Events

2012

2011

Tuesday, November 1, 2011
3:00 pm
Wickenden, Room 525

PhD Defense of Yuang (David) Tang

"Methods for the Detection and Suppression of Mesial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy"

Abstract
Epilepsy is a complex neurological disease that affects more than 50 million people worldwide. Mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) is the most common and refractory form of epilepsy. Patients diagnosed with MTLE often experience status epilepticus during infancy. It is postulated that this initial trauma is the root cause of MTLE development later in life. In this study, we present potential new therapies for the treatment of MTLE. First, we present a novel low frequency electrical stimulation paradigm, as a possible therapeutic treatment, for status epilepticus originating from the hippocampus as well as MTLE seizures. The paradigm utilizes the hippocampal commissure, as a unique stimulation target, to simultaneously influence large portions of the bilateral hippocampal network. In order to assess the efficacy of the proposed stimulation paradigm, an acute rat model of MTLE status epilepticus is developed, using bilateral micro-injections 4-Aminopyridine into the hippocampal structure. In animals that received stimulation, an 88% reduction in the powers of the bilateral epileptiform activity is achieved when compared to the control group. In addition, the stimulation paradigm is also shown to entrain the hippocampal network’s spontaneous epileptiform activity and disrupt the synchrony between the epileptiform activity within two sides of the hippocampi. In conclusion, the proposed electrical stimulation paradigm shows promise both as a novel treatment for status epilepticus during infancy as well as for adult patients suffering from recurrent MTLE seizures. Along with the low frequency stimulation paradigm, we also present a automated seizure detection algorithm utilizing an assembly of Support Vector Machines (SVM). An effective automated seizure detector can reduce the significant human resources necessary for the care of patients suffering from intractable epilepsy and offer improved solutions for closed-loop therapeutic devices such as implantable electrical stimulation systems. While numerous detection algorithms have been published, an effective detector in the clinical setting remains elusive. There are significant challenges facing seizure detection algorithms. The epilepsy EEG morphology can vary widely among the patient population. EEG recordings from the same patient can change over time. EEG recordings can be contaminated with artifacts that often resemble epileptic seizure activity. In order for an epileptic seizure detector to be successful, it must be able to adapt to these different challenges. In this study, a novel detector is proposed based on a support vector machine assembly classifier (SVMA). The SVMA consists of a group of SVMs each trained with a different set of weights between the seizure and non-seizure data and the user can selectively control the output of the SVMA classifier. The algorithm can improve the detection performance compared to traditional methods by providing an effective tuning strategy for specific patients. The proposed algorithm also demonstrates a clear advantage over threshold tuning. When compared with the detection performances reported by other studies using the publicly available epilepsy dataset hosted by the University of BONN, the proposed SVMA detector achieved the best total accuracy of 98.72%. These results demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed SVMA detector and its potential in the clinical setting.

Wednesday, October 27, 2011
4:00 pm
2013 Cornell Road
The Iris S. and Bert L. Wolstein Research Building

Celebrate the appointment of

Dominique M. Durand, Ph.D.
Elmer Lincoln Lindseth Professor in Biomedical Engineering
&
Erin B. Lavik, Sc.D.
Elmer Lincoln Lindseth Associate Professor in Biomedical Engineering

Monday, August 29, 2011
3:00 pm
Wickenden, Room 525

PhD Defense of Christa W. Moss

“Investigation of Below Lesion Musle Signals as a Command Source for a Neuroprosthesis”
Advisor: P. Hunter Peckham

Abstract

The objective of this project is to investigate muscle signals from below the injury level in individuals with motor complete spinal cord injury. Implanted neuroprostheses use functional electrical stimulation to restore function to individuals with spinal cord injury. A command signal is required to control each restored function. Currently, muscle signals from above the injury are used as a command source. As neuroprostheses advance in complexity, more command signals will be required to control the additional functions. Thus, this project was designed to evaluate potential sources of additional command information.

Although visual movement is not present in muscles below the injury level in the motor complete SCI population, it is possible to detect volitional electromyographic (EMG) activity in some muscles. Results discussed here indicate that training with visual feedback may improve the amplitude and reliability of small muscle signals. Additionally, a proof of concept demonstration showed that clinically paralyzed muscles are a viable option for use as a command signal for an implanted, upper extremity neuroprosthesis.

