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The interaction of shielded vortices, with a continuous vorticity distribution, and a shear current of weak vorticity amplitude but similar velocity compared to the vortex amplitude is numerically investigated in two-dimensional isochoric flows. Different types of axisymmetric shielded vortices, namely, a neutral unstable vortex, a neutral robust vortex, and a non-neutral vortex are considered. The vortices are linear combinations of vorticity layer-modes, which consist of conveniently normalized cylindrical Bessel functions of order 0, truncated by a zero of the Bessel function of order 1. The vortex–current interaction is investigated by superposing initially the vortices at different initial locations along the cross-flow axis in the shear current. The numerical results show that some shielded vortices, as well as the shear current, remain robust while the vortices cross the shear current and reach a stable equilibrium location, which is of the same sign vorticity as its amount of circulation. There exist two unstable equilibrium locations where most of the vortices persist during a relatively short time interval before heading to their stable equilibrium region in the shear current. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inelastic interactions between a small, intense dipole and a weak, neutral monopole in two-dimensional flows are analysed. The neutral vortex has vanishing exterior potential flow and the interactions involve the rotational flow of the vortices. It is shown that dipoles of small-size but large-amplitude, relative to the neutral vortex, may cross the vortex and scatter while leave the vortex stable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We provide exact solutions of axisymmetric neutral vortices, that is, vortices with zero amount of potential vorticity anomaly (PVA), in three-dimensional (3D) quasi-geostrophic (QG) flows with distributed vorticity and density stratification. These solutions are linear combinations of PVA spherical layer-modes, which consist of conveniently normalized spherical Bessel functions of order 0, truncated by a zero of the spherical Bessel function of order 1. It is shown that, depending on the superposition of the different spherical layer-modes, some vortices remain axisymmetrically robust to small amplitude PVA perturbations, while other vortices evolve to stable QG tripoles. The robust axisymmetric 3D QG vortices analyzed here do not generate exterior potential flow and may provide an explanation to the persistence of baroclinic eddies in the ocean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first paper published in this SI, by Mazzeo et al. [[1]], used an air quality model, coupled online with a meteorological model, to simulate the impact of emission reductions on PM2.5 in the West Midlands region of the United Kingdom. Atmospheric dispersion and chemical transport models (CTMs) are a key tool in both atmospheric chemistry and environmental sciences. Liu et al. [[4]] analyzed the relationship between sandstorm periods and the transport and dispersion of particulate emissions from coal bases in northwest China, assisted by a backward trajectory analysis performed with an atmospheric dispersion model. [Extracted from the article]

It is shown that a superposition of an arbitrary number of multipolar spherical and cylindrical oscillations in a cylindrical rigid flow with swirl is an exact solution to the time-dependent nonlinear vorticity equation. The oscillations are normal modes whose fundamental frequency and radial wavenumber are given by the angular speed and scaled inverse pitch, respectively, of the rigid flow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: PDAC remains as one of the deadliest types of cancer due to its late diagnosis, its inherent aggressiveness, and the low efficacy of routinely used treatments (from surgery or radiotherapy to systemic treatments). The search of new potential biomarkers is paramount in this context, where CA19-9 is still the only recommended biomarker for the management of this disease. Thus, the main goal of the present study was to assess the potential value as predictive/prognostic biomarkers of several cytokines and growth factors in serum, as well as circulating immune populations in a cohort of 64 PDAC patients. Despite its relative low incidence, PDAC is one of the most aggressive and lethal types of cancer, being currently the seventh leading cause of cancer death worldwide, with a 5-year survival rate of 10.8%. Taking into consideration the necessity to improve the prognosis of these patients, this research has been focused on the discovery of new biomarkers. For this purpose, patients with BL and resectable disease were recruited. Serum cytokines and growth factors were monitored at different time points using protein arrays. Immune cell populations were determined by flow cytometry in peripheral blood as well as by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in tumor tissues. Several cytokines were found to be differentially expressed between the study subgroups. In the BL disease setting, two different scores were proven to be independent prognostic factors for progression-free survival (PFS) (based on IL-10, MDC, MIF, and eotaxin-3) and OS (based on eotaxin-3, NT-3, FGF-9, and IP10). In the same context, CA19-9 was found to play a role as independent prognostic factor for OS. Eotaxin-3 and MDC cytokines for PFS, and eotaxin-3, NT-3, and CKβ8-1 for OS, were shown to be predictive biomarkers for nab-paclitaxel and gemcitabine regimen. Similarly, oncostatin, BDNF, and IP10 cytokines were proven to act as predictive biomarkers regarding PFS, for FOLFIRINOX regimen. In the resectable cohort, RANTES, TIMP-1, FGF-4, and IL-10 individually differentiated patients according to their cancer-associated survival. Regarding immune cell populations, baseline high levels of circulating B lymphocytes were related to a significantly longer OS, while these levels significantly decreased as progression occurred. Similarly, baseline high levels of helper lymphocytes (CD4+), low levels of cytotoxic lymphocytes (CD8+), and a high CD4/CD8 ratio, were related to a significantly longer PFS. Finally, high levels of CD4+ and CD8+ intratumoural infiltration was associated with significantly longer PFS. In conclusion, in this study we were able to identify several prognostic and predictive biomarker candidates in patients diagnosed of resectable or BL PDAC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solutions of robust axisymmetric neutral vortices, that is, vortices with zero amount of vorticity, in two-dimensional (2D) Euler flows with distributed vorticity are obtained. These solutions are particular linear combinations of vorticity layer-modes, which are defined as truncated, shifted, and conveniently normalized Bessel functions of order-0, each one occupying a circular layer defined by a zero of the Bessel function of order-1. It is found that some linear combinations of these modes have a vanishing net amount of vorticity and remain axysimmetrically robust to small amplitude vorticity perturbations. These neutral vortices are quiescent and remain steady in the presence of similar vortices. Other linear combinations of these vorticity layer-modes give rise to unstable neutral vortices that develop into neutral tripoles, pentapoles, etc. It is found numerically that the robustness of these neutral vortices is related to the spiralization and axisymmetrization of the initially growing vorticity disturbances as are advected by a convex azimuthal velocity distribution beyond its first inflection point. In particular, it is found that two co-rotating neutral tripoles attract due to the phase synchronization of their respective octupolar potential flow but repel when touched due to vorticity exchange. This interaction mechanism makes possible equilibrium states for sets of a large number of neutral tripoles. Other linear combinations of these vorticity layer-modes give rise to non-neutral shielded vortices which interact and may form coherent vortex structures as pairs of co-rotating shielded vortices sharing their outermost vorticity layer or counter-rotating shielded vortices translating with uniform speed as vortex dipoles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advective fluxes influence methane and CO2 soil emissions into the atmosphere on Earth and may drive trace gas emissions in the Mars atmosphere. However, their relevance in the Martian regolith has not been evaluated to date. Our regolith transport simulations show that advective fluxes can be relevant under Martian conditions and may drive the methane abundance detected by