bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Altitude misestimation caused by the Vaisala RS80 pressure bias and its impact on meteorological profiles
Authors: Inai Y. , Shiotani M. , Fujiwara M. , Hasebe F. , Vömel H.
Published: October 2015

Abstract. Previous research has found that conventional radiosondes equipped with a traditional pressure sensor can be subject to a pressure bias, particularly in the stratosphere. This study examines this pressure bias and the resulting altitude misestimation, and its impact on temperature, ozone, and water vapor profiles is considered using data obtained between December 2003 and January 2010 during the Soundings of Ozone and Water in the Equatorial Region (SOWER) campaigns. The payload consisted of a radiosonde (Vaisala RS80), ozone and water vapor sondes, and a global positioning system (GPS) sensor. More than 30 soundings are used in this study. As GPS height data are thought to be highly accurate, they can be used to calculate pressure. The RS80 pressure bias in the tropical stratosphere is estimated to be −0.4 ± 0.2 hPa (1σ) between 20 and 30 km. As this pressure bias is negative throughout the stratosphere, it leads to systematic overestimation of geopotential height by 43 ± 23, 110 ± 40, and 240 ± 92 m (1σ) at 20, 25, and 30 km, respectively when it is calculated by using the hypsometric equation. Because of the altitude overestimation, we see some offsets in observation parameters having a vertical gradient such as temperature, ozone, and water vapor. Those offsets in the meteorological soundings obtained using the RS80 may have generated an artificial trend in the meteorological records when radiosondes were changed from the RS80, which had no GPS unit, to the new ones with a GPS unit. Therefore, it is important to take those offsets into account in climate change studies.
Estimation of upward radiances and reflectances at the surface of the sea from above-surface measurements
Authors: Kleiv Ø. , Folkestad A. , Høkedal J. , Sørensen K. , Aas E.
Published: October 2015

Abstract. During 4 field days in the years 2009–2011, 22 data sets of measurements were collected in the inner Oslofjord, Norway. The data consist of recordings of spectral nadir radiances in air and water as well as spectral downward irradiance in air. The studied wavelengths are 351, 400, 413, 443, 490, 510, 560, 620, 665, 681, 709 and 754 nm. The water-leaving radiance and the reflected radiance at the sea surface have been obtained from the measured nadir radiances in air and water, where the latter radiance has been extrapolated upwards to the surface. For comparison we present a simpler and much faster method that determines the water-leaving and reflected radiances solely from above-surface measurements of upward nadir radiance and downward irradiance. This new method is based on an assumption about similarity in spectral shape of the radiance reflected at the surface, and it makes use of the small ratio between water-leaving and reflected radiances at 351 and 754 nm in the Oslofjord. A comparison between the quantities determined by the two mentioned methods shows that the average relative deviations between their results are less than or equal to 15 % for the reflected radiance, at the studied wavelengths. The average relative deviation of the water-leaving radiance at 560 nm is 24 %. These results are obtained for a cloudiness range of 1–8 oktas (12.5–100 %) and solar zenith angles between 37 and 51°. We consider these to be acceptable uncertainties for a first check of satellite products in the inner Oslofjord.
The Result of Transmuscular versus Transosseous Repair of the Posterior Capsule on Early Dislocations in Primary Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Spaans Elsa A. , Spaans Anne J. , van den Hout Joost A.A.M. , Bolder Stefan B.T.
Published: October 2015

Purpose

Dislocation is a concerning complication of the posterolateral approach for total hip arthroplasty (THA). Use of a larger size femoral head and a correct repair of the posterior structures can reduce the risk on dislocation of the hip prosthesis. In this study we investigated if there was a difference in dislocation rate between transmuscular and transosseous repair of the posterior soft tissues with use of 36 mm heads.

Methods

A power analysis showed that with a standardised effect size of 0.3 and p-value of 0.05, each group should include at least 174 patients. A total of 465 consecutive primary THAs with a posterolateral approach were performed in patients with primary osteoarthritis by 3 orthopaedic surgeons. There were 246 patients operated using transmuscular repair, the other 219 by using transosseous repair. All patients were given the same prostheses.

Results

Dislocation rate was 1.7% in all patients with at least 1 year follow-up. No significant difference was found in dislocation between both reconstruction techniques. Clinical outcome scores were comparable between the groups.

Conclusions

Transosseous and transmuscular repair were equally effective techniques in closing the posterior soft tissues after THA through the posterolateral approach, without difference in dislocation rate or complication rate.
Four-Year Results of Summit Stems for Total Hip Arthroplasty in Japanese Patients
Authors: Tetsunaga Tomonori , Sato Toru , Shiota Naofumi , Tetsunaga Tomoko , Okazaki Yoshiki , Yamada Kazuki
Published: October 2015

Purpose

A retrospective study to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcome of the Summit primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) at a minimum follow-up of 4 years.

Methods

87 hips in 84 Japanese patients underwent THA using Summit stems. 3 patients were lost to follow-up, and 4 patients were excluded because a Summit stem was judged to be inappropriate for their narrow femoral canals. The remaining 80 hips in 77 patients were evaluated. Mean age was 66 years (range, 33-86 y). Mean postoperative follow-up period was 52 months (range, 48-66 m).

