Types Of Transitions Research Articles

Urban heat transitions policy; Zooming in on Dutch natural gas-free neighbourhoods

Heating transitions, where residential and industrial heating demand transitions away from fossil fuels, are an essential part of sustainability transitions. Thus far, the focus on heating transitions is neglected in policy studies, even though policy interventions are not only understood as essential, but also difficult to implement. In this article we seek to understand how policy can support the heating transition in countries with high distribution of natural gas in household consumption. By aligning transition typologies, consisting of a discussion of transition paths and innovation frames, with policy intervention points to existing literature on policy studies of heating transitions, we identify lessons learned and factors necessary for rapid heating transitions. This allows us to understand which type of transition is best stimulated through which intervention point. We then applied this framework to the Dutch natural gas phase out package, to test and validate the framework, as well as identify policy gaps and failures for the Dutch context. Here we were able to highlight important policy gaps and identified potential failures for policy effectiveness. This framework may be used in future studies and by policymakers to understand policy gaps and potential failures, supporting the (re)design of policy packages.

On Seedling Morphoanatomy of Asteraceae Campestral Species: Some Adaptative and Taxonomic Considerations

Theoretical Framework: The vegetation of Parana State fields is composed mainly of woody grassy savanna, and one of the largest families in specific richness is Asteraceae. The campestral Asteraceae occurs in three microhabitats as dry fields (steppes “stricto sensu”), rocky outcrops (rupestrian vegetation refuges) and humid fields (higrophyllous steppes). Morphology and structure of Asteraceae seedlings can be useful for species recognition in the field at the juvenile stage, and to understand how seedlings establish themselves in different microhabitats. Objective: The aim of this paper was to analyze the seedling structure of 17 Asteraceae species, and to summarize some considerations on anatomical characters of the seedlings, which may be variations environmentally induced and they have some taxonomic or evolutionary value. Method: Cipselae of 17 species of Asteraceae were collected in the state parks of Paraná, Brazil, and placed to germinate in Petri plates. The seedling development occurred in greenhouse. Root, hypocotyl, cotyledons, epicotyl and eophylls were sectioned in rotation microtome, and analyzed in light microscope. Cotyledons and eophylls were investigated in a scanning electronic microscope. Results: Roots are diarch or tetrarch. Hypocotyl may have the root structure and partially or wholly as transition root-stem structure. Epicotyl shows the stem structure. Cotyledons and eophylls are dorsiventral. Trichome density and amphistomaty are xeromorphic characters that occur in the cotyledons and eophylls of the species. Conclusion: Some structural characters have diagnostic value for separation of investigated species, such as hypocotyl structure, root/stem transition type, epidermis, mesophyll tissues and midrib saliency of the cotyledons and eophylls, and presence of secretory ducts.

Estimation of AMOC transition probabilities using a machine learning based rare-event algorithm

Abstract The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is an important component of the global climate, known to be a tipping element, as it could collapse under global warming. The main objective of this study is to compute the probability that the AMOC collapses within a specified time window, using a rare-event algorithm called Trajectory-Adaptive Multilevel Splitting (TAMS). However, the efficiency and accuracy of TAMS depend on the choice of the score function. Although the definition of the optimal score function, called “committor function” is known, it is impossible in general to compute it a priori. Here, we combine TAMS with a Next-Generation Reservoir Computing technique that estimates the committor function from the data generated by the rare-event algorithm. We test this technique in a stochastic box model of the AMOC for which two types of transition exist, the so-called F(ast)-transitions and S(low)-transitions. Results for the F-transtions compare favorably with those in the literature where a physically-informed score function was used. We show that coupling a rare-event algorithm with machine learning allows for a correct estimation of transition probabilities, transition times, and even transition paths for a wide range of model parameters. We then extend these results to the more difficult problem of S-transitions in the same model. In both cases of F-transitions and S-transitions, we also show how the Next-Generation Reservoir Computing technique can be interpreted to retrieve an analytical estimate of the committor function.

