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We propose an efficient method for nonperturbative calculation of Green's function in a correlated electron system. The key idea of the method is to project out irrelevant operators having zero norm in the ground state, which we refer to as effective projection theory. We apply the method to a mesoscopic Anderson model and show that for a given wavefunction ansatz, equations of motion can be closed only by relevant operators, allowing easy calculation of the zero-temperature Green's function. It turns out that the resulting Green's functions reproduce exact limits of both weak and strong interactions. The accuracy is also verified for small systems by comparison with exact diagonalization results, revealing that effective projection theory captures the essential correlated features in the entire regime of interactions.

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In this paper, we investigated the influence of ball spacer size and density on liquid crystal (LC) margin of in-plane switching (IPS) panel fabricated by the inkjet process. In the case of using 3.0 µm ball spacer alone, LC margin is decreased rapidly with increasing the ball spacer density. Also, the good condition is not achieved, even though we adjust the ball spacer density for the several conditions. However, it is possible to get LC margin of 8.7% and the push strength of 6.0 kgf by mixing ball spacers of 2.75 µm and 3.0 µm. In condition with 100 number/mm2 of 3.0 µm, we achieved higher LC margin without the decrease of the push strength by increasing the ball spacer of 2.75 µm.

In this paper, we have investigated the scan mura due to the difference of spacer position in each nozzle of inkjet heads for inkjet spacer process. It was found that the difference of the cell gap was about 0.051 µm between a bright area and a dark area in panel with strong scan mura. The difference of the cell gap means the subtracted value of the cell gap in the dark area from the cell gap in the bright area. In the case of adjusting of dropped ink velocity on each nozzle, the scan mura is improved, but is not perfect. On the other hand, the scan mura is drastically improved by the randomization of spacer position using nozzle mixing method (NMM), where the difference of cell gap is only 0.009 µm. It is considered that the scan mura is strongly influenced by ink dropped position, the inkjet process.

Purpose: This study evaluated the usefulness of a new scoring system in diagnosing acute appendicitis which expresses the patient’s symptoms, physical examination, and laboratory findings more clearly and objectively. Methods: A prospective study was conducted with 314 patients who were hospitalized with suspicion of acute appendicitis. After analyzing the symptoms, physical examination, and laboratory findings, 10 meaningful variables were selected, each of which were scored separately. The diagnostic value of the new scoring system was evaluated, and analyzed in comparison to the preexisting Alvarado score. Results: Ten variables including vomiting, migration pain, fever, Dunphy’s sign, Rovsing’s sign, tenderness, rebound tenderness, increased white blood cell counts, increased neutrophil proportion, and increased CRP levels were associated with acute appendicitis. The new scoring system is developed by applying 1 point for each variable, with a total score of 10 points. In the new scoring system, a score above 5 points had sensitivity of 0.75, specificity of 0.73, positive predictive value of 0.92, and diagnostic accuracy of 0.71. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.80, which is larger than 0.72 of the preexisting Alvarado score, and thus has a higher diagnostic accuracy. As acute appendicitis progresses, the average score tends to become significantly higher (P=0.001). Conclusion: The new scoring system, which objectively reflects the clinical variables of the patient’s symptoms, physical examination and laboratory findings, will be useful in accurately diagnosing acute appendicitis and in quickly deciding a therapeutic policy in patients with right lower abdominal pain.

The use of totally implantable central venous access devices (chemoport) has increased with the development of chemotherapeutic agents in oncologic patients, especially with no venous access site. However, there can be various complications such as port site infection, thromboembolism, injury of central vein, fracture of catheter, and migration of catheter. We report a rare case of migration of catheter to right atrium due to the separation of the catheter from the chemoport. (J Korean Surg Soc 2010;79:S54-57)

