Comparison of stratospheric evolution during the major sudden stratospheric warming events in 2018 and 2019

Using Modern-Era Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications,Version 2(MERRA-2)data in the northern hemisphere at the 10 hPa level,we compared the stratospheric evolution of temperature and geopotential height during two major sudden stratosphere warming events(SSWs)that occurred in the Arctic winter of 2018 and 2019.In the prewarming period,poleward temperature-enhanced regions were mainly located around 120°E with a displaced vortex and around 120°E and 60°W with splitting vortices.The evolution of geopotential height indicated that these temperature-enhanced regions were both on the western side of high-latitude anticyclones.In the postwarming period,the polar vortex turned from splitting to displacement in the 2018 SSW but from displacement to splitting in the 2019 SSW.Both transitions were observed over the Atlantic region,which may have been caused by anticyclones moving through the polar region.Our findings revealed that the evolution of the anticyclone is important during SSWs and is closely related to temperature-enhanced regions in the prewarming periods and to transitions of the polar vortices in postwarming periods.

Anomalous changes of temperature and ozone QBOs in 2015−2017 from radiosonde observation and MERRA-2 reanalysis

Anomalous changes of zonal wind quasi-biennial oscillation(QBO)in winter 2015−2016 have received close attention.Combining radiosonde and satellite observations and reanalysis data,we investigate anomalous changes in temperature and ozone QBOs from the lower to middle stratosphere.As wind shear direction is reversed due to unexpected changes of zonal wind QBO at about 24−30 km,the shortest cold phase at 21−27 km appears in temperature QBO.This is different from the completely interrupted westward phase in zonal wind QBO,while the longest cold phase above almost 27 km lasts for 2−3 years from 2015 to 2017,owing to the absence of corresponding warm phase.Meridional scale reduction of temperature QBO causes a small temperature anomaly,thus the thermal wind relationship looks seemingly different from that in the other regular QBO cycles.QBO in the ozone mixing ratio anomaly shows a double-peak with inverse phase,and its phase below(above)30 km is in agreement with(opposite to)the phase of temperature QBO because of different control mechanisms of ozone.Following temperature QBO variation,QBO in the ozone mixing ratio anomaly exhibits a less positive phase at 20−30 km in 2016−2017,and a very long positive phase above 30 km from 2015 to 2017.QBO in total column ozone shows a small peak in winter 2016−2017 since ozone is mainly concentrated at 20 to 30 km.Anomalous changes of temperature and ozone QBOs due to unexpected QBO zonal wind variation can be well-explained according to thermal wind balance and thermodynamic balance.

Characteristics of the quasi-16-day wave in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere region as revealed by meteor radar,Aura satellite,and MERRA2 reanalysis data from 2008 to 2017

This study presents an analysis of the quasi-16-day wave(Q16DW)at three stations in the middle latitudes by using a meteor radar chain in conjunction with Aura Microwave Limb Sounder temperature data and MERRA2(Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications,Version 2)reanalysis data from 2008 to 2017.The radar chain consists of three meteor radar stations located at Mohe(MH,53.5°N,122.3°E),Beijing(BJ,40.3°N,116.2°E),and Wuhan(WH,30.5°N,114.6°E).The Q16DW wave exhibits similar seasonal variation in the neutral wind and temperature,and the Q16DW amplitude is generally strong during winter and weak around summer.The Q16DW at BJ was found to have secondary enhancement around September in the zonal wind,which is rarely reported at similar latitudes.The latitudinal variations of the Q16DW in the neutral wind and temperature are quite different.The Q16DW at BJ is the most prominent in both neutral wind components among the three stations and the Q16DW amplitudes at MH and WH are comparable,whereas the wave amplitude in temperature decreases with decreasing latitude.The quasi-geostrophic refractive index squared at the three stations in the period from 2008 to 2017 was revealed.The results indicate that the Q16DW in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere(MLT)at MH has a limited contribution from the lower atmosphere.Around March and October,the Q16DW in the troposphere at BJ can propagate upward into the MLT region,whereas at WH,the contribution to the Q16DW in the MLT region is largely from the mesosphere.

