Applications of Floquet Analysis to Modern Phased Array Antennas

Next generation radar technology is based on phased array technology and provides remarkable scanning flexibility and spatial search capability for the multifunction weather and air surveillance radar systems. The future weather radar is comprised of thousands of antenna elements and requires strict polarization purity, grating lobe free system, low sidelobe levels, suppressed surface waves, low cross-polarization, with beam shape requirements. To address these demands is a serious challenge. Over the past few decades, phased array radar technology has been a tremendous advancement in search for future radar technology. With the blessing of modern computational electromagnetic tools, the theory behind the electromagnetic and circuit-level behavior of large-scale phased array system opened the door to analyze the wide variety of multi-layered, complex system of large arrays. However, numerous challenges still remained unsolved for large scale development. One such challenge in integrating a large phased array is the threat of grating lobes that are introduced by unavoidable disturbances to the periodic structure at the seams between mechanical sub-array modules. In particular, gaps in the ground plane may interrupt the natural currents between elements, leading to radiation from periodic sources that are spaced at regular distances that are typically many wavelengths apart. In order to quantify these grating lobe effects, an appropriate analysis framework and accurate model are of utmost importance. The model must capture all surface wave and mutual coupling between elements, and the analysis must have a clear formulation that allows for the calculation of worst-case grating lobe levels as well as differences in active reflection as a function of location within a sub-array. To accurately predict those effects, this dissertation work applied a modern method called Floquet framework, coupling with full wave solver to explore the grating lobe effects in infinite arrays of sub-arrays, with each physical sub-array potentially separated from the others by a gap or discontinuity in the ground plane. Calculations are then performed to extract active reflection coefficients and grating lobe levels from the resulting Floquet mode scattering parameters. Additionally, this Floquet framework is expanded from broadside to any scan angles in space. In the mathematical framework, the surface equivalence theorem based on Huygens’s equivalence principle is applied to authenticate its findings. From the simulation results, it is evident that the grating lobe amplitude level emerged to around 30 dB in the E-plane scan and E- plane grating lobes for a patch array. This is due to natural current disruption in between sub-arrays in the ground plane gap and it is very strong in the E-plane, leading to the potential for low-level grating lobe effects. The other planes and scan angles show less significant effects. It was found that the measurements qualitatively follow the simulated results. The Floquet-based method may therefore be used as a good approximation for a worst-case scenario where all gap-based perturbation effects are identical on each sub- array. This can be used for system-level planning to inform a mechanical solution to the electrical connection between sub-arrays. Another fundamental and paramount challenge for phased array antenna is scan blindness. Scan range of the printed phased arrays is limited by the phenomenon known as scan blindness, which is induced by coherent coupling between the substrate waves/surface waves and the array’s space harmonic fields. Near the scan blindness angle, a phased array system fails to function as a radiator or receiver because of strong excitation of substrate Transverse Electric (TE) and Transverse Magnetic (TM) waves and coupling of desired radiating energy to these unwanted substrate waves. Moreover, this dissertation work, with the aid of Floquet framework, accurately and more precisely captures the surface wave phenomena and its behavior using Electromagnetic Bandgap (EBG) structures to aim to reduce the surface wave excitation in an intelligent way. The reduction of surface waves can be beneficial in several ways to the next generation of digital phased arrays. First, the radiation efficiency will increase due to reduced surface wave excitation. Second, due to decreased surface waves the diffraction from the edges will also be decreased, leading to decreased back radiation and interference with the main pattern in the forward region. Finally, reduction of surface wave excitation ultimately reduces coupling between adjacent antenna elements. Furthermore, cylindrical radiating phased array radars have a unique challenge. Due to their conformal nature, they support cylindrical surface waves and cylindrical creeping waves. These modes have detrimental effects on the overall pattern quality and lead to “phase mode blindness” like as planar equivalent “scan blindness”. This dissertation seeks to explain, address, and mitigate these surface and creeping wave effects and ultimately suppress “phase mode blindness” using cylindrical EBG structure