Mars Science Laboratory. Trace gas emissions would be highest in regions where winds interact with topography. Emissions in these regions may be further enhanced by time‐varying pressure fields produced by diurnal thermal tides and atmospheric turbulence. Trace gases such as methane should be emitted or produced from the first layers of regolith, or quickly transported to this region from a deeper reservoir through fractured media. Plain Language Summary: Regolith emissions are driven by diffusion and/or advection, depending on the scenario. Advective fluxes influence methane and CO2 soil emissions into the atmosphere on Earth and may drive trace gas emissions in the Mars atmosphere. However, their relevance in the Martian regolith has not been evaluated to date. Our regolith transport simulations show that advective fluxes produced by winds and atmospheric pressure fluctuations can be relevant under Martian conditions and may drive the methane abundance detected by Mars Science Laboratory. Trace gases such as methane should be emitted or produced from the first layers of regolith, or quickly transported to this region from a deeper reservoir through fractured media. Key Points: Wind‐induced pressure gradients in regolith, a well‐known mechanism that influences soil emission on Earth, may be relevant under Martian conditions and drive the methane abundance detected by Mars Science LaboratoryMethane and other trace gas species should be emitted or produced between the surface and the first few meters of depthFractured media are the best candidate to emit methane and other trace gases driven by pressure pumping in the Martian regolith [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is now common in aerospace design to build and adapt a surrogate model to use during optimization. This process starts with a training stage based on an initial database of high-fidelity results. However, it is difficult to have a priori knowledge of the database size necessary to achieve a particular level of accuracy. Thus, many optimization processes, such as aerodynamic optimization, start with a large number of initial cases, which usually implies long computational times on high-performance computers. This article identifies and analyses key variables which influence the surrogate performance, as applied to the aerodynamic optimization of an aerofoil, such as the database size, the number of geometric design parameters, variation from the baseline geometry, Reynolds number and angle of attack. Their relationship is explored by means of sensitivity analysis and a multivariable polynomial model, and general guidelines for the selection of the most suitable database size are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • This study presents a diurnal and seasonal surface winds characterization applied to the landing site of MSL at Gale Crater, and based on the MSL REMS wind data. • Thus, this paper presents for first time this kind of characterization for the Martian surface winds. • This has been possible due to the large amount of data obtained from the Martian surface by the REMS instrument since 2012, in spite of the trouble that this sensor suffered during the landing stage. • Development of a new methodology for classifying wind measurements in "good wind" and "bad wind" measurements and extracting good wind data from the REMS wind database. • Additional characterization for wind speeds based on probabilistic distribution models, showing periods with high probability of high wind speeds at Gale. Abstract The characterization of Martian surface wind speed as a function of time of day and season at one location can increase our knowledge of Mars surface conditions and assist in planning for future unmanned and manned missions, since the probability of the wind speed exceeding a given value is often required for both engineering and geophysical applications. Wind speeds are also useful for assessing the aeolian impact of the circulation. The Rover Environmental Monitoring Station (REMS) instrument on the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) rover has been measuring Martian winds since 2012, thus has provided more than two Mars years of wind data in the first Martian landing site with significant topography. Unfortunately, dust debris during the MSL landing stage damaged the sensor, making difficult to extract useful wind data. This paper complements the characterization performed in the companion paper, by producing a wind speed characterization based on probability distribution models. Significant diurnal and seasonal wind speed variability is found, due to complex interactions between the synoptic flow, the regional and local slope winds and microscale flow around MSL. The highest wind speed probabilities are found in general during the midday period, particularly around the equinoxes. In addition, the REMS data suggest strong flows during the summer nighttime, which could be related to the increased aeolian activity detected then by MSL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • This study presents a diurnal and seasonal surface winds characterization applied to the landing site of MSL at Gale Crater, and based on the MSL REMS wind data. • Thus, this paper presents for first time this kind of characterization for the Martian surface winds. • This has been possible due to the large amount of data obtained from the Martian surface by the REMS instrument since 2012, in spite of the trouble that this sensor suffered during the landing stage. • Development of a new methodology for classifying wind measurements in "good wind" and "bad wind" measurements and extracting good wind data from the REMS wind database. • Additional characterization for wind speeds based on probabilistic distribution models, showing periods with high probability of high wind speeds at Gale. Abstract The characterization of Martian surface winds as a function of time of day and season at one location can increase our knowledge of Mars surface conditions and assist in planning for future unmanned and manned missions. Martian surface winds vary greatly with location, and even at a particular landing site show a high degree of diurnal, seasonal, and interannual variability. Thus characterizing surface wind speeds and directions requires a long time series, which is rarely obtained on Mars. The Rover Environmental Monitoring Station (REMS) instrument on the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) rover has been measuring Martian winds since 2012, thus has provided more than two Martian years of wind data at the first Martian landing site to have significant topography, in the trench of Gale Crater. Unfortunately, likely debris impacts during landing damaged the wind sensor, making it difficult to extract useful wind data. The first part of this paper presents a new retrieval that allows "good" wind measurements to be extracted from the raw dataset obtained under such conditions. In addition, a characterization of wind speeds and directions in Gale Crater is presented, after processing the full dataset of wind data in order to obtain the representative winds for different diurnal timeslots and seasons. Results suggest complex wind patterns and great variability depending on local time and season. Also, a significant influence by the synoptic scale circulation in the wind patterns is observed, although the local-scale circulation is suggested to be the major contributor to the observed surface winds in Gale Crater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 2019 comment by Hochet and Tailleux and the corresponding reply by Holmes et al. discuss the volume and mass balance on a control volume bounded by a given isotherm and the ocean free surface. This note partly reconciles the terms of discrepancy on volume or mass transport appearing in these publications by proving that the integral expressions in the comment of Hochet and Tailleux, using a particular parameterization of the moving surfaces in Cartesian coordinates, correspond to the mass transport across the moving surfaces, as long as the mass density is included, as given in direct vector notation by Holmes et al. in their reply. