Publications

Eager, DM 2007, Project Management Dictionary, 1st, McGraw-Hill, Sydney.
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This is the First Edition of Project Management Dictionary. Project Management, like most professions, has its own terminology, specific terms and jargon that make using the traditional dictionary ineffective. I have been teaching Project Management at a postgraduate level for almost 10 years. During this time I have noticed a change in the mix of the students from a class comprised almost entirely of students for whom English was their first or native language to classes where less than 50% of the students have English as their first language. This book was specifically written to assist this latter group of students and give them an easy cross-referencing tool.

Arthur, D & Chadwick, S 2007, 'International Cases in the Business of Sport' in Chadwick, S, Arthur, D & Beech, J (eds), International Cases in the Business of Sport, Routledge, pp. 287-298.
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The nations of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland have a long tradition of rugby union competition and consequently strong brand recognition in the European marketplace. The English Rose, Irish Clover, Scottish Thistle and the Welsh Dragon are all well-known symbols associated with these countries and their sporting heritage. The Australian Wallabies, South African Springboks and New Zealand All Blacks, through their strong performances over a number of years (between them they have won four of the five Rugby World Cup's (RWC's) contested), have similarly strong brand recognition. However, the Pacific Islanders do not enjoy such an exalted position given their comparative lack of history. In marketing terms generally, and public relations specifically, the 2006 tour to Europe for test matches versus Wales, Scotland and Ireland therefore represented a significant challenge for the Pacific Islanders management team and their constituent nations. Indeed, even the rugby public in the Islands, more used to supporting the individual nations rather than the combined Pacific Islanders side, needed to be harnessed and won over from their traditional parochialism. As 2006 Pacific Islanders coach Pat Lam (2006) intimated: There's a lot of expectation back in the islands, he said. They'll all be up until three, four o'clock in the morning watching the games and the boys know that. We realise that there is a responsibility. If we do well there are huge benefits on and off the pitch for pacific island rugby, so it's a great challenge. This case examines how the vitally important role of media relations as an essential element of public relations was undertaken on the 2006 Pacific Islander's tour.

Jap, BT, Lal, S, Fischer, P & Bekiaris, E 2007, 'Using Spectral Analysis to Extract Frequency Components from Electroencephalography: Application for Fatigue Countermeasure in Train Drivers' in Agbingya, JI, Sevimli, O, Reisenfeld, S, Selvadurai, K, Lal, S, Al-Jumaily, A & Li, Y (eds), Advances in Broadband Communication and Networks, IEEE, Denmark, pp. 329-343.
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Train accidents can have a massive impact towards the surrounding area as well as the general community. Most train accidents can be attributed to fatigue, and hence, development of fatigue countermeasure devices that can warn drivers of fatigue status and prevent accidents can greatly benefit train drivers, passengers, society and general community. Electroencephalography (EEG) has been proven to be one of the most reliable indicators of fatigue. This study investigated the change of brain activity during fatigue-instigating monotonous driving session, by extracting the four frequency components (delta, theta, alpha, and beta) using FFT spectral analysis at different brain sites (frontal, central, temporal, parietal, and occipital). Results identified some statistically significant differences between early and later stages of driving in delta, theta and beta activities at different brain sites. The results of the current study may be used for future development of fatigue countermeasure by targeting specific frequency component and brain sites. © 2007 IEEE.

Kulatunga, AK, Skinner, BT, Liu, DK & Nguyen, HT 2007, 'Distributed simultaneous task allocation and motion coordination of autonomous vehicles using a parallel computing cluster' in Tarn, TJ, Chen, SB & Zhou, C (eds), Robotic Welding, Intelligence and Automation, Springer, Heidelberg, pp. 409-420.
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Task allocation and motion coordination are the main factors that should be consi-dered in the coordination of multiple autonomous vehicles in material handling systems. Presently, these factors are handled in different stages, leading to a reduction in optimality and efficiency of the overall coordination. However, if these issues are solved simultaneously we can gain near optimal results. But, the simultaneous approach contains additional algorithmic complexities which increase computation time in the simulation environment. This work aims to reduce the computation time by adopting a parallel and distributed computation strategy for Simultaneous Task Allocation and Motion Coordination (STAMC). In the simulation experiments, each cluster node executes the motion coordination algorithm for each autonomous vehicle. This arrangement enables parallel computation of the expensive STAMC algorithm. Parallel and distributed computation is performed directly within the interpretive MATLAB environment. Results show the parallel and distributed approach provides sub-linear speedup compared to a single centralised computing node. © 2007 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.

Sidhu, AS, Kennedy, PJ & Simoff, S 2007, 'Knowledge Discovery in Biomedical Data Facilitated by Domain Ontologies' in Zhu, X & Davidson, I (eds), Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining, IGI Global, Hershey, USA, pp. 189-201.
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In some real-world areas, it is important to enrich the data with external background knowledge so as to provide context and to facilitate pattern recognition. These areas may be described as data rich but knowledge poor. There are two challenges to incorporate this biological knowledge into the data mining cycle: (1) generating the ontologies; and (2) adapting the data mining algorithms to make use of the ontologies. This chapter presents the state-of-the-art in bringing the background ontology knowledge into the pattern recognition task for biomedical data.

Valenzuela, SM 2007, 'Liposome Techniques for Synthesis of Biomimetic Lipid Membranes' in Ferrari, M & Martin, D (eds), Nanobiotechnology of Biomimetic Membranes, Springer US, New York, USA, pp. 75-87.
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The lipid bilayer is the universal basis for cell membrane structure. Historically, the formation of this bilayer into a closed, spherical vesicle, essentially a microscopic sac, resulted in the creation of a boundary separating the internal environment (lumen) from the external environment. This very basic vesicle structure with its semipermeable properties, has formed the basis for the development of life on earth as we know it.The term used to describe these closed spherical structures is a liposome. These bilayer vesicles form spontaneously when phospholipids (containing 2 hydrocarbon chains and a hydrophilic polar head group) are exposed to an aqueous environment. This was first demonstrated in 1965 by Bangham and his colleagues! who were studying the diffusion of univalent ions across what they described as "spontaneonsly formed liquid crystals of lecithin". They reported that ions diffused across these artificial membranes in a manner highly analogous to that observed in biological membranes.

Zilberg, E, Xu, ZM, Burton, D, Karrar, M & Lal, S 2007, 'Methodology and initial analysis results for development of non-invasive and hybrid driver drowsiness detection systems' in Agbinya, JI, Sevimli, O, Lal, S, Selvadurai, S, Al-Jumaily, A, Li, Y & Reisenfeld, S (eds), Advances in Broadband Communication and Networks, IEEE, Denmark, pp. 309-328.
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Application of piezofilm movement sensors integrated into the car seat, seat belt and steering wheel was proposed for development of a noninvasive and hybrid systems for detecting driver drowsiness. A car simulator study was designed to collect physiological data for validation of this technology. Methodology for analysis of physiological data, independent assessment of driver drowsiness and development of drowsiness detection algorithm by means of sequential fitting and selection of regression models is presented. Statistical analysis shows that during the episodes of transitions to dangerous levels of drowsiness movement variations recorded by the seat sensors are decreasing.

Ammit, AJ, Moir, LM, Oliver, BG, Hughes, JM, Alkhouri, H, Ge, Q, Burgess, JK, Black, JL & Roth, M 2007, 'Effect of IL-6 trans-signaling on the pro-remodeling phenotype of airway smooth muscle', American Journal of Physiology-Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology, vol. 292, no. 1, pp. L199-L206.
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Increased levels of IL-6 are documented in asthma, but its contribution to the pathology is unknown. Asthma is characterized by airway wall thickening due to increased extracellular matrix deposition, inflammation, angiogenesis, and airway smooth muscle (ASM) mass. IL-6 binds to a specific membrane-bound receptor, IL-6 receptor-α (mIL-6Rα), and subsequently to the signaling protein gp130. Alternatively, IL-6 can bind to soluble IL-6 recpetor-α (sIL-6Rα) to stimulate membrane receptor-deficient cells, a process called trans-signaling. We discovered that primary human ASM cells do not express mIL-6Rα and, therefore, investigated the effect of IL-6 trans-signaling on the pro-remodeling phenotype of ASM. ASM required sIL-6Rα to activate signal transducer and activator 3, with no differences observed between cells from asthmatic subjects compared with controls. Further analysis revealed that IL-6 alone or with sIL-6Rα did not induce release of matrix-stimulating factors (including connective tissue growth factor, fibronectin, or integrins) and had no effect on mast cell adhesion to ASM or ASM proliferation. However, in the presence of sIL-6Rα, IL-6 increased eotaxin and VEGF release and may thereby contribute to local inflammation and vessel expansion in airway walls of asthmatic subjects. As levels of sIL-6Rα are increased in asthma, this demonstration of IL-6 trans-signaling in ASM has relevance to the development of airway remodeling.

AUNG, Z & LI, J 2007, 'MINING SUPER-SECONDARY STRUCTURE MOTIFS FROM 3D PROTEIN STRUCTURES: A SEQUENCE ORDER INDEPENDENT APPROACH', Genome Informatics 2007, vol. 19, pp. 15-+.
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Bobryshev, YV, Killingsworth, MC, Huynh, TG, Lord, RSA, Grabs, AJ & Valenzuela, SM 2007, 'Are calcifying matrix vesicles in atherosclerotic lesions of cellular origin?', Basic Research in Cardiology, vol. 102, no. 2, pp. 133-143.
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Over recent years, the role of matrix vesicles in the initial stages of arterial calcification has been recognised. Matrix calcifying vesicles have been isolated from atherosclerotic arteries and the biochemical composition of calcified vesicles has been studied. No Studies have yet been carried out to examine the fine structure of matrix vesicles in order to visualise the features of the consequent stages of their cacification in arteries. In the present work, a high resolution ultrastructural analysis has been employed and the study revealed that matrix vesicles in human atherosclerotic lesions are heterogeneous with two main types which we classified. Type I calcified vesicles were presented by vesicles surrounded by two electron-dense layers and these vesicles were dound to be resistant to the calcification process in atherosclerotic lesions in situ. Type II matrix vesicles were presnted by vesicles surrounded by several electron-dense layers and these vesicles were dound to represent calcifying vesicles in atherosclerotic lesions. To test the hypothesis that calcification of matrix vesicles surrounded by multilayer sheets may occur simply as a physiochemical process, independently from the cell regulation, we produced multilamellar liposomes and induced their calfcification in vitro in a manner similar to that ocurring in matrix vesicles in atherosclerotic lesions in situ.

Brown, C, Williams, S, Tipper, JL, Fisher, J & Ingham, E 2007, 'Characterisation of wear particles produced by metal on metal and ceramic on metal hip prostheses under standard and microseparation simulation', Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Medicine, vol. 18, no. 5, pp. 819-827.
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Castagna, C, Belardinelli, R, Impellizzeri, FM, Abt, GA, Coutts, AJ & D'Ottavio, S 2007, 'Cardiovascular responses during recreational 5-a-side indoor-soccer', JOURNAL OF SCIENCE AND MEDICINE IN SPORT, vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 89-95.
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Summary The aims of this study were to examine the cardiovascular response to recreational 5-a-side indoor-soccer (5v5) matches (5v5 study, 5v5S, n = 15) and to assess the validity of using heart rate (HR) to estimate oxygen uptake (VO2) demands during actual game-play (validity study, VS, n = 16) in young subjects (age 16.8±1.5 years). Game responses during 5v5S were assessed during 30 min matches using short-range telemetry heart-rate monitors. In VS games (12 min), VO2 and HR were monitored with a portable gas analyser (K4b2, COSMED, Rome, Italy). Individual HR—VO2 relationships were determined from a laboratory treadmill run to exhaustion (VS) and a multistage shuttle running fitness test (5v5S) using K4b2. Results showed that 5v5 elicits 83.5±5.4 and 75.3±11.2% of HRpeak and VO2peak, respectively. Ninety-one percent of the playing time (30 min) was spent at HR higher than 70% of HRpeak. In VS match, gas analyses revealed that only 71% of HR variance was explained by VO2 variations. However, playing at approximately 70% of HRpeak elicited 51.6±11.2% of VO2peak. Group actual versus predicted VO2 values demonstrated no significant differences (p > 0.05), however, large confidence limits were observed (+6.20 and -10.53 ml kg-1 min-1). These results show that HR and VO2 responses to recreational 5v5 soccer in young athletes are similar to the exercise intensities recommended by ACSM for promoting cardiovascular health and suggest that HR is valid to prescribe and monitor aerobic intermittent exercise. These results also show that HR measures are acceptable for estimating VO2 during intermittent exercise when assessing large groups, but show that large estimation errors can occur at the individual level.

Center, JR, Bliuc, D, Nguyen, TV & Eisman, JA 2007, 'Risk of Subsequent Fracture After Low-Trauma Fracture in Men and Women', JAMA, vol. 297, no. 4, pp. 387-387.
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Context There are few published long-term data on absolute risk of subsequent fracture ( refracture) following initial low-trauma fracture in women and fewer in men. Objective To examine long-term risk of subsequent fracture following initial osteoporoti

Chalasani, R, Poole-Warren, L, Conway, RM & Ben-Nissan, B 2007, 'Porous orbital implants in enucleation: A systematic review', SURVEY OF OPHTHALMOLOGY, vol. 52, no. 2, pp. 145-155.
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Orbital implants have been used for cosmesis following surgical removal of the eyeball, or enucleation, for over a century. Implant design has progressed significantly in recent years with the use of porous devices, with the theoretical advantages of red

Chase, J, Donaldson, L, Duflou, J & Gorrie, C 2007, 'Safety restraint injuries in fatal motor vehicle collisions', Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology, vol. 3, no. 4, pp. 258-263.
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The presence of an apparent seat belt mark (SBM) on a car crash occupant is often used as evidence for use of a seat belt at the time of the crash and, conversely, the lack of a SBM is used as an indication that no seat belt was used. This study examined whether there are clear indications of seat belt use to be found at autopsy and evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of apparent SBM and whether the use of a seat belt and seating location affects the type and severity of injuries sustained. Information on the type of injuries sustained and seatbelt use was retrieved from autopsy reports and police reports, respectively, for cases of fatal motor vehicle collisions occurring in Sydney, Australia over a 5-year period. In this study, a SBM was only found on restrained occupants. The proportion of restrained occupants with evidence of a SBM was 36% (sensitivity), whilst unrestrained occupants showed no evidence of a SBM (100% specificity). A SBM was also found to reliably reflect the seating position of the occupant. We conclude that restrained occupants can be expected to show evidence of the seat belt in just over one third of cases and that the absence of a SBM is not necessarily an indication that no seat belt was used. Spurious SBM is very unlikely to be present if the occupant was unrestrained. © 2007 Humana Press Inc.

Chen, H & Morris, MJ 2007, 'Maternal smoking—A contributor to the obesity epidemic?', Obesity Research & Clinical Practice, vol. 1, no. 3, pp. 155-163.
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The prevalence of obesity is increasing worldwide, and the rising number of obese children and adolescents is of particular concern. In humans, smoking is a predisposing factor for abdominal obesity, glucose intolerance and insulin resistance. Maternal smoking is associated with preterm birth and low birth weight. On the other hand, the incidence of obesity is higher in children and adults born of smoking mothers. Disorders in eating behaviour, reduced physical activity, and increased risk of hypertension and nicotine addiction have been observed in the offspring of smoking mothers. Evidence from animal and human studies suggests that intrauterine smoke exposure may alter peripheral and central mediators involved in the regulation of appetite and energy metabolism. Smoking cessation during pregnancy is desirable to improve health outcomes in offspring. Crown Copyright © 2007.

Chen, H, Hansen, MJ, Jones, JE, Vlahos, R, Anderson, GP & Morris, MJ 2007, 'Detrimental metabolic effects of combining long-term cigarette smoke exposure and high-fat diet in mice', American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism, vol. 293, no. 6, pp. E1564-E1571.
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Obesity and cigarette smoking are both important risk factors for insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Smoking reduces appetite, which makes many people reluctant to quit. Few studies have documented the metabolic impact of combined smoke exposure (se) and high-fat-diet (HFD). Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is a powerful hypothalamic feeding stimulator that promotes obesity. We investigated how chronic se affects caloric intake, adiposity, plasma hormones, inflammatory mediators, and hypothalamic NPY peptide in animals fed a palatable HFD. Balb/c mice (5 wk old, male) were exposed to smoke (2 cigarettes, twice/day, 6 days/wk, for 7 wk) with or without HFD. Sham-exposed mice were handled similarly without se. Plasma leptin, hypothalamic NPY, and adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) mRNA were measured. HFD induced a 2.3-fold increase in caloric intake, increased adiposity, and glucose in both sham and se cohorts. Smoke exposure decreased caloric intake by 23%, with reduced body weight in both dietary groups. Fat mass and glucose were reduced only by se in the chow-fed animals. ATGL mRNA was reduced by HFD in se animals. Total hypothalamic NPY was reduced by HFD, but only in sham-exposed animals; se increased arcuate NPY. We conclude that although se ameliorated hyperphagia and reversed the weight gain associated with HFD, it failed to reverse fat accumulation and hyperglycemia. The reduced ATGL mRNA expression induced by combined HFD and se may contribute to fat retention. Our data support a powerful health message that smoking in the presence of an unhealthy Western diet increases metabolic disorders and fat accumulation.

