NIMH Instrumentation Core Facility

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This past year, the Section on Instrumentaion (SI) had the unique opportunity to support the research of various Labs & Sections within NIMH, NINDS, NICHD, and NCCIH. During the past twelve months, investigators from these labs and branches requested 275 formal projects from our staff. Each of these requests was documented and the time recorded to complete the job. In addition to the formal requests we are available daily for numerous walk-in, phone call or e-mail requests for assistance. In general, our technical support this past year can be divided into the following research areas: COVID-19 In collaboration with the Signal Processing and Instrumentation Section, SI designed and fabricated an autopsy chamber for collection of post-mortem brains from patients who have died from verified SARS-CoV-2 infection. The plexiglass chamber is designed to function as a containment unit for high aerosolization of infectious material during the use of a bone saw, necessary to open the calvarium for procurement of a brain during autopsies. Although the general environment of the autopsy suite is developed for high air-exchange, and the staff wear PPE sufficient for containment of splash and aerosol spread of infectious agents, the use of a vibrating blade saw has the potential to generate an aerosol in excess of that obtainable from care of patients in close proximity so additional proection is needed. Although developed for autopsies on patients with COVID-19, the autopsy team anticipate utilizing this unit in other settings where aerosolization of infectious agents, most notably TB and potentially other emerging pathogens, are suspected. This will contribute to critical information regarding hte roled of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the nervous system. Electrophysiology The Section on Instrumentation staff continuously strives to improve the utility of various components that comprise electrophysiology. We have continued to improve the engineering and fabrication of multiple-hole grid arrays that allow precise, repeatable placement of a single or multiple electrodes over a wide area. These arrays are also used for precise injection of chemicals to specific regions of the brain. We have also continued to develop small single-electrode microdrives. Novel methods using 3D printing now allow for the production of low-component count yet accurate and smooth microdrives. fMRI/MRI The Section on Instrumentation provides a wide range of support for fMRI-related research. Fabrication of devices for use in MRI environments is a specialized area of expertise, with great attention given to design without ferrous metals and minimization of all metal components. In addition, commercial industrial fiber optic components and systems are evaluated and integrated into many designs and devices we fabricate. The Section on Instrumentation supports the installation of new equipment in MRI suites, including custom mirror and projection assemblies used for stimulus presentation, and custom RF-shielded penetration panels used to route cabling. There are various primate chair designs that allow fMRI scanning of primates. SI has reviewed various designs and is currently designing a new chair that combines all the current desirable features and incorporates new features as requested by researchers. SI is designing and fabricating various visual presentation systems that will enable researchers to perform fMRI while providing immersive 3D images. Non-Human Primate (NHP) Our group provides a diverse array of custom systems and components to many different investigators, such as custom primate chairs, high-strength restraints, MRI positioning systems, custom head coils, reward systems, data acquisition, analysis and optical response systems, plus a wide range of small mechanical components. SI has completed the construction of a 3D virtual reality dome that achieves audio functionality while at the same time allowing for visual stimulation. A 3D Geodesic skeleton has been fabricated from carbon fiber rods with precision 3D-printed alignment hubs that holds a custom projection screen taut while covering the speakers on the dome surface. This skeleton is a crucial element to adding audio and enabling a proper exploration of audiovisual integration in the brain. Human and Clinical SI continues the development of a novel electroconvulsvie therapy (ECT) system. In collaboration with the Experimental Therapeutics & Pathophysiology Branch, the Section on Instrumentation is developing a multi-channel ECT system (iLAST). While modifications of ECT have improved its safety and tolerability, none of the currently used procedures individualize the current amplitude for each patient despite knowledge that anatomical variation significantly impacts the strength of the current delivered to the brain. iLAST introduces three areas of improvement over conventional ECT, which is currently one of the most effective treatments available for treatment-resistant depression but has residual side effects. iLAST uses a multi-electrode array to selectively target regions of the brain similar to one employed in high-definition tDCS studies. iLAST titrates the amplitude of the current for each patient. iLAST, uses high-density EEG electrodes that are weaved into the multi-stimulation electrode array so that topographical ictal EEG is recorded. The ECT system is a multi-year collaboration, incorporating the development of a considerable amount of custom electronics and custom software development. SI has completed the design of the individual channel boards and the main motherboard. Considerable effort remains on software development and testing the system with high voltages and currents. Behavioral Several different types of mazes are used to study spatial learning and memory in rats. These studies have been used to help understand general principles about learning that can be applied to humans, and to determine how different treatments affect learning and memory in mice. We continue to produce a variety of custom T and Y mazes for behavioral testing. Imaging The Section on Instrumentation continues to produce a variety of equipment that supports two-photon microscopy, such as novel titanium headposts and stereotaxic frames, faraday cages for electronic and light shielding and custom mirror mounts. In addition, behavioral testing equipment such as low-inertia mouse wheels are fabricated for use with two-photon microscopy. SI is redesigning and fabricated several behavioral testing systems that will be used to provide a platform for studies using a technique known as total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy. Key events in cellular trafficking occur at the cell surface, and it is desirable to visualize these events without interference from other regions deeper within. The technique has many other applications as well, most notably for studying biochemical kinetics and single biomolecule dynamics at surfaces. Technology By using the latest technology in advanced fabrication machinery, we are able to increase productivity and effectiveness while at the same time decreasing the amount of time needed to engineer and machine the components. Our waterjet cutter continues to increase our cutting and fabricating capabilities, especially with the multiple fiberglass parts we produce. With this system, we are able to fabricate a variety of miniature titanium headposts that would have been very difficult to machine with conventional tooling. Our Carbon Fiber 3D Printer allows us to print high strength complex organic shaped parts.