Showing papers by "University College Dublin published in 1996"
TL;DR: In this paper, a conceptual framework of the business value outcomes of IT by synthesizing the extant literature on IT business value and IT supported organization and process design is presented, which provides a basis for process oriented studies of IT business values, and enhances our understanding of the links between information technology and firm performance.
Abstract: In the current competitive environment, the need for better management of all organizational resources, and specifically IT, requires comprehensive assessment of their contribution to firm performance. However, there is little empirical evidence that IT is capable of creating value, nor has a comprehensive framework of business value emerged. Many of the available studies of IT productivity and business value were conducted using firm level output measures of value. The focus on firm level output variables, while important, provides only limited understanding of how value is created using IT. This paper develops a conceptual framework of the business value outcomes of IT by synthesizing the extant literature on IT business value and IT supported organization and process design. The framework provides a basis for process oriented studies of IT business value, and enhances our understanding of the links between information technology and firm performance.
424 citations
TL;DR: The first clinical application of the SEIQoL-DW is described, assessing the quality of life of a cohort of patients with HIV/AIDS managed in general practice.
Abstract: Quality of life is an increasingly important outcome measure in medicine and health care. Many measures of quality of life present patients with predetermined lists of questions that may or may not be relevant to the individual patient. This paper describes a brief measure, the SEIQoL-DW, which is derived from the schedule for evaluation of individual quality of life (SEIQoL). The measure allows respondents to nominate the areas of life which are most important, rate their level of functioning or satisfaction with each, and indicate the relative importance of each to their overall quality of life. Given its practicality and brevity, the measure should prove particularly useful in clinical situations where patient generated data on quality of life is important. This article describes the first clinical application of the measure, assessing the quality of life of a cohort of patients with HIV/AIDS managed in general practice.
420 citations
TL;DR: The results indicate a modulatory role for cytokines in hippocampus and suggest that the inhibitory effect of IL-1β on long-term potentiation may relate to its inhibitoryEffect on calcium channel activity.
418 citations
Book•
01 Jan 1996TL;DR: This paper explored what poverty means in developed countries and showed that understanding and measuring it requires widening the focus beyond current income, and showed how those who are effectively excluded from participation in society due to lack of resources can be more accurately identified, and the processes producing such exclusion better understood.
Abstract: Poverty alleviation is a central aim of economic and social policy, and yet there is no consensus about what poverty means or how it is best measured. Often, the households below an income poverty line are counted as poor, but there may be no firm basis for concentrating on that particular income level. There may also be wide variations among the households below any income poverty line in terms of their actual living standards. This book explores what poverty means in developed countries, and shows that understanding and measuring it requires widening the focus beyond current income. By using broader measures of resources and information on living patterns and concrete indicators of deprivation, it shows how those who are effectively excluded from participation in society due to lack of resources can be more accurately identified, and the processes producing such exclusion better understood.
405 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors reported two dramatic outbursts of TeV photons from the active galaxy Markarian 421 (Mrk421) in which the flux increased above the relatively quiescent value by more than a factor of 50, briefly making Mrk421 the brightest TeV source in the sky.
Abstract: DISCRETE astronomical sources of photons in the TeV energy range are believed to be associated with regions in the relativistic outflow of particles and radiation from compact objects, such as neutron stars and black holes. The flux from such sources, together with the timescales on which they vary, can provide strong constraints on the emission mechanisms. Here we report the observation of two dramatic outbursts of TeV photons from the active galaxy Markarian 421 (Mrk421). In the first outburst, which had a doubling time of about one hour, the flux increased above the relatively quiescent value by more than a factor of 50, briefly making Mrk421 the brightest TeV source in the sky. In the second outburst, which lasted approximately 30 minutes, the flux increased by a factor of 20–25. These data suggest that the emission region is extremely small—perhaps even smaller than our Solar System. This could prove challenging for current theoretical models of such emissions.
394 citations
TL;DR: The detection of gamma rays of energy greater than 300 GeV from the BL Lacertae object Mrk 501 demonstrates that extragalactic TeV emission is not unique to Mrk 421.
