Ray-tracing analytical absorption correction for X-ray crystallography based on tomographic reconstructions.

Processing of single-crystal X-ray diffraction data from area detectors can be separated into two steps. First, raw intensities are obtained by integration of the diffraction images, and then data correction and reduction are performed to determine structure-factor amplitudes and their uncertainties. The second step considers the diffraction geometry, sample illumination, decay, absorption and other effects. While absorption is only a minor effect in standard macromolecular crystallography (MX), it can become the largest source of uncertainty for experiments performed at long wavelengths. Current software packages for MX typically employ empirical models to correct for the effects of absorption, with the corrections determined through the procedure of minimizing the differences in intensities between symmetry-equivalent reflections; these models are well suited to capturing smoothly varying experimental effects. However, for very long wavelengths, empirical methods become an unreliable approach to model strong absorption effects with high fidelity. This problem is particularly acute when data multiplicity is low. This paper presents an analytical absorption correction strategy (implemented in new software AnACor) based on a volumetric model of the sample derived from X-ray tomography. Individual path lengths through the different sample materials for all reflections are determined by a ray-tracing method. Several approaches for absorption corrections (spherical harmonics correction, analytical absorption correction and a combination of the two) are compared for two samples, the membrane protein OmpK36 GD, measured at a wavelength of λ = 3.54 Å, and chlorite dismutase, measured at λ = 4.13 Å. Data set statistics, the peak heights in the anomalous difference Fourier maps and the success of experimental phasing are used to compare the results from the different absorption correction approaches. The strategies using the new analytical absorption correction are shown to be superior to the standard spherical harmonics corrections. While the improvements are modest in the 3.54 Šdata, the analytical absorption correction outperforms spherical harmonics in the longer-wavelength data (λ = 4.13 Å), which is also reflected in the reduced amount of data being required for successful experimental phasing.

Automated Tomographic Assessment of Structural Defects of Freeze-Dried Pharmaceuticals.

The topology and surface characteristics of lyophilisates significantly impact the stability and reconstitutability of freeze-dried pharmaceuticals. Consequently, visual quality control of the product is imperative. However, this procedure is not only time-consuming and labor-intensive but also expensive and prone to errors. In this paper, we present an approach for fully automated, non-destructive inspection of freeze-dried pharmaceuticals, leveraging robotics, computed tomography, and machine learning.

3D observations provide striking findings in rubber elasticity.

The mechanical response of rubbers has been ubiquitously assumed to be only a function of the imposed strain. Using innovative X-ray measurements capturing the three-dimensional spatial volumetric strain fields, we demonstrate that rubbers and indeed many common engineering polymers undergo significant local volume changes. But remarkably, the overall specimen volume remains constant regardless of the imposed loading. This strange behavior which also leads to apparent negative local bulk moduli is due to the presence of a mobile phase within these materials. Combining X-ray tomographic observations with high-speed radiography to track the motion of the mobile phase, we have revised classical thermodynamic frameworks of rubber elasticity. The work opens broad avenues to understand not only the mechanical behavior of rubbers but a large class of widely used engineering polymers.

Fabrication of 3D Polycaprolactone Macrostructures by 3D Electrospinning.

Building 3D electrospun macrostructures and monitoring the biological activities inside them are challenging. In this study, 3D fibrous polycaprolactone (PCL) macrostructures were successfully fabricated using in-house 3D electrospinning. The main factors supporting the 3D self-assembled nanofiber fabrication are the H3PO4 additives, flow rate, and initial distance. The effects of solution concentration, solvent, H3PO4 concentration, flow rate, initial distance, voltage, and nozzle speed on the 3D macrostructures were examined. The optimal conditions of 4 mL/h flow rate, 4 cm initial nozzle-collector distance, 14 kV voltage, and 1 mm/s nozzle speed provided a rapid buildup of cylinder macrostructures with 6 cm of diameter, reaching a final height of 16.18 ± 2.58 mm and a wall thickness of 3.98 ± 1.01 mm on one perimeter with uniform diameter across different sections (1.40 ± 1.10 µm average). Oxygen plasma treatment with 30-50 W for 5 min significantly improved the hydrophilicity of the PCL macrostructures, proving a suitable scaffold for in vitro cell cultures. Additionally, 3D images obtained by synchrotron radiation X-ray tomographic microscopy (SRXTM) presented cell penetration and cell growth within the scaffolds. This breakthrough in 3D electrospinning surpasses current scaffold fabrication limitations, opening new possibilities in various fields.