Chen, H, Hansen, MJ, Jones, JE, Vlahos, R, Bozinovski, S, Anderson, GP & Morris, MJ 2007, 'Regulation of hypothalamic NPY by diet and smoking', Peptides, vol. 28, no. 2, pp. 384-389.
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Appetite is regulated by a number of hypothalamic neuropeptides including neuropeptide Y (NPY), a powerful feeding stimulator that responds to feeding status, and drugs such as nicotine and cannabis. There is debate regarding the extent of the influence of obesity on hypothalamic NPY. We measured hypothalamic NPY in male Sprague-Dawley rats after short or long term exposure to cafeteria-style high fat diet (32% energy as fat) or laboratory chow (12% fat). Caloric intake and body weight were increased in the high fat diet group, and brown fat and white fat masses were significantly increased after 2 weeks. Hypothalamic NPY concentration was only significantly decreased after long term consumption of the high fat diet. Nicotine decreases food intake and body weight, with conflicting effects on hypothalamic NPY reported. Body weight, plasma hormones and brain NPY were investigated in male Balb/c mice exposed to cigarette smoke for 4 days, 4 and 12 weeks. Food intake was significantly decreased by smoke exposure (2.32 ± 0.03 g/24 h versus 2.71 ± 0.04 g/24 h in control mice (non-smoke exposed) at 12 weeks). Relative to control mice, smoke exposure led to greater weight loss, while pair-feeding the equivalent amount of chow caused an intermediate weight loss. Chronic smoke exposure, but not pair-feeding, was associated with decreased hypothalamic NPY concentration, suggesting an inhibitory effect of cigarette smoking on brain NPY levels. Thus, consumption of a high fat diet and smoke exposure reprogram hypothalamic NPY. Reduced NPY may contribute to the anorexic effect of smoke exposure. © 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Choi, AH & Ben-Nissan, B 2007, 'Sol-gel production of bioactive nanocoatings for medical applications. Part II: current research and development', Nanomedicine, vol. 2, no. 1, pp. 51-61.
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Over the years, the use of hydroxyapatite as coatings for medical devices and drug-delivery systems has gone through a revolution – from being a rarity to being an absolute necessity. Without these coatings, many medical implants and devices would never reach their true potential in their intended applications, such as in the dental and orthopedic fields. Coatings of hydroxyapatite are often applied to metallic implants to alter their surface properties. The aim of this article is to present an evaluation of the published work regarding current research and applications and to review the methods used for the production of hydroxyapatite nanocoatings.

Chou, J, Ben-Nissan, B, Choi, AH, Wuhrer, R & Green, D 2007, 'Conversion of coral sand to calcium phosphate for biomedical applications', Journal of the Australian Ceramic Society, vol. 43, no. 1, pp. 44-48.
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Coral sand grains were analyzed using simultaneous differential thermogravimetric analysis (DTA/TGA), Fourier-Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), x-ray diffraction (XRD), and environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). These techniques were performed to confirm the characteristics and properties as well as the composition of the coral sand grains. Imaging of the full surface topography were conducted in the ESEM. After characterization coral sand grains were treated for impurities and organic materials were subsequently removed. The materials were than converted to calcium phosphates utilizing hydrothermal treatment. The results have shown that the coral sand grains were composed of calcium carbonate with a network of uniform inner porous structure. The ESEM has provided valuable information through the imaging of the samples which in turn allowed a comparison of the pore sizes before and after the hydrothermal treatment. The current study shows that the coral sand to be a promising source of converted calcium carbonate to calcium phosphates for biomedical applications.

Collocott, SJ, Dunlop, JB & Watterson, PA 2007, 'Thermal and spontaneous remagnetization in ferromagnetic Nd-3(Fe,Ti)(29) and Nd-3(Fe,Re)(29)', PHYSICAL REVIEW B, vol. 76, no. 5, pp. 1-8.
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Magnetization measurements at 10 K on the dc demagnetized ferromagnetic intermetallic compounds Nd-3(Fe,Ti)(29) and Nd-3(Fe,Re)(29) are reported and reveal the phenomena of thermal and spontaneous remagnetization. For both materials, thermal remagnetizat

Coutts, A, Reaburn, P, Piva, T & Murphy, A 2007, 'Changes in Selected Biochemical, Muscular Strength, Power, and Endurance Measures during Deliberate Overreaching and Tapering in Rugby League Players', International Journal of Sports Medicine, vol. 28, no. 2, pp. 116-124.
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The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of overreaching on muscle strength, power, endurance and selected biochemical responses in rugby league players. Seven semi-professional rugby league players (V·O2max = 56.1 ± 1.7 mL · kg -1 · min-1; age = 25.7 ± 2.6 yr; BMI = 27.6 ± 2.0) completed 6 weeks of progressive overload training with limited recovery periods. A short 7-day stepwise reduction taper immediately followed the overload period. Measures of muscular strength, power and endurance and selected biochemical parameters were taken before and after overload training and taper. Multistage fitness test running performance was significantly reduced (12.3 %) following the overload period.

Coutts, AJ, Reaburn, P, Piva, TJ & Rowsell, GJ 2007, 'Monitoring for overreaching in rugby league players', EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY, vol. 99, no. 3, pp. 313-324.
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The aim of this study was to identify indicators of non-functional overreaching (NFOR) in team sport athletes undertaking intensive training loads. Eighteen semi-professional rugby league players were randomly assigned into two pair matched groups. One group completed 6 weeks of normal training (NT) whilst the other group was deliberately overreached through intensified training (IT). Both groups then completed the same 7-day stepwise training load reduction taper. Multistage fitness test (MSFT) performance, _V O2 max, peak aerobic running velocity (Vmax), maximal heart rate, vertical jump, 10-s cycle sprint performance and body mass were measured preand post-training period and following the taper. Hormonal, haematological and immunological parameters were also measured pre-training and following weeks 2, 4 and 6 of training and post-taper. MANOVA for repeated measures with contrast analysis indicated that MSFT performance and _VO2 max were significantly reduced in the IT group over time and condition, indicating that a state of overreaching was attained. However, the only biochemical measure that was significantly different between the IT and NT group was the glutamine to glutamate (Gln/Glu) ratio even though testosterone, testosterone to cortisol (T/C) ratio, plasma glutamate, and CK activity were significantly changed after training in both groups. Positive endurance and power performance changes were observed post-taper in the IT group confirming NFOR. These changes were associated with increases in the T/ C ratio and the Gln/Glu ratio and decreases in plasma glutamate and CK activity. These results indicate that although there was no single reliable biochemical marker of NFOR in these athletes, the Gln/Glu ratio and MSFT test may be useful measures for monitoring responses to IT in team sport athletes.

Coutts, AJ, Slattery, KM & Wallace, LK 2007, 'Practical tests for monitoring performance, fatigue and recovery in triathletes', JOURNAL OF SCIENCE AND MEDICINE IN SPORT, vol. 10, no. 6, pp. 372-381.
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Few studies have described simple tests which can be used to provide an early warning of overreaching. The purpose of this study was to examine selected practical tests for monitoring changes in performance, fatigue and recovery of endurance athletes. Sixteen male triathletes were randomly assigned into matched groups. The normal training (NT) and intensified training (IT) groups completed 4 weeks of training followed by a 2-week taper. Physiological measures were taken pre- and post-overload and post-taper periods during an incremental treadmill test to exhaustion. Performance was assessed weekly using a 3-km run time trial (3 kmTT). Five-bound jump for distance (5BT) and submaximal running heart rate (HRsubmax) test were measured twice weekly and the Daily Analyses of Life Demands for Athletes (DALDA) were recorded. During the overload training period, the IT group completed 290% more training load than the NT group (p < 0.001). After the overload training period, 3 kmTT in the IT group was reduced compared to both pre-training (3.7%, p < 0.05) and the NT group (6.8%, p < 0.05). 5BT was decreased by 7.9% in the IT group following the overload period (p < 0.05). The IT group also demonstrated increases in stress reaction symptoms from the DALDA. Following the taper, the IT group improved 3 kmTT. In contrast, the performance, physiological and psychological markers of NT group remained relatively unchanged throughout the 6-week training period. There were weak significant correlations between weekly changes in 3 kmTT and 5BT (r = â0.37, p < 0.01). The DALDA and 5BT may be practical tests for assessing changes in performance, fatigue and recovery of endurance athletes.

Coutts, AJ, Wallace, LK & Slattery, KM 2007, 'Monitoring changes in performance, physiology, biochemistry, and psychology during overreaching and recovery in triathletes', INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPORTS MEDICINE, vol. 28, no. 2, pp. 125-134.
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Dang, L, Seale, JP & Qu, X 2007, 'Effects of Hypocrellin A on Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Endothelin-1 in Human Umbilical Endothelial Cells', The American Journal of Chinese Medicine, vol. 35, no. 04, pp. 713-723.
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Increased endothelin-1 (ET-1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and activation of protein kinase C (PKC) are co-contributors to endothelial hyperpermeability in diabetes. Several lines of evidence have suggested a hypothesis that activation of specific PKC isoforms are the causative factor in ET-1 and VEGF mediated endothelial dysfunction. In the present study, we tested this hypothesis with hypocrellin A, a naturally occurring PKC inhibitor from a Chinese plant. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were incubated with 20 mM glucose in both the presence and absence of hypocrellin A, after which, the protein expression and release of VEGF and mRNA expression and release of ET-1 were measured. VEGF and ET-1 were released into the medium and expressions of VEGF protein and ET-1 mRNA were significantly increased in HUVECs incubated with 20 mM glucose. Hypocrellin A (150 nM) significantly decreased VEGF release (117 ± 3 vs. 180 ± 11 pg/mg, p < 0.05) and VEGF protein expression (from 130 ± 14% to 88 ± 18.5%, p < 0.05). ET-1 release was also reduced in hypocrellin A treated HUVECs (63.3 ± 9.9 vs. 75.2 ± 12.6 ng/mg). Hypocrellin A significantly reversed the effect of high glucose on ET-1 mRNA expression ( p < 0.05). The results revealed that PKC activation plays a pivotal role in VEGF and ET-1 mediated endothelial permeability. The naturally occurring compound hypocrellin A may be a potentially novel treatment for endothelial dysfunction in diabetes.

Darcy, S 2007, 'Advances in hospitality and leisure by Joseph S Chen (ed.), Elsevier Ltd.; Amsterdam, 2004. No. of pages: 488. (Amazon), ISBN 0‐7623‐1158‐4', International Journal of Tourism Research, vol. 9, no. 3, pp. 231-232.
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Dascombe, BJ, Reaburn, PRJ, Sirotic, AC & Coutts, AJ 2007, 'The reliability of the i-STAT clinical portable analyser', JOURNAL OF SCIENCE AND MEDICINE IN SPORT, vol. 10, no. 3, pp. 135-140.
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Summary The purpose of this investigation was to assess the reliability of the i-STAT clinical portable analyser and CG4 + cartridge measures of blood pH, partial pressures of O2 (pO2) and CO2 (pCO2), bicarbonate ([HCO3-]), base excess (BE), total carbon dioxide (TCO2), oxygen saturation (sO2) and blood lactate ([BLa-]) at various exercise intensities. A comparison between [BLa-] measured by the i- STAT and the Accusport lactate analysers during an intermittent treadmill run was also undertaken. The technical error of measurement (TEM%) at rest, at moderate (200 W) and maximal exercise (ÿVO2 max) was acceptable (<15%) for all parameters. The intra-class correlation coefficients for each analyte ranged from weak to- strong across resting (ICC = 0.19—0.96) and moderate (ICC = 0.30—0.96) exercise intensities. The ICC for all analytes were observed to be strong following maximal intensity exercise (ICC = 0.77—0.95). The comparison of the [BLa-] measures between the i-STAT and Accusport showed that the difference between measures as acceptable at both low (<4 mmol L-1) (-0.39±0.27 mmol L-1), moderate to high concentrations (>4 mmol L-1) (0.58±1.22 mmol L-1), and across all [BLa-] data (0.36±1.13 mmol L-1). In conclusion, the i-STAT clinical analyser and CG4 + cartridge provides reliable measures of a number of blood parameters across exercise intensities. The [BLa-] measures from the i-STAT analyser are consistent with that of the Accusport lactate analyser.

Davidson, PM, Dracup, K, Phillips, J, Daly, J & Padilla, G 2007, 'Preparing for the worst while hoping for the best - The relevance of hope in the heart failure illness trajectory', JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR NURSING, vol. 22, no. 3, pp. 159-165.
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BACKGROUND: Patients with heart failure have higher mortality rates than those with most malignant diseases. The heart failure illness trajectory is one of gradual decline characterized by unpredictable events such as acute decompensation of heart failure or a sudden cardiac death. Health professionals have an obligation to give patients and their families concise and honest information concerning their prognosis. The challenge exists to give what ostensibly may seem a bleak prognosis within a context of hope and optimism. AIM: To explore the role of hope in heart disease and the potential utility of this construct in the development of nursing interventions. METHODS: The electronic databases CINAHL, MEDLINE, EmBASE, and PSYCHlit were searched from 1982 to August 2004 using the key words 'hope,' 'hopelessness, ' 'heart disease,' and 'heart failure.' Articles were subsequently sorted to meet the inclusion criteria of (1) a philosophical discussion of the construct of hope and/or (2) investigation of hope in heart disease. RESULTS: This search retrieved 768 articles, and 24 met the inclusion criteria. Key findings from the review indicate that 'hope' and 'hopelessness' are underdeveloped, yet important constructs and conceptually linked with depression and spirituality. Intriguing findings from descriptive, observational studies have demonstrated the positive impact of expression of hope on cardiovascular outcomes. These findings need to be validated in randomized controlled trials. CONCLUSIONS: This critical literature review has determined that 'hope' is strongly associated with the individual's future orientation. Increased understanding of this concept may assist in refining patient-focused interventions and developing therapeutic strategies to enhance hope. © 2007 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.

Davidson, PM, Dracup, K, Phillips, J, Padilla, G & Daly, J 2007, 'Maintaing hope in transition - A Theoretical framework to guide interventions for people with heart failure', JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR NURSING, vol. 22, no. 1, pp. 58-64.
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Theoretical frameworks provide a structure for the planning and delivery of nursing care and for research. Heart failure (HF), a condition of increasing prevalence in communities internationally, is responsible for high rates of morbidity, mortality, and great societal burden. The HF illness trajectory can be unpredictable and uncertain. Markers of transition, such as functional decline and increasing dependence, can signal the need for transition to a more palliative approach. This transition challenges clinicians to deliver information and interventions and to support patients and their families not only in relation to their physical status but also in the social, psychological, and existential dimensions. This article describes a theoretical framework, Maintaining Hope in Transition, informed by transition theory, to assist patients to cope with a diagnosis of HF and to guide development of nursing interventions. Transition theory provides a useful context to assist clinicians, patients, and their families adjust to the challenges inherent in a diagnosis of HF and negotiating the illness trajectory. Key factors acknowledged in the Maintaining Hope in Transition framework that determine its utility in models of care for HF patients are (1) acknowledging the changing of life circumstances, (2) restructuring reality, (3) dealing with vulnerability, (4) achieving normalization, and (5) resolving uncertainty. It is likely that incorporation of these factors in care planning, information, and interventions can facilitate patients' and their families' abilities to negotiate the HF illness trajectory, particularly in the advanced stages. © 2007 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.

Davidson, PM, Phillips, JL, Newton, PJ & Richard, OR 2007, 'The Last Frontier for Heart Failure Management: Symptom Management for People Dying with End-Stage Heart Failure in Residential Aged Care', Journal of Cardiac Failure, vol. 13, no. 6, pp. S187-S187.
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De, ALR, Houltram, J & Pearce, G 2007, 'Assessment of the cost-effectiveness in Australia of cetuximab in the treatment of patients with locally advanced squamous cell cancers of the head and neck', VALUE IN HEALTH, vol. 10, no. 6, pp. A326-A326.

Duffield, R & Coutts, AJ 2007, 'Pre-cooling for team-sports: Does it work and is it required?', Sports Coach, vol. 29, no. 3, pp. 29-30.

Eastwood, M & Gabrys, B 2007, 'The Dynamics of Negative Correlation Learning', The Journal of VLSI Signal Processing Systems for Signal, Image, and Video Technology, vol. 49, no. 2, pp. 251-263.
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Ellekilde, L-P, Huang, S, Miro, JV & Dissanayake, G 2007, 'Dense 3D map construction for indoor search and rescue', JOURNAL OF FIELD ROBOTICS, vol. 24, no. 1-2, pp. 71-89.
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The main contribution of this paper is a new simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) algorithm for building dense three-dimensional maps using information acquired from a range imager and a conventional camera, for robotic search and rescue in unstructured indoor environments. A key challenge in this scenario is that the robot moves in 6D and no odometry information is available. An extended information filter (EIF) is used to estimate the state vector containing the sequence of camera poses and some selected 3D point features in the environment. Data association is performed using a combination of scale invariant feature transformation (SIFT) feature detection and matching, random sampling consensus (RANSAC), and least square 3D point sets fitting. Experimental results are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the techniques developed. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Frost, SA, Nguyen, ND, Center, JR, Eisman, JA & Nguyen, TV 2007, 'Discordance of longitudinal changes in bone density between densitometers', Bone, vol. 41, no. 4, pp. 690-697.
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Fu, L, Jain, A, Cranfield, C, Xie, H & Gu, M 2007, 'Three-dimensional nonlinear optical endoscopy', JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL OPTICS, vol. 12, no. 4.
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Galvin, AL, Tipper, JL, Jennings, LM, Stone, MH, Jin, ZM, Ingham, E & Fisher, J 2007, 'Wear and biological activity of highly crosslinked polyethylene in the hip under low serum protein concentrations', Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part H: Journal of Engineering in Medicine, vol. 221, no. 1, pp. 1-10.
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Crosslinked ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) has been developed and introduced into clinical practice in order to reduce wear in the hip. Zero wear of highly crosslinked UHMWPE in vitro has been reported by some groups using lubricants with high concentrations of serum proteins in hip simulators. In contrast, some clinical studies have reported finite wear rates. The aim of this study was to compare the wear rates, wear surfaces, and wear debris produced by UHMWPE with different levels of crosslinking in a hip joint simulator, with lower, more physiologically relevant concentrations of protein in the lubricant. The UHMWPEs were tested in the Leeds ProSim hip joint simulator against cobalt-chromium (CoCr) femoral heads. The wear particles were isolated and imaged using a field emission gun scanning electron microscope (FEGSEM) at high resolution. The highly crosslinked UHMWPEs had significantly lower wear volumes than the non-crosslinked UHMWPEs. No significant difference was found in the percentage number and percentage volume of the particles in different size ranges from any of the materials. They had similar values of specific biological activity. The functional biological activity (FBA), which takes into account the wear volume and specific biological activity, showed that the highly crosslinked UHMWPEs had lower FBAs due to their lower wear volume.

