Natural Kobayashi-Maskawa Model of CP Violation and Flavor Physics

Darwin Chang,Wai-Yee Keung 한국물리학회 2004 THE JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSICAL SOCIETY Vol.45 No.2

We explore the possible tie between the naturalness of having a very small strong CP parameter in the Kobayashi-Maskawa model and the avor symmetry. We provide many examples in which the avor symmetry group at high energy can naturally give rise to the Kobayashi-Maskawa model at low energy with a naturally small θ.

A Probabilistic Fuzzy Logic Approach to Identify Productivity Factors in Indian Construction Projects

Princy, J. Darwin,Shanmugapriya, S. Korea Institute of Construction Engineering and Ma 2017 Journal of construction engineering and project ma Vol.7 No.3

Preeminent performance of construction industry are unattainable with poor productivity resulting in time and cost over runs. Enhancement in productivity cannot be achieved without identifying and analyzing factors that adversely affect productivity. The objective therefore is to propose a productivity analysis model to quantify the probability of effect of factors influencing productivity by using fuzzy logic incorporated with relative importance index method, for various types of construction projects. To achieve this objective, a questionnaire survey was carried out targeting respondents of Indian construction industry, from four distinct projects, namely, residential, commercial, infrastructure and industrial projects. Based on questionnaire administered, the relative importance and ranks of factors demonstrated using relative importance index method. Probability assessment model to analyze productivity was then developed by using Fuzzy Logic Toolbox of MATLAB. The applicability of the proposed model was tested in seven construction projects and the probability of impact of factors on productivity evaluated. The results of application of model in the construction firms infers that the most contributing factor groups for most of the projects were discerned to be manpower, motivation and time group.

Recent Findings about the Yersinia enterocolitica Phage Shock Protein Response

Saori Yamaguchi,Andrew J. Darwin 한국미생물학회 2012 The journal of microbiology Vol.50 No.1

The phage shock protein (Psp) system is a conserved extracytoplasmic stress response in bacteria that is essential for virulence of the human pathogen Yersinia enterocolitica. This article summarizes some recent findings about Y. enterocolitica Psp system function. Increased psp gene expression requires the transcription factor PspF, but under non-inducing conditions PspF is inhibited by an interaction with another protein, PspA, in the cytoplasm. A Psp-inducing stimulus causes PspA to relocate to the cytoplasmic membrane, freeing PspF to induce psp gene expression. This PspA relocation requires the integral cytoplasmic membrane proteins, PspB and PspC, which might sense an inducing trigger and sequester PspA by direct interaction. The subsequent induction of psp gene expression increases the PspA concentration, which also allows it to contact the membrane directly, perhaps for its physiological function. Mutational analysis of the PspB and PspC proteins has revealed that they both positively and negatively regulate psp gene expression and has also identified PspC domains associated with each function. We also compare the contrasting physiological roles of the Psp system in the virulence of Y. enterocolitica and Salmonella enterica sv. Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium). In S. Typhimurium, PspA maintains the proton motive force, which provides the energy needed to drive ion importers required for survival within macrophages. In contrast, in the extracellular pathogen Y. enterocolitica, PspB and PspC, but not PspA, are the Psp components needed for virulence. PspBC protect Y. enterocolitica from damage caused by the secretin component of its type 3 secretion system, an essential virulence factor.

Prevalence of Zoonotic Metacercariae in Two Species of Grouper, Epinephelus coioides and Epinephelus bleekeri, and Flathead Mullet, Mugil cephalus, in Vietnam

Vo, Dung The,Murrell, Darwin,Dalsgaard, Anders,Bristow, Glenn,Nguyen, Dung Huu,Bui, Thanh Ngoc,Vo, Dung Thi The Korea Society for Parasitology and Tropical Me 2008 The Korean Journal of Parasitology Vol.46 No.2

