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Objectives: Tall cell variant (TCV) papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is a subtype of PTC associated with aggressive tumor behavior, advanced stage, and higher rates of recurrence and mortality. The present study aimed to test an established dynamic risk stratification tool in the TCV population, with the goal of better predicting the postoperative course of these patients., Study Design: Retrospective chart review., Methods: A total of 94 patients with TCV who underwent total thyroidectomy with radioactive iodine ablation were retrospectively reviewed from 1998 through 2020. Biochemical, structural, and overall response to treatment was determined for each patient, based on postoperative thyroglobulin levels and imaging findings. Primary outcomes were locoregional and distant recurrence, presence of disease at final follow-up, need for additional intervention, and disease-specific mortality., Results: Patients with TCV who were stratified as having an excellent overall response to treatment had lower rates of locoregional recurrence than indeterminate, biochemical incomplete, and structural incomplete responses (2.0%, 33.3%, 55.0%, and 85.7% at 5 years respectively, p < 0.001). The same was true for distant recurrence as well (2.0%, 9.0%, 35.1%, and 42.9%, p < 0.001). An excellent response was also associated with lower rates of presence of disease at final follow-up, need for additional intervention, and disease-specific mortality., Conclusions: Although TCV is an aggressive subtype associated with worse clinical outcomes than classical PTC, patients with an excellent overall response to treatment have significantly improved outcomes when compared to indeterminate, biochemical incomplete, and structural incomplete responses., Level of Evidence: 3 Laryngoscope, 133:2430-2438, 2023., (© 2023 The Authors. The Laryngoscope published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.)

Abstract: We report the detection of bright aurora spanning Mars' nightside during the space weather event occurring in September 2017. The phenomenon was similar to diffuse aurora detected previously at Mars, but 25 times brighter and detectable over the entire visible nightside. The observations were made with the Imaging UltraViolet Spectrograph, a remote sensing instrument on the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN spacecraft orbiting Mars. Images show that the emission was brightest around the limb of the planet, with a fairly uniform faint glow against the disk itself. Spectra identified four molecular emissions associated with aurora, and limb scans show the emission originated from an altitude of ~60 km in the atmosphere. Both are consistent with very high energy particle precipitation. The auroral brightening peaked around 13 September, when the flux of solar energetic electrons and protons both peaked. During the declining phase of the event, faint but statistically significant auroral emissions briefly appeared against the disk of the planet in the form of narrow wisps and small patches. These features are approximately aligned with predicted open field lines in the region of strong crustal magnetic fields in Mars' southern hemisphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The title salt, C3H6N3S2 (+)·Cl(-)·H2O, crystallized with two organic cations, two chloride anions and two water mol-ecules in the asymmetric unit. The methyl C atoms deviate from their respective bound ring planes by 0.081 and 0.002 Å. In the crystal, the components are connected via N-H⋯O, N-H⋯Cl and O-H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds, forming sheets lying parallel to (100). The sheets are linked into bilayers by O-H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds involving the chloride ions and water mol-ecules. Within the bilayers there are π-π inter-actions [inter-centroid distances = 3.4654 (4) and 3.4789 (4) Å] involving inversion-related cations.

In the title hydrated mol-ecular salt, 2C5H8N3O(+)·SO4 (2-)·H2O, the components are linked by N-H⋯Os and Ow-H⋯Os (s = sulphate, w = water) hydrogen bonds, generating a layer by a+b+c and 2a-b translations. The cations are arranged nearly in parallel and show displaced π-π stacking centroid-centroid distance = 4.661 (2) Å between adjacent layers.

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, [K3(C4H2N3O4)3(H2O)2] n , contains two potassium cations (one in general position, one located on a twofold rotation axis), one and a half oxonate anions (the other half generated by twofold symmetry) and one water mol-ecule. As a result of the twofold symmetry, one H atom of the symmetric anion is statistically occupied. Both potassium cations are surrounded by eight oxygen atoms in the form of distorted polyhedra. Adjacent cations are inter-connected by oxygen bridges, generating layers parallel to (100). The aromatic ring system of the oxonate anions link these layers into a network structure. The crystal packing is stabilized by N-H⋯O, O-H⋯O and O-H⋯N hydrogen bonds, three of which are bifurcated. In addition, inter-molecular π-π stacking inter-actions exist between neighboring aromatic rings with a centroid-centroid distance of 3.241 (2) Å.

In the crystal structure of the title organic-inorganic hybrid material, (C10H22N2)[ZnCl4], the tetrachloridozincate anions and 1-cyclohexylpiperazine-1,4-diium dications are interconnected via N-H...Cl and C-H...Cl hydrogen bonds to form layers parallel to the (001) plane. The cyclohexyl groups from adjacent chains interdigitate, thus building the three-dimensional structure. The piperazinium and cyclohexyl rings exhibit regular spatial chair conformations. The title salt was also characterized by FT-IR and Raman spectroscopic analyses.