Polaron assisted hopping mechanism in microwave processed Nd doped second layered aurivillius SrBi2Nb2O9 ceramics

The polycrystalline Sr0.8Sn0.2Bi1.75Nd0.25Nb2O9 (NdSBN) was synthesized using the green synthesis microwave sintering method, which significantly reduced the processing parameters of the NdSBN ceramics. Orthorhombic crystal structure with A21am symmetry was revealed by Rietveld refinement study, whereas the doping-induced strain and crystallite size was studied using the Williamson Hall method. Crossectional SEM micrographs confirm the plate-like structure, with an average grain size of 273.7 nm. A diffuse type of phase transition was observed at 345 °C, which usually arises due to compositional fluctuations and mobile oxygen vacancies; further, the diffusiveness of the NdSBN was studied using Uchino and Nomura function, a modified version of Curie-Weiss law (CW). The frequency and temperature-dependent dielectric study of NdSBN ceramics display a Maxwell-Wagner relaxation with a high loss in a low frequency regime, possibly due to the presence of leakage current in the solid solution. Frequency dependent AC conductivity obeys Jonscher's power law, whereas DC conductivity supports polaron assisted hopping in NdSBN composition with dual activation energies of 0.55 eV and 0.75 eV, which correspond to electrons and ions, respectively. The non-Debye type relaxation mechanism in conjunction with negative temperature coefficient of resistance (NTCR) behavior was demonstrated by temperature dependent impedance spectroscopy, while modulus spectroscopy confirmed the multiple relaxation processes in NdSBN ceramics.

Role of local structure in the optical and electronic properties of oxygen vacancies in different crystal phases of Ga2O3

We investigate the structural, electronic, and optical properties of oxygen vacancies (VO) in crystalline α, β, and ε−Ga2O3 using density functional theory (DFT) calculations with the PBE0-TC-LRC functional. Our results reveal that the charge transition levels (CTLs) associated with VO exhibit significant variations depending on the crystal phase and the coordination environment of surrounding atoms. In particular, VOs surrounded by tetrahedral Ga atoms (T-Ga) exhibit deeper CTLs compared to those surrounded by octahedral Ga atoms (O-Ga). We also observe distinct atomic relaxations, with larger displacements of T-Ga atoms compared to O-Ga atoms in the vicinity of VOs. Using linear-response time-dependent DFT, we investigate the optical transitions of VO and identify two distinct types of transitions: defect state to conduction band state and valence band to defect state. These results can be used to better understand the optical properties of VO defects in Ga2O3 films. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

A case series of prenatal hepatic hilar cyst in the presence of a gallbladder - navigating the dilemma between biliary atresia and choledochal cyst

BackgroundPrenatally diagnosed hepatic hilar cysts are a challenging finding for the clinician. They can either be a sign of cystic biliary atresia (BA) or a choledochal cyst (CC), two diagnoses with different postnatal management and prognosis. Based on a case report of four patients, we aim to propose a management algorithm for prenatally diagnosed “hepatic hilar cysts”.Case presentationA hepatic hilar cyst, ranging from 5 to 25 mm, was detected prenatally in all four girls confirmed postnatally along with the presence of a gallbladder. Stool color was normal until two weeks of life at which time the stool color became lighter, and the patients developed cholestasis. All were operated before seven weeks of life: Case 1 had a CC with patent but irregular intrahepatic bile ducts at intraoperative cholangiogram, and no communication with the duodenum. A Roux-en-Y bilioenteric anastomosis was performed. The cyst showed complete epithelial lining loss, and liver pathology showed BA features. Case 2 had the final diagnosis of cystic BA with patent but abnormal intrahepatic bile ducts. She underwent two operations: the first operation at four weeks as described for case 1, since intraoperative findings were similar, as was histology. As cholestasis increased postoperatively, she underwent a Kasai hepato-porto-enterostomy six weeks later, where distinct BA findings were found with complete scarring of the hilar plate. Case 3 had a cystic BA with the cyst located within the common bile duct and atretic bile ducts proximal to the porta hepatis. It exhibited no communication with the liver or duodenum. A Kasai operation was performed, with histology showing complete epithelial loss within the cyst wall and scarring of the hilar plate. Case 4 had a cystic BA presenting a completely obliterated hepatic duct with the cyst lying within the common bile duct. A Kasai procedure was performed. Histology showed a common bile duct with a residual lumen of 0.1 mm.ConclusionsThe spectrum of disease from CC to BA in the setting of a prenatally discovered hepatic hilar cyst is emphasized. Even if cholangiogram differentiates most patients with BA from those with CC, caution is advised for transitional types.

The complete anatomy of the azygos vein: a meta-analysis with clinical implications.

