Our Mission
To support life science research in simulated and real microgravity for
Mission to Mars in areas of brain function including:
To support life science research in simulated and real microgravity for
Mission to Mars in areas of brain function including:
- Brain neuroplasticity in microgravity
- Brain processing of color in microgravity
- Brain processing of tasks of general intelligence
- Brain processing of tasks of general intelligence in microgravity
- Brain processing of language in microgravity
- Brain processing of motor function in microgravity
- Brain processing of faces in microgravity
- Brain processing of odors in microgravity
| Why should Africa care about going to Mars? |
Our work with NASA
Neurolab
Neurolab
Dr Njemanze during scanning with functional transcranial
Doppler Spectroscopy (fTCDS) developed at the MarsLAB
Doppler Spectroscopy (fTCDS) developed at the MarsLAB
Dr Njemanze and
Other
Neuroscientists at
NASA Mission
Control Center
Houston, Texas
during Neurolab.
Other
Neuroscientists at
NASA Mission
Control Center
Houston, Texas
during Neurolab.
From left: Dr Joan Vernikos NASA Life Science Director (rtd.), Russian
Cosmonaut Dr Valeri Poliakov, Dr Philip Njemanze, Japanese Astronaut
Dr Chiaki Mukai.
Cosmonaut Dr Valeri Poliakov, Dr Philip Njemanze, Japanese Astronaut
Dr Chiaki Mukai.
International Center for Space-based Neuroscience Research Excellence
In 1994, The US Congress mandated the National Aeronautic and
Space Administration (NASA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH)
to announce opportunities for research on brain function in Space as
part of the "Decade of the Brain". The competitive project was won by
Dr Philip C. Njemanze MD as Principal Investigator. Our team at the
Institute of Space Medicine and Terrestrial Sciences, Owerri Nigeria, is
one of the centers of neuroscience research excellence in eight
countries (Nigeria, USA, Japan, Italy, Germany, Canada, France, and
The Netherlands) to design experiments aboard the US shuttle.
Space Administration (NASA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH)
to announce opportunities for research on brain function in Space as
part of the "Decade of the Brain". The competitive project was won by
Dr Philip C. Njemanze MD as Principal Investigator. Our team at the
Institute of Space Medicine and Terrestrial Sciences, Owerri Nigeria, is
one of the centers of neuroscience research excellence in eight
countries (Nigeria, USA, Japan, Italy, Germany, Canada, France, and
The Netherlands) to design experiments aboard the US shuttle.
Facts About Mars!
(249,000,000 miles)
- Fourth planet from the Sun, the next beyond Earth
- Revolves around the Sun once every 687 Earth days
- Length of a martian day: 24 hours, 39 min., 35 sec.
- Atmosphere is mostly carbon dioxide (95.3 percent),
- nitrogen (2.7 percent), and argon (1.6 percent)
- Surface winds up to 40 meters per second (80 miles per
- Surface temperature averages -53C (-64 F);
- Surface temperature varies from -128C (-199 F) during
- Gravity only 38 percent as strong as Earth's
- Two irregular moons, each only a few kilometers
- Average diameter 6,780 kilometers (4,212 miles); about
- Average distance from the Sun 227.7 million kilometers
- Distance from Earth varies from 54,500,000 kilometers
(249,000,000 miles)
Prof. Tadaaki Mano
President Japanese
Aerospace Medical
Assoc. and Dr Philip
Njemanze
in Nagoya Japan.
1995.
President Japanese
Aerospace Medical
Assoc. and Dr Philip
Njemanze
in Nagoya Japan.
1995.
PUBLISHED ABSTRACTS AND PAPERS OF MISSION TO MARS
EXPERIMENTS
EXPERIMENTS
Cerebral lateralization for motor tasks in simulated microgravity a
Transcranial Doppler technique for astronauts.
Njemanze PC. In Space, central cognitive operations are unaffected but
humans are slower in perceptual-motor performance. Transcranial
Doppler ultrasonography was used to monitor blood flow velocity in both
middle cerebral arteries during unilateral and bilateral fingers'
movements before, during and after -6 degrees 24 hours of head-down
tilt (HDT) in 14 (8 males and 6 females) subjects. Physiologic
hemisphere dominance was assessed by breath-holding test. There
was a significant main effect of motor task, F(4, 328) = 16.05,
p<0.00000001, MSe = 48.2. There was a gender vs head-position
interaction F(3,246) = 4.90 p<0.002) MSe = 120. At pre-HDT females were
right lateralized and males were left lateralized. A left shift in lateralization
pattern was seen during 24hrs-HDT for both genders. There was a
significant main effect of breath-holding test and a breath-holding test vs
head position vs motor task interaction. HDT alters cerebral lateralization
for motor control and this may be responsible for slowing in
perceptual-motor performance in Space. TCD monitoring may be
required for motor performance tasks in Space.
Journal of Gravitational Physiology 2002; 9(1):P33-4.
Njemanze PC. Cerebral Lateralization and Intelligence in Simulated
Microgravity: A Functional Transcranial Doppler Study.
24th International Gravitational Physiology Meeting, 4th -9th May, 2003
Santa Monica California.
Asymmetry in cerebral blood flow velocity with processing of facial
images during head-down rest.
Njemanze PC.
INTRODUCTION: Ability to interpret facial expression is crucial for
non-verbal communication among humans, and could be affected by
changes in cerebral circulation during exposure to microgravity or its
simulation. METHODS: There were 16 subjects (8 men and 8 women)
who were exposed to 24 h of -6 degrees head-down rest (HDR).
Transcranial Doppler ultrasonography was used to monitor mean blood
flow velocity (MBFV) in the middle cerebral arteries bilaterally during
processing of facial images before, at 6 and 24 h of HDR, and after HDR
(Pre-, 6H-, 24H-, and Post-HDR, respectively). The laterality index was
assessed as side-to-side differences in MBFV relative to Pre-HDR for
each condition. RESULTS: For Pre-HDR, both objects and faces were
right lateralized in men (p < 0.001) and showed a left lateralization
tendency in women (p > 0.05). At 6H-HDR, both object and faces were left
lateralized in men (p < 0.05), but right lateralized in women (p < 0.001). At
24H-HDR, both men and women were left lateralized (p < 0.05). For
Post-HDR, both remained left lateralized for all tasks (p < 0.05).
DISCUSSION: HDR alters cerebral lateralization for object and facial
stimuli, with opposing tendencies in men and women. The gender
differences may reflect peculiarities in processing strategy for object and
faces between men and women. Men use a right hemisphere processing
strategy for faces and women a left hemisphere strategy. The superiority
of processing of faces by women compared with men has been attributed
to left hemisphere based strategy. HDR alters lateralization patterns and
may thus alter processing strategies for faces.
Aviation Space and Environmental Medicine, 2004;75(9):800-5.
