Digital Commons Network^™

Impact Of Intermetallic Precipitates On The Tribological And/Or Corrosion Performance Of Cast Aluminium Alloys: A Short Review, David Culliton, Tony Betts, David Kennedy

Articles

The role of various intermetallic precipitates (IMP), or secondary phase particles, in governing the wear and corrosion performance characteristics of cast aluminium alloys is outlined in this brief review. Such alloys are especially important in transport applications where their low weight, low cost and recyclability make them very attractive. However alloy wear and/or corrosion behaviour often limit their industrial application and more work needs to done to extend their use into other areas. Careful control of IMP nucleation and growth rates may be beneficial, especially in alloys exposed to corrosive environments. Silicon, copper and magnesium are all important elements for …

Apoptosis Is Signalled Early By Low Doses Of Ionizing Radiation In A Radiation-Induced Bystander Effect, Hayley Furlong, Carmel Mothersill, Fiona Lyng, Orla Howe

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It is known that ionising radiation (IR) induces a complex signalling apoptotic cascade post-exposure to low doses ultimately to remove damaged cells from a population, specifically via the intrinsic pathway. Therefore, it was hypothesised that bystander reporter cells may initiate a similar apoptotic response if exposed to low doses of IR (0.05 Gy and 0.5 Gy) and compared to directly irradiated cells. Key apoptotic genes were selected according to their role in the apoptotic cascade; tumour suppressor gene TP53, pro-apoptotic Bax and anti-apoptotic Bcl2, pro-apoptotic JNK and anti-apoptotic ERK, initiator caspase 2 and 9 and effector caspase 3, 6 and …

Mothers Who Formula Feed: Their Practices, Support Needs And Factors Influencing Their Infant Feeding Decision., Roslyn Tarrant, Margaret Sheridan-Pereira, Roberta A. Mccarthy, Katherine M. Younger, John M. Kearney

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The majority of mothers in Ireland provide formula milk to their infants during the initial weeks postpartum; however, data are lacking on their formula feeding practices and support needs. This prospective Dublin-based observational study, which included 450 eligible mother-term infant pairs recruited and followed up to 6 months postpartum, aimed to advance our understanding of maternal formula feeding practices, their reasons for deciding to formula feed, sources of feeding information and perceived support needs; insights into infant formula milk consumption patterns in relation to current feeding guidelines are also provided. In summary, the vast majority of infants at 6 weeks …

Epigenetic Regulation Of Oxysterol Formation, Steve Meaney

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Oxysterols are oxygenated derivatives of cholesterol that may be formed by either enzymatic or non-enzymatic mechanisms. Expression of the genes responsible oxysterol synthesis (GROS) is known to be restricted across different tissues and cell types. Regulation of the transcription of GROS and the activity of their enzyme transcripts has been the subject of intense activity for many years. Recent studies have sought to decipher the mechanism(s) that underpin the restricted expression of the GROS. Available data indicates that epigenetic mechanisms have an important role to play in the control of the expression of GROS. In the current review we summarize …

Oxysterols And Parkinson´S Disease. Evidence That Levels Of 24s-Hydroxycholesterol In Cerebrospinal Fluid Correlates With The Duration Of The Disease., Steve Meaney, Anita Lovgren-Sandblom, Lovisa Brodin, Lisette Salveson, Valerio Leoni, Kristian Winge, Sven Palhagen, Per Svenninson

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Oxysterols are important for cholesterol homeostasis in the brain and may be affected in neurodegenerative diseases. The levels of the brain-derived oxysterol 24S-hydroxycholesterol (24S-OH) have been reported to be markedly reduced in the circulation of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) (Lee et al., Antioxid. Redox Signal. 11 (2009) 407–420). The finding is surprising in view of the fact that other neurodegenerative diseases are associated with relatively modest effects on the circulating levels of 24S-OH. We determined the plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of 24S-OH and 27-hydroxycholesterol (27-OH) in patients with PD with different disease duration using a highly accurate …

Socio-Economic Differences In Food Group And Nutrient Intakes Among Young Women In Ireland, Daniel Mccartney, Katherine Younger, John Kearney

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The present study aimed to investigate socio-economic disparities in food and nutrient intakes among young Irish women. A total of 221 disadvantaged and seventy-four non-disadvantaged women aged 18–35 years were recruited. Diet was assessed using a diet history protocol. Of the total population, 153 disadvantaged and sixty-three non-disadvantaged women were classified as plausible dietary reporters. Food group intakes, nutrient intakes and dietary vitamin and mineral concentrations per MJ of energy consumed were compared between the disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged populations, as was compliance with dietary fibre, macronutrient and micronutrient intake guidelines. The disadvantaged women had lower intakes than the non-disadvantaged women …