Fishborne zoonotic metacercariae have not been reported from brackish water and marine fish from Vietnam waters although these parasites are common in the country's freshwater fish. Both wild-caught and cultured grouper (Epinephelus coioides and Epinephelus bleekeri), and mullet (Mugil cephalus) from brackish and marine waters located in Khanh Hoa province in central coastal Vietnam were examined, and found positive for zoonotic trematode metacercariae. From grouper, Heterophyopsis continua and Procerovum varium were recovered. The prevalence of H. continua ranged from 2.0 to 6.0% and that for P. varium ranged from 11.6 to 15.8%. Mullet were infected with Pygidiopsis summa and H. continua; both of these species are new records for Vietnam. The prevalence of P. summa in mullet was generally high, ranging from 17.6 to 75.5%, and was significantly higher than the prevalence of H. continua (2.5 to 32.4%). There were no significant differences in the prevalence of metacercariae between grouper from natural or cultured habitats, indicating that the highest risk of infection occurs in the wild-caught state prior to their placement in culture. Further, there was no difference in metacercarial prevalence between the 2 species of grouper. Infected wild-caught seed were only observed from January to October. Monthly variation in prevalence suggests seasonal variation in mullet infections occurs in this region with the highest transmission taking place from October to December. Basic investigations on the ecology and epidemiology of these intestinal flukes need to be carried out to determine their significance as a public health problem and the aspects of their biology that may be vulnerable to control interventions.

Prevalence of Zoonotic Metacercariae in Two Species of Grouper, Epinephelus coioides and Epinephelus bleekeri, and Flathead Mullet, Mugil cephalus, in Vietnam

Dung The Vo,Darwin Murrell,Anders Dalsgaard,Glenn Bristow,Dung Huu Nguyen,Thanh Ngoc Bui,Dung Thi Vo 대한기생충학열대의학회 2008 The Korean Journal of Parasitology Vol.46 No.2

An Overview of Seabed Storage Methods for Pipelines and Other Oil and Gas Equipment

( M. C. Fatah ),( A. Mills ),( A. Darwin ),( C. Selman ) 한국부식방식학회 2017 Corrosion Science and Technology Vol.16 No.2

In the construction of subsea oil and gas developments, it is increasingly common that subsea oil and gas equipment will be installed in subsea well before final hookup and production. Installation of wellheads, subsea hardware, pipelines, and surface facilities (platforms, FPSO, FLNG, connected terminals, or gas plants) are increasingly driven by independent cost and vessel availability schedules; this gives rise to requirements that the subsea facilities must be stored in the seabed for a specific time. In addition, schedule delays, particularly in the installation or startup of the connected platform, FPSO, FLNG, or onshore plant may cause unexpected extensions of the intended storage period. Currently, there are two methods commonly used for storage subsea facilities in the seabed: dry parking and wet parking. Each method has its own risks, challenges, and implications for the facility life and its integrity. The corrosion management and preservation method selection is a crucial factor to be considered in choosing the appropriate storage method and achieving a successful seabed storage. An overview of those factors is presented, along with a discussion on the internal corrosion threats and assessments.

Brief Communication : Contrast Does Not Affect Cholangioscope Image Quality

( Jeffrey Laczek ),( Mark Flasar ),( Eric Goldberg ),( Peter Darwin ) 대한소화기기능성질환·운동학회(구 대한소화관운동학회) 2011 Gut and Liver Vol.5 No.1

Background/Aims: Peroral cholangioscopy is a rapidly evolving technique that allows direct examination of the bile duct. We sought to determine if there was a difference in image quality with the cholangioscope immersed in normal saline compared with radiologic contrast or a mixture of contrast and normal saline. Methods: Images were captured using the SpyGlass(R) cholangioscope system (Boston Scientific Corp.) immersed in solutions ranging from 0 to 100% contrast. The images were then reviewed in a blinded fashion by a panel of 9 endoscopists with experience using the SpyGlass(R) system. The reviewers scored the quality of each image based on a scale of 0 (extremely poor) to 10 (excellent). Results: With the cholangioscope immersed in saline and 100% contrast, the mean image quality scores were 7.6 (95% confi dence interval [CI], 6.7-8.5) and 6.9 (95% CI, 5.8-8.0), respectively. The highest mean image quality score was 7.8 (95% CI, 6.7-8.9), obtained in 70% contrast. No signifi cant difference was noted in mean image quality scores using a one way analysis of variance technique (p=0.414). Conclusions: Although there are limitations to ex vivo studies, we encourage endoscopists to use intraductal contrast prior to peroral cholangioscopy, if needed for lesion localization. (Gut Liver 2011;5:115-116)