Abstract: The detection of gamma rays of energy greater than 300 GeV from the BL Lacertae object Mrk 501 demonstrates that extragalactic TeV emission is not unique to Mrk 421. During 66 hr of observations between 1995 March and July we measured an average flux of 8.1 ± 1.4 × 10-12 cm-2 s-1 above 300 GeV, a flux that is only 20% of the average Mrk 421 flux. The new gamma-ray source has not been reported by the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory as an emitter of gamma rays at lower energies. There is evidence for variability on timescales of days.
368 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the absolute energy of the valence and conduction band edges of a transparent nanocrystalline semiconductor electrode was determined using spectroelectrochemical techniques.
Abstract: Spectroelectrochemical techniques may be used to determine the absolute energy of the valence and conduction band edges of a transparent nanocrystalline semiconductor electrode. Such determinations have been made for ZnO (wurtzite) and TiO2 (anatase) electrodes constituted from nanocrystallites possessing average radii close to, and substantially larger than, the radius of a bound exciton in the corresponding bulk semiconductor. Electrodes constituted from crystallites whose radii are close to that of a bound exciton exhibit an onset for band gap absorption that is significantly blue-shifted. Those constituted from crystallites whose radii are substantially larger than that of a bound exciton exhibit an absorption onset characteristic of the bulk material. Knowing the absolute energies of band edges, the observed increase in band gap energy for electrodes constituted from confined nanocrystallites may be partitioned between the conduction and valence bands. A subsequent analysis permits determination of t...
337 citations
TL;DR: This chapter reviews sample preparation procedures from prevention of proteolysis, including the potential of a novel protein stabilising device, to lysing of a given sample with an appropriate lysis buffer, and discusses how the 2-DE images can be quantified and differentially expressed proteins can be identified by MS.
Abstract: Two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2-DE), when combined with mass spectrometry (MS) has the power to identify and quantify differential protein expression of large sample sets analysed in parallel. By separating proteins by isoelectric point (pI) and molecular weight (MW), it has the potential to detect 2,000–3,000 different protein spots from a single sample separation. With the development of technologies such as Difference In-Gel Electrophoresis (DIGE), which also allow the parallel addition of an internal standard within each gel, 2-DE has shown improved reproducibility and moreover improved protein detection sensitivity. Furthermore, 2-DE provides protein abundance information as well as pI and MW and so has the potential to resolve and visualise post-translational modifications such as phosphorylation, a major advantage over non gel-based separation techniques. In this chapter we review sample preparation procedures from prevention of proteolysis, including the potential of a novel protein stabilising device, to lysing of a given sample with an appropriate lysis buffer. We describe additional steps which may be taken in order to achieve a protein sample which will yield a highly reproducible 2-DE map with distinct protein spots. This chapter also discusses the basic methodology behind 2-DE and the various protein detection reagents which are available. Finally, we discuss how the 2-DE images can be quantified and differentially expressed proteins can be identified by MS.
310 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors show that in uncertain environments ownership and internalization advantages may be negatively rather than positively associated with FDI, and that this reversal from extant theory occurs because ownership advantages often serve to make FDI delayable, while internalization advantage often serves to make it less reversible.
Abstract: We show that in uncertain environments ownership and internalization advantages may be negatively rather than positively associated with FDI. This reversal from extant theory occurs because ownership advantages often serve to make FDI delayable, while internalization advantages often serve to make it less reversible. When FDI becomes either more delayable or less reversible, it is less likely to occur at a point in time. Our approach enriches the “who,” “where” and “why” explanations offered by current FDI theory to incorporate the question of “when.”
263 citations
Book•
01 Jan 1996TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a uniquely comprehensive account of the conflict in Northern Ireland, providing a rigorous analysis of its dynamics and present structure and proposing a new approach to its resolution.
