A Pharmacokinetics-Neural Mass Model (PK-NMM) for the Simulation of EEG Activity during Propofol Anesthesia

Modeling the effects of anesthetic drugs on brain activity is very helpful in understanding anesthesia mechanisms. The aim of this study was to set up a combined model to relate actual drug levels to EEG dynamics and behavioral states during propofol-induced anesthesia. We proposed a new combined theoretical model based on a pharmacokinetics (PK) model and a neural mass model (NMM), which we termed PK-NMM—with the aim of simulating electroencephalogram (EEG) activity during propofol-induced general anesthesia. The PK model was used to derive propofol effect-site drug concentrations (C _eff) based on the actual drug infusion regimen. The NMM model took C _eff as the control parameter to produce simulated EEG-like (sEEG) data. For comparison, we used real prefrontal EEG (rEEG) data of nine volunteers undergoing propofol anesthesia from a previous experiment. To see how well the sEEG could describe the dynamic changes of neural activity during anesthesia, the rEEG data and the sEEG data were compared with respect to: power-frequency plots; nonlinear exponent (permutation entropy (PE)); and bispectral SynchFastSlow (SFS) parameters. We found that the PK-NMM model was able to reproduce anesthesia EEG-like signals based on the estimated drug concentration and patients’ condition. The frequency spectrum indicated that the frequency power peak of the sEEG moved towards the low frequency band as anesthesia deepened. Different anesthetic states could be differentiated by the PE index. The correlation coefficient of PE was 0.80±0.13 (mean±standard deviation) between rEEG and sEEG for all subjects. Additionally, SFS could track the depth of anesthesia and the SFS of rEEG and sEEG were highly correlated with a correlation coefficient of 0.77±0.13. The PK-NMM model could simulate EEG activity and might be a useful tool for understanding the action of propofol on brain activity.     

Robust closed-loop control of hypnosis with propofol using WAVCNS index as the controlled variable

This paper presents a robust closed-loop strategy for control of depth of hypnosis. The proposed method regulates the electroencephalogram (EEG)-derived WAV_CNS index as measure of hypnosis by manipulating intravenous propofol administration. In contrast to many existing closed-loop control methods for hypnosis drug delivery, the control design presented in this paper produces stability and robustness against uncertainty by explicitly accounting for the pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) variability between individuals, as well as the unexpected surgical stimulation and anesthetic–analgesic interaction that the closed-loop control is required to tolerate. This robust closed-loop controller was evaluated in comparison with a heuristically tuned proportional-derivative-integral (PID) controller using a simulated surgical procedure on 44 patients whose PK and PD models were identified using real clinical data. The results demonstrate that the robust control strategy can deliver propofol to yield consistent and acceptable closed-loop induction and maintenance phase responses over wide-ranging PK and PD differences (mean rise and settling times of 4 min and 7 min and mean overshoot of less than 8%, which meets anesthesiologists’ response specifications), whereas its PID control counterpart exhibits limitations in performance.     

Mass Spectrometric Analysis of the Antinociceptive Effect of Lidocaine

Relative measurements of the concentration of CO₂ released through the skin in rats in response to thermal stimulation were performed using a mass spectrometer with a membrane interface. It is demonstrated that the antinociceptive response to a pain stimulus during intraperitoneal propofol–lidocaine and propofol–ketamine anesthesia can be monitored using a mass spectrometer with a membrane interface. Lidocaine exerts direct action on the central nervous system and induces an antinociceptive effect in response to thermal stimulation.     