The Relationship Between Socioeconomic Status And Nutritional Knowledge In Women During Pregnancy, Michelle Lane, Ellen Barrett, Amy O'Higgins, Laura Mullaney, Michael Turner, Daniel Mccartney

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Epidemiological data have shown that socioeconomic status affects nutritional knowledge and dietary quality(1). Irish national food surveys have also suggested that socioeconomic differences in food group, nutrient intakes, dietary attitudes and health behaviours exist (2,3). It is known that pregnancy can enhance a women’s nutritional awareness (4). The aim of the present study was to assess whether nutritional knowledge in pregnant women in Ireland is affected by socioeconomic status. One hundred and sixteen pregnant women aged 16–41 years (mean age of 29.5 years) were recruited at their initial antenatal booking visit (10–15 weeks gestation) at a large Dublin maternity hospital. …

Obesity Is An Independent Predictor Of Breastfeeding Initiation When Socioeconomic Status Is Controlled For, Annemarie Bennett, Daniel Mccartney, John Kearney

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Breastfeeding initiation rates vary across Europe, with rates as low as 56%(1) in Ireland and rates in excess of 90%(2) in the Nordic countries. A host of factors, including demographic, social, psychological and physical factors, influence the initiation, intensity and duration of breastfeeding. The extent to which modifiable factors influence breastfeeding initiation should be ascertained in order to prioritise support services for breastfeeding. Obesity is a known modifiable factor which inhibits breastfeeding initiation. This study aimed to determine the extent to which obesity inhibits breastfeeding initiation while controlling for socioeconomic status and other confounding factors. The Infant Cohort dataset from …

Dietary Quality In A Sample Of Adults With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus In Ireland; A Cross-Sectional Case Control Study, A Murray, A Mc Morrow, E O Connor, C Kiely, Oscar Mac Ananey, D O'Shea, M Egana, F Lithander

Articles

BACKGROUND:

A number of dietary quality indices (DQIs) have been developed to assess the quality of dietary intake. Analysis of the intake of individual nutrients does not reflect the complexity of dietary behaviours and their association with health and disease. The aim of this study was to determine the dietary quality of individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) using a variety of validated DQIs.

METHODS:

In this cross-sectional analysis of 111 Caucasian adults, 65 cases with T2DM were recruited from the Diabetes Day Care Services of St. Columcille's and St. Vincent's Hospitals, Dublin, Ireland. Forty-six controls did not have …

Coagulation Monitoring Devices: Past, Present, And Future At The Point Of Care, Leanne F. Harris, Vanessa Castro-Lopez, Tony J. Killard

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Automated technologies have revolutionised the monitoring of coagulation disorders in the central hospital laboratory setting, allowing for high throughput testing, improved accuracy and precision, accompanied by a marked reduction in human error. However, they still require trained operators and sample transportation. With the advent of point of care (POC) testing, the working principle of traditional coagulometers was used as the foundation for the development of miniaturised devices. A number of POC coagulation devices have been commercially available for many years now, allowing the patient to assume more control over the management of their own medication, e.g. warfarin. While POC devices …

Effect Of Alveolar Bone Support On Zygomatic Implants – An Fea Study, Michael Ring, Michael Freedman, Leo F.A Stassen

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The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of maxillary alveolar bone on the stress distribution of zygomatic implants. A three-dimensional finite element model was created of half of a skull. Two zygomatic implants were modelled, placed in the skull supported by the zygomatic bone and the maxillary alveolar bone and connected by a fixed bridge. This model was duplicated, and the area of the maxillary alveolar bone supporting the implants was removed. Occlusal and lateral forces were applied to both models and the maximum von Mises stresses were recorded. Higher maximum stresses were noted in the model …

Effect Of Glycerol On A Diacetone Acrylamide-Based Holographic Photopolymer Material, Dervil Cody, Izabela Naydenova, Emilia Mihaylova

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The composition of the low-toxicity, environmentally compatible diacetone acrylamide (DA) photopolymer has been modified with the inclusion of different additives. The addition of glycerol to the photopolymer composition is described. Results show that the incorporation of glycerol results in a uniform maximum refractive-index modulation for recording intensities in the range of 1–20  mW/cm2. This may be attributed to glycerol’s nature as a plasticizer, which allows for faster diffusion of an unreacted monomer within the grating during holographic recording. An optimum recording intensity of 0.5  mW/cm2 is observed for exposure energies of 20–60  mW/cm2. The modified photopolymer achieves a refractive-index modulation …