Results

There was no early stem subsidence after surgery. Of the 80 hips, 60 (75%) showed radiographic signs of stem osseointegration including zones 3 and 5 at final follow-up. Stress shielding occurred in 50 hips (62.5%), and third-degree stress shielding was observed in 12 hips (15%). 3 patients experienced postoperative thigh pain due to distal fixation.

Conclusions

These short-term results indicate that the Summit stem achieved good initial fixation, although there were some cases of distal fixation. Careful long-term follow-up and observation will be necessary for hips in which stress shielding occurs.
Determination of the Mechanical Properties of Lumbar Porcine Vertebrae with 2D Digital Image Correlation
Authors: Campos-López Juan Pablo , Fuerte-Hernández Ariel , Hernández-Gómez Luis Héctor , Martínez-García Amalia , Beltrán-Fernández Juan Alfonso , Urriolagoitia-Calderón Guillermo
Published: October 2015

Purpose

To evaluate the strain fields and to calculate the modulus of elasticity and Poisson's ratio of trabecular bone of the 6 lumbar vertebrae of the porcine spine by a 2-dimensional digital image correlation (2D DIC).

Methods

This study was performed through a 2D DIC technique and the specimens were tested under compression. The resulting images were analyzed numerically by 2D DIC. Then, representative regions of interest were examined. The strain fields were determined and stress-strain curves were obtained.

Results

The full field measurement of the strain in the lumbar bone spine was evaluated and with this data, the Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio were determined.

Conclusions

This research highlights the potential applications of noninvasive acquisition techniques in biomechanical analysis. This is useful in the mechanical characterization of bony structures and in the design of prostheses.
First Impressions about Adherus, a New Dural Sealant
Authors: Zoia Cesare , Bongetta Daniele , Lombardi Francesco , Custodi Viola Marta , Pugliese Raffaelino , Gaetani Paolo
Published: October 2015

Purpose

The aim of the study is to report our first impressions about Adherus, a novel dural sealant, used in neurosurgical endoscopic transnasal procedures.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and surgical records of the first 11 patients with intraoperative high-flow cerebrospinal fluid leak treated with the aid of Adherus at our center between February and October 2014. The healing at the level of the dural plasty was monitored and evaluated radiologically and with regular endoscopic inspections.

Results

With a median follow-up of 210 days, no postoperative CSF leak or surgical site infections were found in any of the cases.

Conclusions

Based on our preliminary experience, this new dural sealant seems to provide an effective aid in dural plasty during endoscopic transphenoidal procedures.
Antimicrobial Biomaterials and Their Potential Application in Ophthalmology
Authors: Anaya-Alaminos Roberto , Ibáñez-Flores Nuria , Aznar-Peña Irene , González-Andrades Miguel
Published: October 2015

Infections associated with the use of intraocular, periocular, or orbital implants are associated with an increase in both morbidity and in the costs of ophthalmological surgery. This is due to an increased number of visits and the need for additional treatments, at a time when some conventional therapies are losing their efficacy, or even hospitalization. To avoid such consequences, the first step should be to prevent the biomaterials that form implants from being colonized by various microorganisms, either intraoperatively or postoperatively. To this end, several lines of research have emerged that aim at equipping implants with antimicrobial properties, some of which are described in this review.
High level of Serum AFP is an Independent Negative Prognostic Factor in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Chen Yueguang , Qu Hui , Jian Mi , Sun Guorui , He Qingsi
Published: October 2015

Background

Gastric cancer with a high level of serum alpha fetoprotein (AFP) is uncommon and has unique clinicopathological features and a poorer prognosis. The aim of this research was to elucidate the clinicopathological and prognostic features of gastric cancer with a high level of AFP.

Methods

The sera from 1,286 patients with gastric cancer treated at Qilu Hospital of Shandong University from January 2004 to December 2008 were analyzed preoperatively for AFP, CEA and CA19-9 levels after excluding active or chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma as well as preoperative distant metastasis. Patients were divided into 2 groups: 86 serum AFP-positive patients and 1,200 serum AFP-negative patients according to a cutoff of 20 ng/mL. The clinicopathological features and prognostic factors were compared between the groups.

Results

A higher incidence of serosal invasion, lymph node metastasis and liver metastasis and poorer prognosis was observed in the AFP-positive group compared with the AFP-negative group (all p<0.05). Serum AFP showed the highest specificity (93.66%) and diagnostic accuracy (92.38%) for predicting liver metastasis among the 3 tumor markers examined. Multivariate survival analysis revealed that AFP positivity was an independent prognostic factor in all 1,286 gastric cancer patients. The prognosis of AFP-positive gastric cancer was poorer than that of AFP-negative gastric cancer (p<0.05).

Conclusions

A high level of serum AFP is an independent prognostic factor in gastric cancer and can be used for evaluating the prognosis of gastric cancers whether in the presence or absence of liver metastasis.
Mammographic findings after reshaping with autoprosthesis in women undergoing contralateral breast reconstruction and mastectomy
Authors: Scaperrotta Gianfranco , Capalbo Emanuela , Ferranti Claudio , Falco Giuseppe , Nava Maurizio B. , Di Leo Gianni , Marchesini Monica , Suman Laura , Panizza Pietro
Published: October 2015

Aims and background

Breast reduction and mastopexy combined with inferior dermo-lipo-glandular flap (autoprosthesis) gives good breast shape, long-term projection, and upper pole fullness. We assess the impact on breast oncologic surveillance compared to other techniques.