Silicon Composite Anode Degradation during Freeze-Thaw Temperature-Swings.

Batteries used in space applications can be exposed to large temperature-swings. During these large temperature-swings, the battery electrolyte can undergo a phase transformation from a liquid to a solid and back to a liquid. The nature of the solvent and the type of salt influence the crystallization processes. Herein, we aim to understand how pressure build-up in confined regions of an electrode (e.g., pores) influences degradation processes in silicon-oxide graphite anodes undergoing freeze-thaw dynamics. Our results show that high porosity electrodes lead to a greater density of nucleation sites for electrolyte crystallization. Local pressure build-up at pores results in active material loss and decreased cycle lifetime in batteries exposed to extreme temperature swings.

Studies of Fractal Microstructure in Nanocarbon Polymer Composites.

The in situ study of fractal microstructure in nanocarbon polymers is an actual task for their application and for the improvement in their functional properties. This article presents a visualization of the bulk structural features of the composites using pulsed acoustic microscopy and synchrotron X-ray microtomography. This article presents details of fractal structure formation using carbon particles of different sizes and shapes-exfoliated graphite, carbon platelets and nanotubes. Individual structural elements of the composite, i.e., conglomerations of the particles in the air capsule as well as their distribution in the composite volume, were observed at the micro- and nanoscale. We have considered the influence of particle architecture on the fractal formation and elastic properties of the composite. Acoustic and X-ray imaging results were compared to validate the carbon agglomeration.

[Imaging of actinomycosis: CT scan, bronchial embolization and pathology]. / Imageries d'une actinomycose : scanner, embolisation bronchique et anatomopathologie.

Pulmonary actinomycosis is a rare infectious disease that can be difficult to diagnose due to nonspecific imaging abnormalities and to a need for repeated lung sampling by CT-guided biopsy or bronchoscopy. It may present with hemoptysis, which can occur with or without antibiotic therapy and bronchial artery embolization may be required. We report here a case of pulmonary actinomycosis with imaging by thoracic CT, digital subtraction angiography, and pathological specimens.

Subcellular Feature-Based Classification of α and ß Cells Using Soft X-ray Tomography.

The dysfunction of α and ß cells in pancreatic islets can lead to diabetes. Many questions remain on the subcellular organization of islet cells during the progression of disease. Existing three-dimensional cellular mapping approaches face challenges such as time-intensive sample sectioning and subjective cellular identification. To address these challenges, we have developed a subcellular feature-based classification approach, which allows us to identify α and ß cells and quantify their subcellular structural characteristics using soft X-ray tomography (SXT). We observed significant differences in whole-cell morphological and organelle statistics between the two cell types. Additionally, we characterize subtle biophysical differences between individual insulin and glucagon vesicles by analyzing vesicle size and molecular density distributions, which were not previously possible using other methods. These sub-vesicular parameters enable us to predict cell types systematically using supervised machine learning. We also visualize distinct vesicle and cell subtypes using Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection (UMAP) embeddings, which provides us with an innovative approach to explore structural heterogeneity in islet cells. This methodology presents an innovative approach for tracking biologically meaningful heterogeneity in cells that can be applied to any cellular system.

Correlative light and X-ray tomography jointly unveil the critical role of connexin43 channels on inflammation-induced cellular ultrastructural alterations.

Non-junctional connexin43 (Cx43) plasma membrane hemichannels have been implicated in several inflammatory diseases, particularly playing a role in ATP release that triggers activation of the inflammasome. Therapies targeting the blocking of the hemichannels to prevent the pathological release or uptake of ions and signalling molecules through its pores are of therapeutic interest. To date, there is no close-to-native, high-definition documentation of the impact of Cx43 hemichannel-mediated inflammation on cellular ultrastructure, neither is there a robust account of the ultrastructural changes that occur following treatment with selective Cx43 hemichannel blockers such as Xentry-Gap19 (XG19). A combination of same-sample correlative high-resolution three-dimensional fluorescence microscopy and soft X-ray tomography at cryogenic temperatures, enabled in the identification of novel 3D molecular interactions within the cellular milieu when comparing behaviour in healthy states and during the early onset or late stages under inflammatory conditions. Notably, our findings suggest that XG19 blockage of connexin hemichannels under pro-inflammatory conditions may be crucial in preventing the direct degradation of connexosomes by lysosomes, without affecting connexin protein translation and trafficking. We also delineated fine and gross cellular phenotypes, characteristic of inflammatory insult or road-to-recovery from inflammation, where XG19 could indirectly prevent and reverse inflammatory cytokine-induced mitochondrial swelling and cellular hypertrophy through its action on Cx43 hemichannels. Our findings suggest that XG19 might have prophylactic and therapeutic effects on the inflammatory response, in line with functional studies.

