bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
rs3918242 variant genotype frequency and increased TIMP-2 and MMP-9 expression are positively correlated with cancer invasion in urinary bladder cancer
Authors: Pençe S. , í–zbek E. , Ozan Tiryakioğlu N. , Ersoy Tunali N. , Pençe H. H. , Tunali H. 
Published: October 2017

To study the role of MMP9 and TIMP2 genotypes and expression in predisposition to bladder cancer and relation with metastasis. 100 urinary bladder cancer patients and 100 healthy controls were included in the study. rs3918242 and rs8179090 genotypes were determined with PCR-RFLP. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was employed to assess the MMP-9 and TIMP-2 expression in tumors and adjacent healthy tissues. Variant genotype (TT) for rs3918242 polymorphism and rs8179090 variant genotype are not associated with bladder cancer risk. rs3918242 genotype was significantly associated with tumor invasion. In contrast with this, rs8179090 genotype has not shown a significant association with tumor invasion. Both SNPs did not show a significant association with metastatic status. MMP-9 was upregulated in tumors in comparison to cancer free tissues. Significant increase in the expression of MMP-9 was also observed in invasive tumors. TIMP-2 expression was significantly increased in tumors in comparison to cancer free tissues and in metastatic tumors in comparison to non-metastatic tumors. Tissues with rs3918242 variant genotype have shown increased MMP-9 expression. rs3918242 promoter polymorphism of MMP-9 is significantly associated with tumor invasion, however; there is no positive correlation between TIMP-2 rs8179090 promoter polymorphism variant frequency and invasion. MMP-9 and TIMP-2 genes are upregulated in cancerous tissues when compared to normal bladder tissues.
Left Supraclavicular Lymphadenopathy as the Only Clinical Presentation of Prostate Cancer: A Case Report
Authors: Abusultan Mohanad , Hanzel Pavel , Durcansky D. , Hajtman A. 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
Prostate cancer usually metastasis to the regional lymph nodes and can rarely metastases to nonregional supradiaphragmatic lymph nodes. Cervical lymph node metastasis of prostate cancer is extremely rare. However, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cervical lymphadenopathy in male patients with adenocarcinoma of unknown primary site. In this report we present a rare case of metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma with left supraclavicular lymphadenopathy as the only clinical presentation with no other evidence of metastasis to the regional lymph nodes or bone metastasis.
Reoxidation Processes Prediction in Gating System by Numerical Simulation for Aluminium Alloys
Authors: Brůna M. , Bolibruchová D. , Pastirčák R. 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
Pouring of liquid aluminium is typically accompanied by disturbance of the free surface. During these disturbances, the free surface oxide films can be entrained in the bulk of liquid, also pockets of air can be accidentally trapped in this oxide films. The resultant scattering of porosity in castings seems nearly always to originate from the pockets of entrained air in oxide films. Latest version of ProCast software allows to identify the amount of oxides formed at the free surface and where they are most likely to end-up in casts. During a filling calculation, ProCast can calculate different indicators which allow to better quantify the filling pattern. The fluid front tracking indicator “Free surface time exposure” has the units [cm2*s]. At each point of the free surface, the free surface area is multiplied by the time. This value is cumulated with the value of the previous timestep. In addition, this value is transported with the free surface and with the fluid flow. Experiments to validate this new functions were executed.
The Design of Cast Technological Equipment for Heat Treatment Furnaces
Authors: Drotlew A. , Piekarski B. , Słowik J. 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
Various examples of the design of cast elements of the equipment used in furnaces for the heat treatment of machine parts are given. Shortcomings in their performance are indicated. Reasons for required stability of equipment are briefly discussed. Elements of equipment illustrate the possibilities of using a charge-carrying pallet with dimensions of 900×600×45 mm as a basis for multi-component technological equipment. Introducing additional elements, such as metal baskets, intermediate pallets or crossbars to the main pallet, it becomes possible to create different configurations of this equipment. The technological equipment presented and discussed here is offered to different plants which heat-treat a wide variety of produced parts. It was found that the reliability and durability of new designed equipment can be checked only during practical use. For large plants dealing with the heat treatment of bulk quantities of parts homogeneous or similar in shape is recommended to use the dedicated tooling.
