Showing papers in "Medical & Biological Engineering & Computing in 1997"

Signal-space projection method for separating MEG or EEG into components.

Abstract: CURRENTS INSIDE a conducting body can be estimated by measuring the magnetic and/or the electric field at multiple locations outside and then constructing a solution to the inverse problem, i.e. determining a current configuration that could have produced the measured field. Unfortunately, there is no unique solution to this problem (HELMHOLTZ, 1853) unless restricting assumptions are made. The minimum-norm estimate (HAM/~.L,~INEN and ILMONIEMI, 1994) provides a solution with the smallest expected overall error when minimum a priori information about the source distribution is available. Other methods to estimate a continuous current distribution producing the measured signals have been studied (PASCUAL-MARQUI et al., 1994; WANG et aL, 1995; GORODNITSKY, et al., 1995). A different approach is to divide the brain activity into discrete components such as current dipoles (ScHERG, 1990; MOSHER et al., 1992). Here we widen this approach into arbitrary current configurations. In our signal-space projection (SSP) method, the signals measured by d sensors are considered to form a time-varying vector in a d-dimensional signal space. The component vectors,, i.e. the signals caused by the different neuronal sources, have different and fixed orientations in the signal space. In other words, each source has a distinct and stable field pattern. All the current eonfi~marations producing the same measured field pattern are indistinguishable on the basis of the field: they have the same vector direction in the signal space and thus belong to the same equivalence class of current configurations (TESCHE et al., 1995a). The angle in the signal space between vectors representing different equivalence classes, e.g. between component vectors, is a measure of similarity of the equivalence classes in signal space and a way to characterise the separability of sources. The cosine of this angle has previously been used as a numerical charaeterisation of the difference between topographical distributions (DESMEDT and CHALK[.IN, 1989). If the direction of at least one of the component vectors forming the measured multi-channel signal can be determined from the data, or is known otherwise, SSP can be used to simplify subsequent analysis. For example, if an early deflection in an evoked response is produced by one source, and the rest of the response is a mixture of signals from this and other sources, SSP can separate the data into two parts so that the early source contributes only to one part. In general, the signals are divided into two orthogonal parts: s~, including the time-varying contribution from sources with known signalspace directions; and s~_, including the rest of the signals. Both sl~ and s j_ can then be analysed separately in more detail. By analysing s t , we can detect activity originally masked by s~. On the other hand, the sources included in stl are seen with an enhanced signal-to-noise ratio. By forward modelling of sources in selected patches of cortex, it is possible to form a spatial filter that selectively passes only the signals that may have been generated by currents in the given patches. If the subspace defined by artefacts can be determined, the artefactflee S L can be analysed. In SSP, in contrast to PCA (HARRIS, 1975; MAIER et al., 1987) and other analysis methods (GRUMMICH et al., 1991; KOLES et aL, 1990; KOLES, 1991; SOONG and KOLES, 1995; BESA*), the source decomposition does not depend on the orthogonality of source components or the availability of source or conductivity models. No conductivity or source models are needed if the component vectors are estimated directly from the measured signals. This is useful when no source estimation is needed, e.g. when artefacts or somatomotor activity in a cogrritive study must be filtered out. The angles between the components provide an easy and illustrative way to characterise the linear dependence between the components and thus the separability of sources. The concept of signal space in MEG was introduced previously ([LMONIEMI, 1981; [LMONIEMI and WILLIAMSON,

Effects of placement and orientation of body-fixed accelerometers on the assessment of energy expenditure during walking

Abstract: • A submitted manuscript is the version of the article upon submission and before peer-review. There can be important differences between the submitted version and the official published version of record. People interested in the research are advised to contact the author for the final version of the publication, or visit the DOI to the publisher's website. • The final author version and the galley proof are versions of the publication after peer review. • The final published version features the final layout of the paper including the volume, issue and page numbers.

Detection of life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias using the wavelet transformation

Abstract: Time-frequency wavelet theory is used for the detection of life threatening electrocardiography (ECG) arrhythmias. This is achieved through the use of the raised cosine wavelet transform (RCWT). The RCWT is found to be useful in differentiating between ventricular fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia and atrial fibrillation. Ventricular fibrillation is characterised by continuous bands in the range of 2–10 Hz; ventricular tachycardia is characterised by two distinct bands: the first band in the range of 2–5 Hz and the second in the range of 6–8 Hz; and atrial fibrillation is determined by a low frequency band in the range of 0–5 Hz. A classification algorithm is developed to classify ECG records on the basis of the computation of three parameters defined in the time-frequency plane of the wavelet transform. Furthermore, the advantage of localising and separating ECG signals from high as well as intermediate frequencies is demonstrated. The above capabilities of the wavelet technique are supported by results obtained from ECG signals obtained from normal and abnormal subjects.