In the title compound, [Mg(C3H3N2)4(H2O)2]Cl2, the Mg(II) cation lies on a crystallographic inversion centre and is coordinated by two water mol-ecules and four N-atom donors from monodentate imidazole ligands, giving a slightly distorted octa-hedral stereochemistry. In the crystal, water O-H⋯Cl and imidazole N-H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds give rise to a three-dimensional structure.

In the title compound, C5H9N4 (+)·NO3 (-), the organic cations and the nitrate anions have both crystallographically imposed mirror symmetry and are linked via N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming infinite chains running along the c-axis direction. The values of the N-O bond lengths [1.2256 (19)-1.2642 (18) Å] and O-N-O angles [118.39 (16)-121.64 (15)°] indicate that the nitrate anion exhibits a slightly distorted C3h geometry. The N atom of the NH2 group has sp (2) character.

In the title molecular salt, C6H10N2 (2+)·2ClO4 (-), the Cl-O bond lengths [anion 1: 1.369 (3)-1.415 (3); anion 2: 1.420 (2)-1.441 (2) Å] and the O-Cl-O angles [anion 1: 105.4 (2)-111.8 (4); anion 2: 107.8 (1)-110.3 (1)°] indicate a slight distortion of the perchlorate anions from regular tetra-hedral symmetry. In the crystal, the components are linked into columns along the a-axis direction via N-H⋯O and C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, with stacks of the organic mol-ecules being surrounded by stacks of perchlorate anions.

In the title mol-ecular salt, C6H10N2 (2+)·NO3 (-)·Cl(-), the complete cation is generated by a crystallographic mirror plane. The complete nitrate ion is also generated by reflection, with the N atom and one O atom lying on the mirror plane; the chloride ion also lies on the reflection plane. In the crystal, the components are linked by N-H⋯Cl and N-H⋯(N,O) hydrogen bonds, forming (001) layers with the benzene rings projecting into the inter-layer regions. The layers are linked by weak C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, generating a three-dimensional network.

The asymmetric unit of the title salt, C(6)H(9)ClN(2) (2+)·2H(2)PO(4) (-), contains two dihydrogenphosphate anions and one 2-chloro-benzene-1,4-diaminium dication. The H(2)PO(4) (-) anions are inter-connected through strong O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds to form two-dimensional infinite layers parallel to (001). The organic entities are anchored to the inorganic layers through N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, and through weak C-Cl⋯O halogen bonds [3.159 (2) Å, 140.48 (7)°]. No π-π stacking inter-actions between neighboring aromatic rings or C-H⋯π inter-actions towards them are observed. Minor disorder is observed for the Cl atom and one hy-droxy group [minor-component occupancy = 3.29 (9)%].

In the crystal structure of the title molecular salt, 3C2H5N4(+)·HPO4(2-)·H2PO4(-)·3H2O, the phosphate-based framework is built upon layers parallel to (010) made up from the H2PO4(-) and HPO4(2-) anions and water mol-ecules, which are inter-connected through O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds. The organic cations are located between the phosphate-water layers and are connected to them via N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds. The bond-length features are consistent with an imino resonance form for the exocyclic amino group, as is commonly found for a C-N single bond involving sp(2)-hybridized C and N atoms.

The structure of the title compound, C(6)H(18)N(3)·HPO(4)·H(2)PO(4), is characterized by two kinds of inorganic chains running along the a-axis direction. The first one is composed of HPO(4) (2-) anions, while the second one is built up by H(2)PO(4) (-) anions. Both types of chains are held together by O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds. The organic cations are attached to these chains through N-H⋯O and C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds. The piperazin-1,4-diium ring adopts a chair conformation.

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, 2C(10)H(18)N(+)·HPO(4) (2-)·1.5C(4)H(4)O(4), contains two adamantan-1-aminium cations, one hydrogen phosphate anion, and one and a half mol-ecules of fumaric acid, one of which exhibits crystallographic inversion symmetry. Each HPO(4) (2-) anion is hydrogen bonded, via all of its O atoms, to four NH(3) (+) groups of the adamantan-1-aminium cations, forming chains along [100]. These chains are, in turn, inter-connected via a set of O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds involving the fumaric acid solvent mol-ecules, forming layers parallel to (001). Weak C-H⋯O inter-actions lead to a consolidation of the three-dimensional set-up.

In the title hydrated salt, C(8)H(11)N(2)O(+)·NO(3) (-)·H(2)O, the N-C bond distances [1.349 (2) and 1.413 (2) Å] along with the sum of the angles (359.88°) around the acetamide N atom clearly indicate that the heteroatom has an sp(2) character. The ammonium group is involved in a total of three N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, two of these are with a water mol-ecule, which forms two O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds. All these hydrogen bonds link the ionic units and the water mol-ecule into infinite planar layers parallel to (100). The remaining two N-H⋯O inter-actions in which the ammoniun group is involved link these layers into an infinite three-dimensional network.