Development and validation of the Hocus Focus Magic Performance Evaluation Scale for health professions personnel in the United States

Kevin Spencer,Hon Keung Yuen,Max Darwin,Gavin Jenkins,Kimberly Kirklin 한국보건의료인국가시험원 2019 보건의료교육평가 Vol.16 No.-

PurposeThis study was conducted to describe the development and validation of the Hocus Focus Magic Performance Evaluation Scale (HFMPES), which is used to evaluate the competency of health professions personnel in delivering magic tricks as a therapeutic modality. MethodsA 2-phase validation process was used. Phase I (content validation) involved 16 magician judges who independently rated the relevance of each of the 5 items in the HFMPES and established the veracity of its content. Phase II evaluated the psychometric properties of the HFMPES. This process involved 2 magicians using the HFMPES to independently evaluate 73 occupational therapy graduate students demonstrating 3 magic tricks. ResultsThe HFMPES achieved an excellent scale-content validity index of 0.99. Exploratory factor analysis of the HFMPES scores revealed 1 distinct factor with alpha coefficients ≥0.8 across the 3 magic tricks. The construct validity of the HFMPES scores was further supported by evidence from a known-groups analysis, in which the Mann-Whitney U-test showed significant difference in HFMPES scores between participants with different levels of experience in delivering the 3 magic tricks. The inter-rater reliability coefficients were ≥0.75 across the 3 magic tricks, indicating that the competency of health professions personnel in delivering the 3 magic tricks could be evaluated precisely. ConclusionPreliminary evidence supported the content and construct validity of the HFMPES, which was found to have good internal consistency and inter-rater reliability in evaluating health professions personnel’s competency in delivering magic tricks.

The effects of pesticides on morphology, viability, and germination of Blackberry (Rubus glaucus Benth.) and Tree tomato (Solanum betaceum Cav.) pollen grains

Padilla, Flavio,Soria, Norman,Oleas, Abrahan,Rueda, Darwin,Manjunatha, Bangeppagari,Kundapur, Rajesh R.,Maddela, Naga Raju,Rajeswari, Bugude Springer-Verlag 2017 3 Biotech Vol.7 No.3

The Modified Ferriman-Gallwey Score and Hirsutism among Filipino Women

Ma. Karen Celine Calapre Ilagan,Elizabeth Paz-Pacheco,Darwin Z. Totesora,Lyra Ruth Clemente-Chua,Jundelle Romulo K. Jalique 대한내분비학회 2019 Endocrinology and metabolism Vol.34 No.4

Background: The modified Ferriman-Gallwey (mFG) score is the gold standard for the clinical evaluation of hirsutism. However,racial variations in terminal hair growth limit this tool. This study aimed to determine the mFG cut-off score among Filipino womenand its association with biochemical hyperandrogenism. Methods: A total of 128 Filipino women were included in this prospective cross-sectional study and were divided into two groups: apolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) group (n=28) and a non-PCOS group (n=100). The participants underwent mFG score determination, ovarian ultrasound conducted by a single sonographer, and hormone testing. The mFG cut-off score was determined basedon the 95th percentile of the non-PCOS group. Logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between mFG score and biochemical hyperandrogenism. Results: Although the mFG score was generally low in both the PCOS and non-PCOS groups, the former exhibited a higher meanscore than the latter (4.3±3.0 vs. 2.0±2.2, P<0.001). Normal values for the total mFG score ranged from 0 to 7. Using a cut-offscore of 7, a higher proportion of hirsute women (mFG score ≥7) was observed in the PCOS group versus the non-PCOS group(17.9% vs. 5.0%, P=0.025). Elevated calculated free testosterone (FT) was also found to be significantly associated with hirsutism(odds ratio, 6.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.2 to 32.4 pmol/L; P=0.030). Conclusion: A score of 7 and above constitutes hirsutism in this population of Filipino women. Hirsute women are more likely thannon-hirsute women to have elevated calculated FT.