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Main Landing Gear Doors of commercial aircraft are affected by significant dynamic loads during flight, mainly due to the aerodynamic excitation. Thus, an accurate prediction early in the design results an important matter to select the optimal aerodynamic configuration. Therefore, a significant budget is invested by manufacturers in order to test the aerodynamic performance by means of wind tunnel and flight testing. However, the high cost associated to these tests restricts the number of test cases that can be performed. This paper presents a new surrogate model for the unsteady aerodynamics characterized by wind tunnel testing, in order to predict the aerodynamic effect in previously untested conditions, and in this way, to allow a first stage exploration of new areas in the design space, without the need of expensive wind tunnel or flight testing. Experimental results within the Main Landing Gear Doors of an Airbus Long Range Passenger Aircraft are presented, showing the benefits of this methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an adaptive self-tuning flight control system (AST-FCS) for a fixed-wing aircraft, applied to a high-fidelity dynamic model of the ATLANTE unmanned aircraft system (UAS). This new adaptive control system is based on adaptive predictive (AP) control methodology and a new guidance system. AP control has been implemented in many complex industrial applications with excellent results, but it has not been applied in the aerospace sector yet. Experimental results obtained in simulation by flying a high-fidelity model of the ATLANTE UAS illustrate excellent control system performance and show the robustness of the AST-FCS, which has been designed without using accurate knowledge of the aircraft dynamics embedded within the model. It is expected that the application of AP control in this field could introduce significant advantages in aircraft control, improving performance in a wide variety of flight conditions and reducing design costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work aims improve our understanding of the boundaries of instructional control. It does so by solving contradictory results obtained on two different fields: Three studies conducted on the description-experience gap field, showing that instructions are neglected when personal experience is available, and several others conducted on the experimental analysis of behavior paradigm getting to the opposite conclusion. Two factors were studied: the type of schedule, and the relative expected values between options. The present work showed that (1) positive evidence of instructional control was found in a choice task with probability schedules and different expected values between options; (2) negative evidence of instructional control was found in a choice task with VI schedules and similar expected values between options; and (3) these results, together with previous research, suggest that relative expected values are a fundamental factor on understanding the presence of instructional control in choice tasks. We conclude that the relevance of this factor relies on its capacity to make participants' decisions easier: all else being equal, adding descriptions enables participants to better discriminate optimal behavior in choice tasks. • Positive evidence of instructional control in a choice task with probability schedules and different expected values. • Negative evidence of instructional control in a choice task with VI schedules and similar expected values. • Relative expected values are a fundamental factor on understanding the presence of instructional control in choice tasks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (PanNETs) are considered a relatively unusual oncologic entity. Due to its relative good prognosis, surgery remains the goal standard therapy not only in localized disease but also in the setting of locally or metastatic disease. Most of the patients are diagnosed in metastatic scenario, where multidisciplinary approach based on surgery, chemotherapies, liver-directed and/or molecular targeted therapies are commonly used. Owing to a deeper molecular knowledge of this disease, these targeted therapies are nowadays widely implemented, being the likely discovery of predictive biomarkers that would allow its use in other settings. This review is focused on describing the different classifications, etiology, prognostic biomarkers and multidisciplinary approaches that are typically used in PanNET. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The steady flow of three-dimensional isolated axisymmetric baroclinic geophysical vortices in cyclo-geostrophic and hydrostatic balance with spheroidal pressure anomaly gradients is investigated through the analysis of three-parameter vortex families. The vortices have an inner core in near solid-body rotation and zero, or negligibly small, pressure anomaly gradient at the vortex boundary. Thus, these isolated vortices have zero amount of potential vorticity anomaly. As the vortex amplitude parameteris increased in cyclones, static instability at some depth along the vortex vertical axis is reached before centrifugal instability occurs at the minimum of negative vertical vorticity at the surface vortex outer core. In anticyclones, asincreases, centrifugal instability occurs before static instability at the vortex centre. The first vortex family analyzed, denoted, is characterized by spheroidal pressure anomaly gradientssuch that the first(integer part ofp) derivatives ofat the vortex centre, and the firstderivatives ofF(p, q; x) at the vortex boundaryare zero. For comparison purposes two other three-parameter vortex families are introduced, namely the exponentialand the hyperbolic tangentvortex families. The relation between the parameter values in each vortex family leading to statically stable vortices is provided. The main static instability properties of the three vortex families are similar, but each vortex family has their own qualities which make them more or less appropriate to a particular application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mass anomaly associated with piecewise constant symmetric potential vorticity (PV) vortices in rotating and stratified fluids is investigated. It is found that the absolute value of this mass anomaly depends linearly on the distance to the vortex centre and is therefore unbounded. This property of PV ball vortices is found under quasi-geostrophic and semi-geostrophic approximations, as well as the more general Euler dynamics. To overcome this difficulty, a new class of vortices is introduced. These vortices occupy, in all senses, a limited amount of volume and are therefore bounded. Unlike PV ball vortices, which have homogeneous PV, the new vortices have a central core of continuous PV of one sign and an outer shell of opposite signed PV, such that the amount of PV anomaly is zero. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caves and their entrances have been proposed as habitable environments and regions that could have preserved evidence of life, mostly due to their natural shielding from the damaging ionizing and non-ionizing radiation present on the surface. However, no studies to date have quantitatively determined the shielding offered by these voids on Mars. This paper describes the ultraviolet (UV) radiation environment in such environments by means of extensive radiative transfer (RT) model simulations applied to representative void geometries on Mars. The spatial and temporal characterization of the radiation field inside each void geometry is also performed. The RT model was previously tested against in situ Mars Science Laboratory UV observations on the Martian surface; the model showed excellent performance in terms of predicting the UV irradiances. The results presented here strongly suggest that pit craters and cave skylights are effectively shielded from the damaging UV radiation found on the Martian surface. In particular, locations on the floors of pit craters and skylights without cavernous spaces strongly attenuate UV irradiance at latitudes higher than ~45°; observing in several cases irradiances of the order of ~2% of those values found on the surface. Numerical simulations of cave entrances show a reduction even more than two orders of magnitude in UV radiation, both in the maximum instantaneous and cumulative doses, throughout the year and at any location of the planet. The attenuated UV irradiance in cavernous spaces remains stable in a 10 Myr timescale, while at the same time the photosynthetically active radiation is higher than the minimum required for Earth-like phototrophs. The intermediate radiation environment between the damaging radiation on the surface and the permanent darkness of a hypothetical cave offered by voids on Mars may represent favorable environments for habitability without constraining the type of energy source for potential as-yet unknown Martian organisms. • Pit craters and cave skylights would be effectively shielded from the damaging UV radiation on the Martian surface. • The attenuated UV irradiance in cavernous spaces remains stable at least in a 10 Myr timescale. • At the same time, the photosynthetically active radiation is higher than the minimum required for Earth-like phototrophs. • The radiation environment offered by voids may represent favorable environments for habitability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY This paper describes the application of adaptive predictive expert (ADEX) control methodology to the oxidation ditch reactor in the wastewater treatment plant of Ceutí (Murcia, Spain) and evaluates the performance of the ADEX control system against that of the previous control system operating the plant. After a basic description of ADEX control methodology, the ditch reactor is described, as well as the control objectives and the control strategy, which focused on energy consumption reduction. The results of the application of the ADEX control system show significant improvement compared with the previous control system in terms of higher stability and precision of controlled variables, reduction of energy consumption of the plant, and better quality of the effluent water. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dynamics of balanced and wave flow components is investigated using the theoretical structure of potential vorticity (PV) and a vector potential ϕ  = (ϕ, ψ, φ) under the isochoric (volume-preserving), Boussinesq, and f-plane approximations. The vector potential ϕ  = (ϕ, ψ, φ) defines both the three-dimensional velocity (proportional to the curl of ϕ ) and the density anomaly (proportional to the divergence of ϕ ). The vertical potential φ is obtained through PV inversion from the three-dimensional (3D) PV field and the horizontal potential ϕ h  = (ϕ, ψ). As a first example of this approach, it is shown that the dipole wave packet spontaneously generated in rotating and stably stratified dipolar flows has a clear signal in the vertical potential φ diagnosed from this kind of PV inversion. It is also shown that the wave packet, despite departing from a plane inertia–gravity wave solution, does not significantly contribute to the PV field (i.e. it has zero PV). A new interpretation of φ is introduced. It is proved that the Laplacian of φ may be dynamically interpreted, using the divergence equation, as the buoyancy force and Coriolis acceleration contributions to the difference between the amounts of 3D stretching and vorticity. It is also found that the use of zero PV inversion in high-order dynamics (inertia–gravity wave permitting dynamics) is useful to set up inertia–gravity wave fields satisfying required boundary conditions. The combined use of PV inversion and vector potential ϕ enables a simple way by which a vortical flow can be put into correspondence with a wave field which has initially some similarities with the vortical flow. Finally, it is suggested that a good candidate for a wave quantity could be the vertical component of the isopycnal vector ω a  × ∇ρ, where ω a is the absolute vorticity and ρ is mass density. The pattern of this component is very consistent with that of the dipole wave packet at different vertical levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The processes involved in the vertical splitting of vortices in geophysical dipoles, rotating and stably stratified, are investigated using a three-dimensional numerical model under the f-plane and Boussinesq approximations. Vertical splitting in asymmetric dipoles is possible when the vortices have a similar amount of potential vorticity but significantly differ in vertical extent. One representative case of vertical splitting is analyzed, and it is found that prior to the splitting there is a shearing period characterized by vertical unalignment and loss of horizontal axisymmetrization. The splitting starts when the upper and lower parts of the deep vortex independently experience vertical alignment and horizontal axisymmetrization. Vertical splitting also involves vortex horizontal splitting in the intermediate layers, which might explain the vertical asymmetry found in some isolated subsurface vortices in the ocean interior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Colorectal cancer remains a major public health concern in Europe and North America. It is responsible for one million new cases and half a million deaths per year worldwide. During the past few years new effective treatments have evolved improving the outcome of patients with this disease. Several alternatives are currently available for advanced colorectal cancer patients including different chemotherapeutic regimens (fluoropyrimidines, irinotecan and oxaliplatin) and targeted therapies such as bevacizumab and cetuximab. Different combinations achieve a median survival of over 2 years. Intense efforts focus on identifying agents targeting growth factor receptors, signal transduction pathways or angiogenesis mediators. One of the last available drugs for the management of advanced colorectal cancer is panitumumab, a well-tolerated and effective anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody approved as a single agent in chemotherapy refractory patients. We discuss the current evidence supporting panitumumab for metastatic colorectal cancer treatment, potential predictive biomarkers and ongoing clinical trials with different combinations including panitumumab. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Three-dimensional numerical simulations of rotating, statically and inertially stable, mesoscale flows show that wave packets, with vertical velocity comparable to that of the balanced flow, can be spontaneously generated and amplified in the frontal part of translating vortical structures. These frontal wave packets remain stationary relative to the vortical structure (e.g., in the baroclinic dipole, tripole, and quadrupole) and are due to inertia–gravity oscillations, near the inertial frequency, experienced by the fluid particles as they decelerate when leaving the large speed regions. The ratio between the horizontal and vertical wavenumbers depends on the ratio between the horizontal and vertical shears of the background velocity. Theoretical solutions of plane waves with varying wavenumbers in background flow confirm these results. Using the material description of the fields it is shown that, among the particles simultaneously located in the vertical column in the dipole’s center, the first ones to experience the inertia–gravity oscillations are those in the upper layer, in the region of the maximum vertical shear. The wave packet propagates afterward to the fluid particles located below. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spontaneous generation and propagation of short-scale inertia–gravity waves (IGWs) during the merging of two initially balanced (void of IGWs) baroclinic anticyclones is numerically investigated. The IGW generation is analyzed in flows with different potential vorticity (PV) anomaly, numerical diffusion, numerical resolution, vortex aspect ratio, and background rotation. The vertical velocity and its vertical derivative are used to identify the IGWs in the total flow, while the unbalanced flow (the waves) is diagnosed using the optimal PV balance approach. Spontaneous generation of IGWs occurs in all the cases, primarily as emissions of discrete wave packets. The increase of both the vortex strength and vortex extent isotropy enhances the IGW emission. Three possible indicators, or theories, of spontaneous IGW generation are considered, namely, the advection of PV, the material rate of change of the horizontal divergence, and the three-dimensional baroclinic IGW generation analogy of Lighthill sound radiation theory. It is suggested that different mechanisms for spontaneous IGW generation may be at work. One mechanism is related to the advection of PV, with the IGWs in this case having wave fronts similar to the PV isosurfaces in the upper layers, and helical patterns in the deep layers. Trapped IGWs are ubiquitous in the vortex interior and have annular wave front patterns. Another mechanism is related to the spatially coherent motion of preexisting IGWs, which eventually cooperate to produce mean flow, in particular larger-scale horizontal divergence, and therefore larger-scale vertical motion, which in turns triggers the emission of new IGWs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Frontal collisions of mesoscale baroclinic dipoles are numerically investigated using a three-dimensional, Boussinesq, and f-plane numerical model that explicitly conserves potential vorticity on isopycnals. The initial conditions, obtained using the potential vorticity initialization approach, consist of twin baroclinic dipoles, balanced (void of waves) and static and inertially stable, moving in opposite directions. The dipoles may collide in a close-to-axial way (cyclone–anticyclone