Achuthan, A, Masendycz, P, Lopez, JA, Nguyen, T, James, DE, Sweet, MJ, Hamilton, JA & Scholz, GM 2008, 'Regulation of the Endosomal SNARE Protein Syntaxin 7 by Colony-Stimulating Factor 1 in Macrophages', Molecular and Cellular Biology, vol. 28, no. 20, pp. 6149-6159.
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ABSTRACT
Colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF-1) is the main growth factor controlling the development of macrophages from myeloid progenitor cells. However, CSF-1 also regulates some of the key effector functions of macrophages (e.g., phagocytosis and cytokine secretion). The endosomal SNARE protein syntaxin 7 (Stx7) regulates vesicle trafficking events involved in phagocytosis and cytokine secretion. Therefore, we investigated the ability of CSF-1 to regulate Stx7. CSF-1 upregulated Stx7 expression in primary mouse macrophages; it also upregulated expression of its SNARE partners Vti1b and VAMP8 but not Stx8. Additionally, CSF-1 induced the rapid serine phosphorylation of Stx7 and enhanced its binding to Vti1b, Stx8, and VAMP8. Bioinformatics analysis and results from experiments with kinase inhibitors suggested the CSF-1-induced phosphorylation of Stx7 was mediated by protein kinase C and Akt in response to phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activation. Based on mutagenesis studies, CSF-1 appeared to increase the binding of Stx7 to its SNARE partners by inducing the phosphorylation of serine residues in the Habc domain and/or “linker” region of Stx7. Thus, CSF-1 is a key regulator of Stx7 expression and function in macrophages. Furthermore, the effects of CSF-1 on Stx7 may provide a mechanism for the regulation of macrophage effector functions by CSF-1.
Ahlborg, HG, Nguyen, ND, Center, JR, Eisman, JA & Nguyen, TV 2008, 'Incidence and risk factors for low trauma fractures in men with prostate cancer', Bone, vol. 43, no. 3, pp. 556-560.
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Background: Men with prostate cancer on androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) are at increased risk of bone loss. The present study sought to determine the incidence of low trauma fracture in men with prostate cancer (PC), and to characterize the association between potential risk factors and fracture risk in these men. Methods: In the prospective, population-based Dubbo Osteoporosis Epidemiology Study, 43 men aged 60+ years reported a history of prostate cancer; among whom, 22 men received ADT, and 21 men did not. Low-trauma fractureswere ascertained between 1989 and 2004. Bone mineral density at the femoral neck (FNBMD), postural instability and lifestyle factors were obtained at baseline. Results: Men with prostate cancer had significantly higher lumbar spine BMD than those without cancer (p=0.013). During the follow-up period, 15 men with prostate cancer had sustained a fracture, yielding the ageadjusted incidence of fracture among this group was 31.6 per 1000 person-years, which was greater than those without cancer (22.1 per 1000 person-years). The age-adjusted incidence of fracture was more pronounced among those with prostate cancer on ADT (40.2 per 1000 person-years). After adjusting for age, the increase in fracture risk among prostate cancer patientswas associated with lower femoral neck BMD (hazard ratio [HR] per SD=1.8, 95% CI: 1.03.4) and increased rate of bone loss (HR 2.3, 1.24.6). Conclusions: Menwith prostate cancer, particularly those treated with ADT, had an increased fracture risk. Although the average BMD inmen with prostate cancerwas higher thanmen without cancer, a lowBMDprior to treatment or increased rate of bone loss after initiating ADT treatment was each a significant predictor of fracture in these.
Alexiou, H & Coutts, AJ 2008, 'A Comparison of Methods Used for Quantifying Internal Training Load in Women Soccer Players', INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPORTS PHYSIOLOGY AND PERFORMANCE, vol. 3, no. 3, pp. 320-330.
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Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the session-RPE method for quantifying internal training load (TL) with various HR-based TL quantification methods in a variety of training modes with women soccer players. Methods: Fifteen elite women soccer players took part in the study (age: 19.3 ï½ 2.0 y and VO2max: 50.8 ï½ 2.7 mLï½kg-1ï½min-1). Session-RPE, heart rate, and duration were recorded for 735 individual training sessions and matches over a period of 16 wk. Correlation analysis was used to compare session-RPE TLs with three commonly used HR-based methods for assessing TL. Results: The mean correlation for session-RPE TL with Banisterï½s TRIMP, LTzone TL and Edwardsï½s TL were (r = 0.84, 0.83, and 0.85, all P < .01, respectively). Correlations for session-RPE TL and three HR-based methods separated by session type were all significant (all P < .05). The strongest correlations were reported for technical (r = 0.68 to 0.82), conditioning (r = 0.60 to 0.79), and speed sessions (r = 0.61 to 0.79). Conclusion: The session-RPE TL showed a significant correlation with all training types common to soccer. Higher correlations were found with less intermittent, aerobic-based training sessions and suggest that HR-based TLs relate better to session-RPE TLs in less intermittent training activities. These results support previous findings showing that the session-RPE TL compares favorably with HR-based methods for quantifying internal TL in a variety of soccer training activities.
Bedford, DS, Brown, DA, Malmi, T & Sivabalan, P 2008, 'Balanced scorecard design and performance impacts: some Australian evidence', Journal of Applied Management Accounting Research, vol. 6, no. 2, pp. 17-36.
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Academic literature is giving increased consideration to the use of performance measurement systems, notably the Balanced Scorecard (BSC). However, there has been limited empirical investigation into the particular benefits that result from the use of the BSC (Ittner and Larcker, 1998). This study empirically examines how the BSC has been applied in practice and whether different BSC designs result in varying performance outcomes. Data is from a cross sectional survey, which provided a sample of 92 Australian firms using BSC. It is hypothesised that the BSC provides greater benefits when 1) cause and effect logic is used between measures 2) nonfinancial measures are tied to compensation and 3) implemented at multiple levels within the organisation. Results support the first proposition, although cause and effect logic appears to be more important if the BSC is tied to compensation. These results are discussed, and implications for practice and future research are presented.
Brown, DA, Bedford, DS & Sivabalan, P 2008, 'Use and impacts of the balances scorecard in Australia: what's the state of play?', In the Black, vol. 78, no. 09, pp. 56-59.
Burgess, JK, Lee, JH, Ge, Q, Ramsay, EE, Poniris, MH, Parmentier, J, Roth, M, Johnson, PRA, Hunt, NH, Black, JL & Ammit, AJ 2008, 'Dual ERK and phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase pathways control airway smooth muscle proliferation: Differences in asthma', Journal of Cellular Physiology, vol. 216, no. 3, pp. 673-679.
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AbstractHyperplasia of airway smooth muscle (ASM) within the bronchial wall of asthmatic patients has been well documented and is likely due to increased muscle proliferation. We have shown that ASM cells obtained from asthmatic patients proliferate faster than those obtained from non‐asthmatic patients. In ASM from non‐asthmatics, mitogens act via dual signaling pathways (both ERK‐ and PI 3‐kinase‐dependent) to control growth. In this study we are the first to examine whether dual pathways control the enhanced proliferation of ASM from asthmatics. When cells were incubated with 0.1% or 1% FBS, ERK activation was significantly greater in cells from asthmatic subjects (P < 0.05). In contrast, when cells were stimulated with 10% FBS, ERK activity was significantly greater in the non‐asthmatic cells. However, cell proliferation in asthmatic cells was still significantly higher in cells stimulated by both 1% and 10% FBS. Pharmacological inhibition revealed that although dual proliferative pathways control ASM growth in cells from non‐asthmatics stimulated with 10% FBS to an equal extent ([3H]‐thymidine incorporation reduced to 57.2 ± 6.9% by the PI 3‐kinase inhibitor LY294002 and 57.8 ± 1.1% by the ERK‐pathway inhibitor U0126); in asthmatics, the presence of a strong proliferative stimulus (10% FBS) reduces ERK activation resulting in a shift to the PI 3‐kinase pathway. The underlying mechanism appears to be upregulation of an endogenous MAPK inhibitor—MKP‐1—that constrains ERK signaling in asthmatic cells under strong mitogenic stimulation. This study suggests that the PI 3‐kinase pathway may be an attractive target for reversing hyperplasia in asthma. J. Cell. Physiol. 216: 673–679, 2008, © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
CHAN, KY, FOGARTY, TC, AYDIN, ME, LING, SH & IU, HHC 2008, 'GENETIC ALGORITHMS WITH DYNAMIC MUTATION RATES AND THEIR INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS', International Journal of Computational Intelligence and Applications, vol. 07, no. 02, pp. 103-128.
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This paper presents a method on how to estimate main effects of gene representation. This estimate can be used not only to understand the domination of genes in the representation but also to design the mutation rate in genetic algorithms (GAs). A new approach of dynamic mutation rate is proposed by integrating the information of the main effects into the genes. By introducing the proposed method in GAs, both solution quality and solution stability can be improved in solving a set of parametrical test functions. The algorithm was applied to two illustrative applications to evaluate the performance of the proposed method, where the first application is on solving uncapacitated facility location problems and the next is on optimal power flow problems, which are employed. Results indicate that the proposed method yields significantly better results than the existing methods.
Chen, H, Hansen, MJ, Jones, JE, Vlahos, R, Anderson, GP & Morris, MJ 2008, 'Long-term cigarette smoke exposure increases uncoupling protein expression but reduces energy intake', Brain Research, vol. 1228, no. 4, pp. 81-88.
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The appetite suppressing effect of tobacco is a major driver of smoking behaviour; however few studies have addressed the effects of chronic cigarette smoke exposure (SE) on appetite, body weight and metabolic markers. We compared the effects of SE to equivalent food restriction (pair-fed, PF), against sham-exposure, on body weight, adiposity, cytokines, and levels of uncoupling proteins (UCP) and brain neuropeptide Y (NPY) in male Balb/C mice. SE rapidly induced anorexia, and after 12 weeks, SE and PF groups were lighter than control animals (23.9 ± 0.2, 25.5 ± 0.5, 26.8 ± 0.4 g respectively, P < 0.05). White fat (WAT) masses were reduced by both SE and PF. Plasma leptin and insulin were reduced in SE mice; insulin was further reduced by PF. Brown fat UCP1 and 3 mRNA were increased in SE animals relative to PF animals, possibly promoting thermogenesis. WAT mRNA expression of the inflammatory cytokine, TNFα was doubled by SE, while IL-6 was reduced by both PF and SE. Hypothalamic NPY content was increased by SE (89.3 ± 2.8 vs. 75.9 ± 2.4 ng control, P < 0.05), and more by PF (100.7 ± 3.4 ng, P < 0.05 compared to both groups), suggesting disinhibition due to reduced adipose derived leptin. In contrast to equivalent food restriction, cigarette smoke exposure reduced body weight and total hypothalamic NPY, and increased thermogenesis and markers of inflammation. The suppressed hypothalamic NPY and increased UCPs may contribute to the spontaneous hypophagia and extra weight loss in SE animals. These findings contribute to our understanding of weight loss in smoking-related lung disease, suggesting a greater impact than that due to anorexia alone. Crown Copyright © 2008.
Chen, H, Simar, D, Lambert, K, Mercier, J & Morris, MJ 2008, 'Maternal and Postnatal Overnutrition Differentially Impact Appetite Regulators and Fuel Metabolism', Endocrinology, vol. 149, no. 11, pp. 5348-5356.
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Maternal obesity is increasing, and it is known that the intrauterine experience programs fetal and newborn metabolism. However, the relative contributions of pre- or postnatal factors are unknown. We hypothesized that maternal overnutrition caused by long-term maternal obesity would exert a stronger detrimental impact than postnatal overnutrition on offspring metabolic homeostasis, with additional postnatal overnutrition exaggerating these alterations. Female Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to chow or high-fat cafeteria diet for 5 wk before mating and throughout gestation and lactation. On postnatal d 1, litters were adjusted to three per litter to induce postnatal overnutrition (vs. 12 in control). Hypothalamic appetite regulators neuropeptide Y and proopiomelanocortin, glucose transporter 4, and lipid metabolic markers were measured. At postnatal d 20, male pups born of obese dams, or those overnourished postnatally, were 42% heavier than controls; combining both interventions led to 80% greater body weight. Maternal obesity increased pup adiposity and led to glucose intolerance in offspring; these were exaggerated by additional postnatal overnutrition during lactation. Maternal obesity was also linked to hyperlipidemia in offspring and reduced hypothalamic neuropeptide Y and increased proopiomelanocortin mRNA expression. Postnatal overnutrition of offspring from obese dams amplified these hypothalamic changes. Both maternal and postnatal overnutrition reduced muscle glucose transporter 4. Adipose carnitine palmitoyl-transferase-1 and adipose triglyceride lipase mRNA was up-regulated only by postnatal overnutrition. Maternal overnutrition appears to alter central appetite circuits and promotes early-onset obesity; postnatal overnutrition interacted to cause peripheral lipid and glucose metabolic disorders, supporting the critical message to reduce early-life adverse nutritional impact.
Chen, W, Li, J, Li, S, Jiang, Z, Li, H & Peng, J 2008, 'High nonlinear photonic crystal fiber and its supercontinuum spectrum', Frontiers of Optoelectronics in China, vol. 1, no. 1-2, pp. 75-78.
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Cheng, TM, Savkin, AV, Celler, BG, Su, SW & Wang, L 2008, 'Nonlinear Modeling and Control of Human Heart Rate Response During Exercise With Various Work Load Intensities', IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING, vol. 55, no. 11, pp. 2499-2508.
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The first objective of this paper is to introduce a nonlinear system to model the heart rate (HR) response during and after treadmill walking exercise. The model is a feedback interconnected system that has components to describe the central and peripheral local responses to exercise and their interactions. The parameters of the model were experimentally identified from subjects walking on a treadmill at different speeds. The stability of the obtained nonlinear model was mathematically proven. The modeling results demonstrate that the proposed model can be useful in examining the cardiovascular response to exercise. Based on the nonlinear model, the second objective is to present a computer-controlled treadmill system for the regulation of HR during treadmill exercise. The proposed nonlinear controller consists of feedforward and feedback components. The designed control system was experimentally verified and the results demonstrated that the proposed computer-controlled treadmill system regulated the HR of the experimental subjects according to two different exercising HR profiles, indicating that it can play an important role in the design of exercise protocols for individuals. © 2006 IEEE.
Collocott, SJ, Dunlop, JB & Watterson, PA 2008, 'Thermal and spontaneous remagnetization in the bulk amorphous ferromagnets Nd(60)Fe(30)Al(10) and Nd(60)Fe(20)Co(10)Al(10)', JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSICS, vol. 103, no. 7, pp. 1-3.
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Bulk amorphous Nd60Fe30Al10 and Nd60Fe20Co10Al10 alloys, which display hard magnetic properties, have been prepared by arc melting and quenching into a copper mould. Following magnetic saturation and dc demagnetization, at room temperature, both materials are seen to exhibit the phenomena of thermal and spontaneous remagnetizations. The behavior of the observed thermal and spontaneous remagnetizations is similar to that exhibited in nucleation controlled sintered permanent magnets. The thermal remagnetization data are fitted using a model, developed from the theory of Schumann and Jahn [J. Magn. Magn. Mater. 232, 231 (2001)] for explaining thermal remagnetization in polycrystalline magnets, to gauge its usefulness when applied to amorphous ferromagnets. The spontaneous remagnetization behavior is interpreted in the context of the Preisach model.
Coutts, AJ & Reaburn, P 2008, 'Monitoring changes in rugby league players' perceived stress and recovery during intensified training', PERCEPTUAL AND MOTOR SKILLS, vol. 106, no. 3, pp. 904-916.