Abstract: This book offers a uniquely comprehensive account of the conflict in Northern Ireland, providing a rigorous analysis of its dynamics and present structure and proposing a new approach to its resolution. It deals with historical process, communal relations, ideology, politics, economics and culture and with the wider British, Irish and international contexts. It reveals at once the enormous complexity of the conflict and shows how it is generated by a particular system of relationships which can be precisely and clearly described. The book proposes an emancipatory approach to the resolution of the conflict, conceived as the dismantling of this system of relationships. Although radical, this approach is already implicit in the converging understandings of the British and Irish governments of the causes of conflict. The authors argue that only much more determined pursuit of an emancipatory approach will allow an agreed political settlement to emerge.
258 citations
TL;DR: The advantage of being a National Referral Centre for patients with suspected obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) was used to seek clinical factors predictive of OSA, and thus determine if the number of polysomnography tests required could be reduced.
Abstract: The advantage of being a National Referral Centre for patients with suspected obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) was used to seek clinical factors predictive of OSA, and thus determine if the number of polysomnography tests required could be reduced. Patients were mainly primary referrals, from an island population of 3.5 million. Two hundred and fifty consecutive patients underwent clinical assessment, full polysomnography, and a detailed self-administered questionnaire. This represents one of the largest European studies, so far, utilizing full polysomnography. Fifty four percent (n = 134) had polysomnographic evidence of OSA (apnoea/hypopnoea index (AHI) > or = 15 events.h-1 sleep). Patients with OSA were more likely to be male, and had a significantly greater prevalence of habitual snoring, sleeping supine, wakening with heartburn, and dozing whilst driving. Alcohol intake, age and body mass index (BMI) were significant independent correlates of AHI. After controlling for BMI and age, waist circumference correlated more closely with AHI than neck circumference among males, while the opposite was true among females. No single factor was usefully predictive of obstructive sleep apnoea. However, combining clinical features and oximetry data, where appropriate, approximately one third of patients could be confidently designated as having obstructive sleep apnoea or not. The remaining two thirds of patients would still require more detailed sleep studies, such as full polysomnography, to reach a confident diagnosis.
TL;DR: Findings suggest that such is the nature of remembering and way-finding in the environment that the integrity of both human temporal lobes is required.
TL;DR: The Adirondack Mountains are characterized by three major events that took place during the interval ca. 1350-1000 Ma as discussed by the authors, and the earliest of these is the arc-related Elzevirian Orogeny (ca.1350-1185 Ma) during which substantial volumes of juvenile calc-alkaline crust were added to the Adyrondacks as well as to the northwest segment of the Central Metasedimentary Belt.
TL;DR: Articular erosion continues in RA despite clinical improvement and is accelerated in those with evidence of continuing synovial inflammation, reflected in clinical and laboratory measures of disease activity.
Abstract: SUMMARY The contrast between clinical improvement and radiological deterioration in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is striking. We characterized this relationship using serial disease activity measures and radiographs of hands and feet in 40 RA patients observed over 6 yr. All disease activity measures improved, including grip strength, Ritchie index (RI), haemoglobin and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (all P < 0.0001). In contrast, articular erosion increased (P < 0.0001). Radiological change during the study correlated with RI (r = 0.49), haemoglobin (r = -0.56) and ESR (r = 0.53). Radiological status at review also correlated with these variables (r = 0.36, —0.44 and 0.36, respectively). Articular erosion continues in RA despite clinical improvement and is accelerated in those with evidence of continuing synovial inflammation, reflected in clinical and laboratory measures of disease activity. Since many therapies in RA suppress inflammation, but not erosion, these findings suggest that the pathogenesis of articular erosion may differ from that of synovial inflammation.
TL;DR: The authors explored the link between identity, legitimacy and political order in Europe and argued that the politics of identity have enormous salience in the new Europe and for the European Union at this juncture of its development, because the Union is moving from issues of instrumental problem-solving to fundamental questions about its nature as a part-formed polity.
Abstract: This article explores the link between identity, legitimacy and political order in Europe. The central argument is that the politics of identity have enormous salience in the new Europe and for the European Union at this juncture of its development, because the Union is moving from issues of instrumental problem-solving to fundamental questions about its nature as a part-formed polity. Problems of identity are raised by the politicization of immigration, the fragmentation of the post-war order, regionalism, the revival of the ultra Right and the process of European integration itself. The article concludes with an assessment of the affective dimension of integration.
