Digital Commons Network^™

Assessing The Application Of 3d Collaborative Interfaces Within An Immersive Virtual University, Gavin Mcardle, Bianca Schoen-Phelan, Michela Bortolotto

Articles

The need to stimulate and engage students is of paramount importance within any learning scenario. Despite this, recent developments in online learning have failed to take this requirement into account. As a result e-learning courses which utilise traditional online learning management systems have a higher dropout rate than their classroom based counterparts. The attrition rate is attributed to boredom with the interfaces used to deliver learning material and also to the lack of opportunities to interact socially with others. Furthermore, being in a virtual environment imposes a whole new set of challenges onto users due to the distinct lack of …

Mobile Mapping System Lidar Data Framework, P. Lewis, C. Mcelhinney, Bianca Schoen-Phelan, T. Mccarthy

Articles

Mobile Mapping Systems (MMSs) for infrastructural monitoring and mapping arebecoming more prevalent as the availability and affordability of solutions that generate high accuracy geospatial data has matured.However, no existent methodology or systemexists where all theLiDAR, video, navigation,infrared and multispectraldata sources,collected from thismobile platform are integrated into a single, comprehensivedata management solution. Based on empirical experience there is a need for an MMS-data management framework where these types of data can be dynamically accessed and integratedto enable different projects with varying objectives todynamically accessdifferent MMS-data for, in one example, use in feature extraction algorithms. In this paper we introduce the LiDAR …

Dietary Energy Density As Marker Of Dietary Quality In Swedish Children And Adolescents: The European Youth Heart Study, Emma Patterson, J. Wärnberg, E. Poortvliet, John Kearney, M. Sjöström

Articles

To investigate if dietary energy density is associated with measures of dietary quality (food group, micronutrient and macronutrient intakes) in children and adolescents.

Synthesis And Evaluation Of Azetidinone Analogues Of Combretastatin A-4 As Tubulin Targeting Agents, Niamh O'Boyle, Miriam Carr, Lisa M. Greene, Orla Bergin, Seema M. Nathwani, Thomas Mccabe, David G. Lloyd, Daniela M. Zisterer, Mary J. Meegan

Articles

The synthesis and antiproliferative activity of a new series of rigid analogues of combretastatin A-4 are described which contain the 1,4-diaryl-2-azetidinone (β-lactam) ring system in place of the usual ethylene bridge present in the natural combretastatin stilbene products. These novel compounds are also substituted at position 3 of the β-lactam ring with an aryl ring. A number of analogues showed potent nanomolar activity in human MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines, displayed in vitro inhibition of tubulin polymerization and did not cause significant cytotoxicity in normal murine breast epithelial cells. 4-(4-Methoxyaryl)-substituted compound 32, 4-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyaryl)-substituted compounds 35 and 41 and …

Assessment Of The Accuracy Of An Ultrasound Elastography Liver Scanning System Using A Pva-Cryogel Phantom With Optimal Acoustic And Mechanical Properties, S. Cournane, Louise Cannon, Jacinta Browne, Andrew Fagan

Articles

The accuracy of a transient elastography liver-scanning ultrasound system was assessed using a novel application of PVA-cryogel as a tissue-mimicking material with acoustic and shear elasticity properties optimized to best represent those of liver tissue. Although the liver scanning system has been shown to offer a safer alternative for diagnosing liver cirrhosis through stiffness measurement, as compared to the liver needle biopsy exam, the scanner’s accuracy has not been fully established. The Young’s elastic modulus values of 5-6wt% PVA cryogel phantoms, also containing glycerol and 0.3μm Al2O3 and 3μm Al2O3, were measured using a ‘gold standard’ mechanical testing technique and …

No Longer, But Not Yet: Tweens And The Mediating Of Liminal Selves Through Metaconsumption, Kevina Cody, Katrina Lawlor, Pauline Mcclaren

