Realistic 3D computer model of the gerbil middle ear, featuring accurate morphology of bone and soft tissue structures.

In order to improve realism in middle ear (ME) finite-element modeling (FEM), comprehensive and precise morphological data are needed. To date, micro-scale X-ray computed tomography (μCT) recordings have been used as geometric input data for FEM models of the ME ossicles. Previously, attempts were made to obtain these data on ME soft tissue structures as well.

High-resolution X-ray CT for 3D petrography of ferruginous sandstone for an investigation of building stone decay.

Diestian ferruginous sandstone has been used as the dominant building stone for monuments in the Hageland, a natural landscape in east-central Belgium. Like all rocks, this stone type is sensitive to weathering. Case hardening was observed in combination with blackening of the exterior parts of the dressed stones.

Refuge from predation, the benefit of living in an extreme acidic environment?

Organisms living in extreme habitats require costly adaptations to cope with these conditions. Among the suggested potential benefits that trade off these costs is refuge from predation. To study these interactions in extreme environments, samples were taken in the cave Cueva de Villa Luz, Tabasco, Mexico, where more than 32 subterranean springs, some H(2)S rich, rise from the floor.

Multi-disciplinary characterisation of a sandstone surface crust.

Unlabelled: Sandstones are used in many contemporary and historical buildings. With time, these buildings become dark and a surface crust is formed. Generally, these crusts mainly consist of minerals of which the constituents were mobilised from the interior of the stone, and material from the surrounding environment like air pollutants and dust.

Linking morphology and motion: a test of a four-bar mechanism in seahorses.

Syngnathid fishes (seahorses, pipefish, and sea dragons) possess a highly modified cranium characterized by a long and tubular snout with minute jaws at its end. Previous studies indicated that these species are extremely fast suction feeders with their feeding strike characterized by a rapid elevation of the head accompanied by rotation of the hyoid. A planar four-bar model is proposed to explain the coupled motion of the neurocranium and the hyoid.

Histologic and micro-computed tomographic evaluation of the osseointegration of a nonresorbable bone substitute in alveoli of ponies after tooth extraction.

Objective: To evaluate the biological behavior of a nonresorbable bone substitute (NRBS) in the alveoli of ponies, compared with tissue quality in naturally healing alveoli, after cheek tooth extraction.

Animals: 5 clinically normal ponies.

Procedures: In each pony, both maxillary fourth premolars (Triadan 108/208) were repulsed bilaterally during anesthesia.

Porous gelatin hydrogels: 2. In vitro cell interaction study.

We report on the feasibility of applying porous gelatin hydrogels, prepared by a novel and controlled cryogenic treatment, as cell-interactive scaffolds for tissue engineering applications. Despite the large number of publications on gelatin as a biomaterial, a detailed study of screening a limited number of gelatin scaffolds for their interaction with a panel of human cells has, to the best of our knowledge, not yet been published. In the present work, we have evaluated two types of porous gelatin scaffolds that differ in their pore geometry and pore size.

Porous gelatin hydrogels: 1. Cryogenic formation and structure analysis.

In the present work, porous gelatin scaffolds were prepared by cryogenic treatment of a chemically cross-linked gelatin hydrogel, followed by removal of the ice crystals formed through lyophilization. This technique often leads to porous gels with a less porous skin. A simple method has been developed to solve this problem.

Use of X-ray computed microtomography for non-invasive determination of wood anatomical characteristics.

Quantitative analysis of wood anatomical characteristics is usually performed using classical microtomy yielding optical micrographs of stained thin sections. It is time-consuming to obtain high quality cross-sections from microtomy, and sections can be damaged. This approach, therefore, is often impractical for those who need quick acquisition of quantitative data on vessel characteristics in wood.