Statistical Methods for Flow Cytometric Data. The project will aid users of flow cytometry throughout Australia. It will help foster collaborations between the biological and mathematical scientists. Biological research is an important part of Australia's future and is becoming very quantitative. During the course of the project, two PhD students will be provided strong training in Statistics geared towards biological applications. The project is aligned with the 8th Human Leucocyte Differentiat ....Statistical Methods for Flow Cytometric Data. The project will aid users of flow cytometry throughout Australia. It will help foster collaborations between the biological and mathematical scientists. Biological research is an important part of Australia's future and is becoming very quantitative. During the course of the project, two PhD students will be provided strong training in Statistics geared towards biological applications. The project is aligned with the 8th Human Leucocyte Differentiation Antigen workshop to culminate in Adelaide in December 2004 and will aid the fight against blood cell cancers. The project will also aid research on plankton with potential commercial benefits for Australia's marine scallop industry.
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A mathematical model relating neural activity to cerebral blood flow. An ageing population is increasingly prone to neurodegenerative disease and the associated mental impairment can severely disrupt the lives of both the sufferers and the carers. Non-invasive brain imaging techniques are used to both diagnose and supervise treatment of such disease, but at present a lack of understanding of the underlying physiology leaves these methods open to criticism. The construction of a detailed quanti ....A mathematical model relating neural activity to cerebral blood flow. An ageing population is increasingly prone to neurodegenerative disease and the associated mental impairment can severely disrupt the lives of both the sufferers and the carers. Non-invasive brain imaging techniques are used to both diagnose and supervise treatment of such disease, but at present a lack of understanding of the underlying physiology leaves these methods open to criticism. The construction of a detailed quantitative model of the basic processes underlying this imaging will enable precise interpretation of such brain scans and increase their usefulness both as a research and as a therapeutic tool.Read moreRead less
A new theory for retinotectal map formation. How brains become wired up during development is a question of
importance to both biology and computing. In this project we adopt a
novel computational approach to understanding the development of
topographic maps, a wiring pattern that is ubiquitous in biological
nervous systems. This project will build capacity for research in
computational neuroscience in Australia. It may also lead to
technological benefits such as new ideas for the design o ....A new theory for retinotectal map formation. How brains become wired up during development is a question of
importance to both biology and computing. In this project we adopt a
novel computational approach to understanding the development of
topographic maps, a wiring pattern that is ubiquitous in biological
nervous systems. This project will build capacity for research in
computational neuroscience in Australia. It may also lead to
technological benefits such as new ideas for the design of self-wiring
computing devices, and new insights into
the causes of wiring defects both during normal development and
rewiring after injury.
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Mathematical modelling in developmental biology. Modern observational techniques in biology and medicine generate a wealth of genetic and molecular detail. Mathematical modelling integrates and synthesises this information to provide insight into how complex biological processes are coupled to produce experimentally observed behaviour. Mathematical modelling generates experimentally testable predictions that can be used to verify the validity of the models. This program is dedicated to exciting ....Mathematical modelling in developmental biology. Modern observational techniques in biology and medicine generate a wealth of genetic and molecular detail. Mathematical modelling integrates and synthesises this information to provide insight into how complex biological processes are coupled to produce experimentally observed behaviour. Mathematical modelling generates experimentally testable predictions that can be used to verify the validity of the models. This program is dedicated to exciting opportunities for advancing our knowledge of normal and abnormal developmental processes, especially in embryonic growth. Understanding these processes will lead to prediction and treatment of congenital disorders and contribute to a healthy start to life. Read moreRead less
Motor Unit Numbers Estimation (MUNE) using Bayesian statistical methodology for monitoring of progression of neuromuscular diseases. A means of objectively measuring the pathology of a neuromuscular disease involving motor unit loss, such as motor neuron disease, is much needed. This will be achieved by using newly developed electrophysiological techniques and developing new Bayesian statistical methodology to determine the number of motor units that supply a muscle. Our innovations will reliabl ....Motor Unit Numbers Estimation (MUNE) using Bayesian statistical methodology for monitoring of progression of neuromuscular diseases. A means of objectively measuring the pathology of a neuromuscular disease involving motor unit loss, such as motor neuron disease, is much needed. This will be achieved by using newly developed electrophysiological techniques and developing new Bayesian statistical methodology to determine the number of motor units that supply a muscle. Our innovations will reliably determine the number of motor units that supply a muscle in both normal subjects and in diseased patients with loss of motor nerves. This will enable the monitoring of disease progression. An outcome will be a software package that can be used with standard electrophysiology machines.Read moreRead less
