Determinants of Persistent Sputum Smear Positivity after Intensive Phase Chemotherapy among Patients with Tuberculosis at Rhodes Chest Clinic, Nairobi, Kenya

The prevalence of TB in sub-Sahara Africa has been reported as 511 per 100,000 populations and a mortality of 74 per 100,000 in year 2009. In the same period, incidence was estimated at 350 cases per 100,000. In this regard, the health system requires strengthening to respond to the rising cases of infection, drug resistance and quality of life lost while continuing to seek interventions that improve adherence to medication and case detection among those infected. Methods: This study sought to determine factors that are associated with sputum positivity after intensive phase of chemotherapy in people with tuberculosis. It was a retrospective case-control study conducted in Rhodes chest clinic, a City Council health unit in Nairobi that specializes in treatment of chest infections. The participants were sampled from clinic attendants who had completed two months of intensive phase TB chemotherapy and met inclusion criteria. Results: Seventy participants of whom 25 (36%) were sputum positive at the end of two (2) months intensive phase were included in the study. Skipping medication doses was significantly associated with sputum positivity (p = 0.01). Patients who were sputum positive at the end of the two-month period were more likely to have taken longer time before seeking treatment compared to those who were sputum negative by median (IQR) 8 (3 - 12) and 4 (3 - 8) weeks respectively although this difference was not significant (p = 0.09). Patients who had not disclosed their infection status had a two-fold possibility of remaining sputum positive at the end of intensive phase. Conclusion: Early diagnosis and treatment of TB, and adherence to medication were important factors that affect sputum conversion during intensive phase of TB treatment. Therefore, public health practitioners should advise patients to seek prompt diagnosis and treatment of signs and symptoms of tuberculosis.

MULTI-PEAK MATCH INTENSITY RATIO METHOD OF QUANTI-TATIVE X-RAY DIFFRACTION PHASE ANALYSIS

A new method for quantitative phase analysis is proposed by using X-ray diffraction multi-peak match intensity ratio. This method can obtain the multi-peak match intensity ratio among each phase in the mixture sample by using all diffraction peak data in the mixture sample X-ray diffraction spectrum and combining the relative intensity distribution data of each phase standard peak in JCPDS card to carry on the least square method regression analysis. It is benefit to improve the precision of quantitative phase analysis that the given single line ratio which is usually adopted is taken the place of the multi-peak match intensity ratio and is used in X-ray diffraction quantitative phase analysis of the mixture sample. By analyzing four-group mixture sample, adopting multi-peak match intensity ratio and X-ray diffraction quantitative phase analysis principle of combining the adiabatic and matrix flushing method, it is tested that the experimental results are identical with theory.

Synchronization of Chaotic Intensities and Phases in an Array of N Lasers

A linear array of N mutually coupled single-mode lasers is investigated. It is shown that the intensities of N lasers are chaotically synchronized when the coupling between lasers is relatively strong. The chaotic synchronization of intensities depends on the location of the lasers in the array. The chaotic synchronization appears between two outmost lasers, the second two outmost lasers, etc. There is no synchronization between nearest neighbors of the lasers. If the number of N is odd, the middle laser is never synchronized between any lasers. The chaotic synchronization of phases between nearest lasers in the array is examined by using the analytic signal and the Gaussian filter methods based on the peak of the power spectrum of the intensity. It can be seen that the message of chaotic intensity synchronization is conveyed through the phase synchronization.

Distribution characteristics of intensity and phase vortices of speckle fields produced by N-pinhole random screens

We analyze the distribution properties of phase and phase vortices in a speckle field generated by N-pinhole random screens, and find that the phase vortex distributions show similarity and clustering in local regions. The phase patterns have a lot of sets composed of two phase vortices with opposite signs or four phase vortices which are positive and negative vortices alternately. Cases are also found where two adjacent phase vortices have the same topological charges. The density of phase vortices becomes larger with the increase of the radius of circumference and the number of pinholes on screen.Then, the relative positions of phase vortices can be adjusted by changing the radius of circumference and the number of pinholes.

Effect of Phase Factor in Kick Approximation for Super Intense Field Ionization

Based on a simple consideration,the kick approximation used by Sundaram et al.in describing the interactions between super intense laser field and single atom is modified.Two different phase factors of the two kicks during one optical period are considered.It is found that we can introduce the factors in a very simple way and derive a new map which can be written in a closed form,and that to include these factors really improves the dynamical description of the system.

