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Raman Micro Spectroscopy Study Of The Interaction Of Vincristine With A549 Cells Supported By Expression Analysis Of Bcl-2 Protein, Haq Nawaz, Amaya Garcia, Aidan Meade, Fiona Lyng, Hugh Byrne

Articles

Understanding the interaction of anticancer drugs with model cell lines is important to elucidate the mode of action of these drugs as well as to develop cost effective and rapid screening methods. Raman spectroscopy has been demonstrated to be a valuable technique for high throughput, noninvasive analysis. The interaction of vincristine with a human lung adenocarcinoma cell line (A549)was investigated using Raman micro spectroscopy. The results were correlated with parallel measurements from the MTT cytotoxicity assay, which yielded an IC₅₀ value of 0.10 ± 0.03 μM. The Raman spectral data acquired from vincristine treated A549 cells was analysed to …

Legal Positivism And Russell's Paradox, David G. Carlson

Articles

In this Article, I argue that legal positivism is subject to the same paradox as was engendered by Frege's set theory-a paradox that has come to be known as Russell's Paradox. Basically, Frege tried to define what a set is. Russell showed that, because of self-reference, any attempt to define the word "set" led to formal condition. I argue that Russell's analysis can be applied to legal positivism, if "legal positivism" is defined to mean that a complete and closed rule of recognition for law is a logical possibility. I also argue that, to the extent legal positivism claims that …

Well-Being Analysis Vs. Cost-Benefit Analysis, John Bronsteen, Christopher Buccafusco, Jonathan S. Masur

Articles

No abstract provided.

Using Semi-Supervised Classifiers For Credit Scoring, Kenneth Kennedy, Brian Mac Namee, Sarah Jane Delany

Articles

In credit scoring, low-default portfolios are those for which very little default history exists. This makes it problematic for financial institutions to estimate a reliable probability of a customer defaulting on a loan. Banking regulation (Basel II Capital Accord), and best practice, however, necessitate an accurate and valid estimate of the probability of default. In this article the suitability of semi-supervised one-class classification algorithms as a solution to the lowdefault portfolio problem are evaluated. The performance of one-class classification algorithms is compared with the performance of supervised two-class classification algorithms. This study also investigates the suitability of oversampling, which is …

Inverter Performance For Small Wind Turbines When Connected In Paralled With The Low-Voltage Distribution System, Jonathan Blackledge, Eugene Coyle, Derek Kearney, Eamonn Murphy

Articles

Small wind turbines have been installed in urban and turbulent locations with surprisingly poor performance and this has been backed up by data from a trial at the Technological University Dublin. In order to develop the small wind turbine industry a careful examination of assessment methods for the wind resource is required. Small wind turbines connected in parallel with the grid use inverters. As the wind turbine is not always at max output, a Weighted Average Efficiency for wind inverters is proposed. Pitfalls associated with developing an accurate weighted average efficiency for an inverter are identified and this will enable …

Octree-Based Indexing For 3d Point Clouds Within An Oracle Spatial Dbms, Bianca Schoen-Phelan, Abu Saleh Mohammad Mosa, Debra Laefer, Michela Bertolotto

Articles

A large proportion of today’s digital data has a spatial component. The storage and effective 10 management of such data poses particular challenges. Nowhere is this truer than with Light De-11 tection and Ranging (LiDAR), where datasets of even small geographic areas may contain sever-12 al hundred millions points. Currently available spatial information systems do not provide suita-13 ble support for 3D data. As a consequence, while a specific system can be used to store the data, 14 another has to be used to process it. Typically several software applications are used to analyze 15 and process LiDAR data, requiring …

A Viewpoint Of Tanzania E-Commerce And Implementation Barriers, George S. Oreku, Fredrick Mtenzi, Al-Dahoud Ali

