Electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves are transverse plasma waves generated by anisotropic proton distributions with Tperp > Tpara. They are believed to play an important role in the dynamics of ...the ring current and potentially, of the radiation belts. Therefore it is important to know their localization in the magnetosphere and the magnetospheric and solar wind conditions which lead to their generation. Our earlier observations from three Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms (THEMIS) probes demonstrated that strong magnetospheric compressions associated with high solar wind dynamic pressure (Pdyn) may drive EMIC waves in the inner dayside magnetosphere, just inside the plasmapause. Previously, magnetospheric compressions were found to generate EMIC waves mainly close to the magnetopause. In this work we use an automated detection algorithm of EMIC Pc1 waves observed by THEMIS between May 2007 to December 2011 and present the occurrence rate of those waves as a function of L‐shell, magnetic local time (MLT), Pdyn, AE, and SYMH. Consistent with earlier studies we find that the dayside (sunward of the terminator) outer magnetosphere is a preferential location for EMIC activity, with the occurrence rate in this region being strongly controlled by solar wind dynamic pressure. High EMIC occurrence, preferentially at 12–15 MLT, is also associated with high AE. Our analysis of 26 magnetic storms with Dst < −50 nT showed that the storm‐time EMIC occurrence rate in the inner magnetosphere remains low (<10%). This brings into question the importance of EMIC waves in influencing energetic particle dynamics in the inner magnetosphere during disturbed geomagnetic conditions.
Key Points
Dayside outer magnetosphere is a preferential location for EMIC waves
Dayside EMIC occurrence rate is controlled by solar wind pressure
Storm‐time EMIC occurrence in the inner magnetosphere remains low
We study the effect of electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves on the loss and pitch angle scattering of relativistic and ultrarelativistic electrons during the recovery phase of a moderate ...geomagnetic storm on 11 October 2012. The EMIC wave activity was observed in situ on the Van Allen Probes and conjugately on the ground across the Canadian Array for Real‐time Investigations of Magnetic Activity throughout an extended 18 h interval. However, neither enhanced precipitation of >0.7 MeV electrons nor reductions in Van Allen Probe 90° pitch angle ultrarelativistic electron flux were observed. Computed radiation belt electron pitch angle diffusion rates demonstrate that rapid pitch angle diffusion is confined to low pitch angles and cannot reach 90°. For the first time, from both observational and modeling perspectives, we show evidence of EMIC waves triggering ultrarelativistic (~2–8 MeV) electron loss but which is confined to pitch angles below around 45° and not affecting the core distribution.
Key Points
EMIC wave activity is not associated with precipitation of MeV electrons
EMIC waves do not deplete the ultra‐relativistic belt down to 90°
EMIC waves cause loss of low pitch angle electrons with energies ~2–8 MeV
ABSTRACT
We report on the discovery and validation of TOI 813 b (TIC 55525572 b), a transiting exoplanet identified by citizen scientists in data from NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite ...(TESS) and the first planet discovered by the Planet Hunters TESS project. The host star is a bright (V = 10.3 mag) subgiant ($R_\star =1.94\, R_\odot$, $M_\star =1.32\, M_\odot$). It was observed almost continuously by TESS during its first year of operations, during which time four individual transit events were detected. The candidate passed all the standard light curve-based vetting checks, and ground-based follow-up spectroscopy and speckle imaging enabled us to place an upper limit of $2\, M_{\rm Jup}$ (99 per cent confidence) on the mass of the companion, and to statistically validate its planetary nature. Detailed modelling of the transits yields a period of $83.8911 _{ - 0.0031 } ^ { + 0.0027 }$ d, a planet radius of 6.71 ± 0.38 R⊕ and a semimajor axis of $0.423 _{ - 0.037 } ^ { + 0.031 }$ AU. The planet’s orbital period combined with the evolved nature of the host star places this object in a relatively underexplored region of parameter space. We estimate that TOI 813 b induces a reflex motion in its host star with a semi-amplitude of ∼6 m s−1, making this a promising system to measure the mass of a relatively long-period transiting planet.
The clonoSEQ® Assay (Adaptive Biotechnologies Corporation, Seattle, USA) identifies and tracks unique disease-associated immunoglobulin (Ig) sequences by next-generation sequencing of IgH, IgK, and ...IgL rearrangements and IgH-BCL1/2 translocations in malignant B cells. Here, we describe studies to validate the analytical performance of the assay using patient samples and cell lines.
