Technology and Health Care - Volume 25, issue S1

Article Type: Other

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 25, no. S1, pp. i-iv, 2017

Authors: Ciaccio, Edward J. | Liu, Feng

Article Type: Other

DOI: 10.3233/THC-171350

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 25, no. S1, pp. 1-, 2017

Authors: Xiao, Feiyun | Gao, Yongsheng | Wang, Yong | Zhu, Yanhe | Zhao, Jie

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Many countries, including Japan, Italy, and China are experiencing demographic shifts as their populations age. Some basic activities of daily living (ADLs) are difficult for elderly people to complete independently due to declines in motor function. OBJECTIVE: In this paper, a 6-DOF wearable cable-driven upper limb exoskeleton (CABexo) based on epicyclic gear trains structure is proposed. METHODS: The main structure of the exoskeleton system is composed of three epicyclic gear train sections. This new exoskeleton has a parallel mechanical structure to the traditional serial structure, but is stiffer and has a stronger …carrying capacity. The traditional gear transmission structure is replaced with a cable transmission system, which is quieter, and has higher accuracy and smoother transmission. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The static workspace of the exoskeleton is large enough to meet the demand of assisting aged and disabled individuals in completing most of their activities of daily living (ADLs). Show more

Keywords: Epicyclic gear train, cable-driven, upper limb exoskeleton, pre-tensioner

DOI: 10.3233/THC-171300

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 25, no. S1, pp. 3-11, 2017

Authors: Li, Baolin | Bi, Jiaqi | Li, Wei | Huang, Sainan | Zhang, Shuangli | Zhao, Jian’gang | Meng, Qinggang | Fei, Jianfeng

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Bone histomorphometry and the concentration of the serum osteocalcin expression were observed in disuse osteoporosis (DOP) rats in order to explore the mechanism of pulsed electromagnetic fields in treating DOP. METHODS: Female SD rats, weighing 250 ∼ 280 g, were randomly divided into 4 groups: a control group and three experimental groups. The right hindlimbs of all the rats were immobilized by tibia-tail fixation, except for those in the INT group. The ALN group rats were given an alendronate sodium (1 mg kg - 1 …d - 1 ) treatment, and the rats in the PEMF group received PEMF irradiation. Bone histomorphometry and the concentration of serum osteocalcin expression were detected in 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. RESULTS: Four weeks after modeling, as compared with the DOP group, the %Tb-Ar and Tb-N in the ALN group were increased, and the difference was significant (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). At 8 weeks, as compared with the DOP group, the %Tb-Ar and Tb-N in the ALN group and the PEMF group both increased, and there was a significant difference (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). At 12 weeks, as compared with the DOP group, the BGP serum concentration of the ALN group was reduced, and there was a statistical difference (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Pulse electromagnetic field with drug can prevent disuse osteoporosis by changing the bone microstructure. In the long run, PEMF improves the mechanical performance of biological structures better than alendronate sodium does. PEMF may influence the process of bone remodeling by promoting the level of osteocalcin. Show more

Keywords: Pulse electro magnetic fields, disuse osteoporosis, donatello sodium, metrology static parameters

DOI: 10.3233/THC-171301

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 25, no. S1, pp. 13-20, 2017

Authors: Shen, Xiang | Ji, Song | Xie, Zhongmin | Deng, Yongquan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Vascular stenting has been widely used to treat vessel stenosis. However, long-term successes of the procedure are often compromised by late stent thrombosis (ST) and in-stent restenosis (ISR), especially in tapered arteries. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to choose a reasonable expansion strategy for tapered arteries. METHODS: A balloon-expandable coronary stent deployment in a tapered vessel was numerically studied fol-lowing three strategies: (i) selecting the proximal diameter of the tapered vessel as the reference diameter to expand the stent, (ii) selecting the middle diameter of the tapered vessel as the reference diameter to …expand the stent, and (iii) selecting the distal diameter of the tapered vessel as the reference diameter to expand the stent. RESULTS: Computational results showed that the first expansion strategy resulted in the maximum vessel stress and the best stent apposition, while the third strategy resulted in the minimal vessel stress and the worst stent appo-sition. Meanwhile, the second expansion strategy achieved a trade-off between the first and third strategies, leading to acceptable vessel stress and stent apposition. CONCLUSIONS: The second expansion strategy is the most reasonable choice for tapered vessels, and it should be considered when implanting a stent. Show more

Keywords: Expansion strategy, tapered artery, coronary stent, finite element analysis

DOI: 10.3233/THC-171302

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 25, no. S1, pp. 21-28, 2017

Authors: Na, Sung Dae | Lee, Gihyoun | Wei, Qun | Seong, Ki Woong | Cho, Jin Ho | Kim, Myoung Nam

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Fully implantable hearing devices (FIHDs) can be affected by generated biomechanical noise such as mastication noise. OBJECTIVE: To reduce the mastication noise using a piezo-electric sensor, the mastication noise is measured with the piezo-electric sensor, and noise reduction is practiced by the energy difference. METHODS: For the experiment on mastication noise, a skull model was designed using artificial skull model and a piezo-electric sensor that can measure the vibration signals better than other sensors. A 1 kHz pure-tone sound through a standard speaker was applied to the model while the lower jawbone …of the model was moved in a masticatory fashion. RESULTS: The correlation coefficients and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) before and after application of the proposed method were compared. It was found that the signal-to-noise ratio and correlation coefficients increased by 4.48 dB and 0.45, respectively. CONCLUSION: The mastication noise is measured by piezo-electric sensor as the mastication noise that occurred during vibration. In addition, the noise was reduced by using the proposed method in conjunction with MATLAB. In order to confirm the performance of the proposed method, the correlation coefficients and signal-to-noise ratio before and after signal processing were calculated. In the future, an implantable microphone for real-time processing will be developed. Show more

Keywords: Implantable hearing devices, mastication noise, piezo-electric sensor

DOI: 10.3233/THC-171303

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 25, no. S1, pp. 29-34, 2017

Authors: Yang, Tao | Ding, Li | Zhang, Haibo | Xue, Lihao | Zhang, Wei | Chen, Lianyun | Xiao, Huajun | Qiao, Huiting

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: During high-altitude flight, the protection of the pilot is vital. A partial pressure suit may affect human physiology, especially circulatory physiology. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate how a partial pressure suit works. METHOD: Ten subjects took part in the flight simulation experiments. Counter pressure at the chest, abdomen, thigh and shank were detected, together with physiological parameters such as heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (CO) and total peripheral resistance (TPR). A numerical model was also established to simulate hemo-physiological effects of …the partial pressure suit. RESULTS: The experiment’s results show the non-uniform counter pressure distribution in different parts of the body. There is a linear, proportional relation between TPR and the pressurizing level. HR and MAP increase along with that of the pressure level. SV and CO decrease with the increase of the pressure level. The numerical model simulated the physiological effect of a partial pressure suit. The results were verified by experiment data. The simulation estimated the change of blood flow with the pressure level. CONCLUSIONS: The numerical model provides a potential way to improve the protection of pilots. Show more

Keywords: Partial pressure suit, counter pressure, circulatory physiology, numerical model

DOI: 10.3233/THC-171304

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 25, no. S1, pp. 35-44, 2017

Authors: Wang, Lan | Zhang, Zhenyuan | Yu, Yi | Chen, Guangwei

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Isokinetic muscle strength training is presently the most advanced method of muscle strength training. However, the existing control schemes of the training equipment are usually limited to the structure of the brake. OBJECTIVE: In order to solve this problem, this paper presents a solution to an isokinetic system based on the force control of a DC servomotor. METHODS: A new fuzzy impedance nonlinear controller is designed by analyzing the relevant requirements of isokinetic motion. A series of force tracking comparison experiments between a fuzzy PI controller and a classical PI controller are …studied. In addition, some strength training experiments employing different driving forces and target speeds are also conducted. RESULTS: The results demonstrate the effectiveness of this fuzzy impedance force tracking control strategy. CONCLUSION: Using the aforementioned methods, a comprehensive motion algorithm was designed. Show more

Keywords: Isokinetic muscle strength training, impedance control, fuzzy control, rehabilitation training

DOI: 10.3233/THC-171305

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 25, no. S1, pp. 45-52, 2017