Articles

The growing rate of ICT utilization particularly the Internet and mobile phones has influenced at an exponential rate online interaction and communication among the generality of the populace. However, with the enormity of businesses on the Internet, Tanzania is yet to harness the opportunities for optimal financial gains. This study is exploratory in nature as it attempts to unveil the prospects of ecommerce implementation, participation, motivation and opportunity to the developing countries like Tanzania where by the domestic market is very big to ensure the growth of agricultural sector. The paper proposes to investigate the ability of consumers to purchase …

Required Features Of A Virtual Classroom Tool For Use In Higher Education, Arnold Hensman

Articles

The integration of virtual-classroom systems into the arsenal of e-learning tools represents a major evolution in the landscape of modern distance education. For many courses, standard virtual learning environments (VLEs) provide only a foundation upon which to base a distance learning programme. However, synchronous live online-teaching software such as Microsoft Office Communicator and Adobe Connect allow educators to simulate a real-time classroom environment over the internet like never before. Since these tools are being used more and more within higher education, questions must be asked about how effective they ultimately can be in meeting student learning requirements. More importantly, what …

Prediction Of Compressive Creep Bhaviour In Flexible Polyurethane Foam Over Long Time Scales And At Elevated Temperatures, Conor Briody, Barry Duignan, Stephen Jerrams, Stephen Ronan

Articles

Compressive creep gradually affects the structural performance of flexible polymeric foam material over extended time periods. When designing components, it is often difficult to account for long-term creep, as accurate creep data over long time periods or at high temperatures is often unavailable. This is mainly due to the lengthy testing times and/or inadequate high temperature testing facilities. This issue can be resolved by conducting a range of short-term creep tests and applying accurate prediction methods to the results. Short-term creep testing was conducted on viscoelastic polyurethane foam, a material commonly used in seating and bedding systems. Tests were conducted …

Web-Based Interactive Video Vignettes Create A Personalized Active Learning Classroom For Introducing Big Ideas In Introductory Biology, Leslie Kate Wright, Dina L. Newman, Jean A. Cardinale, Robert Teese

Articles

The typical “flipped classroom” delivers lecture material in video format to students outside of class in order to make space for active learning in class. But why give students passive material at all? We are developing a set of high-quality online educational materials that promote active, hands-on science learning to aid in teaching of core concepts for introductory biology at the college level. Interactive video vignettes (IVVs) incorporate evidence based teaching strategies to address known areas of confusion for entering students. Each IVV includes a live action scenario with undergraduates investigating a biological problem with a realistic experiment that users …

Dark Solitons Of The Qiao's Hierarchy, Rossen Ivanov, Tony Lyons

Articles

We obtain a class of soliton solutions of the integrable hierarchy which has been put forward in a series of works by Z. Qiao. The soliton solutions are in the class of real functions approaching constant value fast enough at infinity, the so-called 'dark solitons'.

G-Strands, Darryl Holm, Rossen Ivanov, James Percival

Articles

A G-strand is a map g(t,s): RxR --> G for a Lie group G that follows from Hamilton's principle for a certain class of G-invariant Lagrangians. The SO(3)-strand is the G-strand version of the rigid body equation and it may be regarded physically as a continuous spin chain. Here, SO(3)_K-strand dynamics for ellipsoidal rotations is derived as an Euler-Poincar'e system for a certain class of variations and recast as a Lie-Poisson system for coadjoint flow with the same Hamiltonian structure as for a perfect complex fluid. For a special Hamiltonian, the SO(3) …

Spectral Cross Correlation As A Supervised Approach For The Analysis Of Complex Raman Datasets: The Case Of Nanoparticles In Biological Cells, Mark Keating, Franck Bonnier, Hugh Byrne

Articles

Spectral Cross-correlation is introduced as a methodology to identify the presence and subcellular distribution of nanoparticles in cells. Raman microscopy is employed to spectroscopically image biological cells previously exposed to polystyrene nanoparticles, as a model for the study of nano-bio interactions. The limitations of previously deployed strategies of K-means clustering analysis and principal component analysis are discussed and a novel methodology of Spectral Cross Correlation Analysis is introduced and compared with the performance of Classical Least Squares Analysis, in both unsupervised and supervised modes. The previous study demonstrated the feasibility of using Raman spectroscopy to map cells and identify polystyrene …