The azygos vein (AV) plays a crucial role in the mediastinal region, exhibiting considerable variability in its anatomy and relationship with surrounding structures. This study aims to assess the morphometry and anatomy of the AV through a comprehensive meta-analysis of studies reporting extractable data on this vessel. Major online medical databases such as PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, SciELO, BIOSIS, Current Content Connect, Korean Journal Database and Wiley online library were searched to gather all relevant studies regarding the anatomical characteristics of the AV. The results of the present meta-analysis comprised 40 studies, categorized into eight groups for data analysis. The mean AV diameter at its origin was set at 3.86 mm (SE = 0.84). The most prevalent was type IIB, with a prevalence of 40.23% (95% CI: 29.06-51.92%). The pooled prevalence of the right subcostal and right ascending lumbar veins forming the AV was 73.82% (95% CI: 55.77-88.67%). The AV exhibits a high degree of variability regarding its origin, trajectory, and connections with the hemiazygos system. The most prevalent type of AV, according to the Anson and McVay classification, was Type II (transitional type). Moreover, the vein was found to be formed by the right subcostal and the right ascending lumbar veins in the majority of the cases. This is the most comprehensive and current assessment of AV morphometry and anatomy to date. The findings are a valuable resource for physicians, especially surgeons performing various procedures in the mediastinum.

The employment, retention and exit of public school teachers in New Brunswick, Canada: an analysis using linked administrative data

ObjectiveAs in many jurisdictions, New Brunswick (Canada) is facing increasing shortages of K-12 school teachers as retirements loom at the same time that the school age population of NB continues to exceed long term trends. The purpose of this retrospective study is to analyze the recruitment, retention and exit decisions of teachers in the NB public education system in order to support ongoing planning around teacher staffing. ApproachThe analysis uses a unique linked administrative data combining province-wide individual-level teacher employment data, immigration records, university graduation data and public health insurance registration on NB teachers and individuals who obtained a B.Ed. degree in NB. Data are accessed through the secure facilities of the NB Institute for Research, Data and Training. The analysis includes both descriptive statistics and econometric methods appropriate to the particular outcomes of interest. ResultsThe analysis will present results on three types of labour market transitions: 1) from NB university education to employment as a NB teacher. 2) exits from employment as a teacher, including both retirement and pre-retirement exits, and 3) decisions of ex-teachers about remaining in NB. The potential effects of a range of demographic, geographic and system-level factors on these outcomes are considered. Conclusions and ImplicationResults from the analysis of entry to and exit from K-12 teaching in NB will be vital to human resource planning for a province dealing with looming retirements, growing labour shortages and an increasing population. Future work will consider subject-specific teacher shortages in critical fields like STEM.

Measuring ecological effects and policy mechanisms of urban land use transition – a case study of Xi'an, China

ABSTRACT Measuring ecological effects and policy mechanisms of urban Land Use Transition (LUT) is the key to understanding regional environmental changes and achieving sustainable urban developments. This paper illustrates and demonstrates a formal method for measuring the ecological effect of LUT characterized by Ecological Security Index (ESI) and Ecosystem Value (ESV), and enhanced with a correlational analysis between the ecological effect model and urban policy mechanism. Using Xi'an, a major capital city of western China as a case study, based on multi-temporal Thematic Mapper (TM) remote sensing images, Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and relevant statistical data, the results show that the method using ESI and ESV, together with the Land Use Transition Probability Matrix (LUTPM) can comprehensively measure the ecological effects of LUT process in Xi'an from 2000 to 2020. The results show that due to the impact of urban expansion, regional construction land increased significantly (by 67.07%), while farmland decreased considerably (by 13.12%). The farmland and forestland around the main urban area of Xi'an were centrally converted into construction land, yet the mutual transition of other types of land was relatively scattered. The total amount of ESV has slightly increased from 40.1 billion yuan to 42.8 billion yuan, and the proportion of ecological service function value presents a decreasing trend in regulation function (65%), support function (22%), supply function (9%), and cultural function (4%). The ESI value slightly decreased from 0.517 to 0.512, and overall it is still in a state of ecological security. The trend of ESV and ESI decreasing from mountainous areas to plains indicates that high-intensity human activities in plain areas have had a significant impact on the ecological environment. The correlation analysis between policy mechanisms and ecological effects indicates that ecological protection policies have improved the ecological environment and maintain ecological security (high ESV-high ESI mode), and may also have limited economic activities and been detrimental to the security of urban composite ecosystems (high ESV-low ESI mode). Spatial expansion policies have driven the rapid growth of construction land and threatened ecological security (low ESV-low ESI mode). Zoning adjustment policies have led to the transformation of ecological land to construction land, threatening ecological security and reducing ESV (low ESV-low ESI mode), and may also have promoted industrial upgrading and economic development, providing economic assurance for improving ecological security (low ESV-high ESI mode). These comprehensive findings provide valuable insights for understanding the ecological effects and policy mechanisms of LUT in Xi'an for achieving sustainable urban development, and demonstrate and explore a novel method to more appropriately and effectively measure LUT by combining ESV and ESI.

