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Parker Solar Probe is the first mission to probe in situ the innermost heliosphere, revealing an exceptionally dynamic and structured outer solar corona. Its payload includes a search‐coil magnetometer (SCM) that measures up to three components of the fluctuating magnetic field between 3 Hz and 1 MHz. After more than 3 years of operation, the SCM has revealed a multitude of different wave phenomena in the solar wind. Here we present an overview of some of the discoveries made so far. These include oblique and sunward propagating whistler waves that are important for their interaction with energetic electrons, the first observation of the magnetic signature associated with escaping electrons during dust impacts, the first observation of the magnetic field component for slow extraordinary wave modes during type III radio burst events, and more. This study focuses on the major observations to date, including a description of the instrument and lessons learned. Plain Language Summary: The search‐coil magnetometer (SCM) search‐coil magnetometer on Parker Solar Probe is an instrument that measures fluctuations of the magnetic field in the solar wind. The instrument covers frequencies ranging from 3 Hz to 1 MHz. After 3 years of operation the SCM has revealed a wealth of different wave phenomena. Here, we describe some of the highlights. These include whistler waves that propagate oblique to the magnetic field, the first observation of the magnetic signature associated with the impact of dust particles, and the first observation of the magnetic signature of high‐frequency coherent waves that are associated with solar radio bursts. Key Points: We present an overview of 3 years of results from the search‐coil magnetometer (SCM) on Parker Solar ProbeThe SCM reveals the magnetic signature of dust impacts and of slow extraordinary waves associated with type III radio burstsThe SCM reveals in detail oblique whistlers and the radial evolution of turbulence at kinetic scales [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The addition of Parker Solar Probe (PSP) to the Heliophysics System Observatory has allowed for the unprecedented ability to study Corotating Interaction Regions (CIRs) at multiple radial distances without significant temporal/longitudinal variations. On September 19, 2019, PSP observed a CIR at ∼0.5 au when it was nearly radially aligned with the Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory‐Ahead (STEREO‐A) spacecraft at ∼1 au, allowing for an unambiguous assessment of the radial evolution of a single CIR. Bulk plasma and magnetic field signatures of the CIR evolve in a fashion characteristic to previous observations; however, the suprathermal ions are enhanced over a larger longitudinal range at PSP than at STEREO‐A, although at much lower intensities. The longitudinal spread appears to be largely a consequence of magnetic field line topology at CIRs between the compressed slow solar wind upstream and high‐speed stream following the CIR, underscoring the importance of the large‐scale topology of these structures. Key Points: A CIR was observed by PSP and STA when the spacecraft were near radially alignedThe plasma measurements suggest only radial evolution has occurred between observationsDifferences in fast and slow solar wind magnetic topology lead to a wider longitudinal extent of the suprathermal ion enhancement at PSP [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The search-coil magnetometer (SCM) measures the magnetic signature of solar wind fluctuations with three components in the 3 Hz--50 kHz range and one single component in the 1 kHz-1 MHz range. This instrument is important for providing in situ observations of transients caused by interplanetary shocks and reconnection, for the identification of electromagnetic wave modes in plasmas and the determination of their characteristics (planarity, polarization, ellipticity, and k-vector) and for studying the turbulent cascade in the kinetic range. Two similar triaxial search-coils have been built for the Parker Solar Probe and Solar Orbiter missions. Here we describe the science objectives of both missions which led to the SCM design and present the characteristics of the two instruments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While not specifically designed as a planetary mission, NASA's Parker Solar Probe (PSP) mission uses a series of Venus gravity assists (VGAs) in order to reduce its perihelion distance. These orbital maneuvers provide the opportunity for direct measurements of the Venus plasma environment at high cadence. We present first observations of kinetic scale turbulence in the Venus magnetosheath from the first two VGAs. In VGA1, PSP observed a quasi‐parallel shock, β ∼ 1 magnetosheath plasma, and a kinetic range scaling of k−2.9. VGA2 was characterized by a quasi‐perpendicular shock with β ∼ 10, and a steep k−3.4 spectral scaling. Temperature anisotropy measurements from VGA2 suggest an active mirror mode instability. Significant