Image processing in swallowing and speech research

An image processing system for application to studies of the temporal and spatial parameters of movement during swallowing and speech is described. Image sequences from videotape are digitized for computerized manipulation and analysis in an attempt to improve on conventional visual inspection. The system is “interactive” or “event-driven”: after executing a function, the computer waits for guidance from the user who controls the program through keyboard and mouse input, selecting options from menus and responding to prompts. The analyst alters image clarity by the application of filters and heightens contrast through video enhancement. A technique called “remapping” reduces head motion and provides uniform spatial scaling. Animated sequences of images are used, as opposed to frame-by-frame analysis, to preserve temporal context and increase efficiency of measurement. Low cost off-the-shelf personal computer hardware is used along with original software tailored to the application.     

TJS全数字脑电工作站在空军招飞体检中的应用研究

随着科学技术的不断进步,为了尽快适应新形势的发展,招飞体检中我们在脑电图(dectroencephalogram,EEG)检测方面使用了电子计算机技术,并对新仪器应用于脑功能检测工作的价值进行了相关的研究,现报告如下:     

心率及重建相位窗对多层螺旋CT冠状动脉造影图像质量的影响

目的 探讨心率及重建相位窗对多层螺旋CT冠状动脉造影图像质量的影响。方法 80例健康体检者行16层螺旋CT回顾性心电门控条件下冠状动脉造影。结果 每位患者的4条冠状动脉分支(左冠状动脉主干、左前降支、左回旋支、右冠状动脉)分别用于图像质量分析。心率≤60次／min者，有82．1％(46／56支)的图像可用于诊断；心率61～70次／min者，有63．4％(104／164支)的图像可用于诊断；心率71～80次/min者，有41．20h，(28／68支)的图像可用于诊断；心率80次／min以上者有31．2％(10／32支)的图像可用于诊断。左冠状动脉前降支在60％～70％的重建相位窗时图像质量最佳，左冠状动脉回旋支在50％～60％时最佳，右冠状动脉重建相位窗为50％～70％较满意。结论心率及重建相位窗对多层螺旋CT冠状动脉造影图像质量有重要影响作用。     

MR image segmentation using vector decomposition and probability techniques: A general model and its application to dual-echo images

A general model is developed for segmenting magnetic resonance images using vector decomposition and probabilfty techniques. Each voxel is assigned fractional volumes of q tissues from p differently weighted images (q ≤ p + 1) in the presence of partial-volume mixing, random noise, and other tissues. Compared wtth the eigenimage method, fewer differently weighted images are needed for segmenting the q tissues, and the contrast-to-noise ratio in the calculated fractional volumes is improved. The model can produce com-posrte tissue-type images similar to that of the probability methods, by comparing the fractional volumes assigned to different tissues on each voxel. A three-tissue (p = 2, q = 3) model is illustrated for segmenting three tissues from dual-echo images. M provides statistical analysis to the algebraic method. A three-compartment phantom is segmented for validation. Two clinical examples are presented.     

The Effect of Quisqualic Acid-Induced Lesions of the Nucleus Basalis Magnocellularis on Latent Inhibition

Latent inhibition (LI) is a reduction in the rate of acquisition of a Pavlovian conditioned response that results from prior nonreinforced preexposure to a conditioned stimulus (CS). LI has been suggested to reflect the operation of mechanisms involved in stimulus selection for subsequent cognitive processing. The present experiment was conducted to assess the effect of bilateral lesions of the nucleus basalis magnocellularis (NBM) on LI employing a conditioned emotional response paradigm. Bilateral lesions of the NBM were produced by administration of 0.12 M quisqualic acid and resulted in decreased cortical acetylcholinesterase staining, as well as a 40% reduction in cortical choline acetyltransferase activity. Following lever press training, preexposed animals received 40 presentations of a 60-s tone CS. Nonpreexposed animals received no tone presentations. Acquisition of conditioned suppression was then assessed over the course of 4 tone-shock (0.6 mA, 0.5 s) pairings. Control, preexposed animals displayed a retarded rate of acquisition in comparison to nonpreexposed controls, thereby demonstrating that the parameters used in the present experiment produced LI. In contrast, lesioned animals preexposed to the CS acquired conditioned suppression as readily as non-preexposed lesioned animals. However, the acquisition of conditioned suppression in both lesioned groups was found to be similar to that displayed in the preexposed control group. This pattern of results was interpreted as being attributable to a lesion-induced impairment in the ability to maintain stimulus processing, rather than a deficit in the ability to filter a stimulus. Copyright © 1996 Elsevier Science Inc.     