In the title compound, {(C(5)H(14)N(2))[Cd(2)Cl(6)]·H(2)O}(n), the asymmetric unit contains one piperazinediium cation, one [Cd(2)Cl(6)](2-) anion and a water mol-ecule. The coordination geometries of the two Cd(2+) cations are distorted octa-hedral. Adjacent Cd(II) atoms are inter-connected alternately by paired chloride bridges, generating polymeric chains parallel to [010]. Neighbouring chains are connected by O-H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds involving the water mol-ecules, forming layers at z = n/2. The crystal packing is further stabilized by inter-molecular N-H⋯Cl and N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, one of which is bifurcated.

In the title compound, C(5)H(8)N(3)O(+)·ClO(4) (-)·C(5)H(7)N(3)O·H(2)O, each perchlorate anion is paired with a protonated cationic 2-amino-6-methyl-pyrimidin-4(1H)-one and another non-protonated entity of the same organic pyrimidinone. The crystal structure is stabilized by N-H⋯O(org), N-H⋯O(water), N-H⋯O(ClO4), O-H⋯O(ClO4), N-H⋯N and C-H⋯O(ClO4) hydrogen bonds between the anions, organic entities and water mol-ecules. Inter-molecular π-π stacking inter-actions between neighbouring organic rings are observed with a face-to-face distance of 3.776 (2) Å, and O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds link the perchlorate anions and the water mol-ecules into chains along the b-axis direction. The perchlorate anion and the inter-stitial water mol-ecule are disordered over two mutually incompatible positions with a common occupancy ratio of 0.678 (16):0.322 (16).

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, (C(7)H(7)N(2)S)(2)[ZnCl(4)], contains a network of 2-amino-benzothia-zolium cations and tetra-hedral [ZnCl(4)](2-) anions. The crystal packing is influenced by cation-to-anion N-H⋯Cl and C-H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds. The [ZnCl(4)](2-) anions have a distorded tetra-hedral geometry. Inter-molecular π-π stacking inter-actions are present between neighboring benzene rings, thia-zole and benzene rings and neighboring thia-zole rings [centroid-centroid distances = 3.711 (2), 3.554 (1), 3.536 (2) and 3.572 (1) Å].

A new noncentrosymmetric organic-inorganic hybrid material, (C(8)H(12)N)(2)[ZnCl(4)], has been synthesized as single crystals at room temperature and characterized by X-ray diffraction and solid-state NMR spectroscopy. Its novel structure consists of two 4-methylbenzylammonium cations and one [ZnCl(4)](2-) anion connected by N-H···Cl and C-H···Cl hydrogen bonds, two of which are three-centre interactions. The Zn(II) metal centre has a slightly distorted tetrahedral coordination geometry. Results from (13)C CP-MAS NMR spectroscopy are in good agreement with the X-ray structure. Density functional theory calculations allow the assignment of the carbon peaks to the independent crystallographic sites., (© 2011 International Union of Crystallography)

In the title compound, (C(12)H(20)N(2))[ZnCl(4)]·H(2)O, the two piperazine N atoms are protonated and the [ZnCl(4)](2-) anions adopt a slightly distorted tetra-hedral configuration. In the crystal, O-H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds link the tetra-chloridozincate anions and the water mol-ecules into corrugated inorganic chains parallel to [010]. The crystal structure is stabilized by N-H⋯Cl, N-H⋯O and O-H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds, with the N-H hydrogen bond originating from one of the two N atoms being trifurcated.

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, (C(5)H(6)ClN(2))(2)[ZnCl(4)], contains two 2-amino-5-chloro-pyridinium cations and one [ZnCl(4)](2-) dianion which are held together by N-H⋯Cl and C-H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds. The [ZnCl(4)](2-) anions have a distorted tetra-hedral geometry. Weak inter-molecular π-π stacking inter-actions exist between neighbouring aromatic rings of the cations with a centroid-centroid distance of 3.712 (7) Å.

In the crystal structure of the title salt, C(8)H(12)NO(+)·Cl(-), the methoxy group of the cation is co-planar with the phenylene moiety with an r.m.s. deviation from the mean plane of only 0.005 Å. The ammonium N atom deviates from this plane by 1.403 (1) Å. In the crystal, the (4-meth-oxy-phen-yl)methan-aminium cations and chloride anions are linked by N-H⋯Cl and C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, resulting in an open framework architecture with hydrogen-bonded ammonium groups and chloride anions located in layers parallel to (011), separated by more hydrophobic layers with interdigitating anisole groups.

In the title compound, (C(4)H(12)N(2))[CdCl(4)]·H(2)O, the [CdCl(4)](2-) anions adopt a slightly distorted tetra-hedral configuration. In the crystal, O-H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds link the anions and water mol-ecules into corrugated inorganic chains along the b axis which are inter-connected via piperazinediiumN-H⋯O and N-H⋯Cl inter-actions into a three-dimensional framework structure.

In the title compound, (C(7)H(11)N(2))(2)[ZnCl(4)], [ZnCl(4)](2-) anions and 4-(dimethyl-amino)-pyridinium cations are held together by various inter-molecular inter-actions including Coulombic attraction, hydrogen bonding and π-π stacking inter-actions. Three Cl atoms of the [ZnCl(4)](2-) tetra-hedron act as acceptors in N-H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds. The hydrogen bonds, both of which are bifurcated, lead to the formation of a three-dimensional network. Within the network, inter-molecular π-π stacking inter-actions with a centroid-centroid distance of 3.5911 (7) Å arrange the 4-(dimethyl-amino)-pyridinium cations into anti-parallel dimers.