Asymmetry of cerebral blood flow velocity response to color processing
and hemodynamic changes during -6 degrees 245-hour head-down rest
in men
Philip C. Njemanze
Color stimulation may evoke significant cerebral responses that may be
altered by head-down bed rest (HDR). Eight men were examined in
supine horizontal position, with 30 deg head-up (Pre-HDR), and exposed
to 24-hours (H) of -6 deg HDR, and then returned (Post-HDR).
Transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasonography was used to monitor mean
flow velocity (MFV) and pulsatility index (PI), in the right and left middle
cerebral arteries (MCAs) simultaneously during stimulations. Heart rate
(HR) was monitored. Data collection TIMES were at Pre-HDR, 6H-HDR,
24H-HDR, and Post-HDR respectively. The STIMULATIONS included
black, white, blue, yellow, and red. The laterality index (LI) for each color
was calculated as side-to-side difference in MFV relative to black.
Subjects were right lateralized for colors at Pre-HDR, but left lateralized at
6H-, 24H- and Post-HDR. LI showed main effect of TIMES (p < 0.0004),
but not STIMULATIONS (p > 0.05). MFV showed main effect of TIMES (p <
0.0001) and STIMULATIONS (p < 0.0001). There was a TIMES x
STIMULATIONS x MCAs interaction (p < 0.0001). At Pre-HDR, MFV
responses for blue vs yellow (p = 0.05), and white vs black (p < 0.05),
were significant, but not during and after HDR. PI and HR decreased at
6H-HDR, 24H-HDR and Post-HDR (p < 0.05). HDR altered color
processing and opponent mechanisms for blue vs yellow, and white vs
black axes of color space. HDR was associated with left lateralization,
decreased pulsatility and heart rate.
Journal of Gravitational Physiology, 2005; 12(2):33-41.
Cerebral lateralization and general intelligence: gender differences in a
transcranial Doppler study
Njemanze PC.
The present study evaluated cerebral lateralization during Raven's
progressive matrices (RPM) paradigm in female and male subjects.
Bilateral simultaneous transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasound was used
to measure mean blood flow velocities (MBFV) in the right and left middle
cerebral arteries (MCAs) in 24 (15 females and 9 males) right-handed
normal subjects. The female subjects used a left hemisphere strategy,
while males used a right hemisphere strategy to successfully solve RPM
tasks. This implies that general intelligence is associated with neural
systems within one hemisphere that are accessible to a variety of
cognitive processes.
Brain and Language, 2005; 92(3):234-9.
Cerebral lateralisation for facial processing: gender-related cognitive
styles determined using Fourier analysis of mean cerebral blood flow
velocity in the middle cerebral arteries.
Njemanze PC.
Facial processing was studied in 16 (eight men and eight women)
right-handed healthy participants using a new functional transcranial
Doppler technique called functional transcranial Doppler spectroscopy
(fTCDS). MFV was recorded simultaneously in both right and left middle
cerebral arteries in dark condition and during visual processing of object
and facial tasks. fTCDS used Fourier analysis of mean flow velocity (MFV)
time series to derive spectral density estimates that correlate with
expected mental activity. Men were right lateralised for object and facial
perception, while women were left lateralised for facial tasks but showed
a right tendency or no lateralisation for object perception. For facial
perception, men used a category-specific process-mapping system for
right cognitive style, but women used same for the left.
Laterality 2007;12(1):31-49.
Asymmetric neuroplasticity of color processing during head down rest
a functional transcranial Doppler spectroscopy study
Philip C. Njemanze MD
Simultaneous color contrast and color constancy are memory processes
associated with color vision. The former relates to
wavelength-differencing and the latter to luminance effect
responsiveness. Head-down rest (HDR) affects color processing and
could be used to examine neuroplasticity of memory processes. Eight
men were exposed to 24h of -6 deg HDR. Functional transcranial Doppler
spectroscopy (fTCDS) was used to monitor mean blood flow velocity
(MFV) in the right (RMCA) and left (LMCA) middle cerebral arteries
bilaterally, during color stimulation in different head down positions,
before, at 6h and 24h of HDR, and after HDR (Pre-, 6H-, 24H-, and
Post-HDR, respectively). Fourier analysis of MFV was used, to determine
spectral density peaks at cortical (C-peak) and subcortical (S-peak)
regions, associated with colors, black and white stimulations. There was
hypoperfusion and left lateralization during HDR, and Post-HDR
compared to Pre-HDR. At Pre-HDR, in the right hemisphere, there was
wavelength-differencing comprising wavelength-encoding in the
subcortical region and energy-encoding in the cortical region. In the left
hemisphere, there was energy-encoding and luminance effect
responsiveness in the subcortical region. During HDR, in the right
hemisphere but not left, there was cortical long-term potentiation (CLTP)
and subcortical long-term depression (SLTD), wavelength-differencing
was absent, but wavelength-encoding was used as cues. There were
double luminance effect detectors leading to sensory conflicts. Post-HDR
showed reversed wavelength-differencing in both hemispheres, dual
luminance effect detectors, CLTP and SLTD. fTCDS may be useful for the
study of the effects of neuroplasticity of simultaneous color contrast and
color constancy in microgravity.
Journal of Gravitational Physiology 2007; (in press).
Space-Spinoff Technologies
Our space-spinoff technologies based on transcranial Doppler
ultrasound, are the only non-invasive portable devices for blood flow
velocity measurements that could be taken to Mars. We have embarked
on a research project to expand the indications for examination of human
brain functions. The payoff has been the development of functional
transcranial Doppler spectroscopy (fTCDS). fTCDS is the most reliable
method for examination of human brain function, since it quantifies
changes in the cortico-subcortical circuitry. The latter is the basic circuitry
for functional processing of all stimuli in the human brain. The milestone
achieved with fTCDS is the use to differentiate facial processing
mechanisms in men and women respectively (Laterality 2007; 12:31-49).
Title: Physiological G-suit modulator
United States Patent No. 5,121,744 Full text
Abstract: A physiological antigravitational system for use in modern
avionics to prevent a pilot from becoming unconscious, or developing
related conditions, and includes a crew member G-suit for use for
pressurization of the crew during flight, the suit incorporating a
pressurization source for use with the G-suit for varying the degree of
pressure generated within it during application, a controller
microcomputer that regulates the varying of the pressurization source
during flight, based on monitored changes in cerebral blood flow velocity,
and force detectors responsive to the G-forces and operatively associated
with the microcomputer to provide signals requiring variations in
pressures generated from the pressurization source within the suit.