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This study assessed whether the Recovery-Stress Questionnaire for Athletes (RESTQ-Sport) could be used to monitor changes in perceived stress and recovery during intensified training of rugby league players. 20 semiprofessional rugby league players were divided into two equal groups randomly assigned to complete 6 wk. of Normal Training or Intensified Training, each followed with a 7-day taper. Multistage Fitness Test performance and RESTQ-Sport measures were taken at the beginning, at 2-wk. intervals, and at the end of the training period. Endurance significantly decreased with Intensified Training and returned to baseline levels following the taper, while remaining unchanged in the Normal Training group. The RESTQSport scores with training were positively related to stress subscale scores (Fatigue, Disturbed Breaks, and General Stress) and recovery subscale measures (Success, Physical Recovery, Being in Shape, Self-efficacy, Social Relaxation, General Well-being, and Sleep Quality) decreasing in the Intensified Training group and then normalising following the taper (Stress subscales: Fatigue and General Stress, and Recovery subscales: Physical Recovery and General Well-being). The RESTQ-Sport is a practical psychometric tool for monitoring responses to training in team-sport athletes.
Du, H, Zhang, N & Nguyen, H 2008, 'Mixed H2/H∞ control of tall buildings with reduced-order modelling technique', Structural Control and Health Monitoring, vol. 15, no. 1, pp. 64-89.
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In this paper, a reduced-order technique based on the dynamic condensation method is applied to obtain a reduced-order model of an experimental tall building which has 20 floors and is 2.5 m high. The experimental model is designed to imitate a practical
Dunlop, RA, Dean, RT & Rodgers, KJ 2008, 'The impact of specific oxidized amino acids on protein turnover in J774 cells', BIOCHEMICAL JOURNAL, vol. 410, no. 1, pp. 131-140.
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Oxidized protein deposition and accumulation have been implicated in the aetiology of a wide variety of age-related pathologies. Protein oxidation in vivo commonly results in the in situ modification of amino acid side chains, generating new oxidized ami
Feller, JM, Simpson, AM, Nelson, M, Swan, MA, O'Connell, PJ, Hawthorne, WJ, Tao, C & O'Brien, BA 2008, 'Growth-Promoting Effect of Rh(D) Antibody on Human Pancreatic Islet Cells', The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, vol. 93, no. 9, pp. 3560-3567.
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Context/Objective: Hyperinsulinism with islet cell hyperplasia is a frequent complication, of unknown cause, in hemolytic disease of the newborn, occurring in Rh(D)-positive infants of Rh-isoimmunized Rh(D)-negative mothers, but not in infants with other hemolytic disorders. We investigated the possibility that trans-placentally acquired anti-D Ig is the cause of both conditions.Design: Monolayer cultures of human islet cells were exposed to sera from Rh-isoimmunized mothers and newborns, where jaundice, hyperinsulinism, and hypoglycemia in the infant had ensued. Parallel cultures with anti-D, specific anti-D monoclonal antibodies, normal human Ig (15 μg/ml), and serum controls were also undertaken. Islet cell proliferation was determined by [3H]thymidine incorporation. Insulin storage and chronic and acute insulin secretion to glucose were analyzed by RIA. Rh(D) surface antigen expression was determined on islet cells by flow cytometric analysis.Results: Islet cell proliferation and insulin secretion were significantly greater in coculture with test sera (P < 0.01; n = 8) and with anti-D (P < 0.001; n = 8), compared with either controls or Ig. After 8 d of growth, the static incubation experiment showed a 3.5-fold response to glucose stimulus in all sera. Rh(D) antigen expression was detected on the islet cell surface by flow cytometry, and islet cell morphology was normal. Colocalization of the proliferation marker Ki67 with insulin by immunofluorescent staining further indicated that Rh(D) antibody promoted islet growth.Conclusions: The anti-Rh(D) islet cell proliferative effect generates neonatal hyperinsulinism in Rh isoimmunization. Anti-Rh(D) may have application for islet cell proliferation in diabetes mellitus treatment for Rh(D)-positive subjects. Further analysis is required.
Frazier, SK, Lennie, TA & Moser, DK 2008, 'Preface', Nursing Clinics of North America, vol. 43, no. 1, pp. xi-xii.
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Gentile, C, Fleming, PA, Mironov, V, Argraves, KM, Argraves, WS & Drake, CJ 2008, 'VEGF‐mediated fusion in the generation of uniluminal vascular spheroids', Developmental Dynamics, vol. 237, no. 10, pp. 2918-2925.
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AbstractEmbryonic mouse allantoic tissue (E8.5) was cultured in hanging drops to generate a three‐dimensional vascular micro‐tissue. The resulting tissue spheroids had an inner network of small diameter vessels expressing platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule‐1 (PECAM‐1) and an outer layer of cells expressing SMαA, SM22‐α, and SM‐MHC. In a subsequent phase of culture, the fusion‐promoting activity of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was used to transform the inner network of small diameter endothelial tubes into a contiguous layer of cells expressing PECAM‐1, CD34, and VE‐cadherin that circumscribed a central lumen‐like cavity. The blood vessel‐like character of the VEGF‐treated spheroids was further demonstrated by their physiologically relevant vasodilatory and contractile responses, including contraction induced by KCl and relaxation stimulated by high‐density lipoproteins and acetylcholine‐induced nitric oxide production. Developmental Dynamics 237:2918–2925, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
GHALY, S, DE ABREU LOURENCO, R & ABBOTT, JA 2008, 'Audit of endometrial biopsy at outpatient hysteroscopy', Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, vol. 48, no. 2, pp. 202-206.
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Background and aim: Outpatient hysteroscopy (OPH) and endometrial biopsy (EMB) are less invasive alternatives to inpatient hysteroscopy and dilatation and curettage for assessment of the endometrium. Using local anaesthetic, the procedure is readily tolerated and can be completed in an ambulatory setting. This study aims to audit OPH and EMB conducted over three consecutive years with regard to the ability to complete the procedure and subsequent pathology.Methods: Data were retrospectively collected from the medical records of patients who underwent OPH during the study period. Data collected included demography, medical history, procedure details and outcome. An indicative assessment of the resource requirements for provision of these services in an outpatient versus inpatient setting was also conducted based on published cost information.Results: Between June 2003 to June 2006, 435 OPH were performed and 427 of these were available for audit. Four hundred and five (94.8%) of the procedures were successful. Sixty‐five (18.8%) EMBs were reported to be insufficient, of which 41 (63%) were in postmenopausal women (P < 0.001). Women who presented with postmenopausal bleeding were significantly more likely to have an insufficient sample (P < 0.001). The Australian Refined Diagnosis Related Groups cost for inpatient hysteroscopy is $A1,786, including $A711 in theatre costs and $A258 in ward costs. These costs are not incurred with OPH.Conclusion: This study indicates that hysteroscopy and EMB can be easily and successfully performed as an outpatient procedure in Australia. Pathology can be readily identified and management planned. Moreover, an opportunity exists for a reduction in resource use by utilising this procedure instead of inpatient h...
Gorrie, CA, Brown, J & Waite, PME 2008, 'Crash characteristics of older pedestrian fatalities: Dementia pathology may be related to 'at risk' traffic situations', ACCIDENT ANALYSIS AND PREVENTION, vol. 40, no. 3, pp. 912-919.
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Older people are over represented among pedestrian casualties, and cognitive decline is an often cited possible contributory factor. Cognitive decline and dementia are intimately associated, however the role dementia might play in older pedestrian crashe
Gorrie, CA, Waite, PME & Rogers, LJ 2008, 'Correlations Between Hand Preference and Cortical Thickness in the Secondary Somatosensory (SII) Cortex of the Common Marmoset, Callithrix jacchus', BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE, vol. 122, no. 6, pp. 1343-1351.
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Cortical asymmetries are well established in humans for language and motor regions and correlate with handedness. Here the authors investigate structural differences in the hemispheres of left- and right-handed common marmosets using surface photography
Gunning, SJ, Maggio, F, Windley, MJ, Valenzuela, SM, King, GF & Nicholson, GM 2008, 'The Janus-faced atracotoxins are specific blockers of invertebrate K(Ca) channels', FEBS JOURNAL, vol. 275, no. 16, pp. 4045-4059.
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The Janus-faced atracotoxins are a unique family of excitatory peptide toxins that contain a rare vicinal disulfide bridge. Although lethal to a wide range of invertebrates, their molecular target has remained enigmatic for almost a decade. We demonstrate here that these toxins are selective, high-affinity blockers of invertebrate Ca2+-activated K+ (K Ca) channels. Janus-faced atracotoxin (J-ACTX)-Hv1c, the prototypic member of this toxin family, selectively blocked KCa channels in cockroach unpaired dorsal median neurons with an IC50 of 2 nm, but it did not significantly affect a wide range of other voltage-activated K +, Ca2+ or Na+ channel subtypes. J-ACTX-Hv1c blocked heterologously expressed cockroach large-conductance Ca 2+-activated K+ (pSlo) channels without a significant shift in the voltage dependence of activation. However, the block was voltage-dependent, indicating that the toxin probably acts as a pore blocker rather than a gating modifier. The molecular basis of the insect selectivity of J-ACTX-Hv1c was established by its failure to significantly inhibit mouse mSlo currents (IC50 ∼ 10 μm) and its lack of activity on rat dorsal root ganglion neuron KCa channel currents. This study establishes the Janus-faced atracotoxins as valuable tools for the study of invertebrate KCa channels and suggests that KCa channels might be potential insecticide targets. © 2008 The Authors.
Heness, G, Booth, N & Ben-Nissan, B 2008, 'Does Size Matter? - The Effect of Volume on the Compressive Strength of Open Cell Brittle Ceramics', Advanced Materials Research, vol. 41-42, pp. 221-226.
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This study investigates the effect of specimen volume on the compressive strength of
open cell brittle ceramics. A series of unconfined compression tests were carried out on specimens
ranging in volume. The crushing strength and apparent stiffness were measured and these results are
correlated with the volume of material stressed. It was found that as the volume of material tested
decreased the strength decreased.
Hill-Haas, S, Coutts, A, Rowsell, G & Dawson, B 2008, 'Variability of acute physiological responses and performance profiles of youth soccer players in small-sided games', Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, vol. 11, no. 5, pp. 487-490.
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The aim of this study was to examine the variability in physiological and perceptual responses and time-motion profiles of various small-sided soccer game (SSG) formats (2 versus 2, 4 versus 4 and 6 versus 6 players) and regimes (interval and continuous). Typical error (TE) was calculated for mean heart rate as a percentage of maximum heart rate (%HRmax), global ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), blood lactate [La-] and various time-motion characteristics for 16 male soccer players (mean 16.2 years, range 15.6-17.9). The TE for HR responses were <5% for all SSGs. RPE also demonstrated small variability across all SSGs, with TE ranging between 1 and 2 units. In contrast, the TE% for [La-] was higher, ranging from 16% (2 versus 2-interval) to 34% (4 versus 4-interval). The TE% for total distance (TD) and distance covered at 0-6.9 km/h was <5% for all SSGs, with 2 versus 2 interval and continuous games recording the lowest TE (2.2% and 2.9%, respectively). An increase in game format size does not appear to influence the variability of the acute physiological responses to SSGs, although continuous formats display less variability than interval formats. The TD, distance covered and percentage of total time moving at 0-6.9 km/h demonstrated small variability across all formats and regimes. However, higher movement speeds zones (>8 km/h) reflected increased variability, irrespective of game format or regime. Collectively, these results suggest that SSG training can provide a reliable aerobic training stimulus.
Hill-Haas, S, Rowsell, G, Coutts, A & Dawson, B 2008, 'The Reproducibility of Physiological Responses and Performance Profiles of Youth Soccer Players in Small-Sided Games', International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, vol. 3, no. 3, pp. 393-396.
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Hoang, D & Lawrence, E 2008, 'An Active Grid infrastructure for elderly care', Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, vol. 14, no. 7, pp. 363-367.
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We propose a technique in which elderly people can be monitored non-intrusively. The information is kept in an ‘active’ health record which becomes alive when attention or action is necessary concerning the condition of the elderly person. The proposed system consists of three main components: a sensor/actor loop, sensor records and associated active services, and a Grid middleware platform. Information is captured in realtime within a collaborative health-care Grid. The Grid connects elderly people, caregivers and medical service providers in ways that reduce unnecessary calls on expensive medical services through an intermediate local service centre (which can be virtual) assisted with Internet communications and monitoring technologies. The proposal should support preventive health-care programmes for reducing the cost of caring for the elderly.
Hutvagner, G & Simard, MJ 2008, 'Argonaute proteins: key players in RNA silencing', Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, vol. 9, no. 1, pp. 22-32.
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During the past decade, small non-coding RNAs have rapidly emerged as important contributors to gene regulation. To carry out their biological functions, these small RNAs require a unique class of proteins called Argonautes. The discovery and our comprehension of this highly conserved protein family is closely linked to the study of RNA-based gene silencing mechanisms. With their functional domains, Argonaute proteins can bind small non-coding RNAs and control protein synthesis, affect messenger RNA stability and even participate in the production of a new class of small RNAs, Piwi-interacting RNAs. © 2008 Nature Publishing Group.
Huynh, KN, Oliver, BG, Stelzer, S, Rawlinson, WD & Tovey, ER 2008, 'A new method for sampling and detection of exhaled respiratory virus aerosols', CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES, vol. 46, no. 1, pp. 93-95.
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We have developed a mask sampler for exhaled respiratory viruses. Among a group of 9 patients with cold symptoms who had virus-positive nasal mucus specimens, as analyzed by multiplexed polymerase chain reaction, virus-positive mask samples were obtained after coughing (20 times), talking (20 min), or breathing (20 min) from 6, 5, and 3 patients, respectively. © 2007 by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved.
Jinyan Li & Junghwan Kim 2008, 'Performance Analysis of MF-TDMA Multi-Carrier Demultiplexer/Demodulators (MCDDs) in the Presence of Critical Degrading Factors', IEEE Transactions on Broadcasting, vol. 54, no. 3, pp. 371-382.
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Kabakova, IV & Sukhorukov, AP 2008, 'Spatial switching of an optical signal in a defocusing photorefractive crystal', Bulletin of the Russian Academy of Sciences: Physics, vol. 72, no. 1, pp. 3-5.
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The method of spatial switching of the propagation direction of an optical signal, based on the effect of signal wave reflection upon interaction with a high-power pump beam in bulk photorefractive media with defocusing nonlinearity has been considered for the first time. Criteria of signal reflection from a pump-induced optical inhomogeneity in a material are determined. Trajectories of the signal wave center are obtained for characteristic reflection parameters. © Allerton Press, Inc. 2008.
Kamal, MA, Qu, X, Yu, Q-S, Tweedie, D, Holloway, HW, Li, Y, Tan, Y & Greig, NH 2008, 'Tetrahydrofurobenzofuran cymserine, a potent butyrylcholinesterase inhibitor and experimental Alzheimer drug candidate, enzyme kinetic analysis', Journal of Neural Transmission, vol. 115, no. 6, pp. 889-898.
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Synaptic loss, particularly related to the forebrain cholinergic system, is considered to be an early event that leads to Alzheimer's disease (AD) and has led to the development of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChE-Is) as the mainstay of treatment for several degenerative disorders that culminate in dementia. The primary dose-limiting toxicities of all clinically available AChE-Is are, similar to useful actions on cognition, cholinergically mediated and they ultimately limit the value of this drug class in achieving anything but symptomatic improvements. In addition, AChE levels in brain areas associated with AD decline with disease progression, which likely ultimately limits the therapeutic utility of this drug class. New research indicates that selective inhibition of butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE), a closely related enzyme that is markedly elevated in AD brain, increases acetylcholine (ACh) and augments cognition in rodents free of the characteristic undesirable actions of AChE-Is. BuChE inhibition hence represents an innovative treatment approach for AD, and agents are currently being synthesized to optimally achieve this. The novel compound, tetrahydrofurobenzofuran cymserine (THFBFC), is derived from our effort to produce a potent and BuChE-selective inhibitor as a candidate to test the hypothesis that BuChE-Is would be efficacious and better tolerated than AChE-Is in AD. Herein, we applied innovative enzyme kinetic analyses to characterize the quantitative interaction of THFBFC with human BuChE. These provided values for the agent's IC50, together with specific new kinetic constants, such as KT50, KT1/2, RI, oKRT, oPmax, KPT and PT1/2, to aid define target concentrations for clinical translation. Additional classical kinetic parameters, including Ki, Km or Ks, kcat or Vmax and Vmi were also determined. THFBFC proved to be a potent competitive inhibitor of human BuChE and, like its isomer dihydrobenzodioxepine cymserine, is a potentially intere...