Theoretical analysis of non-invasive oscillometric maximum amplitude algorithm for estimating mean blood pressure

Abstract: A theoretical analysis is performed to evaluate the effect of arterial mechanical and blood pressure pulse properties on the accuracy of non-invasive oscillometric maximum amplitude algorithm (MAA) estimates of the mean blood pressure obtained using air-filled occlusive cuffs. Invasively recorded blood pressure pulses, selected for their varied shapes, are scaled to simulate a wide range of blood pulse pressures (diastolic blood pressure minus systolic blood pressure). Each scaled blood pressure pulse is transformed through an exponential model of an artery to create a series of blood volume pulses from which a simulated oscillometric waveform is created and the corresponding MAA estimate of the mean blood pressure and error (mean blood pressure minus MAA estimate) are determined. The MAA estimates are found to depend on the arterial blood pressure. The errors are found to depend on the arterial mechanical properties, blood pressure pulse shape and blood pulse pressure. These results suggest that there is no direct relationship between the mean blood pressure and MAA estimate, and that multiple variables may affect the accuracy of MAA estimates of the mean blood pressure obtained using air-filled occlusive cuffs.

Optimum electrode geometry for spinal cord stimulation : the narrow bipole and tripole

Abstract: A computer model is used to calculate the optimum geometry of an epidural electrode, consisting of a longitudinal contact array, for spinal cord stimulation in the management of chronic, intractable pain. 3D models of the spinal area are used for the computation of stimulation induced fields, and a cable model of myelinated nerve fibre is used for the calculation of the threshold stimulus to excite large dorsal column and dorsal root fibres. The criteria for the geometry of the longitudinal contact array are: a low threshold for the stimulation of dorsal column fibres compared with dorsal root fibres; and a low stimulation voltage (and current). For both percutaneous and laminectomy electrodes, the contact length should be approximately 1.5 mm, and the optimum contact separation, as determined by the computer model, is 2-2.5 mm. The contacts for a laminectomy electrode should be approximately 4 mm wide. This electrode geometry is applicable to all spinal levels where the dorsal columns can be stimulated (C1-2 down to L1). The stimulating electrode should preferably be used as a tripole with one (central) cathode.

Morphometric evaluations of personalised 3D reconstructions and geometric models of the human spine.

Abstract: In the past, several techniques have been developed to study and analyse the 3D characteristics of the human spine: multi-view radiographic or biplanar 3D reconstructions, CT-scan 3D reconstructions and geometric models. Extensive evaluations of three of these techniques that are routinely used at Sainte-Justine Hospital (Montreal, Canada) are presented. The accuracy of these methods is assessed by comparing them with precise measurements made with a coordinate measuring machine on 17 thoracic and lumbar vertebrae (T1-L5) extracted from a normal cadaveric spine specimen. Multi-view radiographic 3D reconstructions are evaluated for different combinations of X-ray views: lateral (LAT), postero-anterior with normal incidence (PAOo) and postero-anterior with 20o angled down incidence (PA20o). The following accuracies are found for these reconstructions obtained from different radiographic setups: 2.1±1.5 mm for the combination with PAOo-LAT views, and 5.6±4.5 mm for the PAOo-PA20o stereopair. Higher errors are found in the postero-anterior direction, especially for the PAOo-PA20o view combination. Pedicles are found to be the most precise landmarks. Accuracy for CT-scan 3D reconstructions is about 1.1±0.8 mm. As for a geometric model built using a multiview radiographic reconstruction based on six landmarks per vertebra, accuracies of about 2.6±2.4 mm for landmarks and 2.3±2.0 mm for morphometric parameters are found. The geometric model and 3D reconstruction techniques give accurate information, at low X-ray dose. The accuracy assessment of the techniques used to study the 3D characteristics of the human spine is important, because it allows better and more efficient quantitative evaluations of spinal dysfunctions and their treatments, as well as biomechanical modelling of the spine.

