MRT. Recently we have developed the first bench-top image guided MRT system for small animal treatment using a high powered carbon nanotube (CNT) x-ray source array. The CNT field emission x-ray source can be electronically synchronized to an external triggering signal to enable physiologically gated firing of x-ray radiation to minimize motion blurring. Here we report the results of phantom study of respiratory gated MRT. A simulation of mouse breathing was performed using a servo motor. Preliminary results show that without gating the micro beam full width at tenth maximum (FWTM) can increase by 70% and PVDR can decrease up to 50%. But with proper gating, both the beam width and PVDR changes can be negligible. Future experiments will involve irradiation of mouse models and comparing histology stains between the controls and the gated irradiation.

Detection of aortic arch calcification in apolipoprotein E-null mice using carbon nanotube-based micro-CT system

Background

We performed in vivo micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT) imaging using a novel carbon nanotube (CNT)–based x‐ray source to detect calcification in the aortic arch of apolipoprotein E (apoE)–null mice.

Methods and Results

We measured calcification volume of aortic arch plaques using CNT‐based micro‐CT in 16‐ to 18‐month‐old males on 129S6/SvEvTac and C57BL/6J genetic backgrounds (129‐apoE KO and B6‐apoE KO). Cardiac and respiratory gated images were acquired in each mouse under anesthesia. Images obtained using a CNT micro‐CT had less motion blur and better spatial resolution for aortic calcification than those using conventional micro‐CT, evaluated by edge sharpness (slope of the normalized attenuation units, 1.6±0.3 versus 0.8±0.2) and contrast‐to‐noise ratio of the calcifications (118±34 versus 10±2); both P<0.05, n=6. Calcification volume in the arch inner curvature was 4 times bigger in the 129‐apoE KO than in the B6‐apoE KO mice (0.90±0.18 versus 0.22±0.10 mm³, P<0.01, n=7 and 5, respectively), whereas plaque areas in the inner curvature measured in dissected aorta were only twice as great in the 129‐apoE KO than in the B6‐apoE KO mice (6.1±0.6 versus 3.7±0.4 mm², P<0.05). Consistent with this, histological calcification area in the plaques was significantly higher in the 129‐apoE KO than in the B6‐apoE KO mice (16.9±2.0 versus 9.6±0.8%, P<0.05, 3 animals for each).

Conclusions

A novel CNT‐based micro‐CT is a useful tool to evaluate vascular calcifications in living mice. Quantification from acquired images suggests higher susceptibility to calcification of the aortic arch plaques in 129‐apoE KO than in B6‐apoE KO mice.

Rib fractures and death from deletion of osteoblast βcatenin in adult mice is rescued by corticosteroids

Ribs are primarily made of cortical bone and are necessary for chest expansion and ventilation. Rib fractures represent the most common type of non-traumatic fractures in the elderly yet few studies have focused on the biology of rib fragility. Here, we show that deletion of βcatenin in Col1a2 expressing osteoblasts of adult mice leads to aggressive osteoclastogenesis with increased serum levels of the osteoclastogenic cytokine RANKL, extensive rib resorption, multiple spontaneous rib fractures and chest wall deformities. Within days of osteoblast specific βcatenin deletion, animals die from respiratory failure with a vanishing rib cage that is unable to sustain ventilation. Increased bone resorption is also observed in the vertebrae and femur. Treatment with the bisphosphonate pamidronate delayed but did not prevent death or associated rib fractures. In contrast, administration of the glucocorticoid dexamethasone decreased serum RANKL and slowed osteoclastogenesis. Dexamethasone preserved rib structure, prevented respiratory compromise and strikingly increased survival. Our findings provide a novel model of accelerated osteoclastogenesis, where deletion of osteoblast βcatenin in adults leads to rapid development of destructive rib fractures. We demonstrate the role of βcatenin dependent mechanisms in rib fractures and suggest that glucocorticoids, by suppressing RANKL, may have a role in treating bone loss due to aggressive osteoclastogenesis.

