Topological Structure of Dense Hadronic Matter

We present a summary of work done on dense hadronic matter, based on the Skyrme model, which provides a unified approach to high density, valid in the large $N_c$ limit. In our picture, dense hadronic matter is described by the {\em classical} soliton configuration with minimum energy for the given baryon number density. By incorporating the meson fluctuations on such ground state we obtain an effective Lagrangian for meson dynamics in a dense medium. Our starting point has been the Skyrme model defined in terms of pions, thereafter we have extended and improved the model by incorporating other degrees of freedom such as dilaton, kaons and vector mesons.Comment: 13 pages, 8 figures, Talk given at the KIAS-APCTP Symposium in Astro-Hadron Physics "Compact Stars: Quest for New States of Dense Matter", November 10-14, 2003, Seoul, Korea, published by World Scientific. Based on talk by B.-Y. Par

Non-Variceal Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB), which predominantly occurs secondary to peptic ulcers, presents a major challenge in emergency departments and is associated with high mortality rates. The staged approach used for management of NVUGIB comprises preendoscopy, endoscopy, and post-endoscopy. Proton pump inhibitors and prokinetics are used for pre-endoscopy preparation to improve visualization and outcomes. Various endoscopic hemostatic methods, including injection therapy, clipping, and thermal techniques are described, which reflects the need for personalized strategies based on patient conditions and lesion characteristics. Post-endoscopic care includes continuous acid suppression therapy and selective second-look endoscopy. Overall, the approach to effective NVUGIB management is tailored to individual clinical scenarios to optimize patient outcomes

Clinical Significance of p16 Protein Expression Loss and Aberrant p53 Protein Expression in Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is a disease with poor prognosis mainly due to low resection rates and late diagnosis. To increase resectability and improve survival rates, a better understanding of pancreatic cancer pathogenesis and more effective screening techniques are required. New methods, such as genetic and molecular alterations, may suggest novel approaches for pancreatic cancer diagnosis and treatment. We immunohistochemically investigated 44 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma using monoclonal anti-p16 antibodies and monoclonal anti-p53 antibodies. The expressions of p16 and p53 proteins were compared using the Chi-square test with SPSS. Disease-free survival was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method, verified by the Log-Rank test. Loss of p16 expression was noted in 20 (45.5%) cases and aberrant p53 protein expression was detected in 14 (31.8%) cases. Loss of p16 expression was associated with a higher incidence of lymph node metastasis (p=0.040) and a more advanced stage (p=0.015), although there was no significant correlation between p16 expression and survival. Aberrant p53 protein expression correlated with histologic grade (p=0.038). Disease-free survival rate was significantly lower in the aberrant p53 protein positive group compared to the negative group (p=0.029). From our results, we suggest that p53 is not a prognostic factor; however, p16 and p53 genes do play important roles in the progression of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Internet Customer Segmentation Using Web Log Data

The objective of this paper is to analyze web transaction log data that reveal customer behavior in the Internet channel, and to provide a useful online customer segmentation scheme. To achieve this, we analyze the relationship between the behavior of customers for online pet shops and revenue. We use the decision-tree method as a data-mining technique, and clustering analysis to segment customers.  We perform the study in two stages. First, we investigate the web transaction data of both the member customers and nonmember customers of a Korean online pet shop. Second, we narrow down the study focus and analyze only the member customers’ demographic data and their web transaction data. As a result, we obtain several meaningful segments based on customers’ transaction behavior and demographic characteristics. We use web log data to analyze customer transaction behavior and log-in information to analyze customer demographic characteristics. We discuss some strategic implications, for online shopping mall marketing, suggested by the acquired market segments

Topically administered bevacizumab had longer standing anti-angiogenic effect than subconjunctivally injected bevacizumab in rat corneal neovacularization