In the crystal structure of the title compound, C(12)H(12)N(+)·H(2)PO(4) (-), the dihydrogen phosphate anions and the 2-phenyl-anilinium cations are associated via O-H⋯O and N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds so as to build inorganic layers around the x = 1/2 plane. The organic entities are anchored between these layers through C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming a three-dimensional infinite network. The dihedral angle between the aromatic rings is 44.7 (4)°.

In the title compound, [CdCl(2)(C(5)H(7)N(3)O)(2)], the Cd(II) atom is six-coordinated by two heterocyclic N atoms [Cd-N = 2.261 (2) and 2.286 (2) Å] and two O atoms [Cd-O = 2.624 (2) and 2.692 (2) Å] from two bidentate chelate 2-amino-6-methyl-pyrimidin-4(1H)-one ligands and two chloride ions [Cd-Cl = 2.4674 (6) and 2.4893 (7) Å]. The crystal packing is characterized by an open-framework architecture with the crystal packing stabilized by inter-molecular N-H⋯Cl and N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds.

In the title compound, [Cu(ClO(4))(2)(C(12)H(8)N(2))(H(2)O)(2)], the Cu(II) atom is coordinated in a square-planar fashion by the two N atoms of a chelating 1,10-phenanthroline ligand and by two water mol-ecules trans to the N atoms. The coordination sphere of the metal atom is augmented by O atoms of two weakly bonded perchlorate anions, thus yielding a strongly distorted CuN(2)O(4) octa-hedral environment. The crystal packing is stabilized by O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds between the water mol-ecules and the perchlorate anions. In addition, the organic mol-ecules are associated by π-π stacking inter-actions between symmetry-equivalent anti-parallel non-nitro-gen aromatic rings, with inter-planar distances of 3.543 (2) Å.

In the title compound, [ZnCl(HPO(4))](C(5)H(8)NO), polymeric inorganic layers constructed from ZnO(3)Cl and PO(4) tetra-hedra are linked by O atoms: O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds occur within the layers. The organic cations occupy the interlayer regions and interact with the layers by way of N-H⋯O, N-H⋯Cl, and C-H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds.

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, (C(11)H(18)N(2))(2)[CdCl(6)]·2H(2)O, consists of one 1-benzyl-piperazine-1,4-diium dication, one water mol-ecule and one-half of a [CdCl(6)](4-) anion, located on an inversion centre. The crystal packing is governed by an extensive three-dimensional network of inter-molecular O-H⋯Cl, C-H⋯Cl, N-H⋯O and N-H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds, two of them bifurcated.

In the title compound, C(11)H(18)N(2) (2+)·2ClO(4) (-)·H(2)O, one perchlor-ate anion is disordered over two orientations in a 0.66 (3):0.34 (3) ratio. Inter-molecular O-H⋯O, N-H⋯O and C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds link the cations, anions and water mol-ecules into ribbons extending along [100].

The title compound, (C(8)H(12)NO)(C(16)H(18)NO(2))[ZnCl(4)]·H(2)O, was obtained as a by-product of the Zn(2+) and HCl catalyzed condensation of (2-meth-oxy-phen-yl)methanamine in water. Both cations feature an intra-molecular N-H⋯O hydrogen bond. In the crystal, the components are linked by an extensive three-dimensional network of N-H⋯O, O-H⋯Cl and N-H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds (three of them bifurcated). Weak C-H⋯O intera-ctions also occur.

In the title compound, [Cd(NO(3))(2)(C(5)H(7)N(3)O)(2)], the Cd(II) atom is eight-coordinated by two amine N atoms and two O atoms from two zwitterionic, biodentate 2-amino-6-methyl-pyrimidin-1-ium-4-olate ligands and by four O atoms from two nitrate groups. Intra-molecular N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds occur. The crystal packing is stabilized by inter-molecular N-H⋯O and C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, two of which are bifurcated, between the nitrate anions and the organic groups.

In the crystal structure of the title compound, C(9)H(22)N(2) (2+)·2H(2)PO(4) (-)·H(2)O, the H(2)PO(4) (-) anions are hydrogen bonded to each other, forming a ribbon parallel to the b axis. The water mol-ecules connect these ribbons via O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds. The organic cations are attached to the dihydrogen phosphate anions and water mol-ecules through N-H⋯O and C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming an infinite three-dimensional network.

In the title compound, (C(7)H(18)N(2)O)[ZnCl(4)], the Zn(II) ion is coordinated by four Cl atoms in a close to tetra-hedral geometry. The crystal packing exhibits C-H⋯Cl, N-H⋯Cl and N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds.

The title compound, C(6)H(10)N(2) (2+)·2Cl(-), contains a network of 4-(ammonio-meth-yl)pyridinium cations and chloride anions which are inter-connected by N-H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds. The crystal packing is also influenced by inter-molecular π-π stacking inter-actions between identical anti-parallel organic cations with a face-to-face distance of ca 3.52 Å.