Monte Carlo simulation of a compact microbeam radiotherapy system based on carbon nanotube field emission technology

PURPOSE

Microbeam radiation therapy (MRT) is an experimental radiotherapy technique that has shown potent antitumor effects with minimal damage to normal tissue in animal studies. This unique form of radiation is currently only produced in a few large synchrotron accelerator research facilities in the world. To promote widespread translational research on this promising treatment technology we have proposed and are in the initial development stages of a compact MRT system that is based on carbon nanotube field emission x-ray technology. We report on a Monte Carlo based feasibility study of the compact MRT system design.

METHODS

Monte Carlo calculations were performed using EGSnrc-based codes. The proposed small animal research MRT device design includes carbon nanotube cathodes shaped to match the corresponding MRT collimator apertures, a common reflection anode with filter, and a MRT collimator. Each collimator aperture is sized to deliver a beam width ranging from 30 to 200 μm at 18.6 cm source-to-axis distance. Design parameters studied with Monte Carlo include electron energy, cathode design, anode angle, filtration, and collimator design. Calculations were performed for single and multibeam configurations.

RESULTS

Increasing the energy from 100 kVp to 160 kVp increased the photon fluence through the collimator by a factor of 1.7. Both energies produced a largely uniform fluence along the long dimension of the microbeam, with 5% decreases in intensity near the edges. The isocentric dose rate for 160 kVp was calculated to be 700 Gy∕min∕A in the center of a 3 cm diameter target. Scatter contributions resulting from collimator size were found to produce only small (<7%) changes in the dose rate for field widths greater than 50 μm. Dose vs depth was weakly dependent on filtration material. The peak-to-valley ratio varied from 10 to 100 as the separation between adjacent microbeams varies from 150 to 1000 μm.

CONCLUSIONS

Monte Carlo simulations demonstrate that the proposed compact MRT system design is capable of delivering a sufficient dose rate and peak-to-valley ratio for small animal MRT studies.

Non-contact respiration monitoring for in-vivo murine micro computed tomography: characterization and imaging applications

A cone beam micro-CT has previously been utilized along with a pressure-tracking respiration sensor to acquire prospectively gated images of both wild-type mice and various adult murine disease models. While the pressure applied to the abdomen of the subject by this sensor is small and is generally without physiological effect, certain disease models of interest, as well as very young animals, are prone to atelectasis with added pressure, or they generate too weak a respiration signal with this method to achieve optimal prospective gating. In this work we present a new fibre-optic displacement sensor which monitors respiratory motion of a subject without requiring physical contact. The sensor outputs an analogue signal which can be used for prospective respiration gating in micro-CT imaging. The device was characterized and compared against a pneumatic air chamber pressure sensor for the imaging of adult wild-type mice. The resulting images were found to be of similar quality with respect to physiological motion blur; the quality of the respiration signal trace obtained using the non-contact sensor was comparable to that of the pressure sensor and was superior for gating purposes due to its better signal-to-noise ratio. The non-contact sensor was then used to acquire in-vivo micro-CT images of a murine model for congenital diaphragmatic hernia and of 11-day-old mouse pups. In both cases, quality CT images were successfully acquired using this new respiration sensor. Despite the presence of beam hardening artefacts arising from the presence of a fibre-optic cable in the imaging field, we believe this new technique for respiration monitoring and gating presents an opportunity for in-vivo imaging of disease models which were previously considered too delicate for established animal handling methods.

Zr- and Hf-based nanoscale metal-organic frameworks as contrast agents for computed tomography

Nanoscale metal-organic frameworks (NMOFs) of the UiO-66 structure containing high Zr (37 wt%) and Hf (57 wt%) content were synthesized and characterized, and their potential as contrast agents for X-ray computed tomography (CT) imaging was evaluated. Hf-NMOFs of different sizes were coated with silica and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) to enhance biocompatibility, and were used for in vivo CT imaging of mice, showing increased attenuation in the liver and spleen.