Methods

A total of 105 patients who underwent mastectomy and reconstruction were divided into 3 groups of 35 patients each: groups 1 and 2 include patients with contralateral breast symmetrization performed with and without autoprosthesis technique, respectively. Group 3 is a control group without contralateral breast reshaping. On mammography, edema, skin thickening, architectural distortion, and calcifications were recorded, as well as further diagnostic examinations, biopsies, and surgical treatments required.

Results

Statistically significant differences (p<0.001) in the first follow-up mammography between groups 1 and 2 were stromal edema (6% vs 51%) and architectural distortion (74% vs 63%). The latest findings meant architectural distortion also have significant difference (p<0.001) in the last mammography (79% vs 66%). Microcalcification has statistically significant difference (p<0.001) in the latest postsurgical mammography, increased in group 1. Skin thickening had a similar course in either group. Mammography follow-up was not impaired in most cases notwithstanding the parenchyma distortion as compared with mammography after breast-conserving surgery. Four core biopsies were performed in both groups: 3 new breast cancers and 1 benign epithelial hyperplasia were found.

Conclusions

No difficulties were found impairing mammographic evaluation in patients treated with autoprosthesis as compared to other techniques.
Hypofractionated Whole-Breast Radiotherapy and Concomitant Boost after Breast Conservation in Elderly Patients
Authors: Cante Domenico , Franco Pierfrancesco , Sciacero Piera , Girelli Giuseppe , Pasquino Massimo , Borca Valeria Casanova , Tofani Santi , La Porta Maria Rosa , Ricardi Umberto
Published: October 2015

Aims

To report the 5- and 10-year results of accelerated hypofractionated whole-breast radiotherapy (WBRT) with concomitant boost to the tumor bed in 83 consecutive patients with early breast cancer aged >70 years.

Methods

All patients were treated with breast conservation and hypofractionated WBRT. The prescription dose to the whole breast was 45 Gy (2.25 Gy/20 fractions) with an additional daily concomitant boost of 0.25 Gy to the surgical cavity (2.5 Gy/20 fractions up to 50 Gy). The maximum detected toxicity was scored according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 3.0. We considered as skin toxicity: erythema, edema, desquamation, ulceration, hemorrhage, necrosis, telangiectasia, fibrosis-induration, hyperpigmentation, retraction and atrophy. Cosmetic results were assessed as set by the Harvard criteria.

Results

With a median follow-up of 60 months (range 36-88), no local recurrence was observed. The maximum detected acute skin toxicity was G0 in 57% of patients, G1 in 40% and G2 in 3%. Late skin and subcutaneous toxicity was generally mild with no ≥G3 events. The cosmetic results were excellent in 69% of patients, good in 22%, fair in 5%, and poor in 4%.

Conclusions

The present results support the use of hypofractionation employing a concomitant boost to the lumpectomy cavity in women aged >70 years. This is a convenient treatment option for both this type of population and health-care providers.
A Targeted Approach to Genetic Counseling in Breast Cancer Patients: The Experience of an Italian Local Project
Authors: La Verde Nicla , Corsi Fabio , Moretti Anna , Peissel Bernard , Dalu Davide , Girelli Serena , Fasola Cinzia , Gambaro Anna , Roversi Gaia , Azzollini Jacopo , Radice Paolo , Pensotti Valeria , Farina Gabriella , Manoukian Siranoush
Published: October 2015

Aims and background

Patients with hereditary breast cancer (BC) may benefit from genetic counseling and testing for detection of causative mutations, definition of therapeutic and preventive strategies, and identification of at-risk relatives. Italy has few oncogenetic centers and genetic evaluation of all patients with BC is not feasible. Moreover, lack of uniformity in the selection of patients generates inappropriate referral to the geneticist. We designed a model that may represent a reproducible way to select patients at risk for hereditary BC, with the aims of rationalizing access to genetic centers and improving clinical management and surveillance.

Methods

The genetic unit of a Cancer Center and the Departments of Oncology from 2 public Hospitals in Milan were involved in the project. After training sessions at the genetic unit, operators from the 2 hospitals evaluated all patients with BC attending a first oncologic visit, through a specific interview. Patients considered at risk of hereditary BC attended counseling at the genetic unit.

Results

Of 419 patients, 61 (14.5%) were eligible for genetic counseling after the interview. Of these, 46 (10.9%) strictly met testing criteria. Overall, 52 (12.4%) patients underwent genetic counseling and 47 were tested for BRCA1/ BRCA2 mutation. After genetic test results, the available options for treatment/surveillance were discussed by a multidisciplinary team, according to the level of genetic risk.