Authors: Sun, Lei | Wu, Xifeng | Li, Yang | Lin, Zhenyan | Xu, Duoling | Lin, Xuan | Gao, Yongbo

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The maxillary central incisor is one of the most important anatomical indicators in esthetics, and stress distribution may vary among its five anatomical views (labial, palatal, mesial, distal, and incisal). OBJECTIVE: To compare stress distribution among the five anatomical views of the maxillary central incisor under loading force at five angles and to observe and analyze the stress distribution in the dentin and periodontal ligament. METHODS: We established three-dimensional finite element models of the five different views, which simulated the bite force with a static load force at 0 ∘ , …30 ∘ , 45 ∘ , 60 ∘ , and 90 ∘ . The stress and displacement values for the cementoenamel junction (CEJ)-apical labial, palatal, mesial, and distal and the equivalent stress values on the periodontal ligament of the maxillary central incisor were calculated. RESULTS: As the angle increased, the equivalent stress on the periodontal ligament, overall tooth displacement, equivalent stress, and displacement over the four views increased. The peaks of equivalent stress over the four views appeared within 0.8–17 mm below the CEJ, although all equivalent stress values decreased while approaching the peak. Within 1–19 mm below the CEJ, the equivalent stress over the M1 and P1 views of the maxillary central incisor decreased substantially. CONCLUSION: The peaks of the equivalent stress over the M1 and P1 views of the maxillary central incisor and their stress distribution were lower than those of the other three types. Our findings provided theoretical data on the biomechanics of this esthetically important tooth, which may be useful during implantation of missing maxillary central incisors. Show more

Keywords: Maxillary central incisor, stress, displacement, three-dimensional finite element

DOI: 10.3233/THC-171306

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 25, no. S1, pp. 53-62, 2017

Authors: Kim, Hyoung-Ho | Choi, Young Ho | Lee, Seung Bae | Baba, Yasutaka | Kim, Kyung-Wuk | Suh, Sang-Ho

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Ureteral stenosis presents with a narrowing in the ureter, due to an intrinsic or extrinsic ureteral disease, such as ureter cancer or retroperitoneal fibrosis. The placement of a double J stent in the upper urinary system is one of the most common treatments of ureteral stenosis, along with the insertion of a percutaneous nephrostomy tube into the renal pelvis. The effect that the side holes in a double J stent have on urine flow has been evaluated in a few studies using straight ureter models. In this study, urine flow through a double J stent’s side holes was analyzed in …curved ureter models, which were based on human anatomy. In ureteral stenosis, especially in severe ureteral stenosis, a stent with side holes had a positive effect on the luminal and total flow rates, compared with the rates for a stent without side holes. The more side holes a stent has, the greater the luminal and total flow rates. However, the angular positions of the side holes did not affect flow rate. In conclusion, the side holes in a double J stent had a positive effect on ureteral stenosis, and the effect became greater as the ureteral stenosis became more severe. Show more

Keywords: Ureter, stent, urine flow, CFD, numerical analysis

DOI: 10.3233/THC-171307

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 25, no. S1, pp. 63-72, 2017

Authors: Shin, Sun Hye | Kang, Seung Rok | Kwon, Tae-Kyu | Yu, Changho

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Lower back pain has a lifetime prevalence of 80% for people in a modern society, and in recent years, spinal stabilization movement has been highlighted as a method to treat lower back pain and an unbalanced position. OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to assess the trunk muscle activities in accordance with the tilt angles (10 ∘ , 20 ∘ , 30 ∘ , 40 ∘ ) during trunk tilt exercises with a 3D dynamic exercise device. METHODS: Active …tilt mode (a self-generated active movement in the angle and direction steered by the user) was used in this study. The rotation capability enabled the investigation of the anterior (A), anterior right (AR), right (R), posterior right (PR), posterior (P), posterior left (PL), left (L), and anterior left (AL) tilt directions. EMG signals of the trunk (3 global muscles: rectus abdominis, RA, external obliques, EO, latissimus dorsi, LD, and 1 local muscle: multifidus, MF) muscles were obtained. RESULTS: The MF muscle activity was higher while the anterior tilt was maintained, and the abdominal muscle activity was higher while the posterior tilt was maintained. Also, as the tilt angle increased, the activity of the muscles opposite the tilt direction increased. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that to maintain equilibrium through posture stabilization during whole body tilting, the human body maintains a proper interaction among the body segments as well as between the body and the execution environment. Moreover, stability is maintained through the co-contraction of antagonistic and agonistic muscles. In future studies, it will be important to conduct research on improving imbalance in the trunk muscles. Show more

Keywords: Trunk stabilization exercise, whole body tilt, tilt angle, EMG

DOI: 10.3233/THC-171308

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 25, no. S1, pp. 73-81, 2017

Authors: Kim, Jong Hoon | Lee, Jyung Hyun | Cho, Jin-Ho

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGOUND: The hearing impaired population has been increasing; many people suffer from hearing problems. To deal with this difficulty, various types of hearing aids are being rapidly developed. In particular, fully implantable hearing aids are being actively studied to improve the performance of existing hearing aids and to reduce the stigma of hearing loss patients. It has to be of small size and low-power consumption for easy implantation and long-term use. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to implement a small size and low-power consumption successive approximation register analog-to-digital converter (SAR ADC) for fully implantable …hearing aids. METHODS: The ADC was selected as the SAR ADC because its analog circuit components are less required by the feedback circuit of the SAR ADC than the sigma-delta ADC which is conventionally used in hearing aids, and it has advantages in the area and power consumption. So, the circuit of SAR ADC is designed considering the speech region of humans because the objective is to deliver the speech signals of humans to hearing loss patients. If the switch of sample and hold works in the on/off positions, the charge injection and clock feedthrough are produced by a parasitic capacitor. These problems affect the linearity of the hold voltage, and as a result, an error of the bit conversion is generated. In order to solve the problem, a CMOS switch that consists of NMOS and PMOS was used, and it reduces the charge injection because the charge carriers in the NMOS and PMOS have inversed polarity. So, 16 bit conversion is performed before the occurrence of the Least Significant Bit (LSB) error. In order to minimize the offset voltage and power consumption of the designed comparator, we designed a preamplifier with current mirror. Therefore, the power consumption was reduced by the power control switch used in the comparator. RESULTS: The layout of the designed SAR ADC was performed by Virtuoso Layout Editor (Cadence, USA). In the layout result, the size of the designed SAR ADC occupied 124.9 μ m × 152.1 μ m. The circuit verification was performed by layout versus schematic (LVS) and design rule check (DRC) which are provided by Calibre (Mentor Graphics, USA), and it was confirmed that there was no error. The designed SAR ADC was implemented in SMIC 180 nm CMOS technology. The operation of the manufactured SAR ADC was confirmed by using an oscilloscope. The SAR ADC output was measured using a distortion meter (HM 8027), when applying pure tone sounds of 94 dB SPL at 500, 800, and 1600 Hz regions. As a result, the THD performance of the proposed chip was satisfied with the ANSI. s3. 22. 2003 standard. CONCLUSIONS: We proposed a low-power 16-bit 32 kHz SAR ADC for fully implantable hearing aids. The manufactured SAR ADC based on this design was confirmed to have advantages in power consumption and size through the comparison with the conventional ADC. Therefore, the manufactured SAR ADC is expected to be used in the implantable medical device field and speech signal processing field, which require small size and low power consumption. Show more

Keywords: Fully implantable hearing aids, SAR ADC, integrated circuit

DOI: 10.3233/THC-171309

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 25, no. S1, pp. 83-92, 2017

Authors: Kim, Ha Yeon | Kim, Eun Joo | You, Joshua (Sung) H.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: An improved understanding of the mechanisms underlying locomotor networks has the potential to benefit the neurorehabilitation of patients with neurological locomotor deficits. However, the specific locomotor networks that mediate adaptive locomotor performance and changes in gait speed remain unknown. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to examine patterns of cortical activation associated with the walking speeds of 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 km/h on a treadmill. METHODS: Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) was performed on a 30-year-old right-handed healthy female subject, and cerebral hemodynamic changes were observed in cortical locomotor network …areas including the primary sensorimotor cortex (SMC), premotor cortex (PMC), supplementary motor area (SMA), prefrontal cortex (PFC), and sensory association cortex (SAC). The software package NIRS-statistical parametric mapping (NIRS-SPM) was utilized to analyze fNIRS data in the MATLAB environment. SPM t-statistic maps were computed at an uncorrected threshold of p < 0.00001. RESULTS: At faster walking speeds, oxygenated hemoglobin (OxyHb) was concentrated in the PFC and indicated globalized locomotor network activation of the SMC, PMC, SMA, and PMC; additionally, the site with the highest cortical activation ratio shifted from the SMC to the SMA. CONCLUSIONS: Global locomotor network recruitment, in particular PFC activation indicated by OxyHb in our study, may indicate a response to increased cognitive-locomotor demand due to simultaneous postural maintenance and leg movement coordination. Show more