Articles

Using the anthropological theory of liminality as a lens of analysis, the following paper outlines specific elements of a research project exploring the consumer culture of a liminal group – tweens. The lived experience of a tween is explored using a multi-method approach incorporating personal diaries, in-depth interviews and accompanied shopping trips. Outcomes of one aspect of this longitudinal research project – the theory of metaconsumption - are presented, suggesting an important divergent theoretical path from the ‘effects’ - dominated consumer socialization approach to researching young people and their relationships with consumption. We conclude that those in a shadowed reality, …

Race, Sex And Genes At Work: Uncovering The Lessons Of Norman-Bloodsaw, Elizabeth Pendo

Articles

The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 20081 ("GINA") is the first federal, uniform protection against the use of genetic information in both the workplace and health insurance. Signed into law on May 21, 2008, GINA prohibits an employer or health insurer from acquiring or using an individual's genetic information, with some exceptions.

One of the goals of GINA is to eradicate actual, or perceived, discrimination based on genetic information in the workplace and in health insurance. Although the threat of genetic discrimination is often discussed in universal terms - as something that could happen to any of us -the use …

Taking It To The Streets: A Public Right-Of-Way Project For Disability Law, Elizabeth Pendo

Articles

I teach a course in Disability Discrimination Law, which is designed as a civil rights course focused on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). When the ADA was passed in 1990, it was celebrated by many as one of the most significant civil-rights victories of this century. The ADA was enacted to "provide clear, strong, consistent, [and] enforceable standards [for] addressing discrimination against individuals with disabilities" and prohibits discrimination in employment, public services and transportation, privatelyowned places of public accommodations, and telecommunications. Although the ADA is not the first federal law addressing disability, its passage made clear that the continued …

Moving Beyond The Clamor For "Hedge Fund Regulation": A Reconsideration Of "Client" Under The Investment Advisers Act Of 1940, Anita K. Krug

Articles

This Article argues that, from both theoretical and pragmatic perspectives, a better approach would be for law to regard private fund investors as clients of the managers of those funds for all purposes under the investment advisory regulatory regime. In making these arguments, it dissects the doctrinal and historical underpinnings and sources of the current doctrine--legislative history and case law, in particular, but also SEC interpretations and rule changes. In light of the policy considerations-- including investor protection--that gave rise to the Advisers Act, the growth of the investment advisory industry and private funds' role in it, and lessons learned …

Food Consumption Trends And Drivers, John Kearney

Articles

A picture of food consumption (availability) trends and projections to 2050, both globally and for different regions of the world along with the drivers largely responsible for these observed consumption trends are the subject of this review. Throughout the world, major shifts in dietary patterns are occurring, even in the consumption of basic staples towards more diversified diets. Accompanying these changes in food consumption at a global and regional level have been considerable health consequences. Populations in those countries undergoing rapid transition are experiencing nutritional transition. The diverse nature of this transition may be the result of differences in socio …

Factors Associated With Weaning Practices In Term Infants: A Prospective Observational Study In Ireland., Roslyn Tarrant, Katherine Younger, Margaret Sheridan-Pereira, Martin White, John Kearney

Articles

The WHO (2001) recommends exclusive breast-feeding and delaying the introduction of solid foods to an infant’s diet until 6 months postpartum. However, in many countries, this recommendation is followed by few mothers, and earlier weaning onto solids is a commonly reported global practice. Therefore, this prospective, observational study aimed to assess compliance with the WHO recommendation and examine weaning practices, including the timing of weaning of infants, and to investigate the factors that predict weaning at #12 weeks. From an initial sample of 539 pregnant women recruited from the Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital, Dublin, 401 eligible mothers were …

The Prevalence And Determinants Of Breastfeeding Initiation And Duration In A Sample Of Women In Ireland, Roslyn Tarrant, Katherine Younger, Margaret Sheridan-Pereira, Martin White, John Kearney