Tuesday, August 9, 2011
12:00 Noon
Nord Hall, Room 400

PhD Defense of Andy Cornwell

"Command of a Multiple Degree-of-Freedom Arm With Functional Electrical Stimulation Using a Simple Set of Commands"
Advisor: Robert Kirsch

Abstract

This project demonstrates a method to provide commands to an FES-enabled arm when the set of available commands is fewer than those needed to control the system. Although no treatment or cure for spinal cord injury (SCI) currently exists, there are rehabilitative technologies that provide increased levels of independence. Because the injury to the spinal cord largely spares damage to the peripheral nervous system and muscles, it is often possible to electrically stimulate paralyzed peripheral nerves and artificially initiate the original function of those nerves. This technique is called Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES), and it can be used to restore motor function by stimulating the motor nerves. If the nerves are stimulated in carefully orchestrated patterns, it is possible to restore functional movements.

An advanced neuroprosthesis is under development in our laboratory to restore arm function to individuals with high-cervical level SCI, where users have complete paralysis of the entire arm. This system will use several novel techniques to overcome the inherent difficulties of providing a complete system to a user with no control of his arms or hands. For example, a new command source will be used because the retained functions available for delivering commands are very limited. Promising options include face and neck EMG signals, or signals recorded from the brain. Currently, these command sources are capable of robustly producing two or three continuous commands. However, to position the arm and hand in space requires specifying the position of each joint in the arm, which implies at least seven mechanical degrees of freedom.

The goal of this project is to develop a “command map,” the mathematical relationship that extracts the user’s intent from the available command source, and maps this information to arm joint angles so the FES controller can determine appropriate levels of stimulation for executing the intended movement. We obtained this command map by using the Principal Components Analysis (PCA) of able-bodied individuals performing a carefully selected set of daily living tasks. This work details the importance and selection of those daily living tasks, identifies high levels of repeatable correlation in joint angles during everyday movements, and then demonstrates the controllability of a virtual arm by able-bodied users using the PCA-based command map.

Friday, April 22, 2011
2:00 PM
Wickenden 322

Srikantan Nagarajan, PhD
Director, Biomagnetic Imaging Laboratory
Professor in Residence
UCSF School

"Multiple time-scales of brain plasticity assessed by Electromagnetic Brain Imaging"

Friday, February 11, 2011
8:30 AM
Biomedical Research Building (BRB) Rm. 105
Case Western Reserve University

Neural Prosthesis Seminar

Ranu Jung, PhD
Department of Biomedical Engineering
Collge of Engneering and Computing
Florida International University, Miami FL
"Neuromorphic Design & Neural Prostheses for Restoring Sensorimotor Function"

Abstract: Engineering techniques can play a role in understanding biological systems, mimicking biological processes, and intervening to restore function after trauma. Computational models allow us to investigate the underlying mechanisms for neural control as well as the adaptive or maladaptive biological processes. Such models can be used to design neuromorphic technology that mimics biological systems. Neural prostheses, incorporating neuromorphic approaches into system design can be used to interact with the nervous system. This talk will present some of our work in using neural models, designing neuromorphic systems and developing neural prostheses, as well as provide an overview of an on-going project that is developing and implementing a novel neural prosthesis directed at improving the functionality of artificial limbs by providing sensory feedback to the user.

This seminar will be streamed live starting at 8:30 AM EST on Friday, February 11 at:
http://www.FEScenter.org/Seminar

For more information, please contact Cathy Naples at (216) 707-6490.

Friday, January 21, 2011
8:30 AM
Biomedical Research Building (BRB) Rm. 105
Case Western Reserve University

Neural Prosthesis Seminar

Dominique Durand, PhD
E.L. Lindseth Professor of Biomedical Engineering
Professor of Neuroscience, Physiology and Biophysics
Director of Neural Engineering Center
Case Western Reserve University

"Interfacing with the Peripheral Nervous System to Detect Movement Intent"

Abstract: Neural engineers have made significant breakthrough in several areas such as the brain machine interface for locked-in patients, the retinal prosthesis for blind patients and deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s patients. In this presentation I will focus on neural interfacing with the peripheral nervous system. In particular, I will present the development of an electrode capable of selective fascicle recording. The recorded signals can then be processed to detect of the intent of the patient and applied to the control of prosthetics devices such as artificial limbs in patients with amputation or stroke.