Keywords: Functional near-infrared spectroscopy, gait speed, neuroimaging signal processing

DOI: 10.3233/THC-171310

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 25, no. S1, pp. 93-98, 2017

Authors: Yoon, Hyun S. | You, Joshua (Sung) H.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Postural core instability is associated with poor dynamic balance and a high risk of serious falls. Both neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT) and dynamic neuromuscular stabilization (DNS) core stabilization exercises have been used to improve core stability, but the outcomes of these treatments remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to examine the therapeutic effects of NDT and DNS core stabilization exercises on muscular activity, core stability, and core muscle thickness. METHODS: Ten participants (5 healthy adults; 5 hemiparetic stroke patients) were recruited. Surface electromyography (EMG) was used to determine core muscle activity of …the transversus abdominis/internal oblique (TrA/IO), external oblique (EO), and rectus abdominis (RA) muscles. Ultrasound imaging was used to measure transversus abdominals/internal oblique (TrA/IO) thickness, and a pressure biofeedback unit (PBU) was used to measure core stability during the DNS and NDT core exercise conditions. Data are reported as median and range and were compared using nonparametric Mann – Whitney U test and Wilcoxon signed rank test at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Both healthy and hemiparetic stroke groups showed greater median EMG amplitude in the TrA/IO muscles, core stability, and muscle thickness values during the DNS exercise condition than during the NDT core exercise condition, respectively (p < 0.05). However, the relative changes in the EMG amplitude, core stability, and muscle thickness values were greater during the DNS exercise condition than during the NDT core exercise condition in the hemiparetic stroke patient group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our novel results provide the first clinical evidence that DNS is more effective than NDT in both healthy and hemiparetic stroke subjects to provide superior deep core muscle activation, core stabilization, and muscle thickness. Moreover, such advantageous therapeutic benefits of the DNS core stabilization exercise over the NDT exercise were more apparent in the hemiparetis stroke patients than normal controls. Show more

Keywords: Electromyography signal processing, ultrasound imaging, dynamic neuromuscular stabilization

DOI: 10.3233/THC-171311

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 25, no. S1, pp. 99-106, 2017

Authors: Liao, Xiongfei | Lang, Jinyi | Li, Ningshan | Wang, Pei | Li, Jie | Yang, Jack | Chen, Yazheng

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The goal of this study was to evaluate the use of multi-criteria optimization (MCO) in the planning and optimization of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). Twenty (20) IMRT patients (ten (10) with prostate cancer and ten (10) with lung cancer) were randomly selected. The treatment plans for these patients were designed using direct machine parameter optimization (DMPO). Based on these plans, new plans were designed using multi-criteria optimization (MCO), keeping the optimization objectives and constraints unchanged. Comparisons were made between the new plans, which were based on MCO and DMPO, including the dose distribution, dose volume histogram (DVH), the optimization time and …the number of monitor units (MUs). The plan designed using both optimization approaches satisfied all clinical requirements. For similar or better target coverage, the rectum, bladder and small bowel were better protected using MCO than when using DMPO. Additionally, MCO reduced the time for optimization by 58% on average, whereas the MUs increased the time for optimization by 32% on average for prostate cancer. For lung cancer cases, the entire lung, heart and spinal cord were better protected using MCO compared to DMPO. Similarly, MCO reduced the time for optimization by 59% on average, whereas the MUs increased the time for optimization by 11% on average. Compared to DMPO, MCO reduces the dose of the organs at risk (OAR) and shortens the time required for optimization. Show more

Keywords: Multi-criteria optimization (MCO), IMRT, direct machine parameter optimization (DMPO), Pareto optimization

DOI: 10.3233/THC-171312

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 25, no. S1, pp. 107-114, 2017

Authors: Kang, Seung Rok | Min, Jin-Young | Yu, Changho | Kwon, Tae-Kyu

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: In this paper, we investigated the recovery of the lactate level, muscular fatigue, and heart rate recovery (HRR) with respect to whole body vibration (WBV) during the rest stage after a gait exercise. METHODS: A total of 24 healthy subjects with no medical history of exercise injury participated. The participants were divided into a training group with vibration during rest and a control group with the same conditions but without vibration. The subjects performed a gait exercise with a slope of 15% and velocity of 4 km/h to consume 450 kcal in 30 min. Then, …they rested on a vibrating chair or on a chair without vibrations for 30 min. The vibration protocol consists of a frequency of 10 Hz and amplitude of 5 mm. To estimate the recovery effect, we measured the lactate levels in blood, spectral edge frequency (SEF) of MVIC, and HRR before, immediately after exercise, and after rest. RESULTS: The results showed that the lactate level in the training group decreased more (93.8%) than in the control group (32.8%). Also, HRR showed a similar trend with a recovery of 88.39% in the training group but 64.72% in the control group. We considered that whole-body vibrations during rest would help remove lactic acid by improving the level of lactic acid oxidation with stimulated blood vessels in the muscles and by helping to maintain blood flow. Also, WBV would lead to compensation to actively decrease the fast excess post-exercise oxygen consumption from blood circulation. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that whole-body vibrations during rest can provide fast, efficient fatigue recovery as a cool down exercise for women, the elderly, and patients without other activity after intense exercise. Show more

Keywords: Fatigue, lactate level in blood, heart rate recovery, whole body vibration, healthcare

DOI: 10.3233/THC-171313

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 25, no. S1, pp. 115-123, 2017

Authors: Qiao, Aike | Song, Xiaorui | Peng, Kun | Du, Guowei | Li, Gaoyang | Chen, Zhihui

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The high risk of hypertension in middle-aged and elderly people has led to the development of the cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI), a novel predictor of cardiovascular events. OBJECTIVE: This paper aimed to determine how reliably hypertension can be diagnosed in middle-aged and elderly people by measuring CAVI. METHODS: One hundred and ninety-five subjects (69 males/126 females; mean age of 56.06 ± 2.08 years) were enrolled. CAVI were measured using a blood pressure and pulse monitor device. RESULTS: The CAVI was positively correlated with age, SBP, PP …and PPI in the hypertension group (r = 0.656, 0.388, 0.445, 0.376; all P < 0.05). The mean CAVI was the significant difference between each age group. The ROC results showed that the best diagnostic point was 8.350, where the sensitivity was 72.2% and the specificity was 72.3%. The positive rate of the CAVI was higher than normal blood pressure for those over 60 years of age. CONCLUSION: Compared with normal blood pressure measurements, CAVI measurements are relatively reliable for predicting hypertension in those over the age of 60. More attention should be paid to the CAVI ⩾ 8.350, which may be regarded as a simple and noninvasive reference index of hypertension diagnosis for middle-aged and elderly. Show more

Keywords: Hypertension, cardio-ankle vascular index, cardiovascular diseases; middle-aged and elderly, diagnosis validity

DOI: 10.3233/THC-171314

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 25, no. S1, pp. 125-134, 2017

Authors: Li, Yan | Dai, Yongliang | Deng, Lei | Yu, Nan | Guo, Youmin

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: There are few quantitative studies that directly evaluate methods of determining pulmonary embolism (PE). New computer-aided detection (CAD) methods for measuring PE may help in defining the relationship of PE to right heart failure (RHF). OBJECTIVES: We used CAD to investigate the severity of PE and explored whether the severity of PE was associated with RHF. METHODS: A fully automatic calculation conducted by CAD was made of the embolism area/lumen area, which was used to evaluate the severity of the PE. The vascular obstruction index (VOI) was also used to evaluate PE, …using the Mastora and Qanadli scores. Paired t tests were used to compare the severity of PE evaluated by Mastora or Qanadli score, to the severity determined by CAD. Correlation between the severity of the PE and RHF was also evaluated by Spearman’s rank correlation analysis. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the PE evaluated by Mastora compared with the measurement by CAD (P = 0.720), and also no difference between evaluation by Qanadli and automatic measurement by CAD (P = 0.617). The severity of PE evaluated by Mastora, Qanadli, and CAD had significant positive correlation with RHF (R = 0.75 P = 0.01, R = 0.69 P = 0.02, R = 0.80 P = 0.00). CONCLUSION: We found strong correlation between RHF and the severity of PE evaluated by CAD, and the method was found to be simple and reliable. Show more

