Non-human primate of choice: anatomical & physiological likeness ease of maintaining & breeding in captivity No harm / minimize discomfort

IACUC (Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee) IRB (Institutional Review Board) approval Ethics Research Training (exam #1102055)

Mark Pinsk (Princeton, 2004)

Wim Vanduffel (MGH/Belgium, 2001)

Improvements: mechanical design, materials selection, audio reinforcement, component integration

Crist Instruments

Mechanical design drawings Van Duffel designs Head movement prediction w/ CAD & bone properties to create optimally stable head restraint Meeting with Bruce design revisions

Email Pinsk Mock scanner environment Functional components: QFDs & selection

Limin Chen (Psych) rhesus & fMRI

Ken Wilkens (VUIIS) MR engineer

Bruce Williams (Psych) machining

Calum Avison (VUIIS) primary investigator

MonthGoalNovember 2005Identify project goals, parameters and resourcesDecember 2005Finish initial research; Create design approachJanuary 2006Finalize design approach; Begin prototypingFebruary 2006Finalize prototype; Begin prototype testingMarch 2006Modify prototype as necessary; Re-test (& re-modify)April 2006Finalize prototype; Prepare/present paper and poster

Correlate fMRI BOLD signal to single cell activation in visual cortex in response to visual tasksMechanical monkey comfort, accommodate more functional componentsMaterials Peek(@$300/sq.ft), Delrin & polycarbonate chair; nylon screws Audio tone signal for negative reinforcement (in addition to positive juice reinforcement)Integration Cortex program to be examined, possibly modified, allow proper component communication/drive systemCAD acquired Vector Works 9, allows 2D design, performs 3D renderingMaterials chose materials, last check on ease of machining/cost clearance, selecting providerMeeting look at existing components used for training/chair elements (ie headbar equipment), choose components (take measurements), look at Cortex for integrationMock mock bore built to scale (polyethylene & wood) for training and test setup (eye/movement tracking/screen placement); give fMRI sound exposure to trainersJanuary preliminary designFebruary finalize design -> begin prototypeMarch finalize mechanical prototype see how many components can realistically be added