A tetrahedron beam computed tomography benchtop system with a multiple pixel field emission x-ray tube

PURPOSE

To demonstrate the feasibility of Tetrahedron Beam Computed Tomography (TBCT) using a carbon nanotube (CNT) multiple pixel field emission x-ray (MPFEX) tube.

METHODS

A multiple pixel x-ray source facilitates the creation of novel x-ray imaging modalities. In a previous publication, the authors proposed a Tetrahedron Beam Computed Tomography (TBCT) imaging system which comprises a linear source array and a linear detector array that are orthogonal to each other. TBCT is expected to reduce scatter compared with Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) and to have better detector performance. Therefore, it may produce improved image quality for image guided radiotherapy. In this study, a TBCT benchtop system has been developed with an MPFEX tube. The tube has 75 CNT cold cathodes, which generate 75 x-ray focal spots on an elongated anode, and has 4 mm pixel spacing. An in-house-developed, 5-row CT detector array using silicon photodiodes and CdWO(4) scintillators was employed in the system. Hardware and software were developed for tube control and detector data acquisition. The raw data were preprocessed for beam hardening and detector response linearity and were reconstructed with an FDK-based image reconstruction algorithm.

RESULTS

The focal spots were measured at about 1 × 2 mm(2) using a star phantom. Each cathode generates around 3 mA cathode current with 2190 V gate voltage. The benchtop system is able to perform TBCT scans with a prolonged scanning time. Images of a commercial CT phantom were successfully acquired.

CONCLUSIONS

A prototype system was developed, and preliminary phantom images were successfully acquired. MPFEX is a promising x-ray source for TBCT. Further improvement of tube output is needed in order for it to be used in clinical TBCT systems.

Prospective respiratory gated carbon nanotube micro computed tomography

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

Challenges remain in the imaging of the lungs of free-breathing mice. Although computed tomographic (CT) imaging is near optimal from a contrast perspective, the rapid respiration rate, limited temporal resolution, and inflexible x-ray pulse control of most micro-CT scanners limit their utility in pulmonary imaging. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have permitted the development of field emission cathodes, with rapid switching and precise pulse control. The goal of this study was to explore the utility of a CNT-based micro-CT system for application in quantitative pulmonary imaging.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twelve CB57/B6 mice were imaged during peak inspiration and end-exhalation using the CNT micro-CT system. The respiratory trace was derived from a sensor placed underneath the abdomen of the animal. Animals were allowed to breathe freely during the imaging under isoflurane anesthesia. Images were reconstructed using isotropic voxels of 77-μm resolution (50 kVp, 400 projections, 30-ms x-ray pulse). Lung volumes were measured with region-growing techniques and thresholds derived from the surrounding air and soft tissues. Basic functional parameters, including tidal volume, functional reserve capacity and minute volume, were also calculated.

RESULTS

The average scan time was 13.4 ± 1.8 minutes for each phase of the respiratory cycle. Mean lung volumes at peak inspiration and end-expiration were 0.23 ± 0.026 and 0.11 ± 0.024 mL, respectively. The average minute volume was 11.93 ± 2.64 mL/min.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study demonstrate the utility of a CNT-based micro-CT system in acquiring prospectively gated images from free-breathing mice for obtaining physiologic data. This technique provides an alternative to breath-hold techniques requiring intubation and offers greater dose efficiency than retrospective gating techniques.

The Carolina Center of Cancer Nanotechnology Excellence: past accomplishments and future perspectives

The Carolina Center of Cancer Nanotechnology Excellence (C-CCNE) is funded by the National Cancer Institute and is based at the University of North Carolina. The C-CCNE features interactions between physical and biological scientists in a series of projects and cores that work together to quickly harness innovations in nanotechnology for the early diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Two key focus areas of the C-CCNE are, first, the selective delivery of drugs and imaging agents utilizing advanced nanoparticle technology, and second, novel approaches to imaging and radiotherapy utilizing carbon nanotube-based x-ray sources.

