scholarly journals Morphogenesis of an extended phenotype: four-dimensional ant nest architecture

2011 ◽  
Vol 9 (68) ◽  
pp. 586-595 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas J. Minter ◽  
Nigel R. Franks ◽  
Katharine A. Robson Brown
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Time Series ◽  
Ct Scanning ◽  
Nest Architecture ◽  
Extended Phenotype ◽  
Micro Computed Tomography ◽  
Local Competition ◽  
Ant Nest ◽  
Dimensional Growth ◽  
Resolution Dataset

Animals produce a variety of structures to modify their environments adaptively. Such structures represent extended phenotypes whose development is rarely studied. To begin to rectify this, we used micro-computed tomography (CT) scanning and time-series experiments to obtain the first high-resolution dataset on the four-dimensional growth of ant nests. We show that extrinsic features within the environment, such as the presence of planes between layers of sediment, influence the architecture of Lasius flavus nests, with ants excavating horizontal tunnels along such planes. Intrinsically, the dimensions of the tunnels are associated with individual colonies, the dynamics of excavation can be explained by negative feedback and the angular distribution of tunnels is probably a result of local competition among tunnels for miners. The architecture and dynamics of ant nest excavation therefore result from local interactions of ants with one another and templates inherent in the environment. The influence of the environment on the form of structures has been documented across both biotic and abiotic domains. Our study opens up the utility of CT scanning as a technique for observing the morphogenesis of such structures.

Morphology and Affinities of Ampelocissites Seeds (Vitaceae: Ampelopsis clade) from the Paleogene of Texas, USA

2020 ◽  
Vol 45 (3) ◽  
pp. 478-482
Author(s):  
Steven R. Manchester
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Cross Sections ◽  
Seed Coat ◽  
Ct Scanning ◽  
Seed Morphology ◽  
Early Eocene ◽  
Micro Computed Tomography ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Fossil Seeds ◽  
Fossil Genus

Abstract—The type material on which the fossil genus name Ampelocissites was established in 1929 has been reexamined with the aid of X-ray micro-computed tomography (μ-CT) scanning and compared with seeds of extant taxa to assess the relationships of these fossils within the grape family, Vitaceae. The specimens were collected from a sandstone of late Paleocene or early Eocene age. Although originally inferred by Berry to be intermediate in morphology between Ampelocissus and Vitis, the newly revealed details of seed morphology indicate that these seeds represent instead the Ampelopsis clade. Digital cross sections show that the seed coat maintains its thickness over the external surfaces, but diminishes quickly in the ventral infolds. This feature, along with the elliptical chalaza and lack of an apical groove, indicate that Ampelocissites lytlensis Berry probably represents Ampelopsis or Nekemias (rather than Ampelocissus or Vitis) and that the generic name Ampelocissites may be useful for fossil seeds with morphology consistent with the Ampelopsis clade that lack sufficient characters to specify placement within one of these extant genera.

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.

The endocranial anatomy of Gogonasus andrewsae Long, 1985 revealed through micro CT-scanning

2014 ◽  
Vol 105 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy Holland
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Blood Vessels ◽  
Western Australia ◽  
Nasal Septum ◽  
Ct Scanning ◽  
Micro Ct ◽  
Micro Computed Tomography ◽  
New Research ◽  
Nasal Capsule

ABSTRACTMicro computed tomography has revealed as yet undescribed internal braincase anatomy of the tetrapodomorph fish Gogonasus andrewsae from the Frasnian Gogo Formation, Paddy's Valley, Kimberley Region, Western Australia. The complete material, including the cranial cavities and channels for blood vessels and nerves, reveals several notable features inside the endocranium. The ethmosphenoid unit includes a median capsule, which lies underneath the median postrostral and rostral series. Based on innervation and association with cutaneous vessels, potential electroreceptive function is inferred for this capsule. Several regions of poor ossification, including foramina for the glossopharyngeal and abducens nerves, as well as the apparent suture separating the ethmoid from the sphenoid portions of the braincase, are possibly indicative of early ontogenetic features. Former interpretations of the course for the superficial ophthalmic nerve inside the nasal capsule of Osteolepis and Gyroptychius may be incorrect, with new research supporting a path through the nasal septum, as in Gogonasus.

scholarly journals A Nondestructive Method of Measuring Zebrafish Adipose Tissue Based on Micro-Computed Tomography (Micro-CT)

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (22) ◽  
pp. 10510
Author(s):  
Xin Wang ◽  
Guangxin Wang ◽  
Yuan Xiao ◽  
Yanxia Zuo ◽  
Fang Zhou
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Adipose Tissue ◽  
Lipid Metabolism ◽  
Abdominal Cavity ◽  
Ct Scanning ◽  
Fat Distribution ◽  
Nondestructive Method ◽  
Micro Ct ◽  
Micro Computed Tomography ◽  
Scanning Method

Due to problems such as unbalanced intake of nutrients or excessive intake of energy, cultured fish accumulate fat in places such as the abdominal cavity, liver, and muscle, resulting in fatty liver, reducing the quality of fish meat, and even causing many fish deaths, resulting in losses to aquaculture production. Therefore, research on lipid metabolism in fish is important and has attracted increasing attention. The detection of fish body fat distribution and content is a key to such research. The existing methods for detecting fat distribution and content in fish have limitations, such as cumbersome procedures and damage to fish tissues, and thus, is imperative to develop a simple, fast, nondestructive fat detection technology. Taking zebrafish as the research material, this study established an imaging technology for the rapid and nondestructive detection of the fat distribution and content of fish by micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), optimized the fat CT-scanning method, determined the steps of fat quantitation in the CTAn data processing software, and constructed a three-dimensional (3D) model of zebrafish adipose tissue. This technology reveals the distribution of fish adipose tissue in an all-round way, and thus, it will play an important role in the study of lipid metabolism in fish.