A Short Chain Nad(H)-Dependent Alcohol Dehydrogenase (Hpscadh) From Helicobacter Pylori: A Role In Growth Under Neutral And Acidic Conditions., A. Kumari, Henry Windle, Denise Cornally, Barry Ryan, Gary Henehan

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Toxic aldehydes produced by alcohol dehydrogenases have been implicated in the pathogenesis of Helicobacter pylori-related damage to the gastric mucosa. Despite this, the enzymes that might be responsible for producing such aldehydes have not been fully described. It was, therefore, of considerable interest to characterize the alcohol oxidizing enzymes in this pathogen. Previous work in this laboratory characterized two such H. pylori enzymes that had broad specificity for a range of aromatic alcohol substrates. An enzyme with broad specificity for aliphatic alcohols is likely to be required in order that H. pylori can metabolize the wide range of substrates encountered …

Overview Of Approaches To Preventing And Avoiding Proteolysis During Expression And Purification Of Proteins, Barry Ryan, Gary Henehan

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Proteases are enzymes that cleave proteins. They occur widely in nature and serve a fundamental role in cellular homeostasis; however, their presence can result in unwanted protein degradation during recombinant protein expression and purification. This unit introduces proteases, specifically outlining the types commonly encountered during production of recombinant proteins. The strategies used to avoid and to prevent proteolysis are also highlighted with extensive consideration of the molecular, technical, and logistical methodologies involved

Relationship Between Fear Of Falling And Mobility Varies With Visual Function Among Older Adults, Orna Donoghue, Harriet Ryan, Eoin Duggan, Ciaran Finucane, George Sava, Hilary Cronin, James Loughman, Rose Anne Kenny

Articles

Aim: The present study examined the association between vision, fear of falling and fear-related activity restriction, and assessed the effect of vision on the relationship between fear of falling and mobility, using data from a nationally representative sample of community-dwelling adults aged ≥50 years. Methods: Participants (n = 5003) completed an interview and health assessment (including Timed Up-and-Go, vision and cognitive tests). Visual acuity and contrast sensitivity were assessed using an Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study logMAR chart and Functional Vision Analyzer, respectively. Participants self-reported their vision as excellent, very good, good, fair or poor. They were assigned to no …

Impact Of Computer Experience On The Viability And Repeatablity Of The Moorfields Motion Displacement Test In A Developing And Underserved African Setting, James Loughman, Carmen Gonzalez Alvarez, Gay Mary Verdon-Roe, Roger Anderson, Ramos Antonio Manuel, Kovin Naidoo

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Background: The current study was designed to explore the effect of computer experience on the viability and testretest repeatability of the Moorfields Motion Displacement Test (MMDT), a novel computer-driven glaucoma screening device, in an African community setting. Methods: 164 healthy subjects were recruited from a semi-rural Mozambican environment, and stratified according to computer experience (computer naïve: n=85, computer familiar: n=79). A suprathreshold screening test algorithm was employed, and the global probability of true damage (GPTD), testing time (TT) and false positive (FP) response rate were recorded. The visual field test was conducted twice on the same eye, and results compared …

Suitability And Repeatability Of A Photostress Recovery Test Device, The Macular Degeneration Detector (Mdd-2), For Diabetes And Diabetic Retinopathy Assessment, James Loughman, Matthew Ratzlaff, Brittany Foerg, Paul Connell

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Background: Diabetic retinopathy can result in impaired photostress recovery time despite normal visual acuity and fundoscopic appearance. The Macular Degeneration Detector (MDD-2) is a novel flash photostress recovery time device. In this study, we examine the repeatability of the MDD-2 in normal and diabetic subjects. Methods: One hundred and ninety one (90 women, 101 men) subjects were recruited and divided into 1 of the 3 study groups (normal controls, n = 40; diabetes no retinopathy, n = 98; nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy, n = 53). Photostress recovery time was measured three times in the study eye using the MDD-2, each measurement …

Generation Of Intracellular Reactive Oxygen Species And Genotoxicity Effect To Exposure Of Nanosized Polyamidoamine (Pamam) Dendrimers In Plhc-1 Cells In Vitro, Hugh Byrne, Pratap Naha