Conclusions

It is possible to improve the process of referring patients with suspected hereditary BC for genetic risk assessment. The application of clinical screening reduced the genetics unit's workload and enabled optimization of time and resources.
Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients with Prostate Cancer Treated with Radiotherapy
Authors: Iannelli Giancarlo , Caivano Rocchina , Rago Luciana , Simeon Vittorio , Lotumolo Antonella , Rabasco Paola , Villonio Antonio , Gioioso Matilde , Mastrangelo Pietro , Barchetti Flavio , Panebianco Valeria , Macarini Luca , Guglielmi Giuseppe , Cammarota Aldo
Published: October 2015

Aims

To evaluate the utility of a multiparametric 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study using diffusion-weighted images (DWI) for the assessment of prostate cancer before and after radiotherapy (RT).

Methods

A total of 34 patients, who received a histologic diagnosis of prostate adenocarcinoma, underwent MRI examination before and after local RT for the assessment of response to treatment. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were calculated and compared.

Results

Before RT, DWI shows pathologic restriction of signal, while after RT pathologic restriction of signal was reduced or disappeared. The ADC values were significantly increased after therapy (p<0.05).

Conclusions

The use of DWI with ADC measurements may be an imaging biomarker in the assessment of prostate cancer.
Benign Nodule Shrinkage: A Diagnosis not to be Missed
Authors: Lacout Alexis , Chevenet Carole , Marcy Pierre-Yves
Published: October 2015

Background

Thyroid nodules presenting ultrasonographic (US) findings suspicious for malignancy should undergo fine-needle aspiration and further cytologic analysis according to the Bethesda 2010 classification. Benign necrotic thyroid nodules may also harbor suspicious US features as follows: ill-defined margins, taller than wide aspect, strong hypoechogenicity, high stiffness index on elastography examination, and reported worrisome cytologic or histologic alterations.

Methods and results

We report the case of a benign thyroid nodule showing shrinkage over time and harboring malignant US features. Fine-needle aspiration cytology examination showed necrosis and no malignant cells.

Conclusions

Precise Doppler US analysis of the nodule and its evolution over time may limit the risk of false-positive diagnosis of thyroid malignancy.
Temporal Trends in Outcome of Oral Squamous Cell Cancer in a Resource-Limited Setting
Authors: Hafeez Bhatti Abu Bakar , Jamshed Arif , Iqbal Hassan , Hafeez Aqsa , Irfan Muhammad , Hameed Sumayya , Jamshed Sarah , Hussain Raza
Published: October 2015

Aims and background

Improving survival has been documented for oral squamous cell carcinoma in recent years. It is a common malignancy in Pakistan but survival outcomes have not been reported. The objective of this study was to determine survival and identify independent predictors in patients with oral squamous cell cancer in 2 different time periods.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients who received treatment between 2003 and 2012 was performed. Patients were divided into two 5 year groups: group 1 (2003-2007) (n = 628) and group 2 (2008-2012) (n = 920). Demographics, risk factors, treatment approaches, and outcomes were compared. Disease-free and overall survival were calculated. Cox proportional hazard model was used to determine independent predictors of survival.

Results

A significant difference was present for ethnicity and grade and clinical T and N stage of tumors, with earlier presentation in group 2. More patients underwent surgery (p = 0.001) and had radical treatment intent (p<0.0001) in recent years. Induction chemotherapy (p<0.0001) and palliative chemotherapy (p<0.0001) were used more frequently. No significant difference in disease-free survival was observed but overall 5-year survival improved significantly (23% vs 42%) (p<0.0001). Use of palliative chemotherapy reduced risk of death significantly (hazard ratio [HR] 0.1, confidence interval [CI] 0.02-0.4, p = 0.003), while pathologic nodal positivity significantly increased the risk (HR 2.5, CI 1-5.9, p = 0.03).

Conclusions

These results from a single cancer hospital demonstrate improvement in overall survival secondary to early detection, better patient selection, and use of palliative chemotherapy in the later period.
VATS lobectomy combined with limited Shaw-Paulson thoracotomy for posterolateral Pancoast tumor
Authors: Rosso Lorenzo , Nosotti Mario , Palleschi Alessandro , Tosi Davide
Published: October 2015

Purpose

Several techniques have been proposed for the challenging surgical resection of Pancoast tumors. We describe a hybrid approach that combines video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) lobectomy and limited Shaw-Paulson thoracotomy.

Methods

We report a case of Pancoast tumor in a 57-year-old man, staged as cT3N0M0, that was treated with induction chemoradiotherapy prior to the hybrid surgical approach. After thoracoscopic pleural cavity inspection, an upper right VATS lobectomy by a 3-port standard approach was performed. The chest wall was resected through a limited paravertebral incision, allowing the extraction of the lobe together with the rib segments. The posterior chest wall defect was repaired with a synthetic patch.

Results

The postoperative period was uneventful and the pain never exceed a score of 3 on a visual analogue scale. Pathological examination revealed nonvital tumor cells in the specimen (ypT0N0M0). The patient is disease free at 6 months’ follow-up.

Conclusions

With this approach we experienced excellent access to both the apical and hilar structures. Further experiences are needed to validate the role of VATS lobectomy in the multidisciplinary management of posterior Pancoast tumor.
The key role of 18F-FDG PET/CT for correct diagnosis, staging, and treatment in a patient with simultaneous NPC and TB lymphadenitis: case report
Authors: Micera Renato , Simoni Nicola , De Liguoro Mario , Vigo Federica , Grondelli Claudia , Galaverni Marco , Roncali Massimo , Pagano Maria , Iotti Cinzia
Published: October 2015

Aims and background

The coexistence of tuberculous lymphadenitis of the neck region and head and neck cancer is extremely rare. In this clinical situation, the use of positron emission and computed tomography using fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG PET/CT) may facilitate the differentiation between malignancy and tuberculosis.