Propofol anesthesia in loggerhead (Caretta caretta) sea turtles

Rapid, safe, and effective methods of anesthetic induction and recovery are needed for sea turtles, especially in cases eligible for immediate release. This study demonstrates that intravenous propofol provides a rapid induction of anesthesia in loggerhead (Caretta caretta) sea turtles and results in rapid recovery, allowing safe return to water shortly after the procedure. Forty-nine loggerhead sea turtles were recovered as local fishery by-catch in pound nets and transported to a surgical suite for laparoscopic sex determination. Treatment animals (n = 32) received 5 mg/kg propofol intravenously (i.v.) as a rapid bolus, whereas control animals (n = 17) received no propofol. For analgesia, all animals received a 4 ml infusion of 1% lidocaine, locally, as well as 2 mg/kg ketoprofen intramuscularly (i.m.). Physiologic data included heart and respiratory rate, temperature, and a single blood gas sample collected upon termination of the laparoscopy. Subjective data included jaw tone and ocular reflex: 3 (vigorous) to 0 (none detected). Anesthetic depth was scored from 1, no anesthesia, to 3, surgical anesthesia. Turtles receiving propofol became apneic for a minimum of 5 min with a mean time of 13.7 +/- 8.3 min to the first respiration. Limb movement returned at a mean time of 21.1 +/- 16.8 min. The treatment animals were judged to be sedated for approximately 30 min (mean anesthetic depth score > or = 1.5) when compared to controls. Median respiratory rates for treatment animals were slower compared to controls for the first 15 min, then after 35 min, they became significantly faster than the controls. Median heart rates of control animals became significantly slower than treatment animals between 40 and 45 min. Physiologic differences between groups persisted a minimum of 55 min. Possible explanations for heart rate and respiratory rate differences later in the monitoring period include a compensatory recovery of treatment animals from anesthesia-induced hypoxia and hypercapnia or, alternatively, an induced response of the nonsedated control animals. The animals induced with propofol were easier to secure to the restraint device and moved less during laparoscopy. In conclusion, propofol is a safe and effective injectable anesthetic for use in free-ranging loggerhead sea turtles that provides rapid induction and recovery.     

Propofol Pharmacokinetics and Estimation of Fetal Propofol Exposure during Mid-Gestational Fetal Surgery: A Maternal-Fetal Sheep Model

Background

Measuring fetal drug concentrations is extremely difficult in humans. We conducted a study in pregnant sheep to simultaneously describe maternal and fetal concentrations of propofol, a common intravenous anesthetic agent used in humans. Compared to inhalational anesthesia, propofol supplemented anesthesia lowered the dose of desflurane required to provide adequate uterine relaxation during open fetal surgery. This resulted in better intraoperative fetal cardiac outcome. This study describes maternal and fetal propofol pharmacokinetics (PK) using a chronically instrumented maternal-fetal sheep model.

Methods

Fetal and maternal blood samples were simultaneously collected from eight mid-gestational pregnant ewes during general anesthesia with propofol, remifentanil and desflurane. Nonlinear mixed-effects modeling was performed by using NONMEM software. Total body weight, gestational age and hemodynamic parameters were tested in the covariate analysis. The final model was validated by bootstrapping and visual predictive check.

Results

A total of 160 propofol samples were collected. A 2-compartment maternal PK model with a third fetal compartment appropriately described the data. Mean population parameter estimates for maternal propofol clearance and central volume of distribution were 4.17 L/min and 37.7 L, respectively, in a typical ewe with a median heart rate of 135 beats/min. Increase in maternal heart rate significantly correlated with increase in propofol clearance. The estimated population maternal-fetal inter-compartment clearance was 0.0138 L/min and the volume of distribution of propofol in the fetus was 0.144 L. Fetal propofol clearance was found to be almost negligible compared to maternal clearance and could not be robustly estimated.

Conclusions

For the first time, a maternal-fetal PK model of propofol in pregnant ewes was successfully developed. This study narrows the gap in our knowledge in maternal-fetal PK model in human. Our study confirms that maternal heart rate has an important influence on the pharmacokinetics of propofol during pregnancy. Much lower propofol concentration in the fetus compared to maternal concentrations explain limited placental transfer in in-vivo paired model, and less direct fetal cardiac depression we observed earlier with propofol supplemented inhalational anesthesia compared to higher dose inhalational anesthesia in humans and sheep.     