321 통신저자:이 동 주 인천시 중구 신흥동 3가 7-206 인하대학교 의과대학 정형외과학교실 Tel:032-890-3662ᆞFax:032-890-3099 E-mail:TJLEE@inha.ac.kr 본 논문은 2009년 인하대학교의 지원에 의하여 연구되었음. 접수: 2010. 3. 31 심사 (수정): 2010. 5. 18 게재확정: 2010. 6. 10 Address reprint requests to:Tong-Joo Lee, M.D. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Inha University School of Medicine, 7-206, Sinheung-dong 3-ga, Jung-gu, Incheon 400-103, Korea Tel:82-32-890-3662ᆞFax:82-32-890-3099 E-mail:TJLEE@inha.ac.kr 수부에서 근위 지간 관절 골두의 부분 골연골 결손에 대한 자가 족지 골두 이식술 증례 보고

Hydrogenated amorphous silicon thin-film transistors (TFTs) with channel length below 4 µm, were successfully fabricated using a new half-tone exposure technique combined with conventional photolithography. A concept of asymmetric double-slit design was applied to decrease channel length (L). TFTs having a channel length down to 3 µm was successfully fabricated, and showed better output capability with minor changes in mobility and off-state current.

increased the risk of coronary artery lesions 6-, 5-, and 3.5-fold, respectively. Furthermore, additional IVIG courses and higher CRP level increased the risk of coronary artery lesions 4-fold and 2-3-fold, respectively. Conclusion : The following 3 factors were responsible for increased risk of coronary artery lesions in children with Kawasaki disease: fever duration and days of fever after and before IVIG treatment. To identifythe predictive indicators of coronary complications, it is necessary to further elucidate the relationship between well-known forecasting factors. (Korean J Pediatr 2009;52:1161-1166)

The properties of voltage dependent Ca(2+) current (VDCC) were investigated in interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) distributed in the myenteric layer (ICC-MY) of guinea-pig antrum. In tissue, ICC-MY showed c-Kit positive reactions and produced driving potentials with the amplitude and frequency of about 62 mV and 2 times min(-1), respectively, in the presence of 1 microM nifedipine. Single ICC-MY isolated by enzyme treatment also showed c-Kit immunohistochemical reactivity. These cells were also identified by generation of spontaneous inward current under K(+) -rich pipette solution. The voltage clamp experiments revealed the amplitude of - 329 pA inward current at irregular frequency. With Cs(+)-rich pipette solution at V(h)=-80 mV, ICC-MY produced voltage-dependent inward currents (VDIC), and nifedipine (1 microM) blocked VDIC. Therefore, we successfully isolated c-Kit positive single ICC from guinea-pig stomach, and found that ICC-MY potently produced dihydropiridine sensitive L-type voltage-dependent Ca(2+) currents (VDCC(L)).

The Wide Full-HD CS (Color Sequential) displays are designed about 42″ TFT-LCD. Two-block pixel structure was adopted as the basis for reducing transfer cross-talk and doubling gate on time margin. The target specification of mobility was also simulated to achieve stable driving condition. Finally we performed TC (Transfer Cross-talk) simulation in a method of 2Dimentional map.

Purpose: This study was designed to determine the frequency of MMR defective sporadic colorectal cancer (CRC) by using immunohistochemistry and to investigate the correlation between the MMR status and the metastatic potential. Methods: The study included 249 patients with sporadic colorectal cancer who underwent surgical resection. The MMR status was determined by using an immunohistochemical analysis of MLH1 and MSH2 expression. Results: Twenty seven (10.8%) carcinomas showed abnormal MMR protein expression (18 MLH1 negative and 9 MSH2 negative) and were classified as MMR defective tumors whereas 222 tumors demonstrated normal MLH1/MSH2 immunoreactivity (MMR intact tumor). MMR defective tumors developed at significantly higher frequencies in a proximal site (59.3% vs. 27.5%, P=0.001) and tended to be larger in size (6.3±2.4 cm vs. 5.1±2.1 cm, P=0.026). They showed significantly lower overall stage, N stage, and M stage at the time of diagnosis (P=0.002, P=0.014, P=0.010, respectively). In patients who had MMR defective tumors, lymphocytic infiltration (40.7% vs. 8.7%, P＜0.001) and poor differentiation (22.2% vs. 11.7%, P=0.012) were more frequently observed. Less frequently MMR defective tumors displayed lymphatic invasion (40.7% vs. 67.1%, P=0.007) and infiltrative borders (22.2% vs. 51.8%, P=0.004). The MMR defect was strongly associated with a decreased likelihood of lymph node (odds ratio: 0.34, 95% CI: 0.13∼0.95) and distant organ metastases at diagnosis (odds ratio: 0.09, 95% CI: 0.01∼0.94), independent of the clinicopathologic features. Conclusions: Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that 10.8% of sporadic CRC cases showed no staining for MLH1 or MSH2. Lymphatic invasion and distant metastases were found at lower rates in these MMR defective tumors.

