Superconductivity in higher titanium oxides

Recent renewal of the highest transition temperature in a conventional superconductor of the sulfer hydride attracts much attention to exploring simple compounds with the lighter elements, situated in unconventional conditions. We report the discovery of superconductivity in simple oxides of Ti4O7 and g-Ti3O5 in a thin-film form having deliberately tuned epitaxial structures and off-stoichiometry. These higher titanium oxides join in a class of simple-oxide superconductors, and g-Ti3O5 now holds the highest superconducting transition temperature of 7.1 kelvin among them. The mechanism behind the superconductivity is discussed on the basis of electrical measurements and theoretical predictions. We conclude that superconductivity arises from unstabilized bipolaronic insulating states.Comment: 25 pages, 4 figures in main text, 14 pages, 11 figures in supplemental informatio

Volume penalization for inhomogeneous Neumann boundary conditions modeling scalar flux in complicated geometry

We develop a volume penalization method for inhomogeneous Neumann boundary conditions, generalizing the flux-based volume penalization method for homogeneous Neumann boundary condition proposed by Kadoch et al. [J. Comput. Phys. 231 (2012) 4365]. The generalized method allows us to model scalar flux through walls in geometries of complex shape using simple, e.g. Cartesian, domains for solving the governing equations. We examine the properties of the method, by considering a one-dimensional Poisson equation with different Neumann boundary conditions. The penalized Laplace operator is discretized by second order central finite-differences and interpolation. The discretization and penalization errors are thus assessed for several test problems. Convergence properties of the discretized operator and the solution of the penalized equation are analyzed. The generalized method is then applied to an advection-diffusion equation coupled with the Navier-Stokes equations in an annular domain which is immersed in a square domain. The application is verified by numerical simulation of steady free convection in a concentric annulus heated through the inner cylinder surface using an extended square domain.Comment: 32 pages, 19 figure

ASEAN and great power rivalry in regionalism: from East Asia to the Indo-Pacific

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which serves as the linchpin of regionalism in East Asia, is facing a new challenge of great power politics. This article explores ASEAN's position in and strategy for taking cooperative regional initiatives by referring to the management of confrontational politics between rival states. It explains ASEAN's handling of great power politics theoretically by impartial enmeshment for managing great powers’ material interests and moral legitimacy in developing specific ideational frameworks. This article argues that ASEAN managed great powers' rivalry by enmeshing them into its regional initiatives impartially and maintaining organisational legitimacy by developing systems of socio-cultural norms. It also contends that ASEAN needs, in envisioning the future of Indo-Pacific regionalism, to extend its strategic reach through alignments with other parties and enhance moral legitimacy by deepening and broadening normative frameworks for advancing collective interests for the Indo-Pacific region

Electronic properties across metal-insulator transition in \beta-pyrochlore-type CsW2O6 epitaxial films

In CsW2O6, which undergoes a metal-insulator transition (MIT) at 213 K, the emergence of exotic properties associated with rattling motion of Cs is expected owing to its characteristic \beta-pyrochlore-type structure. However, a hurdle for crystal growth hampers elucidation of detailed properties and mechanisms of the MIT. Here we report on the epitaxial growth of \beta-pyrochlore-type CsW2O6 films and their electronic properties across the MIT. Using pulsed-laser deposi-tion technique, we grew single-crystalline CsW2O6 films exhibiting remarkably lower resistivity compared with a poly-crystalline bulk and sharp MIT around 200 K. Negative magnetoresistance and positive Hall coefficient were found, which became pronounced below 200 K. The valence-band and core-levels photoemission spectra indicated the drastic changes across the MIT. In the valence band photoemission spectrum, the finite density of states was observed at the Fermi level in the metallic phase. In contrast, an energy gap appeared in the insulating phase. The split of W 4f core-level spectrum suggested the charge disproportionation of W5+ and W6+ in the insulating phase. The change of spectral shape in the Cs 4d core levels reflected the rattling motion of Cs+ cations. These results strongly suggest that CsW2O6 is a novel material, in which MIT is driven by the charge disproportionation associated with the rattling motion.Comment: 8 pages, 6 figure

Collective action problems and regional integration in ASEAN

This article examines the states' attempt to overcome collective action problems for promoting regional integration, by highlighting such attempts by the members of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). It considers two kinds of collective action problems: collaboration games where actors are lured to defect from an agreement in order to obtain short-term gains, and coordination gains where actors face difficulty in reaching an agreement on which of multiple points will be chosen. This article argues that although ASEAN countries have not intended to establish a supranational body to resolve collective action problems, they have gradually developed feasible enforcement mechanisms by intensifying the centralised nature of the regional organisation. It also contends that some member states began to play a one "focal point" role in resolving coordination problems resulting from accelerated regional integration and market liberalisation, and the resolution of coordination problems has been pursued in a framework where extra-regional countries and environments play a significant role