bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patterns of PET response after long-term sunitinib therapy in patients (pts) with imatinib (IM)-resistant gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST)
Authors: Raut C. P. , Van Den Abbeele A. , Ramaiya N. , Morgan J. A. , George S. , Quigley M. T. , Dollard A. M. , Bertagnolli M. M. , Baum C. , Demetri G. D.
Published: March 2020

9547

Background: Sunitinib malate (previously known as SU11248) is an active therapy for GIST patients resistant to or intolerant of IM. During initial development, sunitinib was administered in 4–6 week cycles, with 2–4 weeks of drug dosing followed by 2 weeks off treatment. We previously reported suppression of tumor-related 18FDG avidity on PET imaging during sunitinib dosing, with rebound tumor uptake while off drug. This rebound, seen in 80% with initial PET suppression, did not correlate with lack of clinical benefit. We asked if this pattern persists in pts who benefited from long term (> 2 years) sunitinib therapy. Methods: Of 77 pts in our initial Phase I/II study, 7 remain on therapy with sunitinib for more than 2 years, 4 of whom had matched baseline PET and CT data to assess tumor metabolic activity on and off sunitinib dosing. PET scans were obtained at baseline, during initial treatment, during the off-treatment period, and again after > 2 years therapy. These 4 pts were followed for a median 39 months (range 35–45 months) and for a median of 35 cycles (range 27–47). Two achieved PR and two SD. Results: Initially, all 4 exhibited suppression of tumor FDG avidity with treatment followed by rebound during the off-treatment period. By 6 months, all showed complete suppression of FDG activity. After > 2 years on sunitinib, GIST lesions in 2 pts showed no activity on PET, even while off sunitinib, while GIST in 2 pts demonstrated rebound flare when off therapy. The GIST lesions have not progressed despite the transient metabolic rebound while off sunitinib. Conclusions: Metastatic lesions in pts with IM-resistant GIST benefiting from long-term sunitinib therapy display two patterns on PET imaging. GIST in certain pts who benefit from therapy demonstrates metabolic rebound of activity when off dosing, while lesions in other pts remain metabolically inert on PET even during the brief dosing breaks. Functional imaging may yield insights to differences in the underlying biology of GIST subtypes in different pts.

[Table: see text]
Imatinib in locally advanced dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP): A phase II trial of the Dermatologic Cooperative Oncology Group (DeCOG)
Authors: Ugurel S. , Utikal J. , Mohr P. , Helmbold P. , Pfoehler C. , Schiller M. , Kellner I. , Schadendorf D.
Published: March 2020

9561

Background: DFSP is known for its low metastatic potential but locally infiltrative growth, hereby enforcing extensive and often multiple surgical procedures. DFSP cells were recently shown to display chromosomal translocations of the regions 17q22 and 22q13, resulting in an autocrine growth stimulation loop via the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) pathway. The tyrosine kinase inhibitor imatinib blocks PDGF signal transduction, thus offering a new therapeutic option for DFSP patients. This multicenter phase II trial was aimed to investigate the efficacy of imatinib in locally advanced DFSP. Methods: The primary study endpoint was objective response, secondary endpoints were safety and relapse-free survival. Patients with histological proof of locally advanced primary or relapsed DFSP, measurable tumor parameters according to RECIST, and no evidence of distant metastases were eligible. Patients received imatinib 600 mg/d PO. Tumor measurements were performed at week 6 and 12, and every 8 weeks thereafter. At the end of imatinib treatment, at the earliest after week 12, residual tumors were surgically excised with histological proof of tumor-free margins. Results: By January 2006, nine out of 13 recruited patients were evaluable for response (per protocol, PP), three are still on treatment and one stopped treatment after 12 days due to side effects. Among the nine PP patients, seven partial responses, one stabilization, and one progression were observed. Five responders showed an ongoing tumor shrinkage until complete surgical excision, whereas two patients revealed an initial response at 6 weeks, followed by a disease progression at 12 weeks. None of the patients developed distant metastases under treatment or thereafter. Side effects were mostly mild to moderate (CTC grade 1–2). Severe side effects (CTC grade 3–4), reversible angina pectoris and septicemia, respectively, were observed in two patients. Conclusions: The study results indicate imatinib as a potent systemic treatment option in locally advanced DFSP. However, a subset of DFSP patients appeared resistant to imatinib, either primarily after treatment onset, or secondarily after showing an initial response.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.
CXCR4, EGFR and HER2 expression in patients with high-risk synovial sarcoma (SS): A clinicopathologic study
Authors: Grisanti S. , Rossi E. , Ardighieri L. , Farisoglio C. , Ferrari V. D. , Bercich L. , Simoncini E. , Marini G. , Facchetti F.
Published: March 2020

