A minimal set of electrodes for motor imagery BCI to control an assistive device in chronic stroke subjects: a multi-session study

The brain-computer interface (BCI) system has been developed to assist people with motor disability. To make the system more user-friendly, it is a challenge to reduce the electrode preparation time and have a good reliability. This study aims to find a minimal set of electrodes for an individual stroke subject for motor imagery to control an assistive device using functional electrical stimulation for 20 sessions with accuracy higher than 90%. The characteristics of this minimal electrode set were evaluated with two popular algorithms: Fisher's criterion and support-vector machine recursive feature elimination (SVM-RFE). The number of calibration sessions for channel selection required for robust control of these 20 sessions was also investigated. Five chronic stroke patients were recruited for the study. Our results suggested that the number of calibration sessions for channel selection did not have a significant effect on the classification accuracy. A performance index devised in this study showed that one training day with 12 electrodes using the SVM-RFE method achieved the best balance between the number of electrodes and accuracy in the 20-session data. Generally, 8-36 channels were required to maintain accuracy higher than 90% in 20 BCI training sessions for chronic stroke patients.     

Overview and comparison of long-term forecasting techniques for a fast developing utility: part I

The intrinsic uncertainties associated with demand forecasting become more acute when it is required to provide an invaluable dimension to the decision-making process in a period characterized by fast and dynamic changes. In this paper, estimates of the peak demand, pertaining to a typical fast growing system with inherit dynamic load characteristics, and also a normal developing system, is derived from the classical long-term forecasting methods. These demand estimates are compared with corresponding actual values. Then, a proposed model based on demand characteristics of fast developing utility is obtained to yield best fit. Afterwards, improved modeling of the system load characteristics using a knowledge-based expert system, described in a companion paper (Part II), will demonstrate better forecasts compared with forecasts obtained by direct applications of classical techniques.     

一种新型直流换流站仿真培训系统的设计与实现

通过对换流站仿真培训系统的研究,本文提出一种基于PSCAD/EMTDC的新型仿真培训系统设计方案,采用PSCAD自定义装置模拟实际的控保装置,构建直流控保仿真系统,分别描述了自定义装置之间、自定义装置与运行人员控制系统之间的通信接口设计,优化了运行人员控制系统和自定义装置的通信规约和交互方式,使自定义装置上送报文的数据...     

Design and implementation of haptic virtual environments for the training of the visually impaired

This paper presents a haptic virtual reality (VR) tool developed for the training of the visually impaired. The proposed approach focuses on the development of a highly interactive and extensible haptic VR training system (the ENORASI VR training system) that allows visually impaired, to study and interact with various virtual objects in specially designed virtual environments, while allowing designers to produce and customize these configurations. Based on the system prototype and the use of the CyberGrasp haptic device, a number of custom applications have been developed. An efficient collision detection algorithm is also introduced, by extending the proximity query package (PQP) algorithm to handle five points of contact (a case studied with the use of CyberGrasp). Two test categories were identified and corresponding tests were developed for each category. The training scenarios include: object recognition and manipulation and cane simulation, used for performing realistic navigation tasks. Twenty-six blind persons conducted the tests and the evaluation results have shown the degree of acceptance of the technology and the feasibility of the proposed approach.     

基于特殊导频序列的多用户OFDM系统中的频偏和信道联合估计

本文提出了一种新的导频设计方法应用在多用户OFDM系统中来进行联合估计频偏和信道.根据最小化MSE准则,设计最优的导频序列以满足均方误差最小,从而得到该导频序列是等功率的且具有循环移位正交性.仿真结果表明,本文所提出的最优导频序列优于任意导频序列在对频偏和信道联合估计的运算中.同时,通过采用改进的ML(最大似然估计)算法能够大大减小运算的复杂度.这种方法在系统具有较小频率偏移的情况下非常适用.     

Brain-computer interfaces for 1-D and 2-D cursor control: designs using volitional control of the EEG spectrum or steady-state visual evoked potentials.

We have developed and tested two electroencephalogram (EEG)-based brain-computer interfaces (BCI) for users to control a cursor on a computer display. Our system uses an adaptive algorithm, based on kernel partial least squares classification (KPLS), to associate patterns in multichannel EEG frequency spectra with cursor controls. Our first BCI, Target Practice, is a system for one-dimensional device control, in which participants use biofeedback to learn voluntary control of their EEG spectra. Target Practice uses a KPLS classifier to map power spectra of 62-electrode EEG signals to rightward or leftward position of a moving cursor on a computer display. Three subjects learned to control motion of a cursor on a video display in multiple blocks of 60 trials over periods of up to six weeks. The best subject's average skill in correct selection of the cursor direction grew from 58% to 88% after 13 training sessions. Target Practice also implements online control of two artifact sources: 1) removal of ocular artifact by linear subtraction of wavelet-smoothed vertical and horizontal electrooculograms (EOG) signals, 2) control of muscle artifact by inhibition of BCI training during periods of relatively high power in the 40-64 Hz band. The second BCI, Think Pointer, is a system for two-dimensional cursor control. Steady-state visual evoked potentials (SSVEP) are triggered by four flickering checkerboard stimuli located in narrow strips at each edge of the display. The user attends to one of the four beacons to initiate motion in the desired direction. The SSVEP signals are recorded from 12 electrodes located over the occipital region. A KPLS classifier is individually calibrated to map multichannel frequency bands of the SSVEP signals to right-left or up-down motion of a cursor on a computer display. The display stops moving when the user attends to a central fixation point. As for Target Practice, Think Pointer also implements wavelet-based online removal of ocular artifact; however, in Think Pointer muscle artifact is controlled via adaptive normalization of the SSVEP. Training of the classifier requires about 3 min. We have tested our system in real-time operation in three human subjects. Across subjects and sessions, control accuracy ranged from 80% to 100% correct with lags of 1-5 s for movement initiation and turning. We have also developed a realistic demonstration of our system for control of a moving map display (http://ti.arc.nasa.gov/).     