Articles

Objective: To assess breast-feeding initiation and prevalence from birth to 6 months in a sample of mothers in Dublin, and to determine the factors associated with breast-feeding initiation and ‘any’ breast-feeding at 6 weeks in a sample of Irish-national mothers. Design: This prospective cross-sectional study involved the recruitment of women during the antenatal period, with subsequent follow-up of mothers who delivered healthy, term singleton infants, at 6 weeks and 6 months postpartum. Setting: Participants were recruited from antenatal clinics in the Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital, Dublin. Subjects: In all, 401 Irish-national and forty-nine non-Irish-national mothers met the criteria …

High-Density Screening Reveals A Different Spectrum Of Genomic Aberrations In Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Patients With ‘Stereotyped’ Ighv3-21 And Ighv4-34 B-Cell Receptors, Millaray Marincevic, Nicola Cahill, Rebeqa Gunnarsson, Anders Isaksson, Mahmoud Mansouri, Hanna Göransson, Markus Rasmussen, Mattias Jansson, Fergus Ryan, Karin Karlsson, Hans-Olov Adami, Fred Davi, Jesper Jurlander, Gunnar Juliusson, Kostas Stamatopoulos, Richard Rosenquist

Articles

Background The existence of multiple subsets of chronic lymphocytic leukemia expressing ‘stereotyped’ Bcell receptors implies the involvement of antigen(s) in leukemogenesis. Studies also indicate that ‘stereotypy’ may influence the clinical course of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, for example, in subsets with stereotyped IGHV3-21 and IGHV4-34 B-cell receptors; however, little is known regarding the genomic profile of patients in these subsets. Design and Methods We applied 250K single nucleotide polymorphism-arrays to study copy-number aberrations and copy-number neutral loss-of-heterozygosity in patients with stereotyped IGHV3-21 (subset #2, n=29), stereotyped IGHV4-34 (subset #4, n=17; subset #16, n=8) and non-subset #2 IGHV3-21 (n=13) and …

Platelet Alpha- And Beta- Secretase Activities Are Not Significantly Affected By Dementia Or Mild Cognitive Impairment In Swedish Patients., Paul Gorham, Natalie Bark, Steve Meaney, Ingemar Bjorkhem, Milita Crisby

Articles

The processing of the Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) is a critical event in the formation of amyloid plaques which are composed of the 4kDa amyloid beta-peptide (Abeta). Processing of APP occurs through a non-amyloidogenic pathway, mediated by initial alpha-secretase cleavage or through an amyloidogenic pathway via sequential cleavage by beta- and gamma-secretase enzymes, which produces Abeta peptides. Currently, the diagnosis of probable or possible Alzheimer's disease (AD) is primarily based on neuropsychological and neuroradiological assessment. Recent reports indicate that platelet beta-secretase activity is moderately increased in patients with AD and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). To our knowledge platelet alpha-secretase activity …

Genetic Connections Between Neurological Disorders And Cholesterol Metabolism, Ingemar Bjorkhem, Valerio Leoni, Steve Meaney

Articles

Cholesterol is an essential component of both the peripheral and central nervous systems of mammals. Over the last decade, evidence has accumulated that disturbances in cholesterol metabolism are associated with the development of various neurological conditions. In addition to genetically defined defects in cholesterol synthesis, which will be covered in another review in this Thematic Series, defects in cholesterol metabolism (cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis) and intracellular transport (Niemann Pick Syndrome) lead to neurological disease. A subform of hereditary spastic paresis (type SPG5) and Huntington's disease are neurological diseases with mutations in genes that are of importance for cholesterol metabolism. Neurodegeneration is generally …

Differential Genome-Wide Array–Based Methylation Profiles In Prognostic Subsets Of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, Meena Kanduri, Nicola Cahill, Hanna Göransson, Camilla Enström, Fergus Ryan, Anders Isaksson, Richard Rosenquist

Articles

Global hypomethylation and regional hypermethylation are well-known epigenetic features of cancer; however, in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), studies on genome-wide epigenetic modifications are limited. Here, we analyzed the global methylation profiles in CLL, by applying high-resolution methylation microarrays (27 578 CpG sites) to 23 CLL samples, belonging to the immunoglobulin heavy-chain variable (IGHV) mutated (favorable) and IGHV unmutated/IGHV3-21 (poor-prognostic) subsets. Overall, results demonstrated significant differences in methylation patterns between these subgroups. Specifically, in IGHV unmutated CLL, we identified methylation of 7 known or candidate tumor suppressor genes (eg, VHL, ABI3, and IGSF4) as well as 8 unmethylated genes involved in …