Laser Intensity Variation in Amplitude and Phase Induced by Elliptically Polarized Feedback

The laser output characteristics under elliptically polarized optical feedback effect are studied. Elliptically polarized light is generated by wave plate placed in the feedback cavity. By analyzing the amplitude and phase of the laser output in the orthogonal direction, some new phenomena are firstly discovered and explained theoretically.Elliptically polarized feedback light is amplified in the gain medium in the resonator, and the direction perpendicular to the original polarization direction is easiest to oscillate. The laser intensity variation in amplitude and phase are related to the amplified mode and the anisotropy of external cavity. The theoretical analysis and experimental results agree well. Because the output characteristic of the laser has a relationship with the anisotropy of the external cavity, the phenomenon also provides a method for measuring birefringence.

Stimulated Brillouin scattering-induced phase noise in an interferometric fiber sensing system

Stimulated Brillouin scattering-induced phase noise is harmful to interferometric fiber sensing systems. The localized fluctuating model is used to study the intensity noise caused by the stimulated Brillouin scattering in a single-mode fiber. The phase noise structure is analyzed for an interferometric fiber sensing system, and an unbalanced Michelson interferometer with an optical path difference of 1 m, as well as the phase-generated carrier technique, is used to measure the phase noise. It is found that the phase noise is small when the input power is below the stimulated Brillouin scattering threshold, increases dramatically at first and then gradually becomes flat when the input power is above the threshold, which is similar to the variation in relative intensity noise. It can be inferred that the increase in phase noise is mainly due to the broadening of the laser linewidth caused by stimulated Brillouin scattering, which is verified through linewidth measurements in the absence and presence of the stimulated Brillouin scattering.

Effects of intense magnetic field on digestion and settling performances of bauxite

The effects of magnetic field intensity, roasting temperature and roasting time on digestion rate and settling performance of bauxite with different iron contents were investigated systematically. The results indicate that such magnetic treatment can profoundly change the microstructure and digestion performance of bauxite. For the two samples carrying different iron contents, phase transformation of the aluminum oxide phase proceeds faster in the high iron bauxite than the low one. The optimal pretreatment conditions of low iron bauxite are roasting temperature 550 ℃ and magnetic field intensity 6 T, while for high iron bauxite are 500 ℃ and 9 T. The digestion rate of alumina can reach 95% and 92% at digestion temperature of 190 ℃ and 250 ℃. The settling performances of roasted ore by intense magnetic field after digestion are enhanced through pretreatment.

一种基于频谱细化分析的虚拟低音VB Phase Vocoder算法改进

介绍了产生虚拟低音的VB Phase Vocoder算法,阐述了其频谱确定方法在处理密集频谱时的不足。针对此情况引入了基于复解析带通滤波器的复调制细化频谱分析,通过对低频段的细化处理,提高了频谱确定单元的处理精度。实验证明该做法能有效改善虚拟低音的音色,其低音响度也与真实音频更为接近。

Quantitative Phase Analysis Based on Rietveld Structure Refinement for Carbonate Rocks

QPA (Quantitative Phase Analysis) of carbonate rocks bearing calcite and dolomite using X-ray diffractometry (XRD) can be performed using the combined Rietveld Structure Refinement (RSR) and semiquantitative Reference Intensity Ratio (RIR) methods, providing an estimation of crystalline phase in a mixture. Different ratios of five samples were prepared by mixing these crystal minerals with high sensitively. The scan speeds, adequate to determine mineral phases in rock samples, were used as 6 degrees per minute with 0.08 steps. The XRD analysis with commercial TOPAS 3.0 program, defined by a new generation of profile and structure analysis software, based on RSR provides Bragg reflection profiles and the dimension of the unit cell of a phase. The weight fractions of each phase were found by Le Bail and Pawley methods in RSR using a pseudo-Voigt peak shape model. The samples were also characterized by using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS). These analyses were conducted to compare these results with those obtained from the RSR. In addition to these, RSR of phases is very important to improve the goodness of fit (GOF). Therefore, the discussions of refinement of the carbonate mixing were made and a refinement procedure was given for these mixing in detail. Taking advantage of the RSR with the addition of an internal standard, the phase fraction of all the crystalline phases as well as the amorphous component, has been accurately determined. RSR technique offers a valid support for the characterization of marble in the light of industrial products.