<b>AIM:</b> To compare the effect of topically administered and subconjunctivally injected bevacizumab on experimental corneal neovascularization in rats for two weeks after treatment.<b>METHODS:</b> Twenty-eight Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups of 7 animals. Each corneal center of right eye was cauterized with silver/potassium nitrate for 8s. After corneal burning, bevacizumab (12.5mg/mL) was topically administered three times per day (TB group) for two weeks or subconjunctivally injected on days 2 and 4 after cauterization (0.02mL; SB group). As negative controls, rats received 0.9% saline topically three times per day (TS group) or subconjunctivally on days 2 and 4 (0.02mL; SS group). Digital photographs of the cornea were taken 1 and 2 weeks after treatment and analyzed to determine the area of cornea covered by neovascularization as the percentage of corneal neovascularization.<b>RESULTS:</b> One week after treatment, the percentage of corneal neovascularization was significantly lower in the TB and SB groups than in the TS and SS groups (all <i>P</i><0.05). Two weeks after treatment, the percentage of corneal neovascularization was significantly lower in the TB group than in the TS group (<i>P</i><0.05). In all groups, the percentage of neovascularization was decreasing as time passed (all <i>P</i><0.05)<b>CONCLUSION:</b> Topically administered bevacizumab has longer standing anti-angiogenic effect than subconjunctivally injected bevacizumab in corneal neovascularization following chemical injury in rats

Unified Approach to Dense Matter

We apply the Skyrme model to dense hadronic matter, which provides a unified approach to high density, valid in the large Nc limit. In our picture, dense hadronic matter is described by the classical soliton configuration with minimum energy for the given baryon number density. By incorporating the meson fluctuations on such ground state we obtain an effective Lagrangian for meson dynamics in a dense medium. Our starting point has been the Skyrme model defined in terms of pions, thereafter we have extended and improved the model by incorporating other degrees of freedom such as dilaton, kaons and vector mesons.Comment: 6 pages, 4 figures, a talk given at the international conference QCD DOWN UNDER, March 10 - 19, Adelaide, Australi

Chiral orbital-angular-momentum in the surface states of Bi2Se3

Locking of the spin of a quasi-particle to its momentum in split bands of on the surfaces of metals and topological insulators (TIs) is understood in terms of Rashba effect where a free electron in the surface states feels an effective magnetic field. On the other hand, the orbital part of the angular momentum (OAM) is usually neglected. We performed angle resolved photoemission experiments with circularly polarized lights and first principles density functional calculation with spin-orbit coupling on a TI, Bi2Se3, to study the local OAM of the surface states. We show from the results that OAM in the surface states of Bi2Se3 is significant and locked to the electron momentum in opposite direction to the spin, forming chiral OAM states. Our finding opens a new possibility to have strong light-induced spin-polarized current in the surface states.Comment: 5 pages, 4 figures, 1 tabl

Enhancement of phase separation in the InGaN layer for self-assembled In-rich quantum dots

The enhancement of phase separation in the InGaN layer grown on a GaN layer with a rough surface was investigated for the formation of self-assembled In-rich quantum dots(QDs) in the InGaN layer. Transmission electron microscopy images showed that In-rich QDs with a size of 2–5 nm were formed even in an InGaN layer with a low indium content, and a layer thickness less than the critical thickness. The room-temperature photoluminescence(PL) spectrum of this layer showed emission peaks corresponding to In-rich QDs. The temperature-dependent PL spectra showed dominant peak shifts to the lower energy side, indicating that the self-assembled In-rich QDs are formed in the InGaN layer grown on a rough GaNsurface and that the carriers are localized in In-rich QDs

Minimally Invasive versus Conventional Lumbar Interbody Fusion at L5–S1: A Retrospective Comparative Study

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the radiologic and clinical outcomes of minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) and conventional posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) at the L5–S1. Methods We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent posterior lumbar fusion (MIS-TLIF and PLIF) at only the L5–S1 and were followed up for more than 12 months. Age, sex, body mass index (BMI), bone mineral density (BMD), diagnosis, comorbid conditions, fusion rate, perioperative results, and pre- and postoperative radiographic parameters at the L5–S1 level, pelvic parameters and degree of spondylolisthesis, and clinical results were analyzed. Results A total of 102 patients (46 male, 56 female) with a mean age of 57.1 years were evaluated. Fifty and fifty-two patients underwent MIS-TLIF and PLIF surgeries, respectively. Radiologic parameters increased from their preoperative measures at the last follow-up study; similarly, there were no intergroup differences. The fusion rates in the MIS-TLIF and PLIF groups were 86% and 82.7%, respectively. The subsidence rates in the MIS-TLIF and PLIF groups were 6% and 3.8%, respectively. There was no intergroup difference in terms of fusion rate and subsidence. Clinical outcomes also gradually improved after surgery in both groups without intergroup differences. Conclusion In L5–S1 posterior spinal surgery, there was no significant difference between MIS-TLIF and conventional PLIF. Considering the operation time and estimated blood loss, MIS-TLIF is more effective than PLIF surgery in terms of postoperative health care and economics