Division of Brain Stimulation - Detailed

EEG-TMS Synchronization Project
• Developed a theoretical basis for TMS synchronization to endogenous EEG rhythms through a literature review and the guidance of Dr. Peterchev.
• Experimented with various paradigms to synchronize TMS pulses with phase. Such algorithms that were tested were a signal differentiation routine, peak/trough detection, and zero-crossing calculation. Algorithms were coded in LABVIEW, both on and off the FPGA board to ensure code is virtually error-free.
• Tested and encoded a trial rejection algorithm in LABVIEW that calculates, in real-time, whether there is an excessive amount of EOG artifact, and if this is the case, withholds a TMS pulse.
• Coded a novel program in LABVIEW that triggers a TMS pulse according to user determined settings, which establish the parameters for phase, power, interstimulus intervals which must be met for a pulse to occur.
• Experimented with different hardware setups that could be used to extract an EEG signal in real-time. The different schemes were: a bipolar channel EEG leads hard-wired directly into an FPGA board; a Brain Vision passive cap; and a Brain Vision active cap.
• Thoroughly tested the LABVIEW program in a pilot session, before running 10 subjects with the finalized version. Screened approximately 21 subjects.
• Routinely met with investigators throughout the lab for input and advice regarding experimental setup.
• Determined that the most robust method for obtaining EEG data would be to apply TMS at random intervals, and then look for relationships between phase, power, and MEP amplitude off-line, rather than in a real-time environment.
• Developed and tested my own routine for eliminating artifact removal, combining the methods and input of Charlie Brown, Paul Sajda, and Bruce Luber and literature in the field. Tested this routine to determine its efficacy.
• Analyzed the data for significant results. Developed plots demonstrating relationships between MEP amplitude and latency, ERP amplitude and latency, and phase, power of various EEG channels, and various combinations thereof.
• Assisted with ACAR and IRB correspondence and chart reviews involved with this study.
Neural Mechanisms of Working Memory
• Have run 8 subjects, while concurrently analyzing behavioral, visual analog, and EEG data.
• Developed white-noise wav file that is now used by all experiments in the lab that require masking of TMS clicking.
• Modified the Edinburgh Handedness Questionnaire such that it is simpler to quantify handedness, based on the scoring script from York University.
• Completely reorganized charts and assisted with IRB chart reviews involved with this study.

Motor Batteries
• Ran the majority of motor batteries for MST, Schizophrenia and Tourette’s clinical studies (including the two Yale patients) since January 2009.
• Organized and analyzed data collected (so far for Schizophrenia only).

Experimental Backup
• Assisted with a number of sessions in the cTMS project with A. Peterchev and G. Westin.
• Assisted with approximately five sessions in TMS-Timing with B. Luber, H. Van-Volkinberg, and A. Aaronson.

Training
• CPR Certified
• Motor Threshold Certified
• Seizure Management
• NP-SCID

Regular Lab Duties
• Presented data at three division meetings.
• Regularly present data at N3 meetings.
• Meet with Drs. Peterchev, Luber, Chen to routinely to discuss project progress.
• Currently trained by G. Westin to replace his responsibilities of IT support (assisting with networking problems), data management (server maintenance and data backup), and with the TMS-fMRI technology.
• Assigned as primary for managing EEG supplies.

Various Lab Help
• Assisted Joseph Luka with motor battery matlab data analysis.
• Assisted Dr. Stanford with volition matlab data analysis.
• Occasionally assist with EEG setups for other studies.