coherent waves are present in both encounters at sub‐ion and electron scales. Using conditioning techniques to exclude these electromagnetic wave events suggests the presence of developed sub‐ion kinetic turbulence in both magnetosheath encounters. Key Points: Observations from Parker Solar Probe reveal kinetic scale turbulence in the Venus magnetosheathDifferences in kinetic range spectral indices between flyby‐encounters are possibly due to shock geometry and kinetic plasma instabilities [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The solar wind is slowed, deflected, and heated as it encounters Venus's induced magnetosphere. The importance of kinetic plasma processes to these interactions has not been examined in detail, due to a lack of constraining observations. In this study, kinetic‐scale electric field structures are identified in the Venusian magnetosheath, including plasma double layers. The double layers may be driven by currents or mixing of inhomogeneous plasmas near the edge of the magnetosheath. Estimated double‐layer spatial scales are consistent with those reported at Earth. Estimated potential drops are similar to electron temperature gradients across the bow shock. Many double layers are found in few high cadence data captures, suggesting that their amplitudes are high relative to other magnetosheath plasma waves. These are the first direct observations of plasma double layers beyond near‐Earth space, supporting the idea that kinetic plasma processes are active in many space plasma environments. Plain Language Summary: Venus has no internally generated magnetic field, yet electric currents running through its ionized upper atmosphere create magnetic fields that push back against the flow of the solar wind. These induced fields cause the solar wind to slow and heat as the flow is deflected around Venus. This work reports observations of very small plasma structures that accelerate particles, identifiable by their characteristic electric field signatures, at the boundary where the solar wind starts to be deflected. These small plasma structures observed at Venus have been studied in near‐Earth space for decades but have never before been found near another planet. These structures are known to be important to the physics of strong electrical currents in space plasmas and the blending of dissimilar plasmas. Their identification at Venus is a strong demonstration that these small plasma structures are a universal plasma phenomena, at work in many plasma environments. Key Points: Plasma double layers are detected near the Venusian bow shockMultiple double layers are identified in a small amount of burst dataKinetic processes may help mediate interaction between the solar wind and induced magnetospheres [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NASA's Parker Solar Probe (PSP) mission is currently investigating the local plasma environment of the inner heliosphere (<0.25 R⊙) using both in situ and remote sensing instrumentation. Connecting signatures of microphysical particle heating and acceleration processes to macroscale heliospheric structure requires sensitive measurements of electromagnetic fields over a large range of physical scales. The FIELDS instrument, which provides PSP with in situ measurements of electromagnetic fields of the inner heliosphere and corona, includes a set of three vector magnetometers: two fluxgate magnetometers (MAGs) and a single inductively coupled search‐coil magnetometer (SCM). Together, the three FIELDS magnetometers enable measurements of the local magnetic field with a bandwidth ranging from DC to 1 MHz. This manuscript reports on the development of a merged data set combining SCM and MAG (SCaM) measurements, enabling a high fidelity data product with an optimal signal‐to‐noise ratio. On‐ground characterization tests of complex instrumental responses and noise floors are discussed as well as application to the in‐flight calibration of FIELDS data. The algorithm used on PSP/FIELDS to merge waveform observations from multiple sensors with optimal signal‐to‐noise characteristics is presented. In‐flight analysis of calibrations and merging algorithm performance demonstrates a timing accuracy to well within the survey rate sample period of ∼340 μs. Key Points: We develop a technique to merge search‐coil and fluxgate magnetometer measurementsIn‐flight analysis shows that calibrations are accurate to within 100 μs [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A certain type of impulsive signal in the Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO) electric field data has been identified as impacts of small dust, nanodust, entrained by the solar wind and accelerated to solar wind speeds, so that their speed compensates, in the emitted cloud, for their small size. It is argued here that these signals, called single hit signals, are not due to nanodust nor to dust impacts at all, as they have some characteristics which are not compatible with random hits by interplanetary and interstellar dust. The major observational data for