Gay, VC & Leijdekkers, P 2007, 'A Health Monitoring System Using Smart Phones and Wearable Sensors', International Journal of Assistive Robotics and Mechatronic, vol. 8, no. 2, pp. 29-36.

Gorrie, CA, Rodriguez, M, Sachdev, P, Duflou, J & Waite, PME 2007, 'Mild neuritic changes are increased in the brains of fatally injured older motor vehicle drivers', ACCIDENT ANALYSIS AND PREVENTION, vol. 39, no. 6, pp. 1114-1120.
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Given the expected increase in the older population and driving in this age group, concerns have been raised about the safety of older drivers. People over 65 years are over-represented in motor vehicle fatalities when calculated by distance driven. They

Grubbs, RS & Sica, DA 2007, 'Taking the Pressure off Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Implementing Hypertension Guidelines', Progress in Cardiovascular Nursing, vol. 22, no. 3, pp. 159-165.
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Successful treatment of hypertension in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus increases life expectancy and reduces the risk of many of the complications associated with diabetes, such as heart disease, stroke, and retinopathy. Controlling blood pressure also protects against advancing renal disease, with several recent studies having clearly shown the advantage of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers in slowing the progression of renal disease. Here, the authors review current guidelines for the management of hypertension in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and explore ways in which nurse practitioners can improve care for these patients.

Hahn, MA & Marsh, DJ 2007, 'Nucleolar localization of parafibromin is mediated by three nucleolar localization signals', FEBS Letters, vol. 581, no. 26, pp. 5070-5074.
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Parafibromin is a putative tumor suppressor encoded by HRPT2 and implicated in parathyroid tumorigenesis. We previously reported a functional bipartite nuclear localization signal (NLS) at residues 125–139. We now demonstrate that parafibromin exhibits nucleolar localization, mediated by three nucleolar localization signals (NoLS) at resides 76–92, 192–194 and 393–409. These NoLS represent clusters of basic amino acids arginine and lysine, similar to those found in other nucleolar proteins, as well as being characteristic of NLSs. While parafibromin's bipartite NLS is the primary determinant of nuclear localization, it does not mediate nucleolar localization. In contrast, the three identified NoLSs play only a minor role in nuclear localization, but are critical for the nucleolar localization of parafibromin.

Halcomb, EJ, Gholizadeh, L, DiGiacomo, M, Phillips, J & Davidson, PM 2007, 'Literature review: considerations in undertaking focus group research with culturally and linguistically diverse groups', JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, vol. 16, no. 6, pp. 1000-1011.
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Aims. This integrated literature review seeks to identify the key considerations in conducting focus groups and discusses the specific considerations for focus group research with culturally and linguistically diverse groups. Background. The focus group method is a technique of group interview that generates data through the opinions expressed by participants. Focus groups have become an increasingly popular method of data collection in health care research. Although focus groups have been used extensively with Western populations, they are a particularly useful tool for engaging culturally and linguistically diverse populations. The success of focus groups in this context is dependent upon the cultural competence of the research team and the research questions. Methods. The electronic databases Medline, CINAHL, Embase, Psychlit and the Internet using the Google Scholar search engine were explored using the search terms 'focus group', 'cultural sensitivity', 'transcultural nursing', 'transcultural care', 'cultural diversity' and 'ethnic groups'. Hand searching of reference lists and relevant journals was also undertaken. English language articles were selected for the review if they discussed the following issues: (i) methodological implications of the focus group method; (ii) strengths and limitations of the focus group method; (iii) recommendations for researchers and (iv) use of the focus group in culturally and linguistically diverse groups. Conclusions were drawn from each of the articles and consensus regarding a summary of recommendations was derived from a minimum of two authors. Results. Findings from this review revealed several key issues involving focus group implementation including recruitment, sample size, data collection, data analysis and use within multicultural populations. Strengths and limitations of the focus group method were also identified. Conclusions. Focus groups are a useful tool to expand existing knowledge about service pr...

Hasbi, A, Nguyen, T, Fan, T, Cheng, R, Rashid, A, Alijaniaram, M, Rasenick, MM, O'Dowd, BF & George, SR 2007, 'Trafficking of Preassembled Opioid μ−δ Heterooligomer−Gz Signaling Complexes to the Plasma Membrane:  Coregulation by Agonists', Biochemistry, vol. 46, no. 45, pp. 12997-13009.
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The cellular site of formation, Gα-coupling preference, and agonist regulation of μ-δ opioid receptor (OR) heterooligomers were studied. Bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) showed that μ-δ OR heterooligomers, composed of preformed μ and δ homooligomers, interacted constitutively in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) with Gα-proteins forming heteromeric signaling complexes before being targeted to the plasma membrane. Compared to μOR homooligomers, the μ-δ heterooligomers showed higher affinity and efficiency of interaction for Gz over Gi, indicating a switch in G-protein preference. Treatment with DAMGO or deltorphin II led to coregulated internalization of both receptors, whereas DPDPE and DSLET had no effect on μ-δ internalization. Staggered expression resulted in non-interacting μ and δ receptors, even though both receptors were colocalized at the cell surface. Agonists failed to induce BRET between staggered receptors, and resulted in internalization solely of the receptor targeted by agonist. Thus, μ-δOR heterooligomers form and preferentially associate with Gz to generate a signaling complex in the ER, and have a distinct agonist-internalization profile compared to either μ or δ homooligomers. © 2007 American Chemical Society.

Jabbari, E, Tavakoli, J & Sarvestani, AS 2007, 'Swelling characteristics of acrylic acid polyelectrolyte hydrogel in a dc electric field', Smart Materials and Structures, vol. 16, no. 5, pp. 1614-1620.
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Jones, AC, Arns, CH, Sheppard, AP, Hutmacher, DW, Milthorpe, BK & Knackstedt, MA 2007, 'Assessment of bone ingrowth into porous biomaterials using MICRO-CT', BIOMATERIALS, vol. 28, no. 15, pp. 2491-2504.
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The three-dimensional (3D) structure and architecture of biomaterial scaffolds play a critical role in bone formation as they affect the functionality of the tissue-engineered constructs. Assessment techniques for scaffold design and their efficacy in bone ingrowth studies require an ability to accurately quantify the 3D structure of the scaffold and an ability to visualize the bone regenerative processes within the scaffold structure. In this paper, a 3D micro-CT imaging and analysis study of bone ingrowth into tissue-engineered scaffold materials is described. Seven specimens are studied in this paper; a set of three specimens with a cellular structure, varying pore size and implant material, and a set of four scaffolds with two different scaffold designs investigated at early (4 weeks) and late (12 weeks) explantation times. The difficulty in accurately phase separating the multiple phases within a scaffold undergoing bone regeneration is first highlighted. A sophisticated three-phase segmentation approach is implemented to develop high-quality phase separation with minimal artifacts. A number of structural characteristics and bone ingrowth characteristics of the scaffolds are quantitatively measured on the phase separated images. Porosity, pore size distributions, pore constriction sizes, and pore topology are measured on the original pore phase of the scaffold volumes. The distribution of bone ingrowth into the scaffold pore volume is also measured. For early explanted specimens we observe that bone ingrowth occurs primarily at the periphery of the scaffold with a constant decrease in bone mineralization into the scaffold volume. Pore size distributions defined by both the local pore geometry and by the largest accessible pore show distinctly different behavior. The accessible pore size is strongly correlated to bone ingrowth. In the specimens studied a strong enhancement of bone ingrowth is observed for pore diameters>100 μm. Little difference in ...

Jones, PM & George, AM 2007, 'Nucleotide-dependent Allostery within the ABC Transporter ATP-binding Cassette', Journal of Biological Chemistry, vol. 282, no. 31, pp. 22793-22803.
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ATP-binding cassette transporters perform energy-dependent transmembrane solute trafficking in all organisms. These proteins often mediate cellular resistance to therapeutic drugs and are involved in a range of human genetic diseases. Enzymological studies have implicated a helical subdomain within the ATP-binding cassette nucleotide-binding domain in coupling ATP hydrolysis to solute transport in the transmembrane domains. Consistent with this, structural and computational analyses have indicated that the helical subdomain undergoes nucleotide-dependent movement relative to the core of the nucleotide-binding domain fold. Here we use theoretical methods to examine the allosteric nucleotide dependence of helical subdomain transitions to further elucidate its role in interactions between the transmembrane and nucleotide-binding domains. Unrestrained 30-ns molecular dynamics simulations of the ATP-bound, ADP-bound, and apo states of the MJ0796 monomer support the idea that interaction of a conserved glutamine residue with the catalytic metal mediates the rotation of the helical subdomain in response to nucleotide binding and hydrolysis. Simulations of the nucleotide-binding domain dimer revealed that ATP hydrolysis induces a large transition of one helical subdomain, resulting in an asymmetric conformation of the dimer not observed previously. A coarse-grained elastic network analysis supports this finding, revealing the existence of corresponding dynamic modes intrinsic to the contact topology of the protein. The implications of these findings for the coupling of ATP hydrolysis to conformational changes in the transmembrane domains required for solute transport are discussed in light of recent whole transporter structures.

Jones, PM, Turner, KM, Djordjevic, JT, Sorrell, TC, Wright, LC & George, AM 2007, 'Role of Conserved Active Site Residues in Catalysis by Phospholipase B1 from Cryptococcus neoformans', Biochemistry, vol. 46, no. 35, pp. 10024-10032.
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Phospholipase B1 (PLB1), secreted by the pathogenic yeast Cryptococcus neoformans, has an established role in virulence. Although the mechanism of its phospholipase B, lysophospholipase, and lysophospholipase transacylase activities is unknown, it possesses lipase, subtilisin protease aspartate, and phospholipase motifs containing putative catalytic residues S146, D392, and R108, respectively, conserved in fungal PLBs and essential for human cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) catalysis. To determine the role of these residues in PLB1 catalysis, each was substituted with alanine, and the mutant cDNAs were expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The mutant PLB1s were deficient in all three enzymatic activities. As the active site structure of PLB1 is unknown, a homology model was developed, based on the X-ray structure of the cPLA2 catalytic domain. This shows that the two proteins share a closely related fold, with the three catalytic residues located in identical positions as part of a single active site, with S146 and D392 forming a catalytic dyad. The model suggests that PLB1 lacks the 'lid' region which occludes the cPLA2 active site and provides a mechanism of interfacial activation. In silico substrate docking studies with cPLA 2 reveal the binding mode of the lipid headgroup, confirming the catalytic dyad mechanism for the cleavage of the sn-2 ester bond within one of two separate binding tracts for the lipid acyl chains. Residues specific for binding arachidonic and palmitic acids, preferred substrates for cPLA 2 and PLB1, respectively, are identified. These results provide an explanation for differences in substrate specificity between lipases sharing the cPLA2 catalytic domain fold and for the differential effect of inhibitors on PLB1 enzymatic activities. © 2007 American Chemical Society.

Kelly, VG & Coutts, AJ 2007, 'Planning and monitoring training loads during the competition phase in team sports', STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING JOURNAL, vol. 29, no. 4, pp. 32-37.
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The training and match demands in the competition phase in team sport can vary dramatically depending on the quality of opposition, the number of days between games, and match location. The simple model described in this article can be used to predict the match difficulty and guide the prescription of future training loads during the in-season training phase in team sports.

Khosroshahi, ME, Mahmoodi, M & Tavakoli, J 2007, 'Characterization of Ti6Al4V implant surface treated by Nd:YAG laser and emery paper for orthopaedic applications', Applied Surface Science, vol. 253, no. 21, pp. 8772-8781.
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Khosroshahi, ME, Tavakoli, J & Mahmoodi, M 2007, 'Analysis of Bioadhesivity of Osteoblast Cells on Titanium Alloy Surface Modified by Nd:YAG Laser', The Journal of Adhesion, vol. 83, no. 2, pp. 151-172.
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Kitis, M, İlker Harman, B, Yigit, NO, Beyhan, M, Nguyen, H & Adams, B 2007, 'The removal of natural organic matter from selected Turkish source waters using magnetic ion exchange resin (MIEX®)', Reactive and Functional Polymers, vol. 67, no. 12, pp. 1495-1504.
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The primary objective of this work was to evaluate the effectiveness of the MIEX® process in removing natural organic matter (NOM) from selected drinking water sources of the City of Istanbul. Raw water samples from five drinking water treatment plants (Elmali{dotless}, B.Çekmece, Ömerli, İkitelli, and Kaǧi{dotless}thane) serving to about 10 million people were collected and jar-tested in laboratory. The kinetics of NOM removal at various MIEX® dose and contact times, the extent of resin saturation in multiple-loading experiments, and the impacts of MIEX® pretreatment prior to coagulation on coagulant demands were investigated. After a resin dose of 5-10 ml settled resin/l and contact time of 10-20 min, dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations and specific UV absorbance (SUVA254) values obtained for all waters were <1.5 mg/l and <2 l/mg DOC-m, respectively. In addition, for all waters, 17-42% nitrate and 9-24% sulfate removals were obtained at a resin dose and contact time of 10 ml settled resin/l and 10 min, respectively. UV254 absorbance reductions up to 96% were achieved. Increasing MIEX® dose generally decreased the SUVA254 values indicating that the MIEX® resin preferentially removed UV absorbing fractions of NOM. Although some degree of initial resin saturation occurred in two raw waters up to 900 bed volume (BV) loadings, such saturations were not continuous up to 2000 BV loadings. The initial saturation was not observed for the other three waters, suggesting that MIEX® resin can be loaded up to 2000 BVs or more (not tested) without any saturation. Depending on the raw water, the application of MIEX® as a pretreatment prior to coagulation reduced the coagulant (alum) demand by 0-30 mg/l compared to the coagulation only. Results from the laboratory experiments overall indicated that MIEX® resin even at relatively low dose and short contact time effectively removes NOM in all tested raw waters and reduces coagulant demands. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All righ...

Ko, HCH, Milthorpe, BK & McFarland, CD 2007, 'Engineering thick tissues - The vascularisation problem', EUROPEAN CELLS & MATERIALS, vol. 14, no. 1, pp. 1-18.
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The ability to create thick tissues is a major tissue engineering challenge, requiring the development of a suitable vascular supply. Current trends are seeing the utilization of cells seeded into hybrid matrix/scaffold systems to create in vitro vascular analogues. Approaches that aim to create vasculature in vitro include the use of biological extracellular matrices such as collagen hydrogels, porous biodegradable polymeric scaffolds with macro- and micro-lumens and micro-channels, co-culture of cells, incorporation of growth factors, culture in dynamic bioreactor environments, and combinations of these. Of particular interest are those approaches that aim to create bioengineered tissues in vitro that can be readily connected to the host's vasculature following implantation in order to maintain cell viability.

Konstantynowicz, J, Nguyen, TV, Kaczmarski, M, Jamiolkowski, J, Piotrowska-Jastrzebska, J & Seeman, E 2007, 'Fractures during growth: potential role of a milk-free diet', Osteoporosis International, vol. 18, no. 12, pp. 1601-1607.
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Krishnamurthy, V, Luk, KY, Cornell, B, Prashar, J, di Maio, IL, Islam, H, Battle, AR, Valenzuela, SM & Martin, DK 2007, 'Gramicidin Ion Channel-Based Biosensors: Construction, Stochastic Dynamical Models, and Statistical Detection Algorithms', IEEE Sensors Journal, vol. 7, no. 9, pp. 1281-1288.
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This paper deals with the experimental construction, stochastic modeling, and statistical signal processing of a novel, artificially constructed biosensor comprised of biological ion channels. Such nanoscale biosensors have been built by incorporating dimeric gramicidin A (bis-gA) ion channels into bilayer membranes of giant unilamellar liposomes, and then excising small patches of the membrane loaded with ion channels. We present a stochastic model for the response of the biosensor and present statistical model validation tests to verify the adequacy of the model., We show that in the presence of specific target molecules, the statistics of the gating mechanisms of the gA channels are altered. By capturing the change in real time, we devise a maximum-likelihood detector to detect the presence of target molecules. To test the sensitivity of this model, we conducted patch-clamp experiments with two compounds known to inhibit conduction of the gA channels. We found experimentally that the real-time detection algorithm was able to accurately identify the addition of the compounds even when the alterations in the patch-clamp recordings were very small. This algorithm provides the sensitive detection system for ongoing development of lipid-based nanosensors.

