Simultaneous EEG-fMRI measurements can combine the high spatial resolution of fMRI with the high temporal resolution of EEG. Therefore, we applied this approach to the study of peripheral vision. ...More specifically, we presented visual field quadrant fragments of checkerboards and a full central checkerboard in a simple detection task. A technique called “integration-by-prediction” was used to integrate EEG and fMRI data. In particular, we used vectors of single-trial ERP amplitude differences between left and right occipital electrodes as regressors in an ERP-informed fMRI analysis. The amplitude differences for the regressors were measured at the latencies of the visual P1 and N1 components. Our results indicated that the traditional event-related fMRI analysis revealed mostly activations in the vicinity of the primary visual cortex and in the ventral visual stream, while both P1 and N1 regressors revealed activation of areas in the temporo-parietal junction. We conclude that simultaneous EEG-fMRI in a spatial detection task can separate visual processing at 100–200ms from stimulus onset from the rest of the information processing in the brain.
►Simultaneous EEG-fMRI performed for peripheral checkerboard stimuli. ►New variant of integration-by-prediction analysis performed. ►Visual P1 and N1 ERP components associated with processing in the dorsal stream.
In the present study, we modeled a reaching task as a two-link mechanism. The upper arm and forearm motion trajectories during vertical arm movements were estimated from the measured angular ...accelerations with dual-axis accelerometers. A data set of reaching synergies from able-bodied individuals was used to train a radial basis function artificial neural network with upper arm/forearm tangential angular accelerations. The trained radial basis function artificial neural network for the specific movements predicted forearm motion from new upper arm trajectories with high correlation (mean, 0.9149-0.941). For all other movements, prediction was low (range, 0.0316-0.8302). Results suggest that the proposed algorithm is successful in generalization over similar motions and subjects. Such networks may be used as a high-level controller that could predict forearm kinematics from voluntary movements of the upper arm. This methodology is suitable for restoring the upper limb functions of individuals with motor disabilities of the forearm, but not of the upper arm. The developed control paradigm is applicable to upper-limb orthotic systems employing functional electrical stimulation. The proposed approach is of great significance particularly for humans with spinal cord injuries in a free-living environment. The implication of a measurement system with dual-axis accelerometers, developed for this study, is further seen in the evaluation of movement during the course of rehabilitation. For this purpose, training-related changes in synergies apparent from movement kinematics during rehabilitation would characterize the extent and the course of recovery. As such, a simple system using this methodology is of particular importance for stroke patients. The results underlie the important issue of upper-limb coordination.
International collaboration in teaching and research has expanded as a result of the widespread accessibility and use of the World Wide Web. While on-line education has experienced the greatest ...growth, the use of remote laboratories in research and teaching is relatively new. The development of a remote ergonomics laboratory using a new Internet technology is described. The purpose of the remote laboratory is to provide international access to an advanced thermal manikin technology which provides a platform for measuring the thermodynamic properties of protective clothing during exposure to controlled environmental conditions. To date, the laboratory has generated global interest and promoted international collaboration in ergonomics teaching and research.
Natural polymer-based scaffolds are generally considered as favourable matrices for
the adhesion and growth of cells in tissue repair. One of the most popular materials in
this respect is silk ...fibroin, known for its wide usage in biomedical applications. This work focuses on the development of electrospun scaffolds based on poly(ε-caprolactone)
(PCL) and silk fibroin (SF) evaluated regarding the SF effect on their morphology, surface wetting ability, thermal properties, and HaCaT model cell line biocompatibility. The
study revealed that the lowest PCL/SF concentration resulted in highest bead-like morphology formation, relatively thick fibers with the presence of random beads in the case of PCL, while uniform and thinner fibers in the case of increasing PCL/SF content scaffolds. The addition of SF reduced the degree of crystallinity in the PCL due to the less
organized crystal structure, and decreased its thermal stability. Both SEM and MTT analyses showed cell presence on all scaffolds three days after cell seeding. Although SF
improved PCL hydrophilicity, as shown quantitatively by the MTT assay for improved
cytocompatibility properties, more structured electrospun PCL/SF scaffold strategies are
required.
Non-English title Mijovic, B
Sigurnost,
01/2015, Letnik:
57, Številka:
3
Journal Article
Nanotechnology and nanomaterials have become the "in" topics among researchers in the last few decades. The reason for nanotechnology's attractiveness is in the new opportunities that the technology ...offers. The paper gives a short overview of the emergence of nanotechnology, its basic terminology with focus on the types of nanomaterials, their unique properties and possibilities of application. The benefits of this booming field are evident in many areas including information and communication technology, energy storage, environmental engineering, chemical industry, food industry, medicine, pharmaceutical industry and cosmetics. On the other hand, the unique properties of nanomaterials which make them so attractive are also the cause of major concerns because of their potential harmfulness to human health and the environment. Nanomaterials easily enter the environment during production processes or in waste disposal, and affect the human body through occupational exposure and use of different products. Probably the biggest concerns of toxicologists at this point are the potentially harmful impacts of nanomaterials which are still insufficiently understood.
Nanotechnology and nanomaterials have become the "in" topics among researchers in the last few decades. The reason for nanotechnology's attractiveness is in the new opportunities that the technology ...offers. The paper gives a short overview of the emergence of nanotechnology, its basic terminology with focus on the types of nanomaterials, their unique properties and possibilities of application. The benefits of this booming field are evident in many areas including information and communication technology, energy storage, environmental engineering, chemical industry, food industry, medicine, pharmaceutical industry and cosmetics. On the other hand, the unique properties of nanomaterials which make them so attractive are also the cause of major concerns because of their potential harmfulness to human health and the environment. Nanomaterials easily enter the environment during production processes or in waste disposal, and affect the human body through occupational exposure and use of different products. Probably the biggest concerns of toxicologists at this point are the potentially harmful impacts of nanomaterials which are still insufficiently understood.
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