Desert locusts (Schistocerca gregaria) feed with self-sharpening, scissor-like mandibles.

The mandibles of the desert locust Schistocerca gregaria (Forsskål, 1775) are digger-shovel-shaped mouthparts that are part of the locust's exoskeleton formed by the insect cuticle. The cuticle is a polymer-fibre composite, which supports, encases and protects the entire body. Mandibles experience heavy loading and wear due to direct contact with hard and abrasive food, just like teeth, their mineralized analogues in vertebrates. With dual-energy X-ray tomography, we image well-defined regions of zinc (Zn)-enriched cuticle at the mandible cutting edges and quantify the Zn concentrations in these regions. Zn is known to increase stiffness, hardness and wear resistance of the otherwise purely polymeric insect cuticle. In S. gregaria, the position of the Zn-enriched cutting-edge regions relative to one another suggests that the mandibles form a scissor-like cutting tool, which sharpens itself as the mouthparts shear past one another during feeding. Comparing the architecture of these purely polymeric mandibles with the mineralized incisors of rodents, we find fundamental design differences in cutting-tool structure and performance. Locusts' scissors and rodents' carving knives perform different functions, because they act on food that differs significantly in properties and shape: softer, sheet-like material in the case of locusts and harder bulk material in the case of rodents.

Sagittal Section Hounsfield Units of the Upper Instrumented Vertebrae as a Predictor of Proximal Junctional Vertebral Fractures Following Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective observational study. PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine an accurate and convenient screening method for predicting proximal junctional fractures (PJFr) following surgery for adult spinal deformity (ASD) using computed tomography (CT)-based measurement of Hounsfield units (HUs). OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: CT-based measurement of HUs is an alternative tool for assessing bone mineral density. However, the optimal method for predicting adjacent vertebral fractures following spinal fusion using HUs remains unclear. METHODS: This retrospective observational study included 42 patients who underwent reconstructive surgery for ASD. Elliptical regions of interest (ROIs) on the axial section and rectangular ROIs on the sagittal section were placed at the upper instrumented vertebrae (UIV), UIV+1, and UIV+2. In addition, the HU value of the L2 vertebra was used as the representative. RESULTS: PJFr occurred in 28.6% of patients within 2 years following surgery. The HU values obtained from the axial sections of L2, UIV, UIV+1, and UIV+2 were not significantly associated with the incidence of PJFr within 2 years, except for the ROI set in the lower region of the L2 vertebra. However, the HU value of the anterior third of the UIV in the sagittal section was significantly lower in the PJFr group than in the nonPJFr group (87.0 vs. 160.3, p =0.001). A UIV HU value of <100 was associated with a higher incidence of PJFr than an HU vaue of >100 (p <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Measurements of HU in the anterior one-third of the UIV in the sagittal section demonstrated predictive ability for PJFr following ASD surgery. A UIV HU value of <100 emerged as a risk factor for PJFr.

Potential Role of the Anammoxosome in the Adaptation of Anammox Bacteria to Salinity Stress.

The underlying adaptative mechanisms of anammox bacteria to salt stress are still unclear. The potential role of the anammoxosome in modulating material and energy metabolism in response to salinity stress was investigated in this study. The results showed that anammox bacteria increased membrane fluidity and decreased mechanical properties by shortening the ladderane fatty acid chain length of anammoxosome in response to salinity shock, which led to the breakdown of the proton motive force driving ATP synthesis and retarded energy metabolism activity. Afterward, the fatty acid chain length and membrane properties were recovered to enhance the energy metabolic activity. The relative transmission electron microscopy (TEM) area proportion of anammoxosome decreased from 55.9 to 38.9% under salinity stress. The 3D imaging of the anammox bacteria based on Synchrotron soft X-ray tomography showed that the reduction in the relative volume proportion of the anammoxosome and the concave surfaces was induced by salinity stress, which led to the lower energy expenditure of the material transportation and provided more binding sites for enzymes. Therefore, anammox bacteria can modulate nitrogen and energy metabolism by changing the membrane properties and morphology of the anammoxosome in response to salinity stress. This study broadens the response mechanism of anammox bacteria to salinity stress.

