A high-resolution 3D atlas of the spectrum of tuberculous and COVID-19 lung lesions.

Our current understanding of the spectrum of TB and COVID-19 lesions in the human lung is limited by a reliance on low-resolution imaging platforms that cannot provide accurate 3D representations of lesion types within the context of the whole lung. To characterize TB and COVID-19 lesions in 3D, we applied micro/nanocomputed tomography to surgically resected, postmortem, and paraffin-embedded human lung tissue. We define a spectrum of TB pathologies, including cavitary lesions, calcium deposits outside and inside necrotic granulomas and mycetomas, and vascular rearrangement.

Micro-Computed Tomography Analysis of the Human Tuberculous Lung Reveals Remarkable Heterogeneity in Three-dimensional Granuloma Morphology.

Our current understanding of tuberculosis (TB) pathophysiology is limited by a reliance on animal models, the paucity of human TB lung tissue, and traditional histopathological analysis, a destructive two-dimensional approach that provides limited spatial insight. Determining the three-dimensional (3D) structure of the necrotic granuloma, a characteristic feature of TB, will more accurately inform preventive TB strategies. To ascertain the 3D shape of the human tuberculous granuloma and its spatial relationship with airways and vasculature within large lung tissues.

Data for 3D printing enlarged museum specimens for the visually impaired.

Museums are embracing new technologies and one of these is the use of 3D printing. 3D printing allows for creating physical replicas of items which may, due to great value or significance, not be handled by the public, or which are too small or fragile to be handled or even seen with the naked eye. One such application of new technologies has been welcomed by the National Museum in Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa.

Physico-elemental analysis of roasted organic coffee beans from Ethiopia, Colombia, Honduras, and Mexico using X-ray micro-computed tomography and external beam particle induced X-ray emission.

The physico-elemental profiles of commercially attained and roasted organic coffee beans from Ethiopia, Colombia, Honduras, and Mexico were compared using light microscopy, X-ray micro-computed tomography, and external beam particle induced X-ray emission. External beam PIXE analysis detected P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Br, Rb, and Sr in samples. Linear discriminant analysis showed that there was no strong association between elemental data and production region, whilst a heatmap combined with hierarchical clustering showed that soil-plant physico-chemical properties may influence regional elemental signatures.

A micro X-ray computed tomography dataset of fossil echinoderms in an ancient obrution bed: a robust method for taphonomic and palaeoecologic analyses.

Background: Taphonomic and palaeoecologic studies of obrution beds often employ conventional methods of investigation such as physical removal and extraction of fossils from their host rock (matrix) by mechanical preparation. This often-destructive method is not suitable for studying mold fossils, which are voids left in host rocks due to dissolution of the original organism in post-depositional processes.

Findings: Microcomputed tomography (µCT) scan data of 24 fossiliferous rock samples revealed thousands of Paleozoic echinoderms.

Standard method for microCT-based additive manufacturing quality control 4: Metal powder analysis.

X-ray micro computed tomography (microCT) can be applied to analyse powder feedstock used in additive manufacturing. In this paper, we demonstrate a dedicated workflow for this analysis method, specifically for Ti6Al4V powder typically used in commercial powder bed fusion (PBF) additive manufacturing (AM) systems. The methodology presented includes sample size requirements, scan conditions and settings, reconstruction and image analysis procedures.

Standard method for microCT-based additive manufacturing quality control 2: Density measurement.

MicroCT is best known for its ability to detect and quantify porosity or defects, and to visualize its 3D distribution. However, it is also possible to obtain accurate volumetric measurements from parts - this can be used in combination with the part mass to provide a good measure of its average density. The advantage of this density-measurement method is the ability to combine the density measurement with visualization and other microCT analyses of the same sample.

Standard method for microCT-based additive manufacturing quality control 3: Surface roughness.

The use of microCT of 10 mm coupon samples produced by AM has the potential to provide useful information of mean density and detailed porosity information of the interior of the samples. In addition, the same scan data can be used to provide surface roughness analysis of the as-built surfaces of the same coupon samples. This can be used to compare process parameters or new materials.

Standard method for microCT-based additive manufacturing quality control 1: Porosity analysis.

MicroCT is a well-established technique that is used to analyze the interior of objects non-destructively, and it is especially useful for void or porosity analysis. Besides its widespread use, few standards exist and none for additive manufacturing as yet. This is due to the inherent differences in part design, sizes and geometries, which results in different scan resolutions and qualities.

Analyzing nature's protective design: The glyptodont body armor.

Many animal species evolved some form of body armor, such as scales of fish and bony plates or osteoderms of reptiles. Although a protective function is often taken for granted, recent studies show that body armor might comprise multiple functionalities and is shaped by trade-offs among these functionalities. Hence, despite the fact that natural body armor might serve as bio-inspiration for the development of artificial protective materials, focussing on model systems in which body armor serves a solely protective function might be pivotal.

Snake fangs: 3D morphological and mechanical analysis by microCT, simulation, and physical compression testing.

This Data Note provides data from an experimental campaign to analyse the detailed internal and external morphology and mechanical properties of venomous snake fangs. The aim of the experimental campaign was to investigate the evolutionary development of 3 fang phenotypes and investigate their mechanical behaviour. The study involved the use of load simulations to compare maximum Von Mises stress values when a load is applied to the tip of the fang.

Laboratory x-ray micro-computed tomography: a user guideline for biological samples.

Laboratory x-ray micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) is a fast-growing method in scientific research applications that allows for non-destructive imaging of morphological structures. This paper provides an easily operated "how to" guide for new potential users and describes the various steps required for successful planning of research projects that involve micro-CT. Background information on micro-CT is provided, followed by relevant setup, scanning, reconstructing, and visualization methods and considerations.