Time-varying functional connectivity and dynamic neurofeedback with MEG: methods and applications to visual perception

Cognitive function involves the interplay of functionally-separate regions of the human brain. Of critical importance to neuroscience research is to accurately measure the activity and communication between these regions. The MEG imaging modality is well-suited to capturing functional cortical communication due to its high temporal resolution, on the millisecond scale. However, localizing the sources of cortical activity from the sensor measurements is an ill-posed problem, where different solutions trade-off between spatial accuracy, correcting for linear mixing of cortical signals, and computation time. Linear mixing, in particular, affects the reliability of many connectivity measures. We present a MATLAB-based pipeline that we developed to correct for linear mixing and compute time-varying connectivity (phase synchrony, Granger Causality) between cortically-defined regions interfacing with established toolboxes for MEG data processing (Minimum Norm Estimation Toolbox, Brainstorm, Fieldtrip). In Chapter 1, we present a new method for localizing cortical activation while controlling cross-talk on the cortex. In Chapter 2, we apply a nonparametric statistical test for measuring phase locking in the presence of cross-talk. Chapters 3 and 4 describe the application of the pipeline to MEG data collected from subjects performing a visual object motion detection task. Chapter 5 focuses on real-time MEG (rt-MEG) neurofeedback which is the real-time measurement of brain activity and its self-regulation through feedback. Typically neurofeedback modulates directly brain activation for the purpose of training sensory, motor, emotional or cognitive functions. Direct measures, however, are not suited to training dynamic measures of brain activity, such as the speed of switching between tasks, for example. We developed a novel rt-MEG neurofeedback method called state-based neurofeedback, where brain activity states related to subject behavior are decoded in real-time from the MEG sensor measurements. The timing related to maintaining or transitioning between decoded states is then presented as feedback to the subject. In a group of healthy subjects we applied the state-based neurofeedback method for training the time required for switching spatial attention from one side of the visual field to the other (e.g. left side to right side) following a brief presentation of a visual cue. In Chapter 6, we used our pipeline to investigate training-related changes in cortical activation and network connectivity in each subject. Our results suggested that the rt-MEG neurofeedback training resulted in strengthened beta-band connectivity prior to the switch of spatial attention, and strengthened gamma-band connectivity during the switch. There were two goals of this dissertation: First was the development of the MATLAB-based pipeline for computing time-evolving functional connectivity analysis in MEG and its application to visual motion perception. The second goal was the development of a real-time MEG neurofeedback method to train the dynamics of brain states and its application to a group of healthy subjects.2019-11-02T00:00:00

Performance of some apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) germplasm accessions for fruit quality traits in Himachal Pradesh

The present investigation was carried out in field gene bank of NBPGR Regional Station Phagli, Shimla during the year 2014-15. Twenty accessions of Prunus armeniaca L. namely St. Ambroise, Wenatchee, Nugget, Stirling, Nari, Harogem, Rakovslik, Viva Gold, IC-432145, Erevani, Safed Perchinar, KS-1, AS-1, AS-2, NJ-A96, Jordan Early, Vitillo, Shahib, Kalola and Anglo Arsani were evaluated for their tree, foliage, floral and fruit characters. St. Ambroise recorded maximum tree height (10.10 m) whereas minimum (2.47 m) was in Stirling. Shedding of leaf started from 29 th October (Nugget) and extended till 27 th November (Vitillo). Time of full bloom extended from 16 th March in Shahib to 23 rd March in Safed Perchinar. The longest duration (22 days) of flowering was recorded in Erevani and shortest (9 days) in Wenatchee. Time of fruit maturity was early (25 th May) in Shahib and late (26 th June) in Vitillo. Largest and heaviest fruits were observed in St. Ambroise (77.59 g) whereas smallest and lightest fruits were in Viva Gold (19.37 g). Maximum pulp to stone ratio was recorded in Safed Perchinar (33.21) and minimum in Nari (15.57). TSS content was maximum (19.56 °B) in Nari whereas minimum (10.73°B) in Anglo Arseni. Titratable acidity was recorded maximum (1.86 %) in AS-1 and minimum (0.76%) in IC 432145. Total sugar content ranged from 8.40 per cent in Anglo Arseni to 16.53 per cent in Nari. Total phenol content was maximum (89.57 mg/100 g) in AS-1 and minimum (70.41 mg/100 g) in IC432145. From the present investigation it may be concluded that St. Ambroise, Nari and Shahib can be used for gene source for developing new hybrid cultivars and St. Am-broise may be suggested for cultivation in wet temperate condition of Himachal Pradesh for its better quality

Quantum Inspired Evolutionary Algorithm with a Novel Elitist Local Search Method for Scheduling of Thermal Units