Case Report

We present a case of an Eastern European man with nasopharyngeal cancer and concurrent tuberculous lymphadenitis.

Results and conclusion

The adequate and critical interpretation of pretreatment 18F-FDG PET/CT scan addressed the multidisciplinary team to the proper staging of disease and to the correct therapeutic approach.
Radiotherapy for Early-Stage Prostate Cancer in Men under 70 Years of Age
Authors: Bellavita Rita , Scricciolo Melissa , Bini Vittorio , Arcidiacono Fabio , Montesi Giampaolo , Lancellotta Valentina , Zucchetti Claudio , Lupattelli Marco , Palumbo Isabella , Aristei Cynthia
Published: October 2015

Aims

To demonstrate that radiotherapy (RT) is a valid alternative to surgery in men ≤70 years old with localized prostate cancer.

Methods

From 1988 to 2009, 214 patients with T1-2 N0 M0 prostate cancer were treated with RT. The effects of patient- and treatment-related risk factors on toxicity were investigated.

Results

Median follow-up was 105 months (range 14.2-180). The 5-, 10-, and 15-year biochemical relapse-free survival for all 214 patients was 80%, 61.9%, and 57.5%, respectively. In bivariate analysis, age (≤65 vs 65-70 years) was not a significant factor for biochemical relapse, while radiation dose was (p = 0.05) in multivariate analysis. Cancer-specific survival rates at 5, 10, and 15 years were 98.4%, 93.2%, and 69.7%, respectively. Median overall survival (OS) was 167 months (95% confidence interval 147.3-186.7). The OS rates at 5, 10, and 15 years were 91.8%, 75.8%, and 42.5%, respectively. Acute genitourinary (GU) and gastrointestinal (GI) toxicities occurred in 105 (49%) and 98 patients (45.8%), respectively, with only 2 cases of grade III GI toxicity. Late GU and GI toxicities occurred in 17 (7.9%) and 20 (9.3%) patients, respectively, with 1 grade III GI toxicity and 2 grade III GU toxicities. Risk factors for late toxicity were age and RT dose and technique, which were unrelated to acute toxicity.

Conclusions

Age ≤70 years does not consistently confer a negative prognosis for localized prostate cancer. Radiotherapy appears to be a viable alternative to surgery, offering excellent long-term cancer control.
Lactate Dehydrogenase and Body Mass Index are Prognostic Factors in Patients with Recurrent Small Cell Lung Cancer Receiving Amrubicin
Authors: Inomata Minehiko , Hayashi Ryuji , Tokui Kotaro , Taka Chihiro , Okazawa Seisuke , Kambara Kenta , Ichikawa Tomomi , Yamada Tom , Miwa Toshiro , Kashii Tatsuhiko , Matsui Shoko , Tobe Kazuyuki
Published: October 2015

Aims and Background

Amrubicin monotherapy can be an effective treatment option for patients with recurrent small cell lung cancer (SCLC). We conducted this retrospective study to investigate the prognostic factors in patients with recurrent SCLC receiving amrubicin monotherapy.

Methods

The associations between survival and clinical data, including the performance status, body mass index (BMI), plasma lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level, and plasma neuron-specific enolase level, were evaluated in patients with recurrent SCLC, and a subset analysis of patients with platinum-resistant disease was conducted.

Results

In all, 37 patients were evaluated. The median survival from the date of initiation of amrubicin monotherapy was 9.1 months (95% confidence interval 4.7–12.0 months). Multivariate analysis using a Cox proportional hazard model identified the plasma LDH level (p = 0.049), BMI (p = 0.031), and platinum resistance (p = 0.032) as independent factors associated with survival. The same associations were also observed in the subset of patients with platinum-resistant disease.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the plasma LDH level and BMI may be useful prognostic factors in patients with SCLC receiving amrubicin monotherapy, including patients with platinum-resistant disease.
Retroperitoneal Liposarcomas: A Representative Literature Review Occasioned by a Rare Case of Laterelapse Abdominal Liposarcoma
Authors: Pisani Michela , Al-Buheissi Salah , Whittlestone Tim
Published: October 2015

Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are rare and heterogeneous tumours representing approximately 0.7%-1% of all adult tumours. In the adults and among the retroperitoneal sarcomas (RPS), Liposarcoma (LS) is the most common variant accounting for 12% −20% of all sarcomas and up to 45% of sarcomas at retroperitoneal localization. A rare case of LS relapsed after 15 years is giving the occasion to review the published literature and emphasise the followings concepts: 1) Despite extensive surgery remains the mainstay of treatment for localized STS at present, anatomical complexity and occult localization result in local recurrence in the majority of patients; 2) The role of imaging and tumour markers is still limited; 3) Indefinite prolonged surveillance is a key point of treatment; 4) Referral to tertiary centres with dedicated Retroperitonal Surgeons and Oncology expertise is mandatory.
Impact of HR retention strategies in healthcare: The case of Qatar
Authors: Abujaber Ahmad , Katsioloudes Marios
Published: October 2015