the flux of nanodust are then in question. Another cause of these signals, however, is not given, and their cause is unknown. Key Points: STEREO single hits are not dust impactsObservational evidence for accelerated nanodust is inadequateSTEREO single hit cause is unknown [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This article explores whether differential time horizons in legislative chambers that result from staggered membership renewal affect legislative behaviour. The analysis focuses on patterns of bill initiation and the introduction of amendments in the upper chambers of Australia, France, Germany and Japan – all four of which contain two or more classes of members that face re‐election at different times. Drawing on original comparative data, clear evidence is found of over‐time variation in legislative activity levels in the upper chambers. Approaching elections lead to increased activity levels, with increases in the introduction of bills, but also, to a lesser extent, amending activity. Such variation is found not only for those members facing the most proximate election, but for all members of the chamber. Importantly, there are no significant differences in legislative behaviour between those members up for re‐election and those not facing the electorate in the most proximate election. These patterns are interpreted tentatively as evidence of the paramount importance of political parties in parliamentary systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular genetics and genomics are revolutionizing the study and treatment of inherited eye diseases. In recognition of the impact of molecular genetics on vision and ophthalmology, the National Eye Institute established the National Ophthalmic Disease Genotyping and Phenotyping Network ( eyeGENE®) as a multidirectional research initiative whereby a clinical component for patients diagnosed with inherited eye disease fosters research into the causes and mechanisms of these ophthalmic diseases. This is accomplished by broadening access to genetic diagnostic testing and maintaining a repository of DNA samples from clinically characterized individuals and their families to allow investigations of the causes, interventions, and management of genetic eye disorders. The eyeGENE® Network currently includes Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments ( CLIA)-certified diagnostic laboratory partners, over 270 registered clinical organizations with 500 registered users from around the United States and Canada, and is now testing approximately 100 genes representing 35 inherited eye diseases. To date, the Network has received 4400 samples from individuals with rare inherited eye diseases, which are available for access by the vision research community. eyeGENE® is a model partnership between the U.S. federal government, eye health care providers, CLIA-approved molecular diagnostic laboratories, private industry, and scientists who represent a broad research constituency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Goetz K., Beutel S., Mueller G., Trierweiler-Hauke B. & Mahler C. (2011) Work-related behaviour and experience patterns of nurses. International Nursing Review 59, 88-93 Introduction. Nursing working conditions are characterized by heavy workloads and extensive responsibilities. The aim of our study was to report and to compare the actual conditions of work-related behaviour and experience patterns of nurses working on intensive care units (ICUs) and intermediate care in a reference sample of nurses. Methods: The study was designed as a cross-sectional survey with a sample of ICU and intermediate care nurses in one hospital in Germany and a reference sample of nurses (n = 378). Data were analysed regarding 11 health-relevant dimensions and four behaviour patterns examined by the questionnaire 'Work-Related Behaviour and Experience Patterns'. Group comparison was evaluated with independent t-test. The survey also collected demographic data. Results: In total, 86 of 158 questionnaires (54.4%) were returned. ICU and intermediate care nurses mainly differed in the health dimensions 'career ambition' and 'satisfaction with work', and had equal mean scores in 'experiences of social support'. The most common pattern for the majority in our sample was the withdrawal pattern (46.8 %). 17.7% showed the burnout pattern. One third of our sample showed a healthy pattern (25.3%). Conclusions: It was possible to identify clear risk patterns for our sample of ICU and intermediate care nursing staff and to demonstrate that an essential aim should be to minimize the risk of burnout by strengthening nurses' individual, as well as work-related resources by applying a salutogenic approach. Leadership should reinforce motivational aspects to prevent staff withdrawal and to keep nurses in the workforce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigates the structure refinement of the silicon carbide polytypes. Atomic positions of the silicon carbide; Values of the structure factors of the quasiforbidden reflections.