Lawandi, J, O'Brien, B & Simpson, AM 2007, 'An Insulin Secreting Liver Cell Line, Tao, Is Resistant To The Cytotoxic Effects Of Pro-inflammatory Cytokines Via Nf-kb-dependent Pathways', Journal Of Gene Medicine, vol. 9, no. 6, pp. 527-527.
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Leung, KF, Leung, FHF, Lam, HK & Ling, SH 2007, 'Application of a modified neural fuzzy network and an improved genetic algorithm to speech recognition', NEURAL COMPUTING & APPLICATIONS, vol. 16, no. 4-5, pp. 419-431.
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This paper presents the recognition of speech commands using a modified neural fuzzy network (NFN). By introducing associative memory (the tuner NFN) into the classification process (the classifier NFN), the network parameters could be made adaptive to changing input data. Then, the search space of the classification network could be enlarged by a single network. To train the parameters of the modified NFN, an improved genetic algorithm is proposed. As an application example, the proposed speech recognition approach is implemented in an eBook experimentally to illustrate the design and its merits. © Springer-Verlag London Limited 2007.

Lewis, KC, Choi, AH, Chou, J & Ben-Nissan, B 2007, 'Nanoceramics in medical applications', Materials Australia, vol. 40, no. 3, pp. 32-34.

Li, J & Yang, Q 2007, 'Strong Compound-Risk Factors: Efficient Discovery Through Emerging Patterns and Contrast Sets', IEEE Transactions on Information Technology in Biomedicine, vol. 11, no. 5, pp. 544-552.
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Odds ratio (OR), relative risk (RR) (risk ratio), and absolute risk reduction (ARR) (risk difference) are biostatistics measurements that are widely used for identifying significant risk factors in dichotomous groups of subjects. In the past, they have often been used to assess simple risk factors. In this paper, we introduce the concept of compound-risk factors to broaden the applicability of these statistical tests for assessing factor interplays. We observe that compound-risk factors with a high risk ratio or a big risk difference have an one-to-one correspondence to strong emerging patterns or strong contrast sets-two types of patterns that have been extensively studied in the data mining field. Such a relationship has been unknown to researchers in the past, and efficient algorithms for discovering strong compound-risk factors have been lacking. In this paper, we propose a theoretical framework and a new algorithm that unify the discovery of compound-risk factors that have a strong OR, risk ratio, or a risk difference. Our method guarantees that all patterns meeting a certain test threshold can be efficiently discovered. Our contribution thus represents the first of its kind in linking the risk ratios and ORs to pattern mining algorithms, making it possible to find compound-risk factors in large-scale data sets. In addition, we show that using compound-risk factors can improve classification accuracy in probabilistic learning algorithms on several disease data sets, because these compound-risk factors capture the interdependency between important data attributes. © 2007 IEEE.

Ling, SH & Leung, FHF 2007, 'An improved genetic algorithm with average-bound crossover and wavelet mutation operations', SOFT COMPUTING, vol. 11, no. 1, pp. 7-31.
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This paper presents a real-coded genetic algorithm (RCGA) with new genetic operations (crossover and mutation). They are called the average-bound crossover and wavelet mutation. By introducing the proposed genetic operations, both the solution quality and stability are better than the RCGA with conventional genetic operations. A suite of benchmark test functions are used to evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithm. Application examples on economic load dispatch and tuning an associative-memory neural network are used to show the performance of the proposed RCGA. © Springer-Verlag 2006.

Ling, SH, Leung, FHF & Lam, HK 2007, 'Input-dependent neural network trained by real-coded genetic algorithm and its industrial applications', SOFT COMPUTING, vol. 11, no. 11, pp. 1033-1052.
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This paper presents an input-dependent neural network (IDNN) with variable parameters. The parameters of the neurons in the hidden nodes adapt to changes of the input environment, so that different test input sets separately distributed in a large domain can be tackled after training. Effectively, there are different individual neural networks for different sets of inputs. The proposed network exhibits a better learning and generalization ability than the traditional one. An improved real-coded genetic algorithm (RCGA) Ling and Leung (Soft Comput 11(1):7-31, 2007) is proposed to train the network parameters. Industrial applications on short-term load forecasting and hand-written graffiti recognition will be presented to verify and illustrate the improvement. © Springer-Verlag 2007.

Liu, PY, Beilin, J, Meier, C, Nguyen, TV, Center, JR, Leedman, PJ, Seibel, MJ, Eisman, JA & Handelsman, DJ 2007, 'Age-Related Changes in Serum Testosterone and Sex Hormone Binding Globulin in Australian Men: Longitudinal Analyses of Two Geographically Separate Regional Cohorts', The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, vol. 92, no. 9, pp. 3599-3603.
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Abstract Background: Cross-sectional studies from different populations show a variable decline in blood testosterone concentrations as men age. Few population representative cohorts have been followed up over time. Objective: The objective of the study was to quantify longitudinally the change in serum testosterone and SHBG concentrations with age in two well-defined, representative but geographically widely separated regional Australian cohorts. Subjects and Setting: The Busselton cohort comprises individuals aged 18–90 yr residing in Western Australia assessed prospectively since 1981. Sera were assayed from 910 men, from whom further samples were available 14 yr later in 480. The Dubbo cohort involves individuals aged 61–90 yr living in Eastern Australia. Baseline sera were collected from 610 men and additional sera on a second (n = 370) and third (n = 200) occasion from 1989 to 2004. Men from both cohorts are community dwelling and of predominately European origin. Results: Longitudinal analyses show the following: 1) total testosterone declines comparably (P &gt; 0.9) by 1.3% (Busselton) and 0.9% (Dubbo) per annum with the same rates of decline when analyses were restricted to men older than 60 yr of age; 2) annual changes in SHBG were also very similar in age-restricted analyses (2.3% vs. 2.5%, P = 0.48); and 3) the annual increase in SHBG was steeper in middle-aged and older men (P &lt; 10−3vs. young men). These longitudinal changes were all up to 4-fold greater in magnitude, compared with cross-sectional analyses of baseline data. Conclusion: In two separate regional Australian populations, blood testosterone fell and SHBG increased comparably with age. Age-related changes in blood testosterone and SHBG previously described in urban-dwelling men are the same in me...

Liu, X, Liu, W, Yang, L, Xia, B, Li, J, Zuo, J & Li, X 2007, 'Increased Connexin 43 Expression Improves the Migratory and Proliferative Ability of H9c2 Cells by Wnt-3a Overexpression', Acta Biochimica et Biophysica Sinica, vol. 39, no. 6, pp. 391-398.
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The change of connexin 43 (Cx43) expression and the biological behaviors of Cx43 in rat heart cell line H9c2, expressing Wnt-3a (wingless-type MMTV integration site family, member 3A), were evaluated in the present study. Plasmid pcDNA3.1/Wnt-3a was constructed and transferred into H9c2 cells. The cell model Wnt-3a(+)-H9c2 steadily expressing Wnt-3a was obtained. Compared with H9c2 and pcDNA3.1-H9c2 cells, the expression of Cx43 in Wnt-3a(+)-H9c2 cells was clearly increased, the proliferation of Wnt-3a(+)-H9c2 cells was significantly changed, and cell migration abilities were also improved(P<0.05). In comparison with H9c2 and pcDNA3.1-H9c2 cells, the G2 phase of the cell cycle increased by 11% in Wnt-3a(+)-H9c2 cells. Thus, Wnt-3a overexpression is associated with an increase in Cx43 expression and altered migratory and proliferative activity in H9c2 cells. Cx43 might be one of the downstream target genes regulated by Wnt-3a.

Makovey, J, Nguyen, TV, Naganathan, V, Wark, JD & Sambrook, PN 2007, 'Genetic Effects on Bone Loss in Peri- and Postmenopausal Women: A Longitudinal Twin Study', Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, vol. 22, no. 11, pp. 1773-1780.
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Abstract This longitudinal twin study was designed to assess the heritability of bone loss in peri- and postmenopausal women. A sample of 724 female twins was studied. Baseline and repeat BMD measurements were performed. Results of genetic model-fitting analysis indicated genetic effects on bone loss account for ∼40% of the between-individual variation in bone loss at the lumbar spine, forearm, and whole body. Introduction: BMD and bone loss are important predictors of fracture risk. Although the heritability of peak BMD is well documented, it is not clear whether bone loss is also under genetic regulation. This study was designed to assess the heritability of bone loss in peri- and postmenopausal women. Materials and Methods: A sample of 724 female twins (177 monozygotic [MZ] and 185 dizygotic [DZ] pairs), 45–82 yr of age, was studied. Each individual had baseline BMD measurements at the lumbar spine, hip, forearm, and total body by DXA and at least one repeat measure, on average 4.9 yr later. Change in BMD (ΔBMD) was expressed as percent of gain or loss per year. Intraclass correlation coefficients for ΔBMD were calculated for MZ and DZ pairs. Genetic model-fitting analysis was conducted to partition the total variance of ΔBMD into three components: genetic (G), common environment (C), and specific environment, including measurement error (E). The index of heritability was estimated as the ratio of genetic variance over total variance. Results: The mean annual ΔBMD was –0.37 ± 1.43% (SD) per year at the lumbar spine, −0.27 ± 1.32% at the total hip, −0.77 ± 1.66% at the total forearm, −0.36 ± 1.56% at the femoral neck, and −0.16 ± 0.81% at the whole body. Intraclass correlation coefficients were significantly higher in MZ than in DZ twins for all studied parameters, except at the hip sites. Results of genetic m...

Matsumoto, H, Moir, LM, Oliver, BGG, Burgess, JK, Roth, M, Black, JL & McParland, BE 2007, 'Comparison of gel contraction mediated by airway smooth muscle cells from patients with and without asthma', Thorax, vol. 62, no. 10, pp. 848-854.
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Backgrounds: Exaggerated bronchial constriction is the most significant and life threatening response of patients with asthma to inhaled stimuli. However, few studies have investigated the contractility of airway smooth muscle (ASM) from these patients.

Mitchell, R, Sherker, S, Cavanagh, M & Eager, D 2007, 'Falls from playground equipment: will the new Australian playground safety standard make a difference and how will we tell?', Health Promotion Journal of Australia, vol. 18, no. 2, pp. 98-104.
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Issue addressed: This study describes the trend in incidence of hospitalised falls from playground equipment of children aged 14 years or less in New South Wales (NSW) and considers the potential effectiveness of playground safety standards in reducing the impact of playground-related injuries. Method: Hospitalisations of children aged 14 years or less following a fall from playground equipment were identified from the NSW hospitalisation data for the financial years 1992/93 to 2003/04 and described. Results: During 1992/93 to 2003/04 there were 16,828 hospitalisations of children aged 0-14 years as a result of a fall from playground equipment, at a rate of 106.6 per 100,000 children. The incidence of hospitalisation increased from 83.3 to 130.3 per 100,000 children between 1992/93 to 2003/04. Males aged 5-9 years had the highest rate of hospitalisation at 198.4 per 100,000 children. Injury type varied by age group, but injuries to the elbow and forearm were common for all age groups. The rate of upper limb fractures that resulted in hospitalisation increased, while the rate of serious head injuries decreased. Conclusions: While severe head injuries have declined between 1992/93 to 2003/04, the increasing trend of upper limb fractures is of concern. Many factors need to be taken into account to assess the effectiveness of playground safety standards. The collection of exposure data is also crucial to be able to calculate the true risk associated with childhood falls from playground equipment.

Nguyen, HT, Nguyen Thanh, S, Taylor, PW & Middleton, J 2007, 'Head Direction Command Classification using an Adaptive Optimal Bayesian Neural Network', International Journal of Factory Automation, Robotics and Soft Computing, vol. 1, no. 3, pp. 98-103.
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Mobility has become very important for our quality of life. Head movement is a natural form of pointing and can be used to directly replace the joystick for severely disabled people. In this paper, we describe the development of an optimal Bayesian neural network for the classification of head direction commands in a hands-free wheelchair control system as it allows strong generalisation during the training phase and does not require a validation data set. Experimental results show that with limited training data, an adaptive optimal Bayesian neural network can be developed to classify head direction commands by disabled users with a high sensitivity and specificity of 93.75% and 97.92% respectively.

Nguyen, ND, Ahlborg, HG, Center, JR, Eisman, JA & Nguyen, TV 2007, 'Residual Lifetime Risk of Fractures in Women and Men', Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, vol. 22, no. 6, pp. 781-788.
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Abstract In a sample of 1358 women and 858 men, ≥60 yr of age who have been followed-up for up to 15 yr, it was estimated that the mortality-adjusted residual lifetime risk of fracture was 44% for women and 25% for men. Among those with BMD T-scores ≤ −2.5, the risks increased to 65% in women and 42% in men. Introduction: Risk assessment of osteoporotic fracture is shifting from relative risk to an absolute risk approach. Whereas BMD is a primary predictor of fracture risk, there has been no estimate of mortality-adjusted lifetime risk of fracture by BMD level. The aim of the study was to estimate the residual lifetime risk of fracture (RLRF) in elderly men and women. Materials and Methods: Data from 1358 women and 858 men ≥60 yr of age as of 1989 of white background from the Dubbo Osteoporosis Epidemiology Study were analyzed. The participants have been followed for up to 15 yr. During the follow-up period, incidence of low-trauma, nonpathological fractures, confirmed by X-ray and personal interview, were recorded. Incidence of mortality was also recorded. BMD at the femoral neck was measured by DXA (GE-LUNAR) at baseline. Residual lifetime risk of fracture from the age of 60 was estimated by the survival analysis taking into account the competing risk of death. Results: After adjusting for competing risk of death, the RLRF for women and men from age 60 was 44% (95% CI, 40–48) and 25% (95% CI, 19–31), respectively. For individuals with osteoporosis (BMD T-scores ≤ −2.5), the mortality-adjusted lifetime risk of any fracture was 65% (95% CI, 58–73) for women and 42% (95% CI, 24–71) for men. For the entire cohort, the lifetime risk of hip fracture was 8.5% (95% CI, 6–11%) for women and 4% (95% CI, 1.3–5.4%) for men; risk of symptomatic vertebral fracture was 18% (95% CI, 15–21%) for women and 11% (95% CI, 7–14%) f...

Nguyen, ND, Center, JR, Eisman, JA & Nguyen, TV 2007, 'Bone Loss, Weight Loss, and Weight Fluctuation Predict Mortality Risk in Elderly Men and Women', Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, vol. 22, no. 8, pp. 1147-1154.
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Abstract Low baseline BMD, rate of BMD loss, weight loss, and weight fluctuation are significant predictors of all-cause mortality in elderly men and women, independent of each other and of age, incident fracture, and concomitant diseases. Introduction: Although low BMD has been shown to be associated with mortality in women, the effect of BMD is affected by weight and weight change and the contribution of these factors to mortality risk, particularly in men, is not known. This study examined the association between baseline BMD, rate of bone loss, weight loss, and weight fluctuation and all-cause mortality risk in elderly men and women. Materials and Methods: Data from 1059 women and 644 men, ≥60 years of age (as of 1989), of white background who participated in the Dubbo Osteoporosis Epidemiology Study were analyzed. All-cause mortality was recorded annually between 1989 and 2004. BMD at the femoral neck was measured by DXA (GE-LUNAR) at baseline and at approximately every 2 yr afterward. Data on incident osteoporotic fractures and concomitant diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, all types of cancer, and type I/II diabetes mellitus, was also recorded. Results: In the multivariable Cox's proportional hazards model with adjustment for age, incident fractures, and concomitant diseases, the following variables were independent risk factors of all-cause mortality in men: rate of BMD loss of at least 1%/yr, rate of weight loss of at least 1%/yr, and weight fluctuation (defined by the CV) of at least 3%. In women, in addition to the significant factors observed in men, lower baseline BMD was also an independent risk factor of mortality. In both sexes, baseline weight was not an independent and significant predictor of mortality risk. Approximately 36% and 22% of deaths in women and men, respectively, were att...

Nguyen, ND, Eisman, JA, Center, JR & Nguyen, TV 2007, 'Risk Factors for Fracture in Nonosteoporotic Men and Women', The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, vol. 92, no. 3, pp. 955-962.
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Context and Objective: It is not known which factors are associated with fracture in nonosteoporotic elderly. The aim of this study was to assess the association between fall-related risk factors and fracture risk in men and women without osteoporosis. D

Nguyen, ND, Frost, SA, Center, JR, Eisman, JA & Nguyen, TV 2007, 'Development of a nomogram for individualizing hip fracture risk in men and women', Osteoporosis International, vol. 18, no. 8, pp. 1109-1117.
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Nguyen, ND, Wang, CY, Eisman, JA & Nguyen, TV 2007, 'On the association between statin and fracture: A Bayesian consideration', Bone, vol. 40, no. 4, pp. 813-820.
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Background: The association between statin use and fracture risk is controversial, due to conflicting findings from previous studies. This study utilized the Bayesian approach to combine existing evidence and update the association with consideration of

Nguyen, TV 2007, 'Individualization of osteoporosis risk', Osteoporosis International, vol. 18, no. 9, pp. 1153-1156.
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Nguyen, TV, Meier, C, Center, JR, Eisman, JA & Seibel, MJ 2007, 'Bone turnover in elderly men: relationships to change in bone mineral density', BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, vol. 8, no. 1.
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Background: It is not clear whether bone turnover markers can be used to make inference regarding changes in bone mineral density (BMD) in untreated healthy elderly men. The present study was designed to address three specific questions: (i) is there a r

O’Dowd, BF, Alijaniaram, M, Ji, X, Nguyen, T, Eglen, RM & George, SR 2007, 'Using Ligand-Induced Conformational Change to Screen for Compounds Targeting G-Protein-Coupled Receptors', SLAS Discovery, vol. 12, no. 2, pp. 175-185.
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The authors describe a novel drug strategy designed as a primary screen to discover either antagonist or agonist compounds targeting G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). The incorporation of a nuclear localization sequence (NLS, a 5 amino acid substitution), in a location in helix 8 of the GPCR structure, resulted in ligand-independent receptor translocation from the cell surface to the nucleus. Blockade of the GPCR-NLS translocation from the cell surface was achieved by either antagonist or agonist treatments, each achieving their result in a sensitive concentration-dependent manner. GPCR-NLS translocation and blockade occurred regardless of the identity of the G-protein-coupling, and thus this assay is also ideally suited for identification of compounds targeting orphan GPCRs. The GPCR-NLS trafficking was visualized by fusion to fluorescent detectable proteins. Quantification of this effect was measured by determining the density of cell surface receptors, using enzyme fragment complementation in a manner suitable for high-throughput screening. Thus, the authors have developed a cellular assay for GPCRs suitable for compound screening without requiring prior identification of an agonist or knowledge of G-protein-coupling.