USPTO website
Title: Noninvasive transcranial Doppler ultrasound computerized mental
performance testing system
United States Patent No. 6,390,979 Full text
Abstract: A non-invasive method and system to determine the mental
performance capacity of a human subject to perform a given task, said
method with high temporal resolution, user-friendly and portable,
including steps of obtaining a subject's baseline cerebral blood flow
velocity in cerebral arteries using a transcranial Doppler ultrasound
instrument with sample volumes focused on cerebral vessels on both
sides using two probes placed on the temples and calculating laterality
index for both arteries. Simultaneously, testing the subject with tasks of
mental performance presented on the screen of a digital computer and
using a computer input peripheral device while simultaneously
monitoring the mean blood flow velocity during each stage of the task in
real-time. Processing the acquired data using a microprocessor and
communicating the determined mental performance indices via a cellular
telephone circuit to a remote computer or mission control.
USPTO website
Title: Implantable telemetric transcranial doppler device
United States Patent No. 6,468,219 Full Text
Abstract: The invention relates to a cerebral blood flow velocity monitoring
system and method that comprises a transcranial Doppler ultrasound
device that is adapted to be implanted in the human body, an oximeter, an
external handheld computer and a drug delivery system. The system
provides for monitoring of microembolic signals and operatively activates
the drug delivery system for infusion of medication into the blood
circulation for thrombolysis and neuroprotection.
USPTO website
Title: Neural network for modeling ecological and biological systems
United States Patent No. 6,490,573 Full text
Abstract: A method of operating a neural network for ecological and
biological system modeling having a plurality of hidden layer neurons
said method comprising: a plurality of network inputs and at least one
network output, said plurality of neurons, each receiving a plurality of
inputs applied to the network, reproduces the network using a regression
model, and compares the output values with given target values, and
using the comparison and goodness of fit to set the learning rules. The
network does not require repetitive training and yields a global minimum
for each given set of input variables.
USPTO website
Title: Intelligent transcranial Doppler probe
United States Patent No. 6,547,737 Full text
Abstract: A system for automatic manipulation of a transcranial Doppler
probe device designed for placement on a patient's head comprising a
bi-temporal probe hanger, a cylindrical probe housing having an inner
electrical wiring, an ultrasound transducer with cable affixed on the probe
cylindrical base having a coil, said probe cylindrical base placed within
the cylindrical probe housing, a spring system affixed to provide
perpendicular pressure on the probe cylindrical base, a system of roller
balls, a locking system to affix the cylindrical probe housing to the frame
of the bi-temporal probe hanger, a system software program and
microprocessor for controlling the probe position, and a removable
handle attached to the said probe cylindrical base. The system software
`learns` probe angulations after initial manual manipulations and then
performs cerebral vessel insonation using electromotive force
independent of operator.
USPTO website
Title: Transcranial Doppler ultrasound device for odor evaluation
United States Patent No. 6,663,571 Full text
Abstract: The present invention is related to cerebral blood flow velocity
monitoring method and system, specifically a transcranial Doppler device
for odor matching and odor selection in canine and human subjects. The
method and system is non-invasive with high temporal resolution,
user-friendly and portable, including steps of obtaining a subject's
baseline mean blood flow velocity in cerebral arteries using transcranial
Doppler instrument with sample volume focused on cerebral vessels on
both sides using two probes placed on the temples and calculating
laterality index for both arteries. Simultaneously, testing the subject with
odors while monitoring mean blood flow velocity during each odor in
real-time. The acquired data is processed using an operatively attached
microprocessor and using a cellular telephone to communicate the
results to a computer workstation for further data analysis and storage.
USPTO website
Title: Noninvasive transcranial Doppler ultrasound face and object
recognition testing system
United States Patent No. 6,773,400 Full text
Abstract: A non-invasive method and system to determine face and
object processing in a human subject, said method with high temporal
resolution, user-friendly and portable, including steps of obtaining a
subjects baseline cerebral blood flow velocity in cerebral arteries using a
transcranial Doppler ultrasound instrument with sample volumes
focused on cerebral vessels on both sides using two probes place on the
temples and calculating laterality index for both arteries. Simultaneously,
testing the subject with face and object processing tasks presented on
the screen of a digital computer and using a computer input peripheral
device while simultaneously monitoring the mean blood flow velocity
during each stage of the task in real-time. Processing the acquired data
using a microprocessor operatively connected to a computer work station
for image retrieval.
USPTO website
Title: Transcranial Doppler spectroscopy for assessment of brain
cognitive functions
United States Patent Application No. 20040158155 Full text
Abstract: A noninvasive method to determine cerebral blood flow velocity
response to face recognition tasks of a human subject, including steps of
obtaining a subject's cerebral blood flow velocity in cerebral arteries on
both sides of the brain using a microcomputer integrated with a
transcranial Doppler ultrasound instrument with two probes placed on
the temples and sample volumes focused on cerebral vessels on both
sides and calculating laterality index for both arteries. Simultaneously,
testing the subject with face or object processing tasks presented on the
screen of a digital computer while monitoring the mean blood flow
velocity during each stage of the task in real-time. Processing the
acquired data to determine the spectrum analysis using a microcomputer
that is operatively connected to a computer workstation for image retrieval
and cross matching.
USPTO website
Title: Apparatus and method for hypothermia and rewarming by
altering the temperature of the cerebrospinal fluid in the brain
United States Patent Application No. 20050177212 Full text
Abstract: The invention relates to a method for hypothermia and
rewarming of the cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. In one embodiment,
cooling and rewarming of the cerebrospinal fluid is accomplished by
applying cooling and rewarming elements externally placed in contact
with the skin overlying the cerebrospinal fluid cisterns at the back of the
head and spine regions of a patient. In another embodiment,
hypothermia and rewarming is accomplished using a double barrel
ventricular catheter placed within the lateral ventricles with one catheter
used for heat exchange and the other for drainage of excess
cerebrospinal fluid. In yet another embodiment of the invention,
hypothermia and rewarming is accomplished using a loop catheter with
fluid running through the loop placed in the lateral ventricles.
USPTO website
Transcranial Doppler technique for astronauts.
Njemanze PC. In Space, central cognitive operations are unaffected but
humans are slower in perceptual-motor performance. Transcranial
Doppler ultrasonography was used to monitor blood flow velocity in both
middle cerebral arteries during unilateral and bilateral fingers'
movements before, during and after -6 degrees 24 hours of head-down
tilt (HDT) in 14 (8 males and 6 females) subjects. Physiologic
hemisphere dominance was assessed by breath-holding test. There
was a significant main effect of motor task, F(4, 328) = 16.05,
p<0.00000001, MSe = 48.2. There was a gender vs head-position
interaction F(3,246) = 4.90 p<0.002) MSe = 120. At pre-HDT females were
right lateralized and males were left lateralized. A left shift in lateralization
pattern was seen during 24hrs-HDT for both genders. There was a
significant main effect of breath-holding test and a breath-holding test vs
head position vs motor task interaction. HDT alters cerebral lateralization
for motor control and this may be responsible for slowing in
perceptual-motor performance in Space. TCD monitoring may be
required for motor performance tasks in Space.
