News in Brief BrainVision Workshops in 2006: What can you expect during this year t more on page 5

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1 Brain Products Press Release Contents Issue N 1/2006 IN THE FOCUS Brain Products OptoBox: The solution for your suppressed safety concerns. Some important thoughts on interfacing of your EEG amplifier with other devices t more on page 2 Editors s Pinboard ZEITWISSEN journal: Brain Products is always good for cover stories t more on page 2 Product Development RecView MRI-module: Full online quality control right during the scan t more on page 3 User Research Assessing the spatiotemporal evolution of neuronal activation with t more on page 3 single-trial event-related potentials and functional MRI (by T. Eichele & K. Hugdahl) New Products Solutions, not only for problems (2)... t more on page 4 News in Brief BrainVision Workshops in 2006: What can you expect during this year t more on page 5 News in Brief Program Updates and Miscellaneous t more on page 5 Certified Dealer Revision of Brain Products distribution t Certified Dealer Medtel Pty Ltd as new Brain Products Certified Dealer in Australia t Certified Dealer Medistar d.o.o.: New Distributor in Slovenia t Did you know...? Brain Products sublicense concept and vision license file News in Brief Upcoming Events: We will be present at t t Brain Products GmbH office@brainproducts.com Zeppelinstrasse Gilching (Munich) Germany Phone +49 (0) Fax +49 (0) VAT ID: DE General Managers: Alexander Svojanovsky, Dr. Achim Hornecker HRB AG München

2 Brain Products Press Release issue N 01/2006 IN THE FOCUS: Brain Products OptoBox: The solution for your suppressed safety concerns Some important thoughts on interfacing of your EEG amplifier with other devices by Alexander A. Anke and Dr. Robert Störmer Many experimental paradigms are unthinkable without the integration of EEG and other non-cephalic measures. These measures add indispensable parameters either of peripheral and physiologic origin (e. g. SaO 2, cardiotachography, blood pressure, blood gas, movement tracking and so on) or on task performance to the EEG. This data is usually provided by external devices via their analogue high level output. Basically it is a simple job to feed these analogue signals into every EEG amplifier. It needs only some wires, resistors and an soldering iron. We know that this is common practice in almost all labs and that these cheap workarounds might work. Never the less the implications for the patient safety are often completely neglected in such an experimental setup. We can t discuss all potential risks in this article but it is important to be aware of at least two worst case scenarios which adventure your volunteer s safety. 1. Fault current from an external device might harm your vol- unteer: The signal output - even from certified medical devices - is in general NOT safe according IEC The output connector is usually electrically connected to the mains. In the fault case full mains voltage is transmitted to the EEG amplifier. Even if your EEG amplifier itself might be certified for ensuring patient safety, its input channels are usually electrically linked. As a result - in this fault case - your amplifier may emit mains voltage via EEG electrodes to the volunteer. This applies also to the QuickAmp. 2.Your sensor is electrically connected to your volunteer with- out a patient safe power supply according IEC : 1: Imagine an inculpable EDA/GSR-sensor: This sensor needs some operating current and its electrodes are electrically connected to the skin. Given a fault case, the full mains current might be transmitted to the volunteer. This scenario applies e. g. to all PC interfaces which are connected to sensors and even to products out of our range such as PolyBox (PolyBox is the multi purpose sensor interface within the BrainAmp amplifier family which also may serve as power source for selected Brain Products sensors). The fault scenario illustrates the need for a secure interface for your EEG amplifier or A/D-Converter. The OptoBox is the patient secure interface for almost all applications in the lab regardless which amplifier you are using. The Opto- Box can be regarded as an opto-coupler with excellent transmission characteristics for high level analogue signals (±5V). It is tested up to 4 kv, complies with IEC and provides also a patient secure power supply (±5V). Thus, the Brain Products Opto- Box brings all safety features for your volunteer in one application. As each experimenter is totally in charge of his or her volunteer s safety we would like to emphasize the importance to take an security upgrade with the Brain Products OptoBox into serious consideration. Detailed technical information is given in the OptoBox manual. For application specific notes on your experimental setup please contact our technical support department (techsup@brainproducts.com). Editors Pinboard ZEITWISSEN journal: Brain Products is always good for cover stories by Dr. Robert Störmer The bimonthly journal ZeitWissen is one of the most widely read popular scientific journals in the German-speaking area. The photos illustrate how amazing it is to be a volunteer when Brain Products EasyCaps are used. Babies love it to take the center stage, wear white caps with all the beautiful colourful wires The ZeitWissen title story From babytalk to genitive introduces in a very entertaining fashion in the fascinating new insights in language acquisition during the early childhood. Annette Lessmöllmann, Vom Gebrabbel zum Genitiv, ZEITWISSEN 1/