On ultrahigh-temperature crustal metamorphism

Ultrahigh-temperature (UHT) metamorphism is the most thermally extreme type of crustal metamorphism, with the crust capable of withstanding temperatures ≥ 900 °C. Mineral assemblages diagnostic of UHT metamorphism commonly occur in Mg–Al-rich rock compositions that are unfortunately relatively rare in nature. These include sapphirine + quartz, orthopyroxene + sillimanite ± quartz and osumilite. However, UHT metamorphism has been diagnosed using more common garnet + aluminous orthopyroxene assemblages, as well as ternary feldspars and metamorphic pyroxenes. The worldwide number of UHT localities exceeds 40, and may continue to increase as petrologists apply new retrieval methods for extracting information from mineral assemblages in conjunction with mineral chemistry, e.g. the aluminium content of orthopyroxene, and calculated phase equilibria, based on thermodynamic datasets that continue to be refined and improved. This contribution presents a review of UHT metamorphism, including: 1) the history of experiments that have ultimately lead to the precise P–T constraints we can now place on the generation and evolution of UHT mineral assemblages; 2) the diagnostic assemblages; 3) the age distribution of UHT metamorphism; 4) the use of calculated phase equilibria to constrain the evolution of UHT rocks; 5) the duration of UHT metamorphic episodes, which is a very active field of research at present; and, 6) the tectonic scenarios that have been proposed for the generation of UHT conditions in the deep crust. The two fundamental types of orogenic systems, namely accretionary and collisional, have been proposed to be potential sites for UHT metamorphism. In contrast to current geodynamic models that are typically unable to account for UHT metamorphic conditions in the deep crust, it may be possible that UHT metamorphism can occur during ‘normal’ tectonic events. If UHT metamorphism can occur on a regional scale during ‘normal’ tectonism, it is important to understand all aspects of UHT metamorphism and the implications it has for lithospheric rheology, crust–mantle interactions and the geodynamics of granulite facies metamorphism.David E. Kelse

Association of mechanical bowel preparation with oral antibiotics and anastomotic leak following left sided colorectal resection: an international, multi-centre, prospective audit.

This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: , (2018), Association of mechanical bowel preparation with oral antibiotics and anastomotic leak following left sided colorectal resection: an international, multi‐centre, prospective audit. Colorectal Dis, 20: 15-32. doi:10.1111/codi.14362, which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1111/codi.14362. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Use of Self-Archived VersionsINTRODUCTION: The optimal bowel preparation strategy to minimise the risk of anastomotic leak is yet to be determined. This study aimed to determine whether oral antibiotics combined with mechanical bowel preparation (MBP+Abx) was associated with a reduced risk of anastomotic leak when compared to mechanical bowel preparation alone (MBP) or no bowel preparation (NBP). METHODS: A pre-planned analysis of the European Society of Coloproctology (ESCP) 2017 Left Sided Colorectal Resection audit was performed. Patients undergoing elective left sided colonic or rectal resection with primary anastomosis between 1 January 2017 and 15 March 2017 by any operative approach were included. The primary outcome measure was anastomotic leak. RESULTS: Of 3676 patients across 343 centres in 47 countries, 618 (16.8%) received MBP+ABx, 1945 MBP (52.9%) and 1099 patients NBP (29.9%). Patients undergoing MBP+ABx had the lowest overall rate of anastomotic leak (6.1%, 9.2%, 8.7% respectively) in unadjusted analysis. After case-mix adjustment using a mixed-effects multivariable regression model, MBP+Abx was associated with a lower risk of anastomotic leak (OR 0.52, 0.30-0.92, P = 0.02) but MBP was not (OR 0.92, 0.63-1.36, P = 0.69) compared to NBP. CONCLUSION: This non-randomised study adds 'real-world', contemporaneous, and prospective evidence of the beneficial effects of combined mechanical bowel preparation and oral antibiotics in the prevention of anastomotic leak following left sided colorectal resection across diverse settings. We have also demonstrated limited uptake of this strategy in current international colorectal practice

Safety of primary anastomosis following emergency left sided colorectal resection: an international, multi-centre prospective audit.