Journal of Gravitational Physiology 2002; 9(1):P33-4.
Njemanze PC. Cerebral Lateralization and Intelligence in Simulated
Microgravity: A Functional Transcranial Doppler Study.
24th International Gravitational Physiology Meeting, 4th -9th May, 2003
Santa Monica California.
Asymmetry in cerebral blood flow velocity with processing of facial
images during head-down rest.
Njemanze PC.
INTRODUCTION: Ability to interpret facial expression is crucial for
non-verbal communication among humans, and could be affected by
changes in cerebral circulation during exposure to microgravity or its
simulation. METHODS: There were 16 subjects (8 men and 8 women)
who were exposed to 24 h of -6 degrees head-down rest (HDR).
Transcranial Doppler ultrasonography was used to monitor mean blood
flow velocity (MBFV) in the middle cerebral arteries bilaterally during
processing of facial images before, at 6 and 24 h of HDR, and after HDR
(Pre-, 6H-, 24H-, and Post-HDR, respectively). The laterality index was
assessed as side-to-side differences in MBFV relative to Pre-HDR for
each condition. RESULTS: For Pre-HDR, both objects and faces were
right lateralized in men (p < 0.001) and showed a left lateralization
tendency in women (p > 0.05). At 6H-HDR, both object and faces were left
lateralized in men (p < 0.05), but right lateralized in women (p < 0.001). At
24H-HDR, both men and women were left lateralized (p < 0.05). For
Post-HDR, both remained left lateralized for all tasks (p < 0.05).
DISCUSSION: HDR alters cerebral lateralization for object and facial
stimuli, with opposing tendencies in men and women. The gender
differences may reflect peculiarities in processing strategy for object and
faces between men and women. Men use a right hemisphere processing
strategy for faces and women a left hemisphere strategy. The superiority
of processing of faces by women compared with men has been attributed
to left hemisphere based strategy. HDR alters lateralization patterns and
may thus alter processing strategies for faces.
Aviation Space and Environmental Medicine, 2004;75(9):800-5.
Asymmetry of cerebral blood flow velocity response to color processing
and hemodynamic changes during -6 degrees 245-hour head-down rest
in men
Philip C. Njemanze
Color stimulation may evoke significant cerebral responses that may be
altered by head-down bed rest (HDR). Eight men were examined in
supine horizontal position, with 30 deg head-up (Pre-HDR), and exposed
to 24-hours (H) of -6 deg HDR, and then returned (Post-HDR).
Transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasonography was used to monitor mean
flow velocity (MFV) and pulsatility index (PI), in the right and left middle
cerebral arteries (MCAs) simultaneously during stimulations. Heart rate
(HR) was monitored. Data collection TIMES were at Pre-HDR, 6H-HDR,
24H-HDR, and Post-HDR respectively. The STIMULATIONS included
black, white, blue, yellow, and red. The laterality index (LI) for each color
was calculated as side-to-side difference in MFV relative to black.
Subjects were right lateralized for colors at Pre-HDR, but left lateralized at
6H-, 24H- and Post-HDR. LI showed main effect of TIMES (p < 0.0004),
but not STIMULATIONS (p > 0.05). MFV showed main effect of TIMES (p <
0.0001) and STIMULATIONS (p < 0.0001). There was a TIMES x
STIMULATIONS x MCAs interaction (p < 0.0001). At Pre-HDR, MFV
responses for blue vs yellow (p = 0.05), and white vs black (p < 0.05),
were significant, but not during and after HDR. PI and HR decreased at
6H-HDR, 24H-HDR and Post-HDR (p < 0.05). HDR altered color
processing and opponent mechanisms for blue vs yellow, and white vs
black axes of color space. HDR was associated with left lateralization,
decreased pulsatility and heart rate.
Journal of Gravitational Physiology, 2005; 12(2):33-41.
Cerebral lateralization and general intelligence: gender differences in a
transcranial Doppler study
Njemanze PC.
The present study evaluated cerebral lateralization during Raven's
progressive matrices (RPM) paradigm in female and male subjects.
Bilateral simultaneous transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasound was used
to measure mean blood flow velocities (MBFV) in the right and left middle
cerebral arteries (MCAs) in 24 (15 females and 9 males) right-handed
normal subjects. The female subjects used a left hemisphere strategy,
while males used a right hemisphere strategy to successfully solve RPM
tasks. This implies that general intelligence is associated with neural
systems within one hemisphere that are accessible to a variety of
cognitive processes.
Brain and Language, 2005; 92(3):234-9.
Cerebral lateralisation for facial processing: gender-related cognitive
styles determined using Fourier analysis of mean cerebral blood flow
velocity in the middle cerebral arteries.
Njemanze PC.
Facial processing was studied in 16 (eight men and eight women)
right-handed healthy participants using a new functional transcranial
Doppler technique called functional transcranial Doppler spectroscopy
(fTCDS). MFV was recorded simultaneously in both right and left middle
cerebral arteries in dark condition and during visual processing of object
and facial tasks. fTCDS used Fourier analysis of mean flow velocity (MFV)
time series to derive spectral density estimates that correlate with
expected mental activity. Men were right lateralised for object and facial
perception, while women were left lateralised for facial tasks but showed
a right tendency or no lateralisation for object perception. For facial
perception, men used a category-specific process-mapping system for
right cognitive style, but women used same for the left.
Laterality 2007;12(1):31-49.
Asymmetric neuroplasticity of color processing during head down rest
a functional transcranial Doppler spectroscopy study
Philip C. Njemanze MD
Simultaneous color contrast and color constancy are memory processes
associated with color vision. The former relates to
wavelength-differencing and the latter to luminance effect
responsiveness. Head-down rest (HDR) affects color processing and
could be used to examine neuroplasticity of memory processes. Eight
men were exposed to 24h of -6 deg HDR. Functional transcranial Doppler
spectroscopy (fTCDS) was used to monitor mean blood flow velocity
(MFV) in the right (RMCA) and left (LMCA) middle cerebral arteries
bilaterally, during color stimulation in different head down positions,
before, at 6h and 24h of HDR, and after HDR (Pre-, 6H-, 24H-, and
Post-HDR, respectively). Fourier analysis of MFV was used, to determine
spectral density peaks at cortical (C-peak) and subcortical (S-peak)
regions, associated with colors, black and white stimulations. There was
hypoperfusion and left lateralization during HDR, and Post-HDR
compared to Pre-HDR. At Pre-HDR, in the right hemisphere, there was
wavelength-differencing comprising wavelength-encoding in the
subcortical region and energy-encoding in the cortical region. In the left
hemisphere, there was energy-encoding and luminance effect
responsiveness in the subcortical region. During HDR, in the right
hemisphere but not left, there was cortical long-term potentiation (CLTP)
and subcortical long-term depression (SLTD), wavelength-differencing
was absent, but wavelength-encoding was used as cues. There were
double luminance effect detectors leading to sensory conflicts. Post-HDR
showed reversed wavelength-differencing in both hemispheres, dual
luminance effect detectors, CLTP and SLTD. fTCDS may be useful for the
study of the effects of neuroplasticity of simultaneous color contrast and
color constancy in microgravity.