MicroCT protocols for scanning egg capsules of Hexaplex trunculus v1

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva Chatzinikolaou ◽  
Kleoniki Keklikoglou
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
3D Imaging ◽  
Imaging Technique ◽  
Ct Scanning ◽  
Micro Ct ◽  
Micro Computed Tomography ◽  
Gastropod Species ◽  
Egg Capsules ◽  
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 the egg capsules of the marine gastropod species Hexaplex trunculus.

scholarly journals Presence of voids after three obturation techniques in band‐shaped isthmuses: a micro‐computed tomography study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pengfei Zhang ◽  
Keyong Yuan ◽  
Qiaoqiao Jin ◽  
Fen Zhao ◽  
Zhengwei Huang
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Continuous Wave ◽  
Ct Scanning ◽  
Micro Ct ◽  
Micro Computed Tomography ◽  
Filling Materials ◽  
Gutta Percha ◽  
Molar Teeth ◽  
Void Volumes

Abstract Background The objective of the present micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) study was to assess the presence of voids in band-shaped isthmuses obturated using three different filling techniques. Methods Twenty-four artificial molar teeth with a band-shaped isthmus were allocated to three groups (n = 8) for obturation, according to the filling technique: single-cone (SC), continuous wave of condensation (CWC) or lateral condensation (LC). Obturation was performed with gutta-percha (GP) cones and iRoot SP (Innovative Bioceramix, Vancouver, Canada). Post-filling micro-CT scanning was performed. The percentage of filling materials and void volumes were calculated in the isthmus areas and data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey tests. Results The mean percentage of void volumes and corresponding filling percentages in the isthmus areas after obturation in the SC groups was 22.98 % ± 1.19 %, 77.02 % ± 1.19 %; in the CWC groups 10.46 % ± 2.28 %, 89.54 % ± 2.28 %; and in the LC groups was 13.14 % ± 1.85 %, 86.86 % ± 1.85 %, respectively. Conclusions In band-shaped isthmus area, the obturation quality of CWC was superior to SC and LC techniques.

scholarly journals How biocompatible haemodialysers can conquer the need for systemic anticoagulation even in post-dilution haemodiafiltration: a cross-over study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Floris Vanommeslaeghe ◽  
Iván Josipovic ◽  
Matthieu Boone ◽  
Arjan van der Tol ◽  
Annemie Dhondt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Relative Number ◽  
Ct Scanning ◽  
Micro Ct ◽  
Micro Computed Tomography ◽  
Scanning Technique ◽  
Half Dose ◽  
Systemic Anticoagulation

Abstract Background While systemic anticoagulation is most widely used in haemodialysis (HD), contraindications to its use might occur in particular settings. The Solacea™ haemodialyser with an asymmetric triacetate membrane claims improved biocompatibility and has already shown promising results when used in combination with only half dose of anticoagulation. To quantify the performance of the Solacea™ when further decreasing anticoagulation to zero, fibre blocking was assessed by micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Methods Ten maintenance HD patients underwent six dialysis sessions at midweek using a Solacea™ 19H dialyser, consecutively in pre-dilution haemodiafiltration (pre-HDF), HD and post-dilution HDF (post-HDF). After the first three sessions with only a quarter of their regular anticoagulation dose (one-quarter), the last three sessions were performed without anticoagulation (zero). Dialyser fibre blocking was quantified in the dialyser outlet potting using a 3D micro-CT scanning technique post-dialysis. Results Even in case of reduced (one-quarter) anticoagulation, the relative number of open fibres post-dialysis was almost optimal, i.e. 0.96 (0.87–0.99) with pre-HDF, 0.99 (0.97–0.99) with HD and 0.97 (0.92–0.99) with post-HDF. Fibre patency was mildly decreased for pre-HDF and HD when anticoagulation was decreased from one-quarter to zero, i.e. to 0.76 (0.61–0.85) with pre-HDF (P = 0.004) and to 0.80 (0.77–0.89) with HD (P = 0.013). Comparing the results for zero anticoagulation, post-HDF [i.e. 0.94 (0.82–0.97)] performed as well as HD and pre-HDF. Conclusions The Solacea™ dialyser provides promising results for use in conditions where systemic anticoagulation is contraindicated. Post-HDF, although inducing haemoconcentration in the dialyser, is equally effective for fibre patency in case of zero anticoagulation as pre-HDF and HD when using Solacea™.

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