Retention of healthcare workers is an international challenge. The World Health Organization (WHO) warned that in two decades, the shortage of healthcare workers will double. This puts a pressure on the policy makers to come up with serious HR interventions to retain their employees and ensure the delivery of high quality care. In Qatar, the healthcare sector depends greatly on expatriates. This unique characteristic imposes risk on the stability of the healthcare workforce. Therefore, the Qatar National Health Strategy (2011–2016) emphasises the importance of exercising effective HR retention strategies. This review tries to explain the relationship between the retention strategies and employees’ satisfaction and performance and how they impact the quality of care as perceived by patients/clients.
The Public Perception of Cyber-surveillance Before and After Edward Snowden’s Surveillance Revelations
Authors: Završnik Aleš , Levičnik Pia
Published: October 2015

The article contextualizes contemporary cyber-surveillance practices in the light of Edward Snowden’s revelations of massive espionage by intelligences services and shows the results of  an online survey on the public perceptions of privacy in public telecommunication networks in Slovenia. The results relate to types and frequency of victimization; self-reported study on violating of the privacy of others; concern for the protection of one’s own privacy; perception of those carrying out surveillance; the value of privacy; views on abrogated data retention regulation; and awarness of personal data protection remedies.Despite growing distrust of large internet corporations and – after Edward Snowden’s revelations – Intelligence agencies, the findings indicate a low degree of awareness and care for the protection of personal data. In regard to the perception of primary subjects of surveillance, 56 percent of respondents chose internet corporations as the greatest threat to their privacy, followed by telecommunications companies (25 percent), and shops with loyalty programs (23 percent). According to chi-square and Cramer's coefficient calculations, gender correlation is weak, but men feel more threatened by foreign intelligence services and the Slovene Intelligence and Security Agency. By comparing responses before and after the Datagate affair, we noted that prior to this date, only a handful of people felt threatened by foreign or domestic intelligence agencies. An increased feeling of threat after this date is evident in men as well as women.
The Socratic Phronesis Today
Authors: González Juliana ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: October 2015

One can say that the historical Socrates cannot be interpreted as an “intellectualist” and an “enemy of life.” On the contrary: Socrates’s actuality lies precisely in the fact that wisdom implies knowledge of one’s own ignorance, the self-birthing and the daily improvement of myself using all the rational and irrational potentialities of life.This conception of the ethical soul in Socrates can be compared today with the moral brain of neuroscience, which is understood in its integral unity as the locus of the body-soul in its complex unity: reason-emotion-instinct. However, in spite of the analogies, there is a clear opposition between the Socratic encephalon and the moral brain of neurobiology. The Socratic one is free, internal, personal. The neuronal can be induced and manipulated through technology. The Socratic lesson is that virtue cannot be taught—and even less artificially provoked—from the outside. Nevertheless, in today’s world, we cannot think about ethics without both: Socrates as well as the advances in neuroethics.
Practical Wisdom in Confucian Philosophy
Authors: Lai Chen ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: October 2015

Confucianism, since the time of Confucius, emphasizes “practical wisdom” as the realization of philosophy. This approach accentuates the practical aspects of wisdom rather than the analytical rationale of the intellect. Emphasis on practical wisdom persistently reinforces a moral foundation that is not differentiated from personal virtue. At the same time, practical wisdom in Confucianism stresses self-cultivation, or the complete transformation of the self, derived from the internal state of the heart/mind (xin 心). Finally, Confucian insists that practical wisdom must be transformed into practical action.
Is Living an Art that Can be Taught?
Authors: Nehamas Alexander ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: October 2015

Along with our inordinate emphasis on managing our lives on the basis of impartial principles and rules, we have lost the sense that some of the greatest human achievements are accomplished precisely by going beyond anything that existing rules and principles allow. Along with our fixation on the values of morality and politics, which apply to everyone on the basis of our similarities to one another, we have lost the sense that there are also values that depend on our differences and distinguish us from the rest of the world. Philosophical Individualism is a theory that considers the values of difference and distinction to be of crucial importance to life, and models successful lives on successful works of art. That is what is meant by “the art of living.” But such an art is manifested in the abilities of successful leaders in any field: leadership always requires going at least one step beyond wherever what has been already codified can take them.
The Public: Its Concept and New Effects in the Internet and Multimedia Societies
Authors: Lenk Hans ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: October 2015