Features of Cast Iron Smelting in Induction Crucible Furnaces
Authors: Grachev V. 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
The article describes the trend towards increased use of induction crucible furnaces for cast iron smelting. The use of gas cupola’s duplex process – induction crucible furnace – has been proved the effective direction of scientific and technical advance in the foundry industry. Gas cupolas and induction furnaces are used for cast iron smelting at the Penza Compressor Plant where in the 1960s the author developed and introduced gas cupolas for the first time in the world. In the article, the author represents the findings of the investigation on thermodynamics of crucible reduction of silicon, which is pivotal when choosing the technological mode for cast iron smelting in induction furnaces. The author proposes a new reaction crucible diagram with due account of both partial pressure and activity of the components involved into the process. For the first time ever, the electrochemical mechanism of a crucible reaction has been studied and the correctness of the proposed diagram has been confirmed.
Approximation of Ausferrite Content in the Compacted Graphite Iron with the Use of Combined Techniques of Data Mining
Authors: Regulski K. , Wilk-Kołodziejczyk D. , Kacprzyk B. , Gumienny G. , Rojek G. , Mrzygłód B. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThis article presents the methodology for exploratory analysis of data from microstructural studies of compacted graphite iron to gain knowledge about the factors favouring the formation of ausferrite. The studies led to the development of rules to evaluate the content of ausferrite based on the chemical composition. Data mining methods have been used to generate regression models such as boosted trees, random forest, and piecewise regression models. The development of a stepwise regression modelling process on the iteratively limited sets enabled, on the one hand, the improvement of forecasting precision and, on the other, acquisition of deeper knowledge about the ausferrite formation. Repeated examination of the significance of the effect of various factors in different regression models has allowed identification of the most important variables influencing the ausferrite content in different ranges of the parameters variability.
Assessing the Surface Distortion of Plaster Molds Made with the Use of SLA Models
Authors: Shumkov A.A. , Ablyaz T.R. , Muratov K.R. 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
The method of determining the accuracy of polymer molds in plaster forms has been discussed. Distortion of the surface of molds and plaster molds has been assessed. It has been found that the presence of monolithic and porous structure in the samples does not change the accuracy of the surfaces when forms are prepared for removing the material of the model. It has been found that in case of full-mold casting it is more expedient to form the mold cavity with cellular adjustable structures of molding prototypes.
Self-Hardening AlZn10Si8Mg Aluminium Alloy as an Alternative Replacement for AlSi7Mg0.3 Aluminium Alloy
Authors: Vicen M. , Fabian P. , Tillová E. 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
This article deals with the fatigue properties of newly used AlZn10Si8Mg aluminium alloy where the main aim was to determine the fatigue strength and compare it with the fatigue strength of AlSi7Mg0.3 secondary aluminium alloys which is used in the automotive industry for cyclically loaded components. AlZn10Si8Mg aluminium alloy, also called UNIFONT 90, is self-hardening (without heat treatments), which contributes to economic efficiency. This is one of the main reasons why is compared, and may be an alternative replacement for AlSi7Mg0.3 alloy which is heat treated to achieve required mechanical properties. The experiment results show that the fatigue properties of AlZn10Si8Mg alloy are comparable, if not better, than AlSi7Mg0.3 alloy. Fatigue properties of AlZn10Si8Mg alloy are achieved after seven days of natural ageing, immediately after casting and achieving value of fatigue strength is caused by structural components formed during solidification of the melt.