Keywords: Pulmonary embolism, mastora, qanadli, computer-aided detection

DOI: 10.3233/THC-171315

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 25, no. S1, pp. 135-142, 2017

Authors: Yu, Zhifeng | Zhang, Haifang | Fu, Linjie | Lu, Xiaozuo

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Tongue observation often depends on subjective judgment, it is necessary to establish an objective and quantifiable standard for tongue observation. OBJECTIVE: To discuss the features of tongue manifestation of patients who suffered from eczema with different types and to reveal the clinical significance of the tongue images. METHODS: Two hundred patients with eczema were recruited and divided into three groups according to the diagnostic criteria. Acute group had 47 patients, subacute group had 82 patients, and chronic group had 71 patients. The computerized tongue image digital analysis device was used to detect …tongue parameters. The L * a * b * color model was applied to classify tongue parameters quantitatively. RESULTS: For parameters such as tongue color, tongue shape, color of tongue coating, and thickness or thinness of tongue coating, there was a significant difference among acute group, subacute group and chronic group (P < 0.05). For Lab values of both tongue and tongue coating, there was statistical significance among the above types of eczema (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Tongue images can reflect some features of eczema, and different types of eczema may be related to the changes of tongue images. The computerized tongue image digital analysis device can reflect the tongue characteristics of patients with eczema objectively. Show more

Keywords: Tongue manifestation, computerized tongue image digital analysis device, eczema, objective research

DOI: 10.3233/THC-171316

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 25, no. S1, pp. 143-149, 2017

Authors: Liu, Chunxiu | Cai, Haoyuan | Jia, Jian | Cao, Tianyang | Xu, Chenghua | Liu, Chang

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: C-reactive protein (CRP) is used to evaluate the evolution of infections and sepsis in critically ill patients. For POCT testing, biosensor-based detection techniques offer quick and convenient application. OBJECTIVE: A prototype three dimensional chip was fabricated based on a new optomagnetic method to achieve the rapid detection of CRP. METHODS: This work investigates a new technology for the quick quantitative detection of the C-reactive protein (CRP) by total internal reflection magnetic imaging (TIRMI) on a three dimensional optomagnetic sensor. Transparent glass and hydrophilic plastic film with channels were used to construct the …three dimensional sensor. The magnetic nanoparticles and immunological reagent were immobilized on the reaction area of the sensor. Samples were detected using total internal reflection magnetic spot imaging (TIRMI) based on a sandwich magnetic immunoassay by one-step assay. RESULTS: The developed 3D biosensor-TIRMI method showed a wide dynamic linear range (0.2–200 ng/ml) and quick detection (5 min) with low-sample volume (10 μ L). CONCLUSIONS: We have presented a three dimensional optical protein chip that fulfills the demanding for point-of-care diagnostics in terms of ease-of-use (one step assay), miniaturization, assay time. This approach shows great promise for application in clinical investigations of biological samples. Show more

Keywords: C-reactive protein, 3D optomagnetic sensor, total internal reflection magnetic imaging, all in one-step assay

DOI: 10.3233/THC-171317

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 25, no. S1, pp. 151-156, 2017

Authors: Yang, Shuo | Qiao, Yanyun | Wang, Lei | Hao, Pengru

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Mental fatigue caused by continuous cognitive tasks represents one of the most worrying modern health problems. Event Related Potential (ERP) P300 is thought to be associated with cognitive function. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at characterizing the neural activity correlated with the attentional processes and exploring a novelty method which combine the magnetic stimulation and acupoint to relieve mental fatigue caused by continuous cognitive tasks. METHODS: P300 (P3a and P3b) were extracted at three points: when subjects felt relaxed, at the point of mental fatigue, and after the subjects were stimulated at acupoints. …The amplitudes and latencies of P3a and P3b were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: Among the four features (P3a amplitude, P3a latency, P3b amplitude, and P3b latency), only P3b amplitude was found to have a significant difference between the resting state and the mental fatigue state. And P3b amplitude significantly increased after magnetic stimulation at the acupoints. CONCLUSIONS: Subjects experiencing mental fatigue demonstrated a significant decrease in P3b amplitude in the parietal region, suggesting attenuation of resource allocation for selective attention. P3b amplitude significantly increased after magnetic stimulation at acupoints indicating that this strategy can be used to improve selective attention and relieve mental fatigue. Show more

Keywords: Mental fatigue, magnetic stimulation, Event Related Potential, P300

DOI: 10.3233/THC-171318

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 25, no. S1, pp. 157-165, 2017

Authors: Ding, Xiang | Liu, Wenli | Zhang, Jiyan | Zhao, Liangliang

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Accurate electrophysiological diagnosis relies on high precision and well calibrated instruments. A method to simulate the human electrophysiological activity is proposed and a simulation system is developed, as a calibration tool for electrophysiological inspectors. The system performance is tested by calibrating the amplitude and the latency of a commercial visual electrophysiological instrument. Several typical simulating signals are tested. The minimum amplitude of the simulating signal can be lower than 1 μ V. Measurement errors and uncertainties are calculated. The traceability of the measurement results to metrological standards is also demonstrated. It is proved by experimental results that the …system can generate simulating signals with different waveforms and variable parameters and it can be used to simulate the human visual electrophysiological activities. With simple modifications to the simulation system, it can also be used to calibrate other electrophysiological inspectors. Show more

Keywords: Electrophysiology, simulation system, low amplitude, calibration, metrological traceability

DOI: 10.3233/THC-171319

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 25, no. S1, pp. 167-175, 2017

Authors: Xie, Feng | Zhou, Honghai | Zhao, Wenju | Huang, Lixin

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Lumbar disc herniation may result in excruciating pain due to it being one of the most common diseases related to changes of intervertebral disc (IVD). In order to find a better clinical treatment and prevention scheme for relieving the pain caused by spine degeneration, the mechanical behavior analysis of IVD must be studied. OBJECTIVE: A finite element method (FEM) is used in this study to analyze the mechanical behaviors of healthy and herniated IVD. METHOD: In order to compare the responses of IVD under different loading conditions for the annulus fibrosus of …IVD, the hyperelastic and elastic constitutive FE models were used in the FEM. RESULTS: The comparison shows that hyperelastic FE models have a much better capability to describe the mechanical behaviors of the IVD than elastic FE models. It can be found from FE simulation that there was a higher stress concentration at the annulus fibrosus of the herniated disc than the healthy disc. CONCLUSIONS: Higher stress concentration resulted in more damage and ease of bringing out lumbar disc herniation. Numerical examples of FE simulation indicate that the FEM with hyperelastic constitutive model has very good capability for analyzing the mechanical behaviors of IVD. Show more

Keywords: Intervertebral disc, finite element model, hyperelastic, lumbar disc herniation, mechanical behavior

DOI: 10.3233/THC-171320

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 25, no. S1, pp. 177-187, 2017

Authors: Xin, Yi | Zhao, Yizhang | Mu, Yuanhui | Li, Qin | Shi, Caicheng

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common type of arrhythmia disease, which has a high morbidity and can lead to some serious complications. The ability to detect and in turn prevent AF is extremely significant to the patient and clinician. OBJECTIVE: Using ECG to detect AF and develop a robust and effective algorithm is the primary objective of this study. METHODS: Some studies show that after AF occurs, the regulatory mechanism of vagus nerve and sympathetic nerve will change. Each R-R interval will be absolutely unequal. After studying the physiological mechanism of AF, …we will calculate the Rényi entropy of the wavelet coefficients of heart rate variability (HRV) in order to measure the complexity of PAF signals, as well as extract the multi-scale features of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). RESULTS: The data used in this study is obtained from MIT-BIH PAF Prediction Challenge Database and the correct rate in classifying PAF patients from normal persons is 92.48%. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this experiment proved that AF could be detected by using this method and, in turn, provide opinions for clinical diagnosis. Show more