K-CY, M 2008, 'Androgen therapy and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease', Vascular Health and Risk Management, vol. 4, no. 1, pp. 11-21.
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Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death in Western society today. There is a striking gender difference in CVD with men predisposed to earlier onset and more severe disease. Following the recent reevaluation and ongoing debate regarding the estrogen protection hypothesis, and given that androgen use and abuse is increasing in our society, the alternate view that androgens may promote CVD in men is assuming increasing importance. Whether androgens adversely affect CVD in either men or women remains a contentious issue within both the cardiovascular and endocrinological fraternities. This review draws from basic science, animal and clinical studies to outline our current understanding regarding androgen effects on atherosclerosis, the major CVD, and asks where future directions of atherosclerosis-related androgen research may lie. © 2008 Dove Medical Press Limited. All rights reserved.
Kealley, CS, Latella, BA, van Riessen, A, Elcombe, MM & Ben-Nissan, B 2008, 'Micro- and Nano-Indentation of a Hydroxyapatite-Carbon Nanotube Composite', JOURNAL OF NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY, vol. 8, no. 8, pp. 3936-3941.
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The mechanical properties of pure synthetic hydroxyapatite and hydroxyapatite-carbon nanotube composites were examined. Vickers microhardness and nanoindentation using a Berkovich tipped indenter were used to determine the hardness, fracture toughness an
Kennedy, P, Francis, N, Rovnyak, D & Kastner, ME 2008, 'Redetermination ofcis-diaquadiglycolatozinc(II)', Acta Crystallographica Section E Structure Reports Online, vol. 64, no. 12, pp. m1635-m1635.
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Khosroshahi, ME, Mahmoodi, M, Tavakoli, J & Tahriri, M 2008, 'Effect of Nd:Yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser radiation on Ti6Al4V alloy properties for biomedical applications', Journal of Laser Applications, vol. 20, no. 4, pp. 209-217.
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The effect of Nd:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser on the microtopography and physicochemical properties of Ti6Al4V alloy are investigated in the view of biomedical applications. The surface roughness and hardness for laser treated samples (LTS) at 140 J cm−2 were measured 7±0.02 and 825 vickers hardness number, respectively. This superior microhardness value 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. A higher corrosion potential of −0.21 V was achieved for LTS. At the optimium treating value of laser fluence (140 J cm−2), the energy dispersive x-ray analysis showed about a 30% decrease of vanadium. The contact angle measurements also indicated an improved surface wettability (i.e., hydrophilicity) characteristic at 35°. Finally, the cell culture studies provided a useful tool to investigate the morphology and cell cytotoxicity.
Kim, S, Kang, J, Chung, YJ, Li, J & Ryu, KH 2008, 'Clustering orthologous proteins across phylogenetically distant species', Proteins: Structure, Function, and Bioinformatics, vol. 71, no. 3, pp. 1113-1122.
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AbstractThe quality of orthologous protein clusters (OPCs) is largely dependent on the results of the reciprocal BLAST (basic local alignment search tool) hits among genomes. The BLAST algorithm is very efficient and fast, but it is very difficult to get optimal solution among phylogenetically distant species because the genomes with large evolutionary distance typically have low similarity in their protein sequences. To reduce the false positives in the OPCs, thresholding is often employed on the BLAST scores. However, the thresholding also eliminates large numbers of true positives as the orthologs from distant species likely have low BLAST scores. To rectify this problem, we introduce a new hybrid method combining the Recursive and the Markov CLuster (MCL) algorithms without using the BLAST thresholding. In the first step, we use InParanoid to produce n(n−1)/2 ortholog tables from n genomes. After combining all the tables into one, our clustering algorithm clusters ortholog pairs recursively in the table. Then, our method employs MCL algorithm to compute the clusters and refines the clusters by adjusting the inflation factor. We tested our method using six different genomes and evaluated the results by comparing against Kegg Orthology (KO) OPCs, which are generated from manually curated pathways. To quantify the accuracy of the results, we introduced a new intuitive similarity measure based on our Least‐move algorithm that computes the consistency between two OPCs. We compared the resulting OPCs with the KO OPCs using this measure. We also evaluated the performance of our method using InParanoid as the baseline approach. The experimental results show that, at the inflation factor 1.3, we produced 54% more orthologs than InParanoid sacrificing a little less accuracy (1.7% less) than InParanoid, and at the factor 1.4, produced not only 15% more orthologs than InParanoid but also a higher accuracy (1.4% more) than InPara...
Lam, HK, Ling, W-K, Iu, HH-C & Ling, SSH 2008, 'Synchronization of chaotic systems using time-delayed fuzzy state-feedback controller', IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON CIRCUITS AND SYSTEMS I-REGULAR PAPERS, vol. 55, no. 3, pp. 893-903.
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Lewis, K, Valenzuela, SM & Ben-Nissan, B 2008, 'Changes in the Activity of Osteoblast Like Cells with Sol-Gel Derived Hydroxyapatite and Zirconia Nanocoatings', Key Engineering Materials, vol. 361-363, no. 1, pp. 633-636.
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When producing implant materials, achievement of optimal bioactivity and biocompatibility are essential. Nanocoatings can provide an efficient cost effective way to alter the interactions of the implant material with its destined “host” environment. Nanocoatings of sol-gel derived carbonated hydroxyapatite (HAp) and zirconia were produced in this study. The surfaces were characterised by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and light microscopy. Cell adhesion, proliferation and viability, as well as expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP is an indicator of bone formation) were assessed as indicators of biocompatibility. Our results have shown that sol-gel derived nano crystalline HAp acts as an ideal surface for implant coatings.
Li, L, Lou, Q, Zhou, J, Dong, J, Wei, Y & Li, J 2008, 'Influence of bending diameter on output capability of multimode fiber laser', Frontiers of Optoelectronics in China, vol. 1, no. 1-2, pp. 91-94.
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Ling, SH, Iu, HHC, Chan, KY, Lam, HK, Yeung, BCW & Leung, FH 2008, 'Hybrid particle swarm optimization with wavelet mutation and its industrial applications', IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON SYSTEMS MAN AND CYBERNETICS PART B-CYBERNETICS, vol. 38, no. 3, pp. 743-763.
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A new hybrid particle swarm optimization (PSO) that incorporates a wavelet-theory-based mutation operation is proposed. It applies the wavelet theory to enhance the PSO in exploring the solution space more effectively for a better solution. A suite of benchmark test functions and three industrial applications (solving the load flow problems, modeling the development of fluid dispensing for electronic packaging, and designing a neural-network-based controller) are employed to evaluate the performance and the applicability of the proposed method. Experimental results empirically show that the proposed method significantly outperforms the existing methods in terms of convergence speed, solution quality, and solution stability. © 2008 IEEE.
Ling, SH, Iu, HHC, Leung, FHF & Chan, KY 2008, 'Improved hybrid particle swarm optimized wavelet neural network for Modeling the development of Fluid Dispensing for Electronic Packaging', IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INDUSTRIAL ELECTRONICS, vol. 55, no. 9, pp. 3447-3460.
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An improved hybrid particle swarm optimization (PSO)-based wavelet neural network (WNN) for Modeling the development of Fluid Dispensing for Electronic Packaging (MFD-EP) is presented in this paper. In modeling the fluid dispensing process, it is important to understand the process behavior as well as determine the optimum operating conditions of the process for a high-yield, low-cost, and robust operation. Modeling the fluid dispensing process is a complex nonlinear problem. This kind of problem is suitable to be solved by applying a neural network. Among the different kinds of neural networks, the WNN is a good choice to solve the problem. In the proposed WNN, the translation parameters are variables depending on the network inputs. Due to the variable translation parameters, the network becomes an adaptive one that provides better performance and increased learning ability than conventional WNNs. An improved hybrid PSO is applied to train the parameters of the proposed WNN. The proposed hybrid PSO incorporates a wavelet-theory-based mutation operation. It applies the wavelet theory to enhance the PSO in more effectively exploring the solution space to reach a better solution. A case study of MFD-EP is employed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. © 2008 IEEE.
Liu, G, Li, J & Wong, L 2008, 'A new concise representation of frequent itemsets using generators and a positive border', KNOWLEDGE AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS, vol. 17, no. 1, pp. 35-56.
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A complete set of frequent itemsets can get undesirably large due to redundancy when the minimum support threshold is low or when the database is dense. Several concise representations have been previously proposed to eliminate the redundancy. Generator based representations rely on a negative border to make the representation lossless. However, the number of itemsets on a negative border sometimes even exceeds the total number of frequent itemsets. In this paper, we propose to use a positive border together with frequent generators to form a lossless representation. A positive border is usually orders of magnitude smaller than its corresponding negative border. A set of frequent generators plus its positive border is always no larger than the corresponding complete set of frequent itemsets, thus it is a true concise representation. The generalized form of this representation is also proposed. We develop an efficient algorithm, called GrGrowth, to mine generators and positive borders as well as their generalizations. The GrGrowth algorithm uses the depth-first-search strategy to explore the search space, which is much more efficient than the breadth-first-search strategy adopted by most of the existing generator mining algorithms. Our experiment results show that the GrGrowth algorithm is significantly faster than level-wise algorithms for mining generator based representations, and is comparable to the state-of-the-art algorithms for mining frequent closed itemsets. © Springer-Verlag London Limited 2007.
Lord, MS, Modin, C, Foss, M, Duch, M, Simmons, A, Pedersen, FS, Besenbacher, F & Milthorpe, BK 2008, 'Extracellular matrix remodelling during cell adhesion monitored by the quartz crystal microbalance', BIOMATERIALS, vol. 29, no. 17, pp. 2581-2587.
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A cell's ability to remodel adsorbed protein layers on surfaces is influenced by the nature of the protein layer itself. Remodelling is often required to accomplish cellular adhesion and extracellular matrix formation which forms the basis for cell spreading, increased adhesion and expression of different phenotypes. The adhesion of NIH3T3 (EGFP) fibroblasts to serum protein (albumin or fibronectin) precoated tantalum (Ta) and oxidised polystyrene (PSox) surfaces was examined using the quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) monitoring and fluorescence microscopy. The cells were either untreated or treated with cycloheximide to examine the contribution of endogenous protein production during cell adhesion to the QCM-D response over a period of 2 h. Following adsorption of albumin onto Ta and PSox there was no difference detected between the response to seeding untreated and cycloheximide treated cells. The QCM-D was able to detect differences in the untreated cellular responses to fibronectin versus serum precoated Ta and PSox substrates, while cycloheximide treatment of the cells produced the same QCM-D response for fibronectin and serum precoatings on each of the materials. This confirmed that the process of matrix remodelling by the cells is dependent on the underlying substrate and the preadsorbed proteins and that the QCM-D response is dominated by changes in the underlying protein layer. Changes in dissipation correspond to the development of the actin cytoskeleton as visualised by actin staining.
Lord, MS, Pasqui, D, Barbucci, R & Milthorpe, BK 2008, 'Protein adsorption on derivatives of hyaluronan', MACROMOLECULAR SYMPOSIA, vol. 266, no. 1, pp. 17-22.
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Serum protein adsorption and fibroblast cell adhesion on photo reactive hyaluronic acid (Hyal-N3) and its sulfated derivative (HyalS-N3) was analysed using a combination of quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) and cell adhesion assays. There was no significant differences in the amount of protein adsorbed onto the two polymers, however proteins were found to be more loosely bound to HyalS-N3 compared with Hyal-N3. Approximately 17% and 31% of the fibronectin interacting with Hyal-N3 and HyalS-N3 respectively was found to be irreversibly bound after rinsing with MilliQ water, SDS and urea. Proteins were exposed to the polymers before cell adhesion was monitored for a period of 2 hours in serum free conditions. Minimal cell adhesion was observed on albumin-coated materials as well as serum precoated Hyal-N3. Precoating the materials with fibronectin enhanced cell adhesion, although HyalS-N3 experienced higher levels of cell adhesion than Hyal-N3 and similar results were found for the serum precoated materials.
Meier, C 2008, 'Endogenous Sex Hormones and Incident Fracture Risk in Older Men<subtitle>The Dubbo Osteoporosis Epidemiology Study</subtitle>', Archives of Internal Medicine, vol. 168, no. 1, pp. 47-47.
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Background: Data on the influence of gonadal hormones on incident fracture risk in elderly men are limited. We prospectively examined the relationship between serum levels of testosterone and estradiol and future fracture risk in community-dwelling men. Methods: A total of 609 men older than 60 years had been observed between January 1989 and December 2005, with the median duration being 5.8 years (up to 13 years). Clinical risk factors, including bone mineral density and lifestyle factors, were assessed at baseline. Serum testosterone and estradiol levels were measured by tandem mass spectrometry. The incidence of a low-trauma fracture was ascertained during follow-up. Results: During follow-up, 113 men had at least 1 low-trauma fracture. The risk of fracture was significantly increased in men with reduced testosterone levels (hazard ratio [HR], 1.33; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09-1.62). After adjustment for sex hormone-binding globulin, serum testosterone (HR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.22-1.78) and serum estradiol (HR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.00-1.47) levels were associated with overall fracture risk. After further adjustment for major risk factors of fractures (age, weight or bone mineral density, fracture history, smoking status, calcium intake, and sex hormone-binding globulin), lower testosterone was still associated with increased risk of fracture, particularly with hip (HR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.24-2.82) and nonvertebral (HR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.03-1.68) fractures. Conclusion: in community-dwelling men older than 60 years, serum testosterone is independently associated with the risk of osteoporotic fracture and its measurement may provide additional clinical information for the assessment of fracture risk in elderly men.
Milthorpe, BK 2008, 'Application of biomechanics to tissue engineering: A personal view', JOURNAL OF MECHANICS IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY, vol. 8, no. 2, pp. 153-160.
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Cellular biomechanics is an area of study that is receiving more attention as time progresses. The response of cells to their mechanical environment, including biomechanical stimuli, has far-reaching ramifications for the area of tissue engineering, especially for tissues designed to withstand mechanical loading (e.g. bone, cartilage, tendons and ligaments, and arteries). The effects of mechanical stimuli on cells are only recently being examined, and the potential role of mechanical stimuli in tissue engineering is still one that is largely ignored in the design of tissue engineering scaffolds. The relationship of mechanical properties of scaffolds or of mechanical stimuli to cell behavior is complex, but vital to the development of the field. Also, understanding the complex interplay of form and environment on cells involves an increase in our knowledge of how cells react to their total environment including mechanical stimuli and material properties. In order to improve tissue engineering outcomes, a nexus must be developed between the mechanical, biochemical, and biological studies of cellular behavior, in the context of extremely complex systems
Miro, JV, Taha, T, Wang, D & Dissanayake, G 2008, 'An adaptive manoeuvring strategy for mobile robots in cluttered dynamic environments', International Journal of Automation and Control, vol. 2, no. 2/3, pp. 178-178.
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A novel method which combines an optimised global path planner with a real-time sensor-based collision avoidance mechanism to accommodate for dynamic changes in the environment (e.g., people) is presented. The basic concept is to generate a continually changing parameterised family of virtual force fields for the robot based on characteristics such as location, travelling speed and dimension of the objects in the vicinity, static and dynamic. The interactions among the repulsive forces associated with the various obstacles provide a natural way for local collision avoidance in a partially known cluttered environment. This is harnessed by locally modifying the planned behaviour of the moving platform in real-time, whilst preserving the optimised nature of the global path. Furthermore, path traversability is continually monitored by the global planner to trigger a complete path re-planning from the current location in case of major changes, most notably when the path is completely blocked by obstacles. Copyright © 2008, Inderscience Publishers.
Morris, MJ, Chen, H, Watts, R, Shulkes, A & Cameron-Smith, D 2008, 'Brain neuropeptide Y and CCK and peripheral adipokine receptors: temporal response in obesity induced by palatable diet', International Journal of Obesity, vol. 32, no. 2, pp. 249-258.