New technique for time series analysis combining the maximum entropy method and non-linear least squares method: its value in heart rate variability analysis.

Abstract: A new technique for time series analysis, which is a combination of the maximum entropy method (MEM) for spectral analysis and the non-linear least squares method (LSM) for fitting analysis, is described In this technique, the MEM power spectral density (MEMPSD) is calculated using a very large lag that could diminish the lag dependence of dominant periods estimated by the MEM analysis The validity of this large lag is confirmed by the LSM, given that the ten dominant MEM periods are known quantities To validate the MEM plus LSM technique, it is compared with autoregressive (AR) modelling, by analysing heart rate variability under pharmacological interventions (phenylephrine and trinitroglycerine), using 16 young males The results indicate that the MEMPSD, when compared with the ARPSD, has numerous periods that could reproduce the original time series much more accurately, as revealed by the LSM analysis However, both the low- and high-frequency powers with MEMPSD and ARPSDs shift in the expected directions in accordance with the pharmacological effects on the cardiovascular system The implications of these results are discussed from the theoretical and practical standpoints of the MEM plus LSM technique, compared with AR modelling

Cardiopulmonary monitoring by textile electrodes without subject-awareness of being monitored.

Abstract: An automated system is developed to monitor cardiopulmonary functions during sleep using electrically conductive textiles. The system obviates the need to attach transducers or electrodes to the body surface, and the subject can follow his or her normal daily routine, wearing regular pyjamas to bed. Part of the bed sheet consists of electrically conductive textiles under the positions of the head, torso and legs. Respiratory activity and electrocardiograms of diagnostic quality are observed by means of the electrodes while the subject is sleeping. Respiration is sensed by means of electrical capacitance in/around the thorax. Data acquisition and storage are fully automated; thus, the subject’s awareness of being monitored is greatly reduced. This system could detect disorders of cardiopulmonary functions at an early stage, if used daily in the home with the concept of chronodiagnosis.

Measurement of venous oxyhaemoglobin saturation in the adult human forearm by near infrared spectroscopy with venous occlusion.

Abstract: Measurement of the oxygenation of the peripheral tissues provides useful information about tissue perfusion. A method is described for the measurement of peripheral venous oxyhaemaglobin saturation (SvO2) in the adult forearm by a non-invasive technique, near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) with venous occlusion. A series of studies is performed on healthy adults to compare measurements of forearm SvO2 made by NIRS with measurements of superficial venous SvO2 made by co-oximetry, and to study the effect of different optode spacings. There is a significant correlation between forearm SvO2 measured by NIRS and SvO2 of superficial venous blood measured by cooximetry (n=19, r=0.7, p<0.0001). Higher values for SvO2 were obtained using a 2.5 cm spacing than with a 4 cm spacing (mean difference=4.1% (95% Cl 1.4%–6.8%) n=16). This difference is likely to have been due to a more superficial volume of tissue being studied with the closer optode spacing. Peripheral SvO2 can be measured non-invasively using NIRS with venous occlusion. It may prove to be a useful method to study circulatory disturbances.

EEG-based system for rapid on-off switching without prior learning.

Abstract: Details are reported of an EEG-based system that permits a person rapidly and reliably to switch on and off electrical devices without prior learning. The system detects and utilises increases in the amplitude of the alpha component of the EEG spectrum that occur when people close their eyes for more than 1 s. In addition to conventional signal-processing elements, the system incorporates a module for suppressing switching at the output of the system when predetermined noise threshold levels (such as those due to sources of EMG) are exceeded. This work indicates that a majority, perhaps in excess of 90%, of the adult population can demonstrate the control necessary to operate an electrical device or appliance using this system. It is indicated that multilevel switching and quasi-continuous control options are feasible with further development of the system. This work has implications for the design of a system that could be used, for example, to assist the infirm or severely physically disabled to effect greater control over their environment.

Model for the dielectric properties of human lung tissue against frequency and air content

Abstract: Electrical impedance tomographic spectroscopy measurements of the lungs are taken from nine normal subjects, in the frequency range 9.6 kHz-1.2 MHz. The results show that resistivity rho'FRC relative to functional residual capacity increases almost linearly with inspiration volume V, with the slope of the curve increasing with frequency f. Resistivity rho'9.6 kHz relative to 9.6 kHz decreases with f. rho'9.6 kHz increases with V, at any given frequency. Curves for rho'9.6 kHz show a roughly linear trend with log10(f). Based on a discussion of the measurement results, a mathematical lung tissue model is designed that involves extra-capillary blood vessels and alveoli, the walls of which consist of blood-filled capillaries, epithelial cells and intercellular liquid. Using this model, the increase in rho'FRC with V is explained by the thinning of alveolar walls with increasing air content. The almost linear shape of curves for rho'9.6 kHz is attributed to four partly overlapping main dispersions caused by extra-capillary blood vessels, epithelial cells, blood and the capillary network.

