Average Electron Density Research Articles

Impact of contrast-enhanced CT in the dosimetry of SBRT for liver metastases treated with MR-Linac

BackgroundTo investigate the impact of using contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CHCT) in the dosimetry of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for liver metastases treated with MR-Linac.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted on 21 liver cancer patients treated with SBRT (50 Gy in 5 fractions) using a 1.5 Tesla Unity MR-Linac. The clinical treatment plans optimised on plain computed tomography (pCT) were used as reference. The electronic density (ED) of regions of interest (ROIs) including the liver, duodenum, esophagus, spinal cord, heart, ribs, and lungs, from pCT and CHCT, was analysed. The average ED of each ROI from CHCT was used to generate synthetic CT (sCT) images by assigning the average ED value from the CHCT to the pCT. Clinical plans were recalculated on sCT images. Dosimetric comparisons between the original treatment plan (TPpCT) and the sCT plan (TPsCT) were performed using dose-volume histogram (DVH) parameters, and gamma analysis.ResultsSignificant ED differences (p < 0.05) were observed in the liver, great vessels, heart, lungs, and spinal cord between CHCT and pCT, with the lungs showing the largest differences (average deviation of 11.73% and 12.15% for the left and right lung, respectively). The target volume covered by the prescribed dose (VDpre), and the dose received by 2% and 98% of the volume (D2%, and D98%, respectively) showed statistical differences (p < 0.05), while the gradient index (GI) and the conformity index (CI) did not. Average deviations in target volume dosimetric parameters were below 1.02%, with a maximum deviation of 5.57% for. For the organs at risk (OARs), significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed for D0.35cc and D1.2cc of the spinal cord, D10cc for the stomach, D0.5cc for the heart, and D30% for the liver-GTV, with mean deviations lower than 1.83% for all the above OARs. Gamma analysis using 2%-2 mm criteria yielded a median value of 95.64% (range 82.22–99.65%) for the target volume and 99.40% (range 58–100%) for the OARs.ConclusionThe findings suggest that the use of CHCT in the SBRT workflow for liver metastases may result in minor target volume overdosage, indicating its potential for adoption in clinical settings. However, its use should be further explored in a broader context and tied to personalized treatment approaches.

Spectral behavior and expansion dynamics of Gd plasma generated by dual-pulse laser irradiation

Laser-produced gadolinium plasma (Gd-LPP) emerges as a promising candidate for next-generation nanolithography light sources. In this study, a dual laser pulse scheme was implemented to achieve a narrow spectral peak. By varying the pre-main pulse delay and pre-pulse laser energy, optimal conditions of 40 ns delay and 50 mJ energy were identified to improve spectral purity. Radiation hydrodynamics simulations revealed that the improved spectral purity stems from a flatter density gradient at the ablation front and a lower average electron density in the EUV emission region. Additionally, reheating the pre-formed plasma with a short main pulse mitigated plasma squeezing, resulting in an even lower electron density and thus improved spectral purity. Our findings suggest that spectral narrowing in the dual-pulse scheme, essential for better matching with multilayer reflection bandwidths, can be optimized through precise control of pre-pulse energy, pre-main delay, and main-pulse duration.

Exploring the time variability of the solar wind using LOFAR pulsar data

High-precision pulsar timing is highly dependent on the precise and accurate modelling of any effects that can potentially impact the data. In particular, effects that contain stochastic elements contribute to some level of corruption and complexity in the analysis of pulsar-timing data. It has been shown that commonly used solar wind models do not accurately account for variability in the amplitude of the solar wind on both short and long timescales. In this study, we test and validate a new, cutting-edge solar wind modelling method included in the enterprise software suite (widely used for pulsar noise analysis) through extended simulations. We use it to investigate temporal variability in LOFAR data. Our model testing scheme in itself provides an invaluable asset for pulsar timing array (PTA) experiments. Since, improperly accounting for the solar wind signature in pulsar data can induce false-positive signals, it is of fundamental importance to include in any such investigations. We employed a Bayesian approach utilising a continuously varying Gaussian process to model the solar wind. It uses a spherical approximation that modulates the electron density. This method, which we refer to as a solar wind Gaussian process (SWGP), has been integrated into existing noise analysis software, specifically enterprise . Our Validation of this model was performed through simulations. We then conduct noise analysis on eight pulsars from the LOFAR dataset, with most pulsars having a time span of $ 11$ years encompassing one full solar activity cycle. Furthermore, we derived the electron densities from the dispersion measure values obtained by the SWGP model. Our analysis reveals a strong correlation between the electron density at 1 AU and the ecliptic latitude (ELAT) of the pulsar. Pulsars with $|ELAT|&lt; 3^ circ $ exhibit significantly higher average electron densities. Furthermore, we observed distinct temporal patterns in the electron densities in different pulsars. In particular, pulsars within $|ELAT|&lt; 3^ circ $ exhibit similar temporal variations, while the electron densities of those outside this range correlate with the solar activity cycle. Notably, some pulsars exhibit sensitivity to the solar wind up to $45^ circ $ away from the Sun in LOFAR data. The continuous variability in electron density offered in this model represents a substantial improvement over previous models, that assume a single value for piece-wise bins of time. This advancement holds promise for solar wind modelling in future International Pulsar Timing Array (IPTA) data combinations.