Modelling 3D control of upright stance using an optimal control strategy

A 3D balance control model of quiet upright stance is presented, based on an optimal control strategy, and evaluated in terms of its ability to simulate postural sway in both the anterior–posterior and medial–lateral directions. The human body was represented as a two-segment inverted pendulum. Several assumptions were made to linearise body dynamics, for example, that there was no transverse rotation during upright stance. The neural controller was presumed to be an optimal controller that generates ankle control torque and hip control torque according to certain performance criteria. An optimisation procedure was used to determine the values of unspecified model parameters including random disturbance gains and sensory delay times. This model was used to simulate postural sway behaviours characterised by centre-of-pressure (COP)-based measures. Confidence intervals for all normalised COP-based measures contained unity, indicating no significant differences between any of the simulated COP-based measures and corresponding experimental references. In addition, mean normalised errors for the traditional measures were < 8%, and those for most statistical mechanics measures were ～3–66%. On the basis these results, the proposed 3D balance control model appears to have the ability to accurately simulate 3D postural sway behaviours.     

BIS监测下两种快通道麻醉方式应用于鼻内镜手术的比较

目的:观察BIS指导两种快通道麻醉在鼻内镜手术中的应用及麻醉效果。方法:选择60例ASAⅠ-Ⅱ级择期行功能性鼻内镜手术(FESS)患者,随机分为七氟醚诱导维持麻醉组(VIMA组)与异丙酚全凭静脉麻醉组(TIVA组)。VIMA组:8%七氟醚,氧流量8L/min,潮气量法吸入诱导,七氟醚维持麻醉;TIVA组:异丙酚2 mg/kg诱导,异丙酚维持麻醉。两组诱导时都静脉注射瑞芬太尼1μg/kg,罗库溴铵0.6 mg/kg,监测TOF值为0、BIS60并维持5 s后行气管插管。术中静脉泵注瑞芬太尼0.2μg·kg~(-1)·min~(-1),分别调整七氟醚和异丙酚维持剂量使BIS值在气管插管后至手术结束前15 min左右保持在40~60之间,手术最后15 min保持于60~70之间。两组术后进行Steward评分,并比较两组各时点SBP、DBP、HR,拔管时间,快通道麻醉成功率和苏醒期不良反应发生率。结果:VIMA组拔管时间(11.60±2.55 min)比TIVA组的(7.13±3.26 min)明显延长(P0.05);TIVA组快通道成功率显著高于VIMA组(P0.05)。两组苏醒期不良反应的发生情况比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:异丙酚全凭静脉麻醉用于鼻内镜手术拔管时间比七氟醚诱导维持麻醉短,快通道麻醉效果更好。     

Influence of time of day on propofol pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in rabbits

This study evaluates the administration time-of-day effects on propofol pharmacokinetics and sedative response in rabbits. Nine rabbits were sedated with 5?mg/kg propofol at three local clock times: 10:00, 16:00, and 22:00?h. Each rabbit served as its own control by being given a single infusion at the three different times of day on three separate occasions. Ten arterial blood samples were collected during each clock-time experiment for propofol assay. A two-compartment model was used to describe propofol pharmacokinetics, and the pedal withdrawal reflex was used as the sedation pharmacodynamic response. The categorical data comprising the presence or absence of pedal withdrawal reflex was described by a logistic model. The typical volume of the central compartment equaled 7.67?L and depended on rabbit body weight. The elimination rate constant depended on drug administration time; it was lowest at 10:00?h, highest at 16:00?h, and intermediate at 22:00?h. Delay of the anesthetic effect, with respect to plasma concentrations, was described by the effect compartment, with the rate constant for the distribution to the effector compartment equal to 0.335?min(-1). Drug concentration had a large effect on the probability of anesthesia. The degree of anesthesia was largest at 10:00?h, lowest at 16:00?h, and intermediate at 22:00?h. In summary, both the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of propofol in rabbits depended on administration time. The developed population approach may be used to assess chronopharmacokinetics and chronopharmacodynamics of medications in animals and humans.     