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Objective: Palatable food disrupts normal appetite regulation, which may contribute to the etiology of obesity. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) and cholecystokinin play critical roles in the regulation of food intake and energy homeostasis, while adiponectin and carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT) are important for insulin sensitivity and fatty acid oxidation. This study examined the impact of short- and long-term consumption of palatable high-fat diet (HFD) on these critical metabolic regulators. Methods: Male C57BL/6 mice were exposed to laboratory chow (12% fat), or cafeteria-style palatable HFD (32% fat) for 2 or 10 weeks. Body weight and food intake were monitored throughout. Plasma leptin, hypothalamic NPY and cholecystokinin, and mRNA expression of leptin, adiponectin, their receptors and CPT-1, in fat and muscles were measured. Results: Caloric intake of the palatable HFD group was 2-3 times greater than control, resulting in a 37% higher body weight. Fat mass was already increased at 2 weeks; plasma leptin concentrations were 2.4 and 9 times higher than control at 2 and 10 weeks, respectively. Plasma adiponectin was increased at 10 weeks. Muscle adiponectin receptor 1 was increased at 2 weeks, while CPT-1 mRNA was markedly upregulated by HFD at both time points. Hypothalamic NPY and cholecystokinin content were significantly decreased at 10 weeks. Conclusion: Palatable HFD induced hyperphagia, fat accumulation, increased adiponectin, leptin and muscle fatty acid oxidation, and reduced hypothalamic NPY and cholecystokinin. Our data suggest that the adaptive changes in hypothalamic NPY and muscle fatty acid oxidation are insufficient to reverse the progress of obesity and metabolic consequences induced by a palatable HFD. © 2008 Nature Publishing Group All rights reserved.
Mudhasani, R, Zhu, Z, Hutvagner, G, Eischen, CM, Lyle, S, Hall, LL, Lawrence, JB, Imbalzano, AN & Jones, SN 2008, 'Loss of miRNA biogenesis induces p19Arf-p53 signaling and senescence in primary cells', The Journal of Cell Biology, vol. 181, no. 7, pp. 1055-1063.
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Dicer, an enzyme involved in microRNA (miRNA) maturation, is required for proper cell differentiation and embryogenesis in mammals. Recent evidence indicates that Dicer and miRNA may also regulate tumorigenesis. To better characterize the role of miRNA in primary cell growth, we generated Dicer-conditional mice. Ablation of Dicer and loss of mature miRNAs in embryonic fibroblasts up-regulated p19Arf and p53 levels, inhibited cell proliferation, and induced a premature senescence phenotype that was also observed in vivo after Dicer ablation in the developing limb and in adult skin. Furthermore, deletion of the Ink4a/Arf or p53 locus could rescue fibroblasts from premature senescence induced by Dicer ablation. Although levels of Ras and Myc oncoproteins appeared unaltered, loss of Dicer resulted in increased DNA damage and p53 activity in these cells. These results reveal that loss of miRNA biogenesis activates a DNA damage checkpoint, up-regulates p19Arf-p53 signaling, and induces senescence in primary cells.
Newton-John, TR & Geddes, J 2008, 'The non-specific effects of group-based cognitive—behavioural treatment of chronic pain', Chronic Illness, vol. 4, no. 3, pp. 199-208.
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Group-based cognitive—behavioural therapy (CBT) for chronic, non-malignant pain is recognized as the treatment of choice for patients with intractable pain problems. The core components of CBT pain treatment have been standardized, and meta-analyses have shown that that this form of intervention is effective. However, the psychotherapy literature points to a range of influences on treatment outcome that arise out of the process of treatment, rather than directly from the active treatment components. These so-called non-specific treatment effects include the composition of the group, the leadership style of the group leader, and the ways in which group dynamics are dealt with. Although CBT pain management programmes are conducted in a group format, and are therefore subject to similar kinds of influences to other forms of group treatment, these issues have not been discussed in detail in any previous literature. The present paper proposes a number of non-specific treatment factors that are likely to be associated with positive outcomes from CBT pain management programmes, and discusses ways in which these factors may be deliberately manipulated in order to maximize treatment effectiveness.
Nguyen, HT 2008, 'Intelligent technologies for real-time biomedical engineering applications', International Journal of Automation and Control, vol. 2, no. 2/3, pp. 274-274.
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Intelligent technologies are essential for many biomedical engineering applications in order to cope with a wide variety of patient conditions or user disability. The development of advanced optimisation training algorithms such as adaptive optimal Bayesian neural networks is particularly useful when only limited training data are available. Two specific biomedical engineering applications will be presented. The first application concerns the development of a non-invasive monitor for real-time detection of hypoglycaemic episodes in Type 1 diabetes mellitus patients (T1DM). The second application relates to the development of real-time hands-free wheelchair control systems using head movement to provide mobility independence for severely disabled people.
Nguyen, ND, Frost, SA, Center, JR, Eisman, JA & Nguyen, TV 2008, 'Development of prognostic nomograms for individualizing 5-year and 10-year fracture risks', Osteoporosis International, vol. 19, no. 10, pp. 1431-1444.
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Summary: We have developed clinical nomograms for predicting 5-year and 10-year fracture risks for any elderly man or woman. The nomograms used age and information concerning fracture history, fall history, and BMD T-score or body weight. Introduction: Although many fracture risk factors have been identified, the translation of these risk factors into a prognostic model that can be used in primary care setting has not been well realized. The present study sought to develop a nomogram that incorporates non-invasive risk factors to predict 5-year and 10-year absolute fracture risks for an individual man and woman. Methods: The Dubbo Osteoporosis Epidemiology Study was designed as a community-based prospective study, with 1358 women and 858 men aged 60+ years as at 1989. Baseline measurements included femoral neck bone mineral density (FNBMD), prior fracture, a history of falls and body weight. Between 1989 and 2004, 426 women and 149 men had sustained a low-trauma fracture (not including morphometric vertebral fractures). Two prognostic models based on the Cox's proportional hazards analysis were considered: model I included age, BMD, prior fracture and falls; and model II included age, weight, prior fracture and fall. Results: Analysis of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) suggested that model I (AUC=0.75 for both sexes) performed better than model II (AUC=0.72 for women and 0.74 for men). Using the models' estimates, we constructred various nomograms for individualizing the risk of fracture for men and women. If the 5-year risk of 10% or greater is considered 'high risk', then virtually all 80-year-old men with BMD T-scores <-1.0 or 80-year-old women with T-scores <-2.0 were predicted to be in the high risk group. A 60-year-old woman's risk was considered high risk only if her BMD T-scores ≤-2.5 and with a prior fracture; however, no 60-year-old men would be in the high risk regardless of their BMD and risk profile. Conclus...
NGUYEN, TV 2008, 'Mapping translational research into individualized prognosis of fracture risk', International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases, vol. 11, no. 4, pp. 347-358.
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AbstractThe assessment of fracture risk has until now been based on the measurement of bone mineral density (BMD) and/or a prior fracture. Individuals with BMD T‐scores < –2.5 (e.g. osteoporosis) or with prior fractures are indicated for treatment. However, recent data have suggested that 55% of women and 74% of men who sustained a fracture did not have osteoporosis. Therefore, the current strategy reduces a small number of fractures in the general population, and new thinking is required for that majority of individuals whose BMD measurements are at or near (both sides) the current threshold of osteoporosis. An individual's absolute risk of fracture can be estimated from the individual risk profile, which includes age, BMD, weight or body mass index, prior fracture, comorbidities, corticosteroid use, lifestyle factors, and falls. Therefore, risk assessment must simultaneously consider all risk factors to which the individual is exposed. A number of prognostic models and predictive nomograms have been developed to estimate an individual's absolute risk of fracture, but they have not been externally validated. Nevertheless, these prognostic models can be effective tools for individualizing short‐term and long‐term risks of fracture, which can help patient counseling and selecting appropriate patients for intervention to maximize the benefit of fracture reduction in the general population.
Nguyen, TV, Center, JR & Eisman, JA 2008, 'Pharmacogenetics of osteoporosis and the prospect of individualized prognosis and individualized therapy', Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes & Obesity, vol. 15, no. 6, pp. 481-488.
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Purpose of review Description of recent progress in genetics and pharmacogenetics of osteoporosis. Recent findings Osteoporosis and its consequence of fragility fracture are characterized by highly complex phenotypes, which include bone mineral density,
Nguyen, TV, Nelson, AE, Howe, CJ, Seibel, MJ, Baxter, RC, Handelsman, DJ, Kazlauskas, R & Ho, KK 2008, 'Within-Subject Variability and Analytic Imprecision of Insulinlike Growth Factor Axis and Collagen Markers: Implications for Clinical Diagnosis and Doping Tests', Clinical Chemistry, vol. 54, no. 8, pp. 1268-1276.
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AbstractBackground: The utility of insulinlike growth factor (IGF) axis and collagen markers for a growth hormone (GH) doping test in sport depends on their stability and reproducibility. We sought to determine short-term within-subject variability of these markers in a large cohort of healthy individuals.Methods: We measured IGF-I, IGF binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3), acid labile subunit (ALS), and the collagen markers N-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PINP), C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP), and N-terminal propeptide of type III procollagen (PIIINP) in serum samples obtained on multiple occasions (median 3 per participant) over a 2- to 3-week period from 1103 elite athletes (699 men, 404 women) ages 22.2 (5.2) years [mean (SD)]. We estimated between-subject and within-subject variances by mixed–effects ANOVA.Results: Within-subject variance accounted for 32% to 36% and 4% to 13% of the total variance in IGF markers and collagen markers, respectively. The within-subject CV ranged from 11% to 21% for the IGF axis markers and from 13% to 15% for the collagen markers. The index of individuality for the IGF axis markers was 0.66–0.76, and for the collagen markers, 0.26–0.45. For each marker, individuals with initial extreme measured values tended to regress toward the population mean in subsequent repeated measurements. We developed a Bayesian model to estimate the long-term probable value for each marker.Conclusions: These results indicate that in healthy individuals the within-subject variability was greater for IGF-I than for the collagen markers, and that where a single measurement is available, it is possible to estimate the long-term probable value of each of the markers by applying the Bayesian approach. Such an application can increase the reliability and decrease the cost of detecting GH doping.
O'Brien, BA, Archer, NS, Simpson, AM, Torpy, FR & NasSif, NT 2008, 'Association of SLC11A1 promoter polymorphisms with the incidence of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases: A meta-analysis', JOURNAL OF AUTOIMMUNITY, vol. 31, no. 1, pp. 42-51.
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Solute carrier family 11 member a1 (SLC11A1) exerts pleiotropic effects on macrophage function. Expression of SLC11A1 is regulated by a (GT)n microsatellite promoter repeat polymorphism of which nine alleles have been described. Enhanced activation of macrophages, associated with increased expression from allele 3, may be functionally linked to the development of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Conversely, low expression, driven by allele 2, may afford resistance. We have performed a meta-analysis to determine the association of SLC11A1 promoter alleles 2 and 3 with autoimmunity and inflammation. A random effects pooled odds ratio (OR) of 1.04 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.20) for allele 3 suggested a weak association of this allele with an increased risk of disease. Calculation of the OR in the absence of asymmetry yielded a random effects pooled OR of 0.88 (95% CI = 0.66), effectively reversing the above association. A fixed effects pooled OR of 0.90 (95% CI = 0.24) was obtained for allele 2, suggesting a weak predominance of disease in the absence of this allele. Application of the trim-and-fill method resulted in a fixed effects OR of 0.80 (95% CI = 0.22), thus strengthening this association. Associations of allele 3 with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases reported in several association studies may be attributable to some form of bias amongst published results. © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Oliver, BGG, Lim, S, Wark, P, Laza-Stanca, V, King, N, Black, JL, Burgess, JK, Roth, M & Johnston, SL 2008, 'Rhinovirus exposure impairs immune responses to bacterial products in human alveolar macrophages', Thorax, vol. 63, no. 6, pp. 519-525.
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Background:Rhinovirus infection is responsible for considerable morbidity and mortality as the major cause of exacerbations of asthma, and is also known to induce exacerbations of cystic fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Exacerbations of these diseases are also frequently associated with bacterial and atypical bacterial infection. Alveolar macrophages are the major immune cells in the airways and are important in defence against bacterial infections.Methods:The authors investigated whether rhinovirus modifies cytokine release, the pattern recognition receptor expression and phagocytosis by human alveolar macrophages in response to bacterial products.Results:Viable rhinovirus was detected in macrophages up to 3 days after exposure and viral RNA expression persisted for 10 days. Infectious but not UV inactivated rhinovirus increased tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα) and interleukin (IL)8 release by macrophages. In contrast, infectious rhinovirus impaired lipopolysaccharide and lipoteichoic acid induced TNFα and IL8 secretion by macrophages. Rhinovirus induced impairment of macrophage antibacterial immune responses did not involve IL10, prostaglandin E2 or downregulation of Toll-like receptor 2. Furthermore, the macrophage phagocytic response to labelled bacterial particles, but not to latex beads, was impaired.Conclusion:The authors have identified impairment of cytokine responses to bacterial lipopolysaccharide and lipoteichoic acid by alveolar macrophages in response to infectious rhinovirus. Virus induced impairment of antibacterial host defence has important implications in the pathogenesis of exacerbations of respiratory diseases.
Parker, D, Mills, S & Abbey, J 2008, 'Effectiveness of interventions that assist caregivers to support people with dementia living in the community', International Journal of Evidence-Based Healthcare, vol. 6, no. 2, pp. 137-172.
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Parker, D, Mills, S & Abbey, J 2008, 'Effectiveness of interventions that assist caregivers to support people with dementia living in the community: a systematic review', International Journal of Evidence-Based Healthcare, vol. 6, no. 2, pp. 137-172.
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Parker, D, Mills, S & Abbey, J 2008, 'Effectiveness of interventions that assist caregivers to support people with dementia living in the community: a systematic review', JBI Library of Systematic Reviews, vol. 6, no. 13, pp. 484-544.
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Parker, D, Mills, S & Abbey, J 2008, 'Effectiveness of interventions that assist caregivers to support people with dementia living in the community: A systematic review', International Journal of Evidence-Based Healthcare, vol. 6, no. 2, pp. 137-172.
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Objectives: The objective of this review was to assess the effectiveness of interventions that assist caregivers to provide support for people living with dementia in the community. Inclusion criteria: Types of participants: Adult caregivers who provide support for people with dementia living in the community (non-institutional care). Types of interventions: Interventions designed to support caregivers in their role such as skills training, education to assist in caring for a person living with dementia and support groups/programs. Interventions of formal approaches to care designed to support caregivers in their role, care planning, case management and specially designated members of the healthcare team - for example dementia nurse specialist or volunteers trained in caring for someone with dementia. Types of studies: This review considered any meta-analyses, systematic reviews, randomised control trials, quasi-experimental studies, cohort studies, case control studies and observational studies without control groups that addressed the effectiveness of interventions that assist caregivers to provide support for people living with dementia in the community. Search strategy: The search sought to identify published studies from 2000 to 2005 through the use of electronic databases. Only studies in English were considered for inclusion. The initial search was conducted of the databases, CINAHL, MEDLINE and PsychINFO using search strategies adapted from the Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive Improvement Group. A second more extensive search was then conducted using the appropriate Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and keywords for other available databases. Finally, hand searching of reference lists of articles retrieved and of core dementia, geriatric and psycho geriatric journals was undertaken. Assessment of quality: Methodological quality of each of the articles was assessed by two independent reviewers using appraisal checklist developed by the Joanna Briggs...
Pham, TD, Honghui Wang, Xiaobo Zhou, Dominik Beck, Brandl, M, Hoehn, G, Azok, J, Brennan, M-L, Hazen, SL, Li, K & Wong, STC 2008, 'Computational Prediction Models for Early Detection of Risk of Cardiovascular Events Using Mass Spectrometry Data', IEEE Transactions on Information Technology in Biomedicine, vol. 12, no. 5, pp. 636-643.