Enhancing silicon spectral emission in LIBS using Tesla coil discharge

Abstract Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a powerful technique for elemental analysis, offering rapid analysis, minimal sample preparation, wide elemental coverage, and portability. To enhance the detection sensitivity of LIBS, increasing the spectral emission intensity is crucial. This paper explores the use of Tesla coil (TC) discharge as an alternative to spark discharge in silicon LIBS. The study examines the influence of TC discharge on both time-integrated and time-resolved spectra, with and without TC discharge; the corresponding electron temperature and density are obtained. The results show that TC discharge significantly amplifies the spectral intensity, improving signal sensitivity in LIBS analysis. Specifically, in the laser energy range from 7.4 to 24.0 mJ, TC discharge increased the average spectral line intensities of Si (II) 385.60 nm and Si (I) 390.55 nm by factors of 8.4 and 5.1, respectively. Additionally, the average electron temperature and density were enhanced by approximately 3.2% and 4.2%, respectively, under TC discharge. The advantages of TC discharge include higher energy deposition, extended discharge duration, reduced electrode erosion, and enhanced safety. This research contributes to advancing LIBS technology and expanding its applications in various fields.

Direct laser acceleration: A model for the electron injection from the walls of a cylindrical guiding structure.

We use analytical methods and particle-in-cell simulation to investigate the origin of electrons accelerated by the process of direct laser acceleration driven by high-power laser pulses in preformed narrow cylindrical plasma channels. The simulation shows that the majority of accelerated electrons are originally located along the interface between the channel wall and the channel interior. The analytical model based on the electron hydrodynamics illustrates the underlying physical mechanism of the release of electrons from the channel wall when irradiated by an intense laser, the subsequent electron dynamics, and the corresponding evolution of the channel density profile. The quantitative predictions of the total charge of released electrons and the average electron density inside the channel are validated by comparison with the simulation results.

Influence of radio frequency wave driving frequency on capacitively coupled plasma discharge

A two-dimensional symmetric fluid model is established to study the influence of radio frequency (RF) wave driving frequency on the capacitively coupled plasma discharge. The relationship between the driving frequency and electron density is obtained by solving the electron energy balance equation. The calculation results show that the average electron density first increases rapidly with the increase in driving frequency and then gradually tends to saturation at a threshold frequency. A fluid simulation is also carried out, which provides similar results. Physical studies on this phenomenon are conducted, revealing that the essence of this phenomenon is due to the inability of electrons to quickly respond to potential changes within the boundary sheath when the driving frequency of RF exceeds the plasma frequency. In addition, it is also found that increasing gas pressure can enhance the electron density and the type of gas can also affect the electron density.

Thermometry mapping during CT-guided thermal ablations: proof of feasibility and internal validation using spectral CT

