The 'bIUreactor': An Open-Source 3D Tissue Research Platform.

We developed the open-source bIUreactor research platform for studying 3D structured tissues. The versatile and modular platform allows a researcher to generate 3D tissues, culture them with oxygenated perfusion, and provide cyclic loading, all in their own lab (in laboratorium) for an all in cost of $8,000 including 3D printer, printing resin, and electronics. We achieved this by applying a design philosophy that leverages 3D printing, open-source software and hardware, and practical techniques to produce the following: 1.

A novel framework for evaluating the image accuracy of dynamic MRI and the application on accelerated breast DCE MRI.

Objective: To develop a novel framework for evaluating the accuracy of quantitative analysis on dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI with a specific combination of imaging technique, scanning parameters, and scanner and software performance and to test this framework with breast DCE MRI with Time-resolved angiography WIth Stochastic Trajectories (TWIST).

Materials And Methods: Realistic breast tumor phantoms were 3D printed as cavities and filled with solutions of MR contrast agent. Full k-space raw data of individual tumor phantoms and a uniform background phantom were acquired.

Controlled radio-frequency hyperthermia using an MR scanner and simultaneous monitoring of temperature and therapy response by (1)H, (23)Na and (31)P magnetic resonance spectroscopy in subcutaneously implanted 9L-gliosarcoma.

A magnetic resonance (MR) technique is developed to produce controlled radio-frequency (RF) hyperthermia (HT) in subcutaneously-implanted 9L-gliosarcoma in Fisher rats using an MR scanner and its components; the scanner is also simultaneously used to monitor the tumour temperature and the metabolic response of the tumour to the therapy. The method uses the (1)H chemical shift of thulium 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetra-acetic acid (TmDOTA(-)) to monitor temperature. The desired HT temperature is achieved and maintained using a feedback loop mechanism that uses a proportional-integral-derivative controller.

Small animal PET imaging.

Positron emission tomography (PET) is well established as an important research and clinical molecular imaging modality. Although the size differences between humans and rodents create formidable challenges for the application of PET imaging in small animals, advances in technology over the past several years have enabled the translation of this imaging modality to preclinical applications. In this article we discuss the basic principles of PET instrumentation and radiopharmaceuticals, and examine the key factors responsible for the qualitative and quantitative imaging capabilities of small animal PET systems.