The title compound, C(12)H(19)N(2) (+)·Cl(-)·H(2)O, contains a network of 4-(2,3-dimethyl-phen-yl)piperazin-1-ium cations, water mol-ecules and chloride anions. The crystal packing is influenced by O-H⋯Cl, N-H⋯Cl, N-H⋯O, C-H⋯O and C-H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds, resulting in structure with an open-framework architecture.

In the crystal structure of the title compound, (C(10)H(15)ClN(2))[ZnCl(4)]·H(2)O, the Zn atom is coordinated by four Cl atoms in a tetrahedral geometry. The water mol-ecules and the 1-(4-chloro-phen-yl)piperazine-1,4-diium cations inter-act with the [ZnCl(4)](2-) anions through O-H⋯Cl, N-H⋯Cl, N-H⋯O and C-H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds (five simple and one bifurcated). Inter-molecular π-π stacking inter-actions are present between adjacent aromatic rings of 1-(4-chloro-phenyl)-piperazine-1,4-diium cations (the centroid-centroid distance is 3.453 Å).

The growing interest in forward osmosis (FO) for water reclamation and desalination over the past two decades stems from its potential for lower energy consumption. Despite its promise, FO faces significant challenges, such as the lack of an appropriate draw solute, concentration polarization, membrane fouling, and reverse solute flux (RSF). Recent trends in research have focused on combining various technologies with FO to address these challenges. Notably, the integration of electrochemical technologies with FO offers new possibilities. This review covers FO combined with electrochemical cells (FO‐ECs), categorizing them based on their working principles and applications in improving FO. The review discusses different FO‐EC configurations, including (1) electrodialysis‐combined FO for RSF, (2) electro‐FO for water flux enhancement, and (3) electrochemical oxidation‐combined FO and FO with electro‐conductive membranes for self‐cleaning and fouling mitigation. Additionally, it covers (4) reusable electro‐responsive draw solutes, (5) electrochemical osmosis systems for metal removal and energy production, and (6) osmotic microbial fuel cells for energy recovery and other benefits. The review also assesses the practical applicability and potential for achieving carbon neutrality of the FO‐ECs. It concludes with a forward‐looking perspective, outlining future research directions to optimize and expand the use of electrochemical‐enhanced FO technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Script Concordance Test (SCT) assesses reasoning in the context of uncertainty. Because there is no single correct answer, scoring is based on the comparison of answers provided by examinees with those provided by members of a reference panel made up of experienced practitioners. The study aimed to assess the discriminatory power of the SCT based on the variability of the reference panel's answers. Items from a bank covering different family medicine domains were classified into 3 groups according to the degree of variability of answers provided by a pool of experienced doctors. A variability index (mean squared error) was used to select items in the low, moderate and high variability categories. A 102-item test (Cronbach's alpha 0.70), made up of 3 subtests of each category, was administered to 3 contrasting groups in family medicine: 157 clerkship students, 30 residents and 30 practising doctors. anova and effect size (ES) were used to quantify and test the discrimination power of the 3 subtests. The high variability subtest showed high effect size for discrimination between extreme groups (ES = 1.5; F = 16.3, P < 0.001), whereas the moderate variability subtest showed less effect size (ES = 0.56; F = 57, P = 0.041). The low variability subtest did not discriminate significantly (ES = 0.31; F = 2.9, P = 0.06). Variability of answers within the reference panel is a key component of the discriminatory power of the SCT. In accordance with theory, the presence of variability ensures discrimination between levels of clinical experience. These results imply important considerations for the construction of efficient SCTs.