collisions) or nonaxially (cyclone–cyclone or anticyclone–anticyclone collisions). The results show that the interacting vortices may bounce back and interchange partners, may merge reaching a tripole state, or may squeeze between the outer vortices. The formation of a stable tripole from two colliding dipoles is possible but is dependent on diffusion effects. It is found that the nonaxial dipole collisions can be characterized by the interchange between the domain-averaged potential and kinetic energy. Dipole collisions in two-dimensional flow display also a variety of vortex interactions, qualitatively similar to the three-dimensional cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The three-dimensional motion of mesoscale baroclinic dipoles is simulated using a nonhydrostatic Boussinesq numerical model. The initial conditions are two ellipsoidal vortices of positive and negative potential vorticity anomalies. The flow is moderately ageostrophic with a maximum absolute Rossby number equal to 0.71. The trajectory of the dipole is related to the maximum potential vorticity anomaly and size of the vortices. Three cases are considered depending on the curvature of the dipole trajectory: negative, close to zero, and positive. The ageostrophic flow strongly depends on the distance between the ellipsoidal vortices d0. For small d0 the vortices move steadily as a compact dipole, and the vertical velocity w has an octupolar three-dimensional pattern. The horizontal ageostrophic velocity is due to the advective acceleration of the flow, particularly the centripetal acceleration. The speed acceleration is only relatively important at the rear and front parts of the dipole axis, where the flow curvature is small but where the flow confluence and diffluence are, respectively, large. The geostrophy is maximal at the dipole center, on the dipole axis, where both curvature and speed acceleration are minimal. As d0 increases, the dipole self-propagating velocity and the extreme values of |w| decrease, and vortex oscillations highly distort the octupolar pattern of w. In all cases, as is typical of balanced mesoscale geophysical flows, the vertical velocity is related to the advection of vertical vorticity by the horizontal shear velocity uhz · ∇hζ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mesoscale vertical velocity is obtained by solving a generalized omega equation (ω equation) using density and horizontal velocity data from three consecutive quasi-synoptic high-resolution surveys in the Alboran Sea. The Atlantic Jet (AJ) and the northern part of the Western Alboran Gyre (WAG) were observed as a large density anticyclonic front extending down to 200–230 m. The horizontal velocity uh in the AJ reached maxima of 1.2 m s-1 for the three surveys, with extreme Rossby numbers of ζ/f ≈ -0.9 in the WAG and +0.9 in the AJ (where ζ is the vertical vorticity and f is the Coriolis parameter). The generalized ω equation includes the ageostrophic horizontal flow. It is found that the most important “forcing” term in this equation is ( fζph + ∇hϱ) · ∇2huh, where ζph is the horizontal (pseudo) vorticity and ϱ is the buoyancy. This term is related to the horizontal advection of vertical vorticity by the vertical shear velocity, uhz · ∇hζ. Extreme values of the diagnosed vertical velocity w were located at 80–100 m with max{w} ⊂ [34, 45] and min{w} ⊂ [-64, -34] m day-1. Comparison with the quasigeostrophic (QG) ω equation shows that, because of the large Rossby numbers, non-QG terms are important. The differences between w and the QG vertical velocity are mainly related to the divergence of the ageostrophic part of the total Q vector (Qh ≡ ∇huh · ∇hϱ) in the ω equation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

El artículo examina los factores que han demorado y obstaculizado el proceso de cambio y reforma de la Organización de Naciones Unidas, aún después del plan de refroma ambicioso presentado por el Secretario Kofi Anan en 2004. El documento publicado por el Departamento de Información Pública de las Naciones Unidas al respecto reveló una seria preocupación por asuntos de gestión y supervisión de los recursos internos. Sin embargo, los procesos políticos de la organización no han apoyado la propuesta de reforma de la gestión de la organización. Se añade además el inestable clima político internacional que ha impedido impulsar avances significativos, y por el contrario ha sucitado incomodidad ante la pugna de varios países de ejercer protagonismo en cuanto al proceso de reforma y a la arquitectura final de la organización.

A new derivation and interpretation of the semigeostrophic (SG) material invariant in the theory of geophysical flows is introduced. First, a generalized three-dimensional equation of the SG dynamics is established and the generalized equations for the rate of change of vorticity and for the rate of change of the velocity gradient cofactor tensor are obtained. Next, a conservation equation for the vorticity–velocity gradient cofactor tensor (denoted &Xitilde;) is derived. The specific potential &Xitilde;, that is, &Xitilde; in the reference configuration per unit of mass, is defined and an expression for its rate of change is obtained. The SG invariant is interpreted as the vertical component of the specific potential &Xitilde;. Under the SG assumptions (advection of the geostrophic velocity, hydrostatic, and f-plane approximations) this vertical component is materially conserved in the SG flow. The generalized SG invariant (i.e., the specific potential &Xitilde;) differs conceptually from the Beltrami–Rossby–Ertel specific potential vorticity. Its conservation in the SG flow seems to be highly dependent on the SG assumptions, especially on the f-plane approximation and on the horizontal nature of the geostrophic velocity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new method for diagnosing the balanced three-dimensional velocity from a given density field in mesoscale oceanic flows is described. The method is referred to as dynamic potential vorticity initialization (PVI) and is based on the idea of letting the inertia–gravity waves produced by the initially imbalanced mass density and velocity fields develop and evolve in time while the balanced components of these fields adjust during the diagnostic period to a prescribed initial potential vorticity (PV) field. Technically this is achieved first by calculating the prescribed PV field from given density and geostrophic velocity fields; then the PV anomaly is multiplied by a simple time-dependent ramp function, initially zero but tending to unity over the diagnostic period. In this way, the PV anomaly builds up to the prescribed anomaly. During this time, the full three-dimensional primitive equations—except for the PV equation—are integrated for several inertial periods. At the end of the diagnostic period the density and velocity fields are found to adjust to the prescribed PV field and the approximate balanced vortical motion is obtained. This adjustment involves the generation and propagation of fast, small-amplitude inertia–gravity waves, which appear to have negligible impact on the final near-balanced motion. Several practical applications of this method are illustrated. The highly nonlinear, complex breakup of baroclinically unstable currents into eddies, fronts, and filamentary structures is examined. The capability of the method to generate the balanced three-dimensional motion is measured by analyzing the ageostrophic horizontal and vertical velocity—the latter is the velocity component most sensitive to initialization, and one for which a quasigeostrophic diagnostic solution is available for comparison purposes. The authors find that the diagnosed fields are closer to the actual fields than are either the geostrophic or the quasigeostrophic approximations. Dynamic PV initialization thus appears to be a promising way of improving the diagnosis of balanced mesoscale motions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Results of a variety of numerical simulations are presented and the accuracy of quasigeostrophic (QG) and semigeostrophic (SG) vertical velocity estimates of the total vertical velocity is analyzed. The authors examine the dependence of the results on the potential vorticity (PV) anomaly of the flow, its time evolution, and the amount of numerical diffusion. The SG ω equation is solved in a novel way in the original physical coordinates rather than in geostrophic coordinates. A three-dimensional numerical model is used that explicitly conserves the PV on isopycnal surfaces through a contour-advective semi-Lagrangian (CASL) algorithm. The numerical simulations consist initially of one or two horizontal cylinders of anomalous