Passage 1 The changes in globally averaged temperature that have occurred at the Earth’s surface over the past century are similar in size and timing to those __21__ by models that take into account the combined influences of human factors and solar variability. To __22__ the question of attribution requires the __23__ of more powerful and complex methods, beyond the use of global averages __24__ . New studies have focused on comparing maps or patterns of temperature change in __25__ and in models.

 It is difficult to even imagine what __26__ the devastation would be if a solar super storm destroyed all of our electrical grids. How long would this last? No one is sure of the time frame, but we could be without electricity for weeks __27__ . A solar super storm would __28__ havoc on our banking system. No one would be able to use credit cards. Commerce and trade as we know it would completely disappear. The ability to buy food or gas using a credit card would come to __29__ . Almost everyone on the planet would be caught off guard since, in this modern age, it is rare to carry large amounts cash. If this __30__ a science fiction story, an action hero might save the day. In this case, the heroes might be the satellites that accurately predict the storm!

         Parkinson’s disease, first described in the early 1800s by British physician James Parkinson as “shaking palsy,” is among the most prevalent neurological disorders. According to the United Nations, at least four million people worldwide have it； in North America, estimates run from 500,000 to one million, with about 50,000 diagnosed every year. These figures are expected to double by 2040 as the world’s elderly population grows； indeed, Parkinson’s and other neurodegenerative illnesses common in the elderly (such as Alzheimer’s and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) are on their way to overtaking cancer as a leading cause of death. But the disease is not entirely one of the aged: 50 percent of patients acquire it after age 60； the other half are affected before then. Furthermore, better diagnosis has made experts increasingly aware that the disorder can attack those younger than 40.
         So far researchers and clinicians have found no way to slow, stop or prevent Parkinson’s. Although treatments do exist, including drugs and deep-brain stimulation, these therapies alleviate symptoms, not causes. In recent years, however, several promising developments have occurred. In particular, investigators who study the role proteins play have linked miscreant proteins to genetic underpinnings of the disease. Such findings are feeding optimism that fresh angles of attack can be identified.
          As its 19th-century name suggests and as many people know from the educational efforts of prominent Parkinson’s sufferers such as Janet Reno, Muhammad Ali and Michael J. Fox—the disease is characterized by movement disorders. Tremor in the hands, arms and elsewhere, limb rigidity, slowness of movement, and impaired balance and coordination are among the disease’s hallmarks. In addition, some patients have trouble walking, talking, sleeping, urinating and performing sexually.
         These impairments result from neurons dying. Although the victim cells are found throughout the brain, those producing the neurotransmitter dopamine in a region called the substantia nigra are particularly hardhit. These dopaminergic nerve cells are key components of the basal ganglia, a complex circuit deep within the brain that fine-tunes and coordinates movement. Initially the brain can function normally as it loses dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, even though it cannot replace the dead cells. But when half or more of these specialized cells disappear, the brain can no longer cover for them. The deficit then produces the same effect that losing air traffic control does at a major airport. Delay, false starts, cancellations and, ultimately, chaos pervade as parts of the brain involved in motor control—the thalamus, basal ganglia and cerebral cortex—no longer function as an integrated and orchestrated unit.

         By now, the disruptions to the supply chain are widely known. The still unfolding turmoil has been amplified by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine along with fresh COVID lockdowns imposed in China. Yet the story of how a single container made it from coastal China to central Mississippi shows the complexity of the troubles — a condition unlikely to give way to normalcy anytime soon.
         The order that Mr. Walker placed for the Christmas season just past was the most important in Glo’s brief history. His light-up cubes had begun as a playful way to garnish a cocktail. They had since evolved into the glowing midsection for a variety of children’s bath toys. The company had recently forged ties with a giant in children’s education and entertainment — Sesame Street. This order represented the debut offerings of this partnership. Glo was to produce thousands of light-up dolls in the incarnation of Elmo, the Sesame Street icon, plus thousands more for a new character named Julia.