Three-dimensional computed tomography-based resection process map for robot-assisted partial nephrectomy: propensity score matching of a single-center retrospective study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: We aimed to examine the effect of preoperative three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT)-based resection process map (RPM) imaging on the outcomes of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 177 patients (RPM group, n = 92; non-RPM group, n = 85) who underwent this surgery between November 2012 and April 2022. Patient-specific contrast-enhanced CT images were used to construct an RPM, a 3D representation of the kidney showing the planned tumor resection and a 5 mm safety margin. Outcome analyses were performed using propensity score matching. The primary endpoint was the trifecta achievement rate. RESULTS: We extracted 90 cases. The trifecta achievement rate showed no significant differences between the RPM (73.3%) and non-RPM groups (73.3%). However, the RPM group had fewer Grade 3 and higher complications (0.0% vs. 13.3%, p = 0.026). The da Vinci Xi (OR 3.38, p = 0.016) and tumor diameter (OR 0.95, p = 0.013) were independent factors affecting trifecta achievement in multivariate analysis. Using RPM imaging was associated with the absence of Grade 3 and higher perioperative complications (OR 5.33, p = 0.036) in univariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Using preoperative 3D CT-based RPM images before RAPN may not affect trifecta achievement, but may reduce serious complication occurrence by providing detailed information on tumor resection.

Edge-illumination spectral phase-contrast tomography.

Following the rapid, but independent, diffusion of x-ray spectral and phase-contrast systems, this work demonstrates the first combination of spectral and phase-contrast computed tomography (CT) obtained by using the edge-illumination technique and a CdTe small-pixel (62µm) spectral detector. A theoretical model is introduced, starting from a standard attenuation-based spectral decomposition and leading to spectral phase-contrast material decomposition. Each step of the model is followed by quantification of accuracy and sensitivity on experimental data of a test phantom containing different solutions with known concentrations. An example of a micro CT application (20µm voxel size) on an iodine-perfusedex vivomurine model is reported. The work demonstrates that spectral-phase contrast combines the advantages of spectral imaging, i.e. high-Zmaterial discrimination capability, and phase-contrast imaging, i.e. soft tissue sensitivity, yielding simultaneously mass density maps of water, calcium, and iodine with an accuracy of 1.1%, 3.5%, and 1.9% (root mean square errors), respectively. Results also show a 9-fold increase in the signal-to-noise ratio of the water channel when compared to standard spectral decomposition. The application to the murine model revealed the potential of the technique in the simultaneous 3D visualization of soft tissue, bone, and vasculature. While being implemented by using a broad spectrum (pink beam) at a synchrotron radiation facility (Elettra, Trieste, Italy), the proposed experimental setup can be readily translated to compact laboratory systems including conventional x-ray tubes.

Correlative cryo-soft X-ray tomography and cryo-structured illumination microscopy reveal changes to lysosomes in amyloid-ß-treated neurons.

Protein misfolding is common to neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) including Alzheimer's disease (AD), which is partly characterized by the self-assembly and accumulation of amyloid-beta in the brain. Lysosomes are a critical component of the proteostasis network required to degrade and recycle material from outside and within the cell and impaired proteostatic mechanisms have been implicated in NDs. We have previously established that toxic amyloid-beta oligomers are endocytosed, accumulate in lysosomes, and disrupt the endo-lysosomal system in neurons. Here, we use pioneering correlative cryo-structured illumination microscopy and cryo-soft X-ray tomography imaging techniques to reconstruct 3D cellular architecture in the native state revealing reduced X-ray density in lysosomes and increased carbon dense vesicles in oligomer treated neurons compared with untreated cells. This work provides unprecedented visual information on the changes to neuronal lysosomes inflicted by amyloid beta oligomers using advanced methods in structural cell biology.

Cements and concretes materials characterisation using machine-learning-based reconstruction and 3D quantitative mineralogy via X-ray microscopy.