Endurance exercise-induced histone methylation modification involved in skeletal muscle fiber type transition and mitochondrial biogenesis

Skeletal muscle is a highly heterogeneous tissue, and its contractile proteins are composed of different isoforms, forming various types of muscle fiber, each of which has its own metabolic characteristics. It has been demonstrated that endurance exercise induces the transition of muscle fibers from fast-twitch to slow-twitch muscle fiber type. Herein, we discover a novel epigenetic mechanism for muscle contractile property tightly coupled to its metabolic capacity during muscle fiber type transition with exercise training. Our results show that an 8-week endurance exercise induces histone methylation remodeling of PGC-1α and myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms in the rat gastrocnemius muscle, accompanied by increased mitochondrial biogenesis and an elevated ratio of slow-twitch to fast-twitch fibers. Furthermore, to verify the roles of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and AMPK in exercise-regulated epigenetic modifications and muscle fiber type transitions, mouse C2C12 myotubes were used. It was shown that rotenone activates ROS/AMPK pathway and histone methylation enzymes, which then promote mitochondrial biogenesis and MHC slow isoform expression. Mitoquinone (MitoQ) partially blocking rotenone-treated model confirms the role of ROS in coupling mitochondrial biogenesis with muscle fiber type. In conclusion, endurance exercise couples mitochondrial biogenesis with MHC slow isoform by remodeling histone methylation, which in turn promotes the transition of fast-twitch to slow-twitch muscle fibers. The ROS/AMPK pathway may be involved in the regulation of histone methylation enzymes by endurance exercise.

In situ ex-solution of CoFeRu solid solution nanoparticles from non-stoichiometric (La0.8Sr0.2)0.9Co0.1Fe0.8Ru0.1O3−δ perovskite for hydrogen gas sensor

Ex-solution process is a novel technology to grow uniformly distributed highly catalytic nanoparticles (NPs) on the surface of parent metal oxide solid support and has been recently applied to diverse engineering applications. Here, we study the effect of CoFeRu NPs which are ex-solved on the surface of Ru-doped La0.8Sr0.2Co0.1Fe0.9O3−δ (LSCF) perovskite at reduction temperature 350–550 °C. The shape and size of decorated CoFeRu NPs on the surface of the (LSCFRu, La0.8Sr0.2Co0.1Fe0.8Ru0.1O3−δ) sensing layer was studied for controlled hydrogen gas sensing. The results show that the ex-solved LSCFRu sensor leads to an enhanced gas response, long-term stability, and a smaller limit of detection (LOD=0.05 ppm) against H2 gas exposure at 450 °C. The hydrogen gas sensing properties of ex-solved LSCFRu, La0.8Sr0.2Co0.1Fe0.8Ru0.1O3−δ, is (Ra/Rg = 55) after reduction at 450 °C was enhanced to 20-folds compared to un-doped LSCF with a detection limit of 0.05 ppm. The high gas response is ascribed to the catalytic effect of uniformly embedded CoFeRu NPs ex-solved via p-to-n type transition of the LSCFRu parent oxide after reduction. The concept demonstrated here may serve in the development of potential ex-solved perovskite sensors for advanced and reliable hydrogen gas sensing.