Flexible cold cathode with ultralow threshold field designed through wet chemical route

A flexible cold cathode based on a uniform array of ZnO nanowires over carbon fabrics was designed via a simple wet chemical route. The structural parameters of the nanowires (i.e. length, diameter) as well as their arrangement over the carbon fibers were tailored by adjusting nutrient solution composition and growth duration. The optimized arrays of ZnO nanowires exhibit excellent electron emission performance with ultralow turn-on as well as threshold fields of 0.27 and 0.56 V µm(-1). This threshold field value is the lowest compared to any of the previous zinc-oxide-based cold cathodes realized through either chemical or vapor phase processes. In addition, the current density can reach an exceptionally high value of ∼ 11 mA cm(-2) at an applied electric field of only 0.8 V µm(-1). Flexible electronic devices based on a field emitter cold cathode may thus be realized through chemical processing at low budget but having high efficiency.

Prospective-gated cardiac micro-CT imaging of free-breathing mice using carbon nanotube field emission x-ray

PURPOSE

Carbon nanotube (CNT) based field emission x-ray source technology has recently been investigated for diagnostic imaging applications because of its attractive characteristics including electronic programmability, fast switching, distributed source, and multiplexing. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate the potential of this technology for high-resolution prospective-gated cardiac micro-CT imaging.

METHODS

A dynamic cone-beam micro-CT scanner was constructed using a rotating gantry, a stationary mouse bed, a flat-panel detector, and a sealed CNT based microfocus x-ray source. The compact single-beam CNT x-ray source was operated at 50 KVp and 2 mA anode current with 100 microm x 100 microm effective focal spot size. Using an intravenously administered iodinated blood-pool contrast agent, prospective cardiac and respiratory-gated micro-CT images of beating mouse hearts were obtained from ten anesthetized free-breathing mice in their natural position. Four-dimensional cardiac images were also obtained by gating the image acquisition to different phases in the cardiac cycle.

RESULTS

High-resolution CT images of beating mouse hearts were obtained at 15 ms temporal resolution and 6.2 lp/mm spatial resolution at 10% of system MTF. The images were reconstructed at 76 microm isotropic voxel size. The data acquisition time for two cardiac phases was 44 +/- 9 min. The CT values observed within the ventricles and the ventricle wall were 455 +/- 49 and 120 +/- 48 HU, respectively. The entrance dose for the acquisition of a single phase of the cardiac cycle was 0.10 Gy.

CONCLUSIONS

A high-resolution dynamic micro-CT scanner was developed from a compact CNT microfocus x-ray source and its feasibility for prospective-gated cardiac micro-CT imaging of free-breathing mice under their natural position was demonstrated.

Perfusion measurements by micro-CT using prior image constrained compressed sensing (PICCS): initial phantom results

Micro-CT scanning has become an accepted standard for anatomical imaging in small animal disease and genome mutation models. Concurrently, perfusion imaging via tracking contrast dynamics after injection of an iodinated contrast agent is a well-established tool for clinical CT scanners. However, perfusion imaging is not yet commercially available on the micro-CT platform due to limitations in both radiation dose and temporal resolution. Recent hardware developments in micro-CT scanners enable continuous imaging of a given volume through the use of a slip-ring gantry. Now that dynamic CT imaging is feasible, data may be acquired to measure tissue perfusion using a micro-CT scanner (CT Imaging, Erlangen, Germany). However, rapid imaging using micro-CT scanners leads to high image noise in individual time frames. Using the standard filtered backprojection (FBP) image reconstruction, images are prohibitively noisy for calculation of voxel-by-voxel perfusion maps. In this study, we apply prior image constrained compressed sensing (PICCS) to reconstruct images with significantly lower noise variance. In perfusion phantom experiments performed on a micro-CT scanner, the PICCS reconstruction enabled a reduction to 1/16 of the noise variance of standard FBP reconstruction, without compromising the spatial or temporal resolution. This enables a significant increase in dose efficiency, and thus, significantly less exposure time is needed to acquire images amenable to perfusion processing. This reduction in required irradiation time enables voxel-by-voxel perfusion maps to be generated on micro-CT scanners. Sample perfusion maps using a deconvolution-based perfusion analysis are included to demonstrate the improvement in image quality using the PICCS algorithm.