Olsen, S, Riesz, J, Mahadevan, I, Coutts, A, Bothma, JP, Powell, BJ, McKenzie, RH, Smith, SC & Meredith, P 2007, 'Convergent Proton-Transfer Photocycles Violate Mirror-Image Symmetry in a Key Melanin Monomer', Journal of the American Chemical Society, vol. 129, no. 21, pp. 6672-6673.
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Osborne, RH, De Abreu Lourenco, R, Dalton, A, Houltram, J, Dowton, D, Joshua, DE, Lindeman, R & Ho, PJ 2007, 'Quality of life related to oral versus subcutaneous iron chelation: A time trade-off study', VALUE IN HEALTH, vol. 10, no. 6, pp. 451-456.
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Pang, BC, Kuralmani, V, Joshi, R, Hongli, Y, Lee, KK, Ang, BT, Li, J, Leong, TY & Ng, I 2007, 'Hybrid Outcome Prediction Model for Severe Traumatic Brain Injury', Journal of Neurotrauma, vol. 24, no. 1, pp. 136-146.
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Numerous studies addressing different methods of head injury prognostication have been published. Unfortunately, these studies often incorporate different head injury prognostication models and study populations, thus making direct comparison difficult, if not impossible. Furthermore, newer artificial intelligence tools such as machine learning methods have evolved in the field of data analysis, alongside more traditional methods of analysis. This study targets the development of a set of integrated prognostication model combining different classes of outcome and prognostic factors. Methodologies such as discriminant analysis, logistic regression, decision tree, Bayesian network, and neural network were employed in the study. Several prognostication models were developed using prospectively collected data from 513 severe closed head-injured patients admitted to the Neurocritical Unit at National Neuroscience Institute of Singapore, from April 1999 to February 2003. The correlation between prognostic factors at admission and outcome at 6 months following injury was studied. Overfitting error, which may falsely distinguish different outcomes, was compared graphically. Tenfold cross-validation technique, which reduces overfitting error, was used to validate outcome prediction accuracy. The overall prediction accuracy achieved ranged from 49.79% to 81.49%. Consistently high outcome prediction accuracy was seen with logistic regression and decision tree. Combining both logistic regression and decision tree models, a hybrid prediction model was then developed. This hybrid model would more accurately predict the 6-month post-severe head injury outcome using baseline admission parameters. © Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.

Pegg, S & Darcy, S 2007, 'Sailing on Troubled Waters: Diversional Therapy in Australia', THERAPEUTIC RECREATION JOURNAL, vol. 41, no. 2, pp. 132-140.
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This paper seeks to explore the notion of Therapeutic Recreation (TR) in an Australian context. It does so through first reviewing the historical development of Diversional Therapy (DT) services in Australia and then examining the impact on service delivery of ongoing national reform in the health and community care sectors. The paper suggests that such reforms have created a somewhat fluid state of affairs whereby DT staff need decide whether or not they effectively embrace change and the challenges that such reforms have brought, or accept a substantially lesser role in the overall scheme of Australian health services in the not-too-distant future. With this need for positive (and immediate) action in mind, the paper concludes with a discussion of what it is that DT staff need do to establish a valued place in the Australian health care mainstream.

Peisah, C, Snowdon, J, Gorrie, C, Kril, J & Rodriguez, M 2007, 'Investigation of Alzheimer's disease-related pathology in community dwelling older subjects who committed suicide', Journal of Affective Disorders, vol. 99, no. 1-3, pp. 127-132.
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Background: Older people have a higher risk of completed suicide than any other age group worldwide. The contribution of neurodegenerative disease to this risk remains controversial. Aims: To investigate prevalence of Alzheimer's disease-related (AD) pat

Phillips, J, Sharpe, L & Matthey, S 2007, 'Rates of Depressive and Anxiety Disorders in a Residential Mother–Infant Unit for Unsettled Infants', Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, vol. 41, no. 10, pp. 836-842.
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Objective: Depression and anxiety are known to be common among women presenting to residential mother–infant programmes for unsettled infant behaviour but most studies have used self-report measures of psychological symptomatology rather than diagnostic interviews to determine psychiatric diagnoses. The aim of the present study was to determine rates of depressive and anxiety disorders and rates of comorbidity among clients of the Karitane residential mother–infant programme for unsettled infant behaviour. Method: One hundred and sixty women with infants aged 2 weeks–12 months completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and were interviewed for current and lifetime history of depressive and anxiety disorders using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV diagnosis (Research version). Results: A total of 25.1% of the sample met criteria for a current diagnosis of major depression, 31.7% had met criteria for major depression since the start of the pregnancy, and 30.5% of clients met criteria for a current anxiety disorder. Of note were the 21.6% who met criteria for generalized anxiety disorder or anxiety disorder not otherwise specified (worry confined to the topics of the baby or being a mother). High levels of comorbidity were confirmed in the finding that 60.8% of those with an anxiety disorder had experienced major or minor depression since the start of their pregnancy and 46.3% of those who had experienced depression since the start of their pregnancy also met criteria for a current anxiety disorder. Conclusions: There are high levels of psychiatric morbidity among clients attending residential mother–infant units for unsettled infant behaviour, highlighting the importance of providing multifaceted interventions in order to address both infant and maternal psychological issues.

Phillips, JL, Davidson, PM, Ollerton, R, Jackson, D & Kristjanson, L 2007, 'A survery of commitment and compassion among nurses in residential aged care', International Journal of Palliative Nursing, vol. 13, no. 6, pp. 282-290.
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Aim: To assess the views and attitudes of aged care staff providing direct care towards palliative care and to identify their learning needs. Design: Survey design using purposive sampling methods. Findings: Nurses and care assistants (n=222) employed within nine residential aged care facilities in regional Australia completed the survey. The majority had received ‘on the job training’ and were committed to providing end-of-life care. Differences in the level of confidence to deal with patient/family interactions and manage complex palliative care scenarios were evident between nurses and care assistants (p<0.05). Both nurses and care assistants perceived a need for further education in symptom management and communication, yet their content need differed significantly between groups. Conclusions: Nurses and care assistants in residential aged care facilities demonstrate commitment to the delivery of palliative care and express a need for increased palliative care competencies. The heterogeneity of roles and educational preparation within the aged care workforce indicate that tailored palliative care education initiatives are required to meet the learning needs of aged care nurses and care assistants, particularly in relation to end-of-life care. These data have implications for skill-mix and model of care development.

Pissuwan, D, Cortie, CH, Valenzuela, SM & Cortie, MB 2007, 'Gold nanosphere-antibody conjugates for hyperthermal therapeutic applications', GOLD BULLETIN, vol. 40, no. 2, pp. 121-129.
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Gold nanoparticles can be conjugated with antibodies or other proteins, and the resulting composite particles will selectively attach to various kinds of biological material. Although exploitation of this for staining microscopy specimens is well known, there has recently been interest in attaching gold nanoparticles to live cells for therapeutic reasons. One motication is that gold nanoparticles display a strong plasmon resonance with light, which can be exploted in principle for an 'in vivo' photothermal therapy. The treatment of cancer by this technique has recently received attention by others, but here we show how gold nanoparticle based therapies can be developed to target live macrophage cells. We have employed 'active targeting' a scheme in which gold nanoparticles are functionalised with an antibody specific to the target macrophage cell. We describe how to prepare the conjugated particles, demonstrate that they will selectively attach 'in vitro' to their target macrophage cell but not to a non-target cell type and show that their presence renders the target cell susceptible to destruction by a low power laser.

Pissuwan, D, Valenzuela, SM, Killingsworth, MC, Xu, X & Cortie, MB 2007, 'Targeted destruction of murine macrophage cells with bioconjugated gold nanorods', JOURNAL OF NANOPARTICLE RESEARCH, vol. 9, no. 6, pp. 1109-1124.
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Gold nanorods manifest a readily tunable longitudinal plasmon resonance with light and consequently have potential for use in photothermal therapeutics. Recent work by others has shown how gold nanoshells and rods can be used to target cancer cells, which can then be destroyed using relatively high power laser radiation (similar to 1x10(5) to 1x10(10) W/m(2)). Here we extend this concept to demonstrate how gold nanorods can be modified to bind to target macrophage cells, and show that high intensity laser radiation is not necessary, with even 5x10(2) W/m(2) being sufficient, provided that a total fluence of similar to 30 J/cm(2) is delivered. We used the murine cell line RAW 264.7 and the monoclonal antibody CD11b, raised against murine macrophages, as our model system and a 5 mW solid state diode laser as our energy source. Exposure of the cells labeled with gold nanorods to a laser fluence of 30 J/cm(2) resulted in 81% cell death compared to only 0.9% in the control, non-labeled cells.

Pissuwan, D, Valenzuela, SM, Miller, CM & Cortie, MB 2007, 'A golden bullet? Selective targeting of toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites using anti body-functionalized gold nanorods', NANO LETTERS, vol. 7, no. 12, pp. 3808-3812.
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Conjugates of gold nanoparticles and antibodies have useful functionalities. Here we show how they can be used to selectively target and destroy parasitic protozoans. Gold nanorods were conjugated with an anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibody and used to target the extracellular tachyzoite which is an infectious from on an obligate parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Subsequent laser irradiation was used to kill the targeted protozoans. This concept provides a new paradigm for the treatment of parasitic protozoans.

Pongchaiyakul, C, Nguyen, TV, Wanothayaroj, E, Karusan, N & Klungboonkrong, V 2007, 'Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its relationship to weight in the Thai population.', J Med Assoc Thai, vol. 90, no. 3, pp. 459-467.
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BACKGROUND: Although the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been well-documented in Western Caucasian populations, there are few studies in non-Caucasian populations. The objectives of the present study were to estimate the prevalence of MetS and to find an optimal BMI cut-off value for defining obesity in the Thai population. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A sample of 307 men and 295 healthy women aged between 20 and 90 years (average age of 45 years) who came for a health check-up clinic in Khon Kaen, a northeast province of Thailand, were studied. The present study was conducted between 2003 and 2004. The modified ATP III criteria were used to estimate the age-and-sex specific prevalence of MetS, in which a BMI of > or = 27 kg/m(2) for men and 25 kg/m(2) for women were used in place of waist circumference. In the Thai population, these BMI cut-offs were equivalent to a percent body fat of 25% and 35% in men and women respectively. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of MetS was 15%, with no significant differences between men (15.3%) and women (14.6%). In men, the prevalence increased from 9.5% among the 20-39 age group to 24.7% among the 50+ age groups. In women, the respective prevalence was 7% and 29.5%. When BMI was removed from the classification ofMetS, the overall prevalence of 'MetS-without-BMI' (still defined by the presence of at least 3 abnormalities) in both men and women was 7.8%. However the prevalence of MetS-without-BMI increased with higher BMI levels: among those with BMI < 25, the prevalence was 4.6% in men and 5.0% in women; among those with BMI > or = 25, the prevalence was 13% in men and 16% in women. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of MetS in this semi-rural Thai population was 15%, which is as common as in Caucasian populations. In the Thai population, obesity was a major component of MetS.

Pongchaiyakul, C, Panichkul, S, Songpatanasilp, T & Nguyen, TV 2007, 'A nomogram for predicting osteoporosis risk based on age, weight and quantitative ultrasound measurement', Osteoporosis International, vol. 18, no. 4, pp. 525-531.
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Rampinini, E, Coutts, AJ, Castagna, C, Sassi, R & Impellizzeri, FM 2007, 'Variation in top level soccer match performance', INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPORTS MEDICINE, vol. 28, no. 12, pp. 1018-1024.
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This study examined the influence of the opposing team, seasonal variations and the influence of first half activity on match performance in top-level soccer players. Physical performance measures were collected using the ProZone® match analysis system from 20 professional soccer players from the same team and their opponents (n = 188) during a season. Match activities (standing, walking, jogging, running, high-speed running and sprinting), distances (total distance [TD], high-intensity running [HIR] and very high-intensity running [VHIR]) and other measures including involvement with the ball and peak running speed were collected. The influence of opponent team, the level of opposition, first half physical activities on second half activities, and playing position were analysed. The main finding was that TD (r = 0.62, p < 0.05), HIR (r = 0.51, p < 0.05), and VHIR (r = 0.65, p < 0.05) of the reference team was influenced by the activity profile of the opponent teams. The TD and HIR was higher against Best opponent teams compared to Worst opponent teams (p < 0.05), and the TD, HIR and VHIR travelled in the first half significantly influenced the distances covered in the second half. TD, HIR and VHIR were greater at the end of the season. These results may be used to interpret meaningful changes in match performance in top level soccer. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart.

Rees, SS, Murphy, AJ, Watsford, ML, McLachlan, KA & Coutts, AJ 2007, 'Effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching on stiffness and force-producing characteristics of the ankle in active women', JOURNAL OF STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING RESEARCH, vol. 21, no. 2, pp. 572-577.
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Effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching on stiffness and force-producing characteristics of the ankle in active women. J. Strength Cond. Res. 21(2):572–577. 2007.—The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching on musculotendinous unit (MTU) stiffness of the ankle joint. Twenty active women were assessed for maximal ankle range of motion, maximal strength of planter flexors, rate of force development, and ankle MTU stiffness. Subjects were randomly allocated into an experimental (n 10) group or control group (n 10). The experimental group performed PNF stretching on the ankle joint 3 times per week for 4 weeks, with physiological testing performed before and after the training period. After training, the experimental group significantly increased ankle range of motion (7.8%), maximal isometric strength (26%), rate of force development (25%), and MTU stiffness (8.4%) (p 0.001). Four weeks of PNF stretching contributed to an increase in MTU stiffness, which occurred concurrently with gains to ankle joint range of motion. The results confirm that MTU stiffness and joint range of motion measurements appear to be separate entities. The increased MTU stiffness after the training period is explained by adaptations to maximal isometric muscle contractions, which were a component of PNF stretching. Because a stiffer MTU system is linked with an improved the ability to store and release elastic energy, PNF stretching would benefit certain athletic performance due to a reduced contraction time or greater mechanical efficiency. The results of this study suggest PNF stretching is a useful modality at increasing a joint’s range of motion and its strength.

Ren, B, O'Brien, BA, Swan, MA, Koina, ME, Nassif, N, Wei, MQ & Simpson, AM 2007, 'Long-term correction of diabetes in rats after lentiviral hepatic insulin gene therapy', DIABETOLOGIA, vol. 50, no. 9, pp. 1910-1920.
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Aims/hypothesis: Type 1 diabetes results from the autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells. Exogenous insulin therapy cannot achieve precise physiological control of blood glucose concentrations, and debilitating complications develop. Lentiviral vectors are promising tools for liver-directed gene therapy. However, to date, transduction rates in vivo remain low in hepatocytes, without the induction of cell cycling. We investigated long-term transgene expression in quiescent hepatocytes in vitro and determined whether the lentiviral delivery of furin-cleavable insulin to the liver could reverse diabetes in rats. Materials and methods: To improve transduction efficiency in vitro, we optimised hepatocyte isolation and maintenance protocols and, using an improved surgical delivery method, delivered furin-cleavable insulin alone or empty vector to the livers of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats by means of a lentiviral vector. Rats were monitored for changes in body weight and blood glucose, and intravenous glucose tolerance tests were performed. Expression of insulin was determined by RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. Results: We achieved long-term transgene expression in quiescent hepatocytes in vitro (87 ± 1.2% transduction efficiency), with up to 60 ± 3.2% transduction in vivo. We normalised blood glucose for 500 days-a significantly longer period than previously reported-making this the first successful study using a lentiviral vector. This procedure resulted in the expression of genes encoding several beta cell transcription factors, some pancreatic endocrine transdifferentiation, hepatic insulin storage in granules, and restoration of glucose tolerance. Liver function tests remained normal. Importantly, pancreatic exocrine transdifferentiation did not occur. Conclusions/interpretation: Our data suggest that this regimen may ultimately be employed for the treatment of type 1 diabetes. © 2007 Springer-Verlag.

Riedel, S & Gabrys, B 2007, 'Combination of Multi Level Forecasts', The Journal of VLSI Signal Processing Systems for Signal, Image, and Video Technology, vol. 49, no. 2, pp. 265-280.
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Samaha, E, Lal, S, Samaha, N & Wyndham, J 2007, 'Psychological, lifestyle and coping contributors to chronic fatigue in shift‐worker nurses', Journal of Advanced Nursing, vol. 59, no. 3, pp. 221-232.
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Abstract Title. Psychological, lifestyle and coping contributors to chronic fatigue in shift‐worker nurses Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to assess the following in shift‐worker nurses: (1) the relationships amongst chronic fatigue and psychological variables including anxiety, mood and locus of control; (2) the relationships amongst chronic fatigue and a number of lifestyle factors such as shiftwork, sleep and exercise; and (3) various coping behaviours that best predict chronic fatigue.Background.  In the shift‐working population, individual psychological, lifestyle and coping differences influence fatigue levels. However, some of these factors are somewhat unexplored and their relative contribution to fatigue remains poorly understood.Methods.  An exploratory design was adopted with 111 eldercare shift‐worker nurses. Data were collected during 2006. Nurses completed self‐administered questionnaires examining fatigue, anxiety, mood disturbance, locus of control, sleep, work, lifestyle and coping characteristics.Findings.  Multiple regressions showed that mood disturbance, locus of control and trait anxiety are statistically significant predictors of chronic fatigue. Poor sleep quality was the lifestyle factor which most strongly contributed to fatigue. Other lifestyle predictors included higher workload perception, lack of exercise and the non‐availability of support. Whilst problem‐focused coping behaviours were not associated with fatigue, coping by using alcohol, letting emotions out and avoiding the situation significantly predicted chronic fatigue.Conclusion.  The challenge for improving the fatigue outcomes requires further investigation of the profile of a nurse who is at a high risk ...