3 Product Development RecView MRI-module: Full online quality control right during the scan by Dr. Achim Hornecker and Dr. Robert Störmer Even a simple Medline search reveals the rapidly growing use of EEG in fmri environments. EEG under these adverse conditions has changed from an exotic recording challenge to a routine procedure. The fascination of this multimodal approach, the BrainAmp MR series and Vision Analyzer easy to use MRI-correction wizard have pushed this progress. Many scanners are still over-booked and scanning time is rare and valuable. This explains the growing demand for a real time data quality control as only the online EEG gives an entire control over the subject s compliance, behavior and the overall performance of the measurement. The MRI module is part of the Vision RecView real time processing framework and has been exclusively designed to bridge this gap. Reliable EEG during the scan necessitates the removal of the gradient artifact in real time. Due to the spectral power distribution of the gradient, frequency selective filter approaches are doomed to failure. Only filter on the basis of artifact subtraction are able to guarantee a proper online EEG. Satisfying template subtraction results depend on a stable artifact template quality. As single gradients have only a finite precision but a stable variance over time, the quality of the artifact average is a function of the number of C corr (t) = C raw (t) - i = n i= 1 C raw (t i (t)) / n c_corr = corrected data c_raw = raw data n = number of scans forming scans which form the template. The theory is quite simple so far. Taking the actual recording situation into account, things get more tricky: Most combined EEG acquisitions are still done without phase synchronization between scanner timing and EEG system so that the template quality is permanently at risk by drift effects causing a template degradation over time. In order to prevent this, the online MRI filter utilizes special algorithm s for template drift compensation (TDC) and make the RecView MRI module to a powerful adaptive filter solution. Many additional parameters provide entire control over the filter characteristics but usually only the scanner time of repetition (TR) is required as single user input and the RecView MRI correction filter works with default settings. The RecView MRI filter is embedded in the modular RecView concept. Important features like online FFT, butterworth filtering, mapping and the easy to handle programmer interface are already included in the base module. The Dot.Net environment facilitates the implementation of your own routines even more. User Research Assessing the spatiotemporal evolution of neuronal activation with single-trial event-related potentials and functional MRI. PNAS ( by T. Eichele, K. Specht, M. Moosmann, M.L.A. Jongsma, R. Quian Quiroga, H. Nordby, K. Hugdahl) by T. Eichele & K. Hugdahl, University of Bergen, Norway, How do we get around to Having [y]our voxels and timing them too? (1) We certainly need to acquire functional magnetic resonance (BOLD-fMRI) and event-related potential (ERP) data simultaneously (2). Technically, this should be quite easy at least in our experience, using BrainAmps MR plus amplifiers. However, how to proceed from there? ERP and fmri data have very different resolutions and timescales, and what has been the main selling-point for multimodal integration, poses at the same time major theoretical, and analytical problems, resulting in a number of uncertainties when one tries to mingle ERP and fmri. In order to overcome some of the problems, we tried to access the dimension where ERP and fmri have the same resolution, that is the across-trial variability [for a similar approach see also Debener et al. (3)]. With the signatures embedded in single-trial information, we were able to achieve a more complete spatiotemporal characterisation of evoked responses in ERP and fmri. In our paper (4), we identified brain regions where BOLD responses can be predicted by induced amplitude modulations of single trial ERPs: We used an oddball task with alternations of random and regular target tone sequences, and found single trial modulations of the P2, N2 and P3 components, which predicted remote regional fmri responses. These findings illustrate one plausible way how to make inferences about regional brain responses using fmri with the temporal resolution provided by electrophysiology. 1. Makeig, S., Jung, T-P-, Sejnowski, TJ (2002) in Exploratory Analysis and- Data Modeling in Functional Neuroimaging, ed. Sommer, F., Wichert, A. (The MIT Press, Cambridge). 2. Hopfinger, J. B., Khoe, W. & Song, A. W. (2005) in Event Related Potentials. A Methods Handbook., ed. Handy, T. C. (The MIT Press, Cambridge), pp Debener, S., Ullsperger, M., Siegel, M., Fiehler, K., von Cramon, D. Y. & Engel, A. K. (2005) J Neurosci 25, Eichele, T., Specht, K., Moosmann, M., Jongsma, M. L., Quiroga, R. Q., Nordby, H. & Hugdahl, K. (2005) Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 102, Response to a recent lawsuit from Biosemi against Brain Products: With reference to our notice 7/2005 we duly inform that the subject of the legal dispute between Brain Products GmbH and BioSemi V.O.F. is the question of whether BioSemi's instruments require certification as medical devices according to the Medical Device Directive (Medizinprodukterichtlinie), not the question of whether the devices comply with the safety-related requirements of the directive. 3