3D imaging via X-ray microscopy (XRM), a form of tomography, is revolutionising materials characterisation. Nondestructive imaging to classify grains, particles, interfaces and pores at various scales is imperative for our understanding of the composition, structure, and failure of building materials. Various workflows now exist to maximise data collection and to push the boundaries of what has been achieved before, either from singular instruments, software or combinations through multimodal correlative microscopy. An evolving area on interest is the XRM data acquisition and data processing workflow; of particular importance is the improvement of the data acquisition process of samples that are challenging to image, usually because of their size, density (atomic number) and/or the resolution they need to be imaged at. Modern advances include deep/machine learning and AI resolutions for this problem, which address artefact detection during data reconstruction, provide advanced denoising, improved quantification of features, upscaling of data/images, and increased throughput, with the goal to enhance segmentation and visualisation during postprocessing leading to better characterisation of samples. Here, we apply three AI and machine-learning-based reconstruction approaches to cements and concretes to assist with image improvement, faster throughput of samples, upscaling of data, and quantitative phase identification in 3D. We show that by applying advanced machine learning reconstruction approaches, it is possible to (i) vastly improve the scan quality and increase throughput of 'thick' cores of cements/concretes through enhanced contrast and denoising using DeepRecon Pro, (ii) upscale data to larger fields of view using DeepScout and (iii) use quantitative automated mineralogy to spatially characterise and quantify the mineralogical/phase components in 3D using Mineralogic 3D. These approaches significantly improve the quality of collected XRM data, resolve features not previously accessible, and streamline scanning and reconstruction processes for greater throughput.

Near-Native Imaging of Label-Free Silver Nanoparticles-Triggered 3D Subcellular Ultrastructural Reorganization in Microalgae.

Understanding the spatial orientation of nanoparticles and the corresponding subcellular architecture events favors uncovering fundamental toxic mechanisms and predicting response pathways of organisms toward environmental stressors. Herein, we map the spatial location of label-free citrate-coated Ag nanoparticles (Cit-AgNPs) and the corresponding subcellular reorganization in microalgae by a noninvasive 3D imaging approach, cryo-soft X-ray tomography (cryo-SXT). Cryo-SXT near-natively displays the 3D maps of Cit-AgNPs presenting in rarely identified sites, namely, extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and the cytoplasm. By comparative 3D morphological assay, we observe that Cit-AgNPs disrupt the cellular ultrastructural homeostasis, triggering a severe malformation of cytoplasmic organelles with energy-producing and stress-regulating functions. AgNPs exposure causes evident disruption of the chloroplast membrane, significant attenuation of the pyrenoid matrix and starch sheath, extreme swelling of starch granules and lipid droplets, and shrinkage of the nucleolus. In accompaniment, the number and volume occupancy of starch granules are significantly increased. Meanwhile, the spatial topology of starch granules extends from the chloroplast to the cytoplasm with a dispersed distribution. Linking the dynamics of the internal structure and the alteration of physiological properties, we derive a comprehensive cytotoxic and response pathway of microalgae exposed to AgNPs. This work provides a perspective for assessing the toxicity at subcellular scales to achieve label-free nanoparticle-caused ultrastructure remodeling of phytoplankton.

LiOH Decomposition by NiO/ZrO2 in Li-Air Battery: Chemical Imaging with Operando Synchrotron Diffraction and Correlative Neutron/X-Ray Computed-Tomography Analysis.

Li-air batteries attract significant attention due to their highest theoretical energy density among all existing energy storage technologies. Currently, challenges related to extending lifetime and long-term stability limit their practical application. To overcome these issues and enhance the total capacity of Li-air batteries, this study introduces an innovative approach with NiO/ZrO2 catalysts. Operando advanced chemical imaging with micrometer spatial resolution unveils that NiO/ZrO2 catalysts substantially change the kinetics of crystalline lithium hydroxide (LiOH) formation and facilitate its rapid decomposition with heterogeneous distribution. Moreover, ex situ combined neutron and X-ray computed tomography (CT) analysis, provide evidence of distinct lithium phases homogeneously distributed in the presence of NiO/ZrO2 . These findings underscore the material's superior physico-chemical and electronic properties, with more efficient oxygen diffusion and indications of lower obstruction to its active sites, avoiding clogging in the active electrode, a common cause of capacity loss. Electrochemical tests conducted at high current density demonstrated a significant kinetic enhancement of the oxygen reduction and evolution reactions, resulting in improved charge and discharge processes with low overpotential. This pioneering approach using NiO/ZrO2 catalysts represents a step toward on developing the full potential of Li-air batteries as high-energy-density energy storage systems.