Systematic Computation of Nonlinear Cellular and Molecular Dynamics with Low-Power CytoMimetic Circuits: A Simulation Study

This paper presents a novel method for the systematic implementation of low-power microelectronic circuits aimed at computing nonlinear cellular and molecular dynamics. The method proposed is based on the Nonlinear Bernoulli Cell Formalism (NBCF), an advanced mathematical framework stemming from the Bernoulli Cell Formalism (BCF) originally exploited for the modular synthesis and analysis of linear, time-invariant, high dynamic range, logarithmic filters. Our approach identifies and exploits the striking similarities existing between the NBCF and coupled nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs) typically appearing in models of naturally encountered biochemical systems. The resulting continuous-time, continuous-value, low-power CytoMimetic electronic circuits succeed in simulating fast and with good accuracy cellular and molecular dynamics. The application of the method is illustrated by synthesising for the first time microelectronic CytoMimetic topologies which simulate successfully: 1) a nonlinear intracellular calcium oscillations model for several Hill coefficient values and 2) a gene-protein regulatory system model. The dynamic behaviours generated by the proposed CytoMimetic circuits are compared and found to be in very good agreement with their biological counterparts. The circuits exploit the exponential law codifying the low-power subthreshold operation regime and have been simulated with realistic parameters from a commercially available CMOS process. They occupy an area of a fraction of a square-millimetre, while consuming between 1 and 12 microwatts of power. Simulations of fabrication-related variability results are also presented.     

米库氯铵用于全麻手术40 例的临床分析

目的:观察米库氯铵分别复合七氟醚、丙泊酚用于全麻手术的肌松效果和安全性,以及对米库氯铵剂量的影响。方法:选择妇科手术患者40例,随机分为七氟醚组和丙泊酚组。诱导期单次静注米库氯铵,肌松开始恢复时开始泵注,手术结束前约20 min停药。记录诱导起效时间、无反应期,停止泵注米库氯铵后TOF比值恢复至25%、50%、75%、90%时间、恢复指数,维持期米库氯铵平均泵注速度、平均追加次数。结果:S组有2例、P组有1例出现轻度皮肤潮红,P组有1例插管时出现轻度呛咳,血压、心率未见明显异常,插管条件均满意。两组诱导起效时间、无反应期、恢复指数无统计学差异,停药后TOF比值恢复至25%、50%、75%、90%时间S组长于P组,差异有统计学意义。S组维持期米库氯铵平均泵注速度、平均追加次数小于P组,差异有统计学意义。结论:米库氯铵用于全麻诱导及维持,肌松满意,恢复迅速,安全性值得肯定。与丙泊酚相比,七氟醚对米库氯铵的需要量大约可以减少20%~30%,丙泊酚对米库氯铵剂量的具体影响有待进一步研究。     

Hemodynamic differences in sevoflurane versus propofol anesthesia

The aim of the study was to compare the effect of sevoflurane and propofol anesthesia on myocardial contractility during laparotomic cholecystectomy using transesophageal echo-Doppler. In the study, 40 patients were randomized into two groups, depending on whether they received sevoflurane or propofol anesthesia. Heart rate, cardiac index, stroke volume, left ventricular ejection time and acceleration were measured 10 minutes after induction of anesthesia, 1 minute and 25 minutes after incision. The results were analyzed using paired t-test and ANOVA. Significantly lower values were found for all parameters after the initial measurement (p < 0.05). In the sevoflurane group, stroke volume decreased from 66 +/- 6.2 ml/beat to 65 +/- 6.4 ml/beat and to 63 +/- 5.6 ml/beat 1 minute and 25 minutes after incision respectively. In the propofol group changes were from 64 ml/beat to 58 +/- 10.5 ml/beat to 58 +/- 8.6 ml/beat. Stroke volume was significantly higher in the sevoflurane than in the propofol group (p < 0.05). Sevoflurane anesthesia allows a better hemodynamic stability during laparotomic cholecystectomy.     

