Underdetermined Blind Identification for kk-Sparse Component Analysis using RANSAC-based Orthogonal Subspace Search

Sparse component analysis is very popular in solving underdetermined blind source separation (UBSS) problem. Here, we propose a new underdetermined blind identification (UBI) approach for estimation of the mixing matrix in UBSS. Previous approaches either rely on single dominant component or consider $k \leq m-1$ active sources at each time instant, where $m$ is the number of mixtures, but impose constraint on the level of noise replacing inactive sources. Here, we propose an effective, computationally less complex, and more robust to noise UBI approach to tackle such restrictions when $k = m-1$ based on a two-step scenario: (1) estimating the orthogonal complement subspaces of the overall space and (2) identifying the mixing vectors. For this purpose, an integrated algorithm is presented to solve both steps based on Gram-Schmidt process and random sample consensus method. Experimental results using simulated data show more effectiveness of the proposed method compared with the existing algorithms

EEGg: Generating Synthetic EEG Signals in Matlab Environment

Purpose: Utilizing Electroencephalogram (EEG) is more than at any time in history, therefore we have introduced an open-source MATLAB function to provide simulated EEG which is as equivalent as viable to empirical EEG in a user-friendly way with ground truth that is not accessible in real EEG records. This function should be versatile due to the requirements such as the number and orientation of sources, various noises, mode of activation function, and different anatomical structures. Materials and Methods: We indicate all phases, modes, and formulas which constitute EEGg, EEG generator. This function supports selecting main sources locations and orientation, choosing SNR with white Gaussian noise, electrode numbers, and mode of activation functions. Also, users have the option to use automatic or partly automatic, or fully automatic EEG construction in EEGg. This function is ready to use at https://github.com/Avayekta/EEG. Results: EEGg is designed with several parameters that users have chosen. Hence, users can choose different variables to inspect the time and frequency aspects of synthetic EEG. Conclusion: EEGg is a multi-purpose and comprehensive function to mimic EEG but with ground-truth EEG data and adjustable parameters

Manipulation of human verticality using high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation

Background: Using conventional tDCS over the temporo-parietal junction (TPJ) we previously reported that it is possible to manipulate subjective visual vertical (SVV) and postural control. We also demonstrated that high-definition tDCS (HD-tDCS) can achieve substantially greater cortical stimulation focality than conventional tDCS. However, it is critical to establish dose-response effects using well-defined protocols with relevance to clinically meaningful applications. Objective: To conduct three pilot studies investigating polarity and intensity-dependent effects of HD-tDCS over the right TPJ on behavioral and physiological outcome measures in healthy subjects. We additionally aimed to establish the feasibility, safety, and tolerability of this stimulation protocol. Methods: We designed three separate randomized, double-blind, crossover phase I clinical trials in different cohorts of healthy adults using the same stimulation protocol. The primary outcome measure for trial 1 was SVV; trial 2, weight-bearing asymmetry (WBA); and trial 3, electroencephalography power spectral density (EEG-PSD). The HD-tDCS montage comprised a single central, and 3 surround electrodes (HD-tDCS3x1) over the right TPJ. For each study, we tested 3x2 min HD-tDCS3x1 at 1, 2 and 3 mA; with anode center, cathode center, or sham stimulation, in random order across days. Results: We found significant SVV deviation relative to baseline, specific to the cathode center condition, with consistent direction and increasing with stimulation intensity. We further showed significant WBA with direction governed by stimulation polarity (cathode center, left asymmetry; anode center, right asymmetry). EEG-PSD in the gamma band was significantly increased at 3 mA under the cathode. Conclusions: The present series of studies provide converging evidence for focal neuromodulation that can modify physiology and have behavioral consequences with clinical potential

A novel underdetermined source recovery algorithm based on k-sparse component analysis

Sparse component analysis (SCA) is a popular method for addressing underdetermined blind source separation in array signal processing applications. We are motivated by problems that arise in the applications where the sources are densely sparse (i.e. the number of active sources is high and very close to the number of sensors). The separation performance of current underdetermined source recovery (USR) solutions, including the relaxation and greedy families, reduces with decreasing the mixing system dimension and increasing the sparsity level (k). In this paper, we present a k-SCA-based algorithm that is suitable for USR in low-dimensional mixing systems. Assuming the sources is at most (m−1) sparse where m is the number of mixtures; the proposed method is capable of recovering the sources from the mixtures given the mixing matrix using a subspace detection framework. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm achieves better separation performance in k-SCA conditions compared to state-of-the-art USR algorithms such as basis pursuit, minimizing norm-L1, smoothed L0, focal underdetermined system solver and orthogonal matching pursuit