Untreated And Enzyme-Modified Bovine Whey Products Reduce Association Of Salmonella Typhimurium, Escherichia Coli O157:H7 And Cronobacter Malonaticus (Formerly Enterobacter Sakazakii) To Caco-2 Cells, Rachel Halpin, D.B. Brady, E.D. O’Riordan, M. O’Sullivan

Articles

Adhesion of a micro-organism to a cell surface is often considered to be the first step in pathogenesis. Inhibiting this process may have therapeutic effects in vivo. This study investigates the inhibitory effects of various bovine whey products on the association of Salm. Typhimurium, E. coli O157:H7 and C. malonaticus (formerly Enterobacter sakazakii) to the human CaCo-2 cell line. Invasion of CaCo-2 cells by Salm. Typhimurium and C. malonaticus was also examined.

The Antioxidant Properties Of Whey Permeate Treated Fresh-Cut Tomatoes, Lubna Ahmed, Ana Belen Martin-Diana, Daniel Rico, Catherine Barry-Ryan

Articles

The aim of this research was to analyse the effects of three types of cheese whey permeate treatment on the antioxidant properties of fresh-cut tomatoes. Tomatoes were treated with whey permeate concentrate (PC), delactosed permeate (DP) and delactosed concentrate (DC), stored at 4 C for 10 days and compared to samples treated with the industry standard, chlorine (120 ppm). Samples treated with DP retained significantly higher antioxidant activity (FRAP) and total phenols (TP), when compared with those treated with PC and DC. DP showed significantly higher results than chlorine for DPPH, FRAP and TP. In DPPH assay, all whey permeate-treated …

An Evaluation Of A Community Dietetics Intervention On The Management Of Malnutrition For Healthcare Professionals, Sharon Kennelly, N. P. Kennedy, G. Flanaghan-Rughoobur, C. Glennon-Slattery, Sheila Sugrue

Articles

Background: Healthcare professionals working in the community setting have limited knowledge of the evidence-based management of malnutrition. The present study aimed to evaluate a community dietetics intervention, which included an education programme for healthcare professionals in conjunction with the introduction of a community dietetics service for patients ‘at risk’ of malnutrition. Changes in nutritional knowledge and the reported management of malnourished patients were investigated and the acceptability of the intervention was explored. Methods: An education programme, incorporating ‘Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST)’ training, was implemented in eight of 10 eligible primary care practices (14 general practitioners and nine practice nurses …

Characterization Of Phenolics Composition In Lamiaceae Spices By Lc-Esi-Ms/Ms, Mohammad Hossain, Dilip Rai, Nigel Brunton, Ana Belen Martin-Diana, Catherine Barry-Ryan

Articles

A total of 38 phenolic compounds in the solid/liquid extracts of five Lamiaceae spices such as rosemary, oregano, sage, basil and thyme were identified in the present study using LC-ESI-MS/MS. These compounds were distributed in four major categories namely hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives, flavonoids and phenolic terpenes. Among them, the category of flavonoids was the largest with 17 compounds. Identification of the phenolic compounds was carried out by comparing retention times and mass spectra with those of authentic standards. In case of unavailability of standards, phenolic compounds were identified based on accurate mass of pseudomolecular [M-H]- ions and …

Study Of The Microbial Diversity And Antimicrobial Properties Of Irish Edible Brown Seaweeds, Shilpi Gupta, Gaurav Rajauria, Nissreen Abu-Ghannam