9580

Background: CXCR4 is overexpressed in many human tumors and plays important role in targeted metastasis. CXCR4 activation has been described in osteosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma and Ewing’s sarcoma both in vivo and in vitro, but its role has not been elucidated in SS yet. EGFR and Her2/neu, have been described to be overexpressed in patients with SS and proposed as potential therapeutic targets. Because CXCR4 and Her2 have been found to be functionally linked in breast cancer cell lines, we characterized SS in terms of CXCR4, Her2 and EGFR coexpression. Materials and Methods: Six patients sequentially observed at the Spedali Civili di Brescia from 1999 to 2005, with a diagnosis of synovial sarcoma were included in the study. The diagnosis of SS, a FISH analysis for t(X;18) was performed by using a commercial probe specific for the SYT gene breakpoint region (18q11) or by RT-PCR. Her2 and EGFR expression were determined by IHC and Her2 gene amplification by FISH analysis. CXCR4 expression was determined by IHC with anti-human CXCR4 monoclonal antibody (Clone 44716, R&D Systems) followed by incubation with the EnVision peroxidase kit (Dakocytomation, Glostrup, Denmark). Results: All patients were classified high-risk (stage III-IV) according to the AJCC/UICC VI Edition Staging System for soft tissue sarcomas. In all samples IHC analysis for Her2 was negative and no amplification was found by FISH. EGFR staining demonstrated positivity in 5 patients out of 6. CXCR4 reactivity was identified in 4 cases (nuclear staining in 3 and membrane staining in 1). CXCR4 and EGFR were coexpressed in 3 tumors. After a median follow-up of 24 months, 2 patients are dead of SS, 4 patients are alive, 3 of them are disease-free and one relapsed to the lung. The 3 patients alive and disease-free resulted positive for nuclear CXCR4 and EGFR while membrane CXCR4 was expressed in one dead patient. Conclusion: This study provides evidence that CXCR4 is expressed in cases of SS and is frequently coexpressed with EGFR but not with Her2. Due to the small size of this series it is not possible to establish any definitive prognostic or predictive value of CXCR4. However, nuclear expression of CXCR4 seems to be associated with a more indolent behaviour of the tumor and requires confirmation in larger series.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Randomised multicentre phase III study comparing capecitabine with fluorouracil and oxaliplatin with cisplatin in patients with advanced oesophagogastric (OG) cancer: The REAL 2 trial
Authors: Cunningham D. , Rao S. , Starling N. , Iveson T. , Nicolson M. , Coxon F. , Middleton G. , Daniel F. , Oates J. , Norman A. R.
Published: March 2020

LBA4017

Background: The aim was to establish the potential use of the third generation platinum compound, oxaliplatin (O) & the oral fluoropyrimidine capecitabine (X) in untreated patients (pts) with advanced OG cancer. Methods: After stratification for PS and extent of disease, pts with histologically confirmed adenocarcinoma, squamous or undifferentiated carcinoma of the oesophagus, oesophago-gastric junction or stomach were randomised, in a 2 x 2 design, to 1 of 4 regimens; epirubicin, cisplatin, fluorouracil (ECF), EOF, ECX or EOX. Doses E 50 mg/m2, C 60 mg/m2 & O 130 mg/m2 IV 3 weekly; F 200 mg/m2 IV daily & X 625 mg/m2 twice daily PO continuously; for 8 cycles. The primary endpoint was overall survival. With 1000 pts (250 per arm) the study had 80% power to demonstrate non-inferiority of X over F and also O over C if the upper limit of the HR 95% CI excluded 1.23 (α = 0.05) in the per protocol population. Analysis was performed using the logrank test and Cox regression analysis. Results: 1002 pts were randomised from 61 centres. Demographics were balanced, 89% were PS 0–1, 77% metastatic, median age 63 (range 22–83), 81% were male and 40% gastric primaries. Histology: adenocarcinoma in 88% and 52% poorly differentiated. 11 pts were ineligible and 27 pts were withdrawn before treatment commenced. Median follow up was 17.1 months and 850 events have occurred. There were no significant differences in response rates comparing ECF to, EOF, ECX and EOX (41%, 42%, 46%, and 48% respectively); grade 3–4 non haematological toxicity 36%, 42%, 33% and 45%; and grade 3–4 neutropaenia 42%, 30% (p = 0.008), 51% (p = 0.043) and 28% (p = 0.001) respectively. Conclusions: Capecitabine may replace 5FU and Oxaliplatin may replace Cisplatin in triplet regimens used for the treatment of advanced OG cancer.

[Table: see text] [Table: see text]
The Effect of Carbetocin Dose on Transmural Dispersion of Myocardial Repolarization in Healthy Parturients Scheduled for Elective Cesarean Delivery Under Spinal Anesthesia: A Prospective, Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Clunies-Ross Natasha , Roston Thomas M. , Taylor James , Whyte Simon , Albert Arianne , Görges Matthias , Chau Anthony
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND:

QT interval prolongation is associated with torsade de pointes but remains a poor predictor of drug torsadogenicity. Increased transmural dispersion of myocardial repolarization (TDR), measured as the time interval between the peak and end of the T wave (Tp-e), is a more reliable predictor. Carbetocin is recommended as an uterotonic in patients undergoing cesarean delivery (CD), but its effect on Tp-e is unknown. We evaluated the effect of carbetocin dose on Tp-e and Bazett-corrected QT intervals (QTc) during elective CD under spinal anesthesia.

METHODS:

On patient consent, 50 healthy parturients undergoing elective CD with a standardized spinal anesthetic and phenylephrine infusion were randomized to receive an intravenous (IV) bolus of carbetocin 50 µg (C50) or 100 µg (C100) via an infusion pump over 1 minute. A 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) was obtained at baseline, 5 minutes after spinal anesthesia, then 5 and 10 minutes after carbetocin administration. A cardiologist blinded to group and timing of ECGs measured QTc and Tp-e using Emori’s criteria. Primary outcome was the change in Tp-e at 5 minutes after carbetocin administration between the C50 and C100 groups and within each group compared to baseline values. Secondary outcomes included occurrence of arrhythmias, changes in QTc at 5 and 10 minutes after carbetocin, changes in both QTc and Tp-e after spinal anesthesia compared to baseline between and within groups.

RESULTS:

Data from 41 parturients with a mean (standard deviation [SD]) age of 39.0 (0.7) years and weight of 75.0 (12.0) kg were analyzed. Between groups, at 5 minutes after carbetocin administration, Tp-e in C100 was 4.1 milliseconds longer compared to C50 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.8–7.5; P = .01). Within groups, at 5 minutes after carbetocin administration, C50 did not significantly increase Tp-e compared to baseline (mean difference [MD] 1.9 milliseconds; 95% CI, −0.95 to 4.81 milliseconds; P = .42) but C100 did (MD 5.1 milliseconds; 95% CI, 2.1–8.1; P = .003). QTc increased significantly within C50 and C100 groups at 5 and 10 minutes after carbetocin administration (all P < .001), with no between-group differences. There were no arrhythmias.