4 New Products Solutions, not only for problems (2)... by Dr. Ingmar Gutberlet, Customer Support Manager In our last Brain Products press release I introduced the concept of Analyzer Solutions, our installable little goodies designed to make life easier for all of you. And I gave you two examples to explore their power with. The feedback on this was quite overwhelming, so why not make this a regular column? Well, here we go The two Solutions previously showcased demonstrated different aspects of what can be achieved with Solutions. The first one, EKG Markers does a physiology based analysis of EKG components and is really good at working with a wide variety of EKG derivations. This solutions works with data, while the other, Stacked Plot shows that Solutions can also create new views for existing data. And here is another aspect: Many paradigms will require subjects to indicate a choice or to react to stimuli with speed and/or accuracy instructions. All of these responses will show up nicely in Analyzer, but where do you take it from here. You can of course use the powerful Advanced Boolean Expressions (ABE) in the segmentation transformation to specify sets of correct/incorrect or fast/slow responses. Besides, combinations of ABEs make it possible to specify even very complicated selection criteria. However, how would you specify for Analyzer to give you a Median split or the upper and lower 10% of all response times for further analysis steps. This clearly is not possible with the Segmentation/ ABE transformation and this is where today s offering comes in. Response recoding made easy Today s Solution, called Recode Markers does just that. It allows you to easily recode your Response Markers according to a variety of statistical criteria such as a Median Split, a Mean Split, a Mean ± StdDev(s) criterion, criteria based on the Middle percent or the Upper/Lower percent of your reaction time distribution, separated into Quartiles or Deciles and naturally also according to UserDefined criteria. All parameters can very flexibly be set to give you maximum control over the selection and recoding process. You can for instance easily restrict the range of segments to be included in the recoding process and the reference and reaction time markers to be used can be chosen interactively from all available markers. If your desired recoding scheme is not readily available from the menu, simply define your own. Select the User Defined option and enter up to five named conditions based on their reaction times or alternatively based on their percentage range taken from the reaction time distribution. Each reaction marker is then examined for its reaction time and if applicable, is sorted into one of the categories making up the chosen recoding option. All such markers are then flagged with a descriptive marker for their category that can be used in subsequent analysis steps. Please note that this new categorical marker can be set at the time point of stimulus occurrence or at the time point of the subject s reaction, thus also allowing for stimulus as well as for response locked analyses to be performed. But what would a statistics based recoding process be without statistics. Therefore, you will find a whole range of descriptive statistical measures for the entire set of response markers as well as for each individual categorical class in the Operations Infos of the History Node generated by Recode Markers. Look them up or quickly export them with the help of a little macro Don t be without this Solution if you work with subject responses and as usual, let us have your feedback on it. We are eager to hear from you as we have you in mind when we write these goodies. Solutions - Ready to go All of the Solutions currently available can be found ready for download on our website but more are in the pipeline and will be added constantly. And, if there is something that you and possibly many others would love to have in Analyzer, let us know. Download, double click and restart Analyzer if it was already started and you will find the new module in its corresponding category in the Solutions menu. All of our solutions contain online information on their function and parameters, readily accessible via Solutions Help and a double-click on any of the entries. Please note that the use of Solutions requires Analyzer version 1.05 or better. If you are still working with an earlier version of Analyzer, please consider upgrading. See our website for a free download of the newest version of Analyzer and any updates or addition of new analysis modules that may be available. The most current version of Analyzer available is

5 NEWS IN BRIEF BrainVision Workshops in 2006: What can you expect during this year by Dr. Ingmar Gutberlet and Dr. Robert Störmer Do you want to get the most out of your EEG/ERP data analyses or are you perhaps looking for an easy way of jumpstarting your analyses and career? - If so, have a look at our workshop offerings: With workshops catering to all levels of experience and with a growing range of specialized workshops for EEG/fMRI integration, for writing your own extensions to our software, etc., we are certain you will find what you are looking for. So, let us exceed your expectations and join us in making things easier for all of us These different kinds of workshops will be offered during this year: BrainVision Basic Workshop Neurophysiology The Analyzer basic workshop addresses to postgraduates at the beginning of their scientific career. This highly efficient crash course covers practical aspects of the laboratory work as well as fundamentals of neurophysiologic data analysis with BrainVision Analyzer. BrainVision Analyzer Advanced