Influence Of Aboveground Vegetation On Seed Bank Composition And Distribution In A Great Basin Desert Sagebrush Community, Kristen M. Pekas, Eugene W. Schupp

Articles

The quantity, composition, and spatial dispersion of seed banks can greatly affect community dynamics. While seed banks of hot deserts have been studied extensively, little is known about seed banks in cold deserts, in particular the relationship between the seed bank and the aboveground vegetation. We investigated the relationship between the seed bank and aboveground vegetation and the effect of microhabitat (shrub interspace or beneath shrub) and aboveground community phase (high or low perennial bunchgrass cover) on the seed bank of a Great Basin Desert sagebrush community. The seed bank and aboveground vegetation differed in their most dominant species, resulting …

Nitrogen And Copper Doped Solar Light Active Tio2 Photocatalysts For Water Decontamination, Mike Fisher, Donal Keane, Pilar Fernandez-Ibanez, John Colreavy, Stephen Hinder, Kevin Mcguigan, Suresh Pillai

Articles

A novel class of photocatalytic coating capable of degrading bacterial and chemical contaminants in the presence of visible sunlight wavelengths was produced by depositing a stable photocatalytic TiO

2 film on the internal lumen of glass bottles via a sol–gel method. This coating was prepared in either undoped form or doped with nitrogen and/or copper to produce visible light-active TiO2 films which were annealed at 600 ◦C and were characterized by Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The presence of doped and undoped TiO2 films was found to accelerate the degradation of methylene blue in the presence of natural sunlight, while …

Cyclic Universe With An Inflationary Phase From A Cosmological Model With Real Gas Quintessence, Rossen Ivanov, Emil Prodanov

Articles

Phase-plane stability analysis of a dynamical system describing the Universe as a two-fraction uid containing baryonic dust and real virial gas quintessence is presented. Existence of a stable periodic solution experiencing in ationary periods is shown. A van der Waals quintessence model is revisited and cyclic Universe solution again found.

The Effect Of Genetic Background And Dose On Non-Targeted Effects Of Radiation, Sarah Irons, Virginia Sierra, Deborah Bowler, Kim Chapman, Stefania Militi, Fiona Lyng, Munira Kadhim

Articles

Purpose: This work investigates the hypothesis that genetic background plays a significant role in the signalling mechanisms underlying induction and perpetuation of genomic instability following radiation exposure.

Materials and methods: Bone marrow from two strains of mice (CBA and C57) were exposed to a range of X-ray doses (0, 0.01, 0.1, 1 and 3 Gy). Different cellular signalling endpoints: Apoptosis, cytokine levels and calcium flux, were evaluated at 2 h, 24 h and 7 d post-irradiation to assess immediate and delayed effects.

Results: In CBA (radiosensitive) elevated apoptosis levels were observed at 24 h post X-irradiation, and …

The Influence Of Auxiliary Ligands On The Photophysical Characteristics Of A Series Of Ruthenium (Ii) Polypyridyl Complexes, Luke O'Neill, Laura Perdisatt, Christine O'Connor

Articles

A series of ruthenium polypyridyl complexes were studied using UV/Vis absorption and luminescence spectroscopy as well as luminescence lifetime determination by time correlated single photon counting (TCSPC). The complexes were characterised with regard to the variation in the electronic band-gap as a result of the sequential variation of the auxiliary ligand 2,2’-bipyridine (bpy), 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) and 2,2’-biquinoline (biq) ligands while the main ligand remained constant for three different main ligand types. Luminescence yields were calculated and correlated with structural and electronic variation. It was found that both the absorption and emission characteristics could be tailored through the systematic variation of …