Objective. Conventional computed tomography (CT) imaging does not provide quantitative information on local thermal changes during percutaneous ablative therapy of cancerous and benign tumors, aside from few qualitative, visual cues. In this study, we have investigated changes in CT signal across a wide range of temperatures and two physical phases for two different tissue mimicking materials, each. Approach. A series of experiments were conducted using an anthropomorphic phantom filled with water-based gel and olive oil, respectively. Multiple, clinically used ablation devices were applied to locally cool or heat the phantom material and were arranged in a configuration that produced thermal changes in regions with inconsequential amounts of metal artifact. Eight fiber optic thermal sensors were positioned in the region absent of metal artifact and were used to record local temperatures throughout the experiments. A spectral CT scanner was used to periodically acquire and generate electron density weighted images. Average electron density weighted values in 1 mm3 volumes of interest near the temperature sensors were computed and these data were then used to calculate thermal volumetric expansion coefficients for each material and phase. Main results. The experimentally determined expansion coefficients well-matched existing published values and variations with temperature—maximally differing by 5% of the known value. As a proof of concept, a CT-generated temperature map was produced during a heating time point of the water-based gel phantom, demonstrating the capability to map changes in electron density weighted signal to temperature. Significance. This study has demonstrated that spectral CT can be used to estimate local temperature changes for different materials and phases across temperature ranges produced by thermal ablations.

Effect of O2/n-C5H12 Ratio on Oxygenates Production from Plasma N-pentane Partial Oxidation

Objective: Non-thermal plasma is a promising method for producing clean fuels. This work provides a deeper understanding of the impact of O2/n-C5H12 ratio on the partial oxidation of n-pentane from both physical and chemical perspectives. Moreover, this work offers insight into improving fuel combustion efficiency and technical support for the preparation of clean fuels. Methods: An experimental system based on dielectric barrier discharge plasma was established. The discharge characteristics and product generation status of n-pentane partial oxidation were measured by changing the concentration of oxygen and n-pentane to evaluate different O2/n-C5H12 ratios. Results: Research on discharge characteristics showed that the O2/n-C5H12 ratio did not affect the discharge mode, and typical Lissajous shapes were present at different ratios. Changing the O2/n-C5H12 ratio affected the oxygen concentration, average electron energy or electron density, and background temperature. As the O2/n-C5H12 ratio increased, the conversion of the n-pentane partial oxidation reaction increased. However, changing the O2/n-C5H12 ratio did not affect the type of generated products. The oxygenates exhibited a volcano curve, and an O2/n-C5H12 ratio of 1.00 achieved the highest selectivity of 35.1%. As the O2/n-C5H12 ratio continued to increase, the selectivity of oxygenates decreased and the selectivity of CO2 increased. This was potentially due to a shift from partial oxidation toward complete oxidation, which led to the generation of secondary pollutants. Thus, higher O2/n-C5H12 ratios were not conducive to clean fuel production and environmental friendliness. Conclusion: In the partial oxidation of n-pentane, the highest clean fuel production rate was achieved when the O2/n-C5H12 ratio was 1.00. When this ratio exceeded 1.00, the reaction shifted toward complete oxidation, producing secondary pollutants. This study provides ideas for improving fuel combustion efficiency and technical support for the preparation of clean fuels.

T-15MD Tokamak Microwave Interferometer for Measuring the Average Electron Density of Plasma

T-15MD Tokamak Microwave Interferometer for Measuring the Average Electron Density of Plasma

Scaling and merging macromolecular diffuse scattering with mdx2.

Diffuse scattering is a promising method to gain additional insight into protein dynamics from macromolecular crystallography experiments. Bragg intensities yield the average electron density, while the diffuse scattering can be processed to obtain a three-dimensional reciprocal-space map that is further analyzed todetermine correlated motion. To make diffuse scattering techniques more accessible, software for data processing called mdx2 has been created that is both convenient to use and simple to extend and modify. mdx2 is written in Python, and it interfaces with DIALS to implement self-contained data-reduction workflows. Data are stored in NeXus format for software interchange and convenient visualization. mdx2 can be run on the command line or imported as a package, for instance to encapsulate a complete workflow in a Jupyter notebook for reproducible computing and education. Here, mdx2 version 1.0 is described, a new release incorporating state-of-the-art techniques for data reduction. The implementation of a complete multi-crystal scaling and merging workflow is described, and the methods are tested using a high-redundancy data set from cubic insulin. It is shown that redundancy can be leveraged during scaling to correct systematic errors and obtain accurate and reproducible measurements of weak diffuse signals.