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Polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers elicit systematically variable cyto- and eco-toxic responses, promising the basis for structure activity relationships governing nanotoxicological responses. Increased production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), genotoxicity and apoptosis due to in-vitro exposure of hepatocellular carcinoma cells to dendrimer generations G-4, G-5 and G-6 is demonstrated. A generation dependent increase in ROS and genotoxicity was observed, consistent with our previous studies. The responses correlate well with the number of surface amino groups per generation. Although ROS production initially increases approximately linearly, it saturates at higher doses. Notably, normalised to molar dose of surface amino groups, the dose-dependent ROS …

Optimization Of Fermentation Conditions For The Utilization Of Brewing Waste To Develop A Nutraceutical Rich Liquid Product, Shilpi Gupta, Amit Jaiswal, Nissreen Abu-Ghannam

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Utilization of brewers’ spent grain (BSG), for the development of a fermented liquid product rich in value-added phenolic compounds was investigated. Changes in and liberation of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity during fermentation of BSG was studied. The effect of various particle size (PS), solid liquid (SL) ratio, fermentation time and rotation speed was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) for the purpose of improving bacterial growth and the enhancement in the release of polyphenolic compounds. Contour maps generated using the response surface equation showed that the experimental variables significantly affected the response. A production of 10.4 log cfu/ml, 2.95 …

Ultrasound For Improved Crystallisation In Food Processing, N. Misra, Navneet Deora, Brijesh Tiwari, Patrick J. Cullen

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Within the food industry, controlling crystallisation is a key factor governing food structure, texture and consumer appeal, with some foods requiring the promotion of crystallisation in a controlled manner (e.g. chocolate) and others a check (e.g. in honey). Sonocrystallisation is the application of ultrasound energy to control the nucleation of a crystallisation process. The use of power ultrasound provides a non-invasive approach to producing crystals with desired properties. Sonocrystallisation facilitates process control, primarily by modulating crystal size distribution and morphology. This paper details the governing mechanisms of sonocrystallisation. Proven and potential applications of the process in foods, including chocolates, honey, …

Comparison Between Gelatines Extracted From Mackerel And Blue Whiting Bones After Different Pre-Treatments, Catherine Barry-Ryan, Zied Khiari, Daniel Rico, Ana Belen Martin-Diana

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Gelatines were extracted from mackerel and blue whiting bones after chemical or enzymatic pre-treatments and their functional properties (solubility, foaming and emulsifying properties) were analysed. The pre-treatment significantly (p

Antioxidant Capacity, Arabinoxylans Content And In Vitro Glycaemic Index Of Cereal-Based Snacks Incorporated With Brewer’S Spent Grain, Sofia Reis, Nissreen Abu-Ghannam

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Extruded snacks and breadsticks were formulated with increasing levels of brewer’s spent grain (BSG). The phenolic content increased by 4 and 7 fold with BSG addition in extrudates (40g/100g) and in breadsticks (35g/100g), respectively. Consequently, antioxidant capacity (DPPH, FRAP) also increased despite a recorded loss of phenolic compounds in extruded snacks. Arabinoxylans content increased up to 20 and 25g of BSG addition /100g of formulated extruded snacks and breadsticks, respectively. Further addition of BSG did not improve the content of arabinoxylans due to the possible formation of polysaccharide-protein complexes. Medium GI breadsticks were obtained with 35g of BSG incorporation /100g …

Effect Of Delactosed Whey Permeat Treatment On Physiochemical, Sensorial, Nutritional And Microbial Properties Of Whole Tomatoes During Postharvest Storage., Lubna Ahmed, Ana Belen Martin-Diana, Daniel Rico, Catherine Barry-Ryan

Articles

The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of delactosed whey permeate (DWP) treatment on the physico-chemical, microbial and antioxidant compounds of tomatoes stored at 15 °C for 21 days compared with traditional chlorine treatment. Fresh tomatoes were treated with 3 ml/100ml DWP or 120 mg/L chlorine solutions and packed in perforated polypropylene bags. The results showed that DWP treatment significantly reduced the number of total aerobic counts (~1.62 log cfu/g) and yeast and moulds (~1.66 log cfu/g) of tomatoes compared to chlorine during storage. Moreover, the tomatoes treated by DWP remained firmer (22 %) than the control …

Valorisation Of Apple Peels, Laura Massini, Daniel Rico, Ana Belen Martin-Diana, Catherine Barry-Ryan

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The peels of processed apples can be recovered for further food applications. Limited information on the valorisation of this type of waste is available for cooking varieties, e.g. cv Bramley’s Seedling. Extracts from fresh or dried (oven-dried or freeze-dried) peels were obtained with solvents of different polarity (aqueous acetone or ethanol) and assayed for their total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity; their antiradical power was compared to herb extracts. The dried peels were also characterised as bulk powders by assessing their nutritional value and total phenolic content. High amounts of ascorbic acid (up to 4 mg/g, dry weight) and polyphenols …

