Overview of Status of Analysis, Design, Fabrication, Tests, etc.
Still working on reviving the precious system, enhancing the design and exploring the new features of different coding languages and micro controllers.
Accomplishments from Previous Week
Python coding platform
new photo interrupter housing design
Raspberry Pi installation and remote control
Router settling and reviving the previous system
Goals for Next Week (list names after each item). Use specific and measurable objectives.
Flesh out wired versus wireless connection. Decide which one to do.
Build Python GUI.
Photodetector design
Sponsor Comments from Last Meeting and Actions Taken to Address these Comments (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
Sponsor Meeting 1/13/2020 - Beckman Center Library 404A
Photodetector housing - happy with the design
Make sure to constrain the valves/tubes securely. Translation and rotation movement - 3D constrained.
Consider shape of brass ends on valve.
Account for mouse snout in the dimensions. Head of mouse hit the roof? Constraints in design?
Get confirmation from Max on the exact dimension next week.
Design where there isn't extra housing that makes it too thick or roof too long.
Angled valves to prevent air bubbles. Critical angle?
Photo beam detector - detect 5V
Brief pulse for Arduino to recognize
WiFi/network not an issue. Stopping of one cage contingent on all other cages, buttons not working.
Confirmed it is a software issue, not hardware.
One cage works fine. But having 4 cages causes disruption.
Unplug router changes IP address. Is it possible to set a static IP address?
Needs to be able to unplug and moved around.
Raspberry Pi can solve this problem. It is more powerful.
How dependent is the system on a specific router? Is it replaceable?
**Want long term reliability.
Wired connection is good too. Just interface with the host computer. Real time monitoring will be good too.
Precision testing - validate the offset
Use pipette to conduct test.
Sponsor will give alcohol solution and water.
GUI
Time out after 2 hours of collecting data.
Since Python is where the data is currently managed and assessed, will look into Python GUI (PyGame).
Make easy for repetitive work.
Control variables
Check box for which cage is being used
Cleaning methods. Empty/dry to replace with fresh solution and not have contaminants.
Suction out and dry. Versus pump w/ water.
Blow compressed air
Maintenance on researcher's side to prevent mold growth.
Determine process:
Cycle flush
Bone dry?
New fluid solution
Constraints:
Detachable section (isolate pressure sensor and valve). Connections that don't affect the pressure sensing.
Low wear & tear risk for weekly cleaning.
Contamination of the valve, most easily replaceable component.
Safety considerations
Glass tubes break easily. If they break, it's done. Need to be secure and robust.
Maybe consider PVC tubes/pipes, polycarbonates.
Want see through material.
User replaceable.
Big picture:
Neurobiological mechanisms underlying alcohol drinking. Benefit: people with alcohol mental addiction.
Fiberphotometry listen to specific neural activity. Certain neurons in the brain region triggered cause the mouse to drink twice the amount.
Long time drinking, then withdrawn for hours, certain neurons go off. Perhaps it is a craving.
Experiment to learn more about the connection between neurons as mouse is drinking. What are these neurons doing when the mouse is not drinking, approaching the valve. A mouse that is addicted versus not.
Neurons firing off send a wave signal. Genetically encoded, viral vector injected, forcing neurons to express a protein (calcium sensor). Calcium is a proxy for the neurons. Area under curve, # of peaks, frequency and amplitude matter.
Need the signal interrupter to analysis the neurons. Align the neuron events and time events of time.
The paper Candice sent is a similar experiment without the pressure sensing. We are introducing a pressure sensing. Know how much is drink. This is the innovative design of the device. This is good for analyzing final data.
Instructor Comments from Last Meeting and Actions Taken to Address these Comments (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
10-Minute Team Meeting 1/9/2020 - EBU2 305
Think about all possible ways to clean mold. Maybe try different cleaning methods. Other than just flushing to clean. Consider this to avoid unnecessary changes.
Distilled water?
Flush system with pump, need water resistant sensor.
Interchangable parts
Greg = lab advisor
TCP, IP address, UDP, HTTP
Comments from Other Students in the Class (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
N/A
Risks and Areas of Concern
the fiber photometry wires could limit the action of mice drinking.
how to make a static IP address on the router.
Resources or Information Required but not Available
N/A
Schedule
milestones
reviving the device by this week
make the decision on wireless or wired this week
make the decision on weather using raspberry pi this week
figure out if we can make an app on raspberry pi/ making the board talking to to the other boards.
Update Gantt chart.
Budget (list amount spent and amount remaining)
Spent $0
Remaining $1892.26
Progress on Report and Webpage
updated the weekly progress
updated the part list