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Biomedical subjects

G S Russell

Publications and source records attributed to G S Russell.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

Scalp electrode impedance, infection risk, and EEG data quality.

OBJECTIVES: Breaking the skin when applying scalp electroencephalographic (EEG) electrodes creates the risk of infection from blood-born pathogens such as HIV, Hepatitis-C, and Creutzfeldt-Jacob Disease. Modern engineering principles suggest that excellent EEG signals can be collected with high scalp impedance ( approximately 40 kOmega) without scalp abrasion. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of electrode-scalp impedance on EEG data quality. METHODS: The first section of the paper reviews electrophysiological recording with modern high input-impedance differential amplifiers and subject isolation, and explains how scalp-electrode impedance influences EEG signal amplitude and power line noise. The second section of the paper presents an experimental study of EEG data quality as a function of scalp-electrode impedance for the standard frequency bands in EEG and event-related potential (ERP) recordings and for 60 Hz noise. RESULTS: There was no significant amplitude change in any EEG frequency bands as scalp-electrode impedance increased from less than 10 kOmega (abraded skin) to 40 kOmega (intact skin). 60 Hz was nearly independent of impedance mismatch, suggesting that capacitively coupled noise appearing differentially across mismatched electrode impedances did not contribute substantially to the observed 60 Hz noise levels. CONCLUSIONS: With modern high input-impedance amplifiers and accurate digital filters for power line noise, high-quality EEG can be recorded without skin abrasion.

Artifacts↗

Bayesian estimates of error bounds for EEG source imaging.

Given a set of electrical potential measurements at the surface of the head, localizing the sources of the electrical activity is an inherently ill-posed problem. Bayesian methods can be used to specify prior information to constrain the possible source solutions. We show that Bayesian analysis can also provide a means for characterizing system noise levels, estimating the "error bars" surrounding source localization results, and estimating the information about brain processes conveyed by dense sensor array electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings. This method is, in principal, applicable to any linear model of EEG or magnetoencephalographic (MEG) processes. A series of simulations demonstrated the internal consistency of our method, the robustness to noise levels, and the limitations of accurate source localization with large numbers of sources.

Artifacts↗

A prospective study of 342 patients using transpedicular fixation instrumentation for lumbosacral spine arthrodesis.

The objective of this research was to determine the efficacy and safety of an experimental instrumentation device designed for transpedicular spinal fixation by evaluating fusion rates and clinical pain and function scores; to determine complication rates associated with the device; and to compare the obtained data with that previously published in the literature. Four hundred forty-two consecutive patients were enrolled in this 4-year, Food and Drug Administration-monitored investigational device exemption trial to undergo surgery for implantation of the device. Eighteen surgeons at 11 nationwide medical centers performed the operations and subsequent evaluations. The study population was derived from three diagnostic categories: degenerative disc disease, multioperated back, and vertebral fracture. The data source consisted of radiographs, clinical examination, and structured forms and questionnaires. Patients were evaluated preoperatively, intraoperatively, and postoperatively at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. By the 24-month postoperative interval, attrition had reduced the study population to 342 patients, among whom bony fusion was obtained in 91.5%. Pain scores demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in clinical outcome. Intraoperative complications occurred in 21.9% of patients. Of the 442 study patients, 2.9% experienced device-related complications. Moreover, a total of 2,304 screws and bolts were implanted in this patient population. Of these, 0.39% were reported to have fractured. Among the 342 study patients observed during 24 months, the breakage rate of device components (bolt or screw) was 2.63%. These data compare favorably to existing reports of spinal arthrodesis effected with other types of instrumentation and without device implantation. In a 4-year trial, the experimental transpedicular fixation instrumentation produced successful spinal fusion in the majority of our study population, with acceptable complication rates.

Activities of Daily Living↗

Nested reentrant and recurrent computation in early vision: a Bayesian neuromorphic model applied to hyperacuity.

Hyperacuity is demonstrated in a neuromorphic model of the early visual system. The model incorporates Bayesian principles which are embodied in the dynamics of reentrant and recurrent feedback processes. Each retinotopically mapped area in the model represents a transformation of data from the visual field. Sensory information propagates in a bottom-up direction from one area to the next, while information based on Bayesian priors propagates in a top-down direction through reentrant connections. The 'bottom-up' and 'top-down' information maintain a separate existence in distinct layers of the model, but they interact through local connections within each area. Transformations between one area and the next are defined by the reentrant synaptic connections between areas, while local prior probability maps are defined by local recurrent connections within layers. The representation of hyperacuity is accomplished using a model of functional multiplicity: the large ratio of neurons in striate cortex compared with the number of afferent fibers projecting from the lateral geniculate nucleus. High functional multiplicity, in conjunction with hierarchical reentrant processing, allows the model to represent a fine-grained restoration of the line structure of visual input.

Bayes Theorem↗

Changes in isometric strength and range of motion of the isolated cervical spine after eight weeks of clinical rehabilitation.

There have been no reports in the literature objectively measuring changes in strength and range of motion in patients with non-spinal-cord injuries of the cervical spine. Ninety patients participated in an 8-week training study. Diagnostic groups included patients with the following: degenerative disc (n = 6), herniated disc (n = 14), and cervical strain (n = 70). Full-range isometric strength tests were performed at eight equidistant positions in a device that constrained all motion with the exception of cervical flexion and extension. Post tests were performed following training. Significant gains were seen in strength as well as range of motion. Perceived pain was significantly reduced. This kind of testing can potentially provide the clinician with objective findings to direct patient management more adequately.

Cervical Vertebrae↗