TL;DR: Surgical castration induced a greater plasma cortisol response than burdizzo castration, and the administration of local anesthetic reduced the cortisol response of surgical castrates but was less effective for burdizzi castrates.
Abstract: To determine the effects of castration of calves, with or without local anesthesia, on plasma cortisol, scrotal circumference, ADG, and ADFI, 56 Friesian bulls (5.5 mo of age; mean +/- SE BW = 173 +/- 2 kg) were randomly assigned to each of seven treatments: 1) control (CON); 2) s.c. injection of .1 mg of a human serum albumin-GnRH conjugate with DEAE-dextran adjuvant (HSA-GnRH); 3) burdizzo castration without local anesthetic (BURD); 4) burdizzo castration following local anesthetic administration (BURD + LA); 5) surgical castration without local anesthetic (SURG); 6) surgical castration following local anesthetic administration (SURG + LA); and 7) local anesthetic administration alone (LAA). Blood samples for cortisol analyses were taken via jugular catheter from -2 to 10 h and at 24, 48, and 72 h relative to treatment. Average daily feed intakes were recorded for 5-d periods and calves weighed at 7-d intervals before and after treatment. Local anesthetic alone had no effect (P > .10) on any variable. The HSA-GnRH calves had elevated (P < .05) plasma cortisol from 2 to 6 h compared with CON calves. Peak plasma cortisol was elevated (P < .01) in BURD, BURD + LA, SURG, and SURG + LA compared with CON calves. The SURG calves (46.0 ng/mL) had higher (P < .03) peak cortisol than BURD (31.4 ng/mL) and SURG + LA (35.4 ng/mL) calves. There was no difference in peak cortisol between BURD and BURD + LA (26.5 ng/mL) calves. The ADG from d 0 to 7 was reduced (P < .05) in calves in BURD + LA, SURG, and SURG + LA treatments (-.01, -.83 and -.24 kg, respectively) compared with CON calves (.54 kg). The ADFI were reduced (P < .05) in BURD and BURD + LA calves during d 1 to 5 and in BURD + LA, SURG, and SURG + LA calves during d 6 to 10 compared with CON calves. The scrotal circumferences of BURD and BURD + LA calves were greater (P < .05) than those of CON calves for 7- and 35-d periods post-castration, respectively. Castration induced increases in cortisol and decreases in ADG and ADFI. Surgical castration induced a greater plasma cortisol response than burdizzo castration, and the administration of local anesthetic reduced the cortisol response of surgical castrates but was less effective for burdizzo castrates.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: Disturbances in the composition of the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex in skeletal and cardiac muscle seem to disrupt the linkage between the extracellular matrix and the actin membrane cytoskeleton which might render muscle fibers more susceptible to necrosis.
TL;DR: It is suggested that chronically infected animals may be tolerant to a moderate superinfection and that the prevailing immune mechanism in operation may be a non-protective response generated by the Th2 lymphocyte subset.
TL;DR: In this paper, Pd(II)-catalyzed homo-and copolymerizations of norbornene derivatives were obtained by cycloaliphatic polyolefins with functional groups.
Abstract: Cycloaliphatic polyolefins with functional groups were obtained by Pd(II)-catalyzed homo- and copolymerizations of norbornene derivatives. Bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-ene-2-carboxylic acid, the corresponding methyl ester, 2-(hydroxymethyl)bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-ene, and the corresponding octanoate and decanoate were used as the monomers in these addition polymerizations. Pd(II)−nitrile catalysts [Pd(RCN)4][BF4]2 (with R = CH3 and C2H5) quite selectively polymerized the exo isomers of the esters of 2-(hydroxymethyl)bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-ene. Monomer mixtures containing an 80/20 ratio of endo/exo isomers were converted into polymers containing more than 50% of exo units. 1H NMR studies showed that the predominant fraction of the endo isomer remained unreacted. The nitrile based Pd catalysts were not sufficiently active to polymerize the monomers with electron-withdrawing substituents linked to the bicyclic unit at ambient temperature. In-situ prepared (η3-allyl)palladium complexes with associated tetrafluoroborate an...
