Dark matter and collider phenomenology of split-UED

We explicitly show that split-universal extra dimension (split-UED), a recently suggested extension of universal extra dimension (UED) model, can nicely explain recent anomalies in cosmic-ray positrons and electrons observed by PAMELA and ATIC/PPB-BETS. Kaluza-Klein (KK) dark matters mainly annihilate into leptons because the hadronic branching fraction is highly suppressed by large KK quark masses and the antiproton flux agrees very well with the observation where no excess is found . The flux of cosmic gamma-rays from pion decay is also highly suppressed and hardly detected in low energy region (E<20 GeV). Collider signatures of colored KK particles at the LHC, especially q_1 q_1 production, are studied in detail. Due to the large split in masses of KK quarks and other particles, hard p_T jets and missing E_T are generated, which make it possible to suppress the standard model background and discover the signals.Comment: 32 pages, 15 figure

New insights into the genetic etiology of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias

Characterization of the genetic landscape of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related dementias (ADD) provides a unique opportunity for a better understanding of the associated pathophysiological processes. We performed a two-stage genome-wide association study totaling 111,326 clinically diagnosed/'proxy' AD cases and 677,663 controls. We found 75 risk loci, of which 42 were new at the time of analysis. Pathway enrichment analyses confirmed the involvement of amyloid/tau pathways and highlighted microglia implication. Gene prioritization in the new loci identified 31 genes that were suggestive of new genetically associated processes, including the tumor necrosis factor alpha pathway through the linear ubiquitin chain assembly complex. We also built a new genetic risk score associated with the risk of future AD/dementia or progression from mild cognitive impairment to AD/dementia. The improvement in prediction led to a 1.6- to 1.9-fold increase in AD risk from the lowest to the highest decile, in addition to effects of age and the APOE ε4 allele

Shared leadership: leading through polylogue

Purpose – To examine the leadership requirements and challenges that need to be considered for future organizational sustainability. Design/methodology/approach – The approach adopted focuses on the pool of talent available and required within the organization and how a philosophy of shared responsibility and commitment can be engendered on behalf of the organization. Findings – A model is provided outlining how multiple conversations, namely a practice of polylogue, can be effectively pursued. Practical implications – The benefits of polylogue are outlined in terms of future leader development and staff retention through accommodating a co-operative working environment. Originality/value – Pursuing multiple “fierce conversations”; through polylogue, but in a constructive manner, is positioned to effectively realize competitive advantag