Electroencephalogram and phenotype patterns in neuronopathic Gaucher disease patients – ten years of experience in a single center

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the unique electroencephalography (EEG) patterns in neuronopathic Gaucher disease (GD) patients and explore the correlations between EEG findings and neurological phenotypes so as to optimize clinical outcomes.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on 74 EEG recordings from 50 GD patients between January 2012 and July 2022.ResultsTwenty-three patients exhibited abnormal EEG recordings, including 11 of the GD1 type (the transitional type) and 12 with neuronopathic GD. Of the 12 neuronopathic GD patients, 9 patients with epilepsy were analysed specifically in terms of the clinical course. The primary waveform observed in the neuronopathic EEG recordings was the spike-and-wave complex (SWC) during both awake and sleep states. This was significantly different from sharp waves observed only during sleep in the patients of the transitional type (P = 0.0230). The abnormal discharges in the neuronopathic patients were most commonly located in the bilateral Rolandic areas, while the transitional type commonly involved the bilateral frontal regions. Three patients with an epileptic EEG pattern reported their initial seizures years later. Seizures in the neuronopathic patients were effectively controlled with anti-seizure medications (ASMs), despite the ongoing presence of abnormal EEG patterns. The EEG patterns during ocular symptoms were characterized by sporadic or continuous unilateral SWC during sleep.ConclusionsPatients with neuronopathic GD exhibit distinct EEG patterns that can help differentiate them from GD1 patients. Early treatment with ASMs can effectively control seizures. EEG plays a crucial role in monitoring seizures and can facilitate prompt intervention for GD patients.

“I’m both smoking and vaping”: a longitudinal qualitative study of US young adults who tried to quit smoking cigarettes by using electronic cigarettes

ObjectiveTo describe how young adults use electronic cigarettes (electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS)) for smoking cessation and reasons why they may or may not successfully quit smoking.MethodsLongitudinal qualitative data were...

Two Types of Transitions to Relatively Fast Spinup in Tropical Cyclone Simulations with Weak-to-Moderate Environmental Vertical Wind Shear

Abstract Tropical cyclone intensification is simulated with a cloud-resolving model under idealized conditions of constant SST and unidirectional environmental vertical wind shear maximized in the middle troposphere. The intensification process commonly involves a sharp transition to relatively fast spinup before the surface vortex achieves hurricane-force winds in the azimuthal mean. The vast majority of transitions fall into one of two categories labeled S and A. Type S transitions initiate quasi-symmetric modes of fast spinup. They occur in tropical cyclones after a major reduction of tilt and substantial azimuthal spreading of inner-core convection. The lead-up also entails gradual contractions of the radii of maximum wind speed rm and maximum precipitation. Type A transitions begin before an asymmetric tropical cyclone becomes vertically aligned. Instead of enabling the transition, alignment is an essential part of the initially asymmetric mode of fast spinup that follows. On average, type S transitions occur well after and type A transitions occur once the cyclonically rotating tilt vector becomes perpendicular to the shear vector. Prominent temporal peaks of lower-tropospheric CAPE and low-to-midlevel relative humidity averaged over the entire inner core of the low-level vortex characteristically coincide with type S but not with type A transitions. Prominent temporal peaks of precipitation and midlevel vertical mass flux in the meso-β-scale vicinity of the convergence center characteristically coincide with type A but not with type S transitions. Despite such differences, in both cases, the transitions tend not to begin before the distance between the low-level convergence and vortex centers divided by rm reduces to unity.

Visible/near-infrared luminescence and concentration effects of Pr3+-doped Sr2Al2GeO7 downconversion phosphors

The Pr3+ ion has been widely doped into various materials as a red and near-infrared (NIR) emitting center for applications in lighting and solar spectrum downconversion. Herein, the preparation of a new library of Pr3+-doped Sr2Al2GeO7 phosphors was proved by powder x-ray diffraction patterns and Rietveld refinements and characterized by a scanning electron microscope with energy-dispersive x-ray spectrometry. The Sr2Al2GeO7:Pr3+ sample strongly absorbs blue photons over 420–500 nm and yields intense visible emissions with dominant peaks around 490 nm from the Pr3+ 3P0 → 3H4 transition, as well as robust NIR emission bands over 800–1200 nm. In addition to the typical transitions of 1D2 → 3F2 at 880 nm, 1G4 → 3H4 at 1000 nm, and 1D2 → 3F3,4 at 1070 nm, the distinguishable NIR emission at 929 nm was demonstrated from the 3P0 → 1G4 transition via static and dynamic spectroscopic analysis. Most interestingly, for the 3P0 blue-excited state, a considerably elevated concentration of about 10%Pr3+ was optimal for the visible/NIR emissions, in stark contrast to the diluted optimal 1%Pr3+ for the 1D2 state. The relevant cross-relaxation from the 3P0 and 1D2 states between Pr3+ was comprehensively treated by theoretical speculations and experimental results. Such concentrated Pr3+ blue activators would significantly facilitate the blue-to-NIR downconversion through a desired two-step sequential transition from the 3P0 initial state to the 1G4 intermediate level for quantum efficiency exceeding unity. The current results would consolidate the basis of concentrated Pr3+ donors to promote the novel Pr3+/Yb3+ codoping downconversion for greatly increasing Si solar cell efficiency.