CONCLUSIONS:

Tp-e was unaffected by C50 IV given after CD in healthy parturients under spinal anesthesia, but minimally prolonged by C100. The increase in QTc after carbetocin administration was statistically significant, but with no apparent dose-dependent effect. The minimal Tp-e prolongation at the higher dose is unlikely to have any clinically significant impact on TDR and therefore the risk of inducing torsade de pointes is low.
Loss of PRSS56 function leads to ocular angle defects and increased susceptibility to high intraocular pressure
Authors: Labelle-Dumais Cassandre , Pyatla Goutham , Paylakhi Seyyedhassan , Tolman Nicholas G. , Hameed Syed , Seymens Yusef , Dang Eric , Mandal Anil K. , Senthil Sirisha , Khanna Rohit C. , Kabra Meha , Kaur Inderjeet , John Simon W. M. , Chakrabarti Subhabrata , Nair K. Saidas
Published: March 2020

Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness affecting up to 70 million people worldwide. High intraocular pressure (IOP) is a major risk factor for glaucoma. Inefficient aqueous humor (AqH) outflow resulting from structural or functional alterations in ocular drainage tissues are well established to cause high IOP, but the genes and pathways involved are poorly understood. We previously demonstrated that mutations in the gene encoding the serine protease PRSS56 induces ocular angle-closure and high IOP in mice and identified reduced ocular axial length as a potential contributing factor. Here we show that Prss56 −/- mice also exhibits an abnormal iridocorneal angle configuration characterized by a posterior shift of ocular drainage structures relative to the ciliary body and iris. Notably, we show that retina-derived PRSS56 is required between postnatal days 13 and 18 for proper iridocorneal configuration and that abnormal positioning of the ocular drainage tissues is not dependent on ocular size reduction in Prss56−/- mice. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the genetic context modulates the severity of IOP elevation in Prss56 mutant mice and describe a progressive degeneration of ocular drainage tissues that likely contributes to the exacerbation of the high IOP phenotype observed on the C3H/HeJ genetic background. Finally, we identified five rare PRSS56 variants associated with human primary congenital glaucoma, a condition characterized by abnormal development of the ocular drainage structures. Collectively, our findings point to a role for PRSS56 in the development and maintenance of ocular drainage tissues and IOP homeostasis, and provide new insights into glaucoma pathogenesis.
The microtubule end-binding affinity of EB1 is enhanced by a dimeric organization that is susceptible to phosphorylation
Authors: Song Yinlong , Zhang Yikan , Pan Ying , He Jianfeng , Wang Yan , Chen Wei , Guo Jing , Deng Haiteng , Xue Yi , Fang Xianyang , Liang Xin
Published: March 2020

In cells, microtubule dynamics are regulated by plus-end tracking proteins (+TIPs). End-binding protein 1 (EB1, also known as MAPRE1) acts as a master regulator of +TIP networks by targeting the growing ends of microtubules and recruiting other factors. However, the molecular mechanism underlying high-affinity binding of EB1 to microtubule ends remains an open area of research. Using single-molecule imaging, we show that the end-binding kinetics of EB1 change when the polymerization and hydrolysis rates of tubulin dimers are altered, confirming that EB1 binds to GTP–tubulin and/or GDP–Pi–tubulin at microtubule growing ends. The affinity of wild-type EB1 to these sites is higher than that of monomeric EB1 mutants, suggesting that both calponin homology domains present in the EB1 dimer contribute to end binding. Introduction of phosphomimetic mutations into the EB1 linker domain weakens the end-binding affinity and confers a more curved conformation on the EB1 dimer without compromising dimerization, suggesting that the overall architecture of EB1 is important for its end-binding affinity. Taken together, our results provide insights into how the high-affinity end-binding of EB1 is achieved and how this activity may be regulated in cells.
Diagnostic accuracy of Doppler ultrasound, CT and MRI in Budd Chiari syndrome: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Gupta Pankaj , Bansal Varun , Kumar-M Praveen , Sinha Saroj K , Samanta Jayanta , Mandavdhare Harshal , Sharma Vishal , Dutta Usha , Kochhar Rakesh
Published: March 2020

Objective:

To evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) of Doppler ultrasound, CT, and MRI in the diagnosis of Budd Chiari syndrome (BCS).

Methods:

We performed a literature search in PubMed, Embase, and Scopus to identify articles reporting the diagnostic accuracy of Doppler ultrasound, CT, and MRI (either alone or in combination) for BCS using catheter venography or surgery as the reference standard. The quality of the included articles was assessed by using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool.

Results:

11 studies were found eligible for inclusion. Pooled sensitivities and specificities of Doppler ultrasound were 89% [95% confidence interval (CI), 81–94%, I2 = 24.7%] and 68% (95% CI, 3–99%, I2 = 95.2%), respectively. Regarding CT, the pooled sensitivities and specificities were 89% (95% CI, 77–95%, I2 = 78.6%) and 72% (95% CI, 21–96%, I2 = 91.4%), respectively. The pooled sensitivities and specificities of MRI were 93% (95% CI, 89–96%, I2 = 10.6%) and 55% (95% CI, 5–96%, I2 = 87.6%), respectively. The pooled DOR for Doppler ultrasound, CT, and MRI were 10.19 (95% CI: 1.5, 69.2), 14.57 (95% CI: 1.13, 187.37), and 20.42 (95% CI: 1.78, 234.65), respectively. The higher DOR of MRI than that of Doppler ultrasound and CT shows the better discriminatory power. The area under the curve for MRI was 90.8% compared with 88.4% for CT and 86.6% for Doppler ultrasound.