Articles

Brown Irish edible seaweeds, Himanthalia elongata, Laminaria sachharina and Laminaria digitata, were evaluated for the microbiota in raw and heat processed form. Raw seaweeds showed complete absence of aerobic mesophiles, halophiles, yeasts and molds. However, heating at 85 C for 15 min resulted in spore germination. Bacterial counts as high as 107 were observed for aerobic mesophiles and halophiles. Heating above 95 C for 15 min resulted in complete inactivation of surface microflora. Bacteria belonging to Bacillaceae, Paenibacillaceae, Moraxellaceae and Enterobacteriaceae family were identified by 16S rRNA sequencing. In vitro antimicrobial activity of the methanolic extracts of the seaweed on …

Growth And Kinetics Of Lactobacillus Plantarum In The Fermentation Of Edible Irish Brown Seaweeds, Shilpi Gupta, Nissreen Abu-Ghannam, Amalia G.M. Scannell

Articles

The aim of the present study was to see the applicability of using brown edible seaweeds as a sole source of nutrition for the growth of lactic acid bacteria. Growth kinetics of lactic acid bacteria (LAB; Lactobacillus plantarum) was studied using three species of edible Irish brown seaweeds Himanthalia elongata, Laminaria digitata and Laminaria saccharina. As part of the screening process, growth of the LAB was carried out on raw and heat treated forms of seaweeds. The seaweed species in their raw state could not support the growth of L. plantarum. Heat treatment resulted in almost 4 times increase in …

Modelling The Growth Inhibition Of Common Food Spoilage And Pathogenic Micro-Organisms In Presence Of Solvent Extract From Irish York Cabbage, Shilpi Gupta, Amit Jaiswal, Nissreen Abu-Ghannam

Articles

Preservatives are required to maintain the quality, extend shelf life, and ensure safety of fresh and processed food products. Although chemical preservatives form an essential part in food preservation, legislation has restricted their use in different foods. Vegetables in the Brassica family (Cabbage, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts) are a rich source of a number of bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, glucosinolates and their breakdown products which may have antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticancer properties. The present study investigates the antimicrobial activities of solvent extract from Irish York cabbage, Brocolli and Brussels Sprouts on the growth inhibition of common food spoilage (Listeria monocytogenes …

Visible Near-Infrared Hyperspectral Imaging For The Identification And Discrimination Of Brown Blotch Disease On Mushroom (Agaricus Bisporus) Caps, Edurne Gaston, Jesus Maria Frias, Patrick J. Cullen, Colm O’Donnell, Aoife Gowen

Articles

Brown blotch, caused by pathogenic Pseudomonas tolaasii (P. tolaasii), is the most problematic bacterial disease in Agaricus bisporus mushrooms. Although it does not cause any health problems, it reduces the consumer appeal of mushrooms in the market place, generating important economical losses worldwide. Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) is a non-destructive technique that combines imaging and spectroscopy to obtain information from a sample. The objective of this study was to investigate the use of HSI for brown blotch identification and discrimination from mechanical damage on mushrooms. Hyperspectral images of mushrooms subjected to i) no treatment, ii) mechanical damage or iii) …

Inactivation Of Escherichia Coli By Ozone Treatment Of Apple Juice At Different Ph Levels, Sonal Patil, Vasilis Valdramidis, Patrick J. Cullen, Jesus Maria Frias, Paula Bourke

Articles

This research investigated the efficacy of gaseous ozone for the inactivation of Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and NCTC 12900 strains in orange juice. Orange juice inoculated with E. coli (10⁶ CFU mL^-1) as a challenge microorganism was treated with ozone at 75-78µg mL^-1 for different time periods (0-18 min). The efficacy of ozone for inactivation of both strains of E. coli was evaluated as a function of different juice types: model orange juice, fresh unfiltered juice, juice without pulp, and juice filtered through 500mm or 1mm sieves. Fast inactivation rates for total reduction of E. coli …

Prediction Of Polyphenol Oxidase Activity Using Visible Near-Infrared Hyperspectral Imaging On Mushroom (Agaricus Bisporus) Caps., Edurne Gaston, Jesus Maria Frias, Patrick J. Cullen, Colm O'Donnell, Aoife Gowen