Journal of Gravitational Physiology 2007; (in press).
Space-Spinoff Technologies
Our space-spinoff technologies based on transcranial Doppler
ultrasound, are the only non-invasive portable devices for blood flow
velocity measurements that could be taken to Mars. We have embarked
on a research project to expand the indications for examination of human
brain functions. The payoff has been the development of functional
transcranial Doppler spectroscopy (fTCDS). fTCDS is the most reliable
method for examination of human brain function, since it quantifies
changes in the cortico-subcortical circuitry. The latter is the basic circuitry
for functional processing of all stimuli in the human brain. The milestone
achieved with fTCDS is the use to differentiate facial processing
mechanisms in men and women respectively (Laterality 2007; 12:31-49).
Title: Physiological G-suit modulator
United States Patent No. 5,121,744 Full text
Abstract: A physiological antigravitational system for use in modern
avionics to prevent a pilot from becoming unconscious, or developing
related conditions, and includes a crew member G-suit for use for
pressurization of the crew during flight, the suit incorporating a
pressurization source for use with the G-suit for varying the degree of
pressure generated within it during application, a controller
microcomputer that regulates the varying of the pressurization source
during flight, based on monitored changes in cerebral blood flow velocity,
and force detectors responsive to the G-forces and operatively associated
with the microcomputer to provide signals requiring variations in
pressures generated from the pressurization source within the suit.
USPTO website
Title: Noninvasive transcranial Doppler ultrasound computerized mental
performance testing system
United States Patent No. 6,390,979 Full text
Abstract: A non-invasive method and system to determine the mental
performance capacity of a human subject to perform a given task, said
method with high temporal resolution, user-friendly and portable,
including steps of obtaining a subject's baseline cerebral blood flow
velocity in cerebral arteries using a transcranial Doppler ultrasound
instrument with sample volumes focused on cerebral vessels on both
sides using two probes placed on the temples and calculating laterality
index for both arteries. Simultaneously, testing the subject with tasks of
mental performance presented on the screen of a digital computer and
using a computer input peripheral device while simultaneously
monitoring the mean blood flow velocity during each stage of the task in
real-time. Processing the acquired data using a microprocessor and
communicating the determined mental performance indices via a cellular
telephone circuit to a remote computer or mission control.
USPTO website
Title: Implantable telemetric transcranial doppler device
United States Patent No. 6,468,219 Full Text
Abstract: The invention relates to a cerebral blood flow velocity monitoring
system and method that comprises a transcranial Doppler ultrasound
device that is adapted to be implanted in the human body, an oximeter, an
external handheld computer and a drug delivery system. The system
provides for monitoring of microembolic signals and operatively activates
the drug delivery system for infusion of medication into the blood
circulation for thrombolysis and neuroprotection.
USPTO website
Title: Neural network for modeling ecological and biological systems
United States Patent No. 6,490,573 Full text
Abstract: A method of operating a neural network for ecological and
biological system modeling having a plurality of hidden layer neurons
said method comprising: a plurality of network inputs and at least one
network output, said plurality of neurons, each receiving a plurality of
inputs applied to the network, reproduces the network using a regression
model, and compares the output values with given target values, and
using the comparison and goodness of fit to set the learning rules. The
network does not require repetitive training and yields a global minimum
for each given set of input variables.
USPTO website
Title: Intelligent transcranial Doppler probe
United States Patent No. 6,547,737 Full text
Abstract: A system for automatic manipulation of a transcranial Doppler
probe device designed for placement on a patient's head comprising a
bi-temporal probe hanger, a cylindrical probe housing having an inner
electrical wiring, an ultrasound transducer with cable affixed on the probe
cylindrical base having a coil, said probe cylindrical base placed within
the cylindrical probe housing, a spring system affixed to provide
perpendicular pressure on the probe cylindrical base, a system of roller
balls, a locking system to affix the cylindrical probe housing to the frame
of the bi-temporal probe hanger, a system software program and
microprocessor for controlling the probe position, and a removable
handle attached to the said probe cylindrical base. The system software
`learns` probe angulations after initial manual manipulations and then
performs cerebral vessel insonation using electromotive force
independent of operator.
USPTO website
Title: Transcranial Doppler ultrasound device for odor evaluation
United States Patent No. 6,663,571 Full text
Abstract: The present invention is related to cerebral blood flow velocity
monitoring method and system, specifically a transcranial Doppler device
for odor matching and odor selection in canine and human subjects. The
method and system is non-invasive with high temporal resolution,
user-friendly and portable, including steps of obtaining a subject's
baseline mean blood flow velocity in cerebral arteries using transcranial
Doppler instrument with sample volume focused on cerebral vessels on
both sides using two probes placed on the temples and calculating
laterality index for both arteries. Simultaneously, testing the subject with
odors while monitoring mean blood flow velocity during each odor in
real-time. The acquired data is processed using an operatively attached
microprocessor and using a cellular telephone to communicate the
results to a computer workstation for further data analysis and storage.
USPTO website
Title: Noninvasive transcranial Doppler ultrasound face and object
recognition testing system
United States Patent No. 6,773,400 Full text
Abstract: A non-invasive method and system to determine face and
object processing in a human subject, said method with high temporal
resolution, user-friendly and portable, including steps of obtaining a
subjects baseline cerebral blood flow velocity in cerebral arteries using a
transcranial Doppler ultrasound instrument with sample volumes
focused on cerebral vessels on both sides using two probes place on the
temples and calculating laterality index for both arteries. Simultaneously,
testing the subject with face and object processing tasks presented on
the screen of a digital computer and using a computer input peripheral
device while simultaneously monitoring the mean blood flow velocity
during each stage of the task in real-time. Processing the acquired data
using a microprocessor operatively connected to a computer work station
for image retrieval.
USPTO website
Title: Transcranial Doppler spectroscopy for assessment of brain
cognitive functions
United States Patent Application No. 20040158155 Full text
Abstract: A noninvasive method to determine cerebral blood flow velocity
response to face recognition tasks of a human subject, including steps of
obtaining a subject's cerebral blood flow velocity in cerebral arteries on
both sides of the brain using a microcomputer integrated with a
transcranial Doppler ultrasound instrument with two probes placed on
the temples and sample volumes focused on cerebral vessels on both
sides and calculating laterality index for both arteries. Simultaneously,
testing the subject with face or object processing tasks presented on the
screen of a digital computer while monitoring the mean blood flow
velocity during each stage of the task in real-time. Processing the
acquired data to determine the spectrum analysis using a microcomputer
that is operatively connected to a computer workstation for image retrieval
and cross matching.
