Plasma deposition of constrained layer damping coatings

Plasma techniques are used to generate constrained layer damping (CLD) coatings on metallic substrates. The process involves the deposition of relatively thick, hard ceramic layers on to soft polymeric damping materials while maintaining the integrity of both layers. Reactive plasma sputter-deposition from an aluminium alloy target is used to deposit alumina layers, with Young's modulus in the range 77-220GPa and thickness up to 335 μ, on top of a silicone film. This methodology is also used to deposit a 40 μ alumina layer on a conventional viscoelastic damping film to produce an integral damping coating. Plasma CLD systems are shown to give at least 50 per cent more damping than equivalent metal-foil-based treatments. Numerical methods for rapid prediction of the performance of such coatings are discussed and validated by comparison with experimental results

Clinical consequences of asbestos-related diffuse pleural thickening: A review

Asbestos-related diffuse pleural thickening (DPT), or extensive fibrosis of the visceral pleura secondary to asbestos exposure, is increasingly common due to the large number of workers previously exposed to asbestos. It may coexist with asbestos related pleural plaques but has a distinctly different pathology. The pathogenesis of this condition as distinct from pleural plaques is gradually becoming understood. Generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, profibrotic cytokines and growth factors in response to asbestos is likely to play a role in the formation of a fibrinous intrapleural matrix. Benign asbestos related pleural effusions commonly antedate the development of diffuse pleural thickening. Environmental as well as occupational exposure to asbestos may also result in pleural fibrosis, particularly in geographic areas with naturally occurring asbestiform soil minerals. Pleural disorders may also occur after household exposure. High resolution computed tomography (CT) is more sensitive and specific than chest radiography for the diagnosis of diffuse pleural thickening, and several classification systems for asbestos-related disorders have been devised. Magnetic resonance imaging and fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET) scanning may be useful in distinguishing between DPT and malignant mesothelioma. DPT may be associated with symptoms such as dyspnoea and chest pain. It causes a restrictive defect on lung function and may rarely result in respiratory failure and death. Treatment is primarily supportive

On a family of solutions of the KP equation which also satisfy the Toda lattice hierarchy

We describe the interaction pattern in the $x$-$y$ plane for a family of soliton solutions of the Kadomtsev-Petviashvili (KP) equation, $(-4u_{t}+u_{xxx}+6uu_x)_{x}+3u_{yy}=0$. Those solutions also satisfy the finite Toda lattice hierarchy. We determine completely their asymptotic patterns for $y\to \pm\infty$, and we show that all the solutions (except the one-soliton solution) are of {\it resonant} type, consisting of arbitrary numbers of line solitons in both aymptotics; that is, arbitrary $N_-$ incoming solitons for $y\to -\infty$ interact to form arbitrary $N_+$ outgoing solitons for $y\to\infty$. We also discuss the interaction process of those solitons, and show that the resonant interaction creates a {\it web-like} structure having $(N_--1)(N_+-1)$ holes.Comment: 18 pages, 16 figures, submitted to JPA; Math. Ge

Nonlinear Competition Between Small and Large Hexagonal Patterns

Recent experiments by Kudrolli, Pier and Gollub on surface waves, parametrically excited by two-frequency forcing, show a transition from a small hexagonal standing wave pattern to a triangular ``superlattice'' pattern. We show that generically the hexagons and the superlattice wave patterns bifurcate simultaneously from the flat surface state as the forcing amplitude is increased, and that the experimentally-observed transition can be described by considering a low-dimensional bifurcation problem. A number of predictions come out of this general analysis.Comment: 4 pages, RevTex, revised, to appear in Phys. Rev. Let

Object-based task-level control: A hierarchical control architecture for remote operation of space robots

Expanding man's presence in space requires capable, dexterous robots capable of being controlled from the Earth. Traditional 'hand-in-glove' control paradigms require the human operator to directly control virtually every aspect of the robot's operation. While the human provides excellent judgment and perception, human interaction is limited by low bandwidth, delayed communications. These delays make 'hand-in-glove' operation from Earth impractical. In order to alleviate many of the problems inherent to remote operation, Stanford University's Aerospace Robotics Laboratory (ARL) has developed the Object-Based Task-Level Control architecture. Object-Based Task-Level Control (OBTLC) removes the burden of teleoperation from the human operator and enables execution of tasks not possible with current techniques. OBTLC is a hierarchical approach to control where the human operator is able to specify high-level, object-related tasks through an intuitive graphical user interface. Infrequent task-level command replace constant joystick operations, eliminating communications bandwidth and time delay problems. The details of robot control and task execution are handled entirely by the robot and computer control system. The ARL has implemented the OBTLC architecture on a set of Free-Flying Space Robots. The capability of the OBTLC architecture has been demonstrated by controlling the ARL Free-Flying Space Robots from NASA Ames Research Center