TL;DR: An index of interspecific competitive asymmetry is proposed which allows for a progressively greater asymmetric effect as the average size differences between competing species increase, and allows for such an effect whether individuals of focal species are larger or smaller, on average, than competitors.
Abstract: Despite extensive interest in the role of plant size in competition, few formal attempts have been made to quantify the magnitude of asymmetric competition, particularly for interactions between members of different species. This paper introduces the concept of asymmetric interspecific competition at the population livel (i.e. mean plant performance) in mixtures of species. It proposes an index of interspecific competitive asymmetry which allows for a progressively greater asymmetric effect as the average size differences between competing species increase, and allows for such an effect whether individuals of focal species are larger or smaller, on average, than competitors. This index of competitive asymmetry is evaluated in the study of interactions between two widely coexisting annuals of disturbed habitats, Stellaria media and Poa annua. An experiment was conducted in which the density, relative frequency and relative seedling sizes (emergence times) of Poa and Stellaria individuals were varied. The relative growth rate (RGR) for both species was measured over a 22-day period. An inverse linear model was fitted for each species, relating the RGR of the focal species to the initial biomass of each species. Each response model included an asymmetry coefficient (β) to assess whether the impact of a unit of initial biomass of the associate species changed with the relative sizes of seedlings of the two species. A zero value of β implies symmetric competition between the two populations; i.e. the competitive effect of a unit of associate species biomass does not change with its initial seedling size. If β is positive the smaller the initial relative size of seedlings of the associate species, the smaller their per unit biomass effect on the response of the focal species. The model fitted our data for Stellaria and Poa well and was validated by an alternative modelling approach. Asymmetry coefficients were estimated as 0.508 (P<0.05) for the effect of Poa in the Stellaria model, and 0.0001 (NS) for the effect of Stellaria in the Poa model; i.e. the effect of Poa on Stellaria was asymmetric while the effect of Stellaria on Poa was symmetric. Differences in interspecific species asymmetric competitive effects are discussed within the context of shoot architecture, and the relative importance of competition for light versus soil resources. Finally, we discuss the relationship of this model to earlier models of competitive asymmetry, and consider the implications of interspecific competitive asymmetry for a number of current theories of plant competition and community organisation.
TL;DR: Results show that the strioentopeduncular neuron is a main locus for adenosine‐dopamine interactions in the brain and D1 and A1 receptors were shown to be colocalized in medium‐sized striatal neurons.
Abstract: By using in vivo microdialysis it was found that one of the main functions of striatal dopamine D1 receptors is to selectively facilitate GABAergic neurotransmission in the 'direct' strioentopeduncular pathway. D1 receptors localized in the entopeduncular nucleus were also found to facilitate GABA release. However, results obtained from in vivo microdialysis, in vivo electrochemistry, immunohistochemistry and confocal laser microscopy suggested that entopeduncular D1 receptors could only be activated under pharmacological conditions. Adenosine A1 receptors were found to antagonistically modulate the D1-mediated regulation of the strioentopeduncular pathway. Furthermore, using in situ hybridization D1 and A1 receptors were shown to be colocalized in medium-sized striatal neurons. These results show that the strioentopeduncular neuron is a main locus for adenosine-dopamine interactions in the brain.
TL;DR: The Intervet Symposium 'Control and Regulation of Folliculogenesis' took place at the Annual Conference of the Society for the Study of Fertility in University College, Dublin in July, 1995 and principally addressed the question 'How is the ovulatory follicle selected and nurtured?'