In-line phase contrast for weakly absorbing materials with a microfocus x-ray source

For weakly absorbing materials, image contrast can be enhanced by phase contrast in formation. The effectiveness of the in-line phase contrast technique relies on its ability to record intensity data which contain information on the x- ray＇s phase shift. Four kinds of approaches to the relationship between intensity distribution and phase shift axe reviewed and discussed. A micro-focal x-ray source with high geometrical magnification is used to acquire phase contrast images. A great improvement on image quality is shown and geometrical parameters axe modified for comparison between different imaging positions.

Numerical simulation of four-wave mixing efficiency and its induced relative intensity noise

Four-wave mixing, as well as its induced intensity noise, is harmful to wavelength division multiplexing systems. The efficiency and the relative intensity noise of four-wave mixing are numerically simulated for the two-wave and the three-wave fiber transmissions. It is found that the efficiency decreases with the increase of both the frequency spacing and the fiber length, which can be explained using the quasi-phase-matching condition. Furthermore, the relative intensity noise decreases with the increase of frequency spacing, while it increases with the increase of fiber length, which is due to the considerable power loss of the pump light. This investigation presents a good reference for the practical application of wavelength division multiplexing systems.

Theoretical research on intensity envelope function of strong ground motion

After the time history of seismic motion is represented by superposition of a series of narrow frequency band wave groups, we obtain a general relation between wave group arrival time and derivative of phase spectra in the paper. On the basis of the relation, frequency number distribution function of wave group arrival time is completely equivalent to that of phase difference spectra. Under the assumption that phase angles of seismic motionobey uniform distribution ranged from 0 to ─ 2π, a quantitative relation between intensity envelope function of seismic motion and energy distribution function with wave group arrival time has been derived in this paper. The relation illuminates inner links among Fourier amplitude spectra and derivative of phase spectra and intensity envelope function. Some examples given by the paper support the conclusions mentioned above.

A Statistical Model for Phase Difference Spectrum of Ground-Motion and Its Application in Generating Non-Stationary Seismic Waves

The intensity non-stationarity is one of the most important features of earthquake records.Modeling of this feature is significant to the generation of artificial earthquake waves.Based on the theory of phase difference spectrum,an intensity non-stationary envelope function with log-normal form is proposed.Through a tremendous amount of earthquake records downloaded on Kik-net,a parameter fitting procedure using the genetic algorithm is conducted to obtain the value of model parameters under different magnitudes,epicenter distances and site conditions.A numerical example is presented to describe the procedure of generating fully non-stationary ground motions via spectral representation,and the mean EPSD(evolutionary power spectral density)of simulated waves is proved to agree well with the target EPSD.The results show that the proposed model is capable of describing the intensity non-stationary features of ground motions,and it can be used in structural anti-seismic analysis and ground motion simulation.

Magnetization and magnetic phase diagrams of a spin-1/2 ferrimagnetic diamond chain at low temperature

We used the Jordan-Wigner transform and the invariant eigenoperator method to study the magnetic phase diagram and the magnetization curve of the spin-1/2 alternating ferrimagnetic diamond chain in an external magnetic field at finite temperature.The magnetization versus external magnetic field curve exhibits a 1/3 magnetization plateau at absolute zero and finite temperatures,and the width of the 1/3 magnetization plateau was modulated by tuning the temperature and the exchange interactions.Three critical magnetic field intensities H_(CB),H_(CE)and H_(CS) were obtained,in which the H_(CB) and H_(CE)correspond to the appearance and disappearance of the 1/3 magnetization plateau,respectively,and the higher H_(CS) correspond to the appearance of fully polarized magnetization plateau of the system.The energies of elementary excitation hω_(σ,k)(σ=1,2,3)present the extrema of zero at the three critical magnetic fields at 0 K,i.e.,[hω_(3,k)(H_(CB)]_(min)=0,[hω_(2,k)(H_(CE)]_(max)=0 and[hω_(2,k)(H_(CS)]_(min)=0,and the magnetic phase diagram of magnetic field versus different exchange interactions at 0 K was established by the above relationships.According to the relationships between the system’s magnetization curve at finite temperatures and the critical magnetic field intensities,the magnetic field-temperature phase diagram was drawn.It was observed that if the magnetic phase diagram shows a three-phase critical point,which is intersected by the ferrimagnetic phase,the ferrimagnetic plateau phase,and the Luttinger liquid phase,the disappearance of the 1/3 magnetization plateau would inevitably occur.However,the 1/3 magnetization plateau would not disappear without the three-phase critical point.The appearance of the 1/3 magnetization plateau in the low temperature region is the macroscopic manifestations of quantum effect.