Keywords: Atrial fibrillation, heart rate variability, wavelet, entropy

DOI: 10.3233/THC-171321

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 25, no. S1, pp. 189-196, 2017

Authors: Li, Qin | Zhang, Yiyan | Kang, Hongyu | Xin, Yi | Shi, Caicheng

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Stroke is a frequently-occurring disease and is a severe threat to human health. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to explore the associations between stroke risk factors. METHODS: Subjects who were aged 40 or above were requested to do surveys with a unified questionnaire as well as laboratory examinations. The Apriori algorithm was applied to find out the meaningful association rules. Selected association rules were divided into 8 groups by the number of former items. The rules with higher confidence degree in every group were viewed as the meaningful rules. RESULTS: The …training set used in association analysis consists of a total of 985,325 samples, with 15,835 stroke patients (1.65%) and 941,490 without stroke (98.35%). Based on the threshold we set for the Apriori algorithm, eight meaningful association rules were obtained between stroke and its high risk factors. While between high risk factors, there are 25 meaningful association rules. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the Apriori algorithm, meaningful association rules between the high risk factors of stroke were found, proving a feasible way to reduce the risk of stroke with early intervention. Show more

Keywords: Apriori algorithm, association rules, stroke, risk factors

DOI: 10.3233/THC-171322

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 25, no. S1, pp. 197-205, 2017

Authors: Cai, Haoliuyang | Hao, Zhixiu | Xiao, Liying | Wan, Chao | Tong, Lingying

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is suggested to be induced by multi-factors, and mechanical environment is regarded as a risky factor. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of isolated mechanical factor on cartilage. METHODS: An active wear test system was designed to perform parameters-controlled in vitro wear tests on rat knee joints with specific load magnitude, flexion-extension angle, and movement frequency. Six hind limbs of 9-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats, with an additional spring on the medial side, were worn by using the custom-designed apparatus. Researchers observed both the menisci and tibial cartilages of these …hind limbs using multiphoton laser scanning microscopy to analyze the change of the collagen microstructure caused by wear. RESULTS: Collagen microstructure of both the medial and lateral meniscus became disordered under cyclic load. Some tissues on the surface of the medial tibial cartilage were removed and the middle layer of the medial compartment displayed cracks. On the contrary, the lateral tibial cartilage was intact. CONCLUSIONS: The results implied that cyclic load caused menisci microstructure disarrangement prior to tibial cartilage damage and the collagen structure of mid-layer tibial cartilage failed before that of the superficial layer under the kinematics adopted in the study. Show more

Keywords: Cartilage, wear test, collagen microstructure, multiphoton microscopy

DOI: 10.3233/THC-171323

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 25, no. S1, pp. 207-217, 2017

Authors: Xiao, Jinzhuang | Zhang, Yunchao | Zhao, Shuai | Wang, Hongrui

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The 3D motion space of the human ankle is an important area of study in medicine. The 3D motion space can provide significant information for establishing more reasonable rehabilitation procedures and standards of ankle injury care. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to measure the 3D motion space of the human ankle and to use mathematical methods to quantify it. METHODS: A motion capturing system was used to simultaneously capture the 3D coordinates of points marked on the foot, and convert these coordinate values into rotation angles through trigonometric functions and vectors. The mathematical …expression of the ankle’s motion space was obtained by screening, arranging, and fitting the converted data. RESULTS: The mathematical expression of the 3D motion space of the participants was obtained. We statistically analyzed the data and learned that, in terms of 3D motion space, the right foot is more flexible than the left foot and the female foot is more flexible than the male foot. CONCLUSIONS: The adduction and abduction rotation ranges are affected by the plantar flexion or dorsal flexure rotation angles. This relationship can be expressed mathematically, which is significant in the study of the ankle joint. Show more

Keywords: Ankle, 3D motion space, rotation angles, rehabilitation, motion capturing system

DOI: 10.3233/THC-171324

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 25, no. S1, pp. 219-230, 2017

Authors: Zhang, Jinao | Zhong, Yongmin | Smith, Julian | Gu, Chengfan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Realistic and real-time modeling and simulation of soft tissue deformation is a fundamental research issue in the field of surgical simulation. OBJECTIVE: In this paper, a novel cellular neural network approach is presented for modeling and simulation of soft tissue deformation by combining neural dynamics of cellular neural network with ChainMail mechanism. METHOD: The proposed method formulates the problem of elastic deformation into cellular neural network activities to avoid the complex computation of elasticity. The local position adjustments of ChainMail are incorporated into the cellular neural network as the local connectivity of …cells, through which the dynamic behaviors of soft tissue deformation are transformed into the neural dynamics of cellular neural network. RESULTS: Experiments demonstrate that the proposed neural network approach is capable of modeling the soft tissues’ nonlinear deformation and typical mechanical behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed method not only improves ChainMail’s linear deformation with the nonlinear characteristics of neural dynamics but also enables the cellular neural network to follow the principle of continuum mechanics to simulate soft tissue deformation. Show more

Keywords: Surgical simulation, soft tissue deformation, cellular neural network, ChainMail method, real-time performance

DOI: 10.3233/THC-171325

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 25, no. S1, pp. 231-239, 2017

Authors: Yu, Haiyang | Fan, Xingyu | Song, Aiqi

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: A conclusion has not yet been reached on how exactly the human visual system detects curvature. This paper demonstrates how orientation-selective simple cells can be used to construct curvature-detecting neural units. Through fixed arrangements, multiple plurality cells were constructed to simulate curvature cells with a proportional output to their curvature. In addition, this paper offers a solution to the problem of narrow detection range under fixed resolution by selecting an output value under multiple resolution. Curvature cells can be treated as concrete models of an end-stopped mechanism, and they can be used to further understand “curvature-selective” characteristics and to explain …basic psychophysical findings and perceptual phenomena in current studies. Show more

Keywords: Computer vision, pattern recognition, object detection, image edge detection, spatial resolution

DOI: 10.3233/THC-171326

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 25, no. S1, pp. 241-249, 2017

Authors: Yang, Jinzhu | Deng, Meili | Cao, Peng | Tan, Wenjun | Sun, Qi | Lu, Lin | Zhao, Dazhe

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Differential demon is a fast and efficient registration algorithm. It drives the floating image to deform using the force based on the gradient between the reference and floating image. But it will cause abnormal deformation when the driving force approaches zero,which limits its practical applications. OBJECTIVE: This paper proposed an improved differential demon algorithm, which aimed to enhance the registration performance of the existing demon algorithm. METHODS: Firstly, we review the original differential demon algorithm. Then, we propose an improved differential demon algorithm and the process of mathematical deduction. Finally, we use …experiment to prove that the improved differential demon algorithm is effective and it can improve the accuracy of registration. RESULTS: We tested our method on data sets provided by Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University. The registration performance proved to be better than the original demon algorithm in terms of mutual information, normalized correlation coefficient, mean square error and iteration number. CONCLUSIONS: Experiment results demonstrate the superiority of method proposed in this paper to the original demon algorithm. Show more

Keywords: Image registration, differential, correlation coefficient, gradient, mean square error

DOI: 10.3233/THC-171328

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 25, no. S1, pp. 251-257, 2017

Authors: Yang, Hua | Cao, Tingting | Gao, Li | Wang, Lili | Zhu, Chengying | Xu, Yuanyuan | Jing, Yu | Zhu, Haiyan | lv, Na | Yu, Li

Article Type: Other

DOI: 10.3233/THC-171329

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 25, no. S1, pp. 259-, 2017

Authors: Zhang, Guoan | Liu, Gangfeng | Ma, Sun | Wang, Tianshuo | Zhao, Jie | Zhu, Yanhe

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: In this paper, an obstacle-surmounting-enabled lower limb exoskeleton with novel linkage joints that perfectly mimicked human motions was proposed. Currently, most lower exoskeletons that use linear actuators have a direct connection between the wearer and the controlled part. Compared to the existing joints, the novel linkage joint not only fitted better into compact chasis, but also provided greater torque when the joint was at a large bend angle. As a result, it extended the angle range of joint peak torque output. With any given power, torque was prioritized over rotational speed, because instead of rotational speed, sufficiency of torque is …the premise for most joint actions. With insufficient torque, the exoskeleton will be a burden instead of enhancement to its wearer. With optimized distribution of torque among the joints, the novel linkage method may contribute to easier exoskeleton movements. Show more