This paper begins with an overview of the origins and development of ancient direct participatory “democracy” and a related concept of the “public.” Through the Roman “res publica” and the “homo publicus” and much later the Magna Carta and the English tradition of participatory rights, as well as the French “division of powers” and the French Revolution and Kant’s “public usage of reason,” a rather modern concept of the “public” in representative modern democracies developed in the Enlightenment and materialized in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. In social and political philosophy there was a noticeable impact of “the public” and “public life” in debates, formal constitutions and their philosophical and pragmatic foundations. Dewey’s lectures on “The Public and its Problems” already emphasized the impact and the growth of communication technologies for “the public,” publicity, political and social life. Habermas diagnosed a “Structural Transformation of the Public Sphere” from a pragmatic social philosophical point of view, although he did not really take up Dewey’s diagnoses and predictions of the role of media and communication technologies. The same is true for Gerhardt’s study The Public: The Political Form of Consciousness (2012). With the pervasive impact of digital communication and media technologies there has occurred another structural transformation of the public sphere and the concept of the public. Instant global multimedia communication certainly has largely positive effects, fostering social as well as individal freedom and even revolutionary changes. But there are also the widespread experiences of individual and group mobbing, “shitstorms,” cyber-crimes, electronic spying and data-mining, etc. The structure (the concept and reality) of the public has lately been and is currently rapidly changing again—due to the electronic information revolution.
Aristotle on the Importance of Rules, Laws, and Institutions in Ethics
Authors: Frede Dorothea ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: October 2015

In recent years rule-scepticism has been dominant among experts concerning Aristotle’s ethics. The present paper addresses three points that speak for this sceptical attitude: (i) Aristotle’s caveat against precision in ethics; (ii) the emphasis on the particular conditions of actions and on experience; (iii) the fact that moral education relies on habituation rather than teaching. At a closer look it emerges that all these considerations presuppose universal rules, laws, and institutions rather than exclude them, for they concern the adjustment of universal principles to particular cases. Knowledge of these principles may not be necessary in routine cases, but the emphasis on a master-science that provides the laws necessary for every well-functioning community and the appropriate education of the citizens shows that these principles are the indispensable foundation of both ethics and politics. It is Aristotle’s aim to provide the groundwork of such a master science that is the common concern of his ethics and politics.
The Platonic Idea of Ideal and its Reception in East Asia
Authors: Notomi Noburu ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: October 2015

In the history of philosophy, Plato’s theory of Forms has enchanted many philosophers, but it has faced more adversaries than proponents. Although it is unusual for contemporary philosophers to believe in the Platonic Forms, I confront Plato seriously and try to defend his thought by reflecting on its reception in modern Japan. For this purpose, the Japanese word “risō” (理想), which was originally a translation of the Platonic “Idea” or “Form,” will give us valuable hints.I discuss Aristotle, Friedrich Nietzsche and Karl Popper, each of whom raised fundamental questions about the Forms as transcendent entities. First, Aristotle ignores one fundamental factor of the Forms, i.e., Eros: we aspire for the perfect or ideal state in our life with reference to the Forms. Next, Popper misses the important difference between the Form and the Ideal: i.e., the ultimate reality and its expressed form in words. Aspiring for the latter does not necessarily lead us to totalitarianism. Then, I argue that Nietzsche shares the same framework with Plato in considering the notion of “ideal.” We have to face his radical question of whether we should hold an “ideal” in everyday life.Finally, I introduce a brief history of how philosophers confronted reality by learning Plato in modern Japan. Michitaro Tanaka, in particular, cast critical eyes on the pre- and post-war society by studying Plato’s philosophy. To consider and discuss the Forms changes views and meanings of the world and of life. Plato thereby invites us to this common search through his dialogues, and leads us to the ideal (risō).
Silencing Metaphysics
Authors: Satha-Anand Suwanna ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: October 2015

Past discussions on the silence of the Buddha have focused on speculations on the “reasons” of the Buddha’s silence. Most scholars offer an analysis of the Buddha’s pragmatic considerations or his argument on human epistemic limits, that is, either that the metaphysical questions are irrelevant to the cessation of suffering or that the metaphysical contents cannot be known. This paper argues that the silence of the Buddha can be seen as a “speech act” whose absence of words actually achieves two purposes, first, the silence expresses the Buddha’s refusal to participate in these debates, and second, the silence creates a “space” which guides the interlocutors to re-direct the focus of their religious understanding. It will be illustrated that this silence of the Buddha is a point of both distinction and connectivity between philosophy as pure speculation on the one hand, and religion as a problem-solving practice on the other.
Philosophical Inquiries into Religions
Authors: Sekine Seizō ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: October 2015

Philosophy, which is limitless but abstract, and religions, which are concrete but unable to shed the limitations of their symbols, must construct a complementary relationship that draws on the strengths of both. Through developing philosophical insights into religious truth and values, we can shine new light on our modern maladies and urgent problems, such as the tendency to pursue facts but not truth in scholarly research (section 1), religious conflicts (section 2), and the rivalry between religion and ethics (section 3). The author demonstrates ways this is possible from the perspectives of Old Testament studies, ethics, and modern Japanese Philosophy.
Athens, or the Fate of Europe
Authors: de Mul Jos ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: October 2015

In his essay ‘The Idea of Europe’ George Steiner claims that European culture derives from “a primordial duality, the twofold inheritance of Athens and Jerusalem.” For Steiner, the relationship between Greek rationalism and Jewish religion, which is at once conflictual and syncretic, has engaged the entire history of European philosophy, morality, and politics. However, given this definition, at present the United States of America seem to be more European than ‘the old Europe’ itself. Against Steiner, it will be argued that in order to fathom the distinctive characteristic of European culture, we have to take a third European tradition into account, which is inextricably bound up with Athens: the tradition of Greek tragedy. If we may call Europe a tragic continent, it is not only because its history is characterised by an abundance of real political tragedies, but also because it embodies, as an idea and an ideal, a tragic awareness of the fragility of human life. Instead of reducing the ‘idea of Europe’ to a financial and economic issue, Europe should remain faithful to this idea and ideal.
Remarks on Art, Truth, and Culture
Authors: Rockmore Tom ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: October 2015