Abstract: The Intervet Symposium 'Control and Regulation of Folliculogenesis' took place at the Annual Conference of the Society for the Study of Fertility in University College, Dublin in July, 1995. Five papers were presented, of which abstracts have been published. Discussion centred on monotocous species and principally addressed the question 'How is the ovulatory follicle selected and nurtured?' Many follicles start to develop simultaneously, but most become atretic. During the luteal phase of the cycle, several waves of follicles are initiated, and although one in each wave gains dominance, all ultimately atrophy. The dominant follicle in the wave produced towards the end of the luteal phase ovulates. The biochemical characteristics of dominant and subordinate follicles were contrasted, and the endocrine environment in which they waxed and waned was analysed. Interaction of autocrine and paracrine effectors, principally with FSH, LH and their receptors, ultimately determines follicular destiny.
TL;DR: A study extending this innovation shows that the care provided to non-emergency patients by general practitioners working as an integral part of an accident and emergency department also differs substantially from the Care provided by the usual staff in terms of process.
Abstract: Objective: To see whether care provided by general practitioners to non-emergency patients in an accident and emergency department differs significantly from care by usual accident and emergency staff in terms of process, outcome, and comparative cost. Design: A randomised controlled trial. Setting: A busy inner city hospital9s accident and emergency department which employed three local general practitioners on a sessional basis. Patients: All new attenders categorised by the triage system as “semiurgent” or “delay acceptable.” 66% of all attenders were eligible for inclusion. Main outcome measures: Numbers of patients undergoing investigation, referral, or prescription; types of disposal; consultation satisfaction scores; reattendance to accident and emergency department within 30 days of index visit; health status at one month; comparative cost differences. Results: 4684 patients participated. For semiurgent patients, by comparison with usual accident and emergency staff, general practitioners investigated fewer patients (relative difference 20%; 95% confidence interval 16% to 25%), referred to other hospital services less often (39%; 28% to 47%), admitted fewer patients (45%; 32% to 56%), and prescribed more often (41%; 30% to 54%). A similar trend was found for patients categorised as delay acceptable and (in a separate analysis) by presenting complaint category. 393 (17%) patients who had been seen by general practitioner staff reattended the department within 30 days of the index visit; 418 patients (18%) seen by accident and emergency staff similarly reattended. 435 patients (72% of those eligible) completed the consultation satisfaction questionnaire and 258 (59% of those eligible) provided health status information one month after consultation. There were no differences between patients managed by general practitioners and those managed by usual staff regarding consultation satisfaction questionnaire scores or health status. For all patients seen by general practitioners during the study, estimated marginal and total savings were £Ir1427 and £Ir117005 respectively. Conclusion: General practitioners working as an integral part of an accident and emergency department manage non-emergency accident and emergency attenders safely and use fewer resources than do usual accident and emergency staff. Key messages Key messages A study extending this innovation shows that the care provided to non-emergency patients by general practitioners working as an integral part of an accident and emergency department also differs substantially from the care provided by the usual staff in terms of process Compared with the usual accident and emer- gency department staff, general practitioners investigate fewer patients, refer to other hospital services less often, more often refer patients back to their own general practitioners for follow up, admit fewer patients, and prescribe more often General practitioners within an accident and emergency department have no apparent effect on reattendance rates to the department within 30 days, patient satisfaction, or health status one month after the initial attendance As yet there are no explanations for these differ- ences, which warrant further research
TL;DR: The results suggest that the dopamine releasing action of modafinil in the rat nucleus accumbens is secondary to its ability to reduce local GABAergic transmission, which leads to a reduction of GABAA receptor signaling on the dopamine terminals.
Harvard University1, University of Michigan2, University of Leeds3, Iowa State University4, St Patrick's College, Maynooth5, University College Dublin6, Purdue University7, University of Chicago8, Universities Space Research Association9, Goddard Space Flight Center10, University of Maryland, College Park11, University of Arizona12
TL;DR: In this article, the authors report on the γ-ray variability of Mrk 421 at Eγ > 300 GeV during the 1995 season, and concentrate on the results of an intense multi-wavelength observing campaign in the period April 20 to May 5, which included >100 MeV γray, X-ray, extreme-ultraviolet, optical, and radio observations, some of which show evidence for correlated behavior.