Schwarz, DS, Hutvagner, G, Du, T, Xu, Z, Aronin, N & Zamore, PD 2007, 'Asymmetry in the assembly of the RNAi enzyme complex (Reprinted from Cell, vol 115, pg 199-208, 2003)', CELL, vol. 131, no. 4, pp. 30-40.
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A key step in RNA interference (RNAi) is assembly of the RISC, the protein-siRNA complex that mediates target RNA cleavage. Here, we show that the two strands of an siRNA duplex are not equally eligible for assembly into RISC. Rather, both the absolute a

Sirotic, AC & Coutts, AJ 2007, 'Physiological and performance test correlates of prolonged, high-intensity, intermittent running performance in moderately trained women team sport athletes', JOURNAL OF STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING RESEARCH, vol. 21, no. 1, pp. 138-144.
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A large number of team sports require athletes to repeatedly produce maximal or near maximal sprint efforts of short duration interspersed with longer recovery periods of submaximal intensity. This type of team sport activity can be characterized as prolonged, high-intensity, intermittent running (PHIIR). The primary purpose of the present study was to determine the physiological factors that best relate to a generic PHIIR simulation that reflects team sport running activity. The second purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between common performance tests and the generic PHIIR simulation. Following a familiarization session, 16 moderately trained (V̇O2max = 40.0 ± 4.3 ml·kg -1·inin-1) women team sport athletes performed various physiological, anthropometrical, and performance tests and a 30-minute PHIIR sport simulation on a nonmotorized treadmill. The mean heart rate and blood lactate concentration during the PHIIR sport simulation were 164 ± 6 b·mk-1 and 8.2 ± 3.3 mmol·L-1, respectively. Linear regression demonstrated significant relationships between the PHIIR sport simulation distance and running velocity attained at a blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol·L-1 (LT) (r = 0.77, p < 0.05), 5 x 6-second repeated cycle sprint work (r = 0.56, p < 0.05), 30-second Wingate test (r = 0.61, p < 0.05), peak aerobic running velocity (Vmax) (r = 0.69, p < 0.05), and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test (Yo-Yo IR1) distance (r = 0.50, p < 0.05), respectively. These results indicate that an increased LT is associated with improved PHIIR performance and that PHIIR performance may be monitored by determining Yo-Yo IR1 performance, 5 x 6-second repeated sprint cycle test work, 30-second Wingate test performance, Vmax, or LT. We suggest that training programs should focus on improving both LT and Vmax for increasing PHIIR performance in moderately trained women. Future studies should examine optimal training methods for improving these capacities in tea...

Sirotic, AC & Coutts, AJ 2007, 'Physiological and performance test correlates of prolonged, high-intensity, intermittent running performance in moderately trained women team sport athletes.', J Strength Cond Res, vol. 21, no. 1, pp. 138-144.
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A large number of team sports require athletes to repeatedly produce maximal or near maximal sprint efforts of short duration interspersed with longer recovery periods of submaximal intensity. This type of team sport activity can be characterized as prolonged, high-intensity, intermittent running (PHIIR). The primary purpose of the present study was to determine the physiological factors that best relate to a generic PHIIR simulation that reflects team sport running activity. The second purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between common performance tests and the generic PHIIR simulation. Following a familiarization session, 16 moderately trained (VO2max = 40.0 +/- 4.3 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1)) women team sport athletes performed various physiological, anthropometrical, and performance tests and a 30-minute PHIIR sport simulation on a nonmotorized treadmill. The mean heart rate and blood lactate concentration during the PHIIR sport simulation were 164 +/- 6 b x min(-1) and 8.2 +/- 3.3 mmol x L(-1), respectively. Linear regression demonstrated significant relationships between the PHIIR sport simulation distance and running velocity attained at a blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol x L(-1) (LT) (r = 0.77, p < 0.05), 5 x 6-second repeated cycle sprint work (r = 0.56, p < 0.05), 30-second Wingate test (r = 0.61, p < 0.05), peak aerobic running velocity (Vmax) (r = 0.69, p < 0.05), and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test (Yo-Yo IR1) distance (r = 0.50, p < 0.05), respectively. These results indicate that an increased LT is associated with improved PHIIR performance and that PHIIR performance may be monitored by determining Yo-Yo IR1 performance, 5 x 6-second repeated sprint cycle test work, 30-second Wingate test performance, Vmax, or LT. We suggest that training programs should focus on improving both LT and Vmax for increasing PHIIR performance in moderately trained women. Future studies should examine optimal training methods for improving...

Skropeta, D, Settasatian, C, McMahon, MR, Shearston, K, Caiazza, D, McGrath, KC, Jin, W, Rader, DJ, Barter, PJ & Rye, K-A 2007, 'N-Glycosylation regulates endothelial lipase-mediated phospholipid hydrolysis in apoE- and apoA-I-containing high density lipoproteins', Journal of Lipid Research, vol. 48, no. 9, pp. 2047-2057.
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Endothelial lipase (EL) is a member of the triglyceride lipase gene family with high phospholipase and low triacylglycerol lipase activities and a distinct preference for hydrolyzing phospholipids in HDL. EL has five potential N-glycosylation sites, four of which are glycosylated. The aim of this study was to determine how glycosylation affects the phospholipase activity of EL in physiologically relevant substrates. Site-directed mutants of EL were generated by replacing asparagine (N) 62, 118, 375, and 473 with alanine (A). These glycan-deficient mutants were used to investigate the kinetics of phospholipid hydrolysis in fully characterized preparations of spherical reconstituted high density lipoprotein (rHDL) containing apolipoprotein E2 (apoE2) [(E2)rHDL], apoE3 [(E3)rHDL], apoE4 [(E4)rHDL], or apoA-I [(A-I)rHDL] as the sole apolipoprotein. Wild-type EL hydrolyzed the phospholipids in (A-I)rHDL, (E2)rHDL, (E3)rHDL, and (E4)rHDL to similar extents. The phospholipase activities of EL N118A, EL N375A, and EL N473A were significantly diminished relative to that of wild-type EL, with the greatest reduction being apparent for (E3)rHDL. The phospholipase activity of EL N62A was increased up to 6-fold relative to that of wild-type EL, with the greatest enhancement of activity being observed for (E2)rHDL. These data show that individual N-linked glycans have unique and important effects on the phospholipase activity and substrate specificity of EL. Copyright © 2007 by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Su, SW, Wang, L, Celler, BG & Savkin, AV 2007, 'Oxygen uptake estimation in humans during exercise using a Hammerstein model', ANNALS OF BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING, vol. 35, no. 11, pp. 1898-1906.
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This paper aims to establish a block-structured model to predict oxygen uptake in humans during moderate treadmill exercises. To model the steady state relationship between oxygen uptake (oxygen consumption) and walking speed, six healthy male subjects w

Su, SW, Wang, L, Celler, BG, Savkin, AV & Guo, Y 2007, 'Identification and control for heart rate regulation during treadmill exercise', IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING, vol. 54, no. 7, pp. 1238-1246.
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Tavakoli, J, Khosroshahi, ME & Mahmoodi, M 2007, 'Characterization of Nd: YAG laser radiation effects on Ti6Al4V physico-chemical properties: An in vivo study', International Journal of Engineering, Transactions B: Applications, vol. 20, no. 1, pp. 1-11.
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The effect of a Nd: YAG laser (1064 nm) has been studied on Ti6Al4V alloy in terms of optical and physical parameters for biomedical applications. The superior surface microhardness hardness (i.e. 377 VHN) is attributed to grain refinement associated with laser melting and rapid solidification. The electrochemical property, mainly pitting corrosion resistance, has been carried out in Hanks salt balanced physiological solution using standard potentiodynamic polarization testing. At the optimium laser treating fluence (140 Jcm ^-2), the EDX spectroscopy showed a decrease of about 30 % in the vanadium and the contact angle measurements also indicated an improved surface wettability seen in the characteristics with a contact angle of 35°. Finally, Cell spreading on the implanted specimens was analyzed by SEM and their condition in a specific area was studied for 10 cells for three separate regions on the same specimen using Image J Program software. The in vivo tests provided some useful clinical and pathological information regarding tissue response to the implants with different surface topography.

Tran, TH, Ha, QP & Nguyen, HT 2007, 'Robust Non-Overshoot Time Responses Using Cascade Sliding Mode-PID Control', Journal of Advanced Computational Intelligence and Intelligent Informatics, vol. 11, no. 10, pp. 1224-1231.
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Overshoot is a serious problem in automatic control systems. This paper presents a new method for elimination of the step response overshoot in a conventional PID-controlled system and enhancement of its robustness by cascading a sliding mode controller in the outer loop. The idea is first to use the cascade control principle to model the under-damped system under PID control with a second-order system. Then, by making use of the sliding mode control outer loop, a robust, reduced-order response can be obtained to suppress the control overshoot. The proposed approach can also deal with time delay systems. Its validity is verified through simulation for some dynamic systems subject to highly nonlinear uncertainties, where overshoot remains an issue.

Zhang, R, Vigneswaran, S, Ngo, H & Nguyen, H 2007, 'A submerged membrane hybrid system coupled with magnetic ion exchange (MIEX®) and flocculation in wastewater treatment', Desalination, vol. 216, no. 1-3, pp. 325-333.
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Wastewater treated by conventional secondary and tertiary processes cannot be reused directly without further treatment. The membrane process can achieve a high quality effluent, but membrane fouling caused by organic matter affects membrane performance and operating cost. MIEX® resin can effectively remove the majority of small MW dissolved organic in wastewater (345-688 Dalton). Flocculation with an optimum dose of ferric chloride (24 mg/L as Fe) gave a higher removal of DOC, especially for removing the middle range of MW organics in wastewater (688-1421 Dalton). MIEX® and flocculation followed by submerged membrane system led to a very high DOC removal of more than 90-95% UVabs. This membrane hybrid system could maintain a transmembrane pressure of less than 8 kPa even after 8 h of operation thus reducing membrane fouling. © 2007.

Agbinya, JI, Reisenfeld, S, Malaney, R, Dutkiewicz, E, Challa, S, Al-Jumaily, A, Ahmed, AA, Lal, S, Braun, R, Chaczko, Z, Sevimli, O, Sithamparanathan, K & Manteuffel, D 1970, 'General Organising Committee', The 2nd International Conference on Wireless Broadband and Ultra Wideband Communications (AusWireless 2007), The 2nd International Conference on Wireless Broadband and Ultra Wideband Communications (AusWireless 2007), IEEE.
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Biady, J, O'Brien, B & Simpson, AM 1970, 'An insulin secreting liver cell line, TAO, is resistant to the cytotoxic effects of pro-inflammatory cytokines via NF-KB-dependent pathways', Journal of Gene Medicine, Wiley, Canberra, pp. 527-527.

Bouchachia, A, Gabrys, B & Sahel, Z 1970, 'Overview of Some Incremental Learning Algorithms', 2007 IEEE International Fuzzy Systems Conference, 2007 IEEE International Fuzzy Systems Conference, IEEE, London, ENGLAND, pp. 1811-+.
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Brown, TA, Kohan, L & Ben-Nissan, B 1970, 'Assessment by finite element analysis of the impact of osteoporosis and osteoarthritis on hip resurfacing', Proceedings of the 5th Australasian Congress on Applied Mechanics (ACAM 2007), Australasian Congress on Applied Mechanics, Engineers Australia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, pp. 271-276.
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Hip resurfacing is proposed as an alternative to total hip replacement (THR) for treatment of osteoarthritis (OA), especially for younger, heavier and more active sufferers. There is however, concern with regards to the incidence of post operative femoral neck fractures. We have investigated, with finite element models, the changes in stress and strain in the femoral neck following hip resurfacing. We have included several different bone material property values representing normal, elderly, osteoarthritic and osteoporotic bone. We have also modelled two different hip implant orientations. We have shown that hip resurfacing may increase the magnitude of stress and strain in the femoral neck, especially in osteoporotic bone. We have also shown that the superolateral offset associated with the valgus orientation, not the valgus orientation itself, may be what reduces the stress and strain in the neck and leads to lower incidence of fracture.

Chan, KY, Ling, SH, Chan, KW, Iu, HHC, Pong, GTY & IEEE 1970, 'Solving multi-contingency transient stability constrained optimal power flow problems with an improved GA', 2007 IEEE CONGRESS ON EVOLUTIONARY COMPUTATION, VOLS 1-10, PROCEEDINGS, IEEE Congress on Evolutionary Computation, IEEE, Singapore, SINGAPORE, pp. 2901-2908.
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Chan, KY, Ling, SH, Iu, HHC, Kwong, CK & IEEE 1970, 'A GA-based data mining approach to process improvement of fluid dispensing for electronic packaging', 2007 IEEE CONGRESS ON EVOLUTIONARY COMPUTATION, VOLS 1-10, PROCEEDINGS, IEEE Congress on Evolutionary Computation, IEEE, Singapore, SINGAPORE, pp. 4350-4357.
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Cheng, TM, Savkin, AV, Celler, BG, Wang, L, Su, SW & IEEE 1970, 'A nonlinear dynamic model for heart rate response to treadmill walking exercise', 2007 ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY, VOLS 1-16, IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society Annual Conference, IEEE, Lyon, France, pp. 2988-2991.
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A dynamic model of the heart rate response to treadmill walking exercise is presented. The model is a feedback interconnected system; the subsystem in the forward path represents the neural response to exercise, while the subsystem in the feedback path describes the peripheral local response. The parameters of the model were estimated from 5 healthy adult male subjects, each undertaking 3 sets of walking exercise at different speeds. Simulated responses from the model closely match the experimental data both in the exercise and the recovery phases. The model will be useful in explaining the cardiovascular response to exercise and in the design of exercise protocols for individuals.

Christen, P, Gao, J, Kennedy, PJ, Li, J, Li, W, Kolyshkina, I, Ong, K & Williams, G 1970, 'Data Mining, Artificial Intelligence & Analytics 2007: Proceedings of the 6th Australasian Data Mining Conference (AusDM 2007) and the 2nd International Workshop on Integrating AI and Data Mining (AIDM 2007)', Data Mining, Artificial Intelligence & Analytics 2007: Proceedings of the 6th Australasian Data Mining Conference (AusDM 2007) and the 2nd International Workshop on Integrating AI and Data Mining (AIDM 2007), Australian Data Mining Conference, Australian Computer Society, Gold Coast, Australia.

Craig, DA & Nguyen, HT 1970, 'Adaptive EEG Thought Pattern Classifier for Advanced Wheelchair Control', 2007 29th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, 2007 29th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, IEEE, Lyon, France, pp. 2544-2547.
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This paper presents a real-time Electroencephalogram (EEG) classification system, with the goal of enhancing the control of a head-movement controlled power wheelchair for patients with chronic Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). Using a 32 channel recording device, mental command data was collected from 10 participants. This data was used to classify three different mental commands, to supplement the five commands already available using head movement control. Of the 32 channels that were recorded only 4 were used in the classification, achieving an average classification rate of 82%. This paper also demonstrates that there is an advantage to be gained by doing adaptive training of the classifier. That is, customizing the classifier to a person previously unseen by the classifier caused their average recognition rates to improve from 52.5% up to 77.5%. © 2007 IEEE.

Darcy, SA 1970, 'A Methodology for Testing Accessible Accommodation Information Provision Formats', CAUTHE: Proceedings of the 17th Annual Conference, Council for Australian University Tourism and Hospitality Education annual conference, University of Technology, Sydney., Manly, NSW Australia, pp. 1-18.
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The combined effects of the increased ageing of the population, the relationship between ageing and disability rates and the proportion of the population who have a disability have significant implications for global tourism. Numerous studies have identified that the foundation of any tourism experience for people with mobility disabilities is locating appropriate accommodation. Such studies have identified serious issues with the way that accommodation information is documented, promoted and marketed by the accommodation sector. Other studies have identified that there is a considerable difference between the accommodation sectorâs understanding of access and that of people with disabilities. This research seeks to understand the 'discourse of accessâ between the demand and supply of accessible accommodation. To this point in time, no research has sought to assess the preferred accessible accommodation information formats for this group. This exploratory study presents a methodology for market testing four information formats for the mobility dimension of accessible accommodation. The information formats are based on current practice and proposed information formats. They are: AAA Tourism access icons; Spinal Cord Injury Australiaâs representation of AS1428; floorplan representation; and virtual tours/OSSATE. It is believed that the outcomes of this methodology will provide a suitable foundation for including access considerations as part of the broader Australian Tourism Data Warehouse; developing a business case for this class of accommodation through improved occupancy rates; and satisfaction with the presented information formats.

