Micro-computed tomography: Applications for high-resolution skeletal density determinations: An example using annually banded crustose coralline algae

2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 3542-3553 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Chan ◽  
J. Halfar ◽  
C. J. D. Norley ◽  
S. I. Pollmann ◽  
W. Adey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
High Resolution ◽  
Coralline Algae ◽  
Crustose Coralline Algae ◽  
Micro Computed Tomography ◽  
Skeletal Density

MicroCT protocols for scanning of embryos and juvenile Hexaplex trunculus v1

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva Chatzinikolaou ◽  
Kleoniki Keklikoglou
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
High Resolution ◽  
3D Imaging ◽  
Imaging Technique ◽  
Ct Scanning ◽  
Micro Ct ◽  
Micro Computed Tomography ◽  
Gastropod Species ◽  
Biological Studies ◽  
Hexaplex Trunculus

Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) is a high-resolution 3D-imaging technique which is now increasingly applied in biological studies focusing on taxonomy and functional morphology. The creation of virtual representations of specimens can increase availability of otherwise underexploited and inaccessible samples. This protocol aims to standardise micro-CT scanning procedures for embryos and juveniles of the marine gastropod species Hexaplex trunculus.

scholarly journals All Our Eggs In One Basket: Challenges of High Resolution X-Ray Micro-Computed Tomography of Great Auk Pinguinus impennis Eggshell

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. e25794
Author(s):  
Douglas Russell ◽  
Arianna Bernucci ◽  
Amy Scott-Murray ◽  
Duncan Jackson ◽  
Farah Ahmed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
High Resolution ◽  
Structured Light ◽  
3D Models ◽  
Breeding Ecology ◽  
Micro Computed Tomography ◽  
History Museum ◽  
X Ray ◽  
X Ray Imaging ◽  
Scan Data

High resolution X-ray micro-computed tomography gives the ability to research objects in unprecedented detail in 3D without damaging them but applying these new techniques to specimens can be complex. In 2017 the Natural History Museum (NHM), London embarked on a ground-breaking project with University of Sheffield to compare extinct Great Auk Pinguinus impennis eggshell microstructure to that of their extant relatives to gain new insight into their breeding ecology. NHM has a ZEISS Xradia 520 Versa X-ray microscope capable of submicron X-ray imaging in 3D but using it required supporting and moving complete eggshells within the confined, potentially harsh, mechanised environment of the microscope without risk. Ensuring the correct position and orientation of each egg to image nine distinct areas on the eggshell was also a challenge. Collaboration with colleagues in the NHM Conservation and Imaging & Analysis Centres developed a bespoke solution to hold and protect the eggs during scanning. All six NHM Great Auk eggshells and the inside of the microscope were surface scanned using a handheld structured light scanner. Scan data produced 3D models from which accurate 3D printed plastic replicas were made of the three Great Auk eggs prioritised for research. Each replica was used to mould a two-part, custom-built, case for each egg constructed from conservation grade epoxy putty and lined with polyethylene foam. This provided close-fitting, durable cases which could be used for the 6-month duration of the project. Each case enclosed its matching Great Auk egg entirely and had the advantage of being rock-hard, electrically insulating and water, heat and chemical resistant. A system of three, interchangeable, tailor-made mounting brackets were designed that married with the cases and held them safely and precisely inside the microscope at the correct angles and positions for imaging. The structured light scan of the inside of the microscope was used to model the necessary rotational movements of the cases and brackets inside the scanner, ensuring that all movements had sufficient clearance to avoid risk of impact. This system successfully protected the fragile c. 200 year old eggs throughout 70 scanning sessions. This provides a methodology for high resolution X-ray micro-computed tomography imaging of any similarly sized, fragile, object.

Recent density decline in wild-collected subarctic crustose coralline algae reveals climate change signature

Geology ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 226-230 ◽  
Author(s):  
P.T.W. Chan ◽  
J. Halfar ◽  
W.H. Adey ◽  
P.A. Lebednik ◽  
R. Steneck ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Structural Integrity ◽  
Benthic Communities ◽  
Crustose Coralline Alga ◽  
Coralline Algae ◽  
Co2 Uptake ◽  
Strong Correlations ◽  
Crustose Coralline Algae ◽  
Skeletal Density ◽  
Surface Ocean

Abstract Warming surface ocean temperatures combined with the continued diffusion of atmospheric CO2 into seawater have been shown to have detrimental impacts on calcareous marine organisms in tropical and temperate localities. However, greater oceanic CO2 uptake in higher latitudes may present a higher oceanic acidification risk to carbonate organisms residing in Arctic and subarctic habitats. This is especially true for crustose coralline algae that build their skeletons using high-Mg calcite, which is among the least stable and most soluble of the carbonate minerals. Here we present a century-long annually resolved growth, density, and calcification rate record from the crustose coralline alga Clathromorphum nereostratum, a dominant calcifier in Pacific Arctic and subarctic benthic communities. Specimens were collected from the Aleutian Islands, Alaska (USA), a region that has undergone a long-term decline of 0.08 ± 0.01 pH units since the late 19th century. Growth and calcification rates remain relatively stable throughout the record, but skeletal densities have declined substantially since A.D. 1983. Strong correlations to warming sea-surface temperatures indicate that temperature stress may play a significant role in influencing the ability of corallines to calcify. Decreasing algal skeletal density may offset the benefits of continued growth and calcification due to a weakening in structural integrity, which could have detrimental consequences for the diverse reef-like communities associated with algal structures in mid-to-high latitudes.

scholarly journals Optimising micro computed tomography imaging of large animal and human hearts at high resolution

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2-4) ◽  
pp. 268-269
Author(s):  
N. Pallares Lupon ◽  
J. Duchâteau ◽  
L. Yessad ◽  
M. Constantin ◽  
G. Ramlugun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
High Resolution ◽  
Large Animal ◽  
Micro Computed Tomography ◽  
Computed Tomography Imaging ◽  
Tomography Imaging
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