USPTO website
Title: Apparatus and method for hypothermia and rewarming by
altering the temperature of the cerebrospinal fluid in the brain
United States Patent Application No. 20050177212 Full text
Abstract: The invention relates to a method for hypothermia and
rewarming of the cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. In one embodiment,
cooling and rewarming of the cerebrospinal fluid is accomplished by
applying cooling and rewarming elements externally placed in contact
with the skin overlying the cerebrospinal fluid cisterns at the back of the
head and spine regions of a patient. In another embodiment,
hypothermia and rewarming is accomplished using a double barrel
ventricular catheter placed within the lateral ventricles with one catheter
used for heat exchange and the other for drainage of excess
cerebrospinal fluid. In yet another embodiment of the invention,
hypothermia and rewarming is accomplished using a loop catheter with
fluid running through the loop placed in the lateral ventricles.
USPTO website
" Poverty is a physical state, shrouded in a mental condition of perceived
inaptitude, even for otherwise creative minds. Our attention to the Mission
to Mars, moves us away from the Pandora’s Box of poverty and
deprivation, and raises our national consciousness by shifting the
mental paradigm to that of creative endeavor. This allows us to
breakthrough our basic problems with ease, using science and
technology solutions we develop in the process".
Excerpts - Letter from Prince Dr Philip C. Njemanze to President Musa
Yar' Adua and Nigerian Leaders on July 4th, 2007 on initiation of the
Conference on Mission to Mars: The African Perspective.
inaptitude, even for otherwise creative minds. Our attention to the Mission
to Mars, moves us away from the Pandora’s Box of poverty and
deprivation, and raises our national consciousness by shifting the
mental paradigm to that of creative endeavor. This allows us to
breakthrough our basic problems with ease, using science and
technology solutions we develop in the process".
Excerpts - Letter from Prince Dr Philip C. Njemanze to President Musa
Yar' Adua and Nigerian Leaders on July 4th, 2007 on initiation of the
Conference on Mission to Mars: The African Perspective.
MarsLAB
Mars
Chidicon Medical Center,
International Institutes of Advanced Research and Training, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
International Institutes of Advanced Research and Training, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
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TO GO TO
CONFERENCE
Mission to
Mars: The
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Mission to
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Perspective
TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE AT THE INSTITUTE OF SPACE MEDICINE AND
TERRESTRIAL SCIENCES
Space Technology Spinoff Product Developments for Homeland
Security Available for Licensing
Research at the Institute of Space Medicine and Terrestrial Sciences has
developed a new science of facial recognition called cognitive biometrics.
The system uses the mental state of the observer to perform the
identification, using the brain response to trigger the signal for computer
search. This new area of scientific forensics was called facial cognitive
biometrics. In other words, facial cognitive biometrics uses human
perception for identification of a target face. The device uses functional
transcranial Doppler spectroscopy (fTCDS), developed in our laboratory
to sense the target face perceived, and triggers a search in a main frame
computer to identify the face from the crime database. The device
comprises a handheld PC with transcranial Doppler and a virtual reality
spectacles. It is adapted for use at airports, train stations and public
buildings. It is well suited for homeland security applications. Most
terrorists have known or suspected faces, which have been seen before
and are documented in many government security database around the
world. This was the case with the September 11th terrorists. However,
with some disguise, the usually automated facial recognition devices do
not identify the face. There is need to use the human perception as a
trigger of a man-machine interface, to link the signal of the perceived face
to the signal in the computerized database. The security agent we call a
face minder, may see a face and think "I have seen that face before".
However, interception of the person may lead to false positive
identification, this has been the case at airports, resulting in lawsuits and
problems for passengers and the authorities. On the other hand, being
too careful may allow dangerous criminals to escape. What is desirable
is to have a system, that does a preliminary search on trigger, and on
confirmation from the security database and other observers, initiates an
arrest. This is accomplished with the new device we called BiometDop.
Figure 1.
A sample design of BiometDop.
BiometDop
The BiometDop has the virtual reality device with automated probe
hanger, that is connected to the hand-held PC device.
The virtual reality device presents the target face which is perceived for
about 60 seconds, during which the signal is recorded by insonation of
the middle cerebral arteries, using both 2MHz ultrasound probes placed
on the temples. The probes are driven and positioned by a patented
fuzzy-neural network device in the probe housing called the AI TCD probe
(artificial intelligent transcranial Doppler probe.
The security officers that observe the face are trained to commit the faces
of many suspected terrorists from the FBI database to memory. The idea
is that, contact with persons suspected of terrorism or other crimes will
elicit a memory cortical activation signal, that shows as high C-peak in
the left hemisphere (LMCA). These officers called faceminders, are
usually male subjects, because the threshold pattern elicited by the
perception of a face seen before, is much higher than in women (see
Laterality 2007, 12(1), 31-49). As many as 8 male faceminders could
look at the target face, seen initially by one, and then transmitted to the
others by an alert signal. The faceminders are positioned: one in
immediate contact with the target face, and others at other remote
observation points in the airport (train station, underground, seaport) and
in the control room. Once there is suspicion, the alert signal is sent, and
others would see the same face. The response signal collected
automatically from the blood flow data are processed using Fourier
analysis. If there is an activation in the left hemisphere, the target face is
correlated with the FBI database and action initiated.