Conclusion:

Doppler ultrasound, CT and MRI had high overall diagnostic accuracy for diagnosis of BCS, but substantial heterogeneity was found. Prospective studies are needed to investigate diagnostic performance of these imaging modalities.

Advances in knowledge:

MRI and CT have the highest meta-analytic sensitivity and specificity, respectively for the diagnosis of BCS. Also, MRI has the highest area under curve for the diagnosis of BCS.
DA IMPENHORABILIDADE DOS ANIMAIS DOMÉSTICOS NO DIREITO POSITIVO BRASILEIRO
Authors: Alonso Paulo Gimenes , Cardin Valeria Da Silva Galdino
Published: March 2020

O presente trabalho analisou, por meio de revisão bibliográfica, o instituto da penhorabilidade dos animais domésticos e de estimação para pagamento de dívidas de qualquer espécie, contraídas pelos seus tutores. Como tal proteção não se encontra positivada no ordenamento jurídico infraconstitucional brasileiro, demonstrar-se-á que ela deriva diretamente da Constituição Federal de 1988 e dos princípios gerais do Direito, não só porque os animais são seres sencientes, dotados de sentidos, mas também em razão da atual proteção jurídica do afeto, que se constitui em patrimônio imaterial dos titulares dos referidos animais e tem o condão de gerar as famílias pluriespécies, além de que estes merecem, no mínimo, a mesma proteção dispensada aos bens de família.
Editorial
Authors: Das Rolla
Published: March 2020

.
Geopolítica y cooperación espacial: China y América del Sur
Authors: Frenkel Alejandro , Blinder Daniel
Published: March 2020

Este artículo tiene como objetivo analizar la cooperación entre China y América del Sur en el campo espacial, a partir de dos preguntas: 1) ¿qué lugar ocupa la política espacial en la estrategia geopolítica de China y cómo entra la región suramericana en ella?; y 2) ¿se trata de un caso de cooperación Sur-Sur? Para responder estos interrogantes, usamos un enfoque geopolítico y tomamos en cuenta tres factores: 1) si existen condicionamientos políticos o económicos por parte de China; 2) si hay transferencia en materia de tecnología; y 3) si se produjo alguna cesión de soberanía. Como resultado, planteamos que la política espacial china es parte central de su estrategia de expansión global, pero que es selectiva en América del Sur, en tanto se focaliza en determinados países; y que, a pesar de la proclama de establecer un tipo de cooperación ‘horizontal’, el vínculo en el campo espacial es más bien asimétrico.
China no âmbito da mudança climática. Negociações exteriores e políticas domésticas
Authors: Estevo Jefferson Dos Santos
Published: March 2020

El cambio climático, derivado del creciente calentamiento global, ya se siente en diversas partes del planeta. La cooperación entre los Estados es necesaria para que las emisiones de gases del efecto invernadero disminuyan, controlando el aumento de la temperatura global. Las negociaciones sobre cambio climático presentaban la división entre países desarrollados y en desarrollo, sustituida por el nuevo modelo en París 2015. China es actor central en las negociaciones y el mayor emisor global. Las emisiones chinas se derivan en mayor medida del sector de energía, basado en el carbón y en el petróleo. El país indicó sus metas voluntarias en Copenhague 2009, lo que es entendido como evolución en su política climática. En el año 2015, antes de la cop 21, el país comunicó la Intención Nacional Designada (ndc), reducción de intensidad de emisiones entre el 60 % y el 65 % en relación con el año 2005, y un 20 % de la matriz energética basada en energía renovable, ambas hasta el año 2030. El cambio climático recibió atención en las políticas domésticas chinas, sobretodo en la reformulación de la matriz energética. El país apoya el principio de la responsabilidad común, pero diferenciada, para mantener su política externa climática. El riesgo del cambio climático está presente en el país, que adoptó a partir de 2007 políticas nacionales sobre el clima. El objetivo del artículo es realizar el levantamiento de las acciones de China sobre cambio climático, tanto en el ámbito interno como internacional, en el período hasta el Acuerdo de París 2015.
China y la construcción de relaciones estratégicas con países de África. Estudio de caso: su postura contradictoria frente al principio de no intervención
Authors: Gómez Díaz Diana Andrea
Published: March 2020

Este artículo tiene como propósito explicar el proceso de construcción de relaciones estratégicas de China con países de África desde el período de la Guerra Fría, pa­ra posteriormente enfocarse en su postura contradictoria respecto al principio de no intervención en asuntos internos de otros Estados. En primer lugar, se explica el contexto en el que los vínculos sino-africanos se afianzan a partir de la Conferencia Afroasiática de Bandung y luego durante el proceso de Reforma y Apertura chinas, para luego catapultar a la República Popular China como una potencia global, poten­cia entendida según los postulados de Nicholas Spykman. A lo largo del artículo se evidencia cómo, mientras China ha venido maximizando su poder, su posición ha sido contradictoria con su defensa del principio de no intervención desde tres perspectivas: su postura en el Consejo de Seguridad como miembro permanente; su intervención en la economía de Estados africanos, inicialmente en la industria petrolífera; y el apoyo militar a Estados en conflicto interno o interestatal en África. Esta postura contra­dictoria se ve reiterada en años recientes con su propuesta globalizadora denominada bri (Belt & Road Initiative) y su impacto en países africanos.
Perfil de resistencia de la Salmonella sp durante un periodo de tres años en un hospital de Colombia
Authors: Pérez Ardila María Alejandra , Noreña Iván , Millán Henry Augusto , Naranjo Julián Alberto , Castellanos Juan , Ladino Laura , Luna Fredy Andrés , Rincón Laura Fernanda , Duarte Luisa
Published: March 2020