Diazepam and propofol used as anesthetics during open-heart surgery do not cause chromosomal aberrations in peripheral blood lymphocytes

Diazepam is a benzodiazepine with anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, sedative and muscle-relaxing properties. Many aspects of its toxicity have been investigated, including genotoxic and carcinogenic effects in various model systems. However, it is still unclear whether diazepam is in fact a genotoxic agent. Propofol is a rapid-onset, short-acting intravenous anesthetic agent. It is used widely for the induction and maintenance of anesthesia as well as for long-term sedation in intensive care units. There is limited information in the literature on its genotoxic effects. Both drugs are commonly used as anesthetic in patients undergoing open-heart surgery. Therefore, we investigated the possible genotoxic effects of propofol and diazepam in those patients, using a chromosomal aberration (CA) assay. Peripheral blood samples were collected from 45 patients before induction of anesthesia and at the end of the anesthesia with diazepam or propofol. In Group I (n=24), anesthesia was induced with 0.2 mg kg(-1) diazepam and 10 microg kg(-1) fentanyl. In Group II (n=21), anesthesia was induced with 1 mg kg(-1) propofol and 10 microg kg(-1) fentanyl. Pancuronium bromide (0.1 mg kg(-1)) was administered for skeletal muscle relaxation in both groups. Anesthesia was maintained by diazepam administration at 5 mg kg(-1) in Group I or by continuous propofol administration at 2-4 mg (kg h)(-1) in Group II. All patients received 0.02 mg kg(-1) pancuronium and 5 microg kg(-1) fentanyl boluses at 30-40 min intervals for anesthesia maintenance. Body temperature was controlled during bypass in the two groups. We found that the mean frequency of CAs in both groups before and at the end of the anesthesia were not statistically significantly different. Our analysis also indicated that age, smoking habit and gender were not confounding factors. In conclusion, our results indicate that diazepam and propofol do not exert genotoxic effects in blood cells during open-heart surgery.     

Plasma and cerebrospinal fluid concentration of neuropeptide Y, serotonin, and catecholamines in patients under propofol or isoflurane anesthesia

Propofol is a widely used anesthetic for both induction and maintenance of anesthesia during surgery. A strong feeling of hunger has been reported during the early recovery period after propofol anesthesia. We have investigated the effect of propofol on appetite in 10 patients undergoing a craniotomy and in parallel measured neuropeptide Y (NPY), catecholamines, and serotonin levels in the cerebrospinal fluid and plasma during anesthesia. Ten patients anesthetized with a volatile agent (isoflurane) served as a control group. Plasma NPY and catecholamines levels were not affected by surgery at any time. We observed a strong increase in NPY concentrations in the cerebrospinal fluid independently of the anesthetic technique agent used, whereas catecholamines were unchanged. We found that serotonin concentrations decreased significantly in the plasma (but not in the cerebrospinal fluid) of patients treated by propofol when compared with the control group; this decrease was associated with an increase of hunger early postoperatively. We concluded that the proappetite effect of propofol is mediated through a decrease of serotonin at the peripheral level.     

丙泊酚复合麻醉在实验犬外科手术中的效果观察

目的丙泊酚复合麻醉应用于实验犬外科手术,进行效果评价。方法成年健康杂种犬13只,雌雄不限。术前30 min肌内注射阿托品0.5 mg,吗啡10 mg,进行气管插管,静脉注射氯胺酮50 mg,静脉注射丙泊酚首次剂量5 mg/kg体重,维持剂量1 mg/kg。结果丙泊酚复合麻醉,平均麻醉起效时间40 s,首次剂量平均维持17.3min,重复给药平均维持13.6 min,无死亡。丙泊酚有较强的麻醉效果,诱导时间短,起效快,恢复快速平稳,而且无副作用。结论丙泊酚复合麻醉适合于犬的外科手术实验,是一种较为理想的麻醉方法。     