Darcy, SA 1970, 'Flying With Impairments: Improving Airline Practices By Understanding The Experiences Of People With Disabilities', Beating the Odds with Tourism Research!, TTRA Annual Conference, The Travel and Tourism Research Association, Las Vegas, Nevada, pp. 61-70.
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This paper presents an understanding of the air travel experiences of people with disabilities and draws implications for improving airline management practices. The theoretical foundation for the paper is based on applying a social approach to disability to the airline sector. The research design used a modified grounded and phenomenological qualitative approach that sought to understand the experiences of people with disabilities in their own words. These experiences were contrasted to the policies, procedures and operations of the three major Australian domestic airlines. The methods used to understand the experiences involved semi-structured, in-depth interviews that were part of a larger study into the tourism experiences of people with disabilities. Fifteen in-depth interviews were undertaken together with an analysis of the qualitative responses to a broader quantitative study on the same topic. The interviews were supplemented with complaint cases taken against airlines through the Australian Disability Discrimination Act, 1992. What emerged as the âessence of experienceâ was that airline procedures created a newly disembodied experience that transformed a person's impairment into socially constructed disability. The social construction was a product of international air regulations, airline procedures, pressures brought about by the introduction of low-cost airlines into Australia and a new wave of occupational health and safety considerations. The resultant experience for many was one of heightened anxiety, helplessness and, in too many cases, humiliation.

Darcy, SA, Griffin, T, Craig, M, Moore, S & Crilley, G 1970, 'Protected Area Visitor Data Collection and Management: Emerging Issues and Gaps in Current Australian Practices', CAUTHE: Proceedings of the 17th Annual Conference, Council for Australian University Tourism and Hospitality Education annual conference, University of Technology, Sydney, Manly, NSW Australia, pp. 1-14.
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Protected area agencies are charged with the preservation, conservation and management of areas including wilderness, national parks and forests. These agencies are faced with increasing visitor numbers and decreasing budgets at a time where activities like tourism have to be managed alongside their traditional roles as natural resource managers. This paper reports on the outcomes of the first stage of a research project that seeks to guide a nationally consistent approach to visitor use data collection for protected area agencies. First, the paper provides a background literature review of approaches to visitor use data collection for protected area agencies. Second, the paper outlines the participatory action research approach used in the study where thirteen protected area agencies are collaborators in the research process. This approach ensures that the protected areas agencies data needs are central to the research outcomes and recognises the pragmatic organisational cultural issues associated with visitor data collection, management and use. The research process incorporates organisational networking at all levels from head office, regions, branches and individual parks involving management information systems, interviews, focus groups, presentations, briefings and follow-up contact. Third, the paper then presents the emergent themes that examine the issues and gaps in current visitor data collection, management and use systems. The paper concludes with discussion of the challenges to developing a national system of visitor data collection and use.

De Abreu Lourenco, R 1970, 'Assessment of the cost-effectiveness in Australia of cetuximab in the treatment of patients with locally advanced squamous cell cancers of the head and neck', ISPOR 10th Annual European Congress, Dublin, Ireland.

Duflos, S, Kervella, B & Gay, VC 1970, 'Considering Security and Quality of Service in SLS to Improve Policy-Based Management of Multimedia Services', Sixth International Conference on Networking (ICN'07), Sixth International Conference on Networking (ICN'07), IEEE, Sainte-Luce, Martinique, pp. 1-6.
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This paper proposes to improve policy-based management by integrating security parameters into the Service Level Specification (SLS). Integrating those parameters in the QoS part of the Service Level Agreement (SLA) specification is of particular importance for multimedia services requiring security since QoS is negotiated when the multimedia service is deployed. Security mechanisms need to be negotiated at that time when sensible multimedia information is exchanged. In this paper we show that including security parameters in SLA specification improves the negotiation and deployment of security and QoS policies for multimedia services. The parameters this paper proposes to integrate have the advantage to be understandable by end-users and service providers.

Fokkenrood, S, Leijdekkers, P & Gay, V 1970, 'Ventricular Tachycardia/Fibrillation detection algorithm for 24/7 personal wireless heart monitoring', Pervasive Computing for Quality of Life Enhancement, Proceedings, ICOST, Springer, Nara, Japan, pp. 110-120.
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This paper describes a Ventricular Tachycardia/Fibrillation (VT/VF) detection algorithm that is specifically designed for a 24/7 personal wireless heart monitoring system. This monitoring system uses Bluetooth enabled bio-sensors and smart phones to monitor continuously cardiac patients’ vital signs. Our VT/VF algorithm is optimized for continuous real-time monitoring on smart phones with a high sensitivity and specificity. We studied and compared existing VT/VF algorithms and selected the one which suited best our requirements. However, we modified and improved the existing algorithm for the smart phone to achieve better performance results. We tested the algorithm on full-length signals from the physionet CU, MIT-db and MIT-vfdb databases [16] without any pre-selection of VT/VF or normal QRS-complex signals. We achieved 97% sensitivity, 98% accuracy and 98% specificity for our implementation which is excellent compared to existing algorithms.

Hoang, D 1970, 'Wireless Technologies and Architectures for Health Monitoring Systems', First International Conference on the Digital Society (ICDS'07), First International Conference on the Digital Society (ICDS'07), IEEE, Guadeloupe, pp. 1-6.
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Various wireless technologies have been used in health monitoring systems; however, it is not always clear why one technology is chosen over another and how it fits into the overall architecture of an application. This paper explores many limiting characteristics of relevant wireless technologies and attempts to provide a basis for making an appropriate selection. The paper also suggests an architecture that supports collaboration among multiple caregivers over a particular health monitoring application.

Hoang, DB, Phan, HT & IEEE 1970, 'A scalable end-to-end QoS architecture', 2007 INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES, VOLS 1-3, International Symposium on Communications and Information Technologies, IEEE, Sydney, Australia, pp. 677-682.
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For IP networks to become a service oriented architecture, it is crucial to provision a network architecture that is capable of differentiating and supporting quality of services (QoS) to applications. In this paper we propose a new end-to-end QoS framework, called End-Diff, that has a number of desirable properties. The new architecture has the scalability property of DiffServ, pioneers a novel path congestion control, allocates bandwidth fairly among flows and aggregates, and is capable of negotiating QoS paths among domains through BGP QoS extension. The new architecture makes use of a simple control plane of a router and does not require any sophisticated PHB scheduling in its forwarding plane. Via simulation, we demonstrate that End-Diff QoS architecture performs excellently in terms of scalability, overhead, route selection policy, fairness, packet delay and jitter. © 2007 IEEE.

Khosroshahi, ME, Enayati, M, shafiei, S & Tavakoli, J 1970, 'Evaluation of drug release from PLGA nanospheres containing bethametasone', Biophotonics 2007: Optics in Life Science, European Conference on Biomedical Optics, OSA.
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In this research poly (d,1-lactide-coglycolide acid) (PLGA) as polymeric nanospheres, polyvinyl alcohol) (PVA) with 87-89% hydrolysis degree as surfactant and distilled water as suspending medium were used. The encapsulated drug was Bethametasone. The nanospheres were prepared by an emulsion-solvent evaporation method. The nanospheres characterized by photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The amount of drug release was determined by HPLC. In emulsion-solvent evaporation technique, time of ultrasound exposure, surfactant content in the formulation and evaporation rate of organic solvents were considered as formulation variables. © 2007 SPIE-OSA.

Konstantynowicz, J, Nguyen, TV, Kaczmarski, M, Jamiolkowski, J, Piotrowska-Jastrzebska, J & Seeman, E 1970, 'A Milk-free diet contributes little to the high prevalence of fractures in childhood', Bone, 4th International Conference on Childrens Bone Health, Elsevier BV, Montreal, CANADA, pp. S57-S57.
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Lam, HK, Ling, SH, Iu, HHC, Yeung, CW, Leung, FHF & IEEE 1970, 'Control of nonlinear systems with a linear state-feedback controller and a modified neural network tuned by genetic algorithm', 2007 IEEE CONGRESS ON EVOLUTIONARY COMPUTATION, VOLS 1-10, PROCEEDINGS, IEEE Congress on Evolutionary Computation, IEEE, Singapore, SINGAPORE, pp. 1614-1619.
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Leijdekkers, P, Gay, V & Lawrence, E 1970, 'Smart Homecare System for Health Tele-monitoring.', ICDS, International Conference on Digital Society, IEEE Computer Society, Guadaloupe, French Carribean, pp. 3-3.
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An increasing aged population worldwide puts our medical capabilities to the test. Research and commercial groups are investigating novel ways to care for the aged and chronically ill both in their own homes and in care facilities. This paper describes a prototype we have developed for remote healthcare monitoring. This personalized smart homecare system uses smart phones, wireless sensors, web servers and IP webcams. To illustrate the functionality of the prototype we describe a series of typical tele-health monitoring scenarios

Li, J & Hu, X 1970, 'Workshop BioDM'07 - An overview', Lecture Notes in Computer Science (including subseries Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence and Lecture Notes in Bioinformatics), 11th Pacific-Asia Conference on Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining, SPRINGER-VERLAG BERLIN, Nanjing, PEOPLES R CHINA, pp. 110-111.
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This edited volume contains the papers selected for presentation at the Second Workshop on Data Mining for Biomedical Applications (BioDM'07) held in Nanjing, China on 22nd of May 2007. The workshop was held in conjunction with the 11th Pacific-Asia Conference on Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining (PAKDD 2007), a leading international conference in the areas of data mining and knowledge discovery. The aim of this workshop was to provide a forum for discussing research topics related to biomedical applications where data mining techniques were found to be necessary and/or useful. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2007.

Ling, SH, Yeung, CW, Chan, KY, Iu, HHC, Leung, FHF & IEEE 1970, 'A new hybrid particle swarm optimization with wavelet theory based mutation operation', 2007 IEEE CONGRESS ON EVOLUTIONARY COMPUTATION, VOLS 1-10, PROCEEDINGS, IEEE Congress on Evolutionary Computation, IEEE, Singapore, SINGAPORE, pp. 1977-1984.
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Lock, DJ, Taylor, TL & Darcy, SA 1970, 'What changed the minds of Australia's football supporters?', The 15th Congress of the European Association for Sport Management Sport Events and Sustainable Development, The 15th Congress of the European Association for Sport Management Sport Events and Sustainable Development, The European Association of Sport Management, Torino, Italy, pp. 205-206.

Macaš, M, Gabrys, B, Ruta, D & Lhotská, L 1970, 'Particle Swarm Optimisation of Multiple Classifier Systems', COMPUTATIONAL AND AMBIENT INTELLIGENCE, 9th International Work-Conference on Artificial Neural Networks, Springer Berlin Heidelberg, San Sebastian, SPAIN, pp. 333-340.
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Nguyen, HT, Ghevondian, N, Nguyen, ST & Jones, TW 1970, 'Detection of Hypoglycemic Episodes in Children with Type 1 Diabetes using an Optimal Bayesian Neural Network Algorithm', 2007 29th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, 2007 29th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, IEEE, Lyon, France, pp. 3140-3143.
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Hypoglycemia or low blood glucose is a common and serious side effect of insulin therapy in patients with diabetes. HypoMon is a non-invasive monitor that measures some physiological parameters continuously to provide detection of hypoglycemic episodes in Type 1 diabetes mellitus patients (T1DM). Based on heart rate, corrected QT interval of the ECG signal and skin impedance, a Bayesian neural network detection algorithm has been developed to recognize the presence of hypoglycemic episodes. From a clinical study of 25 children with T1DM, associated with hypoglycemic episodes, their heart rates increased (1.152+/-0.157 vs. 1.035+/-0.108, P < 0.0001), their corrected QT intervals increased (1.088+/-0.086 vs. 1.020+/-0.062, P < 0.0001) and their skin impedances reduced significantly (0.679+/-0.195 vs. 0.837+/-0.203, P < 0.0001). The overall data were organized into a training set (14 cases) and a test set 14 cases) randomly selected. Using an optimal Bayesian neural network with 11 hidden nodes, and an algorithm developed from the training set, a sensitivity of 0.8346 and specificity of 0.6388 were achieved for the test set.

Nguyen, HT, Ghevondian, N, Nguyen, ST & Jones, TW 1970, 'Detection of hypoglycemic episodes in children with type 1 diabetes using an optimal Bayesian neural network algorithm', Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology - Proceedings, pp. 3140-3143.
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Hypoglycemia or low blood glucose is a common and serious side effect of insulin therapy in patients with diabetes. HypoMon is a non-invasive monitor that measures some physiological parameters continuously to provide detection of hypoglycemic episodes in Type 1 diabetes mellitus patients (TlDM). Based on heart rate, corrected QT interval of the ECG signal and skin impedance, a Bayesian neural network detection algorithm has been developed to recognize the presence of hypoglycemic episodes. From a clinical study of 25 children with T1DM, associated with hypoglycemic episodes, their heart rates increased (1.152±0.157 vs. 1.035±0.108, P<0.0001), their corrected QT intervals increased (1.088±0.086 vs. 1.020±0.062, P<0.0001) and their skin impedances reduced significantly (0.67±0.195 vs. 0.837±0.203, P<0.0001). The overall data were organized into a training set (14 cases) and a test set 14 cases) randomly selected. Using an optimal Bayesian neural network with 11 hidden nodes, and an algorithm developed from the training set, a sensitivity of 0.8346 and specificity of 0.6388 were achieved for the test set. © 2007 IEEE.

Nguyen, NT, Nguyen, HT & Su, S 1970, 'Advanced robust tracking control of a powered wheelchair system', Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology - Proceedings, pp. 4767-4770.
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In this paper, the dynamic multivariable model of the wheelchair system is obtained including the presence of transportation lags. The triangular diagonal dominance (TDD) decoupling technique is applied to reduce this multivariable control problem into two independent scalar control problems. An advanced robust control technique for the wheelchair has been developed based on the combination of a TDD decoupling strategy and neural network controller design. The results obtained from the real-time implementation confirm that robust performance for this multivariable wheelchair control system can indeed be achieved. © 2007 IEEE.

Nguyen, NT, Nguyen, HT & Su, S 1970, 'Advanced robust tracking control of a powered wheelchair system', 2007 29th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, 2007 29th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, IEEE, Lyon, France, pp. 4767-4770.
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In this paper, the dynamic multivariable model of the wheelchair system is obtained including the presence of transportation lags. The triangular diagonal dominance (TDD) decoupling technique is applied to reduce this multivariable control problem into two independent scalar control problems. An advanced robust control technique for the wheelchair has been developed based on the combination of a TDD decoupling strategy and neural network controller design. The results obtained from the real-time implementation confirm that robust performance for this multivariable wheelchair control system can indeed be achieved.

Nguyen, TH, Nguyen, JS, Pham, DM & Nguyen, HT 1970, 'Real-Time Obstacle Detection for an Autonomous Wheelchair Using Stereoscopic Cameras', 2007 29th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, 2007 29th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, IEEE, Lyon, France, pp. 4775-4778.
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This paper is concerned with the development of a real-time obstacle avoidance system for an autonomous wheelchair using stereoscopic cameras by severely disabled people. Based on the left and right images captured from stereoscopic cameras mounted on the wheelchair, the optimal disparity is computed using the Sum of Absolute Differences (SAD) correlation method. From this disparity, a 3D depth map is constructed based on a geometric projection algorithm. A 2D map converted from this 3D map can then be employed to provide an effective obstacle avoidance strategy for this wheelchair. Experiment results obtained in a practical environment show the effectiveness of this real-time implementation. © 2007 IEEE.

Pedraza, L, Dissanayake, G, Valls Miro, J, Rodriguez-Losada, D & Matia, F 1970, 'BS-SLAM: Shaping the World', Robotics: Science and Systems III, Robotics: Science and Systems 2007, Robotics: Science and Systems Foundation, Atlanta, GA, USA, pp. 1-8.
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This paper presents BS-SLAM, a simultaneous localization and mapping algorithm for use in unstructured environments that is effective regardless of whether features correspond to simple geometric primitives such as points and lines or not. The coordinates of the control points defining a set of B-splines are used to form a complete and compact description of the environment, thus making it feasible to use an extended Kalman filter based SLAM algorithm. The proposed method is the first known EKF-SLAM implementation capable of describing both straight and curve features in a parametric way. Appropriate observation equation that allows the exploitation of virtually all observations from a range sensor such as the ubiquitous laser range finder is developed. Efficient strategies for computing the relevant Jacobians, perform data association, initialization and expanding the map are presented. The effectiveness of the algorithms is demonstrated using experimental data.

Ren, B, O'Brien, BA, Swan, MA, Koina, ME, Nassif, N, Wei, MQ & Simpson, AM 1970, 'Delivery of furin-cleavable insulin to diabetic rat livers resulted in long-term correction of diabetes and partial pancreatic transdifferentiation of the liver', JOURNAL OF GENE MEDICINE, 5th Meeting of the Australasian-Gene-Therapy-Society, JOHN WILEY & SONS LTD, Shine Dome Acad Sci, Canberra, AUSTRALIA, pp. 532-532.

Riedel, S & Gabrys, B 1970, 'Dynamic Pooling for the Combination of Forecasts generated using Multi Level Learning', 2007 International Joint Conference on Neural Networks, 2007 International Joint Conference on Neural Networks, IEEE, Orlando, FL, pp. 454-+.
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Ruta, D & Gabrys, B 1970, 'Neural Network Ensembles for Time Series Prediction', 2007 International Joint Conference on Neural Networks, 2007 International Joint Conference on Neural Networks, IEEE, Orlando, FL, pp. 1204-1209.
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Ruta, D, Gabrys, B, Maroulis, G & Simos, TE 1970, 'Reducing Spatial Data Complexity for Classification Models', AIP Conference Proceedings, Computational Methods in Science and Engineering, AIP, Corfu, GREECE, pp. 603-613.
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Sahel, Z, Bouchachia, A, Gabrys, B & Rogers, P 1970, 'Adaptive Mechanisms for Classification Problems with Drifting Data', KNOWLEDGE-BASED INTELLIGENT INFORMATION AND ENGINEERING SYSTEMS: KES 2007 - WIRN 2007, PT II, PROCEEDINGS, 11th International Conference on Knowledge-Based Intelligent Informational and Engineering Systems/17th Italian Workshop on Neural Networks, Springer Berlin Heidelberg, Vietri sul Mare, ITALY, pp. 419-426.
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Sivabalan, P, Booth, PJ & Malmi, T 1970, 'Budget participation and budget emphasis in low uncertainty conditions - Considering alternative reasons to budget', 2007 AFAANZ Conference, Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand Conference, AFAANZ, Gold Coast, Australia, pp. 1-33.
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This case study investigates how lower budget participation may be better suited to firms with a high budget emphasis, in lower uncertainty conditions. The organisation studied generates greater benefits when budget participation is low, though it has a high budget emphasis. This result is opposite to that found in Lau, et.al. (1995). The reason for this difference is shown to arise because budget emphasis in the case firm is not primarily related to performance evaluation as defined in prior budget research (Hopwood, 1972). Instead, the main reason for budgeting is operational planning (Hansen and Van der Stede, 2003), and this difference is shown to lead to the opposing findings. When budgets are used primarily for operational planning, their relationships to organisational antecedents appear to be different than when used for performance evaluation.