Assessment of distributed arterial network models

Abstract: The aim of this study is to evaluate the relative importance of elastic non-linearities, viscoelasticity and resistance vessel modelling on arterial pressure and flow wave contours computed with distributed arterial network models. The computational results of a non-linear (time-domain) and a linear (frequency-domain) mode were compared using the same geometrical configuration and identical upstream and downstream boundary conditions and mechanical properties. pressures were computed at the ascending aorta, brachial and femoral artery. In spite of the identical problem definition, computational differences were found in input impedance modulus (max. 15-20%), systolic pressure (max. 5%) and pulse pressure (max. 10%). For the brachial artery, the ratio of pulse pressure to aortic pulse pressure was practically identical for both models (3%), whereas for the femoral artery higher values are found for the linear model (+10%). The aortic/brachial pressure transfer function indicates that pressure harmonic amplification is somewhat higher in the linear model for frequencies lower than 6 Hz while the opposite is true for higher frequencies. These computational disparities were attributed to conceptual model differences, such as the treatment of geometric tapering, rather than to elastic or convective non-linearities. Compared to the effect of viscoelasticity, the discrepancy between the linear and non-linear model is of the same importance. At peripheral locations, the correct representation of terminal impedance outweight the computational differences between the linear and non-linear models.

Adaptive filtering, modelling and classification of knee joint vibroarthrographic signals for non-invasive diagnosis of articular cartilage pathology.

Abstract: Interpretation of vibrations or sound signals emitted from the patellofemoral joint during movement of the knee, also known as vibroarthrography (VAG), could lead to a safe, objective, and non-invasive clinical tool for early detection, localisation, and quantification of articular cartilage disorders. In this study with a reasonably large database of VAG signals of 90 human knee joints (51 normal and 39 abnormal), a new technique for adaptive segmentation based on the recursive least squares lattice (RLSL) algorithm was developed to segment the non-stationary VAG signals into locally-stationary components; the stationary components were then modelled autoregressively, using the Burg-Lattice method. Logistic classification of the primary VAG signals into normal and abnormal signals (with no restriction on the type of cartilage pathology) using only the AR coefficients as discriminant features provided an accuracy of 68.9% with the leave-one-out method. When the abnormal signals were restricted to chondromalacia patella only, the classification accuracy rate increased to 84.5%. The effects of muscle contraction interference (MCI) on VAG signals were analysed using signals from 53 subjects (32 normal and 21 abnormal), and it was found that adaptive filtering of the MCI from the primary VAG signals did not improve the classification accuracy rate. The results indicate that VAG is a potential diagnostic tool for screening for chondromalacia patella.

Interstitial fluid flow in tendons or ligaments: A porous medium finite element simulation

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to describe interstitial fluid flow in axisymmetric soft connective tissue (ligaments or tendons) when they are loaded in tension. Soft hydrated tissue was modelled as a porous medium (using Darcy's Law), and the finite element method was used to solve the resulting equations governing fluid flow. A commercially available computer program (FiDAP) was used to create an axisymmetric model of a biomechanically tested rat ligament. The unknown variables at element nodes were pressure and velocity of the interstitial fluid (Newtonian and incompressible). The effect of variations in fluid viscosity and permeability of the solid matrix was parametrically explored. A transient loading state mimicking a rat ligament mechanical experiment was used in all simulations. The magnitude and distribution of pressure, stream lines, shear (stress) rate, vorticity and velocity showed regular patterns consistent with extension flow. Parametric changes of permeability and viscosity strongly affected fluid flow behaviour. When the radial permeability was 1000 times less than the axial permeability, shear rate and vorticity increased (approximately 5-fold). These effects (especially shear stress and pressure) suggested a strong interaction with the solid matrix. Computed levels of fluid flow suggested a possible load transduction mechanism for cells in the tissue.

Dynamometer for rat plantar flexor muscles in vivo.