Keywords: Lower limb, novel linkage joints, exoskeleton, escalading

DOI: 10.3233/THC-171330

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 25, no. S1, pp. 267-273, 2017

Authors: Wang, Wendong | Zhang, Lei | Li, Jinzhe | Yuan, Xiaoqing | Shi, Yikai | Jiang, Qinqin | He, Lijing

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Massage robot is considered as an effective physiological treatment to relieve fatigue, improve blood circulation, relax muscle tone, etc. The simple massage equipment quickly spread into market due to low cost, but they are not widely accepted due to restricted massage function. Complicated structure and high cost caused difficulties for developing multi-function massage equipment. OBJECTIVE: This paper presents a novel massage robot which can achieve tapping, rolling, kneading and other massage operations, and proposes an improved reciprocating path planning algorithm to improve massage effect. METHODS: The number of coil turns, the coil …current and the distance between massage head and yoke were chosen to investigate the influence on massage force by finite element method. The control system model of the wheeled massage robot was established, including control subsystem of the motor, path algorithm control subsystem, parameter module of the massage robot and virtual reality interface module. The improved reciprocating path planning algorithm was proposed to improve regional coverage rate and massage effect. RESULTS: The influence caused by coil current, the number of coil turns and the distance between massage head and yoke were simulated in Maxwell. It indicated that coil current has more important influence compared to the other two factors. The path planning simulation of the massage robot was completed in Matlab, and the results show that the improved reciprocating path planning algorithm achieved higher coverage rate than the traditional algorithm. CONCLUSIONS: With the analysis of simulation results, it can be concluded that the number of coil turns and the distance between the moving iron core and the yoke could be determined prior to coil current, and the force can be controllable by optimizing structure parameters of massage head and adjusting coil current. Meanwhile, it demonstrates that the proposed algorithm could effectively improve path coverage rate during massage operations, therefore the massage effect can be improved. Show more

Keywords: Massage robot, electromagnetic induction, massage force, path planning, coverage rate

DOI: 10.3233/THC-171331

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 25, no. S1, pp. 275-285, 2017

Authors: Zhang, Zuo | Jiang, Youhao | Sun, Yaoru | Zhang, Hong

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Multi-voxel pattern analysis (MVPA) provides a powerful tool to investigate neural mechanisms for various cognitive processes under functional brain imaging. However, the high sensitivity of the MVPA method could bring about false positive results, which has been overlooked by previous research. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the potential for obtaining false positives from the MVPA method. METHODS: We conducted MVPA on a public functional MRI dataset on the neural encoding of various object categories. Different scenarios for pattern classification were involved by varying the number of voxels for each region of interest (ROI) and …the number of object categories. RESULTS: The classification accuracy became higher with more voxels involved, and false positive results emerged for the primary auditory cortex and even a white matter ROI, where object-related neural processing was not supposed to occur. CONCLUSIONS: Our results imply that the classification accuracy obtained from MVPA may be inflated due to the high sensitivity of the method. Therefore, we suggest involving control ROIs in future MVPA studies and comparing the classification accuracy for a target ROI with that for a control ROI, instead of comparing the obtained accuracy with the chance-level accuracy. Show more

Keywords: Multi-voxel pattern analysis, brain imaging, functional MRI, false positive

DOI: 10.3233/THC-171332

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 25, no. S1, pp. 287-294, 2017

Authors: Wang, Hua | Wen, Yingyou | Zhao, Dazhe

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Medical applications have begun to benefit from Internet of Things (IoT) technology through the introduction of wearable devices. Several medical applications require accurate patient location as various changes affect pressure parameters inside the body. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to develop a system to measure indoor altitude for IoT medical applications. METHODS: We propose a differential barometric-based positioning system to estimate the altitude between a reference sensor and a localizing sensor connected to the human body. The differential barometric altimetry model is introduced to estimate indoor elevations and eliminate environmental artifacts. In addition, …a Gaussian filter processing is adopted to remove noise from the elevation measurements. The proposed system is then investigated through extensive experiments, using various evaluation criteria. RESULTS: The results indicate that the proposed system yielded good accuracy with reduced implementation complexity and fewer costs. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed system is resilient compared to other indoor localization approaches, even when numerous environmental artifacts in indoor environments are present. Show more

Keywords: Internet of Things, wearable wireless sensors, barometric altimetry, medical monitoring, health monitoring system

DOI: 10.3233/THC-171333

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 25, no. S1, pp. 295-304, 2017

Authors: Peng, Ran | Luo, Yang | Li, Zhangyong | Wang, Wei | Pang, Yu

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Due to different physical and biological mechanisms behind ultrasound hyperthermia and phonophoresis, the requirement for ultrasound power, frequency and control modes varies. OBJECTIVE: This paper introduces an adaptive ultrasonic physiotherapy system based on real-time surveillance over physiological characteristics of the patients, which in turn assists the individual treatment and dose limitation in auxiliary rehabilitation. METHODS: The method essentially takes advantage of distinctive characteristics of two different phases (systole and diastole) of the human cardiac cycle as a medium for modulation. The abundance of blood flow during systole enables energy exchange for hyperthermia …while blood flow insufficiency caused by diastole assists in drug penetration. Said method could improve the adjuvant therapy as it provides partial drug penetration and therapeutic dosage control. RESULTS: By adjusting time window and intensity of multi-frequency ultrasound, it is possible to reduce the irradiation dosage to around 22% of that during continuous irradiation at 1 MHz. The method shows high potential in clinical practice. CONCLUSION: Frequency-tuning ultrasound therapy would be more efficient regarding drug penetration and improve the therapeutic efficacy of hyperthermia. Show more

Keywords: Ultrasonic physiotherapy, ultrasound hyperthermia, drug penetration, physiological parameter feedback, real-time control

DOI: 10.3233/THC-171334

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 25, no. S1, pp. 305-315, 2017

Authors: Zhu, Liangfan | Yang, Xi | Wu, Yue | Wang, Minghui | Luo, Yun

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: A rotary blood pump with a passively levitated impeller and a large bearing gap between housing and impeller in the range of 0.6 mm has been developed for Left ventricular assist device (LVAD). OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study is to determine the optimal injection angle of the impeller to improve its radial stability by increasing the radial suspension force. MTEHODS: Since the radial and axial suspension forces generated by an injection channel were equal, the axial suspension force obtained from numerical simulation was chosen as the evaluation parameter. First, the …impellers with different injection angles were calculated with numerical simulation to obtain the maximum axial suspension force. Second, the radial motion of the impeller was experimentally measured for the evaluation of the radial stability. RESULTS: The numerical analysis revealed that the axial suspension force acting on the impeller reached the maximum value at the injection angle of 60 degrees. In the measurement test, the impeller with injection angle of 60 degrees achieved the most stable radial movement. Therefore, the effectiveness of the numerical analysis was validated. CONCLUSIONS: The injection angle of impeller could be optimized to improve its radial stability, and the optimal injection angle was 60 degrees. Show more

Keywords: Left ventricular assist device, numerical simulation, injection angle, suspension force, radial motion

DOI: 10.3233/THC-171335

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 25, no. S1, pp. 317-324, 2017

Authors: Wang, Huiya | Feng, Jun | Wang, Hongyu

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Detection of clustered microcalcification (MC) from mammograms plays essential roles in computer-aided diagnosis for early stage breast cancer. OBJECTIVE: To tackle problems associated with the diversity of data structures of MC lesions and the variability of normal breast tissues, multi-pattern sample space learning is required. METHODS: In this paper, a novel grouped fuzzy Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithm with sample space partition based on Expectation-Maximization (EM) (called G-FSVM) is proposed for clustered MC detection. The diversified pattern of training data is partitioned into several groups based on EM algorithm. Then a series …of fuzzy SVM are integrated for classification with each group of samples from the MC lesions and normal breast tissues. RESULTS: From DDSM database, a total of 1,064 suspicious regions are selected from 239 mammography, and the measurement of Accuracy, True Positive Rate (TPR), False Positive Rate (FPR) and EVL = TPR* 1 - FPR are 0.82, 0.78, 0.14 and 0.72, respectively. CONCLUSION: The proposed method incorporates the merits of fuzzy SVM and multi-pattern sample space learning, decomposing the MC detection problem into serial simple two-class classification. Experimental results from synthetic data and DDSM database demonstrate that our integrated classification framework reduces the false positive rate significantly while maintaining the true positive rate. Show more