Man-Machine Interface Systems for Human Error Prevention in an
Automated System
These devices were developed as spinoffs from the EVA-Dop, for human
performance monitoring during extravehicular activity in Space, and also
for performance and GLOC prevention in high-performance avionic
systems called Physiologic G-suit or Physio-Dop. Human error is a major
factor in accidents. In aeroplanes crashes, a major factor for loss of lives
is pilot error. It would be desirable to have a system that detects human
error and activates the automated pilot to take over control of the
aeroplane until the pilot state-of-being improves. Our laboratory have
worked on developing sensors for the physiologic parameters, that
indicate a state-of-being of a human operator, which alerts that errors
would occur. The device is based on non-invasive detection of mean flow
velocity (MFV) in the right and left middle cerebral arteries (RMCA, LMCA)
and calculating side to side differences in MFV expressed as laterality
index (LI). In male operators, the LI would be maximally to the right or
positive during high performance, on the other hand, in female operators,
the LI would be maximally to the left or negative. When there is a left
tendency in men, or right tendency in women, then error rates rise, as
detailed in a scientific publication (Brain and Language 2005; 92,
234-239). The device uses the blood flow to upgrade or downgrade the
level of autonomy decision making level of the operator and using a fuzzy
neural-network system to route and reroute the work process for
maximum efficiency. It could be used for a number of workers in a wide
local area network (WLAN) or internet, to synchronize performance on a
given task or tasks. Performance decrements in one or more operators
representing nodes connected in series or parallel subnetworks, would
necessitate the system to reroute efficiency connectivity through other
nodes. This is important at atomic power plants, submarines, air-traffic
control centers, stock trading, space station, security networks and high
profile mental games. The latter application in mental video games and
simulations has yielded the next generation of video mind games. The
video mind games, not only teach but entertain, excluding players
because their mental performance index falls below threshold. The
device could be adapted for use for a single operator on an operating
system of a computer called OS-Dop enabled (operating system Doppler
enabled). The OS-Dop could be used as a lie detector by FBI
investigators. The OS-Dop also could be installed in trains, to monitor
long-distance fast train drivers, who may sleep or may not operate
efficiently. There are personalized versions for the military pilots, of which,
sensors are integrated into the helmet used in high performance
missions. The latter is adapted to work with the positive pressure
breathing system and G-suit. The OS-Dop is also used by special military
missions, to assess links with special forces and command-and-control,
which will help rationally and objectively alternate autonomy
decision-making between the central command-and-control and officers
in the field. Since the data could be telemetered, it is a form of life
systems manager, upgrading information about the state of mental
health and life status of the soldier in the field. It should form one the
personal life kits of any soldier in the field of battle. The device is
equipped with GPS, and could signal the need for evacuation of the
soldier in distress. The OS-Dop allows your computer to know what you
are thinking. The OS of the computer may activate help programs based
on the level of compromised performance of the user. The OS-Dop brings
user-friendliness of the computer operating systems to a new level.
Implanted Transcranial Doppler Probe (US Pat. 6,468,219)
In an attempt to develop a life support system that will be incorporated for
payload specialists on Mission to Mars, an implantable transcranial
Doppler probe was designed. It incorporates a nanotechnology based
pacemaker-sized ultrasound generator, that could be powered using
biothermal batteries. The device is used for monitoring blood flow velocity
in the middle cerebral arteries and is used to provide the state-of-being of
the martian astronaut. At the same time, the device detects formation of
clots within the circulation, and lysis the clots, before they cause cerebral
occlusion and strokes in astronauts. The same device could be used for
stroke patients for lysis of thrombus forming in the circulatory system. The
device we call Lyso-Dop, is indicated for patients at risk of stroke, those
with implanted vascular prosthesis, atrial fibrillations, artificial heart,
artificial valves, post-transplant conditions, multiple sites of
atherosclerosis, coagulopathies and other conditions that promote
thrombus formation. The device remotely controls an implanted insulin
pump adapted for tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). It injects tPA into
blood to lyse the thrombus (New Engl J Med. 2002; 352:2170-2178), if the
ultrasound signal by itself, could not accomplish lysis. The time window
between detection of thrombus and injection of tPA will be bridged,
enabling prevention of stroke in at least 50% of patients, who have known
risk factors for stroke.
TERRESTRIAL SCIENCES
Space Technology Spinoff Product Developments for Homeland
Security Available for Licensing
Research at the Institute of Space Medicine and Terrestrial Sciences has
developed a new science of facial recognition called cognitive biometrics.
The system uses the mental state of the observer to perform the
identification, using the brain response to trigger the signal for computer
search. This new area of scientific forensics was called facial cognitive
biometrics. In other words, facial cognitive biometrics uses human
perception for identification of a target face. The device uses functional
transcranial Doppler spectroscopy (fTCDS), developed in our laboratory
to sense the target face perceived, and triggers a search in a main frame
computer to identify the face from the crime database. The device
comprises a handheld PC with transcranial Doppler and a virtual reality
spectacles. It is adapted for use at airports, train stations and public
buildings. It is well suited for homeland security applications. Most
terrorists have known or suspected faces, which have been seen before
and are documented in many government security database around the
world. This was the case with the September 11th terrorists. However,
with some disguise, the usually automated facial recognition devices do
not identify the face. There is need to use the human perception as a
trigger of a man-machine interface, to link the signal of the perceived face
to the signal in the computerized database. The security agent we call a
face minder, may see a face and think "I have seen that face before".
However, interception of the person may lead to false positive
identification, this has been the case at airports, resulting in lawsuits and
problems for passengers and the authorities. On the other hand, being
too careful may allow dangerous criminals to escape. What is desirable
is to have a system, that does a preliminary search on trigger, and on
confirmation from the security database and other observers, initiates an
arrest. This is accomplished with the new device we called BiometDop.
Figure 1.
A sample design of BiometDop.
BiometDop
The BiometDop has the virtual reality device with automated probe
hanger, that is connected to the hand-held PC device.
The virtual reality device presents the target face which is perceived for
about 60 seconds, during which the signal is recorded by insonation of
the middle cerebral arteries, using both 2MHz ultrasound probes placed
on the temples. The probes are driven and positioned by a patented
fuzzy-neural network device in the probe housing called the AI TCD probe
(artificial intelligent transcranial Doppler probe.
The security officers that observe the face are trained to commit the faces
of many suspected terrorists from the FBI database to memory. The idea
is that, contact with persons suspected of terrorism or other crimes will
elicit a memory cortical activation signal, that shows as high C-peak in
the left hemisphere (LMCA). These officers called faceminders, are
usually male subjects, because the threshold pattern elicited by the
perception of a face seen before, is much higher than in women (see
Laterality 2007, 12(1), 31-49). As many as 8 male faceminders could
look at the target face, seen initially by one, and then transmitted to the
others by an alert signal. The faceminders are positioned: one in
immediate contact with the target face, and others at other remote
observation points in the airport (train station, underground, seaport) and
in the control room. Once there is suspicion, the alert signal is sent, and
others would see the same face. The response signal collected
automatically from the blood flow data are processed using Fourier
analysis. If there is an activation in the left hemisphere, the target face is
correlated with the FBI database and action initiated.