Impact of ultra-high-resolution imaging of the lungs on perceived diagnostic image quality using photon-counting CT.

OBJECTIVES: To compare clinical image quality and perceived impact on diagnostic interpretation of chest CT findings between ultra-high-resolution photon-counting CT (UHR-PCCT) and conventional high-resolution energy-integrating-detector CT (HR-EIDCT) using visual grading analysis (VGA) scores. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty patients who underwent a UHR-PCCT (matrix 512 × 512, 768 × 768, or 1024 × 1024; FOV average 275 × 376 mm, 120 × 0.2 mm; focal spot size 0.6 × 0.7 mm) between November 2021 and February 2022 and with a previous HR-EIDCT within the last 14 months were included. Four readers evaluated central and peripheral airways, lung vasculature, nodules, ground glass opacities, inter- and intralobular lines, emphysema, fissures, bullae/cysts, and air trapping on PCCT (0.4 mm) and conventional EIDCT (1 mm) via side-by-side reference scoring using a 5-point diagnostic quality score. The median VGA scores were compared and tested using one-sample Wilcoxon signed rank tests with hypothesized median values of 0 (same visibility) and 2 (better visibility on PCCT with impact on diagnostic interpretation) at a 2.5% significance level. RESULTS: Almost all lung structures had significantly better visibility on PCCT compared to EIDCT (p < 0.025; exception for ground glass nodules (N = 2/50 patients, p = 0.157)), with the highest scores seen for peripheral airways, micronodules, inter- and intralobular lines, and centrilobular emphysema (mean VGA > 1). Although better visibility, a perceived difference in diagnostic interpretation could not be demonstrated, since the median VGA was significantly different from 2. CONCLUSION: UHR-PCCT showed superior visibility compared to HR-EIDCT for central and peripheral airways, lung vasculature, fissures, ground glass opacities, macro- and micronodules, inter- and intralobular lines, paraseptal and centrilobular emphysema, bullae/cysts, and air trapping. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: UHR-PCCT has emerged as a promising technique for thoracic imaging, offering improved spatial resolution and lower radiation dose. Implementing PCCT into daily practice may allow better visibility of multiple lung structures and optimization of scan protocols for specific pathology. KEY POINTS: • The aim of this study was to verify if the higher spatial resolution of UHR-PCCT would improve the visibility and detection of certain lung structures and abnormalities. • UHR-PCCT was judged to have superior clinical image quality compared to conventional HR-EIDCT in the evaluation of the lungs. UHR-PCCT showed better visibility for almost all tested lung structures (except for ground glass nodules). • Despite superior image quality, the readers perceived no significant impact on the diagnostic interpretation of the studied lung structures and abnormalities.

Cholla cactus wood (Cylindropuntia imbricata): Hierarchical structure and micromechanical properties.

The Cholla cactus is a species of cacti that survives in arid environments and produces a unique mesh-like porous wood. In this article, we present a comprehensive investigation on the hierarchical structure and micromechanical properties of the Cholla cactus wood. Multiple approaches consisting of X-ray tomography, scanning electron microscopy, scanning probe microscopy, nanoindentation, and finite element simulations were used to gain insight into the structure, property, and design principles of the Cholla cactus wood. The microstructure of the Cholla cactus wood consists of different components, including vessels, rays, and fibers. In the present study, we quantitatively describe the structure of each of these wood components and their likely functions, both from the perspective of biological and mechanical behavior. Nanoindentation experiments revealed for the first time that the cell walls of the fibers exhibit stiffness and hardness higher than those of rays. Furthermore, the idea of making porous, thin-walled cylinders was abstracted from the design of vessel elements, and the structures inspired by this principle were studied in tensile and torsional loading conditions using finite element simulations. Finite element simulations revealed that the utilization of a larger volume of material to carry the load leads to an increase in toughness of these structures, and thus suggested that the pores should be architected to maximize the distribution of load. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The Cholla cactus wood possess a unique hierarchical structure that enables it to thrive in arid environments. Our correlative microscopy approach reveals incredible strategies that individual wood components exhibit to enable the survival of Cholla cactus in extreme environments. The present work quantifies the microstructure and mechanical properties of this very interesting natural system. We further investigate a design principle inspired by the vessel elements, one of the wood components of Cholla cactus, using finite element simulations. The study presented here advances our understanding of the structural significance of Cholla cactus and potentially other desert plants and will further help design architected structural materials.