Atomic and magnetic structures of (CuCl)LaNb2_2O7_7 and (CuBr)LaNb2_2O7_7: Density functional calculations

The atomic and magnetic structures of (Cu$X$)LaNb$_2$O$_7$ ($X$=Cl and Br) are investigated using the density-functional calculations. Among several dozens of examined structures, an orthorhombic distorted $2\times 2$ structure, in which the displacement pattern of $X$ halogens resembles the model conjectured previously based on the empirical information is identified as the most stable one. The displacements of $X$ halogens, together with those of Cu ions, result in the formation of $X$-Cu-$X$-Cu-$X$ zigzag chains in the two materials. The nearest-neighbor interaction within the zigzag chains are determined to be antiferromagnetic (AFM) for (CuCl)LaNb$_2$O$_7$ but ferromagnetic (FM) for (CuBr)LaNb$_2$O$_7$. On the other hand, the first two neighboring interactions between the Cu cations from adjacent chains are found to be AFM and FM respectively for both compounds. The magnitudes of all these in-plane exchange couplings in (CuBr)LaNb$_2$O$_7$ are evaluated to be about three times those in (CuCl)LaNb$_2$O$_7$. In addition, a sizable AFM inter-plane interaction is found between the Cu ions separated by two NbO$_6$ octahedra. The present study strongly suggests the necessity to go beyond the square $J_1-J_2$ model in order to correctly account for the magnetic property of (Cu$X)$LaNb$_2$O$_7$.Comment: 24 pages, 7 figure

An Economy-wide Analysis of Impacts of WTO Tiered Formula for Tariff Reduction on Taiwan

In this study we use Taiwan as a case study to provide an economy-wide analysis of impacts on Taiwan of WTO tariff reduction schemes with different combinations of thresholds and reduction rates. The model we utilized in this study is Taiwan General Equilibrium Model with a WTO module (TAIGEM-WTO, hereafter) that is a multi-sectoral computable general equilibrium (CGE) model of the Taiwan's economy derived from Australian ORANI model (Dixon, Parmenter, Sutton and Vincent, 1982). Simulation results show that results are more sensitive to the scheme of tariff-reduction (i.e., Category 1, 2, and 3) than the tiered levels (i.e., A, B, C, and D) and as a strategy we should pay more attention to the arguments related to the amounts of tariff-reduction. Moreover, changes in nominal average tariff rates are more sensitive and shocks to the economy are more severe when we change the tariff reduction categories rather than the tiered levels. This conclusion also applies to the tiered reduction case when only sensitive products are considered. Finally, simulations with sector's bound rate calculated using arithmetic means have bigger effects than those using import values as weights. Therefore, sector's bound rate using import values as weights would be preferred.International Relations/Trade,

Commentary on the Regulation of Viral Proteins in Autophagy Process

The ability to subvert intracellular antiviral defenses is necessary for virus to survive as its replication occurs only in the host cells. Viruses have to modulate cellular processes and antiviral mechanisms to their own advantage during the entire virus life cycle. Autophagy plays important roles in cell regulation. Its function is not only to catabolize aggregate proteins and damaged organelles for recycling but also to serve as innate immunity to remove intracellular pathogenic elements such as viruses. Nevertheless, some viruses have evolved to negatively regulate autophagy by inhibiting its formation. Even more, some viruses have employed autophagy to benefit their replication. To date, there are more and more growing evidences uncovering the functions of many viral proteins to regulate autophagy through different cellular pathways. In this review, we will discuss the relationship between viruses and autophagy and summarize the current knowledge on the functions of viral proteins contributing to affect autophagy process

Experiences with a simple laparoscopic gastric tube construction

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) is a complex operation, and the detailed optimal surgical procedure has not been well described. Our aim was to evaluate use of a simple method of laparoscopic gastric tube construction as minimally invasive surgery for patients with esophageal cancer. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of 26 consecutive patients who underwent MIE for esophageal cancer in the Koo Foundation Sun Yat-Sen Cancer Center between September 2009 and August 2011. Perioperative data and postoperative complications were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: The patient group consisted of 22 men and 4 women. MIE was performed successfully in all patients. The mean operative time was 430.4 ± 60.6 minutes, and the mean estimated operative blood loss was 135.0 ± 97.8 mL. There were no cases of conversion to open surgery during the procedure. The postoperative complication rate was 53.8%, and there was no surgical mortality. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend this novel method of total laparoscopic staplized formation of gastric tube to facilitate gastric pull-up

A New Combined Boost Converter with Improved Voltage Gain as a Battery-Powered Front-End Interface for Automotive Audio Amplifiers

High boost DC/DC voltage conversion is always indispensable in a power electronic interface of certain battery-powered electrical equipment. However, a conventional boost converter works for a wide duty cycle for such high voltage gain, which increases power consumption and has low reliability problems. In order to solve this issue, a new battery-powered combined boost converter with an interleaved structure consisting of two phases used in automotive audio amplifier is presented. The first phase uses a conventional boost converter; the second phase employs the inverted type. With this architecture, a higher boost voltage gain is able to be achieved. A derivation of the operating principles of the converter, analyses of its topology, as well as a closed-loop control designs are performed in this study. Furthermore, simulations and experiments are also performed using input voltage of 12 V for a 120Wcircuit. A reasonable duty cycle is selected to reach output voltage of 60 V, which corresponds to static voltage gain of five. The converter achieves a maximum measured conversion efficiency of 98.7% and the full load efficiency of 89.1%

Earthquake-Resistant Squat Walls Reinforced with High- Strength Steel

Results are reported from reversed cyclic tests of five large-scale squat wall specimens reinforced with steel bars having a specified yield strength of either 60 or 115 ksi (413 or 792 MPa). Two specimens were designed for a shear stress of 5√fc′ psi (0.42√fc′ MPa) and the other three 9√fc′ psi (0.75√fc′ MPa). Boundary element confining reinforcement complied with the requirements of Chapter 18 of ACI 318-14 in all but one specimen, which had 50% of the required transverse boundary element reinforcement. Specimens constructed with Grade 115 steel had similar strength and exhibited 20% greater drift capacity than those with Grade 60 steel. Use of Grade 115 steel tended to control the softening effect of sliding at the base of the wall and to increase the component of drift due to reinforcement strain penetration into the foundation

Preliminary planning efficiency evaluation for school buildings considering the tradeoffs of MOOP and planning preferences

Seismic resistance and cost effectiveness are often two important building planning objectives for architects. However, these objectives nearly always share a negative correlation with each other, which can cause planning delays and confusion. The conflict between these two is a Multi-Objective Optimization Problem (MOOP). Besides, building planning often encompasses both subjective and objective factors. However, most current efficiency evaluation methods focus on the latter and underemphasize the former. Current efficiency evaluation methods are thus not optimized for actual building planning needs. The aim of this study is to develop a new planning efficiency evaluation approach to resolve the above problems. Research methods include the indifference curve, efficient frontier and Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). The indifference curve deduced the subjective planning preferences of architects; efficient frontier theory constructed the efficient frontier of school buildings; and DEA evaluated the efficiency of various building factors objectively. A total of 326 school buildings in Taichung City, Taiwan in an empirical study designed to illustrate proposed approach effectiveness. The results show that using only objective evaluation or subjective recognition is insufficient to explain the true nature of building planning. Findings can serve as benchmarks for inefficient school buildings at preliminary planning stage

Erratum to: Architectural Growth of Cu Nanoparticles Through Electrodeposition

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