p53 oncogene in the laryngeal cancer

The effect of a novel flavonoid, venoruton (a mixture of mono-, di-, tri- and tetrahydroxyethylrutosides) has been investigated in healthy rat lenses and compared with diabetic cataract modelled in vitro. One mM venoruton was added to medium simulating healthy and diabetic conditions for the incubated lenses; damage was followed by either stereoscopic photography of the lenses under a Cooperative Cataract Research Group operating microscope or with our recently developed method: the leakage of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) into the lens culture media. The increased LDH activity in the medium and observable development of the opacity were correlated with cell damage, which has been found to be associated with globular degeneration and cataract formation. The extent of opacification and LDH release is reduced if 1 mM venoruton is included in the medium. The protective effect may be related to antioxidant activity against reactive oxygen species: decreased luminol luminescence was shown after venoruton addition to either superoxide-generating hypoxanthine plus xanthine oxidase, or hydrogen peroxide.     

A comparative analysis of fuzzy logic and PI speed control in high-performance AC drives using experimental approach

One of the frequently discussed applications of artificial intelligence in motion control is the replacement of a standard proportional plus integral (PI) speed controller with a fuzzy logic (FL) speed controller. Regardless of all the work, it appears that a thorough comparison of the drive behavior under PI and FL speed control is still missing. This paper attempts to fill in this gap, by providing an in-depth comparison of operation of a vector-controlled permanent-magnet synchronous motor, using at first an experimental rig. Speed responses, obtained under PI and FL speed control, are recorded and compared for a variety of operating conditions. The transients studied include response to a large step speed command from standstill with nominal inertia and an increased inertia, response to small step speed reference change, and response to step load torque application. The transient behavior is examined for various initial speed settings, so that a thorough comparison is enabled. Experimental results are further supplemented with a set of simulation results, obtained using a different permanent-magnet machine and a different FL controller. Better generalization of the results is enabled in this way. It is shown that superiority of the FL speed control is less pronounced than it is often portrayed in the literature on the basis of limited comparisons. Indeed, in a number of cases, PI speed control provides a superior speed response.     

The Cooperative Molecular Field Effect

Two‐dimensional arrangements of molecules can show remarkable cooperative electronic effects. Such effects can serve to achieve direct electronic sensing of chemical and physical processes via electrostatic effects, i.e., without transfer of charge or matter between the locus of sensing and that of detection.     

Replacement of beef fat in Frankfurters by interesterified palm,cottonseed and olive oils

Three interesterified vegetable oils (IVOs) prepared from palm, cottonseed, and olive oil, respectively, have been studied for application to Frankfurters. Beef fat (10%) was replaced by one of the IVOs at 20, 60 or 100%. Fatty acid composition of the lipid fraction in the Frankfurters and saturated/unsaturated ratios were established for all batches. We found that total or partial replacement of beef fat by IVOs did not lead to significant changes in appearance, colour, texture, flavour or sensory score. We conclude that IVOs may be successfully applied as beef fat substitutes in Frankfurters.     

The organisational learning effects of management accounting information under advanced manufacturing technology

This study empirically examined the organisational learning effects of the nonfinancial performance information provided by management accounting information systems (MAISs) under advanced manufacturing technology (AMT). In this study, a target costing system and the frequent and quick reporting of information were considered the facilitators of learning. First, we examined the relationships between AMT level and the amount of nonfinancial performance information produced by MAISs. The empirical results showed that there are significant positive relationships between the level of AMT and nonfinancial performance information. With a systems approach, we also proved the impact of the relationships among AMT levels, nonfinancial performance information and learning facilitators on the organisational performance of a firm. The results of our research suggest that under a high level of AMT, for the provision of information to result in an increase of performance through organisational learning, a target costing system must be introduced and a large amount of information should be provided frequently and quickly. The results of this study also showed that although AMT level may be low, fairly well-arranged facilitators and a moderately large amount of information may be necessary for the improvement of performance. In conclusion, effective organisational learning depends on the provision of relevant information as well as efficient learning support mechanisms.