Keywords: Pattern classification, EM algorithm, partition of sample space, grouped fuzzy SVM, computer aided detection

DOI: 10.3233/THC-171336

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 25, no. S1, pp. 325-336, 2017

Authors: Zhang, Jinao | Zhong, Yongmin | Smith, Julian | Gu, Chengfan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Currently, the mechanical dynamics of soft tissue deformation is achieved by numerical time integrations such as the explicit or implicit integration; however, the explicit integration is stable only under a small time step, whereas the implicit integration is computationally expensive in spite of the accommodation of a large time step. OBJECTIVE: This paper presents a cellular neural network method for stable simulation of soft tissue deformation dynamics. METHOD: The non-rigid motion equation is formulated as a cellular neural network with local connectivity of cells, and thus the dynamics of soft tissue deformation …is transformed into the neural dynamics of the cellular neural network. RESULTS: Results show that the proposed method can achieve good accuracy at a small time step. It still remains stable at a large time step, while maintaining the computational efficiency of the explicit integration. CONCLUSION: The proposed method can achieve stable soft tissue deformation with efficiency of explicit integration for surgical simulation. Show more

Keywords: Soft tissue deformation, cellular neural network, dynamic systems, numerical time integration

DOI: 10.3233/THC-171337

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 25, no. S1, pp. 337-344, 2017

Authors: Zhu, Hongbo | Pak, Chun-Hyok | Song, Chunhe | Dou, Shengchang | Zhao, Hai | Cao, Peng | Ye, Xiangyun

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The fuzzy degree of lung nodule boundary is the most important cue to judge the lung cancer in CT images. Based on this feature, the paper proposes a novel lung cancer detection method for CT images based on the super-pixels and the level set segmentation methods. In the proposed methods, the super-pixels method is used to segment the lung region and the suspected lung cancer lesion region in the CT image. The super-pixels method and a level set method are used to segment the suspected lung cancer lesion region simultaneously. Finally, the cancer is determined by the difference between results …of the two segmentation methods. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm has a high accuracy for lung cancer detection in CT images. For gross glass nodule, pleural nodule, the vascular nodules and solitary nodules, the sensitivity of the detection algorithm are respectively 91.3%, 96.3%, 80.9% and 82.3%. Show more

Keywords: Image segmentation, malignant nodule detection, super-pixels, level-set

DOI: 10.3233/THC-171338

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 25, no. S1, pp. 345-355, 2017

Authors: Shen, Zhe | Wu, Chao | Ding, Bin | Yuan, Zhipeng | Zhang, Naisheng | Zhao, Meng | Zhao, Yuan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Near-regular texture is a common feature for both nature scene and 3D human models. However, traditional texture synthesis has only been able to produce a single result. This study proposes a parallel, and interactive, method for the texture synthesis of irregular appearance in 3D human models. The new method includes two major procedures: (1) iterative edge extraction and processing, and (2) parallel texture synthesis, which generates a texture with higher quality. In this paper, the effectiveness of near-regular texture synthesis algorithm is demonstrated experimentally.

Keywords: Interactive method, texture synthesis, 3D human model, near-regular texture, parallel computing

DOI: 10.3233/THC-171339

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 25, no. S1, pp. 357-365, 2017

Authors: Seo, Hyeon-Uk | Wei, Qun | Kwon, Seong-Geun | Sohng, Kyu-Ik

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Medical images stored in a hospital system are generally confidential and integrated and require strict security. However, medical information stored on digital medical imaging systems, as well as picture archiving and communication systems (PACS), are vulnerable to attack when the data are transferred over wireless or wired communication networks. OBJECTIVE: To solve this problem, a watermarking algorithm for medical images is proposed using a bit threshold map based on just noticeable distortion (JND) in the discrete cosine transform (DCT) method. METHODS: The low-frequency component comprises a considerable amount of the signal energy …for most images. As a result, it has a crucial effect on the image quality. Therefore, in this paper, the proposed algorithm embeds watermarks based on the low-frequency components of the image, such as the DC coefficient of the DCT. RESULTS: When watermarks are embedded in a low frequency area, the subjective image quality is often degraded. To compensate for the degradation of the imperceptibility of the watermarking system, which results from embedding watermarks in the low-frequency component, this research considers the human visual system. In addition, the embedding strength of the JND value is used to improve the watermarking imperceptibility. CONCLUSIONS: We applied the proposed watermarking algorithm to a variety of medical images using a computer simulation. The algorithm’s performance was verified using a variety of attacks for eliminating watermarks. The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm robustly provides protection against a variety of possible attacks. Show more

Keywords: Medical image, digital image watermarking, non-destructive testing, human visual system, just noticeable distortion, discrete cosine transform, bit threshold map

DOI: 10.3233/THC-171340

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 25, no. S1, pp. 367-375, 2017

Authors: Zhan, Tianming | Feng, Piaopiao | Hong, Xunning | Lu, Zhenyu | Xiao, Liang | Zhang, Yudong

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: An accurate assessment of tumor malignancy grade in the preoperative situation is important for clinical management. However, the manual grading of gliomas from MRIs is both a tiresome and time consuming task for radiologists. Thus, it is a priority to design an automatic and effective computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) tool to assist radiologists in grading gliomas. OBJECTIVE: To design an automatic computer-aided diagnosis for grading gliomas using multi-sequence magnetic resonance imaging. METHODS: The proposed method consists of two steps: (1) the features of high and low grade gliomas are extracted from multi-sequence magnetic …resonance images, and (2) then, a KNN classifier is trained to grade the gliomas. In the feature extraction step, the intensity, volume, and local binary patterns (LBP) of the gliomas are extracted, and PCA is used to reduce the data dimension. RESULTS: The proposed "Intensity-Volume-LBP-PCA-KNN" method is validated on the MICCAI 2015 BraTS challenge dataset, and an average grade accuracy of 87.59% is obtained. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed method is an effective method for automatically grading gliomas and can be applied to real situations. Show more

Keywords: Glioma grade, feature extraction, local binary pattern, k-nearest neighbor classifier, magnetic resonance image, computer-aided diagnosis

DOI: 10.3233/THC-171341

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 25, no. S1, pp. 377-385, 2017

Authors: Gong, Feixiang | Wei, Zhiqiang | Cong, Yanping | Chi, Haokun | Yin, Bo | Sun, Mingui

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: In this paper, a novel wireless power transfer antenna system was designed for human head implantable devices. The antenna system used the structure of three plates and four coils and operated at low frequencies to transfer power via near field. In order to verify the electromagnetic radiation safety on the human head, the electromagnetic intensity and specific absorption rate (SAR) were studied by finite-difference-time-domain (FDTD) method. A three-layer model of human head including skin, bone and brain tissues was constructed. The transmitting and receiving antenna were set outside and inside the model. The local and average SAR were simulated at …the resonance frequency of 18.67 MHz in two situations, in one scenario both transmitting and receiving coil worked, while in the other scenario only the transmitting coil worked. The results showed that the maximum of 10 g SAR average value of human thoracic were 0.142 W/kg and 0.148 W/kg, respectively, both were lower than the international safety standards for human body of the ICNIRP and FCC, which verified the safety of the human body in wireless power transmission based on magnetic coupling resonance. Show more

Keywords: SAR (specific absorption rates), magnetic resonance, FDTD, WPT (wireless power transfer), four-layer

DOI: 10.3233/THC-171342

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 25, no. S1, pp. 387-397, 2017

Authors: Liu, Qi | Zhao, Xiaoguang | Hou, Zengguang | Liu, Hongguang

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This paper presents a pattern recognition model using multiple features and the kernel extreme learning machine (ELM), improving the accuracy of automatic epilepsy diagnosis. After simple preprocessing, temporal- and wavelet-based features are extracted from epileptic EEG signals. A combined kernel-function-based ELM approach is then proposed for feature classification. To further reduce the computation, Cholesky decomposition is introduced during the process of calculating the output weights. The experimental results show that the proposed method can achieve satisfactory accuracy with less computation time.