Abstract: We report on the γ-ray variability of Mrk 421 at Eγ > 300 GeV during the 1995 season, and concentrate on the results of an intense multiwavelength observing campaign in the period April 20 to May 5, which included >100 MeV γ-ray, X-ray, extreme-ultraviolet, optical, and radio observations, some of which show evidence for correlated behavior. Rapid variations in the TeV γ-ray light curve with doubling and decay times of 1 day require a compact emission region and significant Doppler boosting. The TeV data reveal that the γ-ray emission is best characterized by a succession of rapid flares with a relatively low baseline level of steady emission.
TL;DR: A case-control study on the association between the occurrence of bovine tuberculosis in herds in the East Offaly area and a number of possible risk factors; herd size, the purchasing of cattle, the herd history, the status of contiguous herds, distance to the nearest badger sett, and animal factors such as age, breed and animal type found cows, heifers and bullocks were more likely to fail a tuberculin test than calves.
TL;DR: This paper reviews the aforementioned studies on choice making among people affected by severe-profound developmental disabilities and comments on the main findings and related questions.
TL;DR: Stromelysin 3 is one of the first MMPs to correlate with patient outcome in breast cancer and is consistent with earlier clinical and experimental observations suggesting that ST3 contributes to breast‐cancer progression.
Abstract: Stromelysin 3 (ST3) is a matrix metalloprotease (MMP) expressed in fibroblast-like cells of most human invasive carcinomas. In this investigation, ST3 was measured by semiquantitative immunohistochemistry in 111 primary breast cancers. ST3 levels showed no correlation with tumor size, axillary-node status or tumor grade (Scarff-Bloom-Richardson system; SBR) but were significantly associated with higher nuclear grade (modified SBR). In addition, ST3 levels were significantly higher in ductal than in lobular cancers. Patients with high scores of ST3 staining had a shorter disease-free interval and shorter overall survival than patients with low scores. ST3 is thus one of the first MMPs to correlate with patient outcome in breast cancer. These findings are consistent with earlier clinical and experimental observations suggesting that ST3 contributes to breast-cancer progression.
TL;DR: The reduction of GABA transmission induced by modafinil in the MPA and in the PH, at least in part, involves local 5-HT3 receptors, which may be relevant for its vigilance promoting action.
TL;DR: In this article, a representative sample of 1500 households was generated at random from the computerised record of the electoral register for the city of Dublin, where each household was visited by trained interviewers and key demographic and socio-economic data was obtained on the 1036 households that agreed to participate in a survey of waste arisings.
Abstract: The importance of reliable information on both the quantity and composition of municipal solid waste for the effective planning of waste handling infrastructure has long been recognised. Much of the data currently available in Ireland, and specifically the Dublin region, is either old or unreliable. The present study sought to address the problem of unreliable waste composition data with regard to the city of Dublin. In late 1992 a representative sample of 1500 households was generated at random from the computerised record of the Electoral Register for the city. Each household was visited by trained interviewers and key demographic and socio-economic data was obtained on the 1036 households that agreed to participate in a survey of waste arisings. Waste was subsequently collected in uncompacted form from 857 of these households and hand-sorted into 12 main categories and 36 categories in total including all sub-divisions. Both total waste and individual waste fractions for each household were weighed. An overall total of 12 tonnes of waste was analysed in this manner over a 5-week period in October/November 1992. The physical data revealed substantial differences in the relative composition of the waste stream as compared with both previous studies undertaken in Dublin in the late 1970s. In particular the proportion of organic waste was found to be in excess of 45% by wt. in the 1992 study as compared with 34% in 1977/78. However, the present findings were supported by the results of a more limited survey of waste composition carried out separately in 1993/94 for the Dublin green-box recycling service. The physical weight data and the corresponding social, economic and demographic data for all households were amalgamated in electronic format. Statistical techniques were used to test the relationship between socio-economic factors and the composition of generated waste. The results indicated a clear divide between the more prosperous section of the city's population and the less prosperous in relation to overall waste generation and the generation of individual components of the waste stream.