In the areas of the brain where visual information is processed, cells respond to the presentation of visual stimuli by changing their pattern of electrical activity. At the first level of analysis, the primary visual cortex (V1), individual cells become active only if line segments or borders of a particular orientation are present in their field of detection, which encompasses a small part of the visual scene. Cells in other visual cortical areas (the extrastriate cortex) perform more complex ....In the areas of the brain where visual information is processed, cells respond to the presentation of visual stimuli by changing their pattern of electrical activity. At the first level of analysis, the primary visual cortex (V1), individual cells become active only if line segments or borders of a particular orientation are present in their field of detection, which encompasses a small part of the visual scene. Cells in other visual cortical areas (the extrastriate cortex) perform more complex detection tasks in comparison with those in V1, which demand integration of information coming from much larger portions of the visual scene. One example of these more complex properties is the phenomenon of long-range contour integration, where our visual system groups individual line segments having similar orientations, so that they are perceived as part of the same contour. This property is reflected in the electrical responses of cells in the dorsomedial visual area (DM). How are properties such as orientation specificity and long-range contour integration created? To begin addressing this question, we will investigate correlations between the physiological properties of identified cells, the spatial distribution of their information collecting regions (dendrites), and the anatomical pathways by which they receive information from other parts of the brain. This is a basic science study aimed at determining the extent to which the anatomical structure of the brain helps define the function of individual cells and brain areas. Its primary benefit will be to increase our understanding of the mechanisms underlying all sensory processing in the brain. The knowledge obtained may also lead to developments in areas of applied research including medicine and cognitive science (for example, understanding how the brain learns to interpret visual information in early life, and how visual processing degrades with ageing).Read moreRead less
Genetic Polymorphisms Associated With Clinical And Dermoscopic Naevus Signature Patterns
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$842,841.00
Summary
Melanoma is a form of skin cancer that arises from the cells that produce pigment and is a major public health issue in Australia. We will examine the relationship between the form, structure and colour of existing types of moles and their subsequent risk of developing into melanoma. This study will combine dermoscopy, a non-invasive examination technique, with DNA tests of the genes that determine number of naevi, skin, hair and eye colour, aiding in the early prediction and diagnosis of skin c ....Melanoma is a form of skin cancer that arises from the cells that produce pigment and is a major public health issue in Australia. We will examine the relationship between the form, structure and colour of existing types of moles and their subsequent risk of developing into melanoma. This study will combine dermoscopy, a non-invasive examination technique, with DNA tests of the genes that determine number of naevi, skin, hair and eye colour, aiding in the early prediction and diagnosis of skin cancer.Read moreRead less
Discrete Simulation Of Powder Dispersion In Pharmaceutical Aerosol Inhalers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$35,085.00
Summary
This project seeks to develop fundamental understanding of the dispersion mechanisms of powders as aerosol for inhalation drug delivery. It couples computational simulations using computational fluid dynamics and discrete element method with experimental dispersion analysis. Successful development of this research will lead to a comprehensive understanding of factors controlling inhaler performance and thus maximizes the therapeutic benefits to the patients.
Morphological And Mechanical Properties Of Normal And Spastic Muscle In Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$91,749.00
Summary
Examining muscle structure and function assists in understanding movement. This research will develop non-invasive ultrasound imaging techniques allowing muscle fibre visualisation and assessment of muscle properties during passive length changes and active force production. We will compare structure and function of spastic muscle in children with cerebral palsy and typically developing muscle. The effects of Botox injections on spastic muscle properties will also be investigated.