Ontogeny of the malleus in Mesocricetus auratus (Mammalia, Rodentia): Systematic and functional implications for the muroid middle ear.

The three mammalian auditory ossicles enhance sound transmission from the tympanic membrane to the inner ear. The anterior anchoring of the malleus is one of the key characters for functional classification of the auditory ossicles. Previous studies revealed a medial outgrowth of the mallear anterior process, the processus internus praearticularis, which serves as an anchor for the auditory ossicle chain but has been often missed due to its delicate nature. Here we describe the development and morphology of the malleus and its processus internus praearticularis in the cricetine rodent Mesocricetus auratus, compared to selected muroid species (Cricetus cricetus, Peromyscus maniculatus, and Mus musculus). Early postnatal stages of Mesocricetus show the formation of the malleus by fusion of the prearticular and mallear main body. The processus internus praearticularis forms an increasing broad lamina fused anteriorly to the ectotympanic in adult stages of all studied species. Peromyscus and Mus show a distinct orbicular apophysis that increases inertia of the malleus and therefore these species represent the microtype of auditory ossicles. In contrast, the center of mass of the malleus in the studied Cricetinae is close to the anatomical axis of rotation and their auditory ossicles represent the transitional type. The microtype belongs to the grundplan of Muroidea and is plesiomorphic for Cricetidae, whereas the transitional type evolved several times within Muroidea and represents an apomorphic feature of Cricetinae.

A comparative study of indentation size effect models for different materials

The phenomenon of indentation size effect (ISE) has received great attention in aerospace, nuclear power, microelectronics and medicine. Although researchers have proposed various ISE models, these models often involve different form and number of parameters that can make our wonder which is the best in existed ISE models. Herein, three types of ISE test data, namely, normal ISE, reverse ISE and transition of normal to reverse ISE, are used to evaluate the sixteen ISE models. The comparatively study indicates that Hou-Jennet(H-J), Nix-Gao-Feng (N-G-Fs), Nix-Gao-Haušild (N-G-H), Nix–Gao-Abu Al-Rub (N-G-A) and Nix–Gao-Qius (N-G-Qs) models can accurately predict the normal ISE. The reason for this is that the friction stress that is not related to dislocation activities or the indentation size effect of plastic zone has been introduced into these models. Therefore, these two factors should be considered in future ISE models. The sixteen ISE models are originally proposed to describe the normal ISE of different materials. However, to our surprise, some of these models are able to capture the reverse ISE and the transition of normal to reverse ISE of different materials. The determination coefficients (DC) of the sixteen ISE models are also determined for different materials. For reverse ISE, the highest DC value for Ni Carbide Silicon (NiCSi), TC4 titanium alloy (TC4) and Pulsed electro-deposited Ni (PED Ni) are given by the Exponential (EXP), Nix-Gao-Feng (N-G-Fs) and Nix–Gao-Abu Al-Rub (N-G-A) models, respectively. For the transition of normal to reverse ISE, the Nix–Gao-Yuan-Chen (N-G-YC), Nix-Gao-Feng (N-G-Fs), and Nix-Gao-Haušild (N-G-H) models produce the maximum DC for ZrO2 ceramic (ZrO2), Cu single crystals (Cu) and Y2O3–ZrO2 ceramic (Y2O3–ZrO2), respectively. Moreover, the mean DC of the Nix-Gao-Feng (N-G-Fs) model is the maximum among the sixteen ISE models, followed by the Nix-Gao-Haušild (N-G-H) model, but they cannot accurately predict the reverse ISE. Therefore, the Nix-Gao-Feng (N-G-Fs) and Nix-Gao-Haušild (N-G-H) models should be further modified to accurately predict the reverse ISE.

Enhanced ECCD36 signaling promotes skeletal muscle insulin resistance in female mice.