Implementation of Nanoparticles in Materials Applied in Foundry Engineering
Authors: Kmita A. , Roczniak A. 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
The ceaseless progress of nanotechnology, observed in the last years, causes that nanomaterials are more and more often applied in several fields of industry, technique and medicine. E.g. silver nanoparticles are used in biomedicine for disinfection and polymer nanoparticles allow insulin transportation in pharmacology. New generation materials containing nanoparticles are also used in the chemical industry (their participation in the commercial market equals app. 53 %). Nanomaterials are used in electronics, among others for semiconductors production (e.g. for producing nanoink Ag, which conducts electric current).
Nanomaterials, due to their special properties, are also used in the foundry industry in metallurgy (e.g. metal alloys with nanocrystalline precipitates), as well as in investment casting and in moulding and core sand technologies. Nanoparticles and containing them composites are applied in several technologies including foundry practice, automotive industry, medicine, dentistry etc. it is expected that their role and market share will be successively growing.
Analysis of Power Equipment Level on the Example of Farm Tractors in Selected Farms of Przeworsk Province
Authors: Juściński Sławomir , Piekarski Wiesław , Chomik Zdzisław 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
Decisions concerning investments in farm tractors is a significant problem of modern agricultural production. Ensuring efficient performance of agrotechnical treatments and a rational level of use of tractors in the aspect of exploitation costs are a derivative of the power equipment level in a farm. The paper presents studies carried out in 31 selected farms, which run production on the total acreage of 937 ha of agricultural land (AL) and exploit 70 tractors. Analysis covered information on: area of farms, number and power of used tractors, investments in technical equipment concerning purchase of farm tractors and a production profile. In the investigated farms at the average per 100 ha of the agricultural land area there was 7.47 tractors, 90% of respondents actively used subsidies available from the EU structural funds. A high energy equipment level was determined in particular in farm with a smaller acreage. Over 87% of farm used more than one tractor and the age of the third each did not exceed six years.
Evaluation of the Improvement Possibilities of Physical Properties of Mineral Fodder Additives
Authors: Sobczak Paweł , Zawiślak Kazimierz , Mazur Jacek , Panasiewicz Marian 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
The paper presents a change in physical properties of loose, dust fodder additives (aluminosilicate) after mixing them with oil or glycerine. Additives where mixed in a blade mixer with the same mixing time for all samples, which was 1 minute. Tests with oil or glycerine were carried out in the following amounts: 5%, 10%. For mixtures of additives with oil or glycerine a selected group of physical properties was determined. Method of determination of physical properties was the same for all samples i.e. the same additives − without oil and glycerine as well as mixtures with their participation. Obtained research results and their analysis unanimously indicate that adding any amount of oil or glycerine for additives improves selected physical properties of mixtures.
Genetic polymorphisms of CYP2C9, CYP2C19, and CYP3A5 in Kosovar population
Authors: Krasniqi Valon , Dimovski Aleksandar , Bytyqi Hasime Qorraj , Eftimov Aleksandar , Šimičević Livija , Božina Nada 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
Cytochrome P450 genetic polymorphisms are responsible for individual variations in drug metabolism and drug-drug interactions. They are very important for pharmacogenetics, and their frequency varies across different populations. There is a big gap in the knowledge about the CYP gene family polymorphisms in the population of Kosovo, and the aim of our study was to fill that gap by determining the frequency of the most important variant alleles of CYP2C9, CYP2C19, and CYP3A5 in 234 nonrelated Kosovars. The allele frequencies of CYP2C9*2 and 2C9*3 were 17.52 %, and 10.89 %, respectively. Sixteen participants (6.81 %) were CYP2C9 poor metabolisers. The CYP2C19*2 and *17 variant frequencies were 13.03 % and 19.01 %, respectively. There were 2.13 % CYP2C19 poor and 4.27 % ultra-rapid metabolisers (homozygous carriers of the *17 allele). With regard to CYP3A5, the frequency of the *3 variant allele was 98.29 % (non-expressors), while the remaining participants (1.70 %) were expressors of CYP3A5. These findings are comparable with other European ethnicities, specifically those of Southeast Europe.