This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: group, T. E. S. o. C. c. (2018). "Safety of primary anastomosis following emergency left sided colorectal resection: an international, multi-centre prospective audit." Colorectal Disease 20(S6): 47-57., which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1111/codi.1437. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Use of Self-Archived VersionsINTRODUCTION: Some evidence suggests that primary anastomosis following left sided colorectal resection in the emergency setting may be safe in selected patients, and confer favourable outcomes to permanent enterostomy. The aim of this study was to compare the major postoperative complication rate in patients undergoing end stoma vs primary anastomosis following emergency left sided colorectal resection. METHODS: A pre-planned analysis of the European Society of Coloproctology 2017 audit. Adult patients (> 16 years) who underwent emergency (unplanned, within 24 h of hospital admission) left sided colonic or rectal resection were included. The primary endpoint was the 30-day major complication rate (Clavien-Dindo grade 3 to 5). RESULTS: From 591 patients, 455 (77%) received an end stoma, 103 a primary anastomosis (17%) and 33 primary anastomosis with defunctioning stoma (6%). In multivariable models, anastomosis was associated with a similar major complication rate to end stoma (adjusted odds ratio for end stoma 1.52, 95%CI 0.83-2.79, P = 0.173). Although a defunctioning stoma was not associated with reduced anastomotic leak (12% defunctioned [4/33] vs 13% not defunctioned [13/97], adjusted odds ratio 2.19, 95%CI 0.43-11.02, P = 0.343), it was associated with less severe complications (75% [3/4] with defunctioning stoma, 86.7% anastomosis only [13/15]), a lower mortality rate (0% [0/4] vs 20% [3/15]), and fewer reoperations (50% [2/4] vs 73% [11/15]) when a leak did occur. CONCLUSIONS: Primary anastomosis in selected patients appears safe after left sided emergency colorectal resection. A defunctioning stoma might mitigate against risk of subsequent complications

The impact of conversion on the risk of major complication following laparoscopic colonic surgery: an international, multicentre prospective audit.

This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: The and E. S. o. C. c. groups (2018). "The impact of conversion on the risk of major complication following laparoscopic colonic surgery: an international, multicentre prospective audit." Colorectal Disease 20(S6): 69-89., which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1111/codi.14371. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Use of Self-Archived Versions.BACKGROUND: Laparoscopy has now been implemented as a standard of care for elective colonic resection around the world. During the adoption period, studies showed that conversion may be detrimental to patients, with poorer outcomes than both laparoscopic completed or planned open surgery. The primary aim of this study was to determine whether laparoscopic conversion was associated with a higher major complication rate than planned open surgery in contemporary, international practice. METHODS: Combined analysis of the European Society of Coloproctology 2017 and 2015 audits. Patients were included if they underwent elective resection of a colonic segment from the caecum to the rectosigmoid junction with primary anastomosis. The primary outcome measure was the 30-day major complication rate, defined as Clavien-Dindo grade III-V. RESULTS: Of 3980 patients, 64% (2561/3980) underwent laparoscopic surgery and a laparoscopic conversion rate of 14% (359/2561). The major complication rate was highest after open surgery (laparoscopic 7.4%, converted 9.7%, open 11.6%, P < 0.001). After case mix adjustment in a multilevel model, only planned open (and not laparoscopic converted) surgery was associated with increased major complications in comparison to laparoscopic surgery (OR 1.64, 1.27-2.11, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Appropriate laparoscopic conversion should not be considered a treatment failure in modern practice. Conversion does not appear to place patients at increased risk of complications vs planned open surgery, supporting broadening of selection criteria for attempted laparoscopy in elective colonic resection