Biomechanical analysis of legrest support of occupied wheelchairs: comparison between a conventional and a compensatory legrest.

This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of elevating legrest on posture and pressure distribution in a group of ten able-bodied subjects sitting in a manual wheelchair. Two types of legrest were tested: a conventional elevating legrest with a fixed axis of rotation, and a compensatory elevating legrest with a moving axis of rotation. A three-dimensional (3-D) kinematics analysis was carried out to assess body posture simultaneously with pressure measurement data collected at the back, seat, calf and foot supports. The compensatory legrest enables to lengthen foot support as the legrest proclines. This compensation at the knee joint level has a beneficial effect in minimizing pelvic and thigh motion as well as in reducing pressure distribution under seat and foot supports. In contrast, the use of a conventional legrest modifies significantly the subject's posture and induces a substantial increase of 40% on pressure data under ischial tuberosities in procline position. These findings are important for disabled and elderly people who need to elevate their lower leg frequently.     

Development and implementation of monitoring for the reactor core of unit No. 5 of the Novovoronezh nuclear plant by local parameters

In the course of upgrading the unit no. 5 reactor core of the Novovoronezh nuclear power plant, operational limits by local parameters, which limit the admissible linear power density and the relative power of fuel elements, were established. Due to applying modern computer technologies in systems of the in-core monitoring, the calculation of power density for all fuel elements in the real-time mode is implemented. To monitor the power density of fuel elements, the algorithm for determining the limiting linear power density is developed depending on the reactor core height and on the average nuclear fuel burnup. The admissible relative power of fuel elements is determined. In the course of the performed work, the excessive conservative limitations on nonuniformity of the reactor power density are excluded. The monitoring of power density by local parameters instead of indirect K _q (fuel-assembly relative power) and K _v (relative power of the fuel assembly section) made it possible to increase the fuel efficiency and to improve the economic parameters of fuel cycles of the unit no. 5 reactor core of the Novovoronezh nuclear power plant.     

The proof ground for automated process control systems of power stations: An efficient tool for training specialists and testing complex control systems

Experience gained from using the Proof Ground for Automated Process Control Systems of Power Stations as a tool for supporting a new technology for development of automated process control systems by debugging complex functions, training specialists, and forming their skills is considered.     

A comparison of emulsifiers for the formation of oil-in-water emulsions: stability of the emulsions within 9 h after production and MR signal properties

Objective

To provide a basis for the selection of suitable emulsifiers in oil-in-water emulsions used as tissue analogs for MRI experiments. Three different emulsifiers were investigated with regard to their ability to stabilize tissue-like oil-in-water emulsions. Furthermore, MR signal properties of the emulsifiers themselves and influences on relaxation times and ADC values of the aqueous phase were investigated.

Materials and methods

Polysorbate 60, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and soy lecithin were used as emulsifiers. MR characteristics of emulsifiers were assessed in aqueous solutions and their function as a stabilizer was examined in oil-in-water emulsions of varying fat content (10, 20, 30, 40, 50%). Stability and homogeneity of the oil-in-water emulsions were evaluated with a delay of 3 h and 9 h after preparation using T₁ mapping and visual control. Signal properties of the emulsifiers were investigated by ¹H-MRS in aqueous emulsifier solutions. Relaxometry and diffusion weighted MRI (DWI) were performed to investigate the effect of various emulsifier concentrations on relaxation times (T₁ and T₂) and ADC values of aqueous solutions.

Results

Emulsions stabilized by polysorbate 60 or soy lecithin were stable and homogeneous across all tested fat fractions. In contrast, emulsions with SDS showed a significantly lower stability and homogeneity. Recorded T₁ maps revealed marked creaming of oil droplets in almost all of the emulsions with SDS. The spectral analysis showed several additional signals for polysorbate and SDS. However, lecithin remained invisible in ¹H-MRS. Relaxometry and DWI revealed different influences of the emulsifiers on water: Polysorbate and SDS showed only minor effects on relaxation times and ADC values of aqueous solutions, whereas lecithin showed a strong decrease in both relaxation times (r_1,lecithin = 0.11 wt.%⁻¹ s⁻¹, r_2,lecithin = 0.57 wt.%⁻¹ s⁻¹) and ADC value (Δ(ADC)_lecithin =  − 0.18 × 10^–3 mm²/s⋅wt.%) with increasing concentration.

Conclusion

Lecithin is suggested as the preferred emulsifier of oil-in-water emulsions in MRI as it shows a high stabilizing ability and remains invisible in MRI experiments. In addition, lecithin is suitable as an alternative means of adjusting relaxation times and ADC values of water.

     

水电工程技术标准“走出去”战略:竞争、合作、进化——商业生态系统观点

水电企业海外经营越来越要求我国水电工程技术标准能够获得国际市场认同,实现"走出去"。本文从商业生态系统理论视角,通过建立水电工程技术标准商业生态系统模型,和研究分析其层次结构、内容、结构特点和特征,利用"4P3S"分析工具和方法,分析了水电工程技术标准"走出去"国际竞争的特征、竞争或合作的主要内容。通过对水电工程技术标准商业生态系统开拓、拓展、领导权和更新死亡四阶段演化规律分析,对三种生态系统竞争、合作和演化规律及结果进行了对比分析,研究认为我国水电工程技术标准商业生态系统在国际水电市场总体上仍处于开拓或拓展阶段,基于这一阶段特征进一步提出了水电工程技术标准"走出去"战略管理模式设计的思路。