The African Light Source (AfLS) project is now almost eight years old. This article assesses the history, current context and future of the project. There is by now considerable momentum in building the user community, including deep training, facilitating access to current facilities, growing the scientific output, scientific networks and growing the local laboratory-scale research infrastructure. The Conceptual Design Report for the AfLS is in its final editing stages. This document specifies the socio-economic and scientific rationales and the technical aspects amongst others. The AfLS is supported by many national and Pan-African scientific professional bodies and voluntary associates across many scientific disciplines, and there are stakeholders throughout the continent and beyond. The current roadmap phases have expanded to include national and Pan-African level conversations with policy makers through new Strategic Task Force groups. The document summarizes this progress and discusses the future of the project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discrete aurora are sporadic emissions of light originating in Mars upper atmosphere. We report nadir imaging observations from MAVEN's Imaging UltraViolet Spectrograph which identify the conditions which trigger electron precipitation causing these events. Prior studies have shown that discrete aurora events in the strong crustal magnetic field region in the southern hemisphere are the brightest and most repeatable compared to events occurring outside the region. Our new data set offers a more complete and accurate characterization of aurora in this area. The region of strongest crustal fields is composed of two distinct magnetic regions, with magnetic fields in opposite directions; discrete aurora events trigger in one region after dusk and in the other before dawn. Magnetic reconnection in these two adjacent regions with the draped interplanetary field may open the crustal fields in these regions during opposing local times. Particle precipitation can then cause discrete aurora at the observed times and locations. Plain Language Summary: Mars has a surprising variety of types of aurora, all different from Earth's "northern lights." Mars lacks the familiar high‐latitude aurora because it no longer has the same kind of global magnetic field Earth does. This study examines "discrete aurora" events that occur in region in Mars southern hemisphere that has retained some of the ancient magnetic field. It takes the form of long arcades of magnetic loops that resemble a set of arches. As Mars rotates, these arcades are carried around the planet as the solar wind and its imbedded magnetic field are carried past the planet. We show that when conditions are favorable, the magnetic field locked in the solar wind can interact and "reconnect" with Mars magnetic loops, allowing energetic particles to spiral down the field lines into the atmosphere to cause discrete aurora. Key Points: New data confirm that Mars discrete aurora events occur most frequently near strong crustal fields and vary with local timeAuroral events in adjacent regions with opposite magnetic polarity occur before or after midnight depending on local magnetic field directionMagnetic reconnection between crustal fields and the draped interplanetary field appears to control regional and local time behavior [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Characterization, understanding, and prediction of the Martian radio environment are of increasing importance to the forthcoming human exploration of Mars. Here we investigate 3–5 MHz radio absorption in the nightside ionosphere of Mars caused by enhanced ionization at <100 km altitudes during solar energetic particle (SEP) events. We conduct a quantitative analysis of radio absorption and SEP flux data that have been accumulated by two spacecraft currently orbiting Mars, thereby demonstrating that radio absorption is clearly correlated with SEP fluxes. A comparison of the observations with radio absorption properties predicted by a numerical model indicates that the relative temporal changes, radio frequency dependence, and SEP energy dependence of the observed radio absorption are in agreement with the model prediction. Meanwhile, the model systematically overestimates the radio absorption in the ionosphere by a factor of 3.7. We explore several sources of uncertainty, including the electron‐neutral collision frequency, absolute sensitivity of the SEP instrument, and limited transport of SEPs to the atmosphere, but the ultimate cause of the systematic discrepancy between the measured and modeled radio absorption is yet to be identified. Further efforts should be put into the development of a comprehensive and observationally validated model of radio absorption in the Martian ionosphere to assist the future crew and spacecraft activities on the surface of Mars. Plain Language Summary: Radio waves are widely used for communication, positioning, and navigation in our society. As human exploration of Mars progresses in the coming decades, radio technology will be in use for crew and spacecraft activities on the surface of Mars. On Earth, high‐frequency radio communication is sometimes disrupted due to enhanced radio absorption in the lower ionosphere arising from solar flares. The ionosphere of Mars also causes strong radio absorption during space weather events as observed in the nightside ionosphere during solar energetic particle (SEP) precipitation. To assess the effects of ionospheric absorption on radio communication at Mars, we need to develop a reliable numerical model that is validated against observations. We initiate this effort by comparing observations with predictions from a state‐of‐the‐art numerical model. The model successfully reproduces important aspects of the observed radio absorption during SEP events, namely relative temporal changes, radio frequency dependence, and SEP energy dependence. However, the modeled and observed absorption levels systematically differ by a factor of 3.7, reasons for which have not been fully understood. Further research is required to improve and validate the model if we are to characterize the radio communication environment prior to the future arrival of humans to Mars. Key Points: Observations indicate a clear correlation between solar energetic particle fluxes and radio absorption in the nightside ionosphere of MarsThe observed properties of radio absorption are well reproduced by a numerical model except for a factor of 3.7 systematic discrepancyFurther model development and validation will pave the way for accurate prediction of the radio environment on the Martian surface [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the sol‐gel method has been extensively utilized to develop efficient and stable organic semiconductor composite titanium dioxide (TiO2) photocatalysts. However, the high‐temperature