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Early prediction of the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with chest pain is critical in order to provide appropriate medical care for those with positive diagnosis. This paper introduces a computational methodology for predicting such events in the context of robust computerized classification using mass spectrometry data of blood samples collected from patients in emergency departments. We applied the computational theories of statistical and geostatistical linear prediction models to extract effective features of the mass spectra and a simple decision logic to classify disease and control samples for the purpose of early detection. While the statistical and geostatistical techniques provide better results than those obtained from some other methods, the geostatistical approach yields superior results in terms of sensitivity and specificity in various designs of the data set for validation, training, and testing. The proposed computational strategies are very promising for predicting major adverse cardiac events within six months. © 2008 IEEE.
Phillips, J, Morgan, S, Cawthorne, K & Barnett, B 2008, 'Pilot Evaluation of Parent–Child Interaction Therapy Delivered in an Australian Community Early Childhood Clinic Setting', Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, vol. 42, no. 8, pp. 712-719.
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Objective: Parent–child interaction therapy (PCIT) is a short-term, evidence-based parent training intervention used widely in the treatment of behaviourally disordered preschool-aged children. Outcome studies have shown PCIT to be associated with lasting improvements in child and sibling behaviours and in the interactional styles, stress levels, confidence, and psychological functioning of parents. To date, however, all outcome studies have been conducted in university research clinic settings, and therefore understanding about the effectiveness of PCIT applied in a real-world setting has been limited. The present study evaluated the effectiveness of PCIT delivered to families in an Australian community-based early childhood clinic. Method: Participants included 43 families with children aged 19–52 months who were referred for treatment of disruptive child behaviours and who completed PCIT treatment at the Karitane Toddler Clinic, in Sydney, Australia. Parents provided pre- and post-treatment ratings of child behaviours, parental stress, parental psychopathology and parental attitudes to therapy. Results: At the end of the programme, clinically and statistically significant improvements were seen in child behaviours and parental well-being, and parents reported high levels of satisfaction with treatment. Conclusions: Implications for the implementation of PCIT programmes in community-based settings are discussed and areas of further research are identified.
Phillips, JL, Davidson, PM, Jackson, D & Kristjanson, LJ 2008, 'Multi-faceted palliative care intervention: aged care nurses' and care assistants' perceptions and experiences', JOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, vol. 62, no. 2, pp. 216-227.
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Title. Multi-faceted palliative care intervention: aged care nurses' and care assistants' perceptions and experiences. Aim. This paper is a report of a study to describe residential aged care nurses' and care assistants' perceptions of a multi-faceted palliative care intervention to identify potential areas to be addressed during subsequent action research phases. Background. Action research was used to enhance the delivery of a palliative approach in residential aged care. The chronic care model guided the development of a multi-faceted intervention. This involved the: (1) establishment of a 'link nurse' role; (2) learning and development strategies for nurses, care assistants and general practitioners; (3) use of multi-disciplinary team meetings; and (4) access to specialist consultation. Method. A purposive sample (n = 28) of aged care nurses and care assistants participated in a series of four focus groups conducted in July 2005. Thematic content analysis of the transcripts was performed. Findings. Four themes emerged: (1) targeted education can make a difference; (2) a team approach is valued; (3) clinical assessment tools are helpful; and (4) using the right language is essential. Participants described increased understanding of palliative care concepts, enhanced competencies, greater confidence to deliver palliative care and a desire to adopt a multi-disciplinary approach to care planning. Conclusion. Sustaining a culture that is committed to ongoing learning and development interventions and creating multi-disciplinary teams in the aged care setting is critical to embedding a palliative approach. The chronic care model is a useful framework to guide the development of interventions leading to better palliative care outcomes for residents and their families. © 2008 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
Phillips, JL, Davidson, PM, Newton, PJ & DiGiacomo, M 2008, 'Supporting patients and their caregivers after-hours at the end of life: The role of telephone support', JOURNAL OF PAIN AND SYMPTOM MANAGEMENT, vol. 36, no. 1, pp. 11-21.
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Twenty-four hour access is accepted as a gold standard for palliative care service delivery, yet minimal data exist to justify the cost of this initiative to health care planners and policy makers. Further, there is scant information concerning optimal and efficient methods for delivering after-hours palliative care advice and support, particularly in regional and rural settings. This article reports on an evaluation of a local after-hours telephone support service in regional Australia. A centralized after-hours telephone support service was provided by generalist nurses at a Multipurpose Service in a rural community. A mixed-method evaluation, including semistructured interviews, was undertaken after 20 months of operation. During the period March 31, 2005 until November 15, 2006, 357 patients were registered as part of the Mid North Coast Rural Palliative Care Program. Ten percent of patients or their caregivers accessed the After-Hours Telephone Support Service, representing 55 occasions of service. The most common reason for contacting the service was for reassurance surrounding medication usage, symptom management, and anxiety. This experience demonstrates proof of concept that acceptable palliative care advice can be provided by generalist nurses in a cost-efficient manner. Common patterns emerged in utilization that can assist in service planning and staffing formulae. There is also a need to investigate mechanisms of interfacing with larger scale call centers, to explore the differences within generic and disease-specific approaches, and assess the appropriateness of after-hours telephone support with different cultural groups. © 2008 U.S. Cancer Pain Relief Committee.
Pissuwan, D, Valenzuela, SM & Cortie, MB 2008, 'Prospects for Gold Nanorod Particles in Diagnostic and Therapeutic Applications', BIOTECHNOLOGY AND GENETIC ENGINEERING REVIEWS, VOL 25, vol. 25, pp. 93-112.
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Rod-shaped gold nanoparticles ('nanorods') have recently attracted widespread attention due to their unique optical properties and facile synthesis. In particular, they can support a longtudinal surface plasmon, which results in suspensions of themhaving a strong extinction peak in the upper visible or near-infrared parts of the spectrum. The position of this peak can be readily tuned by controlling the shape of the rods. In addition, the surface of the nanorods can be functionalised by a very wide variety of molecules. This has led to interest in their use as selctive biomarkers in biodiagnostics or for selective targeting in photothermal therapeutics. Here we review the recent advances in the use of gold nanoparticles in these applications. additionally the information available regarding their biocompatibility in discussed.
Quante, T, Ng, YC, Ramsay, EE, Henness, S, Allen, JC, Parmentier, J, Ge, Q & Ammit, AJ 2008, 'Corticosteroids Reduce IL-6 in ASM Cells via Up-Regulation of MKP-1', American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology, vol. 39, no. 2, pp. 208-217.
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Richards, L, Brown, C, Stone, MH, Fisher, J, Ingham, E & Tipper, JL 2008, 'Identification of nanometre-sized ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene wear particles in samples retrieved in vivo', The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. British volume, vol. 90-B, no. 8, pp. 1106-1113.
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Nanometre-sized particles of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene have been identified in the lubricants retrieved from hip simulators. Tissue samples were taken from seven failed Charnley total hip replacements, digested using strong alkali and analysed using high-resolution field emission gun-scanning electron microscopy to determine whether nanometre-sized particles of polyethylene debris were generated in vivo. A randomised method of analysis was used to quantify and characterise all the polyethylene particles isolated. We isolated nanometre-sized particles from the retrieved tissue samples. The smallest identified was 30 nm and the majority were in the 0.1 μm to 0.99 μm size range. Particles in the 1.0 μm to 9.99 μm size range represented the highest proportion of the wear volume of the tissue samples, with 35% to 98% of the total wear volume comprised of particles of this size. The number of nanometre-sized particles isolated from the tissues accounted for only a small proportion of the total wear volume. Further work is required to assess the biological response to nanometre-sized polyethylene particles.
Ridwan, SD, Thompson, R, Jap, BT, Lal, S & Fischer, P 2008, 'Single Channel Wireless EEG: Proposed Application in Train Drivers', 2008 Third International Conference on Broadband Communications, Information Technology & Biomedical Applications, vol. 5, no. 2, pp. 58-63.
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Electroencephalography (EEG) can be used as an indicator of fatigue. Several studies have shown that slow wave brain activities, delta (0-4 Hz) and theta (4- 8 Hz), increase as an individual becomes fatigued, while the fast brain activities, alpha (8-13 Hz) and beta (13-35 Hz), decrease. However, an EEG is a complex piece of equipment that is generally used in laboratory based studies. In order to develop a fatigue countermeasure device for train drivers using EEG, there is a need for a simple and wireless EEG monitor. This paper explains the development of a single channel wireless EEG device. © 2008 IEEE.
Rodgers, KJ & Shiozawa, N 2008, 'Misincorporation of amino acid analogues into proteins by biosynthesis', INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMISTRY & CELL BIOLOGY, vol. 40, no. 8, pp. 1452-1466.
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Despite astounding diversity in their structure and function, proteins are constructed from 22 protein or 'canonical' amino acids. Hundreds of amino acid analogues exist; many occur naturally in plants, some are synthetically produced or can be produced
Rodgers, KJ, Watkins, DJ, Miller, AL, Chan, PY, Karanam, S, Brissette, WH, Long, CJ & Jackson, CL 2008, 'Destabilizing role of cathepsin S in murine atherosclerotic plaques (vol 26, pg 851, 2006)', ARTERIOSCLEROSIS THROMBOSIS AND VASCULAR BIOLOGY, vol. 28, no. 5.
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Russo, MA, Newton-John, T & Lo, W 2008, 'Chronic non-malignant pain', Australian Doctor, no. 21/MAR., pp. 25-32.
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■Chronic pain affects about 20% of the adult population, with about 10% becoming significantly disabled by it. The social, economic and health care burdens related to chronic pain are enormous. ■CNS plasticity is increasingly recognised as playing a role in the development of persistent pain states. The development of postural abnormalities, physical deconditioning and psychological distress then further add to the maintenance of chronic pain. ■Chronic pain is typically categorised as neuropathic, nociceptive or a mixture of both. ■The use of brief self-report questionnaires can add valuable clinical information regarding pain intensity, mood, pain disability and pain beliefs. ■Opioid prescription should be done with specific pain reduction and functional upgrading goals at the outset. ■Group-based CBT has the strongest empirical basis in terms of increased function and decreased distress.
Simpson, AM 2008, 'Gene Therapy Reverse Diabetes', Australasian Science, vol. April, pp. 23-25.
Simpson, AM & O'Brien, BA 2008, 'Diabetes therapy by lentiviral hepatic insulin gene expression without transformation of liver. Reply to Elsner M, Jorns A, Lenzen S [letter]', DIABETOLOGIA, vol. 51, no. 4, pp. 696-696.
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Sirotic, AC & Coutts, AJ 2008, 'The reliability of physiological and performance measures during simulated team-sport running on a non-motorised treadmill', JOURNAL OF SCIENCE AND MEDICINE IN SPORT, vol. 11, no. 5, pp. 500-509.
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Summary: The aim of this study was to determine the reliability of a non-motorised treadmill team-sport simulation for measuring physiological responses and performance demands of team sports. Following familiarisation, 11 team-sport athletes completed a peak sprinting speed assessment followed by a 30-min team-sport simulation on the non-motorised treadmill, on three occasions, 5 days apart. Several performance (total distance, distance covered during each speed category, total work, high-intensity activity, mean maximal sprinting speed and power) and physiological variables (heart rate and blood measures) were measured. A one-way analysis of variance and ratio limits of agreement were used to compare the results from each trial. Significant differences were established in total sprint distance and high-intensity activity between trials 1-2 and trials 1-3 and 3-s mean maximal sprinting speed for trials 1-3 (p < 0.05). No other significant differences were identified. Moderate to high intraclass correlation coefficients (i.e., >0.8) were identified in 11 of the 18 physiological and performance variables measured. Ratio limits of agreement for total distance covered and total work performed during the team-sport simulation were 0.99 (1.05) and 0.97 (1.09), respectively. Largest measurement error was shown in postexercise blood lactate concentration with a coefficient of variation of 17.6%. All other measures showed low coefficients of variation of =10%. These results show that the non-motorised treadmill team-sport simulation provides a reliable tool for assessing and monitoring physiological and performance demands of team-sport activity. We recommend the inclusion of two familiarisation sessions prior to testing.
Sivabalan, P & Brown, DA 2008, 'To plan and control', In the Black, vol. April.
Styrkarsdottir, U, Halldorsson, BV, Gretarsdottir, S, Gudbjartsson, DF, Walters, GB, Ingvarsson, T, Jonsdottir, T, Saemundsdottir, J, Center, JR, Nguyen, TV, Bagger, Y, Gulcher, JR, Eisman, JA, Christiansen, C, Sigurdsson, G, Kong, A, Thorsteinsdottir, U & Stefansson, K 2008, 'Multiple Genetic Loci for Bone Mineral Density and Fractures', New England Journal of Medicine, vol. 358, no. 22, pp. 2355-2365.
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Background: Bone mineral density influences the risk of osteoporosis later in life and is useful in the evaluation of the risk of fracture. We aimed to identify sequence variants associated with bone mineral density and fracture. Methods: We performed a quantitative trait analysis of data from 5861 Icelandic subjects (the discovery set), testing for an association between 301,019 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and bone mineral density of the hip and lumbar spine. We then tested for an association between 74 SNPs (most of which were implicated in the discovery set) at 32 loci in replication sets of Icelandic, Danish, and Australian subjects (4165, 2269, and 1491 subjects, respectively). Results: Sequence variants in five genomic regions were significantly associated with bone mineral density in the discovery set and were confirmed in the replication sets (combined P values, 1.2x10-7 to 2.0x10-21). Three regions are close to or within genes previously shown to be important to the biologic characteristics of bone: the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand gene (RANKL) (chromosomal location, 13q14), the osteoprotegerin gene (OPG) (8q24), and the estrogen receptor 1 gene (ESR1) (6q25). The two other regions are close to the zinc finger and BTB domain containing 40 gene (ZBTB40) (1p36) and the major histocompatibility complex region (6p21). The 1p36, 8q24, and 6p21 loci were also associated with osteoporotic fractures, as were loci at 18q21, close to the receptor activator of the nuclear factor-κB gene (RANK), and loci at 2p16 and 11p11. Conclusions: We have discovered common sequence variants that are consistently associated with bone mineral density and with low-trauma fractures in three populations of European descent. Although these variants alone are not clinically useful in the prediction of risk to the individual person, they provide insight into the biochemical pathways underlying osteoporosis. Copyright © 2008 Massachusetts Medical Society.
Tran, BNH, Nguyen, ND, Eisman, JA & Nguyen, TV 2008, 'Association between LRP5 polymorphism and bone mineral density: a Bayesian meta-analysis', BMC Medical Genetics, vol. 9, no. 1.
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Abstract Background The low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 gene (LRP5) was identified to be linked to the variation in BMD in high bone mass pedigrees. Subsequent population-based studies of the association between the LRP5 gene and BMD have yielded conflicting results. The present study was aimed at examining the association between LRP5 gene and BMD by using meta-analysis. Methods A systematic electronic search of literature was conducted to identify all published studies in English on the association between LRP5 gene and osteoporosis-related phenotypes, including bone mineral density and fracture. BMD data were summarized from individual studies by LRP5 genotype, and a synthesis of data was performed with random-effects meta-analyses. After excluding studies on animal and review papers, there were 19 studies for the synthesis. Among these studies, 10 studies used the rs3736228 (A1330V) polymorphism and reported BMD values. Results The 10 eligible studies comprised 16,705 individuals, with the majority being women (n = 8444), aged between 18 – 81 years. The overall distribution of genotype frequencies was: AA, 68%, AV and VV, 32%. However, the genotype frequency varied significantly within as well as between ethnic populations. On random-effects meta-analysis, lumbar spine BMD among individuals with the AA genotype was on average 0.018 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.012 to 0.023) g/cm2 higher than those with either AV or VV genotype. Similarly, femoral neck BMD among carriers of the AA genotype was 0.011 (95%CI: 0.004 to 0.017) g/cm2 higher than those without the genotype. Whi...
Treerat, P, Widmer, F, Middleton, PG, Iredell, J & George, AM 2008, 'In vitro interactions of tobramycin with various nonantibiotics against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Burkholderia cenocepacia', FEMS MICROBIOLOGY LETTERS, vol. 285, no. 1, pp. 40-50.