Making Connections: Networked Mindmaps As A Student Centred Assessment For Learning., Barry Ryan

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Engaging students is a difficult task faced by all academics. Student engagement can be achieved by giving ownership of their learning back to the student and by carefully aligning the assessment methodology to the students learning and future employability. To promote learning ownership in this case-study, a group of final year students were involved in the design of the delivery (‘flipped classroom’) and assessment strategy (‘flipped assessment’) of the curriculum. Upon reflection, students noted a deep understanding of their self-selected topic by taking ownership of their learning and their ‘assessment for learning’ within the bounded learning environment. Additionally, students enhanced …

Line Up, Line Up: Using Technology To Align And Enhance Peer Learning And Assessment In A Student Centred Foundation Organic Chemistry Module., Barry Ryan

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This paper describes how three technologies were utilised in combination to align student learning and assessment as part of a case study. Multiple choice questions (MCQs) were central to all these 10 technologies. The peer learning technologies; Personal Response Devices (a.k.a. Clickers) and PeerWise (http://peerwise.cs.auckland.ac.nz), were implemented to achieve scaffolded, self-directed independent learning by the students which aligned to the assessment methodology through creating, analysing, answering and discussing multiple choice questions. Personal response devices enhanced in-class activity involvement, whilst PeerWise provided structure and support for independent student learning through 15 defined outside class activities. An associated technology, online MCQs hosted …

A Walk Down The Red Carpet: Students As Producers Of Digital Video-Based Knowledge., Barry Ryan

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Disengaged and apathetic students are common in many undergraduate classrooms. Learning to these students is a passive process, typified by a consumer-like attitude. One approach to engage students, and enhance the learning experience, is to integrate active learning into the curriculum. The purpose of the pedagogical evaluative study described here was to investigate if student researched, designed and created digital video could act as a viable reusable peer learning resource. Although the use and integration of technology was central to the scope of this project, other ideas such as threshold concepts, the requirement for both active and authentic social constructivist …

The Effect Of Non-Thermal Processing Technologies On Microbial Inactivation: An Investigation Into Sub-Lethal Injury Of Escherichia Coli And Pseudomonas Fluorescens, Rachel Halpin, L. Duffy, O. Cregenzán-Alberti,, J.G Lyng, F. Noci

Articles

In recent years, there has been an increased interest in food processing technologies that could lessen the thermal impact on food products. In the present study, thermosonication (TS) and pulsed electric fields (PEF), applied individually or in combination (TS/PEF), were investigated to determine their effects on inactivation and sub-lethal injury of Pseudomonas fluorescens and Escherichia coli. TS was applied at a low (L) and high (H) wave amplitude (18.6 μm and 27.9 μm, respectively), while PEF was applied at a low and high electrical field strength (29 kV cm⁻¹ and 32 kV cm⁻¹, respectively). In addition, …

Human And Organisational Factors As A Risk Management Strategy In An Aviation Maintenance Company, Samuel Cromie, Paul Liston, Derek Ross, Siobhan Corrigan, Lindita Vani, Dara Lynch, Solonas Demosthenous, Maria Chiara Leva, Alison Kay, Vangelis Demosthenous

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Aviation has for many years been one of the leading industries in addressing human and organisational factors (HOF) within its different sectors – flight operations, air traffic control, ground operations, maintenance, etc. In particular aviation has led the way in mandating a range of measures that address HOF issues – reporting systems, shift-handover procedures, etc (e.g. UK CAA, 2003). A key element of the regulation has been the mandating of initial and continuation training in HOF for virtually all personnel working in aviation maintenance. By contrast the development of practice and regulation of risk and safety management in aviation has …

Augmented Resistance: The Possibilities For Ar And Data Driven Art, Conor Mcgarrigle

Articles

This article discusses the possibilities for Augmented Reality (AR) as a driver of data based art. The combination of AR and Open Data (in the broadest post-Wikileaks sense) is seen to provide a powerful tool-set for the artist/activist to augment specific sites with a critical, context-specific data layer. Such situated interventions offer powerful new methods for the political activation of sites which enhance and strengthen traditional non- virtual approaches and should be thought of as complementary to, rather than replacing, physical intervention.

I offer as a case study this author’s “NAMAland” project, a mobile artwork which uses Open Data and …