Consumption of a Western diet (WD) increases CD36 expression in vascular, hepatic, and skeletal muscle tissues promoting lipid metabolic disorders and insulin resistance. We further examined the role of endothelial cell-specific CD36 (ECCD36) signaling in contributing to skeletal muscle lipid metabolic disorders, insulin resistance, and their underlying molecular mechanisms. Female ECCD36 wild-type (ECCD36+/+) and knock-out (ECCD36-/-) mice, aged 6 wk, were provided with either a WD or a standard chow diet for a duration of 16 wk. ECCD36+/+ WD mice were characterized by elevated fasting plasma glucose and insulin levels, increased homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance, and glucose intolerance that was blunted in ECCD36-/- mice. Improved insulin sensitivity in ECCD36-/- mice was characterized by increased phosphoinositide 3-kinases/protein kinase B signaling that further augmented glucose transporter type 4 expression and glucose uptake. Meanwhile, 16 wk of WD feeding also increased skeletal muscle free fatty acid (FFA) and lipid accumulation, without any observed changes in plasma FFA levels. These lipid metabolic disorders were blunted in ECCD36-/- mice. Moreover, ECCD36 also mediated in vitro palmitic acid-induced lipid accumulation in cultured ECs, subsequently leading to the release of FFAs into the culture media. Furthermore, consumption of a WD increased FFA oxidation, mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired mitochondrial respiratory, skeletal muscle fiber type transition, and fibrosis. These WD-induced abnormalities were blunted in ECCD36-/- mice. These findings demonstrate that endothelial-specific ECCD36 signaling participates in skeletal muscle FFA uptake, ectopic lipid accumulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, insulin resistance, and associated skeletal muscle dysfunction in diet-induced obesity.NEW & NOTEWORTHY ECCD36 exerts "extra endothelial cell" actions in skeletal muscle insulin resistance. ECCD36 is a major mediator of Western diet-induced lipid metabolic disorders and insulin resistance in skeletal muscle. Mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with diet-induced CD36 activation and related skeletal muscle insulin resistance.

Transition of the flow type in the supersonic cavity controlled by the wall temperature

The wall temperature of the high-speed aircraft increases quickly under hypersonic/supersonic incoming flow, which will cause a significant change in the flow structure. To study the transition of the flow type in the supersonic cavity controlled by the wall temperature, numerical simulations are conducted. The cavity length-to-depth ratio (L/D) is varied from 10 to 15, and the wall temperature ranges from 300 K to 1300 K. The results indicate that the type of cavity flow with an L/D ratio of 13 transforms from a closed cavity flow to a transitional cavity flow, when the temperature reaches approximately 775 K. And the transitional temperature rises with the elevated total temperature of the incoming flow. Furthermore, the mechanism of the cavity flow change with wall temperature could be the competition between the recirculation zone and the shear layer in the cavity. The rising pressure with higher wall temperature in the recirculation zone weakens the downward development of the cavity shear layer, preventing it from hitting the cavity floor. As a result, the mass exchange of cavity lip surface, pressure distribution, total pressure recovery coefficient, and heat transfer distribution in the supersonic cavity change dramatically. The critical wall temperature also affected by the sidewall effects and the inflow Mach number.

Transition to Adult Care in Autoinflammatory Diseases: A Cohort of 111 French Patients.

Transitioning from pediatric to adult care is a critical step for individuals with autoinflammatory diseases, requiring effective programs to ensure continuity of care and disease management. Despite various recommendations, the effectiveness of transition programs, particularly in monogenic autoinflammatory diseases, remains understudied. A single-center medical records review study was conducted at the French National Reference Center for Adult Autoinflammatory Diseases in Tenon Hospital from 2017 to 2023. All patients who had consulted for the first time between the ages of 15 and 30 years and had received care for an autoinflammatory disease during childhood were included. The patients were classified according to whether they had undergone a transition, defined as either no transition, simple transition (referral letter), or joint transition (pediatrician and adult physician consultation). One hundred eleven patients (median age, 18 years) were included. Patients who consulted without transition started adult follow-up and were followed up less regularly than those who underwent the transition process ( p < 0.001 and p = 0.028). In patients with familial Mediterranean fever, the absence of a formal transition was associated with poorer disease control at baseline ( p = 0.019). The type of transition did not impact disease control during follow-up. Participation in a transition program is associated with earlier and more regular follow-up in adulthood. Although transition type did not significantly impact disease control during follow-up in familial Mediterranean fever, the potential benefit of joint consultation extends beyond consultation frequency and disease outcomes, encompassing patient perspectives and self-management abilities. This study highlights the significance of collaborative transition programs in AIDs.