calcination requirements of this method consume energy during preparation and degrade encapsulated organic semiconductor molecules, resulting in decreased photocatalytic hydrogen production efficiency. In this study, we found that by selecting an appropriate organic semiconductor molecule, 1,4‐naphthalene dicarboxylic acid (NA), high‐temperature calcination can be avoided in the sol‐gel process, yielding an organic‐inorganic hybrid material with stable and effective photocatalytic properties. The uncalcined material displayed a hydrogen production rate of 2920±15 μmol g−1 h−1, which was approximately twice the maximum production rate observed in the calcined material. Likewise, the specific surface area of the uncalcined material, at 252.84 m2 g−1, was significantly larger compared to the calcined material. Comprehensive analyses confirmed successful NA and TiO2 doping, while UV‐vis and Mott‐Schottky tests revealed a reduced energy bandgap (2.1 eV) and expanded light absorption range. Furthermore, the material maintained robust photocatalytic activity after a 40‐hour cycle test. Our findings demonstrate that by using NA doping without calcination, excellent hydrogen production performance can be achieved, offering a novel approach for environmentally friendly and energy‐saving production of organic semiconductor composite TiO2 materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Addressing the escalating concerns over increasing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and their detrimental effect on the environment has become global attention. One promising alternative to tackle this issue involves utilizing photocatalytic technology to convert CO2 into more valuable chemicals, with methane (CH4) being a notable targeted product. This article presents a comprehensive review of the exploration of TiO2‐based photocatalysts by researchers worldwide for such applications. The initial discussion revolves around fundamental aspects, including the basic principles, thermodynamics, kinetics, and reaction mechanisms involved in the process. Additionally, to enhance the efficiency of these aspects, support from other factors is necessary, including the physicochemical properties of the photocatalyst through various catalyst synthesis methods (such as sol‐gel, precipitation, hydrothermal, and solvothermal) as well as employing catalyst modification techniques (such as doping, heterojunction, and surface modifications). Furthermore, the review delves into an examination of parameters that influence the photocatalytic CO2 reduction to methane process, as they directly impact the yield and selectivity of the desired product. Ultimately, the existing challenges and potential research opportunities that could provide comprehensive solutions for the applications of photocatalytic technology for converting CO2 to CH4 as a whole are elaborated in this review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of solar flares on the upper atmosphere of Mars presents an opportune environment for investigating the ionosphere's response to the rapid and high‐energy dynamics of our Sun, with implications for characterizing atmospheric escape and evolution. The ionosphere of Mars is strongly influenced both by the levels of ionizing solar irradiance it receives and the associated behavior of the neutral thermosphere within which it is embedded. Here, we characterize density and composition changes in the topside ionosphere of Mars due to the X8.2‐class solar flare on 10 September 2017 from MAVEN spacecraft observations roughly 90 min after the onset of flare irradiance at Mars, by which time the neutral thermosphere had experienced significant thermal expansion. By contrasting altitude and pressure‐based representations of the ionospheric changes during the flare with the neutral thermospheric changes in both representations and basic photochemical expectation, we interpret and quantify the ionospheric behavior through a lesser explored lens of the neutral thermosphere's response to a flare. We find that the high‐altitude ionospheric density enhancements during this flare are larger than many identified from other flares, and that the neutral thermosphere's expansion accounts for a majority of the cumulative ion density changes observed. The ion density and compositional changes exhibit corresponding behavior with the neutral thermosphere's changes from both thermal expansion and photochemical effects. The identified characteristics of the ionosphere's response to a solar flare provide observational benchmarks for assessing and aiding numerical modeling efforts in accurately reproducing the behavior of the environment of Mars. Key Points: At high altitudes, ion density as much as doubles due to this solar flare in contrast with the little change identified for other flaresIon species exhibit flare‐driven changes unique both from one another and between altitude and pressure‐based representationsThermal expansion of the thermosphere accounts for the majority of ion density and composition changes during these flare event observations [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lymph node metastasis (LNM) in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is common. This meta‐analysis assesses the diagnostic accuracy of computed tomography (CT), ultrasound (US), and CT + US in detecting central and lateral LNM. Methods: A systematic review and meta‐analysis was performed by searching PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane for studies published up to April 2022. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) were calculated. The area under the curve (AUC) for summary receiver operating curves (sROC) were compared. Results: The study population included 7902 patients with a total of 15 014 lymph nodes. Twenty‐four studies analyzed the sensitivity of the overall neck region in which dual CT + US imaging (55.9%) had greater sensitivities (p < 0.001) than either US (48.4%) or CT (50.4%) alone. The specificity of US alone (89.0%) was greater (p < 0.001) than CT alone (88.5%) or dual imaging (86.8%). The DOR for dual CT + US imaging was greatest (p < 0.001) at 11.134, while the AUCs of the three imaging modalities were similar (p > 0.05). Twenty‐one studies analyzed the sensitivity of the central neck region in which both CT (45.8%) and CT + US imaging (43.4%) had greater sensitivities (p < 0.001) than US alone (35.3%). The specificity of all three modalities was higher than 85%. The DOR for CT (7.985) was greater than US alone (4.723, p < 0.001) or dual CT + US imaging (4.907, p = 0.015). The AUC of both CT + US (0.785) and CT alone (0.785) were significantly greater (p < 0.001) than US alone (0.685). Of the 19 studies that reported lateral LNM, CT + US imaging sensitivity (84.5%) was higher than CT alone (69.2%, p < 0.001) and US alone (79.7%, p = 0.038). The specificity of all imaging techniques