Human mediotemporal EEG characteristics during propofol anesthesia

Evidence for a response-control-related kind of declarative memory during deep propofol anesthesia has recently been reported. Connectivity within the mediotemporal lobe (MTL), and in particular rhinal–hippocampal synchronization within the gamma band, has been shown to be crucial for declarative memory formation. Thus, we analyzed EEG recordings obtained from the scalp, as well as directly from within the hippocampus and from the anterior parahippocampal gyrus, which is covered by rhinal cortex, in patients with unilateral temporal lobe epilepsy during propofol anesthesia, which preceded electrode explantation. For the gamma band a power decrease starting with induction of anesthesia was observed at scalp position Cz, but a power increase was detected at MTL locations. In contrast to prior results for sleep recordings, rhinal–hippocampal coherence did not decrease within the gamma band at deeper levels of anesthesia. These findings may represent an indirect electrophysiological correlate of partially intact declarative memory formation during deep propofol sedation. Furthermore, we investigated how well the plasma propofol level, as well as different stages of anesthesia including the burst suppression phase, could be monitored by different spectral as well as by nonlinear EEG measures. We observed that conventional spectral power measures, most prominently those recorded from mediotemporal locations, are most closely correlated with the plasma propofol level, whereas different stages of anesthesia can be distinguished best by nonconventional spectral as well as nonlinear measures.     

Evaluation of isoflurane and propofol anesthesia for intraabdominal transmitter placement in nesting female canvasback ducks

Heart rate, occurrence of apnea, body temperature, quality of anesthesia and nest abandonment were compared during either propofol or isoflurane anesthesia of nesting female canvasback ducks (Aythya valisineria) at 15 to 18 days of incubation. One hundred eighteen canvasbacks were assigned randomly to three treatments so that nest abandonment could be compared among treatments from May to July 1995 and 1996. Sterile dummy silicone implants were placed during an abdominal laparotomy while ducks were anesthetized with either propofol or isoflurane, or ducks were flushed from the nest but not captured (control). Propofol was delivered through an intravenous catheter, while isoflurane was delivered in oxygen. Propofol provided smooth, rapid induction and recovery, whereas ducks recovering from isoflurane tended to struggle. At the nest, ducks in the propofol group were given additional boluses until they were lightly anesthetized, whereas birds that received isoflurane were released. All birds survived surgery but one death occurred prior to surgery in 1995 using propofol during a period without ventilation and monitoring. Adequate artificial ventilation is recommended to prevent complications. Heart rate declined significantly in both years during isoflurane anesthesia and in 1995 during propofol anesthesia but not 1996. During both isoflurane and propofol anesthesia, body temperature declined significantly over time. Nest abandonment was significantly different among treatments and occurred in all treatment groups in both years, but propofol (15%) and control groups (8%) had lower than expected abandonment compared to isoflurane (28%). Propofol offers several advantages over isoflurane for field use; equipment is easily portable, lower anesthetic cost, and ambient temperature does not alter physical characteristics of the drug. Advantages over isoflurane, including lower nest abandonment following intraabdominal radio transmitter placement, make propofol a good anesthetic choice for field studies.     

Influence of Time of Day on Propofol Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics in Rabbits

This study evaluates the administration time-of-day effects on propofol pharmacokinetics and sedative response in rabbits. Nine rabbits were sedated with 5?mg/kg propofol at three local clock times: 10:00, 16:00, and 22:00?h. Each rabbit served as its own control by being given a single infusion at the three different times of day on three separate occasions. Ten arterial blood samples were collected during each clock-time experiment for propofol assay. A two-compartment model was used to describe propofol pharmacokinetics, and the pedal withdrawal reflex was used as the sedation pharmacodynamic response. The categorical data comprising the presence or absence of pedal withdrawal reflex was described by a logistic model. The typical volume of the central compartment equaled 7.67?L and depended on rabbit body weight. The elimination rate constant depended on drug administration time; it was lowest at 10:00?h, highest at 16:00?h, and intermediate at 22:00?h. Delay of the anesthetic effect, with respect to plasma concentrations, was described by the effect compartment, with the rate constant for the distribution to the effector compartment equal to 0.335?min^?1. Drug concentration had a large effect on the probability of anesthesia. The degree of anesthesia was largest at 10:00?h, lowest at 16:00?h, and intermediate at 22:00?h. In summary, both the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of propofol in rabbits depended on administration time. The developed population approach may be used to assess chronopharmacokinetics and chronopharmacodynamics of medications in animals and humans. (Author correspondence: agnbienert@op.pl)     