Advances in processing of surface myoelectric signals: Part 1

During sustained voluntary or electrically elicted muscle contractions the surface myoelectric signal is nonstationary and it undergoes progressive changes reflecting the modifications of the motor unit action potentials and their propagation velocity. In particular, during sustained electrical stimulation, the evoked signals show progressive amplitude, time scaling and shape modification. The quantitative evaluation of these changes is important for non-invasive muscle characterisation and may be performed in either the time or frequency domain using parametric and nonparametric spectral analysis as well as alternative methodologies. The paper introduces the detection techniques, reviews and compares the methods of spectral estimation based on FFT and autoregressive models, and discusses their applications and limitations in extracting information from the surface myoelectric signal with particular regard to myoelectric manifestations of localised muscle fatigue during sustained contractions.     

Measurement of upper extremity orientation by video stereometry system

In the attempt to gain a broader understanding of the causal relationships behind work-related symptoms of pain in the human shoulder, monitoring of arm position is crucial. Different methods have been used with varying accuracy. A video-based stereometry system, using infra-red light and reflecting markers for motion analysis, has been introduced for measurements in the fields of ergonomics, biomechanics and sports medicine. The purpose of this study is to investigate the sources of error in using this system for posture registration of the upper limb. Measurements are performed on a calibration fixture, on a mechanical model of the upper limb and on a subject with an exoskeleton. Particular, attention is given to inconsistencies and relative errors due to the finite geometrical precision with which the markers are positioned in the calibration fixture and on the studied objects, the limited capability to align the objects relative to the coordinate system of the calibration fixture and the errors connected to angular measurements using protractors etc. It is concluded that the system makes a valuable addition to existing instruments for non-contact posture measurement, and produces position data with an adequate accuracy in normal handling.     

The biomechanics of vibration and low back pain

This work is a review of the mechanical factors related to low back pain production in a vibration environment. The sitting posture is an extreme orientation for the lumbar intervertebral disc that 1) increases its internal pressure, 2) increases its anteroposterior shear flexibility, while: 3) decreasing its resistance to buckling instability and 4) stressing the posterior region of the disc. Vibration is an additional mechanical stressor. Several studies suggest that the following preventive measures be taken to reduce the risk of low back pain due to driving: 1) minimize the vibration reaching the driver, 2) avoid lifting or bending immediately following driving, and 3) walk around for a few minutes following driving. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Pixel value modification using RVG-4 automatic exposure compensation for instant high-contrast images

The RVG-4 permits automatic exposure compensation (AEC). The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of AEC on image contrast. Images were made either with or without a dental QA jaw phantom using a fixed image projection geometry. Exposures were 6.3 through 27.3 μC/kg using an X-ray generator operated at 70 kVp. Region of interest pixel value distributions were measured at tissue thicknesses in this phantom, and the average pixel values and signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) were calculated. The use of AEC without an object in place resulted in a disproportionate relationship between pixel value and exposure with a marked reduction in SNR. The use of AEC on under- and over-exposed images of the phantom simultaneously enhanced image contrast and reduced SNR. Thus, AEC provides a convenient and quick method for achieving high-contrast images with sub-optimal exposures, however, this could lead to inappropriate patient dosages if the function is used for over-exposed images. AEC reduces the SNR and produces disproportionate pixel values relative to exposure.     

屈膝过程中的胫股运动特性分析

本文采用三维位移测量方法，测试１０例离体人膝标本的胫股关节三维运动特性。发现屈膝过程中，胫股运动也具有典型的三维运动特点。其中在屈膝初期的３０°内，胫骨内旋最明显并伴有胫骨内翻现象，平均内旋８°，内翻６－７ｍｍ，膝关节完全伸直时胫股扣锁使膝关节稳定，屈曲时胫股“解锁”使膝关节松弛，具重要的临床意义，同时提示，在解释传统的胫股扣锁现象时不应遗漏伴随发生的胫骨内／外翻现象。