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Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Burkholderia cepacia are the major pathogens that colonize the airway surface and cause progressive respiratory failure and high mortality, especially in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Tobramycin is the treatment of choice, but persistent usage enables the infectious organisms to activate defence mechanisms, making eradication rarely successful. Combinations of antibiotic and nonantibiotic compounds have been tested in vitro against P. aeruginosa and B. cepacia, but with mixed results. Sodium ions interfere with the bacterial tobramycin uptake system, but amiloride partially reverses this antagonism. In this pilot study, we extend previous findings of the effectiveness of tobramycin in combination with amiloride and other nonantibiotics against a P. aeruginosa type strain, and against four P. aeruginosa strains and one Burkholderia cenocepacia strain isolated from CF patients. Significantly, the four clinical P. aeruginosa strains were tobramycin resistant. We also find that Na+ and K+, but not Cl-, are the chief antagonists of tobramycin efficacy. These results suggest that chemotherapy for CF patients might not only be compromised by antibiotic-resistant pathogens alone, but by a lack of penetration of antibiotics caused either by bacterial biofilms or the high sodium flux in the CF lung, or by antagonistic effects of some drug combinations, any of which could allow the persistence of drug-susceptible bacteria.
VanLandingham, M, Nguyen, TV, Abdul-Rahman, OA, Parent, A & Zhang, J 2008, 'Phenotypical manifestations of partial trisomy 9 and monosomy 4 in two siblings', Neurological Sciences, vol. 29, no. 6, pp. 467-470.
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In this case report, we describe two siblings with a previously unreported partial monosomy 4q and partial trisomy 9q. The sibling karyotypes were determined to be 46,XX,der(4)t(4;9)(q33;q33)pat and 46,XY,der(4)t(4;9)-(q33;q33)pat. The siblings share sev
Wallace, L, Coutts, A, Bell, J, Simpson, N & Slattery, K 2008, 'Using Session-RPE to Monitor Training Load in Swimmers', Strength & Conditioning Journal, vol. 30, no. 6, pp. 72-76.
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The ability to measure and control the internal training load (TL) of athletes is important to optimize athletic performance. However, at present, there are no methods available for evaluating internal TL during swimming. The session-RPE method is a practical, noninvasive system used to quantify the internal TL placed on athletes. This article discusses how the session-RPE method may be used to monitor swim training and ultimately improve the training process of swimmers.
Zhou, W, Miro, JV & Dissanayake, G 2008, 'Information-Efficient 3-D Visual SLAM for Unstructured Domains', IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON ROBOTICS, vol. 24, no. 5, pp. 1078-1087.
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This paper presents a novel vision-based sensory package and an information-efficient simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) algorithm. Together, we offer a solution for building 3-D dense map in an unknown and unstructured environment with minimal computational costs. The sensory package we adopt consists of a conventional camera and a range imager, which provide range and bearing and elevation inputs as commonly used by 3-D feature-based SLAM. In addition, we propose an algorithm to give the 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 are not heuristically segmented prior to being input to the filter. Quite the opposite, the scheme lends itself to be statistically optimal and is capable of handling large datasets collected at realistic sampling rates. © 2008 IEEE.
Al-Oqaily, A, Kennedy, PJ, Catchpoole, D & Simoff, S 1970, 'Comparison of visualization methods of genome-wide SNP profiles in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia', Conferences in Research and Practice in Information Technology Series, Australian Data Mining Conference, Australian Computer Society, Adelaide, Australia, pp. 111-121.
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Data mining and knowledge discovery have been applied to datasets in various industries including biomedical data. Modelling, data mining and visualization in biomedical data address the problem of extracting knowledge from large and complex biomedical data. The current challenge of dealing with such data is to develop statistical-based and data mining methods that search and browse the underlying patterns within the data. In this paper, we employ several data reduction methods for visualizing genome- wide Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) datasets based on state-of-art data reduction techniques. Visualization approach has been selected based on the trustworthiness of the resultant visualizations. To deal with large amounts of genetic variation data, we have chosen to apply different data reduction methods to deal with the problem induced by high dimensionality. Based on the trustworthiness metric we found that neighbour Retrieval Visualizer (NeRV) outperformed other methods. This method optimizes the retrieval quality of Stochastic neighbour Embedding. The quality measure of the visualization (i.e. NeRV) showed excellent results, even though the dataset was reduced from 13917 to 2 dimensions. The visualization results will assist clinicians and biomedical researchers in understanding the systems biology of patients and how to compare different groups of clusters in visualizations. © 2008, Australian Computer Society, Inc.
Balasubramanian, V, Hoang, DB & Ahmad, NF 1970, 'SOAP based Assistive Care Loop using Wireless Sensor Networks', 2008 IEEE INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON IT IN MEDICINE AND EDUCATION, VOLS 1 AND 2, PROCEEDINGS, International Symposium on IT in Medicine and Education, IEEE, Xiamen, China, pp. 409-414.
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There is a growing trend towards in-house health monitoring system. It is now feasible to place a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) or smart phone in the hands of care-delivery staff and the patients regardless of where they are located or what their duties might be. In such instance, the staff would be able to access records and communicate with patients in a flexible and cost effective way. This paper proposes an Active Care Loop Framework (ACLF). The strength of our ACLF is to monitor disease over longer period of time and to consult patient who are then able to discuss their conditions with the care staff. Where patients need emergency intervention, an assistive health monitoring system can provide a direct communication channel to summon assistance and to enable with managing the situation until the assistance arrives. With a regular schedule of monitoring and consultation, the assistive ACLF has the capacity to forestall and manage non-critical situations and therefore the system can be deployed to minimize the rate and costs of hospitalizations. © 2008 Crown.
Baxter, RM, Steinbeck, MJ, Tipper, JL, Rimnac, CM, Parvizi, J, Marcolongo, M & Kurtz, SM 1970, 'Evaluation of methods for optimized periprosthetic tissue digestion', 8th World Biomaterials Congress 2008, p. 961.
Binh Nguyen Thanh & Hoang, DB 1970, 'Building a Plan-supported Grid Collaborative Framework', 2008 Second International Conference on Communications and Electronics, Second International Conference on Communications and Electronics, IEEE, HoiAn, Vietnam, pp. 150-156.
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Grid infrastructure for resources sharing is somewhat stable with the wide acceptance of the open grid services Architecture (OGSA) and web services resource framework (WSRF), but grid framework for collaboration is far from desired. Current grid collaborative frameworks (GCFs) are domain specific and lack of plan-supported capacity. These limitations make them less useful and narrow in scope of application. This paper describes a grid collaborative framework that is both general purpose and plan supported. With the theoretical foundation based on the activity theory and designed on top of existing OGSA infrastructure, our proposed framework aims at accelerating the development of grid collaborative systems that consider working plans as central role.
Cheng, TM, Savkin, AV, Celler, BG, Su, SW & Wang, L 1970, 'Heart Rate Regulation During Exercise with Various Loads: Identification and Nonlinear H∞ Control', IFAC Proceedings Volumes, IFAC World Congress, Elsevier BV, Seoul, Korea, pp. 11618-11623.
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A model for the heart rate response to treadmill walking exercise is proposed in this paper. The parameters of the model were experimentally identified which involved subjects walking at different speeds. A 2-degree-of-freedom controller was then developed for the regulation of the heart rate response during treadmill exercise. The controller consists of a piecewise LQ and an Hâ sub-controllers. Experimental results demonstrated that the heart rate of the subjects were regulated by the proposed controller.
Cheng, TM, Savkin, AV, Celler, BG, Su, SW & Wang, L 1970, 'Nonlinear modelling and control of heart rate response to treadmill walking exercise', BIOSIGNALS 2008: PROCEEDINGS OF THE FIRST INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON BIO-INSPIRED SYSTEMS AND SIGNAL PROCESSING, VOL II, International Conference on Bio-inspired Systems and Signal Processing, Institute for Systems and Technologies of Information, Madeira, Portugal, pp. 498-503.
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In this study, a nonlinear system was developed for the modelling of the heart rate response to treadmill walking exercise. The model is a feedback interconnected system which can represent the neural response and peripheral local response to exercise. The parameters of the model were identified from an experimental study which involved 6 healthy adult male subjects, each completed 3 sets of walking exercise at different speeds. The proposed model will be useful in explaining the cardiovascular response to exercise. Based on the model, a 2-degree-of-freedom controller was developed for the regulation of the heart rate response during exercise. The controller consists of a piecewise LQ and an H infinity controllers. Simulation results showed that the proposed controller had the ability to regulate heart rate at a given target, indicating that the controller can play an important role in the design of exercise protocols for individuals.
Cheng, TM, Savkin, AV, Su, SW, Celler, BG, Wang, L & IEEE 1970, 'A robust control design for heart rate tracking during exercise', 2008 30th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, Vols 1-8, IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society Annual Conference, IEEE, Vancouver, Canada, pp. 2785-2788.
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In this study, a control design is proposed for the tracking control of heart rate response during treadmill exercise. The controller tracks an exerciserâs heart rate to a given heart rate profile, that may represent a prescribed exercise protocol, by varying the speed of the treadmill. A guaranteed cost control approach is adopted in the control design so that the controller guarantees a certain level of performance. The effectiveness of the proposed control design is demonstrated via a simulation study. The controller will be useful in the design of exercise protocols for individuals.
DaLvand, H, Su, SW & Ha, QP 1970, 'Design of a Variable Reactor for Load Balancing and Harmonics Elimination', Proceedings of Australasian Universities Power Engineering Conference 2008, Australasian Universities Power Engineering Conference, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia, pp. 1-6.
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This paper presents the design of a variable inductor with a rotational magnetic core whose position is controlled in a closed-loop system. This magnetic structure facilitates the impedance changes which may be used for load balancing, harmonics elimination, transient response improvement, and as a controlled reactor in static VAr compensation (SVC). The design of the inductor and analysis of its impedance change caused by positioning a movable element are carried out by using the finite element method. As a result, the variation range of the impedance is determined. The proposed variable inductor is compared with a typical SVC reactor. The results show good performances in static var compensation with higher reliability and no harmonics generated. For closed-loop control, a secondorder sliding mode controller is designed for position control of the rotating core via a DC motor. Simulation results of the proposed system present highly robust and accurate responses without control chattering in face of nonlinearities and disturbances.
Daniel, R, Sanchez, JJ, Nassif, NT, Hernandez, A & Walsh, SJ 1970, 'SNPs associated with physical traits: A valuable tool for the inference of biogeographical ancestry', Forensic Science International: Genetics Supplement Series, International Society for Forensic Genetics Congress, Elsevier BV, Copenhagen, Denmark, pp. 538-540.
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Sixteen autosomal SNPs were selected to differentiate major populations in Australia. A SNP multiplex assay was developed for the inference of biogeographical ancestry. © 2008 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
Ghous, H, Kennedy, PJ, Catchpoole, DR & Simoff, SJ 1970, 'Kernel-based visualisation of genes with the gene ontology', Conferences in Research and Practice in Information Technology Series, Australian Data Mining Conference, Australian Computer Society, Adelaide, pp. 133-140.
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With the development of microarray-based high- throughput technologies for examining genetic and biological information en masse, biologists are now faced with making sense of large lists of genes identi-ffed from their biological experiments. There is a vital need for \system biology' approaches which can allow biologists to see new or unanticipated potential relationships which will lead to new hypotheses and eventual new knowledge. Finding and understanding relationships in this data is a problem well suited to visualisation. We augment genes with their associated terms from the Gene Ontology and visualise them using kernel Principal Component Analysis with both specialised linear and Gaussian kernels. Our results show that this method can correctly visualise genes by their functional relationships and we describe the difference between using the linear and Gaussian kernels on the problem. © 2008, Australian Computer Society, Inc.
Griffin, T, Moore, S, Darcy, SA & Crilley, G 1970, 'Developing a National Approach to Visitor Data Collection, Management and Use for Protected Areas: Thoughts from Australian Research and Practice', The Fourth International Conference on Monitoring and Management of Visitor Flows in Recreational and Protected Areas: Management for Protection and Development, The Fourth International Conference on Monitoring and Management of Visitor Flows in Recreational and Protected Areas: Management for Protection and Development, Pacini Editore Industrie Grafiche  Ospedaletto, Montecatini Terme (Tuscany, Italy), pp. 305-309.
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Abstract Information on visitor numbers, activities, expectations and satisfaction is vital for protected areas managers on two counts: to assist in the provision of the services and facilities that visitors need and want; and to determine if managers have been efficient and effective in meeting these demands. This paper builds on a recently completed national study in Australia of visitor data collection and usage, and the future visitor data needs, of protected area management agencies. Australia is a federation of states and provides a challenging backdrop for developing a national approach as most responsibilities for protected areas rest with the states rather than the national government. Thus, the success of such an approach rests on cooperation rather than an overarching national regulatory responsibility. The study found that all protected area agencies collected visitor data, however, their approaches were highly variable in what was measured, how the measurements were applied and how data were managed and used. This variability was problematic because it becomes very difficult to determine issues of general importance for protected area management or to benchmark performance across areas. Based on these findings and knowledge of the institutional settings for protected area management in Australia, this paper poses some ideas for progressing a national approach for standardising the measures and measurement of key variables so that comparisons and benchmarking become possible and reliable. Core and supplementary visitor data variables can be identified, with the former being of national interest and hence requiring collection and storage under national coordination and guidance. Implementing such an approach will require working creatively and collaboratively within the current institutional settings.
Guo, Y, Zhu, J, Chen, J, Su, SW, Lu, H & Jin, J 1970, 'Performance Analysis of a Claw Pole PM Motor', Proceedings of Australasian Universities Power Engineering Conference 2008, Australasian Universities Power Engineering Conference, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia, pp. 1-5.
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This paper presents the performance analysis of a three-phase three-stack permanent magnet (PM) claw pole motor by using an improved phase variable model, which has been developed for accurate and efficient performance simulation of PM brushless dc motors. The improved model can take into account the effect of magnetic saturation and rotor position dependence of key parameters including back electromagnetic force, winding inductance, cogging torque and core loss, which are obtained from time-stepping nonlinear magnetic field finite element analysis (FEA). The presented model has been implemented in Simulink environment and employed to simulate the dynamic and steady-state performance of the three-phase three-stack PM claw pole motor with soft magnetic composite stator. Parameter computation and performance simulation are validated by experiments on the motor prototype.
Hill, M, McGrath, KC, Celermajer, DS, Handelsman, DJ & Heather, AK 1970, '2008 ATVB Oral Presentations', Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology, Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology Annual Conference, Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health), pp. E83-E83.
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Hoang, DB, Lawrence, E, Ahmad, NF, Balasubramanian, V, Homer, C, Foureur, M, Leap, N & IEEE 1970, 'Assistive Care Loop with Electronic Maternity Records', 2008 10TH IEEE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON E-HEALTH NETWORKING, APPLICATIONS AND SERVICES, International Conference on e-Health Networking, Applications and Services, IEEE, Biopolis, Singapore, pp. 118-123.
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Surprisingly women-held pregnancy health records (paper based) are still predominantly used in most hospitals in Australia. These records are not standardized as each hospital or state has a slightly different version. Early efforts have been made to standardize pregnancy records and make them available electronically. Electronic record systems do not allow dynamic interaction between users and they are not accessible when users are mobile. This paper describes an Assistive Maternity Care (AMC) system that addresses a number of important issues: 1) transforming a women-held paper-based record for pregnancy care into an Electronic Maternity Record (EMR); 2) investigating mechanisms to make the record active; 3) creating a system whereby details of the pregnant women and their carers can be recorded, updated over wired and wireless networks; and 4) creating a pregnancy care loop over which midwives and doctors and pregnant women under their care can communicate effectively anywhere, anytime for the duration of pregnancy. © 2008 IEEE.
Huang, S & Su, SW 1970, 'Robust Control for Nonlinear Discrete-Time Systems with Quantitative Input to State Stability Requirement', IFAC Proceedings Volumes, IFAC World Congress, Elsevier BV, Seoul, Korea, pp. 14186-14191.