The unit commitment problem is a complex and essential problem in the power generation field, which is solved to obtain the schedule of a large number of generating units to minimize the operating cost and the fulfillment of consumer load demand. The present work solves the unit commitment problem using quantum-inspired evolutionary algorithms with a novel elitist local search method (QIEA-ELS). The proposed algorithm solves the unit commitment problem efficiently and its applicability is verified on various unit test systems. The constraints are satisfied efficiently to find a feasible solution, the novel elitist search method is used to locally explore the search area around the fittest individual to find a better solution in its vicinity in genotype space represent by qubits. The solution of the unit commitment is carried out considering two small population sizes as suggested in earlier work by other authors using QIEA, though it can be extended using larger population size also. The computational time is also reduced by using the suggested method with a novel elitist local search (ELS) method. The results obtained after applying the proposed algorithm are found to better as compared to other well-known solution techniques

Solution of the Multi-objective Economic and Emission Load Dispatch Problem Using Adaptive Real Quantum Inspired Evolutionary Algorithm

Economic load dispatch is a complex and significant problem in power generation. The inclusion of emission with economic operation makes it a Multi-objective economic emission load dispatch (MOEELD) problem. So it is a tough task to resolve a constrained MOEELD problem with antagonistic multiple objectives of emission and cost. Evolutionary Algorithms (EA) have been widely used for solving such complex multi-objective problems. However, the performance of EAs on such problems is dependent on the choice of the operators and their parameters, which becomes a complex issue to solve in itself. The present work is carried out to solve a Multi-objective economic emission load dispatch problem using a Multi-objective adaptive real coded quantum-inspired evolutionary algorithm (MO-ARQIEA) with gratifying all the constraints of unit and system. A repair-based constraint handling and adaptive quantum crossover operator (ACO) are used to satisfy the constraints and preserve the diversity of the suggested approach. The suggested approach is evaluated on the IEEE 30-Bus system consisting of six generating units. These results obtained for different test cases are compared with other reputed and well-known techniques

Comparison of intravenous Magnesium Sulphate with intrathecal Magnesium Sulphate for post- operative analgesia in orthopaedic patients undergoing extracapsular hip fracture surgery

Background: Magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) N methyl D aspartate receptor antagonist has the potential to be an ideal adjuvant for postoperative analgesia via intrathecal or intravenous route. The aim of the study was, we compared the efficacy of two routes of MgSO4 (Intravenous vs intrathecal) as an adjuvant to bupivacaine in subarachnoid block (SAB).Methods: Ninety, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status 1 or 2 patients, aged 20-60 years, scheduled for hip surgeries under SAB were recruited in department of Anaesthesia and Dept. of Orthopaedics. Patients in group 1 (n=29) received intrathecal 0.5% (H) bupivacaine 15 mg with 0.1 ml of normal saline and 250 ml 0.9% normal saline intravenous 30 minutes before giving SAB. Group 2 (n=30) patients received intrathecal 0.5% bupivacaine 15mg with 0.1 ml of normal saline and 50mg/kg of magnesium sulphate in 250 ml normal saline intravenous 30minutes before giving SAB. In Group 3 (n=30) patients received intrathecal 0.5% (H) bupivacaine 15 mg with 50mg (0.1ml) magnesium sulphate and 250 ml 0.9% normal saline intravenous 30 minutes before giving SAB. They were evaluated for block characteristics, visual analogue scale at various time intervals up to 24 hours and total rescue analgesic and duration of postoperative analgesia were noted.Results: Intravenous magnesium sulphate had maximum pain free interval, lower pain scores, longer sensory and motor blockade and less requirement of rescue analgesia as compared to the patients in intrathecal group or control group (P<0.05).Conclusions: Intravenous magnesium sulphate was more effective as compared to intrathecal route with regards to the pain scores and in providing postoperative analgesia

Quantification of X sperm by raman spectroscopy in percoll density gradient centrifuged buffalo semen

The present study was conducted to observe effect of percoll density gradient centrifugation of buffalo bull semen on quantity of X sperms. Ejaculates were collected by artificial vagina method. Semen with mass motility >+3 and progressive motility >70 % were selected for experiment. X sperm Enrichment of semen was done by discontinuous percoll density gradient centrifugation and three groups were formed ie Group 1  (3 layer 70%, 50% and 30%) Group 2  (7 layer 70%, 60%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 20% and 10%) Group 3  (7 layer 80%, 70%, 60%, 50%, 40%, 30% and 20%). Centrifugation of semen of three groups and control (fresh semen without gradients) was done. After centrifugation, the supernatant part was removed and the pellet of each group was used for X sperm enrichment assessment by Raman spectroscopy. Results revealed that X sperm enrichment was higher in the pellets of Group 2 followed Group 3, Group 1 and Control as Raman peaks on DNA specific bands corresponds to more number of x sperm were higher respectively

A case of Dentigerous Cyst in Association of Impacted Mandibular Canine

Dentigerous cyst being the second most common odontogenic cyst which constitutes around 20-24% of all the odontogenic cysts involving the jaws. Usually, these cysts remain asymptomatic and rarely cause enlargement and displacement of associated tooth. It develops by an accumulation of fluid between reduced enamel epithelium and the tooth crown of an unerupted tooth. This case report presents conservative treatment modality for 17-year-old female patient, diagnosed with a dentigerous cyst in association of impacted mandibular canine. The patient was treated with a minimal invasive approach, enucleation followed by marsupialization under local anesthesia, preserving all the teeth in occlusion