Results of recent Pacific-Arctic ice-ocean modeling studies at the Naval Postgraduate School

Summary of results from a high - resolution pan - Arctic ice - ocean model are presented for the northern North Pacific, Bering, Chukchi, and Beaufort seas. The main focus is on the mean circulation, communication from the Gulf of Alaska across the Bering Sea into the western Arctic Ocean and on mesoscale eddy activity within several important ecosystems. Model results from 1979 -2004 are compared to observations whenever possible. The high spatial model resolution at 1/12o （or -9 - km） in the horizontal and 45 levels in the vertical direction allows for representation of eddies with diameters as small as 36 km. However, we believe that upcoming new model integrations at even higher resolution will allow us to resolve even smaller eddies. This is especially important at the highest latitudes where the Rossby radius of deformation is as small as 10 km or less.

The penetration depth of atomic radicals in tubes with catalytic surface properties

Catalysis of molecular radicals is often performed in interesting experimental configurations.One possible configuration is tubular geometry.The radicals are introduced into the tubes on one side,and stable molecules are exhausted on the other side.The penetration depth of radicals depends on numerous parameters,so it is not always feasible to calculate it.This article presents systematic measurements of the penetration depth of oxygen atoms along tubes made from nickel,cobalt,and copper.The source of O atoms was a surfatron-type microwave plasma.The initial density of O atoms depended on the gas flow and was 0.7×10^(21)m^(-3),2.4×10^(21)m^(-3),and 4.2×10^(21)m^(-3)at the flow rates of 50,300,and 600 sccm,and pressures of 10,35,and 60 Pa,respectively.The gas temperature remained at room temperature throughout the experiments.The dissociation fraction decreased exponentially along the length of the tubes in all cases.The penetration depths for well-oxidized nickel were 1.2,1.7,and 2.4 cm,respectively.For cobalt,they were slightly lower at 1.0,1.3,and 1.6 cm,respectively,while for copper,they were 1.1,1.3,and 1.7 cm,respectively.The results were explained by gas dynamics and heterogeneous surface association.These data are useful in any attempt to estimate the loss of molecular fragments along tubes,which serve as catalysts for the association of various radicals to stable molecules.

Significance of Primary Treatment Selection in the Efficiency of Wastewater Treatment in Constructed Wetlands (CWs)

This research explores strategies to enhance the efficiency of secondary treatment in Vertical Flow Constructed Wetlands (CW) in Montenegro. The focus is on selecting appropriate primary treatment methods alongside three distinct substrate types to improve wastewater treatment efficacy. The study examines the combination of two primary treatments with different substrate types in constructed wetlands (CW1, CW2, and CW3). The primary treatments include the existing wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in Podgorica, involving coarse material removal through screens, inert material separation in aerated sand traps, and sediment and suspended matter removal in primary sedimentation tanks. The Extreme Separator (ExSep) was employed to evaluate its efficacy as a primary treatment method. The research demonstrates that the efficiency of CW can be significantly enhanced by selecting suitable primary treatment methods and substrates in Podgorica’s conditions. The most promising results were achieved by combining ExSep as a primary treatment with secondary treatment in CW-3. The removal efficiencies after CW3 for COD, BOD, and TSS exceeded 89%, 93%, and 91%, respectively. The outcomes underscore the significance of primary treatment in mitigating pollutant loads before discharge into the constructed wetlands, emphasizing potential areas for further optimization in wastewater treatment practices to enhance environmental sustainability and water quality management.

The Impact of Sleep Determination on Procrastination before Bedtime:The Role of Anxiety