Many patients have functional disturbances after a traditional restorative rectal resection, complaining of urgency, frequent bowel movements, and occasional fecal incontinence. The rectal reservoir function is disturbed, and this is related to the size of the rectal remnant and the elastic properties of the neorectal wall. A straight anastomosis is recommended when the reservoir capacity of the rectal remnant is sufficient. A side-to-end anastomosis is probably preferable to an end-to-end anastomosis. If a straight anastomosis is considered, the descending colon is much better than the sigmoid colon. If optimal functional results are to be obtained soon after surgery, construction of a pouch is recommended when the rectal remnant is very short. There seems to be a balance between continence without urgency and evacuation ability. For patients with weak sphincter muscles and habitually loose feces, the surgeon should tailor the length of the pouch to be longer whereas it should be made smaller for patients with a pre-operative tendency toward constipation. In the long-term, bowel adaptation may also enable the function after a straight anastomosis to approximate that of a colonic J-pouch anal anastomosis. Where the pelvis is too narrow for a bulky colonic J-pouch anal anastomosis, a coloplasty-anal- anastomosis is an option. The latter results in postoperative bowel function comparable with that of the colonic J-pouch. Traditionally, poor bowel function has been managed expectantly. The colonic adaptation may take one or two years to occur after a low anterior resection. The patient is advised to take adequate soluble fiber in the diet and to avoid foods which aggravate the bowel dysfunction. Those with increased stool frequency are prescribed constipating agents to help control the symptoms. Patients with rectal evacuation problems are prescribed regular laxatives and enemas.

The authors report on high-resolution photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy and microscopy study of laterally coupled, self-assembled InAs∕GaAs quantum dots (QDs) by using the low-temperature near-field scanning optical microscope. In particular, they have observed characteristic doublet PL spectra, which can be indirectly but unambiguously attributed to two neighboring coupled QDs, as indicated by the identical spatial images of the PL intensity. This work may open a unique and systematic way to study the lateral coupling of single QDs for qualitative nano-optical analysis and characterization.

Pelvic floor disorders are of interest to many surgeons who specialize in organ systems within this region. Colorectal surgeons are especially interested in disorders of the posterior compartment, which may broadly be divided into defecation disorders and fecal incontinence. These disorders distress patients socially and psychologically and greatly impair their quality of life. The underlying anatomical and pathophysiological changes are complex, are often incompletely understood, and cannot always be determined. However, over the past decades, advances in the understanding of these disorders, together with rational methods of evaluation in anorectal physiology laboratories, radiology studies, and new surgical techniques, have led to promising results. This review summarizes the evaluation and treatment strategies, as well as the recent updates on the clinical and the therapeutic aspects of pelvic floor disorders.