Evoked response potential markers for anesthetic and behavioral states

The rodent whisker sensory system is a commonly used model of cortical processing; however, anesthetics cause profound differences in the shape and timing of evoked responses. Evoked response studies, especially those that use spatial mapping techniques, such as fMRI or optical imaging, will thus show significantly different results depending on the anesthesia used. To describe the effect of behavioral states and commonly used anesthetics, we characterized the early surface-evoked response potentials (ERPs) components (first ERP peak: gamma band 25-45 Hz; fast oscillation: 200-400 Hz; and very fast oscillation: 400-600 Hz) using a 25-channel electrode array on the somatosensory cortex during whisker stimulation. We found significant differences in the ERP shape when ketamine/xylazine, urethane, propofol, isoflurane, and pentobarbital sodium were administered and during sleep and wake states. The highest ERP amplitudes were observed under propofol anesthesia and during quiet sleep. Under isoflurane, the ERP was nearly absent, except for a very late component, which was concombinant with burst synchronization. The slowest responses were seen under urethane and propofol anesthesia. Spatial mapping experiments that use electrical, NMR, or optical techniques must consider the anesthetic dependency of these signals, especially when stimulation protocols or electrical and metabolic responses are compared.     

Neural adaptive control for vibration suppression in composite fin-tip of aircraft

In this paper, we present a neural adaptive control scheme for active vibration suppression of a composite aircraft fin tip. The mathematical model of a composite aircraft fin tip is derived using the finite element approach. The finite element model is updated experimentally to reflect the natural frequencies and mode shapes very accurately. Piezo-electric actuators and sensors are placed at optimal locations such that the vibration suppression is a maximum. Model-reference direct adaptive neural network control scheme is proposed to force the vibration level within the minimum acceptable limit. In this scheme, Gaussian neural network with linear filters is used to approximate the inverse dynamics of the system and the parameters of the neural controller are estimated using Lyapunov based update law. In order to reduce the computational burden, which is critical for real-time applications, the number of hidden neurons is also estimated in the proposed scheme. The global asymptotic stability of the overall system is ensured using the principles of Lyapunov approach. Simulation studies are carried-out using sinusoidal force functions of varying frequency. Experimental results show that the proposed neural adaptive control scheme is capable of providing significant vibration suppression in the multiple bending modes of interest. The performance of the proposed scheme is better than the H(infinity) control scheme.     

"Altered Short-Term Dynamics of Cardio-Respiratory Interaction during Propofol-Induced Yawning"

"Cardiac and respiratory oscillations have been shown to interact with each other. This interaction could reflect autonomic nervous system functionality. Propofol-induced yawning during anesthesia induction seems to be associated with sympathetic activation. Presumptively, there is high linearity among interaction of different physiologic system behaviors. Recently, investigators used coherence analysis to quantify the existence and strength of linearity between system signals for study of cardio-respiratory interaction under different physiological conditions. In this investigation, we used a method of time-frequency coherence function to analyze ECG and respiration signals to investigate the linearity of cardio-respiratory dynamics in patients undergoing routine propofol induction procedures for elective surgery. In this prospective, observational clinical study, a total of 84 eligible patients were enrolled. The patients were categorized into yawning and no-yawning groups during propofol induction. During induction, both groups demonstrated significant reduction in high frequency coherence (coh-HF) with simultaneously significant increase in very low frequency coherence (coh-VLF) compared to the pre-induction period. As yawning occurred, the yawning group had more significant changes of cardio-respiratory coherences than the no-yawning group at coh-LF and coh-VLF bands. The yawning group also showed loss of linearity at high frequency band (coh-HF > 0.5) as compared with the pre-induction period, and also showed increases in linearity at low (coh-LF > 0.5) and very low (coh-VLF > 0.5) frequency bands compared with the no-yawning group. Propofol-induced yawning alters cardio-respiratory dynamics with changes of linearity between cardio-vascular and respiratory system behaviors."