Introducción: en Colombia, del 2000 al 2012, se describió un aumento progresivo en la resistencia a betalactámicos y a quinolonas en los aislamientos de Salmonella sp. A partir de esta fecha, se desconoce la evolución de las tasas de resistencia en el país. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir el perfil de susceptibilidad durante el periodo 2014-2017, así como evaluar la asociación entre las características clínicas  sociodemográficas de la población con los patrones de resistencia de Salmonella sp. Materiales y métodos: estudio de corte transversal del 2014 al 2017, realizado en la Fundación Cardioinfantil en mayores de 18 años, con aislamiento de Salmonella sp en cualquier tipo de muestra biológica. Resultados: se encontraron sesenta casos, ningún aislamiento fue resistente a quinolonas, uno mostró resistencia a ampicilina y uno se caracterizó como AMP–c; el 95 % tenía perfil de susceptibilidad usual. No se encontró asociación entre las variables estudiadas y la presencia de resistencia. Conclusión: los resultados pueden reflejar un cambio en el perfil de susceptibilidad de Salmonella sp en Colombia, con una disminución en la resistencia a betalactámicos y a quinolonas a partir del 2014. Sin embargo, se requiere una mayor muestra poblacional para corroborar esta hipótesis.
Factors influencing the implementation of self-management solutions in healthcare: an interview study with NHS managers
Authors: Harvey Jasmine , Powell John
Published: March 2020

Background/aims

Research focusing on the perspectives of healthcare managers, who are often key in devising strategies for the implementation of self-management solutions, is limited. This study aimed to investigate the barriers to the implementation of technology-based self-management solutions in an NHS organisation and how this affects project delivery.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were held with 15 NHS employees in various managerial roles from one organisation. As initial findings suggested that managers were not fully aware of how to approach the different stages of project delivery, a second analysis was conducted to explore their approaches and insights at various stages of a self-management project.

Findings

Participants were highly knowledgeable about key decision-making processes in the initial phases of a project, but clearly struggled during the organisation and implementation phases.

Conclusions

To support the successful implementation of projects, managers should focus more on unpacking the later stages of project delivery and addressing the contextual factors that influence them.
Improved temperature stability of a fiber Sagnac-like detection system for atomic magnetometers
Authors: Zhang Jingxin , Liu Xuejing , Niu Yue , Ma Lianjun , Wang Kun , Ding Ming
Published: March 2020

A novel fiber Sagnac-like detection system has unique competitive advantages for detecting atomic spin precession in atomic magnetometers. Unfortunately, its operating stability is severely limited by temperature fluctuations. In this paper, we describe a new approach to improve the temperature stability by using the ratio signal as the output instead of the conventional fundamental component. This method can effectively counteract the temperature-caused fluctuations in both light intensity and scale factor of photodetector. For a temperature range from 20°C to 40°C, a relative fluctuation of the ratio output signal of 0.97% was achieved, which was 17.4 times better than the fundamental component output. Moreover, no additional equipment and complex compensation algorithms are required during this process. It is a generic method that can also be applied to improve the stability of other detection schemes used in atomic magnetometers.
On-chip switchable and reconfigurable optical mode exchange device using cascaded three-waveguide-coupling switches
Authors: Han Xu , Zhang Zhenfu , Yang Junbo , Xiao Huifu , Ren Guanghui , Jiang Yongheng , Zhao Ting , Nguyen Thach G. , Mitchell Arnan , Yang Jianhong , Tian Yonghui
Published: March 2020

Data exchange between different data channels can offer more flexible and advanced functions for many optical networks. In this paper, we propose a switchable and reconfigurable data exchange device for arbitrary two optical mode channels based on three-waveguide-coupling (TWC) switches in mode-division multiplexing (MDM) networks. The working principle of the TWC switches is numerically analyzed using the coupled supermode theory. As a proof of concept, switchable data exchange between arbitrary two mode channels among the first three-order quasi-transverse electric modes is experimentally demonstrated successfully. The insertion losses of the device are less than 5.6 dB, including the coupling loss of the multiplexer and demultiplexer, while the mode crosstalk is less than -13.0 dB for all functions. The proposed device is expected to offer more flexibility to on-chip MDM networks due to its low loss, low crosstalk and good scalability.
Anisotropic asymmetric transmission of circularly polarized terahertz waves in a three-dimensional spline assembly
Authors: Amaljith C. K. , Venkateswaran C. , Subramanian V. , Ouyang Zhengbiao , Yogesh N.
Published: March 2020

Asymmetric transmission (AT) for circularly polarized (CP) electromagnetic (e-m) waves in chiral metamaterial (CMM) is a well-known phenomenon. However, most of the CMMs exhibit AT along only one direction. In this work, AT for CP waves with a magnitude of more than 0.5 along three principal directions of a newly made three-dimensional (3D) spline assembly is reported at terahertz frequencies. Surface current analysis is presented to explain the mechanism of AT for CP waves in the proposed 3D assembly.
Single-shot diagnosing of spatiotemporal couplings in ultrashort laser pulses by spatiospectral imaging of a third-order nonlinear process
Authors: Jean-Baptiste Margoto , Zhao Cheng , Rodrigo Lopez-Martens , Thomas Oksenhendler
Published: March 2020

The impact of spatiotemporal couplings (STCs) on the focal-spot intensity of ultra-intense femtosecond lasers scales up with the larger beam sizes and shorter pulse duration typically implemented to reach petawatt (PW) intensities. The repetition rate of such facilities (

<

10

H
z

) makes single-shot diagnosing of STCs mandatory. We present here a new, to the best of our knowledge, spatiotemporal diagnostic technique based on the comparison of the spatiospectral intensity of a pulse and its nonlinear third-order effect, in this case, cross-polarized wave generation (XPW), with an imaging spectrometer. The measured XPW spectrum displays specific couplings that depend on both amplitude and phase STCs of the initial pulse to be characterized. We confirm experimentally the ability of our new approach to diagnose common STCs in a laser pulse on the fly.
Broadband thulium-doped fiber ASE source
Authors: Aubrecht J. , Peterka P. , Honzátko P. , Moravec O. , Kamrádek M. , Kašík I.
Published: March 2020