was all greater than 80.0%. CT + US imaging DOR (35.573) was greater than CT (20.959, p = 0.024) and US (15.181, p < 0.001) individually. The AUC of independent imaging was high (CT: 0.863, US: 0.858) and improved significantly when combined (CT + US: 0.919, p = 0.024 and p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusions: We report an up‐to‐date analysis elucidating the diagnostic accuracy of LNM detection by either CT, US, or in combination. Our work suggests dual CT + US to be the best for overall detection of LNM and CT to be preferable in detecting central LNM. The use of either CT or US alone may detect lateral LNM with acceptable accuracy, yet dual imaging (CT + US) significantly improved detection rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of nitrogen‐doped TiO2 were prepared through a simple sol‐solvothermal method. The catalysts were characterized by BET, XRD, SEM‐EDS, Raman, XPS, FTIR, UV‐Vis, etc. The results show that N−TiO2 photocatalyst has a larger specific surface area, stable anatase phase, and narrow forbidden band energy (3.17–3.24 eV). The N‐doped TiO2 has more oxygen vacancies (OVs) than pure TiO2, as confirmed by results such as XPS and ESR. The photocatalytic evaluation results show that the decolorization of methyl orange reached 99.03 % over the 3 % N‐doped TiO2, which is 40 % higher than that of pure TiO2. Meanwhile, 3 % N‐doped TiO2 exhibited a faster MO mineralisation rate than TiO2. After repeatedly used for 5 times, the photocatalyst 3‐N−TiO2 still showed high activity in the degradation of MO. The improvement of the visible light performance of the N−TiO2 photocatalyst could be attributed to the introduction of N in TiO2 to generate new N 2p energy levels and rich OVs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although circular RNAs (circRNAs) are involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and invasion, the underlying regulatory mechanisms of circRNAs in thyroid cancer have not been fully elucidated. This article aimed to study the role of circRNA regulated by N6‐methyladenosine modification in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). Quantitative real‐time PCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry were used to investigate the expressions of circRNA nuclear receptor‐interacting protein 1 (circNRIP1) in PTC tissues and adjacent noncancerous thyroid tissues. In vitro and in vivo assays were carried out to assess the effects of circNRIP1 on PTC glycolysis and growth. The N6‐methyladenosine mechanisms of circNRIP1 were evaluated by methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing, luciferase reporter gene, and RNA stability assays. Results showed that circNRIP1 levels were significantly upregulated in PTC tissues. Furthermore, elevated circNRIP1 levels in PTC patients were correlated with high tumor lymph node metastasis stage and larger tumor sizes. Functionally, circNRIP1 significantly promoted glycolysis, PTC cell proliferation in vitro, and tumorigenesis in vivo. Mechanistically, circNRIP1 acted as a sponge for microRNA (miR)‐541‐5p and miR‐3064‐5p and jointly upregulated pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) expression. Knockdown of m6A demethylase α‐ketoglutarate‐dependent dioxygenase alkB homolog 5 (ALKBH5) significantly enhanced circNRIP1 m6A modification and upregulated its expression. These results show that ALKBH5 knockdown upregulates circNRIP1, thus promoting glycolysis in PTC cells. Therefore, circNRIP1 can be a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for PTC by acting as a sponge for oncogenic miR‐541‐5p and miR‐3064‐5p to upregulate PKM2 expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lightfastness calculations for photofading of monoazo pyridone dyes were performed. For this purpose, all‐valence molecular orbital method PM3 was applied. Frontier electron density distribution on the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) was examined. The obtained parameters seem to reflect the tendency for an electrophilic attack with a singlet oxygen (1O2) atom or a nucleophilic attack with superoxide anion (O2●─) on a particular atom in a molecule. Reactivity indicators for superdelocalisability (SrEN) and electron density distribution in ground and excited state were calculated. Superdelocalisabilities enable the fastness values to be explained in different chemical molecules depending on tautomeric forms in which they may occur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Martian proton aurora is a distinct aurora phenomenon resulting from the direct deposition of solar wind energy into Mars' dayside atmosphere. What solar wind parameters influence the aurora activity in the short term is yet unknown, as are the associated repercussions in the Martian atmospheric ion loss. Here we present observational evidence of synchronized proton aurora brightening and atmospheric ion loss intensifying on Mars, controlled by solar wind dynamic pressure, using observations by the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution spacecraft. The solar wind dynamic pressure possibly has a saturation effect on brightening proton aurora. Significant erosion of the Martian ionosphere during periods of high dynamic pressure indicates at least five‐to‐tenfold increase in atmospheric ion loss. An empirical relationship between ion escape rate and auroral emission enhancement is established, providing a new proxy of Mars' atmospheric ion loss with optical imaging that may be used remotely and with greater flexibility. Plain Language Summary: Ion loss during solar events early in Mars history may have been the major cause to the long‐term evolution of the Mars atmosphere. Restricted by observation data, the relationship between ion loss and solar wind is still in debate. We have shown observational evidence for synchronized dayside proton aurora brightening and atmospheric ion loss intensifying on Mars, controlled by solar wind dynamic pressure using comprehensive observations by the NASA's MAVEN spacecraft. A power law model between ion escape rate and proton auroral emission enhancement is established for the first time, providing a new proxy of Mars' atmospheric loss with optical imaging that may be used remotely and with greater flexibility. The results presented in this study shed light on the direct control of dynamic pressure on interactions of the solar wind with Mars and other objects in solar system (e.g., Venus and Titan), and presumably stellar wind with exoplanets. Key Points: Synchronized proton aurora brightening and atmospheric ion loss intensifying on Mars, both controlled by solar wind dynamic pressureThe solar wind dynamic pressure possibly has a saturation effect on brightening proton auroraAn empirical power law model between ion escape rate and proton auroral emission enhancement is established [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]