This seminar will be streamed live starting at 8:30 AM EST on Friday, January 21st at:
http://www.FEScenter.org/Seminar

For more information, please contact Cathy Naples at (216) 707-6490.

2010

Friday, December 10, 2010
8:30 AM
Biomedical Research Building (BRB) Rm. 105
Case Western Reserve University

Neural Prosthesis Seminar

Heidi B. Martin, PhD
Associate Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering
Case Western Reserve University

"Conductive Diamond for Implantable Neurological Devices"

Abstract: Robust implantable electrodes enable functional electrical stimulation and neurosensing technologies and expand their benefits to applications in human health. Conductive diamond provides the opportunity to integrate sensing and stimulation in the same robust device. Diamond stimulators may operate while avoiding tissue and electrode damage. Diamond sensors could be used to examine new neurochemistries and detect lower analyte concentrations. This presentation focuses on diamond-film electrode development and application in tissue for (a) stimulation of neural activity, and (b) detection of neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, and electrical activity. Unique fabrication and materials integration approaches to render the electrodes flexible will be presented.

This seminar will be streamed live starting at 8:30 AM EST on Friday, December 10th at: http://www.FEScenter.org/Seminar

For more information, please contact Cathy Naples at (216) 707-6490.

Friday, November 12, 2010
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Biomedical Research Building (BRB) Rm. 105
Case Western Reserve University

Neural Prosthesis Seminar

Michael Goldfarb, Ph.D.
H. Fort Flowers Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vanderbilt University

“New Horizons in Upper and Lower Extremity Prosthetics” [download flyer]

Abstract: Recent advances in robotics technology have brought to the near horizon significantly enhanced functionality in both lower and upper extremity prostheses. Specifically, such advances now enable fully powered artificial legs and multi-fingered hands capable of multiple grasps and postures. Traditional user interfaces are inadequate to fully access the enhanced capabilities of such prostheses, and as such, the development of new, considerably more capable user interfaces are needed. This talk will describe emerging capabilities in both lower and upper extremity prostheses, and will also discuss issues related to the user interface of both.

Sponsored by the Cleveland FES Center and the APT Center.

Live stream video link for this lecture starting at 8:30 AM on 11/12/10 will be at: http://www.FEScenter.org/Seminar

Friday, October 15, 2010
8:30 AM
Case Western Reserve University
Biomedical Research Building (BRB) Room 105

Speaker: Mark S. Humayun, MD, PhD
Professor of Ophthalmology, Biomedical Engineering and Cell &
Neurobiology, Doheny Eye Institute, University of Southern California

Topic: Interim Performance Results from the Second Sight© Argus™ II Retinal Prosthesis Study.

For more information contact Cathy Naples (216) 707-6490

Friday, September 17, 2010
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Case Western Reserve University
Biomedical Research Building (BRB) Room 105

This seminar will not be web streamed

Speaker: Bijan Pesaran, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Neural Science
Center for Neural Science
New York University

Title: "The Promise of Local Field Potentials for Neuroscience and Neural Engineering"

Abstract: The study of the brain is enjoying an era of growth with dramatic advances in our knowledge of the link between brain and behavior. Research is leading to a better scientific understanding of how the brain controls behavior and is opening up translational opportunities to engineer devices that replace lost brain function. Our understanding of brain mechanisms is largely based on the spiking activity of individual neurons. In this talk, I will argue that an exclusive focus on spiking activity hampers both basic neuroscience and neural engineering. I will develop a complementary approach involving local field potentials (LFPs), electrical potentials generated by populations of neurons. I propose that LFPs show promise in two specific areas. Local field potentials can improve our scientific understanding of how different brain areas communicate with each other during behavior and can accelerate the development of robust high-performance neural interfaces that replace lost brain function.


IEEE_EMBS Forum on Grand Challenges in Neuroengineering
May 7th-May 8th, 2010
Washington
http://www.gcbme10.org/index.html

Fourth International Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) Meeting
May 31 to June 4, 2010
The meeting will take place at the Asilomar Conference Center on the Monterey Peninsula, part of the California State Park System. The conference center, which constitutes the largest collection of Arts and Crafts-style buildings in one location, is a National Historic Landmark
http://bcimeeting.org/2010

39th Neural Interfaces Conference
Long Beach Convention Center
Long Beach CA
June 21-23, 2010

http://neuralinterfaces2010.com/