Comparison of Clinical Outcomes of Cortical Bone Trajectory and Traditional Pedicle Screw Fixation in Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion

Posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) is a common surgical procedure and widely used in the treatment of lumbar degenerative disc disorders. Traditionally, posterior lumbar interbody fusion is done by using the traditional pedicle screw (PS) which offers great advantages, but at the same time it has some disadvantages which include the risk of superior facet joint violation and muscle damage. Recently, an alternative method of screw insertion via cortical bone trajectory (CBT) has been invented which has less invasive process and can be placed without the drawbacks associated with the traditional pedicle screw. However, it has to remain an interest whether CBT will provide similar or greater clinical outcomes compared to PS in PLIF. So the main aim of this review is to compare the clinical outcomes of cortical bone trajectory and traditional pedicle screw fixation in posterior lumbar interbody fusion based on the articles published on this topic. Compared to the traditional pedicle screw fixation, PLIF with CBT has similar clinical outcome based on pain intensity, ODI status and JOA score, as well as similar fusion rate and radiological evaluated complication such as loosening of screw. In addition PLIF with CBT has advantages of less facet joint violation, less blood loss, less intraoperative muscle damage and perioperative pain. On the basis of this study, we can suggest that PLIF with CBT can be considered as a reasonable alternative to PS in PLIF.

What Can Topology Bring to Chemistry?

The unique mathematical perspectives and principal concepts of topology have not only promoted the development of other branches of mathematics but have also deeply influenced other subjects,particularly physics and chemistry.This minireview aims to elucidate the substantial influence of topology on chemistry by critically examining both the contributions of topology to current chemical science and its potential future impacts.We will discuss the topology of molecular structures and assemblies across various scales—from small molecules and mechanically interlocked molecules to polymers,biomacromolecules,and supramolecular networks.This discussion will include an exploration of cutting-edge techniques for characterizing topological features,underscoring the role of topology as a novel paradigm for the design and synthesis of new molecular assemblies.Furthermore,a critical analysis of topology’s role in the development of functional materials—such as photonic materials,polymers,biomacromolecules,and chiral materials—will demonstrate its emerging significance as a crucial parameter in unveiling novel properties and functionalities.Given topology’s formidable potential,it is anticipated to be used increasingly to address pivotal challenges within chemistry and adjacent disciplines.

未来已来--合成化学迈进智能化时代

近年来,欧美发达国家将人工智能应用于合成化学并取得了一系列重要成果.就我国而言,结合大数据分析、机器学习以及相关智能硬件的集成,开发中国品牌的“AI Chemists”迫在眉睫.本文结合人工智能在合成化学中的不同应用场景,从4个方面介绍现阶段人工智能在合成化学领域面临的挑战,并提出潜在的应对思路.

Potassium tantalate niobate crystals:Efficient quadratic electro-optic materials and their laser modulation technology

Electro-optic(EO)crystals are important material for all-solid-state laser technology,which can be used to fabricate various laser modulators,such as EO switches,laser deflectors,and optical waveguide.The improvements in new high-efficiency EO crystal materials have held great significance to the development of laser technology.Potassium tantalate niobate(KTN)is a popular multifunctional crystal because of its remarkable and excellent quadratic EO effect.KTN EO modulation technology offers numerous advantages,such as high efficiency,good stability,a quick response time,and inertia-free characteristics.In this paper,we summarize the research progress of KTN series crystals systemically,including the theoretical exploration on quadratic EO effect,solid-melt crystal growth technique,comprehensive physical characterization,new physical effect and mechanisms exploration,new EO devices development and design.The EO modulation technique based on the Kerr effect of KTN series crystal offers obvious advantages in reducing the drive voltage and device size,which could better meet the developmental needs of future lasers with a wide wavelength,miniaturization,and integration.This may provide theoretical guidance and an experimental basis for the design and development of new EO crystal devices and promote the development of laser technology.