Keywords: Epileptic EEG, multiple features, ELM, kernel function, Cholesky decomposition

DOI: 10.3233/THC-171343

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 25, no. S1, pp. 399-409, 2017

Authors: Yue, Shihong | Wang, Yaru | Wang, Jianpei | Chen, Jun

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Statistics on lung cancer incidences and air pollutants show a strong correlation between air pollutant concentrations and pulmonary diseases. And environmental effects on lung cancer incidences remain highly unknown and uncertain in China. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to measure the relationships between different air pollutants and lung cancer incidences in Tianjin. METHODS: One thusand five hundred patients across 27 districts in Tianjin were studied for lung cancer incidences. The patients had come into contact with various air pollutants such as PM 2.5 , PM 10 , …SO 2 , NO 2 , CO, and O 3 . These pollutants were measured daily and were published via a Geographic Information System across the 27 districts of Tianjin. The air pollutant compositions of environments the patients lived in were determined using the nearest air monitoring station to the patient. And we used rough set theory to measure the relationships between different air pollutants and lung cancer incidences. RESULTS: Different air pollutants and combinations of pollutants impacted lung cancer incidences differently across different districts, sexes, and lung cancer types in Tianjin. CONCLUSIONS: Based on data analysis and interpretation, rough set theory provided data relationships that were objective and interpretable. The method is simple, general, and efficient, and lays the foundation for further applications in other cities. Show more

Keywords: Air pollutant compositions, lung cancer incidences, geographic information system, rough set theory

DOI: 10.3233/THC-171344

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 25, no. S1, pp. 411-422, 2017

Authors: Huang, Xiaoguang | Yue, Shihong | Wang, Chuanlei | Wang, Huaxiang

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The existing three-dimensional (3D) x-ray reconstruction methods for lung cancer tissue reconstruct the investigated objects based on a series of two-dimensional (2D) image sections and a chosen 3D reconstruction algorithm. However, because these procedures apply the same segmentation method for all 2D image sections, they may not achieve the optimal segmentation for each section. As a result, the reconstructed 3D images have limited spatial resolution. Furthermore, the existing 3D reconstruction method is time-consuming and results in a limited time resolution. This research presents an innovation of 3D reconstruction by reformulating two main components of the method. First, a validity index …for fuzzy clustering is used to obtain the optimal segmentations of any 2D x-ray image. The process is realized by automatically determining the optimal number of clusters for the image. Second, unlike the existing 3D reconstruction methods, a fast-FCM algorithm is used to speed up the 2D image segmenting process, thereby raising the time resolution of the 3D reconstruction process. With the aid of commonly used VTK software, the proposed method has been used to visualize four classes of typical lung cancer tissues: adenocarcinoma, large cell carcinoma, small cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. Experimental results validate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed algorithm. Thus, the method contributes a useful tool for x-ray-based 3D image reconstruction. Show more

Keywords: X-ray computed tomography, lung cancer tissue, fuzzy image segmentation, three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction

DOI: 10.3233/THC-171345

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 25, no. S1, pp. 423-434, 2017

Authors: Zhang, Bing | Hu, Hong | Ye, Aipeng | Zhang, Peng

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring is very important for assessing and monitoring hydrocephalus, head trauma and hypertension patients, which could lead to elevated ICP or even devastating neurological damage. The mortality rate due to these diseases could be reduced through ICP monitoring, because precautions can be taken against the brain damage. OBJECTIVE: This paper presents a surface acoustic wave (SAW) pressure sensor to realize ICP monitoring, which is capable of wireless and passive transmission with antenna attached. METHODS: In order to improve the temperature stability of the sensor, two methods were adopted. First, …the ST cut quartz was chosen as the sensor substrate due to its good temperature stability. Then, a differential temperature compensation method was proposed to reduce the effects of temperature. Two resonators were designed based on coupling of mode (COM) theory and the prototype was fabricated and verified using a system established for testing pressure and temperature. RESULTS: The experiment result shows that the sensor has a linearity of 2.63% and hysteresis of 1.77%. CONCLUSIONS: The temperature stability of the sensor has been greatly improved by using the differential compensation method, which validates the effectiveness of the proposed method. Show more

Keywords: ICP monitoring, surface acoustic wave sensor, COM theory, differential temperature compensation

DOI: 10.3233/THC-171346

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 25, no. S1, pp. 435-441, 2017

Authors: Li, Yifeng | Zhang, Lihui | Zhang, Tao | Li, Baohui

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The purposes of this study were to utilize Brain Atlas to investigate the fluctuations in the characteristics of human EEG, with and without +Gz acceleration produced by human centrifuge, and also to examine the G load endurance of human body. The Brain Atlas of the EEG signal with and without +Gz acceleration in a static state were compared in order to reveal the correlation and differences. When compared with those in a static state, it was found that for the EEG readings of the subjects undergoing +Gz acceleration conditions, the energy and gray scale values of the low-frequency component-delta rhythm …showed significant increases, while the energy and gray scale values of the high-frequency component-beta rhythm showed significant decreases. Among these, the beta2 rhythm was determined to be significantly inhibited. These fluctuations suggested that the ischemia conditions of brain had been improved. Also, the recoveries in the energy and gray-scale values were determined to be faster, which suggested that the G load endurance of human body had been enhanced. The Brain Atlas was found to show observable changes in color. The experimental results indicated that the Brain Atlas was able to provide assistance during the exploration of the fluctuations in the characteristics of EEG, and provided a criterion to assist in the observations of the function state fluctuations of human brain with +Gz acceleration. It also assisted in the evaluations of the G load endurance of human body. Show more

Keywords: Brain Atlas, +Gz, change characteristics

DOI: 10.3233/THC-171347

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 25, no. S1, pp. 443-448, 2017

Authors: Wang, Tianle | Zhu, Li | Hu, Chunhong | Gong, Shenchu | Jiang, Hongbiao | Chen, Haitao | Li, Jia

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The ischemia penumbra area is not easy to be detected accurately using noninvasive imaging methods. OBJECTIVE: We aim to assess the diagnostic value of susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) for ischemic penumbra in patients with acute ischemic stroke. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was carried out in 47 patients with ischemic stroke involving the middle cerebral artery. Mean transit time (MTT), time to peak, relative cerebral blood flow, and relative cerebral blood volume maps were created after image processing. RESULTS: No significant difference was found in the mismatch between the SWI and …diffusion-weighted imaging (SWI-DWI) or in the MTT-DWI mismatch scores (P = 0.056, Kappa = 0.864). CONCLUSIONS: SWI provides information comparable to PWI and, thus, could serve as a reliable magnetic resonance technique for assessing ischemic penumbrae. Show more

Keywords: Susceptibility-weighted imaging, perfusion-weighted imaging, ischemic penumbra

DOI: 10.3233/THC-171348

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 25, no. S1, pp. 449-457, 2017

Authors: Pan, Xiaoguang | Qi, Buer | Yu, Hongfei | Wei, Haiping | Kang, Yan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Mammography is currently the most effective technique for breast cancer. Lesions distribution can provide support for clinical diagnosis and epidemiological studies. OBJECTIVE: We presented a new idea to help radiologists study breast lesions distribution conveniently. We also developed an automatic tool based on this idea which could show visualization of lesions distribution in a standard mammogram. METHODS: Firstly, establishing a lesion database to study; then, extracting breast contours and match different women’s mammograms to a standard mammogram; finally, showing the lesion distribution in the standard mammogram, and providing the distribution statistics. The …crucial process of developing this tool was matching different women’s mammograms correctly. We used a hybrid breast contour extraction method combined with coherent point drift method to match different women’s mammograms. RESULTS: We tested our automatic tool by four mass datasets of 641 images. The distribution results shown by the tool were consistent with the results counted according to their reports and mammograms by manual. We also discussed the registration error that was less than 3.3 mm in average distance. CONCLUSIONS: The new idea is effective and the automatic tool can provide lesions distribution results which are consistent with radiologists simply and conveniently. Show more

Keywords: Lesions distribution, mammogram, breast contour extraction, coherent point drift, registration

DOI: 10.3233/THC-171349

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 25, no. S1, pp. 459-467, 2017