Objective:The importance of good sleep for energy recovery and overall physical and mental health cannot be overstated.However,the increasing competitiveness of society,diversifying lifestyles,and the rapid spread of the internet and electronic devices have significantly impacted people’s sleep patterns,particularly through bedtime procrastination.Therefore,this study aims to investigate the relationship and underlying mechanisms between sleep determination,anxiety,and bedtime procrastination among the Chinese population.Method:The study utilized data from a national survey—the China Residents’Sleep Condition Survey(November 2021,with 6,037 participants).By constructing mediation and moderation models,it analyzed the relationship and mechanisms between sleep determination and bedtime procrastination,highlighting the dual role of anxiety:as a mediator between sleep determination and bedtime procrastination,and as a moderator of their relationship.Results:There was a negative correlation between sleep determination and bedtime procrastination;anxiety was related to an increase in bedtime procrastination behaviors;In the interplay between sleep determination and pre-bedtime procrastination,the regulatory effect of anxiety is found to be more pronounced than its intermediary role,with anxiety significantly diminishing the inverse relationship between sleep determination and procrastination before bedtime.Conclusion:Bedtime procrastination can lead to sleep issues,thus reducing sleep quality.Enhancing sleep determination or alleviating pre-sleep anxiety can help inhibit bedtime procrastination behaviors.Intervening and reducing bedtime procrastination is one of the effective measures to improve sleep quality.

Icariin ameliorates viral myocarditis by inhibiting TLR4-mediated ferroptosis

Objective:To explore the mechanism by which icariin alleviates viral myocarditis.Methods:CVB3-induced cardiomyocytes were used as an in vitro model of viral myocarditis to assess the effects of icariin treatment on cell viability,inflammation,and apoptosis.Moreover,the effects of icariin on ferroptosis and TLR4 signaling were assessed.After AC16 cells were transfected with TLR4 overexpression plasmids,the role of TLR4 in mediating the regulatory effect of icariin in viral myocarditis was investigated.Results:Icariin significantly elevated cell viability and reduced inflammatory factors TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6,and IL-18.Flow cytometry revealed that icariin decreased apoptosis rate,and the protein expression of Bax and cleaved caspase 3 and 9 in CVB3-induced cardiomyocytes.Additionally,it suppressed ferroptosis including lipid peroxidation and ferrous ion,as well as the TLR4 signaling.However,TLR4 overexpression abrogated the modulatory effects of icariin.Conclusions:Icariin mitigates CVB3-induced myocardial injury by inhibiting TLR4-mediated ferroptosis.Further animal study is needed to verify its efficacy.

Driving forces of continuing evolution of rotaviruses

Rotaviruses are non-enveloped double-stranded RNA virus that causes acute diarrheal diseases in children(<5 years).More than 90%of the global rotavirus infection in humans was caused by Rotavirus group A.Rotavirus infection has caused more than 200000 deaths annually and predominantly occurs in the low-income countries.Rotavirus evolution is indicated by the strain dynamics or the emergence of the unprecedented strain.The major factors that drive the rotavirus evolution include the genetic shift that is caused by the reassortment mechanism,either in the intra-or the inter-genogroup.However,other factors are also known to have an impact on rotavirus evolution.This review discusses the structure and types,epidemiology,and evolution of rotaviruses.This article also reviews other supplemental factors of rotavirus evolution,such as genetic reassortment,mutation rate,glycan specificity,vaccine introduction,the host immune respo-nses,and antiviral drugs.

Exploring the impact of hepatitis B immunoglobulin and antiviral interventions to reduce vertical transmission of hepatitis B virus

Hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection is a major public health burden.In HBV endemic regions,high prevalence is also correlated with the infections acquired in infancy through perinatal transmission or early childhood exposure to HBV,the socalled mother-to-child transmission(MTCT).Children who are infected with HBV at a young age are at higher risk of developing chronic HBV infection than those infected as adults,which may lead to worse clinical outcome.To reduce the incidence of HBV MTCT,several interventions for the infants or the mothers,or both,are already carried out.This review explores the newest information and approaches available in literature regarding HBV MTCT prevalence and its challenges,especially in high HBV endemic countries.This covers HBV screening in pregnant women,prenatal intervention,infant immunoprophylaxis,and postvaccination serological testing for children.

