A unified origin for the 3D magnetism and superconductivity in Nax_xCoO2_2

We analyze the origin of the three dimensional (3D) magnetism observed in nonhydrated Na-rich Na$_x$CoO$_2$ within an itinerant spin picture using a 3D Hubbard model. The origin is identified as the 3D nesting between the inner and outer portions of the Fermi surface, which arise due to the local minimum structure of the $a_{1g}$ band at the $\Gamma$-A line. The calculated spin wave dispersion strikingly resembles the neutron scattering result. We argue that this 3D magnetism and the spin fluctuations responsible for superconductivity in the hydrated systems share essentially the same origin.Comment: 5pages, 6figure

Genetic associations at 53 loci highlight cell types and biological pathways relevant for kidney function.

Reduced glomerular filtration rate defines chronic kidney disease and is associated with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. We conducted a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies for estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), combining data across 133,413 individuals with replication in up to 42,166 individuals. We identify 24 new and confirm 29 previously identified loci. Of these 53 loci, 19 associate with eGFR among individuals with diabetes. Using bioinformatics, we show that identified genes at eGFR loci are enriched for expression in kidney tissues and in pathways relevant for kidney development and transmembrane transporter activity, kidney structure, and regulation of glucose metabolism. Chromatin state mapping and DNase I hypersensitivity analyses across adult tissues demonstrate preferential mapping of associated variants to regulatory regions in kidney but not extra-renal tissues. These findings suggest that genetic determinants of eGFR are mediated largely through direct effects within the kidney and highlight important cell types and biological pathways

Technology strategy in data networking industry acquisitions

Thesis (S.M.M.O.T.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Sloan School of Management, Management of Technology Program, 2000.Includes bibliographical references (leaves 119-123).The telecommunications industry faces growing competition from deregulated markets and rapid technology change, and it is becoming increasingly difficult for companies to invest in an ever-widening range of technology segments such as equipment, networks, and application services. Every player needs an efficient strategy for achieving C()St effectiveness of processes and quick commercialization of innovations. In order to identify solution to these problems, this thesis focuses on technology strategies in data networking industry acquisitions. This thesis follows the acquisition efforts in recent years of two technology industry giants: Cisco Systems and Lucent Technologies. It probes the companies' motivations and rationale behind their acquisitions, the impact upon the firms' portfolio of technological competencies, and potential and actual penetration of new markets and access to new technologies as a result of the acquisitions. In addition, organizational issues posed by technology management and other subsequent effects on their core competencies are discussed. Comparative analyses of these companies led to key considerations of success/failure factors in acquisition and development (A&D) activities related to firm selection, integration, and evaluation processes. Effective formulas for A&D are summarized as they relate to critical strategic assets such as market, product, technology, value chain, IT, location, organization, people, culture, and vision. As a result of this study, the thesis produces guidelines for the technology strategy of Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT). The Japanese telecom industry is currently exposed to more severe competition than ever before due to the partial breakup of NTT in July 1999. The guidelines focus on the importance of recognizing both the A&D execution model and the feasibility of the recommended formulas and execution of consistent technology strategies based on past internal/external know-how and experiences.by Kazuhiko Ohkubo.S.M.M.O.T

A Novel Method for the Measurement of Thermal Expansion of Thin Film using Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy

For the fabrication of Micro Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS), film fabrication process combined with photolithography is thought to be one of the fundamental techniques. However, the physical properties of films and membranes strongly depend on their processing routes. For designing MEMS as engineering products, the control of physical properties such as the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and hardness are important. However the CTE measurement of thin films is very difficult because the magnitude of displacement to be measured is about 1⁄10000 of the thickness of the specimen, i.e., of the order of nano-meter for specimens with micron-meter thickness. In this study the measurement of CTE of several ten micron meter-thick metal thin film based on an optical interference was attempted using a Laser Scanning Confocal Microscope (LSCM). The specimen was set between two alumina single crystal plates as optical flats. He-Ne laser is reflected from the bottom surface of the upper optical flat (which is transparent) and the top surface of the lower optical flat, and these two rays interfere either constructively or destructively, resulting in the formation of interference fringes. It was shown that by counting the number of fringes observed using LSCM, the expansion of a specimen as thin as a few-tenth micron meter can be detected

A Comparative Study of Oral Health Status between International and Japanese University Student Patients in Japan

Background: The number of international students enrolled in universities in Japan is increasing. To provide better oral care services for international students, we have to understand their oral environment and dental health behaviors. However, few studies have investigated the oral health status of international university students. The object of the present study was to clarify the current oral status of international university students. Methods: The subjects were students who visited the dental department at the University of Tokyo’s Health Services Center between April 2012 and March 2013. Our medical records were reviewed with regard to the following items: attributes (nationality, gender, and age); chief complaint (reason for visit); history of dental treatment; mean number of decayed (D), missing (M) or filled (F) teeth as a single (DMFT) index; degree of calculus deposition; gingival condition; and oral hygiene status. Results: The records of 554 university students (138 international and 416 non-international students) were analyzed; 88.4% of the 138 international students were from Asian countries (n = 122), of which 47.1% were from China and 10.9% from Korea, followed by North America (5.8%), Europe (4.3%), and Africa (1.5%). Although no significant differences were found regarding the history of dental treatment between international and non-international students (49.3% and 48.8%, respectively), international students had a significantly higher dental caries morbidity rate (60.1%) than non-international students (49.0%). The international students showed a significantly higher DMFT value compared with the non-international students: 5.0 and 4.0 per individual, respectively. Severe calculus deposition was observed in international students compared with non-international students (51.9% and 31.7%, respectively). Conclusions: The international university students had poorer oral health status than the non-international students, even though the result might include many uncertainties and possible biases