We report on a flat and broadband thulium-doped amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) fiber source working around 1.85 µm in the eye-safe spectral region. Core-pumped thulium fibers were prepared in-house using the modified chemical vapor deposition method. The amplified spontaneous emission source in a backward direction with respect to the pump and in a single-ended configuration produces stable, non-polarized radiation with an output power of up to 280 mW, corresponding to a slope efficiency of about 36% with respect to the pump power. To the best of our knowledge, the device reported herein is the broadest ASE source based on Tm-doped fiber without internal spectral filtering with an output power exceeding 90 mW and full width at half-maximum of the spectrum greater than 155 nm.
Quadratic soliton mode-locked degenerate optical parametric oscillator
Authors: Nie Mingming , Huang Shu-Wei
Published: March 2020

We examine the existence condition of the quadratic soliton mode-locked
degenerate optical parametric oscillator in the previously unexplored
parameter space. We study the nature of the quadratic solitons and
divide their dynamics into two distinctive branches, depending on the
system parameters. Origin of the quadratic soliton perturbation is
identified, and strategy to mitigate its detrimental effect is
developed. Frequency comb with terahertz bandwidth and femtosecond
pulse duration are attainable in an example periodically poled lithium
niobate waveguide resonator. Design rules of the quadratic soliton
mode-locking are summarized. The principle can be further extended to
other material platforms, making it a competitive ultrashort pulse and
broadband comb source architecture at the mid-infrared.
Bioaccesibilidad de minerales en alimentos elaborados con premezclas comerciales libres de gluten
Authors: Binaghi Maria Julieta , Dyner Luis Marcelo , Lopez Laura Beatriz
Published: March 2020

Introducción: En Argentina la enfermedad celíaca tiene una prevalencia de 1% a 2%. El único tratamiento efectivo para esta patología es una dieta permanente libre de gluten. La misma puede conducir a posibles deficiencias de algunos nutrientes. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue determinar la bioaccesibilidad de hierro, calcio y zinc, en alimentos libres de gluten elaborados con premezclas comerciales disponibles en el mercado argentino. Material y métodos: Se analizaron 12 alimentos elaborados con 9 premezclas diferentes. Se analizaron productos de repostería (budín y bizcochuelo), panes y pizzas. Se determinó el contenido total de hierro, calcio y zinc por espectrometría de absorción atómica y la dializabilidad (D%) por un método in vitro que simula las condiciones gastrointestinales. El aporte potencial (AP) se calculó en base al contenido total cada mineral y su dializabilidad. Como el AP representa el mineral disponible para la absorción, se comparó con los valores de requerimientos mínimos (R). Resultados: El contenido de hierro en las muestras varió entre 0,4-2,5 mg/100 g; el de calcio entre 22-167 mg/100 g y el de zinc 0,13-1,93 mg/100 g. En el caso de la D% se obtuvieron los siguientes valores: D%Fe: 11,8-20,1%; D%Ca: 15,6-28,9% y D%Zn: 8,1-15,7%.  Respecto al porcentaje de cobertura de los requerimientos diarios con una porción de los alimentos estudiados se observó que hay una gran variación dependiendo del alimento y del grupo etario estudiado. Conclusión: el contenido y la cantidad de minerales disponibles de los alimentos libres de gluten analizados son relativamente bajos.
Aplicabilidad del índice de masa corporal e índice ponderal en jóvenes deportistas que participan en la Selección Universitaria de Chile
Authors: Mendez-Cornejo Jorge , Gomez-Campos Rossana , Carrasco-López Salustio , Urzua-Alul Luis , Cossio-Bolaños Marco
Published: March 2020

Objetivos: comparar el perfil antropométrico de cuatro modalidades deportivas y verificar la aplicabilidad del Índice de masa corporal e Índice ponderal de jóvenes universitarios participantes de las selecciones universitarias de Chile.Metodología: Se efectuó un estudio descriptivo (comparativo- correlacional). Fueron estudiados 66 jóvenes universitarios deportistas de Chile (37 hombres y 29 mujeres) con un rango de edad entre 18 a 28 años. Los deportes incluidos fueron: Baloncesto, Voleibol, Taekwondo y Judo. Se evaluó el peso y estatura. Se calculó el Índice de Masa Corporal [IMC= Peso (kg)/estatura2(m)] y el índice Ponderal [IP= Peso (kg)/estatura3(m)].Resultados: Hubo diferencias antropométricas en las cuatro modalidades deportivas y en ambos sexos. El Peso influye sobre el IMC en hombres (R2=55%) y en mujeres (R2= 76%), mientras que, en el IP, el peso y estatura influyen en hombres (R2= 15 y 14%) y el peso en mujeres (R2= 44%).Conclusión: Se observó diferencias antropométricas en atletas universitarios de baloncesto, voleibol, Taekwondo y judo de ambos sexos, además el IP permitió corregir las variaciones del peso y estatura en relación al IMC.
Multiple Output Flyback Converter Design
Authors: Zelnik Richard , Prazenica Michal
Published: March 2020

DC-DC converters are mainly used to provide required output voltage by suitably controlling the pulse width modulated (PWM) signal given to the gate of the fast-acting power electronics switches. The flyback converter is one such popular isolated DC-DC converter topology used to obtain regulated output voltage in low power applications. They are used as power supply systems in space technology and in many other industrial power electronics systems, where having constant voltage is very much essential. This paper presents the practical implementation of multiple output Flyback converter with MOSFET as a switching device. The designed converter is observed to have a good output voltage regulation and higher efficiency for the wide input voltage range.
A sustentabilidade hídrica na bacia do rio Guamá, Amazônia Oriental/Brasil
Authors: Rocha Nívia Cristina Vieira , Lima Aline Maria Meiguins de
Published: March 2020