Review of Albanian studies suggests the need for further efforts to counteract significant hepatitis B virus prevalence

BACKGROUND Hepatitis B virus(HBV)is categorized as one of the smallest enveloped DNA viruses and is the prototypical virus of the Hepatoviridae family.It is usually transmitted through body fluids such as blood,semen,and vaginal secretions.The majority(more than 95%)of immunocompetent adults infected with HBV spontaneously clear the infection.In the context of the high prevalence of HBV infection in Albania,the research gap is characterized by the lack of studies aimed at advancing the current understanding and improving the prevailing situation.The main objective of this study was to address the low rate of HBV diagnosis and the lack of a comprehensive national program to facilitate widespread diagnosis.AIM To analyze the prevalence of HBV infection in Albania and elucidate the persistently high prevalence despite efforts and measures implemented.METHODS Using a systematic literature review,we collected existing research on the epidemiology of HBV in Albania from PubMed,Cochrane Library,Google Scholar,and Albanian Medical Journals,focusing on studies published after the 1980s and conducted solely in the Albanian population.RESULTS The findings reveal a dynamic shift in HBV prevalence in Albania over several decades.Initially high,the prevalence gradually declined following the implementation of screening and vaccination programs.However,the prevalence rates have remained notably high,exceeding 8%in recent years.Contributing factors include vertical transmission,inadequate healthcare infrastructure,and challenges in screening and diagnosis.Studies among Albanian refugees in neighboring countries also reported high prevalence rates,emphasizing the need for transnational interventions.Despite advancements in screening,vaccination,and healthcare infrastructure,Albania continues to face a substantial burden of HBV infection.CONCLUSION The persistence of high prevalence underscores the complexity of the issue,requiring ongoing efforts to ensure a comprehensive understanding and effective mitigation.Addressing gaps in vaccination coverage,improving access to screening and diagnosis,and enhancing public awareness are crucial steps toward reducing HBV prevalence in Albania.

The challenge of molecular selection in liver-limited metastatic colorectal cancer for surgical resection: a systematic review and meta-analysis in the context of current and future approaches

Objectives:Treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer(mCRC)includes resection of liver metastases(LM),however,no validated biomarker identifies patients most likely to benefit from this procedure.This meta-analysis aimed to assess the impact of the most relevant molecular alterations in cancer-related genes of CRC(i.e.,RAS,BRAF,SMAD4,PIK3CA)as prognostic markers of survival and disease recurrence in patients with mCRC surgically treated by LM resection.Methods:A systematic literature review was performed to identify studies reporting data regarding survival and/or recurrence in patients that underwent complete liver resection for CRC LM,stratified according to RAS,BRAF,PIK3CA,and SMAD4 mutational status.Hazard ratios(HRs)from multivariate analyses were pooled in the meta-analysis and various adjustment strategies for confounding factors were combined.The search was conducted in numerous databases,including MEDLINE(PubMed),Embase,Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature(CINAHL)(EBSCO host),and WHO Global Index Medicus,through March 18th,2022.Meta-analyses,editorials,letters to the editor,case reports,studies on other primary cancers,studies with primary metastatic sites other than the liver,studies lacking specific oncological outcome variables or genetic data,non-English language studies,and studies omitting residual disease data from liver metastasectomy were excluded.The remaining 47 studies were summarized in a descriptive table which outlines the key characteristics of each study and final results were graphically presented.Results:RAS mutation status was negatively associated with overall survival(OS)(HR,1.68;95%CI,1.54–1.84)and recurrence free survival(RFS)(HR,1.46;95%CI,1.33–1.61).A negative association was also found for BRAF regarding OS(HR,2.64;95%CI,2.15–3.24)and RFS(HR,1.89;95%CI,1.32–2.73)and SMAD4 regarding OS(HR,1.93;95%CI,1.56–2.38)and RFS(HR,1.95;95%CI,1.31–2.91).For PIK3CA only three studies were eligible and no significant association with either OS or RFS could be highlighted.Conclusion:RAS,BRAF,and SMAD4 are negatively associated with OS and RFS in patients undergoing curative liver metastasectomy from colorectal cancer.No conclusion can be drawn for PIK3CA due to the limited literature availability.These data support the integration of RAS,BRAF,and SMAD4 mutational status in the surgical decision-making for colorectal liver metastasis.Nevertheless,we have to consider several limitations,the major ones being the pooling of results from studies that evaluated patient outcomes as either disease-free survival(DFS)or RFS;the inclusion of patients with minimal residual disease and unconsidered potential confounding factors,such as variability in resectability definitions,chemotherapy use,and a potential interaction between biological markers and pre-and post-resection pharmacological treatments.