Sivabalan, P, Booth, PJ & Malmi, T 1970, 'Budget participation and budget emphasis in low uncertainty conditions - Considering alternative reasons to budget', Annual Congress of European Accounting Association, Lisbon, Portugal.

Sivabalan, P, Brown, DA, Booth, PJ & Malmi, T 1970, 'An exploratory study of operational reasons to budget', An exploratory study of operational reasons to budget, European Accounting Association, Lisbon, Portugal, pp. 1-1.

Skinner, BT, Nguyen, HT & Liu, DK 1970, 'Classification of EEG Signals Using a Genetic-Based Machine Learning Classifier', 2007 29th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, 2007 29th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, IEEE, Lyon, France, pp. 3120-3123.
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This paper investigates the efficacy of the genetic-based learning classifier system XCS, for the classification of noisy, artefact-inclusive human electroencephalogram (EEG) signals represented using large condition strings (108bits). EEG signals from three participants were recorded while they performed four mental tasks designed to elicit hemispheric responses. Autoregressive (AR) models and Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) methods were used to form feature vectors with which mental tasks can be discriminated. XCS achieved a maximum classification accuracy of 99.3% and a best average of 88.9%. The relative classification performance of XCS was then compared against four non-evolutionary classifier systems originating from different learning techniques. The experimental results will be used as part of our larger research effort investigating the feasibility of using EEG signals as an interface to allow paralysed persons to control a powered wheelchair or other devices. © 2007 IEEE.

Skinner, BT, Nguyen, HT & Liu, DK 1970, 'Distributed classifier migration in xcs for classification of electroencephalographic signals', 2007 IEEE Congress on Evolutionary Computation, 2007 IEEE Congress on Evolutionary Computation, IEEE, Singapore, pp. 2829-2836.
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This paper presents an investigation into combining migration strategies inspired by multi-deme Parallel Genetic Algorithms with the XCS Learning Classifier System to provide parallel and distributed classifier migration. Migrations occur between distributed XCS classifier sub-populations using classifiers ranked according to numerosity, fitness or randomly selected. The influence of the degree-of-connectivity introduced by Fully-Connected, Bi-directional Ring and Uni-directional Ring topologies is examined. Results indicate that classifier migration is an effective method for improving classification accuracy, improving learning speed and reducing final classifier population size, in the single-step classification of noisy, artefact-inclusive human electroencephalographic signals. The experimental results will be used as part of our larger research effort investigating the feasibility of using EEG signals as an interface to allow paralysed persons to control a powered wheelchair or other devices. © 2007 IEEE.

Skinner, BT, Nguyen, HT & Liu, DK 1970, 'Hybrid Optimisation Method Using PGA and SQP Algorithm', 2007 IEEE Symposium on Foundations of Computational Intelligence, 2007 IEEE Symposium on Foundations of Computational Intelligence, IEEE, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, pp. 73-80.
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This paper investigates the hybridisation of two very different optimisation methods, namely the Parallel Genetic Algorithm (PGA) and Sequential Quadratic Programming (SQP) Algorithm. The different characteristics of genetic-based and traditional quadratic programming-based methods are discussed and to what extent the hybrid method can benefit the solving of optimisation problems with nonlinear complex objective and constraint functions. Experiments show the hybrid method effectively combines the robust and global search property of Parallel Genetic Algorithms with the high convergence velocity of the Sequential Quadratic Programming Algorithm, thereby reducing computation time, maintaining robustness and increasing solution quality. © 2007 IEEE.

Su, SW, Huang, S, Wang, L, Celler, BG, Savkin, AV, Guo, Y, Cheng, T & IEEE 1970, 'Nonparametric Hammerstein model based model predictive control for heart rate regulation', 2007 ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY, VOLS 1-16, IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society Annual Conference, Medicine and Biology Society, Lyon, France, pp. 2984-2987.
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This paper proposed a novel nonparametric model based model predictive control approach for the regulation of heart rate during treadmill exercise. As the model structure of human cardiovascular system is often hard to determine, nonparametric modelling is a more realistic manner to describe complex behaviours of cardiovascular system. This paper presents a new nonparametric Hammerstein model identification approach for heart rate response modelling. Based on the pseudo-random binary sequence experiment data, we decouple the identification of linear dynamic part and input nonlinearity of the Hammerstein system. Correlation analysis is applied to acquire step response of linear dynamic component. Support Vector Regression is adopted to obtain a nonparametric description of the inverse of input static nonlinearity that is utilized to form an approximate linear model of the Hammerstein system. Based on the established model, a model predictive controller under predefined speed and acceleration constraints is designed to achieve safer treadmill exercise. Simulation results show that the proposed control algorithm can achieve optimal heart rate tracking performance under predefined constraints.

Su, SW, Nguyen, J, Jarman, R, Huang, S, Chen, W, Celler, BG, Bao, J, Lee, P & Weng, K 1970, 'A new decentralized fault tolerant control strategy and the fault accommodation of coupled drives', Proceedings of the 8th International Conference on Intelligent Technologies (InTech'07), International Conference on Intelligent Technologies, University of Technology, Sydney, Sydney, Australia, pp. 313-317.

Taha, T, Miro, JV & Dissanayake, G 1970, 'Wheelchair driver assistance and intention prediction using POMDPs', PROCEEDINGS OF THE 2007 INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON INTELLIGENT SENSORS, SENSOR NETWORKS AND INFORMATION PROCESSING, International Conference on Intelligent Sensors, Sensor Networks and Information Processing, IEEE Computer Society, Melbourne, Victoria, pp. 449-454.
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Electric wheelchairs give otherwise immobile people the free-dom of movement, they significantly increase independence and dramatically increase quality of life. However the physical control systems of such wheelchair can be prohibitive for some users; for example, people with severe tremors. Several assisted wheelchair platforms have been developed in the past to assist such users. Algorithms that assist specific behaviors such as door - passing, follow - corridor, or avoid - obstacles have been successful. Recent research has seen a move towards systems that predict the users intentions, based on the users input. These predictions have been typically limited to locations immediately surrounding the wheelchair. This paper presents a new assisted wheelchair driving system with large scale intelligent intention recognition based on POMDPs (Partially Observable Markov Decision Processes). The systems acts as an intelligent agent/decision-maker, it relies on minimal user input; to predict the users intention and then autonomously drives the user to his destination. The prediction is constantly being updated as new user input is received allowing for true user/system integration. This shifts the users focus from fine motor-skilled control to coarse control intended to convey intention. © 2007 IEEE.

Tan, J, lu, HHC, Ling, SH & IEEE 1970, 'Symbolic representation of border collision bifurcation in switching DC/DC converters', IECON 2007: 33RD ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE INDUSTRIAL ELECTRONICS SOCIETY, VOLS 1-3, CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS, 33rd Annual Conference of the IEEE-Industrial-Electronics-Society, IEEE, Taipei, TAIWAN, pp. 2010-2014.
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Tipper, JL, Galvin, AL, Ingham, E & Fisher, J 1970, 'Estimation of the osteolytic potential of noncrosslinked and crosslinked polyethylenes and ceramic-on-ceramic total hip prostheses', ASTM Special Technical Publication, pp. 75-90.
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There is currently considerable interest in the wear debris and osteolytic potential of different types of bearings used in total joint replacements. The aim of this study was first to characterize the wear and wear particles generated from two different grades of UHMWPE acetabular cups with different levels of crosslinking in a hip joint simulator. Secondly, the results for the polyethylenes were compared to an alumina ceramic-on-ceramic hip prosthesis. The wear rates of the two noncrosslinked material types were very similar at 49±8 mm3 per million cycles for the GUR 1020 and 45.6± 1.4 mm3 per million cycles for the GUR 1050. Moderate crosslinking (4 MRad) significantly (P<0.05) reduced the wear rate of the GUR 1020 material by 30 % to 35±9 mm3 per million cycles. High levels of crosslinking of GUR 1050 (10 MRad) produced a highly significant (P<0.01) 80 % reduction in wear volume. Although reduced wear volumes were observed with moderate levels of crosslinking for the 4 MRad GUR 1020 material, little benefit was conveyed by crosslinking, in terms of predicted overall biocompatibility and estimated osteolytic potential. Introducing high levels of crosslinking (10 MRad) into the GUR 1050 material reduced wear and osteolytic potential by up to five-fold compared to the other GUR 1050 materials. However, compared to the non-crosslinked and moderately crosslinked GUR 1020 materials, the highly crosslinked GUR 1050 UHMWPE had only a two-fold lower osteolytic potential. The alumina ceramic-on-ceramic hip prostheses produced extremely low wear rates under both standard and microseparation simulation conditions, and consequently the osteolytic potential of the alumina bearings was estimated to be >20-fold lower than the highly crosslinked polyethylene. Copyright © 2006 by ASTM International.

Tran, Y, Thuraisingham, RA, Boord, P, Nguyen, HT & Craig, A 1970, 'Using fractal analysis to improve switching rates in 'hands free' environmental control technology for the severely disabled', 2007 3rd International IEEE/EMBS Conference on Neural Engineering, 2007 3rd International IEEE/EMBS Conference on Neural Engineering, IEEE, Kohala, Hawaii, USA, pp. 406-409.
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A negative impact on the quality of life of the severely neurologically disordered such as spinal cord injured persons is the loss of the ability to control devices in their immediate environment. Consequently, we have conducted research on technology designed to restore some measure of independence by providing hands free control over these devices by using EEG signals associated with eye closure (EC) and eye opening (EO). In a previous study we demonstrated that the nonlinear technique fractal dimension analysis was a viable alternative to spectral analysis in detecting these signals in the EEG of able bodied persons. This paper explores the efficacy of using fractal dimension to detect EC/EO signals in a spinal cord injured population. The fractal dimension method was found to improve from the standard spectral analysis technique in that there was a significant reduction is the occurrence of false positive and false negative switching. This improved detection of EC/EO in the brain activity of severely disabled people will be utilised in our technology for remote switching of electrical devices. © 2007 IEEE.

Tran, Y, Thuraisingham, RA, Wijesuriya, N, Nguyen, HT & Craig, A 1970, 'Detecting neural changes during stress and fatigue effectively: a comparison of spectral analysis and sample entropy', 2007 3rd International IEEE/EMBS Conference on Neural Engineering, 2007 3rd International IEEE/EMBS Conference on Neural Engineering, IEEE, Kohala Coast, Hawaii, USA, pp. 350-353.
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Brain computer interface (BCI) technology as Its name implies, relies upon decoding brain signals into operational commands. Aside from needing effective means of control, successful BCIs need to remain stable in varying physiological conditions. BCIs need to be developed with mechanisms to recognise and respond to physiological states (such as stress and fatigue) that can disrupt user capability. This paper compares a spectral analysis of EEG signals technique with a nonlinear method of sample entropy to detect changes In brain dynamics during moments of stress and fatigue. The results demonstrated few changes In the spectral frequency bands of the EEG during fatigue and stress conditions. However, when the EEG signals were analysed with the nonlinear technique of sample entropy the results indicated a reduction of complexity during moments of fatigue and stress and an increase In complexity during moments of engagement to the task. © 2007 IEEE.

Trieu, HT, Nguyen, HT & Willey, K 1970, 'Obstacle avoidance for power wheelchair using Bayesian neural network', Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology - Proceedings, pp. 4771-4774.
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In this paper we present a real-time obstacle avoidance algorithm using a Bayesian neural network for a laser based wheelchair system. The raw laser data is modified to accommodate the wheelchair dimensions, allowing the freespace to be determined accurately in real-time. Data acquisition is performed to collect the patterns required for training the neural network. A Bayesian frame work is applied to determine the optimal neural network structure for the training data. This neural network is trained under the supervision of the Bayesian rule and the obstacle avoidance task is then implemented for the wheelchair system. Initial results suggest this approach provides an effective solution for autonomous tasks, suggesting Bayesian neural networks may be useful for wider assistive technology applications. © 2007 IEEE.

Trieu, HT, Nguyen, HT, Willey, K & IEEE 1970, 'Obstacle avoidance for power wheelchair using Bayesian neural network', 2007 ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY, VOLS 1-16, IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society Annual Conference, IEEE, Lyon, France, pp. 4771-4774.
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In this paper we present a real-time obstacle avoidance algorithm using a Bayesian neural network for a laser based wheelchair system. The raw laser data is modified to accommodate the wheelchair dimensions, allowing the free-space to be determined accurately in real-time. Data acquisition is performed to collect the patterns required for training the neural network. A Bayesian frame work is applied to determine the optimal neural network structure for the training data. This neural network is trained under the supervision of the Bayesian rule and the obstacle avoidance task is then implemented for the wheelchair system. Initial results suggest this approach provides an effective solution for autonomous tasks, suggesting Bayesian neural networks may be useful for wider assistive technology applications.

Valls Miro, J, Taha, T, Wang, D, Dissanayake, G & Liu, D 1970, 'An efficient strategy for robot navigation in cluttered environments in the presence of dynamic obstacles', Proceedings of the 8th International Conference on Intelligent Technologies (InTech), International Conference on Intelligent Technologies, University of Technology, Sydney, Sydney, Australia, pp. 74-81.

Vellaisamy, K & Li, J 1970, 'Multidimensional Decision Support Indicator (mDSI) for Time Series Stock Trend Prediction', ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE DISCOVERY AND DATA MINING, PROCEEDINGS, 11th Pacific-Asia Conference on Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining, Springer Berlin Heidelberg, Nanjing, PEOPLES R CHINA, pp. 841-848.
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Wang, L, Su, SW, Chan, GSH, Celler, BG & IEEE 1970, 'A mathematical model of the cardiovascular system under exercise', 2007 ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY, VOLS 1-16, IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society Annual Conference, Medicine and Biology Society, Lyon, France, pp. 1014-1017.
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A mathematical model, based on our previous pulsatile nonlinear multi-element cardiovascular model, was tested and improved to study cardiovascular response under graded exercise levels. Ten healthy subjects were studied using cycle-ergometry exercise test with constant workloads ranging from 25 Watt to 125 Watt. Breath by breath gas exchange, heart rate, cardiac output, stroke volume and blood pressure were measured at each stage. Based on the experimental data, firstly we proved that our previous model is capable to regenerate the cardiovascular variables observed in the subjects under different exercise levels. Secondly, we improved the model by incorporating a robust and efficient function to estimate metabolic demand. Then the new model can estimate both cardiovascular variables and metabolic demand with its simulation results within the range of SD (Standard Deviation, N=10) of the experimental data.

Yousef, B, Hoang, DB & Rogers, G 1970, 'Network programmability for VPN overlay construction and bandwidth management', ACTIVE NETWORKS, IFIP International Working Conference, Springer, Kansas, USA, pp. 114-125.
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Reliability and security concerns have increased demand for Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). Ideally, a VPN service should offer autonomous overlay networks with guaranteed bandwidth allocations over a shared network. Network providers seek an automated VPN creation and management process, while users of a VPN would greatly benefit from secure control over the handling of their traffic. Currently, network infrastructure does not support such partitioning services and, due to its static nature, it cannot be adapted to meet such new demands. Active and Programmable Network research has developed a number of adaptable architectures. However, its current focus is on theoretical service deployment rather than on applicability to large and shared networking environments. This paper presents the application of a new programmable architecture to enable on-demand VPN construction, bandwidth management, and secure autonomous VPN control onto shared commercial infrastructure.

Zhou, W, Miro, JV & Dissanayake, G 1970, 'Information efficient 3D visual SLAM in unstructured domains', PROCEEDINGS OF THE 2007 INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON INTELLIGENT SENSORS, SENSOR NETWORKS AND INFORMATION PROCESSING, International Conference on Intelligent Sensors, Sensor Networks and Information Processing, IEEE, Melbourne, Victoria, pp. 323-328.
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This paper presents a strategy for increasing the efficiency of simultaneous localisation and mapping (SLAM) in unknown and unstructured environments using a vision-based sensory package. Traditional feature-based SLAM, using either the Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) or its dual, the Extended Information Filter (EIF), leads to heavy computational costs while the environment expands and the number of features increases. In this paper we propose an algorithm to reduce computational cost for real-time systems by giving robots the 'intelligence' to select, out of the steadily collected data, the maximally informative observations to be used in the estimation process. We show that, although the actual evaluation of information gain for each frame introduces an additional computational cost, the overall efficiency is significantly increased by keeping the matrix compact. The noticeable advantage of this strategy is that the continuously gathered data is not heuristically segmented prior to be input to the filter. Quite the opposite, the scheme lends itself to be statistically optimal. © 2007 IEEE.

Ling, SS 2007, 'Real-coded genetic algorithm based variable feed-forward neural networks and their applications'.