Real-time in-vivo μ-imaging with Medipix2

Abstract An X-ray micro-radiographic system based on the Medipix2 semiconductor pixel detector for dynamic high spatial resolution and for high contrast imaging has been developed. Our system is based on a micro-focus and nano-focus X-ray tube and the hybrid single-photon counting silicon pixel detector Medipix2 (matrix 256×256 sq. pixels of 55 μm pitch). This compact table-top system stands promising as a new tool in the field of small animal imaging as well as in the in-vivo observation of dynamic processes inside living organisms. The main advantages of these Medipix2 pixel detectors include: high sensitivity to low-energy X-ray photons; position sensitive and noiseless single-photon detection with preselected photon energies; single-quantum counting in each pixel performed by digital counter (therefore there is no dark current); digital integration (providing unlimited dynamic range and absolute linearity in device response to number of photons, high sensitivity and high contrast); real-time digital information, high-speed digital communication and data transfer. We improve the picture quality with the help of statistical data analysis and extended the calibration of individual pixels response. 2D and 3D radiographic images of samples demonstrate the potential and applicability of our system for precise in-vivo X-ray high-resolution dynamic diagnostic and biological studies. Obtained results are shown on small animal and organic samples

Not Only Soldiers Have Weapons: Evolution of the Frontal Gland in Imagoes of the Termite Families Rhinotermitidae and Serritermitidae

BACKGROUND: The frontal gland is a unique adaptation of advanced termite families. It has been intensively studied in soldiers with respect to its anatomy and chemistry, with numerous novel compounds being discovered within the tremendous richness of identified products. At the same time, the presence of the frontal gland in non-soldier castes received only negligible attention in the past. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Here, we report on the development of the frontal gland in alate imagoes of 10 genera and 13 species of Rhinotermitidae and Serritermitidae, in order to shed light on the evolution and function of this gland in imagoes. All investigated species possess a frontal gland. In most cases, it is well-developed and equipped with a sac-like reservoir, located in the postero-dorsal part of cranium, but reaching as far as the seventh abdominal segment in some Rhinotermitinae. The only exception is the genus Psammotermes, in which the gland is very small and devoid of the reservoir. CONCLUSIONS: Our direct observations and comparisons with soldiers suggest a defensive role of the gland in imagoes of all studied species. This functional analogy, along with the anatomic homology between the frontal gland in soldiers and imagoes, make it likely that the gland appeared once during the early evolution of rhinotermitid ancestors, and remained as a defensive organ of prime importance in both, soldiers and imagoes

Scientific digital photography in biological laboratory

Paper deals with recent achievments and possibilities to use digital photography in biology. New finding in sensitivity of digital camera to UV and NIR are documented

Infrared digital photography in biology

Infrared digital photography has new possibilities especially with use of recent digital cameras. Their chip has higher sensitivity to near infrared light (N-IR). Due to this fact digital cameras are more universal than classical camera. Powerful electronics also helps. Digital photography in visible light as well as in UV and N-IR light are more and more applied in biological laboratory or in outdoor investigation

Digitální zobrazování klíněnky jírovcové, Cameraria ohridella (Lepidoptera, Gracillariidae)

Paper concerns documentation of Horse Chestnut Leafminer in leaves by modern digital tools. They are: digital cameras like model Sony DSC-F828 in the near-infrared (700-880 nm) including video mode (VGA, 30 fps), digital camera inside mobil phone Sony Eriscon K750i, flatbed scanners and recent digital camcorders. Some methods of image processing were applied to digital images

Use of consumer digital camera Casio Exilim Pro EX-F1 in biology

Digital camera Casio Exilim Pro EX-F1 is interesting tool in hands of biologist. For example biologist working in the field and taking photographs of quick animals to a longer distance. Iz is advantageous also for macrophotography. In fact it is „Scientific digital camera“ This model is able to shot very quick processes. It operates at frequency till 1200 fps. It is proof that due to electronics digital photography overpass limits characteristic for classical photography. The same will be in the near future

Changes in the Parasitism Rate and Parasitoid Community Structure of the Horse Chestnut Leafminer, <i>Cameraria ohridella</i> (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), in the Czech Republic

The horse chestnut leafminer, Cameraria ohridella, Deschka and Dimić, is a moth that has invaded most of Europe since it was first recorded in Macedonia near Lake Ohrid in 1985. It attacks horse chestnut trees and causes aesthetic and vitality problems. The parasitism rate, other mortality rates, and parasitoid structure were studied during a five-year survey at six sites in the Czech Republic. The results showed that the total parasitism rates varied from 1.9% to 20.5%, with an average of 7.2%, similar to other those published studies. The parasitism rate was significantly related to year, the developmental stage of C. ohridella, latitude, and greenery maintenance but not to C. ohridella population density, altitude, or area size. In contrast, the total other mortality rates varied from 13.7% to 59.5%, with an average of 31%, but overall temporal changes in the values indicated a declining trend. The parasitoid complex was predominantly polyphagous parasitoids of the family Eulophidae, similar to that found previously in south-eastern Europe. The results further revealed that the most abundant parasitoid species, Minotetrastichus frontalis (Nees), was gradually replaced by Pediobius saulius (Walker). The increasing abundance of P. saulius is thus an interesting adaptation of an autochthonous parasitoid to a new host