Evaluating ChatGPT’s Consciousness and Its Capability to Pass the Turing Test: A Comprehensive Analysis

This study explores the capabilities of ChatGPT, specifically in relation to consciousness and its performance in the Turing Test. The article begins by examining the diverse perspectives among both the cognitive and AI researchers regarding ChatGPT’s ability to pass the Turing Test. It introduces a hierarchical categorization of the test versions, suggesting that ChatGPT approaches success in the test, albeit primarily with na?ve users. Expert users, conversely, can easily identify its limitations. The paper presents various theories of consciousness, with a particular focus on the Integrated Information Theory proposed by Tononi. This theory serves as the framework for assessing ChatGPT’s level of consciousness. Through an evaluation based on the five axioms and theorems of IIT, the study finds that ChatGPT surpasses previous AI systems in certain aspects;however, ChatGPT significantly falls short of achieving a level of consciousness, particularly when compared to biological sentient beings. The paper concludes by emphasizing the importance of recognizing ChatGPT and similar generative AI models as highly advanced and intelligent tools, yet distinctly lacking the consciousness attributes found in advanced living organisms.

WWATCH模式模拟南海海浪场的结果分析

利用美国NOAA/NCEP环境模拟中心海洋模拟小组近年新开发的一个准业务化的海浪数值模式WAVEWATCH Ⅲ(以下简称WWATCH),以每天4次的NOAA/NCEP再分析风场资料为输入,模拟了1996年的南海海域的海面风浪场,通过分析TOPEX/Poseidon(以下简称T/P)高度计的上升和下降轨道在南海海域的交叉点位置处的风、浪观测资料与NCEP风场和WWATCH模式模拟的有效波高大小,可以看出,NCEP风场基本与T/P高度计的风速观测结果一致,相应的模式模拟的有效波高也基本与卫星高度计的有效波高观测结果相一致,但从空间上看,在计算区域中心附近海域的结果一致性较好,靠近计算边界附近海域的结果相对较差,但这种因边界而影响模拟结果的范围很有限;从时间上看,冬季风期间的结果一致性较好,而夏季风期间的结果偏小的趋势明显,并且这种偏小主要出现在夏季风期间的极小风速值附近。

东海定点连续观测站海流资料分析

采用快速离散傅立叶变换(FFT)、潮流调和分析以及小波(wavelet)变换等方法,分析了一个位于大陆架边缘海域定点连续观测站上的海流记录。FFT结果表明在该海域以半日周期潮流和日周期潮流为主。潮流调和分析结果表明垂向各个潮流分量受上下边界层影响存在显著的变化,余流的东西分量在观测时段内发生了一次转向。用小波变换对海流观测的高频分量进行了分析,分离出10～20min周期的高频内波信号,U方向和V方向的信号在不同的时间有所差异。

基于TOPEX/Poseidon资料的南海海面高度场的时空特征分析

采用经验正交函数(EOF)分解方法,对 TOPEX/Poseidon卫星高度计在南海获得的1992年10月到1999年9月约7a的海面高度观测资料进行分析,从而获得南海海面高度距平场典型的空间分布型态及其对应的时间变化特征。结果表明,南海海面高度距平场在空间上主要表现为两种典型的分布结构:(1)由于冬、夏季风反转造成海盆尺度的涡旋结构,这种分布结构对南海海面高度距平场的方差贡献达27.46％;(2)NE-SW即吕宋-越南反相双涡结构,其方差贡献达20.37％。这两个模态都明显反映了季风的反转以及季风结构所造成的影响。同时,对各空间典型场所对应的时间系数序列进行了傅立叶谱分析,结果表明南海海面高度距平场存在多种时间尺度的变化。

层积云覆盖的边界层数值模拟研究 (Ⅰ):数值模式的建立

层积云是一种在湍流作用下形成的边界层云。在这种边界层中 ,层积云顶即边界层顶、云层和非云层耦合在一起。为了加深对这种层积云覆盖的边界层的理解 ,许多作者已经做了大量的野外观测和数值试验研究。然而在数值模拟研究中存在湍流和云物理模式相互脱节的现象。针对这种缺陷 ,本文在湍流控制方程组中引入云滴控制方程 ,发展了一个新的用于研究海区层积云覆盖的边界层的数值模式。所建模式具有如下特点 :(1)实现了云物理模式与湍流模式的相互耦合 ;(2 )实现了云滴分档凝结模式和三阶湍流闭合边界层模式相互耦合。利用所建模式对大涡模拟对比试验所采用的个例进行了数值模拟。数值模拟结果表明 ,该边界层模式能较合理地模拟海区层积云覆盖的边界层微湍流结构和云微物理过程。