Amplitude equations and pattern selection in Faraday waves

We present a systematic nonlinear theory of pattern selection for parametric surface waves (Faraday waves), not restricted to fluids of low viscosity. A standing wave amplitude equation is derived from the Navier-Stokes equations that is of gradient form. The associated Lyapunov function is calculated for different regular patterns to determine the selected pattern near threshold. For fluids of large viscosity, the selected wave pattern consists of parallel stripes. At lower viscosity, patterns of square symmetry are obtained in the capillary regime (large frequencies). At lower frequencies (the mixed gravity-capillary regime), a sequence of six-fold (hexagonal), eight-fold, ... patterns are predicted. The regions of stability of the various patterns are in quantitative agreement with recent experiments conducted in large aspect ratio systems.Comment: 12 pages, 1 figure, Revte

Defining forgiveness: Christian clergy and general population perspectives.

The lack of any consensual definition of forgiveness is a serious weakness in the research literature (McCullough, Pargament &amp; Thoresen, 2000). As forgiveness is at the core of Christianity, this study returns to the Christian source of the concept to explore the meaning of forgiveness for practicing Christian clergy. Comparisons are made with a general population sample and social science definitions of forgiveness to ensure that a shared meaning of forgiveness is articulated. Anglican and Roman Catholic clergy (N = 209) and a general population sample (N = 159) completed a postal questionnaire about forgiveness. There is agreement on the existence of individual differences in forgiveness. Clergy and the general population perceive reconciliation as necessary for forgiveness while there is no consensus within psychology. The clergy suggests that forgiveness is limitless and that repentance is unnecessary while the general population suggests that there are limits and that repentance is necessary. Psychological definitions do not conceptualize repentance as necessary for forgiveness and the question of limits has not been addressed although within therapy the implicit assumption is that forgiveness is limitless.</p

Spin Resonance and dc Current Generation in a Quantum Wire

We show that in a quantum wire the spin-orbit interaction leads to a narrow spin resonance at low temperatures, even in the absence of an external magnetic field. Resonance absorption by linearly polarized radiation gives a dc spin current; resonance absorption by circularly polarized radiation gives a dc electric current or magnetization

Protocol for hypofractionated adaptive radiotherapy to the bladder within a multicentre phase II randomised trial: radiotherapy planning and delivery guidance.

INTRODUCTION:Patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) who are unfit and unsuitable for standard radical treatment with cystectomy or daily radiotherapy present a large unmet clinical need. Untreated, they suffer high cancer specific mortality and risk significant disease-related local symptoms. Hypofractionated radiotherapy (delivering higher doses in fewer fractions/visits) is a potential treatment solution but could be compromised by the mobile nature of the bladder, resulting in target misses in a significant proportion of fractions. Adaptive 'plan of the day' image-guided radiotherapy delivery may improve the precision and accuracy of treatment. We aim to demonstrate within a randomised multicentre phase II trial feasibility of plan of the day hypofractionated bladder radiotherapy delivery with acceptable rates of toxicity. METHODS AND ANALYSIS:Patients with T2-T4aN0M0 MIBC receiving 36 Gy in 6-weekly fractions are randomised (1:1) between treatment delivered using a single-standard plan or adaptive radiotherapy using a library of three plans (small, medium and large). A cone beam CT taken prior to each treatment is used to visualise the anatomy and select the most appropriate plan depending on the bladder shape and size. A comprehensive radiotherapy quality assurance programme has been instituted to ensure standardisation of radiotherapy planning and delivery. The primary endpoint is to exclude >30% acute grade >3 non-genitourinary toxicity at 3 months for adaptive radiotherapy in patients who received >1 fraction (p0=0.7, p1=0.9, α=0.05, β=0.2). Secondary endpoints include local disease control, symptom control, late toxicity, overall survival, patient-reported outcomes and proportion of fractions benefiting from adaptive planning. Target recruitment is 62 patients. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION:The trial is approved by the London-Surrey Borders Research Ethics Committee (13/LO/1350). The results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed scientific journals, conference presentations and submission to regulatory authorities. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER:NCT01810757

Strain relaxation kinetics in Si1–xGex/Si heterostructures

Strain relaxation in Si1–xGex/Si superlattices and alloy films is studied as a function of ex situ anneal treatment with the use of x-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. Samples are grown by molecular-beam epitaxy at an unusually low temperature (≈365 °C). This results in metastably strained alloy and superlattice films significantly in excess of critical thicknesses previously reported for such structures. Significant strain relaxation is observed upon anneal at temperatures as low as 390 °C. After a 700 °C, 2 h anneal, superlattices are observed to relax less fully (~43% of coherent strain) than corresponding alloys (~84% of coherent strain). Also, the strain relaxation kinetics of a Si1–xGex alloy layer is studied quantitatively. Alloy strain relaxation is approximately described by a single, thermally activated, first order kinetic process having activation energy Ea=2.0 eV. The relevance of our results to the microscopic mechanisms responsible for strain relaxation in lattice-mismatched semiconductor heterostructures is discussed