Long-term variation of Arctic Sudden Stratospheric Warmings(SSW)and potential causes

Utilizing the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecast(ECMWF)Reanalysis v5(ERA5),for the first time,we have confirmed close links among Sudden Stratospheric Warmings(SSWs)in the Northern Hemisphere(NH),the polar vortices,and stratospheric Planetary Waves(PWs)by analyzing and comparing their trends.Interestingly,within overall increasing trends,the duration and strength of SSWs exhibit increasing and decreasing trends before and after the winter of 2002,respectively.To reveal possible physical mechanisms driving these trends,we analyzed the long-term trends of the winter(from December to February)polar vortices and of stratospheric PWs with zonal wave number 1.Notably,our results show that in all three time periods(the entire period of 41winters,1980 to 2020,and the two subperiods—1980-2002 and 2002-2020)enhancing SSWs were always accompanied by weakening winter polar vortices and strengthening polar PWs like Stationary Planetary Waves(SPWs)and 16-day waves,and vice versa.This is the first proof,based on ERA5 long-term trend data,that weakening polar vortices and enhancing stratospheric PWs(especially SPWs)could cause an increase in SSWs.

合成化学发展规划概述

合成化学是化学科学的核心,其根本任务在于创造新物质,并为其他相关学科的发展提供强大支撑.本文简要介绍了国家自然科学基金委员会化学科学部化学科学一处(合成化学)"十四五"及中长期发展规划、学科布局、申请代码和研究方向,供相关人员参考.新申请代码于2021年启用.

2018~2020年国家自然科学基金委员会合成化学领域项目申请和评审工作概述

国家自然科学基金委员会化学科学部于2017年完成申请代码重组,其中调整组建的合成化学(B01)领域主要面向物质转化和合成方法,重点关注无机、有机、高分子等物质的合成与组装.本文对2018~2020年期间,合成化学领域的项目申请与资助情况进行了总结和评述,提出了一些建议和展望,供相关人员参考.

Green Stereoregular Polymerization of Poly(methyl methacrylate)s Through Vesicular Catalysis

Stereoselective polymerization can yield polymers with specific tacticity and properties,and it is an essential topic throughout polymer synthesis history.Herein,we report for the first time on a vesicular catalysis method to realize the green stereoregular polymerization of isotactic-rich poly(methyl methacrylate)(PMMA)in water and at ambient temperature and pressure,namely by conducting the polymerization of MMA monomers in the confined 5-10 nm thick hydrophobic layers of hyperbranched polymer vesicles.The isotactic degree of the as-prepared PMMAs increases from 12% to 40% with the decrease of vesicle size from 840 to 85 nm in hydrodynamic diameter(Dh)due to the conformation confinement effect of MMA monomers inside the thin vesicle membranes through a curvature-dependent way.The present work has extended the scope of green chemistry,and it also represents a new application of polymer vesicles in stereoregular polymerization.

Guest-Mediated Hierarchical Self-Assembly of Dissymmetric Organic Cages to Form Supramolecular Ferroelectrics Guest-Mediated Hierarchical Self-Assembly of Dissymmetric Organic Cages to Form Supramolecular Ferroelectrics

Herein,we report on the guest-responsive hierarchical self-assembly of dissymmetric cage DC-1 with an intrinsic dipole along its C_(3)-symmetric axis.DC-1 molecules self-assemble into supramolecular columns with themolecular dipoles aligned along the columnar axis.Mediated by different host-guest interactions of ethyl acetate(EtOAc)and chloroform(CHCl_(3)),the columns are arranged in an antiparallel and parallel fashion,respectively,leading to a switch of the centrosym metric and noncentrosymmetric superstructures.The symmetry of themolecular packing of DC-1 molecules of the noncentrosymmetric crystalline phase is therefore broken,producing a supramolecular ferroelectric with second-harmonic generation and piezoelectric responses.We demonstrate that cages can serve as promising building blocks for the discovery of supramolecular materials with emergent functions and properties,including but not limited to,organic ferroelectrics and nonlinear optics.

Catenated Cages Mediated by Enthalpic Reaction Intermediates

Catenated cages are generally considered thermodynamically more stable than their constituent monomeric cages.However,the catenation mechanism is yet to be elucidated;it would require systematic investigation into the structural effects of the building blocks,their enthalpic and entropic contributions,and the effect of solvents.By inspecting these factors,we rationalized some design principles for the efficient construction of catenated cages.