PV: a shear zone that induces two or three counterflowing jets. These jets destabilize and break into cyclones or anticyclones. This is accompanied by enhanced vertical motion, which exhibits a dominantly balanced quadrupole pattern in horizontal cross sections, depending on the ellipticity of the gyres, together with weak second-order inertia–gravity waves. For flows containing only negative PV anomalies the magnitude of both the QG and SG vertical velocities are smaller than the magnitude of the total vertical velocity, while the opposite occurs for flows containing only positive PV anomalies. The reason for this behavior is that the QG ω equation misses a term proportional to the Laplacian of the horizontal velocity. A new, more accurate, ω equation is proposed to recover the vertical velocity when both experimental density and horizontal velocity data are available. The SG solution is nearly always more accurate than the QG solution, particularly for the largest vertical velocity values and when the flow has single-signed PV anomalies. For flows containing both positive and negative PV anomalies, for example, mushroomlike eddies, the QG vertical velocity is a better approximation to the total vertical velocity than the SG solution. The reason for this anomalous behavior lies in one additional assumption concerning the conservation of volume that is usually adopted to derive the SG ω equation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The β term, usually defined as the northward gradient of the vertical planetary vorticity, is here defined and interpreted as the northward planetary vorticity. The β term in the vorticity equation, relative to a rotating reference frame, is put into an exact correspondence with the planetary vorticity tilting term, which has a meaning independent of the coordinate system. For barotropic, isochoric, horizontal flow there is an exact balance between the rate of change of vertical vorticity and the planetary vorticity tilting term due to the northward components of velocity and planetary vorticity. This interpretation of the β term in the vorticity equation seems to be simpler than the interpretation based on the northward gradient of the vertical planetary vorticity because it only involves the components, not the derivatives, of the planetary vorticity, and because it is independent of the coordinate system. It is also shown, as a consequence of this new interpretation, that the Sverdrup relation is practically equivalent to the vertical component of the Taylor–Proudman constraint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mathematical framework for describing different flows of the same fluid and their relationships is introduced. This theory, named the Multi-flow Framework (MfF), considers the referential, spatial, and relative descriptions of fields of both pure and mixed distributions. A mixed distribution, as opposed to a pure distribution, results when the transformation between descriptions of some quantity in one flow is carried out using the particle or position distributions from another flow. The basic kinematics of the mixed distributions is developed with emphasis on those fields giving the circulation and flux in one flow per unit of length and area of another flow. These fields are called here the relative circulation and the relative flux fields, respectively.The MfF is applied to both the material and the spatial ensemble average theories. The results in the material average framework are then applied to obtain a new formulation and interpretation of the conservation of mass, in terms of the mean-flow density, and balance of linear momentum given in the Generalized Lagrangian Mean theory. The MfF puts the GLM mean-flow density into an exact correspondence with the reference mass density, of every flow at the average position, per unit of spatial volume of the average flow relative to the reference (initial) volume. The MfF formulates the GLM momentum equation as the spatial ensemble average of the relative circulation balance of momentum relative to the actual flow in the material average flow, expressed in terms of the rate of change of the relative circulation velocity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

NASA's Mars Science Laboratory rover Curiosity (MSL) has measured simultaneous fluctuations in wind and atmospheric pressure caused by passing convective vortices, i.e. dustless dust devils. We study the dynamics of these vortices by fitting a mathematical vortex model to the wind and pressure measurements of MSL. The model matches the data adequately well in 29 out of the 33 studied vortex pass events having sufficient data quality. Clockwise and counterclockwise rotating directions are equally common among the studied convective vortices. The vortices seem to prefer certain trajectories, e.g. avoiding steep slopes. However, our results show that due to sensitivity constraints of the method, central pressure drops of Martian dust devils can usually not be accurately determined by fitting a theoretical vortex model to simultaneous pressure and wind measurements of a single station. We also present a methodology extension for further constraining the trajectories and the strengths of dust laden vortices (i.e. dust devils), based on concurrent in-situ solar irradiance measurements. We apply this methodology to the only evidently dust laden vortex in our data set and show that its dust lifting capacity is probably based not only on wind stress lifting. • Martian dust devils are studied by in-situ wind, pressure, and UV data. • A methodology for fitting a mathematical vortex model to the data is presented. • Clockwise and counterclockwise rotating vortices are equally common. • The dust devils prefer relatively flat terrain. • Martian dust devils appear to lift dust not only by wind stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly lethal cancer, characterized by late diagnosis and poor treatment response. Surgery is the only curative approach, only available to early‐diagnosed patients. Current therapies have limited effects, cause severe toxicities, and minimally improve overall survival. Understanding of splicing machinery alterations in PDAC remains incomplete. Here, we comprehensively examined 59 splicing machinery components, uncovering dysregulation in pre‐mRNA processing factor 8 (PRPF8) and RNA‐binding motif protein X‐linked (RBMX). Their downregulated expression was linked to poor prognosis and malignancy features, including tumor stage, invasion and metastasis, and associated with poorer survival and the mutation of key PDAC genes. Experimental modulation of these splicing factors in pancreatic cancer cell lines reverted their expression to non‐tumor levels and resulted in decreased key tumor‐related features. These results provide evidence that the splicing machinery is altered in PDAC, wherein PRPF8 and RBMX emerge as candidate actionable therapeutic targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Both the Martian ozone vertical distribution and its diurnal variability for equatorial latitudes are studied using the JPL/Caltech one-dimensional Mars photochemical model and diurnally-variable atmospheric profiles. • P&L analysis is performed in order to characterize the chemical mechanisms that drive ozone's diurnal budget and variability Mars making use of the comprehensive chemistry implemented in the model. • The diurnal cycle shows large variability in the ozone abundance between daytime and nighttime, and different behavior depending on the atmospheric layer. • The main O x loss mechanisms depend on the atmospheric layer and are strongly influenced by the HO x family abundances as a function of local time.. • O x • No clear anticorrelation between ozone and water vapor is found in the diurnal cycle, contrary to the strong correlation observed by orbiters in a seasonal timescale. Odd oxygen (O, O(1D), O 3) abundance and its variability in the Martian atmosphere results from complex physical and chemical interactions among atmospheric species, which are driven mainly by solar radiation and atmospheric conditions. Although our knowledge of Mars' ozone distribution and variability has been significantly improved with the arrival of several recent orbiters, the data acquired by such missions is not enough to properly characterize its diurnal variation. Thus, photochemical models are useful tools to assist in such a characterization. Here, both the Martian ozone vertical distribution and its diurnal variation for equatorial latitudes are studied, using the JPL/Caltech one-dimensional photochemical model and diurnally-variable atmospheric profiles. The chosen equatorial latitude-region is based on the recent and future