基于XMCDA标准的DEXi模型在Decision Deck平台上的应用与实现

DEXi是一个面向教育的,组合约束条件的决策支持计算机软件,其目的在于交互设计定性的,组合约束条件和分层次的决策支持模型,以及对备选方案的评估。XMCDA是一个新出现的数据标准,它根据清晰定义的语法,支持用XML来呈现组合约束条件决策支持的数据元素。在这篇文章中,我们调查了一些方法,并且提出了一些将定性的DEXi决策支持模型转化为XMCDA标准的解决方案。这项工作的动机在于实现DEXi模型在Decision Deck这个使用组合约束条件决策支持的标准来协作开发开源软件的平台上的应用。

芬太尼在正常和迷走神经横断兔对肾交感神经活动的影响

目的研究交感神经与迷走神经在芬太尼所引起的低血压伴随心动过缓中的作用。方法14只兔被随机分为2组: 正常和双侧迷走神经横断兔。兔麻醉、肌松和人工通气,暴露肾交感神经并记录其电生理活动。间隔10 min静脉注射芬太尼1,4,15,30和50μg/kg。结果静脉芬太尼在总剂量20μg/kg以上无论在正常或去迷走神经兔均显著抑制肾交感神经活动,引起血压下降和心率减慢。静脉芬太尼在总剂量50和100μg/kg所引起的肾交感神经活动抑制和血压下降在正常兔明显多于去迷走神经兔(P<0.05),但是心率减慢在正常与去迷走神经兔之间没有统计学显著差异。结论芬太尼只有大剂量才会引起明显的心率减慢和血压下降,主要因为抑制交感神经活动造成。

一种实现USB远距离传输的方案分析

USB接口作为电脑周边设备数据交换的必备接口之一,以其高速稳定且方便的传输性能大大方便了人们的日常生活。但是由于其传输距离只有3米这么短的缺点,阻碍了远距离场所的广泛应用。为了拓展USB接口的应用,本文讨论了一种延长USB传输距离的方案,通过CH315G系列芯片作为信号放大、转换和还原芯片,以RJ45接口为转换头,实现信号的放大、远距离传输和信号还原输入。并且通过科学的实验和论证,从而真正实现了USB达到200米远距离的传输的技术支持和产品研发。

北冰洋春夏季海洋大气边界层特征的初步研究

采用 1998年北冰洋表面热量平衡 (SHEBA)试验的飞机探测资料 ,分析北冰洋春、夏季海洋大气边界层 (MABL)的特征。结果表明 :春季北冰洋MABL基本为近中性层结 ,夏季为弱稳定层结 ;春季边界层高度高于夏季。MABL垂直结构可分为近地层、云下混合层、云层和逆温层 ;MABL顶的层积云呈块状分布 ,云层内湍流输送活跃 ;通量输送水平不均匀 ,动量、感热通量多向下输送、潜热通量向上输送 ;

层积云覆盖的边界层的数值模拟研究 (Ⅱ):数值模拟结果分析

着重分析了文献[1]新建立的层积云覆盖的边界层的数值模式对大涡模拟对比试验中个例模拟的结果,并将数值模拟结果与一些已有的观测和数值模拟结果进行了对比。分析结果表明,该边界层模式能较合理地模拟海区层积云覆盖的边界层的微湍流结构和云的微物理过程。

AVL树算法的设计与实现

对于算法的深刻理解和灵活运用是学好《数据结构》这门计算机学科的重要核心课程的关键。为了更好的提高课堂教学效果,我们设计开发了《AVL树算法的动态演示》课件,以帮助学生理解数据结构算法。本文着重讨论了AVL树动态演示的算法设计和实现,同时详细描述了交互式动态演示的设计制作过程。