Figure 1.

Experimental design and phase contrast imaging using synchrotron x-rays. (A) Schematic showing the set-up for ASL height measurement in the lumen of the trachea using phase contrast imaging. When x-rays pass through the preparation, the difference in refractive index between the ASL and the air results in a phase shift of x-rays that causes a distinct interference pattern detected as variations in x-ray intensities on the CCD (see²³ for ex vivo diagram). (B) Synchrotron-based phase contrast imaging measurement of ASL height in an isolated swine trachea. (C) HTS or ITS aerosol were delivered at time 0 for 90 seconds, and images were acquired at time −3, 6, 12, and 18 minutes. Representative sample of the images acquired from an ex vivo preparation treated with (D) HTS and (E) ITS nebulization at −3, 6, 12, and 18 min.