Ion heat transport in electron cyclotron resonance heated L-mode plasma on the T-10 tokamak

Anomalous ion heat transport is analyzed in the T-10 tokamak plasma heated with electron cyclotron resonance heating (ECRH) in second-harmonic extra-ordinary mode. Predictive modeling with empirical scaling for Ohmical heat conductivity shows that in ECRH plasmas the calculated ion temperature could be overestimated, so an increase of anomalous ion heat transport is required. To study this effect two scans are presented: over the EC resonance position and over the ECRH power. The EC resonance position varies from the high-field side to the low-field side by variation of the toroidal magnetic field. The scan over the heating power is presented with on-axis and mixed ECRH regimes. Discharges with high anomalous ion heat transport are obtained in all considered regimes. In these discharges the power balance ion heat conductivity exceeds the neoclassical level by up to 10 times. The high ion heat transport regimes are distinguished by three parameters: the ratio, the normalized electron density gradient , and the ion–ion collisionality . The combination of high , high , and −10 results in values of normalized anomalous ion heat fluxes up to 10 times higher than in the low transport scenario.

Statistical analysis of magnetic divertor configuration influence on H-mode transitions

DIII-D plasmas are compared for two upper divertor configurations: with the outer strike point on the small angle slot (SAS) divertor target and with the outer strike point on the horizontal divertor target (HT). Scanning the vertical distance between the magnetic null point and the divertor target over a range 0.10–0.16 m is shown to increase the threshold power, Pth , and edge plasma power, PLoss , for the low-to-high confinement (L–H) and H–L transitions respectively, by up to a factor of 1.4. The X-point height scans were performed at three L-mode core plasma line average electron densities, n¯e= 1.2, 2.2 and 3.6 ×1019m−3 , to investigate the density dependence of divertor magnetic configuration influence on Pth . The X-point height, Zx-pt , was further extended across the range 0.16–0.22 m with the more open HT divertor configuration, for which a clear decrease in Pth with increasing Zx-pt is observed. The dependence of Pth on divertor magnetic geometry is further investigated using a time-dependent probability density function (PDF) model and information geometry to elucidate the roles played by pedestal plasma turbulence and perpendicular velocity flows. The degree of stochasticity of the plasma turbulence is observed to be sensitive to the plasma heating rate. The calculated square of the information rate shows changes in the relative density fluctuations and perpendicular velocity PDFs begin 2–5 ms prior to the L–H transition for three plasmas; providing a crucial measurement of the dynamic timescale of external transport barrier formation. Additionally, both information length and rate provide potential predictors of the L–H transition for these plasmas.

Average Electron Density: A Quantitative Tool for Evaluating Non-Classical Bioisosteres of Amides.

Bioisosterism is strategically used in drug design to enhance the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of therapeutic molecules. The average electron density (AED) tool has been used in several studies to quantify similarities among nonclassical bioisosteres of carboxylic acid. In this study, the AED tool is used to quantify the similarities among nonclassical bioisosteres of an amide group. In particular, amide-to-1,2,3-triazole bioisosterism is considered. To evaluate the AED differences exhibited by isomers of nonclassical bioisosteres, both isomers of amide (cis and trans) and 1,2,3-triazole (1,4 and 1,5 disubstituted moieity) were considered. The amide and 1,2,3-triazole bioisosteric moieties were capped with various R groups (R= methyl, hydrogen, and chloro) to account for changes in their environment. Amide-to-triazole bioisosteric substitutions were then explored in a more realistic environment, that is, within the FDA-approved anticancer imatinib drug. The AED tool effectively identified similarities between substantially different moieties, 1,2,3-triazole and amide, showing AED differences of no more than 4%. The AED tool was also proven to be useful in evaluating the contribution of various factors affecting triazole-amide bioisosterism including isomerism and changes in their environment. The AED values of each bioisostere were transferable within a maximum difference of 2.6%, irrespective of the change in environment. The 1,4- and 1,5-disubstituted isomers of 1,2,3-triazole have AED values that differ by less than unity, 0.52%. Similarly, the AED values of the cis- and trans-amide isomers differ by only 1.31%. Overall, the AED quantitative tool not only replicated experimental observations regarding similarities in bioisosteres, but also explained and quantified each contributing factor. This demonstrates the extended utility of the AED tool from nonclassical carboxylic acid bioisosteres to amide equivalents.On the contrary, electrostatic potential maps, usually used in the literature to qualitatively evaluate bioisosterism, were not similar for the 1,2,3-triazole and amide bioisosteres, under different environments. Overall, the AED tool proves to be powerful in quantitatively evaluating and predicting bioisosterism across diverse moieties considering structural and environmental variations, making it valuable in drug design.