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In this paper, we consider state feedback robust control problems for discrete-time nonlinear systems subject to disturbances. The objective of the control is to minimize a performance function while guaranteeing a prescribed quantitative input to state stability (ISS) property for the closed-loop systems. By introducing the concept of ISS control invariant set, a sufficient condition for the problem to be feasible is given. Built on the sufficient condition, a computationally efficient control design algorithm based on one-step min-max optimization is developed. An example is given to illustrate the proposed strategy. Copyright © 2007 International Federation of Automatic Control All Rights Reserved.
Juszczyszyn, K, Kazienko, P, Musial, K & Gabrys, B 1970, 'Temporal Changes in Connection Patterns of an Email-Based Social Network', 2008 IEEE/WIC/ACM International Conference on Web Intelligence and Intelligent Agent Technology, 2008 IEEE/WIC/ACM International Conference on Web Intelligence and Intelligent Agent Technology, IEEE, pp. 9-12.
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Network motifs are small subgraphs that reflect local network topology and were shown to be useful for creating profiles that reveal several properties of the network. Analysis of three-node motifs (triads) was used in this paper to track the temporal changes in the structure of large social network derived from email communication between the employees of Wroclaw University of Technology. © 2008 IEEE.
Kadlec, P & Gabrys, B 1970, 'Adaptive Local Learning Soft Sensor for Inferential Control Support', 2008 International Conference on Computational Intelligence for Modelling Control & Automation, 2008 International Conference on Computational Intelligence for Modelling Control & Automation, IEEE, Vienna, AUSTRIA, pp. 243-248.
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Kadlec, P & Gabrys, B 1970, 'Gating Artificial Neural Network Based Soft Sensor', NEW CHALLENGES IN APPLIED INTELLIGENCE TECHNOLOGIES, 21st International Conference on Industrial, Engineering and Other Applications of Applied Intelligent Systems, Springer Berlin Heidelberg, Wroclaw, POLAND, pp. 193-202.
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Kadlec, P & Gabrys, B 1970, 'Learnt Topology Gating Artificial Neural Networks', 2008 IEEE International Joint Conference on Neural Networks (IEEE World Congress on Computational Intelligence), 2008 IEEE International Joint Conference on Neural Networks (IJCNN 2008 - Hong Kong), IEEE, Hong Kong, PEOPLES R CHINA, pp. 2604-2611.
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Le, H, Schiff, N, Plessis, JD & Hoang, D 1970, 'A pervasive tele-health system for continual and low intrusive monitoring using peer-to-peer networks', 5th International Conference on Information Technology and Applications, ICITA 2008, International Conference on Information Technology and Applications, Macquarie Scientific Publishing, Cairns, Australia, pp. 862-866.
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There are many people suffering from chronic illnesses, obesity and related diseases such as: high blood pressure, arrhythmia, diabetes, etc. However, with a large number of patients and constant health monitoring requirements, a centralized server will not be able to accommodate such high volumes of data. In this paper, we propose to develop a pervasive electronic healthcare system using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) networks. We developed a heart monitoring application as our first prototype to demonstrate the concept. The main advantage of the model is scalability and cost efficiency.
Leijdekkers, P & Gay, V 1970, 'A self-test to detect a heart attack using a mobile phone and wearable sensors', PROCEEDINGS OF THE 21ST IEEE INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON COMPUTER-BASED MEDICAL SYSTEMS, IEEE International Symposium on Computer-Based Medical Systems, IEEE, Jyvaskyla, pp. 93-98.
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Lemke, C & Gabrys, B 1970, 'Do we need experts for time series forecasting?', ESANN 2008 Proceedings, 16th European Symposium on Artificial Neural Networks - Advances in Computational Intelligence and Learning, pp. 253-258.
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This study examines a selection of off-the-shelf forecasting and forecast combination algorithms with a focus on assessing their practical relevance by drawing conclusions for non-expert users. Some of the methods have only recently been introduced and have not been part in comparative empirical evaluations before. Considering the advances of forecasting techniques, this analysis addresses the question whether we need human expertise for forecasting or whether the investigated methods provide comparable performance.
Lewis, K, Valenzuela, SM & Ben-Nissan, B 1970, 'Sol-gel derived hydroxyapatite and zirconia nanocoatings, and the effect on the activity of osteoblast like cells', 8th World Biomaterials Congress 2008, p. 567.
Li Zheng & Hoang, DB 1970, 'Performance analysis for resource coordination in a high-density wireless environment', 2008 IEEE Symposium on Computers and Communications, 2008 IEEE Symposium on Computers and Communications (ISCC), IEEE, Marrakech, Morocco, pp. 685-690.
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The cochannel overlapping basic service sets (OBSS) wireless interference is unavoidable in a high-density overlapping BSS environment. In order to provide interference-free environment and, at the same time, Quality of Services, centralized resources coordination functionalities particularly in Medium Access Control (MAC) layer are required. The proposed scheme, based on the context of 802.11 WiFi, separates the uplink and downlink transmission into two periods governed by contention scheme and polling scheme respectively. The possible collisions during the synchronized uplink period are avoided because of the natures of contention scheme used. During the downlink period, the grouping assignments, using coloring theory, are carried out based on the topology to divide BSSs into groups and then time spans to avoid collision. The constraint of grouping is that no two overlapping BSSs could be assigned to the same group/time span, so interferences are minimized using time division technique. A complete performance analysis in a number of simulation scenarios is finally presented.
Li, J, Sim, K, Liu, G & Wong, L 1970, 'Maximal Quasi-Bicliques with Balanced Noise Tolerance: Concepts and Co-clustering Applications', Proceedings of the 2008 SIAM International Conference on Data Mining, Proceedings of the 2008 SIAM International Conference on Data Mining, Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics, Atlanta, pp. 72-83.
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Ling, SH, Iu, HHC, Leung, FHF, Chan, KY & IEEE 1970, 'Modelling the Development of Fluid Dispensing for Electronic Packaging: Hybrid Particle Swarm Optimization Based-Wavelet Neural Network Approach', 2008 IEEE INTERNATIONAL JOINT CONFERENCE ON NEURAL NETWORKS, VOLS 1-8, International Joint Conference on Neural Networks, IEEE, Hong Kong, PEOPLES R CHINA, pp. 98-103.
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Liu, X, Li, J & Wang, L 1970, 'Quasi-bicliques: Complexity and Binding Pairs', Proceedings of the 14th Annual International Conference, COCOON 2008, Annual International Computing and Combinatorics Conference, Springer Berlin Heidelberg, Dalian, pp. 255-264.
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Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) are one of the most important mechanisms in cellular processes. To model protein interaction sites, recent studies have suggested to find interacting protein group pairs from large PPI networks at the first step, and then to search conserved motifs within the protein groups to form interacting motif pairs. To consider noise effect and incompleteness of biological data, we propose to use quasi-bicliques for finding interacting protein group pairs. We investigate two new problems which arise from finding interacting protein group pairs: the maximum vertex quasi-biclique problem and the maximum balanced quasi-biclique problem. We prove that both problems are NP-hard. This is a surprising result as the widely known maximum vertex biclique problem is polynomial time solvable [16]. We then propose a heuristic algorithm which uses the greedy method to find the quasi-bicliques from PPI networks. Our experiment results on real data show that this algorithm has a better performance than a benchmark algorithm for identifying highly matched BLOCKS and PRINTS motifs.
Lo, D, Khoo, S-C & Li, J 1970, 'Mining and Ranking Generators of Sequential Patterns', Proceedings of the 2008 SIAM International Conference on Data Mining, Proceedings of the 2008 SIAM International Conference on Data Mining, Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics, Atlanta, pp. 553-564.
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Lock, DJ, Taylor, TL & Darcy, SA 1970, 'Identity Development: The Case of a New Football Team', 16th EASM Conference, 16th EASM Conference, Bayreuth/Heildelberg, pp. 30-35.
Moore, S, Darcy, SA, Griffin, T & Crilley, G 1970, 'Collecting and using visitor information in protected area management: core needs and issues', Visitor Experiences and Monitoring in the Australian Alps National Parks ¬ a Proactive Approach - Co-operation Between Researchers and Management Workshop. The Third Annual Workshop in the Science - Management Workshop Series, Thredbo.
Nguyen, HT, Ghevondian, N & Jones, TW 1970, 'Detection of nocturnal hypoglycemic episodes (natural occurrence) in children with Type 1 diabetes using an optimal Bayesian neural network algorithm', 2008 30th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, 2008 30th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, IEEE, Vancouver, Canada, pp. 1311-1314.
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Hypoglycemia or low blood glucose is dangerous and can result in unconsciousness, seizures and even death. It 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 and corrected QT interval of the ECG signal, we have continued to develop Bayesian neural network detection algorithms to recognize the presence of hypoglycemic episodes. From a clinical study of 16 children with T1DM, natural occurrence of nocturnal hypoglycemic episodes are associated with increased heart rates (1.033+/-0.242 vs. 1.082+/-0.298, P0.06) and increased corrected QT intervals (1.031+/-0.086 vs. 1.060+/-0.084, P0.001). The overall data were organized into a training set (8 patients) and a test set (another 8 patients) randomly selected. Using the optimal Bayesian neural network with 10 hidden nodes which was derived from the training set with the highest log evidence, the sensitivity (true positive) value for detection of hypoglycemia in the test set is 89.2%.
Nguyen, N, Nguyen, HT & Su, S 1970, 'Neuro-sliding mode multivariable control of a powered wheelchair', 2008 30th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, 2008 30th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, IEEE, Vancouver, Canada, pp. 3471-3474.
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This paper proposes a neuro-sliding mode multivariable control approach for the control of a powered wheelchair system. In the first stage, a systematic decoupling technique is applied to the wheelchair system in order to reduce the multivariable control problem into two independent scalar control problems. Then two Neuro-Sliding Mode Controllers (NSMCs) are designed for these independent subsystems to guarantee system robustness under model uncertainties and unknown external disturbances. Both off-line and on-line trainings are involved in the second stage. Real-time experimental results confirm that robust performance for this multivariable wheelchair control system under model uncertainties and unknown external disturbances can indeed be achieved.
Nguyen, N, Nguyen, HT & Su, S 1970, 'Neuro-sliding mode multivariable control of a powered wheelchair', Proceedings of the 30th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, EMBS'08 - 'Personalized Healthcare through Technology', pp. 3471-3474.
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This paper proposes a neuro-sliding mode multivariable control approach for the control of a powered wheelchair system. In the first stage, a systematic decoupling technique is applied to the wheelchair system in order to reduce the multivariable control problem into two independent scalar control problems. Then two Neuro-Sliding Mode Controllers (NSMCs) are designed for these independent subsystems to guarantee system robustness under model uncertainties and unknown external disturbances. Both off-line and on-line trainings are involved in the second stage. Realtime experimental results confirm that robust performance for this multivariable wheelchair control system under model uncertainties and unknown external disturbances can indeed be achieved. © 2008 IEEE.
Nguyen, N, Nguyen, HT & Su, S 1970, 'Optimal path-following control of a smart powered wheelchair', Proceedings of the 30th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, EMBS'08 - 'Personalized Healthcare through Technology', pp. 5025-5028.
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This paper proposes an optimal path-following control approach for a smart powered wheelchair. Lyapunov's second method is employed to find a stable position tracking control rule. To guarantee robust performance of this wheelchair system even under model uncertainties, an advanced robust tracking is utilised based on the combination of a systematic decoupling technique and a neural network design. A calibration procedure is adopted for the wheelchair system to improve positioning accuracy. After the calibration, the accuracy is improved significantly. Two real-time experimental results obtained from square tracking and door passing tasks confirm the performance of proposed approach. © 2008 IEEE.
Nguyen, N, Nguyen, HT & Su, S 1970, 'Optimal path-following control of a smart powered wheelchair', 2008 30th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, 2008 30th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, IEEE, Vancouver, Canada, pp. 5025-5028.
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This paper proposes an optimal path-following control approach for a smart powered wheelchair. Lyapunov's second method is employed to find a stable position tracking control rule. To guarantee robust performance of this wheelchair system even under model uncertainties, an advanced robust tracking is utilised based on the combination of a systematic decoupling technique and a neural network design. A calibration procedure is adopted for the wheelchair system to improve positioning accuracy. After the calibration, the accuracy is improved significantly. Two real-time experimental results obtained from square tracking and door passing tasks confirm the performance of proposed approach.
Nguyen, TH, Nguyen, JS & Nguyen, HT 1970, 'Bayesian recursive algorithm for width estimation of freespace for a power wheelchair using stereoscopic cameras', 2008 30th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, 2008 30th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, IEEE, Vancouver, Canada, pp. 4234-4237.
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This paper is concerned with the estimation of freespace based on a Bayesian recursive (BR) algorithm for an autonomous wheelchair using stereoscopic cameras by severely disabled people. A stereo disparity map processed from both the left and right camera images is constructed to generate a 3D point map through a geometric projection algorithm. This is then converted to a 2D distance map for the purpose of freespace estimation. The width of freespace is estimated using a BR algorithm based on uncertainty information and control data. Given the probabilities of this width computed, a possible movement decision is then made for the mobile wheelchair. Experimental results obtained in an indoor environment show the effectiveness of this estimation algorithm.
Nguyen, TH, Nguyen, JS & Nguyen, HT 1970, 'Bayesian recursive algorithm for width estimation of freespace for a power wheelchair using stereoscopic cameras', Proceedings of the 30th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, EMBS'08 - 'Personalized Healthcare through Technology', pp. 4234-4237.
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This paper is concerned with the estimation of freespace based on a Bayesian recursive (BR) algorithm for an autonomous wheelchair using stereoscopic cameras by severely disabled people. A stereo disparity map processed from both the left and right camera images is constructed to generate a 3D point map through a geometric projection algorithm. This is then converted to a 2D distance map for the purpose of freespace estimation. The width of freespace is estimated using a BR algorithm based on uncertainty information and control data. Given the probabilities of this width computed, a possible movement decision is then made for the mobile wheelchair. Experimental results obtained in an indoor environment show the effectiveness of this estimation algorithm. © 2008 IEEE.
Pereni, CI, Walker, PG, Levesley, MC, Keeling, D, Jaber, O, Watterson, K, Tipper, JL & Fisher, J 1970, 'Wear characteristics of a knitted PET implantable scaffold', 8th World Biomaterials Congress 2008, p. 575.
Pham, TD, Brandl, M & Beck, D 1970, 'A new approach for cancer classification using microarray gene expression data', IASTED International Symposium on Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, CBB 2008, pp. 247-253.
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We propose in this paper a new approach for classification of cancers using microarray gene expression data. The proposed method adopts the concept of fuzzy declustering strategy for vector quantization algorithm. The notion of fuzzy partition entropy is coupled with the distortion measures for classifying spectral features of microarray data. Experimental results obtained from real datasets demonstrate the effective performance of the proposed approach.
Rahman, A, Kennedy, P, Simmonds, A & Edwards, J 1970, 'Fuzzy logic based modelling and analysis of network traffic', 2008 8th IEEE International Conference on Computer and Information Technology, 2008 8th IEEE International Conference on Computer and Information Technology (CIT), IEEE, Sydney, Australia, pp. 652-657.
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Accurate computer network traffic models are required for many network tasks such as network traffic analysis and performance optimization. Existing statistical traffic modelling techniques rely on precise mathematical analysis of extensive measured data such as packet arrival time, packet size and server-side or client-side round trip time. With the advent of high speed broadband networks, gathering an acceptable quantity of data needed for the precise representation of traffic is a difficult, time consuming, expensive and in some cases almost an impossible task. In this work we developed a fuzzy logic based traffic models using imprecise data sets that can be obtained realistically. The model include a parameter, the R parameter, which is also useful for analysis of network traffic.
Roddick, J, Li, J, Christen, P & Kennedy, PJ 1970, 'Data Mining & Analytics 20068: Proceedings of the 7th Australasian Data Mining Conference (AusDM 2008)', Data Mining & Analytics 20068: Proceedings of the 7th Australasian Data Mining Conference (AusDM 2008), Australian Data Mining Conference, Australian Computer Society, Adelaide.