A bacia hidrográfica do rio Guamá abrange 19 municípios localizados no nordeste do Pará, com grande diversidade de formas de uso da terra e a maior densidade demográfica do estado. Nesta pesquisa foi avaliada sua sustentabilidade hídrica, a partir dos aspectos hidrológicos, ambientais, sociais e de gestão, nas suas 8 sub-bacias componentes. O indicador hidrológico demonstrou um comportamento mediano para às sub-bacias; o ambiental destacou a fragilidade da cobertura vegetal resiliente; o social apresentou o pior desempenho; e o de gestão indicou a necessidade do fortalecimento institucional. A bacia do rio Guamá no geral obteve um índice de sustentabilidade intermediário, porém os resultados parciais apontam para necessidade de medidas voltadas ao planejamento estratégico e ao manejo, para minimizar as pressões sobre a vegetação remanescente, reforçar a capacidade institucional e melhorar a qualidade dos recursos e de vida da população, com a intenção de potencializar a sustentabilidade da bacia.
Influence of Hurdling Clearance on Sprint Mechanical Properties in High-Level Athletes
Authors: Jiménez-Reyes Pedro , Casado Arturo , González Julián Ernesto , Rodríguez-Fernández Carmen
Published: March 2020

Jiménez-Reyes, P, Casado, A, González, JE, and Rodríguez-Fernández, C. Influence of hurdling clearance on sprint mechanical properties in high-level athletes. J Strength Cond Res 36(3): 827–831, 2022—Short hurdling races are sprint races in which athletes must also clear 10 hurdles. Assessing the force-velocity (F-V) profile in sprinting has been found useful for implementing individualized training programs and determining the mechanical effectiveness in force application. This study therefore compared the sprint mechanical F-V profile between flat and hurdle conditions to distinguish which mechanical capacity (i.e., maximum force [F0], maximum velocity [V0], or maximum power [Pmax]) is required to optimize performance in hurdling races. Twenty-two athletes (10 men and 12 women, aged: 22.4 ± 3.6 years old) competing at the national and elite performance levels conducted 2 maximal sprints of 40 m in both flat and hurdle conditions. F0, V0, FVslope, Pmax, and decrease and maximal ratio of horizontal force (DRF and RFpeak, respectively) were assessed for each condition. A higher F0 (effect size [ES] = 1.69) and a lower V0 (ES = 2.08), DRF (ES = 3.15) and RFpeak (ES = 1.31) were found in the hurdle condition than in the flat condition. No significant differences were observed between conditions for Pmax (ES = 0.01). These results support the potential of using the F-V profile to monitor sprint mechanics to optimize specific and individualized sprint training programs for hurdlers and sprinters. Coaches of hurdlers should thus consider implementing in their training routines exercises that were found to be effective on the development of F0, such as heavy load resisted sprints.
Comparison of the Power Output Between the Hang Power Clean and Hang High Pull Across a Wide Range of Loads in Weightlifters
Authors: Takei Seiichiro , Hirayama Kuniaki , Okada Junichi
Published: March 2020

Takei, S, Hirayama, K, and Okada, J. Comparison of the power output between the hang power clean and hang high pull across a wide range of loads in weightlifters. J Strength Cond Res 35(2S): S84–S88, 2021—The current study compared the peak power output during the hang power clean (HPC) and hang high pull (HHP) across a wide range of external loads in weightlifters. Eight weightlifters completed 1 repetition maximum (1RM) assessment for the HPC (1.59 ± 0.17 kg/body mass) and a power test for the HPC and HHP at relative loads of 40, 60, 70, 80, 90, 95, and 100% 1RM of the HPC. The ground reaction force and 2-dimensional bar position data were recorded to determine the system (barbell + body mass) kinetics and bar height, respectively. System power was calculated as force multiplied by system velocity. The HHP produced significantly greater peak power than the HPC at 40, 60, and 70% 1RM. Conversely, there was no statistical or practical difference in peak power between the exercises at 80, 90, 95, and 100% 1RM. No significant interaction was found in force at peak power, whereas velocity at peak power was significantly greater during the HHP than during the HPC at 40, 60, and 70% 1RM. In addition, significantly greater peak bar height was observed for the HHP than the HPC at 40, 60, and 70% 1RM. From the power output comparisons across loads, the HHP should be used over the HPC at loads of 40–70% 1RM, whereas the HPC and HHP can be interchangeably used at loads of 80–100% 1RM.
Nonspecific Resistance Training and Swimming Performance: Strength or Power? A Systematic Review
Authors: Muniz-Pardos Borja , Gomez-Bruton Alejandro , Matute-Llorente Angel , Gonzalez-Aguero Alejandro , Gomez-Cabello Alba , Gonzalo-Skok Oliver , Casajus Jose A. , Vicente-Rodriguez German
Published: March 2020

Muniz-Pardos, B, Gomez-Bruton, A, Matute-Llorente, A, Gonzalez-Aguero, A, Gomez-Cabello, A, Gonzalo-Skok, O, Casajus, JA, and Vicente-Rodriguez, G. Nonspecific resistance training and swimming performance: Strength or power? A systematic review. J Strength Cond Res 36(4): 1162–1170, 2022—The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the type of nonspecific resistance intervention that is more effective to enhance swimming performance and to determine the nonspecific strength- or power-related variable that better predicts swimming performance. A search was conducted on PubMed, Cochrane Plus, and SportDiscus up to June 2018. Studies were distributed into 4 categories: dry-land strength (DLS), dry-land power (DLP), combination of training methods, and strength and power in start performance. From 1,844 citations, 33 met the inclusion criteria. Cross-sectional DLS studies showed positive associations between swimming performance and DLS development (especially through upper-body isometric assessments), although the efficacy of DLS training interventions remains unclear. Dry-land power training (principally through plyometrics) was a proficient, nonspecific method to enhance swimming block start performance (SBS; the start phase off the block and during the first 5–15 m), and jump assessment was the best predictor of SBS. Some pioneering nonspecific practices such as the acute exposure to high altitude or the maintenance of a high core temperature during the transition phase before competition seem to improve performance, although more research is required to confirm their efficacy. Further high-quality intervention studies are required to clarify the effect of DLP training on sprint swimming performance.
Kontribusi Ushul Fiqh dalam Kajian Kritik Matn Hadith
Authors: Masudi Idris
Published: March 2020