Man-Machine Interface Systems for Human Error Prevention in an
Automated System
These devices were developed as spinoffs from the EVA-Dop, for human
performance monitoring during extravehicular activity in Space, and also
for performance and GLOC prevention in high-performance avionic
systems called Physiologic G-suit or Physio-Dop. Human error is a major
factor in accidents. In aeroplanes crashes, a major factor for loss of lives
is pilot error. It would be desirable to have a system that detects human
error and activates the automated pilot to take over control of the
aeroplane until the pilot state-of-being improves. Our laboratory have
worked on developing sensors for the physiologic parameters, that
indicate a state-of-being of a human operator, which alerts that errors
would occur. The device is based on non-invasive detection of mean flow
velocity (MFV) in the right and left middle cerebral arteries (RMCA, LMCA)
and calculating side to side differences in MFV expressed as laterality
index (LI). In male operators, the LI would be maximally to the right or
positive during high performance, on the other hand, in female operators,
the LI would be maximally to the left or negative. When there is a left
tendency in men, or right tendency in women, then error rates rise, as
detailed in a scientific publication (Brain and Language 2005; 92,
234-239). The device uses the blood flow to upgrade or downgrade the
level of autonomy decision making level of the operator and using a fuzzy
neural-network system to route and reroute the work process for
maximum efficiency. It could be used for a number of workers in a wide
local area network (WLAN) or internet, to synchronize performance on a
given task or tasks. Performance decrements in one or more operators
representing nodes connected in series or parallel subnetworks, would
necessitate the system to reroute efficiency connectivity through other
nodes. This is important at atomic power plants, submarines, air-traffic
control centers, stock trading, space station, security networks and high
profile mental games. The latter application in mental video games and
simulations has yielded the next generation of video mind games. The
video mind games, not only teach but entertain, excluding players
because their mental performance index falls below threshold. The
device could be adapted for use for a single operator on an operating
system of a computer called OS-Dop enabled (operating system Doppler
enabled). The OS-Dop could be used as a lie detector by FBI
investigators. The OS-Dop also could be installed in trains, to monitor
long-distance fast train drivers, who may sleep or may not operate
efficiently. There are personalized versions for the military pilots, of which,
sensors are integrated into the helmet used in high performance
missions. The latter is adapted to work with the positive pressure
breathing system and G-suit. The OS-Dop is also used by special military
missions, to assess links with special forces and command-and-control,
which will help rationally and objectively alternate autonomy
decision-making between the central command-and-control and officers
in the field. Since the data could be telemetered, it is a form of life
systems manager, upgrading information about the state of mental
health and life status of the soldier in the field. It should form one the
personal life kits of any soldier in the field of battle. The device is
equipped with GPS, and could signal the need for evacuation of the
soldier in distress. The OS-Dop allows your computer to know what you
are thinking. The OS of the computer may activate help programs based
on the level of compromised performance of the user. The OS-Dop brings
user-friendliness of the computer operating systems to a new level.
Implanted Transcranial Doppler Probe (US Pat. 6,468,219)
In an attempt to develop a life support system that will be incorporated for
payload specialists on Mission to Mars, an implantable transcranial
Doppler probe was designed. It incorporates a nanotechnology based
pacemaker-sized ultrasound generator, that could be powered using
biothermal batteries. The device is used for monitoring blood flow velocity
in the middle cerebral arteries and is used to provide the state-of-being of
the martian astronaut. At the same time, the device detects formation of
clots within the circulation, and lysis the clots, before they cause cerebral
occlusion and strokes in astronauts. The same device could be used for
stroke patients for lysis of thrombus forming in the circulatory system. The
device we call Lyso-Dop, is indicated for patients at risk of stroke, those
with implanted vascular prosthesis, atrial fibrillations, artificial heart,
artificial valves, post-transplant conditions, multiple sites of
atherosclerosis, coagulopathies and other conditions that promote
thrombus formation. The device remotely controls an implanted insulin
pump adapted for tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). It injects tPA into
blood to lyse the thrombus (New Engl J Med. 2002; 352:2170-2178), if the
ultrasound signal by itself, could not accomplish lysis. The time window
between detection of thrombus and injection of tPA will be bridged,
enabling prevention of stroke in at least 50% of patients, who have known
risk factors for stroke.
Figure 2.
Control Room FBI workstation
The EVA-Dop is attached to the head gear of the astronaut. The
mean blood flow velocity is monitored as the performance
index, and at moments of low performance index, downgrades
the autonomy decision-making level of the astronaut. It may
sometimes suggest rest period for recovery.
mean blood flow velocity is monitored as the performance
index, and at moments of low performance index, downgrades
the autonomy decision-making level of the astronaut. It may
sometimes suggest rest period for recovery.
OS-Dop showing the operator attached using two ultrasound
probes placed on the temples 12, and wirelessly connected to a
PC 18, and entering data via keyboard 19 into a WLAN
collaborating with others, while the mean blood flow velocity
monitored is used to set nodes with maximum performance
into a network in series or in parallel.
probes placed on the temples 12, and wirelessly connected to a
PC 18, and entering data via keyboard 19 into a WLAN
collaborating with others, while the mean blood flow velocity
monitored is used to set nodes with maximum performance
into a network in series or in parallel.
The Lyso-Dop probe 2 placed on the temporal bone and implanted
under the skin. The transducer cord is routed under the skin to the
subclavicular region, where it is connected to the implanted
ultrasound generator.
under the skin. The transducer cord is routed under the skin to the
subclavicular region, where it is connected to the implanted
ultrasound generator.
The Lyso-Dop ultrasound generator is implanted in the subclavicular
region like a pacemaker. It may remotely activate an external insulin
pump containing tPA in patients awaiting internal implantation. The
device is equipped with a GPS system, which will locate the patient for
emergency evacuation. It could be enabled to upload files using an
FTP site, for the doctors to see the frequency of the microembolic
signals. It could also download, through the FTP site, prescriptions of
the tPA, set to the thresholds for counts of microembolic signals.
region like a pacemaker. It may remotely activate an external insulin
pump containing tPA in patients awaiting internal implantation. The
device is equipped with a GPS system, which will locate the patient for
emergency evacuation. It could be enabled to upload files using an
FTP site, for the doctors to see the frequency of the microembolic
signals. It could also download, through the FTP site, prescriptions of
the tPA, set to the thresholds for counts of microembolic signals.
Odor search for TNT and other explosives
Odors could be used for search for explosives and toxic materials. The
device was developed in the study of the effects of odors on human brain
blood flow. The device developed was called the Odor-Dop. It could be
adapted for use in canines and humans. The device detects responses
of mean blood flow velocity in the middle cerebral arteries or anterior
cerebral arteries to target odors. Which on a second encounter would
elicit a specific pattern. Use of a canine in a seaport usually means a
human has to accompany it, to assess behavioral patterns in response
to target odors. The present device is equipped with a GPS, the canines
could on their own detect the target odors, and the GPS device records
each position of the containers found. This would mean that millions of
containers at the seaport could be searched in a day.
Odors could be used for search for explosives and toxic materials. The
device was developed in the study of the effects of odors on human brain
blood flow. The device developed was called the Odor-Dop. It could be
adapted for use in canines and humans. The device detects responses
of mean blood flow velocity in the middle cerebral arteries or anterior
cerebral arteries to target odors. Which on a second encounter would
elicit a specific pattern. Use of a canine in a seaport usually means a
human has to accompany it, to assess behavioral patterns in response
to target odors. The present device is equipped with a GPS, the canines
could on their own detect the target odors, and the GPS device records
each position of the containers found. This would mean that millions of
containers at the seaport could be searched in a day.
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