Sensitivity and specificity were established by defining the limit of detection (LoD), limit of quantitation (LoQ) and limit of blank (LoB) in genomic DNA (gDNA) from 66 patients with multiple myeloma (MM), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), or chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and three cell lines. Healthy donor gDNA was used as a diluent to contrive samples with specific DNA masses and malignant-cell frequencies. Precision was validated using a range of samples contrived from patient gDNA, healthy donor gDNA, and 9 cell lines to generate measurable residual disease (MRD) frequencies spanning clinically relevant thresholds. Linearity was determined using samples contrived from cell line gDNA spiked into healthy gDNA to generate 11 MRD frequencies for each DNA input, then confirmed using clinical samples. Quantitation accuracy was assessed by (1) comparing clonoSEQ and multiparametric flow cytometry (mpFC) measurements of ALL and MM cell lines diluted in healthy mononuclear cells, and (2) analyzing precision study data for bias between clonoSEQ MRD results in diluted gDNA and those expected from mpFC based on original, undiluted samples. Repeatability of nucleotide base calls was assessed via the assay's ability to recover malignant clonotype sequences across several replicates, process features, and MRD levels.
LoD and LoQ were estimated at 1.903 cells and 2.390 malignant cells, respectively. LoB was zero in healthy donor gDNA. Precision ranged from 18% CV (coefficient of variation) at higher DNA inputs to 68% CV near the LoD. Variance component analysis showed MRD results were robust, with expected laboratory process variations contributing ≤3% CV. Linearity and accuracy were demonstrated for each disease across orders of magnitude of clonal frequencies. Nucleotide sequence error rates were extremely low.
These studies validate the analytical performance of the clonoSEQ Assay and demonstrate its potential as a highly sensitive diagnostic tool for selected lymphoid malignancies.
This review of late-Holocene palaeoclimatology represents the results from a PAGES/CLIVAR Intersection Panel meeting that took place in June 2006. The review is in three parts: the principal ...high-resolution proxy disciplines (trees, corals, ice cores and documentary evidence), emphasizing current issues in their use for climate reconstruction; the various approaches that have been adopted to combine multiple climate proxy records to provide estimates of past annual-to-decadal timescale Northern Hemisphere surface temperatures and other climate variables, such as large-scale circulation indices; and the forcing histories used in climate model simulations of the past millennium. We discuss the need to develop a framework through which current and new approaches to interpreting these proxy data may be rigorously assessed using pseudo-proxies derived from climate model runs, where the `answer' is known. The article concludes with a list of recommendations. First, more raw proxy data are required from the diverse disciplines and from more locations, as well as replication, for all proxy sources, of the basic raw measurements to improve absolute dating, and to better distinguish the proxy climate signal from noise. Second, more effort is required to improve the understanding of what individual proxies respond to, supported by more site measurements and process studies. These activities should also be mindful of the correlation structure of instrumental data, indicating which adjacent proxy records ought to be in agreement and which not. Third, large-scale climate reconstructions should be attempted using a wide variety of techniques, emphasizing those for which quantified errors can be estimated at specified timescales. Fourth, a greater use of climate model simulations is needed to guide the choice of reconstruction techniques (the pseudo-proxy concept) and possibly help determine where, given limited resources, future sampling should be concentrated.
The low-frequency radio spectra of the hotspots within powerful radio galaxies can provide valuable information about the physical processes operating at the site of the jet termination. These ...processes are responsible for the dissipation of jet kinetic energy, particle acceleration, and magnetic-field generation. Here, we report new observations of the powerful radio galaxy Cygnus A using the Low Frequency Array (LOFAR) between 109 and 183 MHz, at an angular resolution of ~3.5 arcsec. The radio emission of the lobes is found to have a complex spectral index distribution, with a spectral steepening found towards the centre of the source. For the first time, a turnover in the radio spectrum of the two main hotspots of Cygnus A has been directly observed. By combining our LOFAR imaging with data from the Very Large Array at higher frequencies, we show that the very rapid turnover in the hotspot spectra cannot be explained by a low-energy cut-off in the electron energy distribution, as has been previously suggested. Thermal (free-free) absorption or synchrotron self-absorption models are able to describe the low-frequency spectral shape of the hotspots; however, as with previous studies, we find that the implied model parameters are unlikely, and interpreting the spectra of the hotspots remains problematic.
Hyperphosphatemia necessitates the use of phosphate binders in most dialysis patients. Long-term efficacy and tolerability of the iron-based phosphate binder, sucroferric oxyhydroxide (previously ...known as PA21), was compared with that of sevelamer carbonate (sevelamer) in an open-label Phase III extension study.
In the initial Phase III study, hemo- or peritoneal dialysis patients with hyperphosphatemia were randomized 2:1 to receive sucroferric oxyhydroxide 1.0-3.0 g/day (2-6 tablets/day; n = 710) or sevelamer 2.4-14.4 g/day (3-18 tablets/day; n = 349) for 24 weeks. Eligible patients could enter the 28-week extension study, continuing the same treatment and dose they were receiving at the end of the initial study.