CT clinical perspective: challenges and the impact of future technology developments

Computed tomography is not the most frequent radiologic imaging procedure, but is arguably the most important in terms of clinical impact. CT is used extensively for emergencies, cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, endocrine, neurological, orthopedic and other applications -often as the first and only imaging procedure needed for diagnosis. The chances are very high that a patient will have a CT scan in the emergency department, as an outpatient or as an inpatient for a multitude of indications - pain, trauma, suspected infection or malignancy, and frequently to investigate symptoms such as pain, or to answer a question raised by another abnormal test, such as an EKG abnormality or ultrasound finding. Despite the universality of CT in hospitals and clinics as well as free-standing imaging centers, the technology continues to evolve with greater coverage, faster acquisition and multienergy sources or detectors. The most demanding imaging applications are cardiovascular, where complex motion and small morphologic features coexist, so imaging methods that are very satisfactory elsewhere in the body may not be successful. Clinical CT scanning consists of administering toxic materials, e.g., contrast media, often monitoring the EKG and illuminating the body with high brightness x-rays. Larger area detectors and higher acquisition rates are welcome improvements, but don't solve all of the problems encountered with scan variability due to respiratory, random body, and cardiac motion, especially in a spectrum of patients from infant to massively obese adult sizes (< 1 kg to 250 kg or more). The challenges and pitfalls in CT will be delineated and evaluated relative to current and future technology.

Design and characterization of a spatially distributed multibeam field emission x-ray source for stationary digital breast tomosynthesis

Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) is a limited angle computed tomography technique that can distinguish tumors from its overlying breast tissues and has potentials for detection of cancers at a smaller size and earlier stage. Current prototype DBT scanners are based on the regular full-field digital mammography systems and require partial isocentric motion of an x-ray tube over certain angular range to record the projection views. This prolongs the scanning time and, in turn, degrades the imaging quality due to motion blur. To mitigate the above limitations, the concept of a stationary DBT (s-DBT) scanner has been recently proposed based on the newly developed spatially distributed multibeam field emission x-ray (MBFEX) source technique using the carbon nanotube. The purpose of this article is to evaluate the performance of the 25-beam MBFEX source array that has been designed and fabricated for the s-DBT system. The s-DBT system records all the projection images by electronically activating the multiple x-ray beams from different viewing angles without any mechanical motion. The configuration of the MBFEX source is close to the published values from the Siemens Mammomat system. The key issues including the x-ray flux, focal spot size, spatial resolution, scanning time, beam-to-beam consistency, and reliability are evaluated using the standard procedures. In this article, the authors describe the design and performance of a distributed x-ray source array specifically designed for the s-DBT system. They evaluate the emission current, current variation, lifetime, and focal spot sizes of the source array. An emission current of up to 18 mA was obtained at 0.5 x 0.3 mm effective focal spot size. The experimentally measured focal spot sizes are comparable to that of a typical commercial mammography tube without motion blurring. Trade-off between the system spatial resolution, x-ray flux, and scanning time are also discussed. Projection images of a breast phantom were collected using the x-ray source array from 25 different viewing angles without motion. These preliminary results demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed s-DBT scanner. The technology has the potential to increase the resolution and reduce the imaging time for DBT. With the present design of 25 views, they demonstrated experimentally the feasibility of achieving 11 s scanning time at full detector resolution with 0.5 x 0.3 mm source resolution without motion blur. The flexibility in configuration of the x-ray source array will also allow system designers to consider imaging geometries that are difficult to achieve with the conventional single-source rotating approach.