Quantitative clustering and matching of conformers using average electron densities

This study presents a new approach of quantitatively clustering conformers of small molecules, such that conformers of the same group share similar electrostatic potential (ESP) maps. This helps expedite the drug design process as ESP maps guide the “key & lock” complementarity between a molecule and its receptor. The clustering is based on similarities in the average electron density (AED) of a group of interest within a molecule. AED values are computationally evaluated using the quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM). The AED tool was validated, separately, on 43 conformers of ibuprofen and 40 conformers of a tetrazole analogue of ibuprofen. The conformers were grouped based on their AED values using the K-means clustering method. It was found that conformers of the same group share similar ESP maps, with a remarkable accuracy exceeding 96%. In addition, using a drug design concept known as bioisosterism, it was found that the AED tool depicts similarities in the ESP maps of not only conformers of a single molecule, but also conformers of different molecules that share similar biological activities.

Diagnosing ratio of electron density to collision frequency of plasma surrounding scaled model in a shock tube using low-frequency alternating magnetic field phase shift

A non-contact low-frequency (LF) method of diagnosing the plasma surrounding a scaled model in a shock tube is proposed. This method utilizes the phase shift occurring after the transmission of an LF alternating magnetic field through the plasma to directly measure the ratio of the plasma loop average electron density to collision frequency. An equivalent circuit model is used to analyze the relationship of the phase shift of the magnetic field component of LF electromagnetic waves with the plasma electron density and collision frequency. The applicable range of the LF method on a given plasma scale is analyzed. The upper diagnostic limit for the ratio of the electron density (unit: m−3) to collision frequency (unit: Hz) exceeds 1 × 1011, enabling an electron density to exceed 1 × 1020 m−3 and a collision frequency to be less than 1 GHz. In this work, the feasibility of using the LF phase shift to implement the plasma diagnosis is also assessed. Diagnosis experiments on shock tube equipment are conducted by using both the electrostatic probe method and LF method. By comparing the diagnostic results of the two methods, the inversion results are relatively consistent with each other, thereby preliminarily verifying the feasibility of the LF method. The ratio of the electron density to the collision frequency has a relatively uniform distribution during the plasma stabilization. The LF diagnostic path is a loop around the model, which is suitable for diagnosing the plasma that surrounds the model. Finally, the causes of diagnostic discrepancy between the two methods are analyzed. The proposed method provides a new avenue for diagnosing high-density enveloping plasma.

Numerical study on dust particle charging and dynamics in continuous and pulsed radio frequency argon discharges

AbstractCharging and dynamics of a spherical dust grain injected into a continuous and pulsed radio frequency (RF) discharge have been studied using a one‐dimensional fluid model. First, the plasma characteristics of the two types of discharges are computed and compared. In the pulsed discharge, it is found that the central electron density exhibits a periodic variation while the averaged electron density is lower compared to that in the continuous discharge due to the decrease in the total ionization rate. Further, the dust charge is computed using the plasma characteristics. It is found that the dust charge negatively increases as the duty cycle ratio increases. Also, the charge in the pulsed discharge is lower in comparison to the continuous discharge due to the shorter duration of the pulsed RF discharge limiting the amount of energy transferred to electrons. On the other hand, the dust particle remains in the powered sheath region exhibiting a damped oscillation in the two discharges with higher oscillation frequency in the continuous discharge.

Automated size-specific dose estimates framework in thoracic CT using convolutional neural network based on U-Net model.

This study aimed to develop an automated method that uses a convolutional neural network (CNN) for calculating size-specific dose estimates (SSDEs) based on the corrected effective diameter (Deff corr ) in thoracic computed tomography (CT). Transaxial images obtained from 108 adult patients who underwent non-contrast thoracic CT scans were analyzed. To calculate the Deff corr according to Mihailidis etal., the average relative electron densities for lung, bone, and other tissues were used to correct the lateral and anterior-posterior dimensions. The CNN architecture based on the U-Net algorithm was used for automated segmentation of three classes of tissues and the background region to calculate dimensions and Deff corr values. Then, 108 thoracic CT images and generated segmentation masks were used for network training. The water-equivalent diameter (Dw ) was determined according to the American Association of Physicists in Medicine Task Group 220. Linear regression and Bland-Altman analysis were performed to determine the correlations between SSDEDeff corr(automated) , SSDEDeff corr(manual) , and SSDEDw . High agreement was obtained between the manual and automated methods for calculating the Deff corr SSDE. The mean values for the SSDEDeff corr(manual) , SSDEDw , and SSDEDeff corr(automated) were 14.3±2.1 mGy, 14.6±2.2 mGy, and 14.5±2.4 mGy, respectively. The U-Net model was successfully trained and used to accurately predict SSDEs, with results comparable to manual-labeling results. The proposed automated framework using a CNN offers a reliable and efficient solution for determining the Deff corr SSDE in thoracic CT.