The examination of work-related musculoskeletal discomforts and risk factors in veterinarians
Authors: Ergan Mesut , Başkurt Ferdi , Başkurt Zeliha 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
This study aimed to determine the frequency of work-related musculoskeletal discomforts (WMSDs) observed in veterinarians and the risk factors that may bring about these. Two hundred and seven veterinarians working in three provinces in south west Turkey were included in the study. The demographic and occupational information on the participants was recorded. The Modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to evaluate the musculoskeletal problems of different body parts, which cause difficulties at work and result in staying away from work. 49.8 % of veterinarians mostly have problems with lower back, 41.1 % with back, and 39.1 % with neck. The frequency of WMSDs tends to increase with the progress of professional experience. Three work-related activities during which veterinarians experience most difficulties while at work are obstetric procedures (28 %), vaccination (25.6 %), and driving (23.2 %). It is statistically significant that arm problems are observed more in veterinarians working with large animal types (p<0.05). The high level of job related stress and low job satisfaction statistically significantly affect the formation of WMSDs (p<0.05). The study showed that a large number of veterinarians experienced work-related musculoskeletal pain and discomforts that could be caused by some physical and psychosocial risk factors. Therefore, it is recommended for veterinarians to receive education on ergonomics and exercise from the beginning of their professional lives to prevent WMSDs.
Emphasis on Cloud Optimization and Security Gaps: A Literature Review
Authors: Naidu P. Sanyasi , Bhagat Babita 
Published: October 2017

AbstractCloud computing is emerging as a significant new paradigm in the fields of Service-oriented computing, software engineering, etc. The paper aims to characterize the cloud environment and to study the cloud optimization problems. About 50 papers are collected from the standard journals, and it is first reviewed chronologically to find out the contributions in cloud security. After reviewing, the various challenges addressed in the cloud environment and its performance analysis is discussed. In the next section, the exploration of the meta-heuristic study of cloud optimization is done. The algorithms used in the cloud security challenges are discussed and reviewed. The algorithms such as Genetic Algorithm (GA), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) are exploited for the finding the cloud security problems. As the research outcome, case studies are taken and reviewed. Cloud computing is a vast field, and a lot of problems in it had to be addressed and solved.
Within-Laboratory Variance Outlier Detection: An Alternative to Cochran’s Test
Authors: Morton Michael J. 
Published: October 2017

Summary
An important step in the full definition of an analytical method is the characterization of the within and between laboratory variability. This is typically done through collaborative studies involving multiple laboratories. The statistical analysis of the results of collaborative studies is generally carried out using standardized protocols such as those given in ISO 5725-2 or ASTM E691-14.
One aspect of the evaluation of collaborative studies is the identification of outlying laboratories which are then excluded from the variance calculation associated with the analytical method. Whether particular laboratories are identified as outliers can have a dramatic effect on the calculated variances.
The generally recommended approach to identify laboratories with excessive within-laboratory variation is Cochran’s Test or something similar. However, Cochran’s Test is very sensitive to non-normality of the underlying statistical distribution. When the assumption of normality is violated, Cochran’s Test can wrongly identify laboratories as outliers at much greater than the nominally stated error rate, even for deviations from normality that are very difficult to detect analytically.
In this paper, an alternative to Cochran’s Test, adapted from Levene’s Test, is proposed and shown to approximately maintain the stated error rate when the underlying distribution is not normal. This newly adapted test is recommended for future collaborative study analysis in place of Cochran’s Test.
