Super-resolution x-ray phase-contrast and dark-field imaging with a single 2D grating and electromagnetic source stepping

Here we report a method for increased resolution of single exposure three modality x-ray images using super-resolution. The three x-ray image modalities are absorption-, differential phase-contrast-, and dark-field-images. To create super-resolution, a non-mechanically movable micro-focus x-ray source is used. A series of almost identical x-ray projection images is obtained while the point source is translated in a two-dimensional grid pattern. The three image modalities are extracted from fourier space using spatial harmonic analysis, also known as the single-shot method. Using super-resolution on the low-resolution series of the three modalities separately results in high-resolution images for the modalities. This approach allows to compensate for the inherent loss in resolution caused by the single-shot method without increasing the need for stability or algorithms accounting for possible motion

Probing the statistical properties of Anderson localization with quantum emitters

Wave propagation in disordered media can be strongly modified by multiple scattering and wave interference. Ultimately, the so-called Andersonlocalized regime is reached when the waves become strongly confined in space. So far, Anderson localization of light has been probed in transmission experiments by measuring the intensity of an external light source after propagation through a disordered medium. However, discriminating between Anderson localization and losses in these experiments remains a major challenge. In this paper, we present an alternative approach where we use quantum emitters embedded in disordered photonic crystal waveguides as light sources. Anderson-localized modes are efficiently excited and the analysis of the photoluminescence spectra allows us to explore their statistical properties, for example the localization length and average loss length. With increasing the amount of disorder induced in the photonic crystal, we observe a pronounced increase in the localization length that is attributed to changes in the local density of states, a behavior that is in stark contrast to entirely random systems. The analysis may pave the way for accurate models and the control of Anderson localization in disordered photonic crystalsWe thank P T Kristensen and N A Mortensen for fruitful discussions on the simulations and theoretical model and gratefully acknowledge financial support from the Villum Foundation, the Danish Council for Independent Research (Natural Sciences and Technology and Production Sciences) and the European Research Council (ERC consolidator grant). LSFP acknowledges financial support from the Spanish MICINN Consolider Nanolight project (CSD2007-00046

Super-resolution x-ray phase-contrast and dark-field imaging with a single 2D grating and electromagnetic source stepping

Here we report a method for increased resolution of single exposure three modality x-ray images using super-resolution. The three x-ray image modalities are absorption-, differential phase- contrast-, and dark-field-images. To create super-resolution, a non-mechanically movable micro- focus x-ray source is used. A series of almost identical x-ray projection images is obtained while the point source is translated in a two-dimensional grid pattern. The three image modalities are extracted from fourier space using spatial harmonic analysis, also known as the single-shot method. Using super-resolution on the low-resolution series of the three modalities separately results in high- resolution images for the modalities. This approach allows to compensate for the inherent loss in resolution caused by the single-shot method without increasing the need for stability or algorithms accounting for possible motion

Injection of high dose botulinum-toxin A leads to impaired skeletal muscle function and damage of the fibrilar and non-fibrilar structures

Botulinum-toxin A (BoNT/A) is used for a wide range of conditions. Intramuscular administration of BoNT/A inhibits the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction from presynaptic motor neurons causing muscle-paralysis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of high dose intramuscular BoNT/A injections (6 UI = 60 pg) on muscle tissue. The gait pattern of the rats was significantly affected 3 weeks after BoNT/A injection. The ankle joint rotated externally, the rats became flat footed, and the stride length decreased after BoNT/A injection. Additionally, there was clear evidence of microstructural changes on the tissue level by as evidenced by 3D imaging of the muscles by Synchrotron Radiation X-ray Tomographic Microscopy (SRXTM). Both the fibrillar and the non-fibrillar tissues were affected. The volume fraction of fibrillary tissue was reduced significantly and the non-fibrillar tissue increased. This was accompanied by a loss of the linear structure of the muscle tissue. Furthermore, gene expression analysis showed a significant upregulation of COL1A1, MMP-2, TGF-b1, IL-6, MHCIIA and MHCIIx in the BoNT/A injected leg, while MHVIIB was significantly downregulated. In conclusion: The present study reveals that high dose intramuscular BoNT/A injections cause microstructural damage of the muscle tissue, which contributes to impaired gait

Three-dimensional architecture of human diabetic peripheral nerves revealed by X-ray phase contrast holographic nanotomography

A deeper knowledge of the architecture of the peripheral nerve with three-dimensional (3D) imaging of the nerve tissue at the sub-cellular scale may contribute to unravel the pathophysiology of neuropathy. Here we demonstrate the feasibility of X-ray phase contrast holographic nanotomography to enable 3D imaging of nerves at high resolution, while covering a relatively large tissue volume. We show various subcomponents of human peripheral nerves in biopsies from patients with type 1 and 2 diabetes and in a healthy subject. Together with well-organized, parallel myelinated nerve fibres we show regenerative clusters with twisted nerve fibres, a sprouted axon from a node of Ranvier and other specific details. A novel 3D construction (with movie created) of a node of Ranvier with end segment of a degenerated axon and sprout of a regenerated one is captured. Many of these architectural elements are not described in the literature. Thus, X-ray phase contrast holographic nanotomography enables identifying specific morphological structures in 3D in peripheral nerve biopsies from a healthy subject and from patients with type 1 and 2 diabetes.Funding Agencies|EU InterReg project MAX4ESSFUN [KU-008]; Swedish Research CouncilSwedish Research Council [E0605401, E0605402]; Lund University</p

Host Defense Peptides in Wound Healing

Host defense peptides are effector molecules of the innate immune system. They show broad antimicrobial action against gram-positive and -negative bacteria, and they likely play a key role in activating and mediating the innate as well as adaptive immune response in infection and inflammation. These features make them of high interest for wound healing research. Non-healing and infected wounds are a major problem in patient care and health care spending. Increasing infection rates, growing bacterial resistance to common antibiotics, and the lack of effective therapeutic options for the treatment of problematic wounds emphasize the need for new approaches in therapy and pathophysiologic understanding. This review focuses on the current knowledge of host defense peptides affecting wound healing and infection. We discuss the current data and highlight the potential future developments in this field of research