This paper describes the theories of ushul fiqh as an approached in the study of hadith criticism matn and try to answer the question to what extent ushul accommodated by science musthalah al- Hadith . The findings from this study is that the theories of usul fiqh as Jam' al - riwayah , nasikh - mansukh , tarjih, and maqasid al - Sharia are important theories used by the experts of hadith, although in practice, sometimes there are different results among scholars of usul fiqh and hadith scholars in addressing honor a tradition that was born contradictory.
Menurunkan Konsep Ontologi Mullâ Shadrâ Ke Dalam Filsafat Ketuhanan
Authors: Kusen Kusen
Published: March 2020

Dalam QS.18:110 terinformasikan bahwa salah satu syarat berjumpa dengan Tuhan ialah tidak melakukan kesyirikan. Dan untuk menjamin tindakan kita masuk katagori syirik atau tidak syirik niscaya berilmu. Dan ontologi Mullâ Shadrâ (Ashâlah Al-Wujûd dan Tasykîk Al-Wujûd) dapat dijadikan landasan merumuskan Tauhid yang lurus, sehingga dengannya dapat diperoleh pengetahuan jaminan syirik dan tidak syirik. Dalam konteks inilah nilai penting menurunkan ontologi Mullâ Shadrâ (Ashâlah Al-Wujûd dan Tasykîk Al-Wujûd) ke dalam Filsafat Ketuhanan, yang dengannya dapat diturunkan konspsi Tauhid.
Semangat Jihad Dan Kerukunan Antar Umat Beragama
Authors: Halimah Halimah , Aryadillah Mochamad
Published: March 2020

Beberapa waktu lalu, sekitar tahun 2016 kita semua khususnya umat Islam dikejutkan dengan adanya kesalahan ucapan terhadap ayat suci al-Qur’an oleh gubernur DKI Jakarta “Basuki Tjahaya Purnama” alias Ahok. Ayat tersebut merupakan salah satu ayat dalam surah al-Maidah ayat 51. Karena kejadian tersebut membuat umat Islam bersama-sama bahu-membahu membela atas apa yang telah salah diucapkan oleh Ahok terhadap surah al-Maidah ayat 51. Dari kejadian tersebut, dapat diketahui bahwa perjuangan umat islam itu disebut dengan Jihad atas al-Qur’an surah al-Maidah ayat 51. Jihad sendiri merupakan sebuah perilaku yang dianjurkan, diwajibkan, bahkan disunnahkan oleh Rasulullah SAW. Istilah Jihad dalam umat Islam seringkali dipahami dengan dua pengertian. Pertama, dalam pengertian etimologis bahasa Arab yang artinya bersungguh-sungguh, dan Kedua dalam pengertian terminologis, yakni Jihad dalam konsep hukum Islam, baik didasarkan al-Qur‟an, al-sunnah, atau pun ijma’ para ulama. Makna Jihad Menurut Istilah : Dalam terminologi syar`i kata jihad mempunyai beberapa makna seperti :  Suatu usaha optimal untuk memerangi orang-orang kafir. Penelitian ini mengenai konsep Jihad dan Kerukunan Antar Umat Beragama yang dalam beberapa waktu lalu sempat ramai diperbincangkan. Kerukunan sendiri memiliki arti yang berbeda dengan Jihad. Kerukunan merupakan jalan hidup setiap manusia yang memiliki bagian-bagian dan tujuan tertentu yang harus dijaga bersama-sama, saling tolong menolong, toleransi, tidak saling bermusuhan dan saling menjaga satu sama lain. Penelitian ini bertujuan agar memahami Jihad tidak secara mutlak, karena jika Jihad diatrikan secara mutlak maka pengertian Jihad bisa sama dengan Qatl (membunuh). Dengan demikian penulis mengartikan Jihad  dengan berusaha bertahan dari cobaan yang Allah berikan.
Orientasi Kajian Hadis Kontemporer Indonesia (Studi Artikel E-Jurnal Dalam Portal Moraref 2015-2017)
Authors: Huda Nailil , Pahrudin Ade
Published: March 2020

This study examines the development, orientation and characteristics of the study of contemporary traditions in all online journals PTKI Indonesia on the portal Moraref. According to R. Michel Feener and Daniel Djuned, the study of hadith in Indonesia is growing dynamically and PTKI is at the center of its development. This is contradictory to Martin Van Bruinessen and Ahmad Rafiqi's assertion that the opposite is even less likely to develop. The methodology used by the author is descriptive-content analysis. Where the authors make all the journal articles containing the hadith studies in the Moraref Portal as the main data in the study, in addition to the literature relating to the study of hadith as secondary data. This research found Characteristics of study of Hadith in Indonesia if traced through e- journals that have been indexed Moraref categorized in six categories, namely thematic Hadith Studies with the number of articles 80 articles, Hadith scholarship as many as 74 articles, Studies of Hadits and hadith thinking with 49 articles, as many as 35 articles Hadith Studies orientalisme as many as 36 articles Studies of living hadith as many as 18 articles. So the most dominant in the study of hadith in Indonesia is a thematic research both in religious rituals and social issues.