Abstract: A dynamometer is designed and fabricated to measure the force output during static and dynamic muscle actions of the plantar flexor muscles of anaesthetised rats in vivo. The design is based on a computer-controlled DC servomotor capable of angular velocities in excess of 17.5 rad s−1. The system controls the range of motion, angular velocity and electrical stimulation of the muscles, while monitoring the force output at the plantar surface of the foot. The force output is measured by a piezo-electric load cell that is rated at 5 kg capacity. Angular velocity and position are measured by a DC tachometer and potentiometer, respectively. All measurement devices are linear (r2=0.9998). The design minimises inertial loading during high-speed angular motions, with a variation in force output of less than 0.2%. The dynamometer proves to be an accurate and reliable system for quantifying static and dynamic forces of rat plantar flexor muscles in vivo.

Monte Carlo simulation of a planar shoulder model

Abstract: Although variability of anthropometric measures within a population is a well established phenomenon, most biomechanical models are based on average parameter values. For example, optimisation models for predicting muscle forces from net joint reaction moments typically use average muscle moment arms. However, understanding the distribution of musculoskeletal morbidity within a population requires information about the variation of tissue loads within the population. This study investigated the use of Monte Carlo simulation techniques to predict the statistical distribution of deltoid and rotator cuff muscle forces during static arm elevation. Muscle moment arms were modelled either as independent random variables or jointly distributed random variables. Moment arm data was collected on 22 cadaver specimens. The results demonstrated the use of Monte Carlo techniques to describe the statistical distribution of muscle forces. Although assuming statistically independent moment arms did affect the statistical distribution shape, that assumption did not affect the median predicted forces. The standard deviations of muscle forces predicted using Monte Carlo techniques were similar to the standard deviation of muscle force predictions using the whole sample of specimens. It is concluded that Monte Carlo simulation techniques are a useful tool to analyse the interindividual variability of rotator cuff muscle forces.

Application of genetic algorithms to parameter estimation of bioprocesses

Abstract: The paper explains the application of a genetic algorithm (GA) to the problem of estimating parameters for a kinetic model of a biologically reacting system. It is demonstrated that the GA is a powerful tool for quantifying the kinetic parameters using kinetic data. As the operation of the GA does not depend on the form of the model equation, it can be applied to the wide spectrum of kinetic modelling problems without any complex formulation procedure.

Asymmetry of respiratory sounds and thoracic transmission.

Abstract: Breath sounds heard with a stethoscope over homologous sites of both lungs in healthy subjects are presumed to have similar characteristics. Passively transmitted sounds introduced at the mouth, however, are known to lateralise, with right-over-left dominance in power at the anterior upper chest. Both spontaneous breath sounds and passively transmitted sounds are studied in four healthy adults, using contact sensors at homologous sites on the anterior upper and posterior lower chest. At standardised air flow, breath sound intensity shows a right-over-left dominance at the anterior upper chest, similar to passively transmitted sounds. At the posterior lung base, breath sounds are louder on the left, with a trend to similar lateralisation in transmitted sounds. It is likely that the observed asymmetries are related to the effects of cardiovascular structures and airway geometry on sound generation and transmission.

Dielectric properties of some keratinised tissues. Part 1: Stratum corneum and nail in situ.

Abstract: Blister-skin and warts have been studied as possible sources of 'pure' stratum corneum without sweat ducts. The purpose of the study was to assess whether the DC electrical conductance measured on human skin is totally dominated by the sweat ducts, or is also significantly contributed to by the stratum corneum itself. By means of galvanic skin response (GSR) measurements, these tissues were found to be unrealiable as sources of 'pure' stratum corneum. This is because they displayed significant GSR waves, and hence should have some form of active pores. However, measurements on blister-skin and nail in situ revealed a substantial frequency independent electrical conductance at frequencies typically below 10 Hz.

Biomechanical modelling of the human sacroiliac joint

Abstract: From a mechanical point of view, the human pelvis can be considered as a stable, complex three link structure. This three-link closed-chain system explains why there is so little motion in the sacroiliac joint. Based on the minimum total potential energy principle, a quasi-static model of the human pelvis with its three joints is developed. In the model, the articular cartilage linings of the joint surfaces are considered as thin layers with a geometric non-linear behaviour. They lie between two rigid curved surfaces that are represented by small three-node elements. Accessory ligaments and capsules are represented by a number of non-linear springs. A primary model is developed based on a female cadaver. According to the primary model, the translation of the sacroiliac joint in the direction of force is about 0·5 mm in the lateral direction, about 1·8 mm in the antero-posterior direction, and about 1·5 mm in the superior or inferior direction, when a load of 1000 N is applied to the sacrum. When a load of 50 N m−1 is applied to the sacrum, the rotation in the load direction is about 1·6° in axial rotation, about 1·0° in flexion or extension and about 1·1° in lateral bending.