Roddick, JF, Li, J, Christen, P & Kennedy, P 1970, 'Preface', Conferences in Research and Practice in Information Technology Series.
Simpson, AM, Tao, C, Lawandi, J, Swan, MA & O'Brien, BA 1970, 'Physiological insulin secretion from a novel human insulin-secreting liver cell line: Melligen cells', DIABETES, 67th Annual Meeting of the American-Diabetes-Association, AMER DIABETES ASSOC, San Francicso, CA, pp. A88-A88.
Sivabalan, P, Malmi, T, Booth, PJ & Brown, DA 1970, 'Organisational characteristics, alternative reasons to budget and two budget forms', 2008 AFAANZ/IAAER Conference website papers, Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand Conference, AFAANZ, Sydney, Australia, pp. 1-42.
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This study examines contingency relationships between organisational characteristics and four alternative operational reasons to budget, across two budget forms (fixed budget and rolling forecasts). Furthering the work of Hansen and Van der Stede (2004), results show that contingency relationships between organisational characteristics and the importance of operational reasons to budget were different for performance evaluation reasons, in comparison to operational planning reasons.
Su, SW, Celler, BG, Savkin, AV, Nguyen, HT, Cheng, TM, Guo, Y, Wang, L & IEEE 1970, 'Portable sensor based dynamic estimation of human oxygen uptake via nonlinear multivariable modelling', 2008 30th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, Vols 1-8, IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society Annual Conference, IEEE, Vancouver, Canada, pp. 2431-2434.
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Noninvasive portable sensors are becoming popular in biomedical engineering practice due to its ease of use. This paper investigates the estimation of human oxygen uptake (VO2) of treadmill exercises by using multiple portable sensors (wireless heart rate sensor and triaxial accelerometers). For this purpose, a multivariable Hammerstein model identification method is developed. Well designed PRBS type of exercises protocols are employed to decouple the identification of linear dynamics with that of nonlinearities of Hammerstein systems. The support vector machine regression is applied to model the static nonlinearities. Multivariable ARX modelling approach is used for the identification of dynamic part of the Hammerstein systems. It is observed the obtained nonlinear multivariable model can achieve better estimations compared with single input single output models. The established multivariable model has also the potential to facilitate dynamic estimation of energy expenditure for outdoor exercises, which is the next research step of this study.
Su, SW, Nguyen, H, Ha, QP & IEEE 1970, 'Integral Controller Design for Nonlinear Systems Using Inverse Optimal Control', 2008 10TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON CONTROL AUTOMATION ROBOTICS & VISION: ICARV 2008, VOLS 1-4, International Conference on Control, Automation, Robotics and Vision, Research Publishinh Services, Hanoi, Vietnam, pp. 2154-2158.
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This paper proposes an integral controller design scheme for nonlinear systems based on optimal control and the passivity theorem in order to suppress the effect of external disturbances. The main strategy is to augment an optimal controller with a PI type controller. To guarantee the proposed controller has a desired stability margin, the passivity-based design method is introduced. Here, the inverse optimal control technique is employed to avoid the need of solving a Hamilton- Jacobi equation. An illustrative example is given to show the design procedure and the controller effectiveness.
Taha, T, Miro, JV, Dissanayake, G & IEEE 1970, 'POMDP-based long-term user intention prediction for wheelchair navigation', 2008 IEEE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON ROBOTICS AND AUTOMATION, VOLS 1-9, IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation, IEEE, Pasadena, USA, pp. 3920-3925.
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This paper presents an intelligent decision-making agent to assist wheelchair users in their daily navigation activities. Several navigational techniques have been successfully developed in the past to assist with specific behaviours such as 'door passing' or 'corridor following'. These shared control strategies normally require the user to manually select the level of assistance required during use. Recent research has seen a move towards more intelligent systems that focus on forecasting users' intentions based on current and past actions. However, these predictions have been typically limited to locations immediately surrounding the wheelchair. The key contribution of the work presented here is the ability to predict the users' intended destination at a larger scale, that of a typical office arena. The systems relies on minimal user input - obtained from a standard wheelchair joystick - in conjunction with a learned Partially Observable Markov Decision Process (POMDP), to estimate and subsequently drive the user to his destination. The projection is constantly being updated, allowing for true user-platform integration. This shifts users' focus from fine motor-skilled control to coarse control broadly intended to convey intention. Successful simulation and experimental results on a real wheelchair robot demonstrate the validity of the approach. ©2008 IEEE.
Taha, T, Valls Miro, J & Dissanayake, G 1970, 'Intention driven assistive wheelchair navigation', Proc. of 'Robotic Helpers: User Interaction, Interfaces and Companions in Assistive and Therapy Robotics', a Workshop at ACM/IEEE Human Robot Interaction 2008 (HRI 2008), ACM/IEEE Human Robot Interaction, Technical Report 470, University of Hertfordshire, Amsterdam, the Netherlands, pp. 71-77.
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This paper presents an intelligent decision-making agent to assist wheelchair users in their daily navigation activities. The system has the ability to predict the users intended destination at a larger scale, that of a typical office or home arena. This system relies on minimal user input - obtained from a standard wheelchair joystick - in conjunction with a learned Partially Observable Markov Decision Process (POMDP), to estimate and subsequently aid in driving the user to the destination. The projection is constantly being updated, allowing for true user-platform integration. This shifts users focus from fine motor-skilled control to coarse guidance, broadly intended to convey intention. Successful simulation and experimental results on a real automated wheelchair platform demonstrate the validity of the approach.
Thiagarajah, T, Sivabalan, P & Giacobbe, F 1970, 'Emphasis on accounting controls: asset specificity and the use of accounting and non-accounting information within IT outsourcing engagements', 31st Annual Congress European Accounting Association Conference Website Papers, Annual Congress of European Accounting Association, European Accounting Association (EAA), Rotterdam, Netherlands, pp. 1-20.
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This study observes the nature of asset specificity in different Information Technology (IT) outsourcing typologies, and investigates the relevance of accounting and non-accounting numbers in relation to these outsourcing typologies, with consideration to the findings of literatures concerning Transaction Cost Economics Theory and Social Capital Theory. It represents a response to the lack of research on relationships of IT outsourcing engagements. A case study research method is used to analyse the effect of asset specificity on the nature of relationship, and the use of accounting and non-accounting information in supporting the decision making processes of the Outsourcing Service Provider. Contrary to the findings of many researchers, the outsourcing-service provider adopted an integrative approach to its relationships as opposed to a distributive approach even in engagements that were highly asset specific, and short-term in duration. Additionally, the nature of asset specificity for IT outsourcing engagements is not static, but dynamic and in continual flux. Overall, this study suggests that large IT outsourcing-service providers value non-accounting factors in decision-making processes, in addition to accounting information, thus reflecting the Integrative Outsourcing Typology. This further validated the fact that factors advocated by Social Capital Theory such as corporate reputation, trust and collaborative interactions are crucial in IT outsourcing relationships.
Tran, Y, Wijesuryia, N, Thuraisingham, RA, Craig, A & Nguyen, HT 1970, 'Increase in regularity and decrease in variability seen in electroencephalography (EEG) signals from alert to fatigue during a driving simulated task', 2008 30th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, 2008 30th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, IEEE, Vancouver, Canada, pp. 1096-1099.
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Driver fatigue is a prevalent problem and a major risk for road safety accounting for approximately 20-40% of all motor vehicle accidents. One strategy to prevent fatigue related accidents is through the use of countermeasure devices. Research on countermeasure devices has focused on methods that detect physiological changes from fatigue, with the fast temporal resolution from brain signals, using the electroencephalogram (EEG) held as a promising technique. This paper presents the results of nonlinear analysis using sample entropy and second-order difference plots quantified by central tendency measure (CTM) on alert and fatigue EEG signals from a driving simulated task. Results show that both sample entropy and second-order difference plots significantly increases the regularity and decreases the variability of EEG signals from an alert to a fatigue state.
Trieu, HT, Nguyen, HT, Willey, K & IEEE 1970, 'Advanced Obstacle Avoidance for a Laser Based Wheelchair Using Optimised Bayesian Neural Networks', 2008 30th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, Vols 1-8, IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society Annual Conference, IEEE, Vancouver, Canada, pp. 3463-3466.
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In this paper we present an advanced method of obstacle avoidance for a laser based intelligent wheelchair using optimized Bayesian neural networks. Three neural networks are designed for three separate sub-tasks: passing through a door way, corridor and wall following and general obstacle avoidance. The accurate usable accessible space is determined by including the actual wheelchair dimensions in a real-time map used as inputs to each networks. Data acquisitions are performed separately to collect the patterns required for specified sub-tasks. Bayesian frame work is used to determine the optimal neural network structure in each case. Then these networks are trained under the supervision of Bayesian rule. Experiment results showed that compare to the VFH algorithm our neural networks navigated a smoother path following a near optimum trajectory.
Trieu, HT, Nguyen, HT, Willey, K & IEEE 1970, 'Shared Control Strategies for Obstacle Avoidance Tasks in an Intelligent Wheelchair', 2008 30th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, Vols 1-8, IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society Annual Conference, IEEE, Vancouver, Canada, pp. 4254-4257.
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In this paper we present a method of shared control strategy for an intelligent wheelchair to assist a disable user in performing obstacle avoidance tasks. The system detects obstacles in front of the wheelchair using a laser range finder sensor. As the wheelchair moves the information from the laser range finder is combined with data from the encoders mounted in its driving wheels to build a 360 degrees real-time map. The accuracy of the map is improved by eliminating the systematic error that would result from both the uncertainty of effective wheelbase and unequal driving wheel diameters. The usable wheelchair accessible space is determined by including the actual wheelchair dimensions in producing the real-time map. In making a decision the shared control method considers the user's intentions via the head-movement interface, accessible space of the environment and user safety. The experiments show promising results in the intelligent wheelchair system.
Valls Miro, J 1970, 'Robot assisted urban search and rescue (USAR)', Emergency Management Conference: Rescue 08, Emergency Management Conference: Rescue 08, Emergency Services Foundation (ESF), Melbourne, Vic, Australia.
Valls Miro, J & Dissanayake, G 1970, 'Robotic 3D Visual Mapping for Augmented Situational Awareness in Unstructured Environments', Proceedings of the EURON/IARP International Workshop on Robotics for Risky Interventions and Surveillance of the Environment (RISE 2008), EURON/IARP Robotics for Risky Interventions and Surveillance of the Environment, University of Jaume I, Technical Report Colleccio e-Treballs d'Informatica i Technologia" Num. 4", Benicassim, Spain.
Wan, S & Nguyen, HT 1970, 'Human computer interaction using hand gesture', 2008 30th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, 2008 30th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, IEEE, Vancouver, Canada, pp. 2357-2360.
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Hand gesture is a very natural form of human interaction and can be used effectively in human computer interaction (HCI). This project involves the design and implementation of a HCI using a small hand-worn wireless module with a 3-axis accelerometer as the motion sensor. The small stand-alone unit contains an accelerometer and a wireless Zigbee transceiver with microcontroller. To minimize intrusiveness to the user, the module is designed to be small (3cm by 4 cm). A time-delay neural network algorithm is developed to analyze the time series data from the 3-axis accelerometer. Power consumption is reduced by the non-continuous transmission of data and the use of low-power components, efficient algorithm and sleep mode between sampling for the wireless module. A home control interface is designed so that the user can control home appliances by moving through menus. The results demonstrate the feasibility of controlling home appliances using hand gestures and would present an opportunity for a section of the aging population and disabled people to lead a more independent life.
Wang, L, Su, SW, Chan, GSH, Celler, BG, Cheng, TA & Savkin, AV 1970, 'Nonlinear modeling of cardiovascular response to exercise', BIOSIGNALS 2008: PROCEEDINGS OF THE FIRST INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON BIO-INSPIRED SYSTEMS AND SIGNAL PROCESSING, VOL 1, International Conference on Bio-inspired Systems and Signal Processing, Institute for Systems and Technologies of Information, Madeira, Portugal, pp. 40-46.
Wijesuriya, N, Tran, Y, Thuraisingham, RA, Nguyen, HT & Craig, A 1970, 'Effects of mental fatigue on 8–13Hz brain activity in people with spinal cord injury', 2008 30th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, 2008 30th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, IEEE, Vancouver, Canada, pp. 5716-5719.
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Brain computer interfaces (BCIs) can be implemented into assistive technologies to provide âhands-freeâ control for the severely disabled. BCIs utilise voluntary changes in oneâs brain activity as a control mechanism to control devices in the personâs immediate environment. Performance of BCIs could be adversely affected by negative physiological conditions such as fatigue and altered electrophysiology commonly seen in spinal cord injury (SCI). This study examined the effects of mental fatigue from an increase in cognitive demand on the brain activity of those with SCI. Results show a trend of increased alpha (8-13Hz) activity in able-bodied controls after completing a set of cognitive tasks. Conversely, the SCI group showed a decrease in alpha activity due to mental fatigue. Results suggest that the brain activity of SCI persons are altered in its mechanism to adjust to mental fatigue. These altered brain conditions need to be addressed when using BCIs in clinical populations such as SCI. The findings have implications for the improvement of BCI technology.
Yeung, CW, Ling, SH, Chan, YH, Leung, FHF & IEEE 1970, 'Restoration of Half-toned Color-Quantized Images using Particle Swarm Optimization with Wavelet Mutation', 2008 IEEE REGION 10 CONFERENCE: TENCON 2008, VOLS 1-4, IEEE Region 10 Conference (TENCON 2008), IEEE, Hyderabad, INDIA, pp. 1844-1849.
Zhang, Y, Natkunarajah, R, Su, SW & Nguyen, J 1970, 'Model Predictive Controller Design for Static Var Compensator', 8th Asia-Pacific Conference on Control and Measurement, Asia-Pacific Conference on Control and Measurement, Nanjing University of Aeronautics & Astronautics, Harbin, P.R.China, pp. 100-104.
Zheng, L, Hoang, DB & IEEE 1970, 'Applying graph coloring in resource coordination for a high-density wireless environment', 2008 IEEE 8TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON COMPUTER AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, VOLS 1 AND 2, IEEE International Conference on Computer and Information Technology, IEEE, Sydney, Australia, pp. 664-669.
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In a high density wireless environment, channel interference among users of many overlapped Basic Service Sets (OBSSs) is a serious problem. Our solution for the problem relies on a resource coordination scheme that utilizes the spatial distribution of the transceivers for channel reuse and time-slot division multiplexing for downlink transmission sharing among all participating BSSs. In this paper we show that an OBSS environment can be modeled by a planar graph and the OBSS group coordination assignment problem can be considered as a vertex coloring problem whose solution involves at most four colors. The graph coloring solution algorithm for the OBSS group coordination assignment is presented. The actual coloring is demonstrated, using a heuristics of Maximum Degree First. Performance simulation results of the coordination algorithm are also presented.
Zhou, W, Miro, JV & Dissanayake, G 1970, 'Information-Driven 6D SLAM Based on Ranging Vision', 2008 IEEE/RSJ INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON ROBOTS AND INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS, VOLS 1-3, CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS, IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems, IEEE, Nice, France, pp. 2072-2077.
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This paper presents a novel solution for building three-dimensional dense maps in unknown and unstructured environment with reduced computational costs. This is achieved by giving the robot the 'intelligence' to select, out of the steadily collected data, the maximally informative observations to be used in the estimation of the robot location and its surroundings. 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 and is capable of handling large data sets collected at realistic sampling rates. The strategy is generic to any 3D feature-based simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) algorithm in the information form, but in the work presented here it is closely coupled to a proposed novel appearance-based sensory package. It consists of a conventional camera and a range imager, which provide range, bearing and elevation inputs to visual salient features as commonly used by three-dimensional point-based SLAM, but it is also particularly well adapted for lightweight mobile platforms such as those commonly employed for Urban Search and Rescue (USAR), chosen here to demonstrate the excellences of the proposed strategy. ©2008 IEEE.