This study was designed to investigate the effects of polyamines on mechanical contraction and voltage-dependent calcium current (VDCC) of guinea-pig gastric smooth muscle. Mechanical contraction and calcium channel current I(Ba) were recorded by isometric tension recording and whole-cell patch clamp technique. Spermine, spermidine and putrescine inhibited spontaneous contraction of the gastric smooth muscle in a concentration-dependent manner. Spermine (2 mM) reduced high K+ (50 mM)-induced contraction to 16+/-6.4% of the control (n=9), and significantly inhibited I(Ba) in a reversible manner (p0.05; IC50=0.8 mM). Pre- and post-treatment of tissue with spermine (2-5 mM, n=10) also inhibited acetylcholine (10 microM)-induced phasic contraction to 5+/-6.4% of the control. Inhibitory effect of spermine on I(Ba) was observed at a wide range of test potentials of current/voltage (I/V) relationship (p0.05), and steady-state activation of I(Ba) was shifted to the right by spermine (p0.05). Spermidine and putrescine (1 mM each) also inhibited I(Ba) to 51+/-5.7% and 81+/-5.3% of the control, respectively. And putrescine (1 mM) inhibited I(Ba) at whole tested potentials (p0.05) without significant change of kinetics (p0.05). Finally, 5 mM putrescine also inhibited high K+-induced contraction to 53+/-7.1% of the control (n=4). These findings suggest that polyamines inhibit contractions of guinea-pig gastric smooth muscle via inhibition of VDCC.

Methods: We serially evaluated the platelet count in 21 acute ITP patients that were treated with anti-D immunoglobulin (50μg/kg) to determine how many patients achieved platelet counts over the levels of 20×10 3 /mm 3 , 50×10 3 /mm 3 and 100×10 3 /mm 3 after the infusion of anti-D immunoglobulin. In addition, constitutional symptoms were monitored and changes in the hemoglobin levels were serially evaluated. Results: By three days after treatment, 90.5% of the patients had achieved a platelet count over 20× 10 3 /mm 3 . At seven days after treatment, 66.7% of patients achieved a platelet count of 50×10 3 /mm 3 . In addition, at seven days after treatment 61.9% of patients achieved a platelet count of 100×10 3 /mm 3 . Constitutional adverse symptoms were observed 61.9% of patients, and the symptoms diminished spon- taneously without any severe sequelaes. The decline of hemoglobin concentration after treatment recovered to the initial level after two weeks. Conclusion: A single dose of anti-D immunoglobulin (50 μg/kg)was effective in Korean children with acute ITP to raise the platelet count rapidly. The adverse effects of anti-D immunoglobulin, including hemolytic anemia, were not severe to prevent the use of the anti-D. (Korean J Hematol 2007;42:258-263.)

The FLT3 is class III fms-like tyrosine kinase. FLT3 mutations are one of the most frequent genetic changes at diagnosis and have been reported to be of prognostic significance in acute myeloid leukemia. FLT3 internal tandem duplication of the juxtamembrane domain (FLT3 ITD) was analyzed by PCR of genomic DNA at diagnosis or during the follow-up in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Total 223 patients were diagnosed as AML from Mar. 1996 till Aug. 2005. Their median age was 34 years-old (range: 0–86). The number of male or female patients was 116 or 107. Their FAB classifications were M0/1/2/3/4/5/6/7/RAEB/biphenotypic in 6/23/85/20/32/21/13/16/2/5 patients, respectively. Cytogenetic data at diagnosis were available in 182 patients; good/ intermediate/poor risk in 51/107/24 patients, respectively. Among the 190 patients receiving induction therapy, 147 patients achieved hematologic remission with a remission rate of 77%. Median event-free (EFS) and overall survival were 9 (95% confidence interval: 8–12) months and 14 (95% CI: 11–14) months, respectively. The incidence of FLT3 ITD at diagnosis was 13% (29/223). FLT3 ITD was more prevalent in M0~4 subtypes and older age. Among non-M3 population (N=203), patients with FLT3 ITD had a significantly short EFS when compared with those without ITD (p=0.0454). Among the 52 relapsed patients, 9 patients had a FLT3 ITD at diagnosis. Six patients showed reappearing of ITD and 3 patients remained negative at relapse. One patient acquired new ITD at relapse among 43 relapsed patients who had not baseline ITD. Tested 100 samples of 92 patients at remission were all negative for FLT3 ITD. Among the 28 patients at induction failure, one patient showed persistent ITD, one another re-appeared ITD after relapse, and the other one newly-developed ITD. Two others showed disappearance of ITD despite of persistent disease. Leukemic clones with FLT3 ITD may be susceptible to conventional chemotherapeutic agents and have no value for minimal residual disease. Therefore, effective induction and consolidation therapy could convert the poor prognosis of AML with FLT3 ITD.