Evaluation Of Cirs String Doppler Phantom As A Test Tool For Use In A Doppler Ultrasound Quality Assurance Program, Jacinta Browne, S. Cournane, Andrew Fagan

Articles

Ultrasound Doppler systems are routinely used to perform blood flow velocity measurements which assist in the clinical assessment and diagnosis of vascular. Doppler measurements of peak velocities for vascular applications provide an indication of the degree of the stenosis which will ultimately assist in deciding how a patient is managed. It is imperative that Doppler systems are capable of accurately measuring blood flow velocities to ensure correct diagnosis and appropriate patient treatment; therefore such systems should be evaluated regularly as part of a Quality Assurance program. Although a range of Doppler test phantoms have been developed for quality control (QC) …

Characterisation Of The Colour Doppler "Twinkle" Artefact, Deirdre Cassidy, Andrew Fagan, Jacinta Browne

Articles

This investigation involved the development of a range of Colour Doppler Twinkle Artefact phantoms to characterise and quantify the “Twinkle” artefact which is often present when an irregular structure is encountered in the imaged field of view. The artefact occurs in both colour and power Doppler ultrasound imaging and manifests as a false depiction of colour velocity information in stationary soft tissue and therefore can cause significant misdiagnosis of areas of flow within the patient. It has been hypothesised that it is generated due to a strongly reflecting medium composed of individual reflectors and therefore becomes a clinical concern when …

Modifications Of Existing Doppler Ultrasound Test Devices For The Evaluations Of Colour Doppler Spatial Resolution, Nisma Arshad, Jacinta Browne

Articles

No abstract provided.

Response Surface Methodology Guided Release Of Two Acetate Volatiles From An Oil-In-Water Emulsion, Mark Traynor, Roisin Burke, N. Brunton, Catherine Barry-Ryan

Articles

Optimization of the volatile release of two commonly used flavor compounds (isoamyl acetate and furfuryl acetate) from a food emulsion model system was evaluated using response surface methodology (RSM). Twenty-seven random order settings were established using a central composite face-centered (CCF) experimental design. The main and combined effects of four independent variables—concentration of isoamyl acetate (50–90 ppm), furfuryl acetate (20–30 ppm), salt (NaCl; 0.1–2%), and pH (5–7)—on the responses were examined. The main objective of the present study was to determine the optimal concentration level of the four variables leading to optimal release of the volatile compounds. Quantitative measurements were …

Software Process Improvement To Assist Medical Device Software Development Organisations To Comply With The Amendments To The Medical Device Directive, Martin Mchugh, Fergal Mccaffery, Valentine Casey

Articles

A recent revision to the European Medical Device Directive (MDD) 2007/47/EC made fourteen amendments to the original directive (93/42/EEC). A number of these changes directly affect the development of software for use in healthcare. The most significant change in relation to medical device software development is that standalone software is now seen as an active medical device and should be developed following state of the art medical device software development processes. State of the art medical device software processes is understood within the industry as developing software in accordance with IEC 62304 and standards that are aligned with it. This …

A Review On The Visible Light Active Titanium Dioxide Photocatalysts For Environmental Applications, Miguel Pelaez, Nicholas Nolan, Suresh Pillai, Michael Seery, Polycarpos Falaras, Athanassios G. Kontos, Patrick S.M. Dunlop, Jeremy W.J. Hamiltone, J. Anthony Byrne, Kevin O’Shea, Mohammad H. Entezari, Dionysios D. Dionysiou

Articles

Development of visible light active (VLA) titania photocatalysts

Fujishima and Honda (1972) demonstrated the potential of titanium dioxide (TiO 2) semiconductor mate-rials to split water into hydrogen and oxygen in a photo-electrochemical cell. Their work triggered the development of semiconductor photocatalysis for a wide range of environmental and energy applica-tions. One of the most significant scientific and commercial advances to date has been the development of visible light active (VLA) TiO2 photocatalytic materials. In this review, a background on TiO2 struc-ture, properties and electronic properties in photocatalysis is presented. The development of different strategies to modify TiO2 for the utilization …