Analysis of Nicotine and Nicotine-Related Compounds in Electronic Cigarette Liquids and Aerosols by Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Liu Xinyu , Joza Peter , Rickert Bill 
Published: October 2017

Summary
The objective of this study was to develop and validate an analytical method for determining nicotine and nicotine related compounds (i.e., nicotine-N-oxide, cotinine, nornicotine, anatabine, myosmine, anabasine, and β-nicotyrine) in e-cigarette aerosols and e-liquids. Aerosol collection was achieved using a Cambridge collection pad. The sample preparation consisted of adding deuterated internal standards to the collection pad and extracting with 100 mM ammonium acetate solution using a wrist-action shaker. The filtrate was then analyzed by LC-MS/MS using a Gemini NX C18 column (3 μm, 150 × 3 mm) with a mobile phase gradient system consisting of acetonitrile and 10% acetonitrile in 10 mM ammonium bicarbonate (pH = 8.0) and electrospray ionization (ESI) in the positive mode. The e-liquid was analyzed using the same instrumental parameters, but simplifying the sample preparation procedure by adding deuterated internal standards directly to the 100-mg sample. The sample was then extracted with 100 mM ammonium acetate solution, sonicated, and filtered. In this study, the method’s accuracy, robustness, and reliability were enhanced by using deuterated analogues of each compound as internal standards and by applying two ion-transition pairs for each compound for the confirmation and quantification. Validation experiments demonstrated good sensitivity, specificity and reproducibility. All the target compound calibrations exhibited satisfactory linearity from 0.050 to 5.0 mg/mL (r2 > 0.995). The average recoveries for e-liquids varied from 85.2% (nicotine-N-oxide) to 110% (β-nicotyrine) with recoveries for all compounds exhibiting a coefficient of variation (CV) < 5.0%. Similarly, the average recoveries for e-cigarette aerosols varied from 87.8% (for nicotine-N-oxide) to 111% (for myosmine) with all CV < 8.8%. The LOD and LOQ for e-liquids for all target compounds ranged from 0.234 and 0.781 μg/g (cotinine) to 1.66 and 5.48 μg/g (nicotine-Noxide). For e-cigarette aerosols these limits ranged from 0.094 and 0.312 μg/collection (cotinine) to 0.872 and 2.87 μg/collection (nicotine-N-oxide). This methodology was used to quantitatively determine if any of the target compounds were present in a variety of sample matrices, including e-cigarette solutions and aerosols, and was successfully applied to stability studies, to monitor changes in the target compound levels which might be caused by e-cigarette formulations, components and the storage conditions.
Petrographic composition and forms of bituminous coal lithotypes in the Upper Carboniferous Formations of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin
Authors: Misiak Jacek 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
Bituminous coal samples were collected from mine excavations of six mines in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin. I n the mentioned mining excavations, the stratighaphic sections, in the form of spot samples, were measured. Based on the macroscopic and microscopic observation, an attempt was made to determine the different lithotypes of coal. Vitrain coal is made of tellinite and collotelinite; the thickness of the layers varies from very thin, thin, medium, to coarse. Durain, which is dominated by macerals from the vitrinite group, is characterized by a darker, almost black color, genetically linked to heavily flooded peat areas, where the deposited phytogenic material is subjected to humification and gelification processes. A brighter durain, with a dark gray color, is dominated by macerals from the inertinite group that originated in the shallower areas of peat bogs where the water level was periodically lowered, which has led to the oxidation of the material deposited in the peat bog. Fusain is another coal component or constituent; it is produced as a result of peat bog fires. It is a charred (not burned) material deposited in the form of layers, lenses, usually with a thickness of up to several millimeters (or, less commonly, several centimeters), or dispersed in the form of shreds in the durain. The petrographic composition is dominated by fusinite and inertodetrinite. Fusain occurs in two varieties: soft (empty cellular spaces) and hard, usually mineralized with carbonates (siderite) or sulphides (pyrite, marcasite). The structure of bituminous coal is, due to its origin, most often laminated and consists of alternating dull and bright layers. Occasionally, such layering can be observed in bright coal, which is the result of layering of large parts of gelified plant materials. When it comes to larger sections of dull coal (without bright coal) in the profile, a solid structure can be observed. Some of the sections in the coal seam profiles show a distorted structure; warped, sometimes shredded layers of vitrain in durain, often containing lenses or shreds of fusain, can be observed.