Computerised prostate boundary estimation of ultrasound images using radial bas-relief method.

Abstract: A new method is presented for automatic prostate boundary detection in ultrasound images taken transurethrally or transrectally. This is one of the stages in the implementation of a robotic procedure for prostate surgery performed by a robot known as the robot for urology (UROBOT). Unlike most edge detection methods, which detect object edges by means of either a spatial filter (such as Sobel, Laplacian or something of that nature) or a texture descriptor (local signal-to-noise ratio, joint probability density function etc.), this new approach employs a technique called radial bas-relief (RBR) to outline the prostate boundary area automatically. The results show that the RBR method works well in the detection of the prostate boundary in ultrasound images. It can also be useful for boundary detection problems in medical images where the object boundary is hard to detect using traditional edge detection algorithms, such as ultrasound of the uterus and kidney.

Fast in vivo measurements of local tissue impedances using needle electrodes.

Abstract: The objective of the research is to show an in vivo, fast method of measurement of local tissue bio-impedance in the beta dispersion region (0-200 kHz). A needle electrode is used for the purpose. The performances with respect to circuits, electrodes, measurement area and electrical representations are evaluated. A measurement example is shown, and the electrical representations are discussed and compared using it. The method discussed, although invasive, is considered to be useful for local tissue diagnoses concerning structures and physiological functions.

Minimally invasive 3D data registration in computer and robot assisted total knee arthroplasty

Abstract: Computer and robot assisted surgery is concerned with the improvements achievable by using computer methods and robotic devices to plan and execute surgical interventions. The registration of different coordinate frames, often achieved through the matching of 3D data sets, represents a crucial step connecting planning and execution. Orthopaedic surgery already features a number of functioning applications which include registration routines relying on presurgically implanted fiducial markers. Replacing such invasive routines with non-fiducial registration procedures is regarded as a necessary step towards a minimisation of surgical invasiveness. A minimally invasive registration technique based on the iterative closest point algorithm is presented and conceived for a specific computer and robot assisted orthopaedic reconstructive intervention, namely total knee arthroplasty. The whole surgical protocol is examined in detail and the experimental results, relative to tests performed on synthetic and animal specimens, are thoroughly reported and discussed. The authors indicate that the proposed registration approach is well-suited for the relevant application and appropriate for in vivo testing.

Fluctuations in the cerebral oxygenation state during the resting period in functional mapping studies of the human brain

Abstract: Functional mapping studies using near-infrared spectroscopy have detected for the first time the existence of significant fluctuations in the concentration of cerebral oxygenated [oxy-Hb], and deoxygenated haemoglobin, [deoxy-Hb], during the resting period. The fluctuations are not related to alterations in the systemic circulatory system. The temporal pattern varies with each brain region. In some instances, the degrees of change in [oxy-Hb] and [deoxy-Hb] caused by highly integrated tasks are within this resting variation range. Thus, taking account of these fluctuations is essential to the interpretation of distribution patterns of cerebral activity.

Effect of ankle-foot orthosis on active ankle moment in patients with hemiparesis.

Abstract: The paper investigates the effect of dorsi/plantar rigidity and the initial angle of ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) on the moment generated by ankle musculature (referred to as active ankle moment) during gait in patients with hemiparesis. In the early stance phase, the active ankle moment in the direction of dorsiflexion is negligible, and AFOs play an important role in supplementing weak dorsiflexion. In mid to late stance, the moment generated by AFOs is very small compared with the active ankle moment in the direction of plantarflexion. AFOs therefore play only a limited role in assisting plantar flexors during this period. The active ankle moment in the direction of plantarflexion varies significantly with changes in the rigidity and initial angle of AFOs in 11 out of 20 subjects. The implication of this finding is discussed in relation to the need for dynamic matching of AFOs in individual patients with hemiparesis.