Comparative Review Of Imaging Methods Used For Diagnosing Renal Artery Stenosis (Ras), Deirdre King, Carmel Moran, Jacinta Browne

Articles

This comparative review examines the efficacy of different imaging methods to detect and quantify renal artery stenosis (RAS). Detection of RAS is important because it can lead to renovascular hypertension which is the most common form of secondary hypertension. Furthermore, it is important that a RAS is detected as early as possible as it is a potentially correctable cause of hypertension.¹ If detected at an early stage RAS can potentially be treated using a minimally invasive drug treatment regimen rather than the more invasive percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty without or with stent placement or surgery. Currently there are a …

Inhibition Of Burkholderia Multivorans Adhesion To Lung Epithelial Cells By Bivalent Lactosides, Ciara Wight, Rosaria Leyden, Paul V. Murphy, Máire Callaghan, Trinidad Velasco-Torrijos, Siobhan Mcclean

Articles

Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) is an opportunistic pathogen in cystic fibrosis patients which is inherently resistant to antimicrobial agents. The mechanisms of attachment and pathogenesis of Bcc, a group of 17 species, are poorly understood. The most commonly identified Bcc species in newly colonised patients, Burkholderia multivorans, continues to be acquired from the environment. Development of therapies which can prevent or reduce the risk of colonization on exposure to Bcc in the environment would be a better alternative to antimicrobial agents. Previously, it has been shown that Bcc strains bound to many glycolipid receptors on lung epithelia. Using a …

Proximity Study Of A Uwb Directional Conformal Antenna On Water Pipe, Domenico Gaetano, Max Ammann, Patrick Mcevoy, Matthias John, Louise Keating, Frances Horgan

Articles

A preliminary study on the conformal properties of an antipodal exponentially tapered antenna placed on the surface of a flow meter system in the UWB range is presented. It was observed that the water effect can be mitigated by shifting the antenna away from the pipe surface.

Students Fail To Transfer Knowledge Of Chromosome Structure To Topics Pertaining To Cell Division, Dina L. Newman, Christina M. Catavero, Leslie Kate Wright

Articles

Cellular processes that rely on knowledge of molecular behavior are difficult for students to comprehend. For example, thorough understanding of meiosis requires students to integrate several complex concepts related to chromosome structure and function. Using a grounded theory approach, we have unified classroom observations, assessment data, and in-depth interviews under the theory of knowledge transfer to explain student difficulties with concepts related to chromosomal behavior. In this paper, we show that students typically understand basic chromosome structure but do not activate cognitive resources that would allow them to explain macromolecular phenomena (e.g., homologous pairing during meiosis). To improve understanding of …

The 2-Component Dispersionless Burger's Equation Arising In The Modelling Of Bloodflow, Tony Lyons

Articles

This article investigates the properties of the solutions of the dispersionless two-component Burgers (B2) equation, derived as a model for blood- ow in arteries with elastic walls. The phenomenon of wave breaking is investigated as well as applications of the model to clinical conditions.

A Coupled Mathematical Model For Simultaneous Microwave And Convective Drying Of Wheat Seeds, Mohamed Hemis, Ruplal Choudhary, Dennis G. Watson

Articles

Faster drying techniques are preferred to prevent spoilage of harvested wheat seeds. Microwave (MW) drying may be used as an alternate technique for faster drying of crops with efficient utilisation of time and energy. The objective of this study was to develop a mathematical model to simulate the drying condition of wheat seeds during drying in a MW oven. A coupled mathematical model was developed for simultaneous MW and convective drying of wheat seeds in a domestic MW oven, resulting in a system of non-linear equations. Wheat samples with initial moisture levels of 15e25% wet basis were dried under MW …