Workshop Experienced users of BrainVision Analyzer, who like to dig deeper into signal analysis procedures, mathematical foundations and automation techniques, are the target group. Special knowledge usually hidden in corpulent books is provided here in a straight forward manner. Discussion with peers, software development professionals, mathematicians guarantees a high producing upshot. Upcoming Workshops: May 18th & 19th NEWS IN BRIEF Program Updates and Miscellaneous by Dr. Robert Störmer Program Updates: BrainVision Basic User Workshop Munich/Germany Combined EEG / fmri Measurement Workshop More and more research groups need to establish knowledge in this highly competitive and snowballing field. There are still some unwritten rules on how to obtain optimal results from the costly equipment. This workshop is held by experienced practitioners who have shaped this technology from the very first beginning. Practical hints are also given as detailed instructions on artifact correction. All workshops are held by experienced practitioners with outstanding teaching experience. The high practical relevance and scientific competence is guaranteed by their strong research and development background and direct user contact in the Brain Products customer support department. The face-to-face contact between participants and lecturers forms the stable base for a confident collaboration with our customer support. May 30th & 31st BrainVision User Workshop Budapest/Hungary All further information can be obtained from the Brain Products website ( BrainVision Analyzer Vers , BrainVision Recorder Vers , BrainAmp Driver Vers , MRI-artifact correction module InstEP-Reader XLTEC-Reader Improved wide screen display support Impedance map: Improved tool tips Support for SyncBox Support for 128 channels + PolyBox BrainAmp.config allows low level settings for PCI cards BrainVision Analyzer Solutions: New Solutions Updated Solutions ( ) Miscellaneous: Rename Nodes (1.0) Navigate Data (1.1), Slice2Volume Trigger (1.1) Show Data Values (1.4), Read EETrack Positions (1.1) FFT Band Export (1.2), MoveMarkers (1.1) Stacked Plot (1.2),ICA BackTransform (1.1) Write Markers (1.2), Recode Markers Brain Products General standard terms and conditions (PDF) 5

6 Brain Products Certified Dealers Revision of Brain Products distribution by Alexander Svojanovsky We have restructured our distributor network to achieve a constant quality in sales and consulting as well as installation, education and support of our products. You will recognize our certified dealers by this logo on their websites. Brain Products Certified Dealers Medtel Pty Ltd as new Brain Products Certified Dealer in Australia by Rita Cheung, Medtel Marketing Support Manager Established in 1965, Medtel Pty Limited is Australia's leading supplier of equipment, devices, clinical software and quality consumables to the medical industry. Medtel is part of Getz Bros. & Co., the largest non-commodity international marketing and services company based in the United States. Our extensive range of innovative and high quality products are recognised world wide as providing cost effective solutions for the most demanding requirements. Medtel have invested in an infrastructure which provides technical, clinical and administrative support in all capital cities. All products that we sell throughout Australia and New Zealand are backed by a team of factory trained service engineers. Our head office and central store are located in Sydney with sales/service branches in Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. We employ approximately 110 people, most of whom are in sales, service or customer support. Brain Products Certified Dealers Medistar d.o.o.: New Distributor in Slovenia by Tomaz Kiauta, Medistar d.o.o. Medistar d.o.o. was founded in 1994 in order to develop and market the Nevrokard brand of biomedical research software ( A couple of years later, the company began to distribute medical and laboratory equipment. Our main focus in distribution of neurological and cardiological diagnostic equipment. We tend to represent the best brand names in the industry, therefore we are proud to add Brain Products, the world leader in its field, to our range of international partners. DID YOU KNOW? Brain Products sublicense concept and vision license file by Alexander A. Anke and Dr. Robert Störmer Ongoing diversification of our software product range necessitates a transparent and reliable management of software licenses. Vision Recorder and Vision Analyzer are simply protected by the well known hard locks (either USB or parallel). In order to prevent the pile up of dongles, a new sublicense concept has been established. Sublicenses control important functionalities like Video EEG, data reader, bio feedback, online MRI correction and others. The sublicenses are implemented using the Vision license file. This is a small executable file which can be obtained from the Brain Products website ( downloads/down_analyzer.php) The license file has to be executed on every local installation of Recorder, Analyzer or RecView and enables all desired functions. Note: For Vision RecView in network-mode you need to run the license file additionally on the Vision Recorder installation. NEWS IN BRIEF Upcoming Events: We will be present at by Anja Egger April 8th to 11th CNS 2006 (San Francisco/USA) May 25th to 28th APS 18th Convention (New York/USA) April 22nd to 26th MMN 2006 (Cambridge/UK) May 31st to June 3rd 6th FEPS (Budapest/Hungary) May 6th to 12th ISMRM 2006 (Seattle/USA) June 11th to 15th HBM (Florence/Italy) 6