Document Type
Thesis
Date of Award
5-31-1987
Degree Name
Master of Science in Electrical Engineering - (M.S.)
Department
Electrical Engineering
First Advisor
Stanley S. Reisman
Second Advisor
Peter Engler
Third Advisor
W. H. Warren Ball
Fourth Advisor
Joseph B. Sia
Abstract
An instrument system has been designed to monitor Respiratory Quotient experiments on rats which are living within whole-body calorimeters. By using multiplexing techniques, this system is capable of monitoring Respiratory Quotients in six calorimeters (animal chambers). It exhibits some features that make it more versatile than the previous system. One of the features of this instrument is that it uses a more accurate method of determining rapid changes in gas exchange between subject and environment. The value of this method is its ability to assess the rapid change in metabolic rate which occurs as a result of change in activity, nutritional state, environmental temperature or administration of drugs.
Another feature that makes it more versatile is the flexibility of the system. A flow rate control unit is incorporated, which can control the concentration of carbon dioxide in the animals' chambers. Since a high concentration of carbon dioxide will affect the rats' normal behaviour, and will cause measurement error of the Respiratory Quotients, the CO2 concentration control unit provides the ability to maintain the CO2 concentration in the animal chambers between .3% to 1% by changing the incoming air flow to the animal chambers. Therefore, this system can accurately monitor the Respiratory Quotients of rats.
Six Zucker rats were put unrestrained into chambers and their respiratory quotients were recorded. The experimental results are presented, demonstrating the usefulness of the system.
Recommended Citation
Chien, Chung C., "Microcomputer-based automated system to monitor flow and respiratory quotient" (1987). Theses. 3085.
https://digitalcommons.njit.edu/theses/3085