An international multicentre prospective audit of elective rectal cancer surgery; operative approach versus outcome, including transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME)

IntroductionTransanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) has rapidly emerged as a novel approach for rectal cancer surgery. Safety profiles are still emerging and more comparative data is urgently needed. This study aimed to compare indications and short-term outcomes of TaTME, open, laparoscopic, and robotic TME internationally.MethodsA pre-planned analysis of the European Society of Coloproctology (ESCP) 2017 audit was performed. Patients undergoing elective total mesorectal excision (TME) for malignancy between 1 January 2017 and 15 March 2017 by any operative approach were included. The primary outcome measure was anastomotic leak.ResultsOf 2579 included patients, 76.2% (1966/2579) underwent TME with restorative anastomosis of which 19.9% (312/1966) had a minimally invasive approach (laparoscopic or robotic) which included a transanal component (TaTME). Overall, 9.0% (175/1951, 15 missing outcome data) of patients suffered an anastomotic leak. On univariate analysis both laparoscopic TaTME (OR 1.61, 1.02-2.48, P=0.04) and robotic TaTME (OR 3.05, 1.10-7.34, P=0.02) were associated with a higher risk of anastomotic leak than non-transanal laparoscopic TME. However this association was lost in the mixed-effects model controlling for patient and disease factors (OR 1.23, 0.77-1.97, P=0.39 and OR 2.11, 0.79-5.62, P=0.14 respectively), whilst low rectal anastomosis (OR 2.72, 1.55-4.77, P<0.001) and male gender (OR 2.29, 1.52-3.44, P<0.001) remained strongly associated. The overall positive circumferential margin resection rate was 4.0%, which varied between operative approaches: laparoscopic 3.2%, transanal 3.8%, open 4.7%, robotic 1%.ConclusionThis contemporaneous international snapshot shows that uptake of the TaTME approach is widespread and is associated with surgically and pathologically acceptable results

Evaluating the incidence of pathological complete response in current international rectal cancer practice: the barriers to widespread safe deferral of surgery

This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: , which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1111/codi.14361. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Use of Self-Archived Versions."Colorectal Disease © 2018 The Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland Introduction: The mainstay of management for locally advanced rectal cancer is chemoradiotherapy followed by surgical resection. Following chemoradiotherapy, a complete response may be detected clinically and radiologically (cCR) prior to surgery or pathologically after surgery (pCR). We aim to report the overall complete pathological response (pCR) rate and the reliability of detecting a cCR by conventional pre-operative imaging. Methods: A pre-planned analysis of the European Society of Coloproctology (ESCP) 2017 audit was performed. Patients treated by elective rectal resection were included. A pCR was defined as a ypT0 N0 EMVI negative primary tumour; a partial response represented any regression from baseline staging following chemoradiotherapy. The primary endpoint was the pCR rate. The secondary endpoint was agreement between post-treatment MRI restaging (yMRI) and final pathological staging. Results: Of 2572 patients undergoing rectal cancer surgery in 277 participating centres across 44 countries, 673 (26.2%) underwent chemoradiotherapy and surgery. The pCR rate was 10.3% (67/649), with a partial response in 35.9% (233/649) patients. Comparison of AJCC stage determined by post-treatment yMRI with final pathology showed understaging in 13% (55/429) and overstaging in 34% (148/429). Agreement between yMRI and final pathology for T-stage, N-stage, or AJCC status were each graded as ‘fair’ only (n = 429, Kappa 0.25, 0.26 and 0.35 respectively). Conclusion: The reported pCR rate of 10% highlights the potential for non-operative management in selected cases. The limited strength of agreement between basic conventional post-chemoradiotherapy imaging assessment techniques and pathology suggest alternative markers of response should be considered, in the context of controlled clinical trials