Plato both created the Western aesthetic tradition and rejected the artistic claim to truth. I suggest that Plato’s rejection of the view that non-philosophical art is true gave rise to a debate later traversing the entire Western aesthetic tradition. I further suggest that the post-Platonic Western aesthetic tradition can be reconstructed as an effort by many hands to come to grips with and if possible overturn the Platonic judgment. I finally suggest that Hegel, in disagreeing with both Kant and Plato, presents an interesting anti-Platonic argument for “reforging” as it were the ancient link between art and truth. For in the final analysis, art, or at least some kinds of art, is not only beautiful but also in a deep sense true.
Technology and the Environment
Authors: Kelbessa Workineh ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: October 2015

This paper explores the relationship between technology and the environment. Although technological intervention can help humanity to address some of the most pressing environmental challenges, technological advances alone cannot solve all environmental ills. In some cases, the attempt to manipulate the environment through technology can lead to different types of environmental destruction. This paper thus suggests that the introduction and use of technology requires a critical assessment of its ethical and environmental benefits.
Taking Out the Trash
Authors: Riemann Moritz ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: October 2015

The management of radioactive waste, particularly of High-Level Radioactive Waste (HLW) containing isotopes, whose half-life exceeds one million years, is a wicked and aporetic problem. The amount of waste increases continuously, while the question of management remains technologically and politically unsolved. Not only do the technological challenges involved exceed the horizon of scientists, but the ethical problems raised by the use of nuclear power have been neglected from the beginning. The history of nuclear power is as well a history of neglecting its consequences. No country is able to provide a suitable concept of storage for HLW. Instead, we have failing approaches: for example, decaying barrels in the Channel and the Atlantic Ocean, and in Germany two salt mines stuffed with unregistered amounts of waste on the edge of collapse.After the disaster at Fukushima Daiichi in March 2011, the German Federal Government decided for the second time to stop using nuclear power as an energy source, and on July 5th 2013, it passed a law mandating a new search for a storage site. In the beginning of 2013, an interdisciplinary project—ENTRIA—was launched to investigate options for radioactive waste management from the perspectives of the technical sciences and the humanities. ENTRIA is evaluating three possible options for storage: deep geological disposal, retrievable deep geological repository with monitoring, and permanent dry cask storage above ground. Each of the three options bears particular technological and ethical challenges.
Life-Philosophical Lecturing as a Systems-Intelligent Technology of the Self
Authors: Saarinen Esa ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: October 2015

This paper describes life-philosophical lecturing, as developed by the author, as a form of performing art and as a positive, oral and non-directive philosophical practice that revitalizes the Socratic ideal of philosophy. Life-philosophical lecturing is explicated as a systems-intelligent technology of the self.
Wearing Glaucon’s Ring, Stopping Invisible Pollution Harms
Authors: Shrader-Frechette Kristin ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: October 2015

Although we are likely unaware of it, in one troubling respect nearly all of us today wear the ring of Gyges. Because we are “invisible,” we use the ring to harm others with impunity. What is our ring of Gyges? It is our use/release of epigenetically toxic environmental pollutants (ETEP), such as endocrine disruptors, metals, and some pesticides. For developmentally/pre- and-postnatally-exposed children, ETEP often cause heritable gene-expression changes, developmental toxicity (DT) that increases later-life disease/dysfunction/death, including asthma/allergy, cancer, cardiovascular disease, depression, diabetes, hypertension, immune/precocious autoimmune diseases, infertility, neuro-developmental/neuro-degenerative diseases, obesity, osteoporosis, puberty, and schizophrenia.Yet, like Gyges, we offenders are “invisible” in at least two senses: (i) invisible before the law, because current regulations do not prohibit ETEP exposures able to cause DT; (ii) invisible as perpetrators, because most child-DT harms appear later in life. This paper (1) uses ETEP and DT to explain how we cause severe, hidden, pollution harms to children and future generations, (2) argues that no major ethical theory can justify allowing avoidable ETEP, and (3) shows that we have justice-based duties to help stop avoidable ETEP exposures, because, to varying degrees, we help cause ETEP and profit from them. Finally, the paper (4) answers objections to (3).
Is There Really Something Wrong With Contemporary Epistemology?
Authors: Engel Pascal ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: October 2015

Analytic epistemology is thriving. Many people, however, think that it has gone wrong. They judge that it has become a new scholastics, narrow-minded, obsessed by a small set of problems, most of them examined through repetitive examples, thought experiments and paradoxes, such as the Gettier cases, stories about fake barns, bank cases, brains in vats and evil demons, or the lottery paradox. Philip Kitcher is one of these critics. In an article called “Epistemology without history is blind” published in Erkenntnis in 2011, he takes his stand from William James, “There can be no difference anywhere that doesn’t make a difference elsewhere” and judges severely the production of contemporary epistemologists. I disagree. Kitcher’s judgment is hasty, and analytic epistemology is not guilty of the sins that he denounces