plans of NASA and other agencies to study this region by different surface missions. A production and loss analysis is performed in order to characterize the chemical mechanisms that drive odd oxygen's diurnal budget and variability on Mars making use of the comprehensive chemistry implemented in the model. The diurnal variation shows large differences in the abundance between daytime and nighttime; and variable behavior depending on the atmospheric layer. The photolysis-driven ozone diurnal profile is obtained at the surface, whilst a sharp decrease is obtained in the upper troposphere at daytime, which originates from the large differences in atomic oxygen abundances between atmospheric layers. Finally, no clear anticorrelation between ozone and water vapor is found in the diurnal cycle, contrary to the strong correlation observed by orbiters on a seasonal timescale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, which represents 80% of pancreatic cancers, is mainly diagnosed when treatment with curative intent is not possible. Consequently, the overall five-year survival rate is extremely dismal—around 5% to 7%. In addition, pancreatic cancer is expected to become the second leading cause of cancer-related death by 2030. Therefore, advances in screening, prevention and treatment are urgently needed. Fortunately, a wide range of approaches could help shed light in this area. Beyond the use of cytological or histological samples focusing in diagnosis, a plethora of new approaches are currently being used for a deeper characterization of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, including genetic, epigenetic, and/or proteo-transcriptomic techniques. Accordingly, the development of new analytical technologies using body fluids (blood, bile, urine, etc.) to analyze tumor derived molecules has become a priority in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma due to the hard accessibility to tumor samples. These types of technologies will lead us to improve the outcome of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mars Sample Return mission intends to retrieve a sealed collection of rocks, regolith, and atmosphere sampled from Jezero Crater, Mars, by the NASA Perseverance rover mission. For all life-related research, it is necessary to evaluate water availability in the samples and on Mars. Within the first Martian year, Perseverance has acquired an estimated total mass of 355 g of rocks and regolith, and 38 μmoles of Martian atmospheric gas. Using in-situ observations acquired by the Perseverance rover, we show that the present-day environmental conditions at Jezero allow for the hydration of sulfates, chlorides, and perchlorates and the occasional formation of frost as well as a diurnal atmospheric-surface water exchange of 0.5–10 g water per m2 (assuming a well-mixed atmosphere). At night, when the temperature drops below 190 K, the surface water activity can exceed 0.5, the lowest limit for cell reproduction. During the day, when the temperature is above the cell replication limit of 245 K, water activity is less than 0.02. The environmental conditions at the surface of Jezero Crater, where these samples were acquired, are incompatible with the cell replication limits currently known on Earth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NASA's InSight mission landed in Elysium Planitia (~4.5ºN, 136ºE) on November 2018 at Ls ~298°. It carries, among other instruments, the APSS (Auxiliary Payload Sensor Suite) that includes the TWINS (Temperature and Winds Sensor) package [1, 2], heritage from the previous sensors sent to Mars as part of the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL). This will allow surface wind patterns to be measured at InSight's landing site, and - given its proximity to MSL's location in Gale Crater - will complement the diurnal and seasonal wind characterization already performed using data from MSL's Rover Environmental Monitoring Station (REMS) wind sensor [3, 4]. The latter is of particular interest given the damage the REMS wind sensor suffered during MSL's landing, resulting in little reliable wind data available for the northern winter season, which prevents a full understanding of the seasonal wind patterns in Gale Crater, and especially of the interaction between local, regional and large-scale circulations.A large set of wind data have already been obtained from the InSight wind sensor, enabling the diurnal cycle of wind speed and direction in local winter to be determined for the landing site in Elysium Planitia. The wind patterns are expected to show significant sol-to-sol variability and a complex diurnal cycle, although not as complex as seen in Gale Crater [3,4]. The observed wind patterns are dominated by the large-scale Hadley circulation in this season, but also affected by the regional upslope and downslope winds, which shape the diurnal behavior [1]. Comparisons of InSight data with data acquired at the MSL site aid in interpreting how the large-scale, regional and local circulations interact to lead to the diurnal cycle of winds observed at each site, also improving circulation model predictions for both regions. A complementary work related to a detailed description of how using data from different sources, such as MSL and Insight, help to constrain models of the more general region, will be presented in [5].[1] Spiga, A. et al. (2018) SSR, 214:109. [2] Banfield, D. et al. (2019) SSR, 215:4. [3] Viúdez-Moreiras, et al. (2019), G. Icarus, 319, 909-925. [4] Viúdez-Moreiras, D. (2019). Icarus, 319, 645-656. [5] Newman, C.E. et al. (2019), EGU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Strong reduction of AGO2 expression in melanoma and cellular consequences" by D. Völler and colleagues that was published in the 2013 issue of the periodical.

We have analyzed the bacterial community of a large Saharan dust event in the Iberian Peninsula and, for the first time, we offer new insights regarding the bacterial distribution at different altitudes of the lower troposphere and the replacement of the microbial airborne structure as the dust event receeds. Samples from different open-air altitudes (surface, 100 m and 3 km), were obtained onboard the National Institute for Aerospace Technology (INTA) C-212 aircrafts. Samples were collected during dust and dust-free air masses as well two weeks after the dust event. Samples related in height or time scale seems to show more similar community composition patterns compared with unrelated samples. The most abundant bacterial species during the dust event, grouped in three different phyla: (a) Proteobacteria: Rhizobiales, Sphingomonadales, Rhodobacterales, (b) Actinobacteria: Geodermatophilaceae; (c) Firmicutes: Bacillaceae. Most of these taxa are well known for being extremely stress-resistant. After the dust intrusion, Rhizobium was the most abundant genus, (40–90% total sequences). Samples taken during the flights carried out 15 days after the dust event were much more similar to the dust event samples compared with the remaining samples. In this case, Brevundimonas, and Methylobacterium as well as Cupriavidus and Mesorizobium were the most abundant genera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-energy ionizing radiation in the form of solar energetic particles and galactic cosmic rays is pervasive on the surface of planetary bodies with thin atmospheres or in space facilities for humans, and it may seriously affect the chemistry and the structure of organic and biological material. We used fluorescent microarray immunoassays to assess how different doses of electron and gamma radiations affect the stability of target compounds such as biological polymers and small molecules (haptens) conjugated to large proteins. The radiation effect was monitored by measuring the loss in the immunoidentification of the target due to an impaired ability of the antibodies for binding their corresponding irradiated and damaged epitopes (the part of the target molecule to which antibodies bind). Exposure to electron radiation alone was more damaging at low doses (1 kGy) than exposure to gamma radiation alone, but this effect was reversed at the highest radiation dose (500 kGy). Differences in the dose–effect immunoidentification patterns suggested that the amount (dose) and not the type of radiation was the main factor for the cumulative damage on the majority of the assayed molecules. Molecules irradiated with both types of radiation showed a response similar to that of the individual treatments at increasing radiation doses, although the pattern obtained with electrons only was the most similar. The calculated radiolysis constant did not show a unique pattern; it rather suggested a different behavior