Purpose:The hematologic change during the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia(ALL) is critical as a prognostic determinant and a variable to determine the dose of chemotherapeutic agents. It is known that the dose of vincristine used in the maintenance phase of ALL is small enough to increase the count of platelet. To investigate the change of platelet count according to the vincristine administration in maintenance phase of ALL chemotherapy, we performed this study. Methods:Eleven patients eligible under the criteria of Children's Cancer Study Group(CCG)-1882 and who had completed chemotherapy were enrolled in this study. The count of platelets before vincristine administration was compared with those of vincristine administration 1, 2 and 3 weeks after the early and last periods of maintenance phases. The platelet count before vincristine administration was defined as 100 percent and that after vincristine were compared. In addition, we tentatively defined an enhancing effect of vincristine as positive when the relative count was more than 120 percent. Results:Platelet count did not differ according to the early and last periods of maintenance phase. Platelet count at first week after vincristine administration increased more significantly than that before vincristine in early and last periods. There was an enhancing effect in 10(90.9 percent) of 11 patients after 1 week vincristine administration both in the early and last periods of the maintenance phase. Conclusion:Vincristine, used in ALL maintenance phases as a low dose, increased platelet count 1 week after administration. The increased platelet count resumed to the previous level 2-3 weeks later. However, the thrombocytosis observed in the maintenance phase by vincristine was not high enough to induce thrombosis. In addition, vincristine is known to reduce the activity of platelets. Therefore, the risk of thrombosis in the maintenance phase of ALL chemotherapy would be low.

Background: Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is one of the most important armamentarium against various hematologic malignancies or some solid tumors. We investigated the number of patients who might need transplants and compared with that of actual transplants to conceptualize current status and circumstances of HSCTs in Korean children. Methods: Questionnaires were sent to Korean Society of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (KSHSCT) members who were taking care of children with malignancies or hematologic diseases. Almost all of the newly diagnosed patients between Jan, 1st and Dec, 31st, 2003 were enrolled in the study. Results: Seven hundred forty eight children (male to female ratio = 1.4：1) were enrolled. The median age was 6.1 years old (8 days～28.8 years old). Malignant diseases consisted of 695 cases (92.9%), and among them almost half were hematologic malignancies. The participating members speculated that HSCTs should be indicated in 285 children (38.1%) which included 209 allogeneic, and 76 autologous transplants. In reality, however, allogeneic HSCTs were performed only in 140 children (67.0%) with the median interval of 5.9 month, and autologous transplants in 44 children (57.9%) with 8.3 month. In autologous setting, all the patients received peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs), whereas bone marrow (61%), cord blood (34%), and PBSC (5%) were used in allogeneic HSCTs. Donor types were as follows: unrelated donor (37%), cord blood (34%), sibling donor (25%), and family (4%). The reasons for not performing HSCTs were unfavorable disease status or death, no availability of suitable donor, economical situation, and refusal by parental preferences. Under the strict insurance regulations, many transplants were not covered by insurance. More autologous transplants were performed without insurance coverage than allogeneic HSCTs (P=0.013). Those cases were advanced cases and HLA mismatch transplants for allogeneic setting, and relatively rare diseases still awaiting favorable results of transplants for autologous setting. Conclusion: HSCTs are essential part of treatment strategies for children with various diseases. Unfortunately, however, a third of patients who were in need of transplants did not receive HSCTs due to various reasons. It is necessary to expand unrelated donor pool or cord blood banks for the cases lacking HLA-identical sibling donors. Also medical insurances should cover HSCTs for rare diseases as well as for less favorable but novel situations where there are no suitable alternatives.