BSI Research Units

Instrumentation Research Unit

Unit Leader: David Simpson

Introduction:

Instrumentation has always played an important role in Psychology, Psychophysiology, Biomedical Engineering and Cognitive Neuroscience research, from simple reaction time measurements to complete EEG recording systems. There are many facets to our research, design and development of instrumentation used in many ongoing research studies.

Key Members

Name: Dr Richard Silberstein

Name: Dr Andrew Pipingas

Name: Dr John Patterson

Name: Dr Mark Schier

Current Research Projects:

Multi-channel EEG (12, 64 and 144 input channels) recording systems for use in ongoing, transient evoked potentials and steady state EEG recording techniques.

An AC excitation skin conductance (SC) system. SC can be used as an indicator of psychological state. By using a novel optical interface via optic-fibre the SC system has been used in MRI studies and a more standard output to interface to a NeuroScan EEG recording system.

Recording Skin Conductance with Between beats heart rate.

MRI (magnet friendly) hardware such as optical switches with no metal parts.

High voltage stimulator for MRI use in association with Pradeep NATHAN (Monash)

An Olfactometer. A computer controlled multi-odor delivery system supported by a grant from the Grape and Wine Research & Development Corporation (in association with Dr John Patterson).

Human Machine Interface and automotive instruments and controls. Instrumental car project supported by the Automotive CRC (7 year project).

Instrumentation to measure the vibration on drivers and road surfaces. A project supported by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (1 year project).

Telemetry systems allowing for mobile-subject recordings with electrode systems and eye movement. Ongoing research and development, in association with the Victorian Institute of Sport .

Key Publications:

Eide P, Kemp A, Silberstein RB, Nathan PJ, Stough C. (2002) Test-retest reliability of the emotional stroop task: examining the paradox of measurement change. J Psychol. 136:514-20.

Gray M, Kemp AH, Silberstein RB, Nathan PJ (2003) Cortical neurophysiology of anticipatory anxiety: an investigation utilizing steady state probe topography (SSPT). Neuroimage. 20:975-986.

Kemp AH, Gray MA, Eide P, Silberstein RB, Nathan PJ. (2002) Steady-state visually evoked potential topography during processing of emotional valence in healthy subjects. Neuroimage. 17:1684-92.

Kemp P., Gray M.A., Line P., Silberstein R.B., Nathan P.J. (2003). Preliminary Electrophysiological Evidence For Modulation of the Processing of Negative Affect by Serotonin. Brain and Cognition 51: 198-200.

Kemp A.H., Silberstein R.B., Armstrong S., Nathan P.J. (2004). Gender differences in the cortical electrophysiological processing of visual emotional stimuli. Neuroimage, 2004: 21:632-46..

Kemp A., Gray M., Silberstein R.B., Nathan P.J. (2004). Augmentation of serotonin enhances pleasant and suppresses unpleasant electrophysiological responses to visual emotional stimuli. Neuroimage 2004 ; 22:1084

Grants Received:

Participated in numerous grant supported projects.

Work with Communitiy and Affiliates:

Geoff Neild . Neuro-Insight.
http://www.neuro-insight.com.au )

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