perhaps associated with the unique structure of each molecule. Although not strictly comparable with extraterrestrial conditions because the irradiations were performed under air and at room temperature, our results may contribute to understanding the effects of ionizing radiation on complex molecules and the search for biomarkers through bioaffinity-based systems in planetary exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The analysis and evaluation of the demand that is carried out in a Mental Health Unit of Childhood and Adolescence (MHUCA) is fundamental to improve the quality of the professional attention and the effectiveness of the treatments. In this paper we present the data of an evaluation performed during fifteen years in a MHUCA. Objectives: To determine the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of the children and adolescents who consulted in the MHUCA of the Santiago Area during the period 2000-2015. Analyze the differences between sociodemographic and clinical variables between the first years of this period (2000-2012), with the results observed in the last years (2013-2015) and their relationship with the increase in demand. Material and Methods: The sample used is 6026 subjects consulted. The studied variables: sociodemographic and clinical. We analyze these variables in two time sections to evaluate if there is a different demand over the years. Results. We found a notable increase in the demand for care in the last 3 years, there are no differences in the sociodemographic profile. Regarding the clinical characteristics, we obtained differences in the prevalence of the diagnoses and in the follow-up of the patients. Conclusions: The fundamental difference between the two periods is determined by the increase in demand that determines a higher prevalence of Absence of Psychiatric Diagnosis and a higher number of discharges that suggest an inadequate use of the demand for care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acoustics is new on Mars: it allows the characterization of turbulence at smaller scales than previously possible within the lowest part of the Planetary Boundary Layer. Sound speed measurements, by the SuperCam instrument and its microphone onboard the NASA Perseverance rover, allow the retrieval of atmospheric temperatures at 0.77 m above the ground, at 3 Hz, with a ∼10 ms response time that is 20–100 times shorter than for typical thermocouple sensors used on Mars. Here we report on the first measurements of the sound speed‐derived temperature and its fluctuations near the surface. Data highlight large and rapid fluctuations up to ±7 K/s, whose amplitude over such a timescale has never been reported, nor predicted by atmospheric models. These fluctuations follow the daytime pattern of the turbulence and highlight occasional high amplitude events that are likely due to the conjunction of low thermal inertia and strong winds. Plain Language Summary: The atmospheric surface layer of Mars, is prone to various interactions between the surface and the atmosphere, which control most of the climate and the weather of the red planet. There, large temperature gradients generate an intense turbulence during the daytime. Hence, the measurement of the air temperature variations close to the surface is important to understand the spatial and temporal scales of this turbulence. The SuperCam instrument onboard the NASA Perseverance rover enables the retrieval of the near‐surface atmospheric temperatures, and their fluctuations, at an unprecedented short timescale. Sound speed‐derived temperatures, also call sonic temperatures, collected over the Northern spring and summer of Martian Year 36 reveal large and rapid thermal fluctuations up to ±7 K/s, whose amplitude over such a timescale is not reported by any weather station sensors, nor predicted by models that simulate small‐scale eddies. These fluctuations follow the daytime pattern of the turbulence with a maximum amplitude early afternoon. Some occasional high temperature fluctuation events are observed, suggesting a complex effect of ground properties and local meteorological conditions on the turbulence. Overall, acoustics is a new and promising technique that records a unique view of atmospheric temperature variations near the surface of Mars. Key Points: Sound speed derived temperature is used to study the microscale turbulence at an unprecedented short response timeAir temperature experiences fluctuations as high as ±7 K/s, which has never been reported in situ, nor resolved by mesoscale atmospheric modelsSonic temperature fluctuations follow the daytime turbulence pattern and find their origin in complex surface‐atmosphere interactions [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perseverance successfully parachuted into Jezero crater close to its western rim on a Martian spring afternoon. In situ observations of the wind conditions during the parachute and powered descent are unavailable. These observations are important for characterising the Planetary Boundary Layer (PBL) and to better constrain atmospheric conditions in Jezero crater. We infer the winds during Perseverance's parachute descent from an altitude of 12 km down to 2 km by fitting a trajectory model to the reconstructed trajectory data published by the M2020 Entry, Descent and Landing team. Below 2 km altitude we infer the winds by analysing a High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) image of the landing site that was obtained about one sol after the landing. Our inferred wind speed and direction profile indicate high speed winds at an altitude of 7 km blowing from the east and at 3 km blowing from the southwest. Below an altitude of 2 km, the winds are inferred to be easterlies. The heat shield impact on the surface was observed by Perseverance's Lander Vision System Camera (LCAM). Afterwards, ejecta clouds were observed moving towards the north of the impact site. These observations, together with the orientation of the parachute canopy on the surface, suggest near-surface winds at the time were southerlies. We have inferred the wind speed and direction during Perseverance's descent that are consistent with its horizontal motion as revealed by trajectory data and HiRISE image. Comparisons with atmospheric models suggest the high speed winds could be related to topographic forcing. This study provides constraints for atmospheric modelling and advances the characterisation of winds in Jezero crater, focusing on the vertical structure of the complex wind field present in the crater. • Wind profiles are inferred by fitting a trajectory model to Perseverance descent data. • Inferred wind profiles for Perseverance are compared to a variety of atmospheric models. • The inferred winds diverge from GCM data between about 2 and 10 km altitude. • Agreement appears to improve with higher resolution atmospheric models. • Atmospheric models and inferred winds are mostly in agreement close to the surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nine simulations are used to predict the meteorology and aeolian activity of the Mars 2020 landing site region. Predicted seasonal variations of pressure and surface and atmospheric temperature generally agree. Minimum and maximum pressure is predicted at Ls ∼ 145 ∘ and 250 ∘ , respectively. Maximum and minimum surface and atmospheric temperature are predicted at Ls ∼ 180 ∘ and 270 ∘ , respectively; i.e., are warmest at northern fall equinox not summer solstice. Daily pressure cycles vary more between simulations, possibly due to differences in atmospheric dust distributions. Jezero crater sits inside and close to the NW rim of the huge Isidis basin, whose daytime upslope (∼east-southeasterly) and nighttime downslope (∼northwesterly) winds are predicted to dominate except around summer solstice, when the global circulation produces more southerly wind directions. Wind predictions vary hugely, with annual maximum speeds varying from 11 to 19 ms − 1 and daily mean wind speeds peaking in the first half of summer for most simulations but in the second half of the year for two. Most simulations predict net annual sand transport toward the WNW, which is generally consistent with aeolian observations, and peak sand fluxes in the first half of summer, with the weakest fluxes around winter solstice due to opposition between the global circulation and daytime upslope winds. However, one simulation predicts transport toward the NW, while another predicts fluxes peaking later and transport toward the WSW. Vortex activity is predicted to peak in summer and dip around winter solstice, and to be greater than at InSight and much greater than in Gale crater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]