Dual-Layer Spectral Detector Computed Tomography Quantitative Parameters: A Potential Tool for Lymph Node Activity Determination in Lymphoma Patients.

Dual-energy CT has shown promising results in determining tumor characteristics and treatment effectiveness through spectral data by assessing normalized iodine concentration (nIC), normalized effective atomic number (nZeff), normalized electron density (nED), and extracellular volume (ECV). This study explores the value of quantitative parameters in contrast-enhanced dual-layer spectral detector CT (SDCT) as a potential tool for detecting lymph node activity in lymphoma patients. A retrospective analysis of 55 lymphoma patients with 289 lymph nodes, assessed through 18FDG-PET/CT and the Deauville five-point scale, revealed significantly higher values of nIC, nZeff, nED, and ECV in active lymph nodes compared to inactive ones (p < 0.001). Generalized linear mixed models showed statistically significant fixed-effect parameters for nIC, nZeff, and ECV (p < 0.05). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) values of nIC, nZeff, and ECV reached 0.822, 0.845, and 0.811 for diagnosing lymph node activity. In conclusion, the use of g nIC, nZeff, and ECV as alternative imaging biomarkers to PET/CT for identifying lymph node activity in lymphoma holds potential as a reliable diagnostic tool that can guide treatment decisions.

ULTRASTRUCTURAL CHANGES IN RATS SKIN SEBOCYTES DURING EXPERIMENTAL CHRONODESTRUCTION

Purpose of the study ultrastructural changes in rat skin sebocytes during experimental chronodestruction. In the experiments, 22 white outbred male rats with a body weight of 170-220 g were used. The experimental animals, in accordance with the experimental design, were randomly divided into 3 groups: group 1 - intact (n = 8) - animals under standard fixed conditions lighting (12 hours light/12 hours dark); group 2 (n=8) – animals with simulated light deprivation in conditions of round-the-clock darkness (24-hour darkness) for 21 days; group 3 (n=6) – animals with simulated dark deprivation under conditions of round-the-clock lighting (24 hours light) for 21 days. For morphometric assessment, 30 non-overlapping fields of view were analyzed in each preparation at a magnification of 100,000. The number of mitochondria and lysosomes was calculated per 100 μm2 area of the cytoplasm of cells of a certain morphological type. Using the ImageScopeM application program, the average cross-sectional area of mitochondria (μm2) and the average relative electron density of their matrix were determined. During chronodestruction, significant ultrastructural changes are observed in sebocytes, which indicate a change in the functional activity of the cells. During dark deprivation, the functional activity of sebocytes increases, and this, in turn, leads to a significant change in their secretory activity. At the same time, light deprivation leads to an increase in proliferative activity in the sebaceous gland with a simultaneous change in the chemical composition of sebum (polymorphism of granules).

Multi-resolution X-ray phase-contrast and dark-field tomography of human cerebellum with near-field speckles.

In this study, we use synchrotron-based multi-modal X-ray tomography to examine human cerebellar tissue in three dimensions at two levels of spatial resolution (2.3 µm and 11.9 µm). We show that speckle-based imaging (SBI) produces results that are comparable to propagation-based imaging (PBI), a well-established phase-sensitive imaging method. The different SBI signals provide complementary information, which improves tissue differentiation. In particular, the dark-field signal aids in distinguishing tissues with similar average electron density but different microstructural variations. The setup's high resolution and the imaging technique's excellent phase sensitivity enabled the identification of different cellular layers and additionally, different cell types within these layers. We also correlated this high-resolution phase-contrast information with measured dark-field signal levels. These findings demonstrate the viability of SBI and the potential benefit of the dark-field modality for virtual histology of brain tissue.