Improved Monte Carlo Methods for Estimation, Optimisation and Counting. The project will benefit the Australian society by building the theoretical and methodological foundations for the next generation of Monte Carlo techniques. The advancement of the knowledge in this area will provide important tools for solving complex estimation, optimisation and counting problems in engineering, statistics, computer science, mathematics and the physical and life sciences. As a result it will generate a com ....Improved Monte Carlo Methods for Estimation, Optimisation and Counting. The project will benefit the Australian society by building the theoretical and methodological foundations for the next generation of Monte Carlo techniques. The advancement of the knowledge in this area will provide important tools for solving complex estimation, optimisation and counting problems in engineering, statistics, computer science, mathematics and the physical and life sciences. As a result it will generate a competitive advantage for various sections of the Australian industry, including telecommunications, biotechnology and finance. The project will enable Australian researchers to continue to work at the forefront of this fast moving and exciting area of international research.Read moreRead less
Adapting the Bulk Synchronous Parallel processing model to Peer-to-Peer Networked Computing. Advances in distributed computing have shown that data parallel and parametric applications domains are amenable to wide area distribution. The project will advance the Bulk Synchronous Parallel processing model to describe innovative applications from the loosely synchronous domain, e.g. fluid dynamics, strategy algorithms and N-body problems are challenges that have significant scientific and industria ....Adapting the Bulk Synchronous Parallel processing model to Peer-to-Peer Networked Computing. Advances in distributed computing have shown that data parallel and parametric applications domains are amenable to wide area distribution. The project will advance the Bulk Synchronous Parallel processing model to describe innovative applications from the loosely synchronous domain, e.g. fluid dynamics, strategy algorithms and N-body problems are challenges that have significant scientific and industrial value. The project specializes the exciting peer-to-peer paradigm, a frontier of inter-networking technology. By using the latest techniques and taking advantage of the technology implosion caused by low cost parallel infrastructure, the project outcomes will give Australia a strong position in the future of parallel technology.Read moreRead less
Special Research Initiatives - Grant ID: SR0354793
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$10,000.00
Summary
A Neural Network: Understanding Brain Function. This proposal focuses on the mechanisms that regulate brain function, particularly those underpinning the changes in circuitry (plasticity) caused by altered inputs. As such, its core goal is to create an interface between researchers in the neurosciences, computational modelling, robotics and cognitive sciences in order to facilitate optimum collaborative interactions, identify key research questions and promote training opportunities across a mul ....A Neural Network: Understanding Brain Function. This proposal focuses on the mechanisms that regulate brain function, particularly those underpinning the changes in circuitry (plasticity) caused by altered inputs. As such, its core goal is to create an interface between researchers in the neurosciences, computational modelling, robotics and cognitive sciences in order to facilitate optimum collaborative interactions, identify key research questions and promote training opportunities across a multidisciplinary spectrum. This will drive an integrated and accelerated program of discovery and technological development, enhancing Australia's leadership in this crucial field and helping to highlight new biotechnology opportunities and capture social and economic benefits for the nation. Read moreRead less
Determination of Conductivity Values for Anisotropic Tissue. Well established mathematical models governing the electrical potential in biological tissue can be combined with measurements of the electric potential on the surface of the tissue to provide insight into subsurface tissue damage. However, before such observations can be convincingly accepted, reliable values for the tissue conductivity must be obtained. The aim of this project is to develop mathematical techniques to calculate the co ....Determination of Conductivity Values for Anisotropic Tissue. Well established mathematical models governing the electrical potential in biological tissue can be combined with measurements of the electric potential on the surface of the tissue to provide insight into subsurface tissue damage. However, before such observations can be convincingly accepted, reliable values for the tissue conductivity must be obtained. The aim of this project is to develop mathematical techniques to calculate the conductivity values so that one can apply the equations to solve problems of potential distribution and proceed to accurately simulate electrical potential distributions in damaged tissue. More accurate and reliable conductivity values will allow a better understanding of the way electric current moves through the heart which, in turn, will result in more efficient defibrillators and better diagnosis of abnormal function.Read moreRead less
Cross-Entropy Methods in Complex Biological Systems. The Cross-Entropy method provides a powerful new way to find superior solutions to complicated optimisation problems in biology, ranging from better design and implementation of medical treatments to an increased understanding of complex ecosystems.