Articles

Physical stress (i.e. bruising) during harvesting, handling and transportation triggers enzymatic discoloration of mushrooms, a common and detrimental phenomenon largely mediated by polyphenol oxidase (PPO) enzymes. Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) is a non-destructive technique that combines imaging and spectroscopy to obtain information from a sample. The objective of this study was to assess the ability of HSI to predict the activity of PPO on mushroom caps. Hyperspectral images of mushrooms subjected to various damage treatments were taken, followed by enzyme extraction and PPO activity measurement. Principal component regression (PCR) models (each with 3 PCs) built on raw reflectance and multiple scatter …

Use Of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy And Chemometric Data Analysis To Evaluate Damage And Age In Mushrooms (Agaricus Bisporus) Grown In Ireland, Aoife O'Gorman, Gerard Downey, Aoife Gowen, Catherine Barry-Ryan, Jesus Maria Frias

Articles

The aim of this research was to investigate whether the chemical changes induced by mechanical damage and aging of mushrooms can be (a) detected in the mid-infrared absorption region and (b) identified using chemometric data analysis. Mushrooms grown under controlled conditions were bruise-damaged by vibration to simulate damage during normal transportation. Damaged and non-damaged mushrooms were stored for up to 7 days post-harvest. Principal component analysis of FTIR spectra showed evidence that physical damage had an effect on tissue structure and the aging process. Random forest classification models were used to predict damage in mushrooms producing models with error rates …

Influence Of Cultivation Conditions On The Production Of A Thermostable Extracellular Lipase From Amycolatopsis Mediterranei Dsm 43304, Dharmdendra Dheeman, Jesus Maria Frias, Gary Henehan

Articles

Among several lipase producing actinomycete strains screened, Amycolatopsis mediterranei DSM 43304 was found to produce a thermostable, extracellular lipase. Culture condition and nutrient source modification studies involving carbon sources, nitrogen sources, incubation temperature and medium pH were carried out. Lipase activity of 1.37 ± 0.103 IU/ml of culture medium was obtained in 96 h at 28 °C and pH 7.5 using linseed oil and fructose as carbon sources and a combination of phytone peptone and yeast extract (5:1) as nitrogen sources. In optimal culture conditions the lipase activity was enhanced 12-fold with a 2-fold increase in lipase specific activity. The …

Process Optimization For The Developmenht Of A Functional Beverage Based On Lactic Acid Fermentation Of Oats, Shilpi Gupta, Sabrina Cox, Nissreen Abu-Ghannam

Articles

Oats (Avena sativa) have received considerable interest for their high content of soluble and insoluble fibre and for their high fermentability upon applying probiotic lactic acid bacteria (LAB). In the present study, Box–Behnken optimization design was used to optimize three different levels of oat, sucrose and starter culture concentration on the final viable cell population of Lactobacillus plantarum for the development of a fermented drink. A second-order polynomial response surface equation was developed indicating the effect of the studied variables on L. plantarum growth. Contour maps generated using the response surface equation showed that the experimental variables significantly affected the …

Effect Of Drying Method On The Antioxidant Capacity Of Six Larniaceae Herbs, M. Hossain, Catherine Barry-Ryan, Ana Belen Martin-Diana, N. Brunton

Articles

The present study investigated the changes in total phenols (TP), rosmarinic acid content and antioxidant capacity of six Lamiaceae herbs (rosemary, oregano, marjoram, sage, basil and thyme) after three drying treatments (air-, freeze- and vacuum oven-drying) stored for 60 days at −20 °C and compared to fresh samples. Ferric reducing antioxidant property (FRAP) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) were used as markers for antioxidant capacity. Air-dried samples had significantly (p < 0.05) higher TP, rosmarinic acid content and antioxidant capacity than had freeze-dried and vacuum oven-dried samples throughout the storage period. Fresh samples had the lowest values for the parameters tested. Vacuum oven-drying resulted in higher TP and FRAP values in rosemary and thyme during 60 days of storage than did freeze-drying. In ORAC assay, the difference was significantly higher only in thyme. Storage did not show any effect on the dried samples for the parameters tested.