Particle modulations to turbulence in two-phase round jets

The particle modulations to turbulence in round jets were experimentally studied by means of two-phase velocity measurements with Phase Doppler Anemometer （PDA）. Laden with very large particles, no significant attenuations of turbulence intensities were measured in the farfields, due to small two-phase slip velocities and particle Reynolds number. The gas-phase turbulence is enhanced by particles in the near-fields, but it is significantly attenuated by the small particles in the far-fields. The smaller particles have a more profound effect on the attenuation of turbulence intensities. The enhancements or attenuations of turbulence intensities in the far-fields depends on the energy production, transport and dissipation mechanisms between the two phases, which are determined by the particle prop- erties and two-phase velocity slips. The non-dimensional parameter CTI is introduced to represent the change of turbulence intensity.

Spectral broadening induced by intense ultra-short pulse in 4H–SiC crystals

We report the observation of spectral broadening induced by 200 femtosecond laser pulses with the repetition rate of 1 kHz at the wavelength of 532 nm in semi-insulating 4H–SiC single crystals.It is demonstrated that the full width at half maximum of output spectrum increases linearly with the light propagation length and the peak power density,reaching a maximum 870 cm-1on a crystal of 19 mm long under an incident laser with a peak power density of 60.1 GW/cm2.Such spectral broadening can be well explained by the self-phase modulation model which correlates time-dependent phase change of pulses to intensity-dependent refractive index.The nonlinear refractive index n2 is estimated to be1.88×10-15cm2/W.The intensity-dependent refractive index is probably due to both the nonlinear optical polarizability of the bound electrons and the increase of free electrons induced by the two-photon absorption process.Super continuum spectra could arise as crystals are long enough to induce the self-focusing effect.The results show that SiC crystals may find applications in spectral broadening of high power lasers.

INTERACTION OF A SCREW DISLOCATION WITH AN INTERFACIAL EDGE CRACK IN A TWO-PHASE PIEZOELECTRIC MATERIAL

The interaction of a screw dislocation with an interracial edge crack in a two-phase piezoelectric medium is investigated.Closed-form solutions of the elastic and electrical fields induced by the screw dislocation are derived using the conformal mapping method in conjunction with the image principle.Based on the electroelastic fields derived,the stress and electric displacement intensity factors,the image force acting on the dislocation are given explicitly.We find that the stress and electric displacement intensity factors depend on the effective electroelastic material constants.In the case where one of two phases is purely elastic,the stress intensity factor and image force are plotted to illustrate the influences of electromechanical coupling effect,the position of the dislocation and the material properties on the interaction mechanism.

Study of the Desulfurization Process and Gas-Solid-Liquid Phase Distribution under the Complex Humidification Conditions in Dense Tower

In making the gas-solid-liquid phase analysis, based on the collaborative study of the internal and external humidification ratio of desulfurization efficiency, determine the humidifier ratio within 60% to 75%, that can make the best balance between the respective merits of a simple tower humidifiers tower humidifier way, optimizing the overall desulfurization reaction, effectively reducing the sticky wall, stick in the desulfurization efficiency and reduce the wall to achieve a balance between the balance, without increasing the sorbent and process water, under the premise can promote the desulfurization reaction, improve the desulfurization sorbent utilization and efficiency, help desulfurization reaction system is stable, efficient and economic operation, the gas-liquid-solid three-phase to achieve better synergy.

稳定段曝气时间对高负荷接触稳定法碳捕获影响及微生物群落结构分析

为探究高负荷接触稳定法(HiCS)中稳定段曝气时间(ts)对废水碳捕获的影响,分析不同ts下HiCS系统的碳捕获率及污泥性质的差异,同时分析微生物群落结构差异。结果表明:当ts为1.0、2.0、3.0 h时,碳捕获率分别为43.0%、42.4%、39.2%,显著高于ts为0.5、4.0 h的20.3%和25.3%;污泥粒径较小且分布集中、微观结构粗糙多孔,有利于污泥和有机物接触絮凝。微生物群落结构分析表明,与接种污泥相比,ts为0.5 h的HiCS污泥中变形菌门(Proteobacteria)和拟杆菌门(Bacteroidetes)的相对丰度由24.7%、25.8%上升至40.0%、30.8%。FAPROTAX功能预测结果显示,与碳循环代谢相关的微生物丰度最高,占比达到60%以上,其相对丰度受ts影响显著,在1.0~3.0 h时高于0.5、4.0 h时。