Inhomogeneity Effects in Topological Superconductors

We have constructed a quasiclassical framework on superconductors with strong spin-orbit couplings, applicable to CuxBi2Se3[Y. Nagai, H. Nakamura, and M. Machida: arXiv:1305.3025]. The notable point is that in this framework the Bogoliubov-de Gennes Hamiltonians with suggested odd-parity pairing states turn to quasiclassical ones with usual spin-triplet Cooper pairs. Using this quasiclassical theory, we can investigate inhomogeneity effects such as the phenomena with vortices and surfaces in this superconductors and shed light on the pairing state of topological superconductors. In this paper, we apply the quasiclassical framework to the surface bound states with the Dirac-cone energy dispersion originated from the topological invariant in the parent compound Bi2Se3 in order to investigate the robustness of these bound states under the superconducting order parameter. The odd-parity gap functions can not open on the Dirac-cone-dispersion band in the Cu-doped Bi$_{2}$Se$_{3}$ superconductor. We show that the massless Dirac quasiparticles originated from the normal-state topological invariant and the Majorana quasiparticles coexist with each other on the surface in the odd-parity topological superconductivity. Inhomogeneity effects can be easily investigated with the use of our quasiclassical framework in topological superconductors.Comment: 6 pages, 2 figures, submitted to SCES 2013 proceeding

Effect of Site Fidelity on Cooperative Breeding in the Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus

We examined whether a low site fidelity has an effect on group territoriality and the occurrence of helpers in the Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus. This species was seen all the year round, except for summer, at the edge of Kasuga-yama Woody Hills in Joetsu City, but none of the banded birds were residents. Winter groups were stable in membership but on one occasion two groups joined together. Group territorialism was loose because winter home ranges overlapped each other and few aggressive interactions were observed. Pairs were formed not only within but also between groups. Helpers were all failed breeders and some were from different winter groups. Typical cooperative breeders are seen among resident birds which live in groups all the year round. Although Long-tailed Tits in our area were not residents, the birds still expressed cooperative breeding. We conclude that a strong site fidelity may be a necessary condition for group territoriality but it is not a prerequisite for helping behaviour in this species

The importance of threonine-301 from cytochromes P-450 (laurate (ω-1)-hydroxylase and testosterone 16α-hydroxylase) in substrate binding as demonstrated by site-directed mutagenesis

AbstractThreonine-301 from rabbit liver cytochromes P-450 (laurate (ω-1)-hydroxylase and testosterone 16α-hydroxylase) has been replaced by histidine via site-directed mutagenesis. In the oxidized state the mutant P-450s exhibited typical low-spin type absorption spectra of P-450 and their reduced CO complexes showed a Soret peak at 450 nm. However, no spectral change was induced on addition of substrates for their wild-type counterparts. The mutant P-450s were also completely devoid of the hydroxylase activity. These findings suggest that threonine-301, which is highly conserved in P-450s and located at the distal heme surface, plays an important role in substrate binding

Concept Design for Creating Essential Hypothesis, Rules, and Goals: Toward a Data Marketplace

The abductive reasoning model has been discussed in the context of business strategy. However, this model seems unrealistic for applications in the real business world considering the unpredictable, competitive business environment. This study improves the model by formulating an experimental case study through a web-based workplace for generating product ideas. We discuss the possible embodiment of product ideas as the basis for configuring features through the use of dynamic quality function deployment. The entire concept design process is proposed as a blueprint for building a data marketplace