Influence of ionic shifts during dialysis on volume estimations with multifrequency impedance analysis

Abstract: During dialysis the ion concentrations in many body fluids change significantly. The influence of these changes on the accuracy of volume measurements with bioimpedance spectroscopy is investigated by the following procedure: Plasma ion concentrations and impedance spectra (5–500 kHz) are measured during six standard haemodialyses. Intracellular ion concentrations are estimated using a multi-compartment model. Intra-(ICV) and extracellular (ECV) volumes are calculated using a fluid distribution model (FDM) based on Hanai's mixture theory. The input variables of the FDM are intra-and extracellular resistance data that have been fitted from impedance spectra with a Cole-Cole model. Resistivity changes (RCs) due to concentration changes of Na+, K+ Cl−, HCO3 − and unspecified intracellular ions are estimated. The FDM is corrected for the Rcs. Corrected ICVs and ECVs are calculated and compared with uncorrected values. The range of relative RCs between the start and end of the dialyses is −3.2% to 1.4% in the ECV and −3.7% to 1.7% in the ICV. From the RCs, volume estimation errors of −1.0% to 1.9% (ECV) and −1.2% to 2.1% (ICV) relative to the initial values have been calculated. At the end of dialysis, the percentage of the error with respect to the volume change is 20% for the ICV. Consequently, a correction of the FDM for RCs is necessary to obtain more reliable ICV data.

New approach to studies on ECG dynamics: Extraction and analyses of QRS complex irregularity time series

Abstract: How to extract information intensively from ECGs for the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases and assessment of heart function is a topical subject. Using a method based on the wavelet transform to calculate the irregularity of the QRS complex, which may relate to inotropy, the QRS complex irregularity time series is successfully extracted from original ECG signals. This provides a new approach to studies of ECG dynamics. With the help of non-linear dynamics theory, the QRS complex irregularity time series of eight subjects, from the MIT/BIH arrhythmia database are studied qualitatively and quantitatively, and the characteristics of ECG dynamics are analysed extensively. The power spectrum, phase portrait, correlation dimension, largest Lyapunov exponent, time-dependent divergence exponent and complexity measure all verify the fact that ECG dynamics are dominated by an underiying 5–6-dimensional non-linear chaotic system, whose complexity measure is about 0.7. The QRS complex irregularity time series contains abundant information about all parts of the heart and the regulation of the autonomic nervous system, and so further analyses are of great potential theoretical and clinical significance to patho-physiology studies and ambulatory monitoring.

Time-frequency analysis of the first heart sound. Part 1: Simulation and analysis.

Abstract: The authors propose a simulated first heart sound (S1) signal that can be used as a reference signal to evaluate the accuracy of time-frequency representation techniques for studying multicomponent signals. The composition of this simulated S1 is based on the hypothesis that an S1 recorded on the thorax over the apical area of the heart is composed of constant frequency vibrations from the mitral valve and a frequency modulated vibration from the myocardium. Essentially, the simulated S1 consists of a valvular component and a myocardial component. The valvular component is modelled as two exponentially decaying sinusoids of 50 Hz and 150 Hz and the myocardial component is modelled by a frequency modulated wave between 20 Hz and 100 Hz. The study shows that the simulated S1 has temporal and spectral characteristics similar to S1 recorded in humans and dogs. It also shows that the spectrogram cannot resolve the three components of the simulated S1. It is concluded that it is necessary to search for a better time-frequency representation technique for studying the time-frequency distribution of multicomponent signals such as the simulated S1.

Non-invasive determination of instantaneous heart rate in developing avian embryos by means of acoustocardiogram

Abstract: Previous noninvasive studies of the mean heart rate of embryonic birds have prompted an investigation into the instantaneous heart rate (IHR), which may be informative in developmental studies of cardiac rhythm. Using the acoustocardiogram (ACG), a noninvasive, long-term measuring system for embryonic IHR is developed, and the IHR in chickens during the last half of embryonic development is determined. The system, which uses a micro-computer, samples the ACG at a frequency of 50 Hz, restores the ACG wave by sinc function and calculates the IHR with an error in accuracy of less than 1 beat min−1. It was found that characteristic, transient bradycardia begins to appear late in the second week of incubation, and, with the additional development of transient tachycardia, the embryonic cardiac rhythm becomes more arrhythmic towards hatching. Simultaneous measurements of IHR with somatic movements showed no relationship between arrhythmia and embryonic activities. This system is useful, providing new evidence on long-term IHR developmental patterns.