Overall, 644 patients were available for efficacy analysis (n = 384 sucroferric oxyhydroxide; n = 260 sevelamer). Serum phosphorus concentrations were maintained during the extension study. Mean ± standard deviation (SD) change in serum phosphorus concentrations from extension study baseline to Week 52 end point was 0.02 ± 0.52 mmol/L with sucroferric oxyhydroxide and 0.09 ± 0.58 mmol/L with sevelamer. Mean serum phosphorus concentrations remained within Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative target range (1.13-1.78 mmol/L) for both treatment groups. Mean (SD) daily tablet number over the 28-week extension study was lower for sucroferric oxyhydroxide (4.0 ± 1.5) versus sevelamer (10.1 ± 6.6). Patient adherence was 86.2% with sucroferric oxyhydroxide versus 76.9% with sevelamer. Mean serum ferritin concentrations increased over the extension study in both treatment groups, but transferrin saturation (TSAT), iron and hemoglobin concentrations were generally stable. Gastrointestinal-related adverse events were similar and occurred early with both treatments, but decreased over time.
The serum phosphorus-lowering effect of sucroferric oxyhydroxide was maintained over 1 year and associated with a lower pill burden, compared with sevelamer. Sucroferric oxyhydroxide was generally well tolerated long-term and there was no evidence of iron accumulation.
Recently, electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) wave generation in plasmaspheric plumes has been the subject of extensive discussion. Theory predicts that regions of detached cold, dense plasma ...immersed in relatively low background magnetic field should aid EMIC wave growth and may provide conditions for interaction between the EMIC waves and relativistic (MeV) electrons, leading to energetic particle loss into the atmosphere. Since plasmaspheric plumes are specific to disturbed geomagnetic conditions, the link between EMIC waves and plumes may be especially important for radiation belt dynamics during magnetic storms. In this work, we present an in situ survey of EMIC waves in plasmaspheric plumes using data from the Cluster satellites and will address the question of whether plumes are important for EMIC wave generation from a statistical perspective. We used a survey of plasmaspheric plumes between 2001 and 2006 identified from the Waves of High frequency and Sounder for Probing of Electron density by Relaxation (WHISPER) sounder measurements. We further identified EMIC waves from simultaneous (with WHISPER) magnetic field measurements by the fluxgate magnetometer instruments and investigated the relationship between these two data sets. Only 10% of the time when Cluster‐observed plumes along its orbit did we also observe EMIC waves. The wave occurrence outside plumes is further significantly reduced and is ~20 times lower in immediately adjacent regions than inside plumes. We found that cold plasma density was not a good predictor of EMIC occurrence inside the plumes and that the absolute density does not affect the EMIC probability. On the other hand, enhanced solar wind dynamic pressure significantly increases EMIC wave occurrence rate inside the plumes.
Key Points
We analyzed 6 years of the Cluster satellite data
EMIC waves were seen during 10% of the time when Cluster observed plumes
Enhanced solar wind pressure controls EMIC occurrence in plumes
Large uncertainties in streamflow projections derived from downscaled climate projections of precipitation and temperature can render such simulations of limited value for decision making in the ...context of water resources management. New approaches are being sought to provide decision makers with robust information in the face of such large uncertainties. We present an alternative approach that starts with the stakeholder's definition of vulnerable ranges for relevant hydrologic indicators. Then the modeled system is analyzed to assess under what conditions these thresholds are exceeded. The space of possible climates and land use combinations for a watershed is explored to isolate subspaces that lead to vulnerability, while considering model parameter uncertainty in the analysis. We implement this concept using classification and regression trees (CART) that separate the input space of climate and land use change into those combinations that lead to vulnerability and those that do not. We test our method in a Pennsylvania watershed for nine ecological and water resources related streamflow indicators for which an increase in temperature between 3°C and 6°C and change in precipitation between −17% and 19% is projected. Our approach provides several new insights, for example, we show that even small decreases in precipitation (∼5%) combined with temperature increases greater than 2.5°C can push the mean annual runoff into a slightly vulnerable regime. Using this impact and stakeholder driven strategy, we explore the decision‐relevant space more fully and provide information to the decision maker even if climate change projections are ambiguous.
Key Points
Method provides valuable information to decision maker in large uncertainties
Stakeholders define critical thresholds for hydrologic indicators of interest
We identify land use and climate change combinations that cause vulnerability
Approaching the theoretically limiting open circuit voltage (V oc) of solar cells is crucial to optimize their photovoltaic performance. Here, we demonstrate experimentally that nanostructured layers ...can achieve a fundamentally larger Fermi level splitting, and thus a larger V oc, than planar layers. By etching tapered nanowires from planar indium phosphide (InP), we directly compare planar and nanophotonic geometries with the exact same material quality. We show that the external radiative efficiency of the nanostructured layer at 1 sun is increased by a factor 14 compared to the planar layer, leading to a 70 mV enhancement in V oc. The higher voltage arises from both the enhanced outcoupling of photons, which promotes radiative recombination, and the lower active material volume, which reduces bulk recombination. These effects are generic and promise to enhance the efficiency of current record planar solar cells made from other materials as well.
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