Transition Process Research Articles

UHRF1 promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition mediating renal fibrosis by activating the TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway

Renal fibrosis is widely recognized as the ultimate outcome of many chronic kidney diseases. The process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a critical role in the progression of fibrosis following renal injury. UHRF1, as a critical epigenetic regulator, may play an essential role in the pathogenesis and progression of renal fibrosis and EMT. However, the potential mechanisms remain to be elucidated. We aim to investigate the role of UHRF1 in EMT and renal fibrosis and to evaluate the potential benefits of Hinokitiol in preventing renal fibrosis. Based on data from the GEO and Nephroseq databases, UHRF1 exhibited high expression levels in the unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model and in patients with nephropathy. Gene set enrichment analysis predicted that UHRF1 may function through the TGF-β signaling pathway in fibrosis. By establishing a TGF-β1-stimulated HK2 cell model and animal models of renal fibrosis induced by UUO and folic acid, we confirmed that UHRF1 was highly expressed in both in vitro and in vivo models of renal fibrosis. After knockdown of UHRF1 in vitro, we found that the TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway was inhibited, renal tubular epithelial cell EMT was reduced and renal fibrosis was attenuated. Hinokitiol has been reported to reduce the expression of UHRF1 mRNA and protein. We observed that inhibition of UHRF1 with Hinokitiol ameliorated induced EMT and renal fibrosis by reducing SMAD2/3 phosphorylation in vivo and in vitro. Taken together, our data demonstrated that the upregulation of UHRF1 accelerated the EMT of renal tubular cells and renal fibrosis through the TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway. Hinokitiol may ameliorate renal fibrosis by suppressing the expression of UHRF1 in the kidney.

Nanoscale insights on phase transition dynamics of doped VO2 for memristor devices

This study utilized co-sputtering to fabricate Mo-doped VO2 films and identified an optimal concentration exhibiting a lower phase transition temperature (Th = 55.8 °C) and a broader hysteresis window (Δ T = 13.6 °C). At the atomistic scale, it is demonstrated that Mo dopant-induced localized strain accelerates the phase transition, which leads to the relaxation of the tetragonal structure. Furthermore, the effects of Mo doping on the phase transition process and electrical properties are characterized at the nanoscale using conductive atomic force microscopy and Kelvin probe force microscopy, and the potential application in selectors can be evaluated. The results indicated that Mo doping destabilizes the M1 phase by introducing a high density of electrons, thereby significantly reducing the electron–electron interactions as per the Mott model. Moreover, the device exhibited stable threshold and memristive properties at room temperature, quickly switching from high to low-resistance states at a threshold voltage of 2.37 V and maintaining stability over more than 1000 cycles with a selectivity >102. The present work not only highlights the role of Mo doping in enhancing the functional properties of VO2 but also demonstrates its feasibility in high-performance selectors devices.

Navigating Socio-Technical Challenges in Energy Efficiency: Case Studies on Hybrid Pumped-Hydropower Storage in Poland and Greece

This study examines the socio-technical challenges and public acceptance of hybrid pumped-hydropower storage (HPHS) technology within the broader context of energy transition in two European coal-mining regions: Western Macedonia, Greece, and the Łódzkie Region, Poland. These regions, deeply rooted in lignite mining, face profound socio-economic transformations driven by the EU Green Deal and its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The transition from coal dependency to renewable energy represents not only a critical environmental goal but also a significant socio-economic challenge for local communities, necessitating innovative and inclusive strategies to mitigate impacts and ensure equitable outcomes. The research integrates desk studies with stakeholder surveys (n = 129) to assess public awareness, perceived impacts, and acceptance of HPHS technology as a repurposing solution for decommissioned open-pit lignite mines. Results reveal that while awareness of the energy transition process is high (90% in Western Macedonia and 80% in Łódzkie Region), familiarity with HPHS technology varies significantly (76% and 48%, respectively). Support for implementing HPHS in former mining sites is stronger in Western Macedonia (73%) compared to Łódzkie Region (63%), with knowledge of HPHS correlating positively with acceptance (r = 0.83, p < 0.01). Both regions recognize the environmental benefits of HPHS, including improved air quality and biodiversity; yet, socio-economic challenges such as job losses, reduced income levels, and limited opportunities for reskilling persist, particularly in Łódzkie Region, where 77% of respondents view the energy transition as negatively impacting the labor market. By focusing on regions historically dependent on mining, this study highlights the critical role of addressing the unique needs of communities undergoing systemic transformation. The repurposing of former lignite mines into HPHS facilities offers a promising pathway for balancing environmental objectives with local socio-economic revitalization. However, success requires region-specific strategies, including transparent communication, stakeholder involvement, and targeted investment in workforce adaptation and infrastructure. These findings contribute to the growing discourse on how socially inclusive and technically feasible solutions can drive equitable energy transitions in post-mining regions.

A Single Amino Acid Model for Hydrophobically Driven Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation.

This study proposes fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc)-protected single amino acids (Fmoc-AAs) as a minimalistic model system to investigate liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) and the elusive liquid-to-solid transition of condensates. We demonstrated that Fmoc-AAs exhibit LLPS depending on the pH and ionic strength, primarily driven by hydrophobic interactions. Systematic examination of the conditions under which each Fmoc-AA undergoes LLPS revealed distinct residue-dependent trends in the critical concentrations and phase behavior. Importantly, we elucidated the liquid-to-solid transition process, suggesting that it may be driven by a molecular mechanism different from that of LLPS. Fmoc-AA condensates showed promise for biomolecular enrichment and catalytic applications. This work provides significant insights into the molecular mechanisms of LLPS and the subsequent liquid-to-solid transition, offering a robust platform for future studies related to protocells and protein aggregation diseases.

Enhancer-driven Shh signaling promotes glia-to-mesenchyme transition during bone repair

Plp1-lineage Schwann cells (SCs) of peripheral nerve play a critical role in vascular remodeling and osteogenic differentiation during the early stage of bone healing, and the abnormal plasticity of SCs would jeopardize the bone regeneration. However, how Plp1-lineage cells respond to injury and initiate the vascularized osteogenesis remains incompletely understood. Here, by employing single-cell transcriptional profiling combined with lineage-specific tracing models, we uncover that Plp1-lineage cells undergoing injury-induced glia-to-MSCs transition contributed to osteogenesis and revascularization in the initial stage of bone injury. Importantly, our data demonstrated that the Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling was responsible for the transition process initiation, which was strongly activated by c-Jun/SIRT6/BAF170 complex-driven Shh enhancers. Collectively, these findings depict an injury-specific niche signal-mediated Plp1-lineage cells transition towards Gli1+ MSCs and may be instructive for approaches to promote bone regeneration during aging or other bone diseases.

SLAMF8 Disrupts Epithelial Barrier in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps via M1 Macrophage Polarization.

Recent studies show that M1 macrophages accumulate predominantly in non-eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (neCRSwNP). However, the precise mechanisms regulating M1 macrophages and their impact on the epithelial barrier remain unclear. We aim to investigate the expression and regulatory role of SLAMF8, a molecule exclusively expressed in myeloid cells, in M1 macrophage polarization and its potential contribution to neCRSwNP development. We evaluated SLAMF8 expression and its correlation with clinical variables using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot in sinonasal mucosa samples from CRSwNP and control subjects. Immunofluorescence staining confirmed the co-expression of SLAMF8 with macrophages. After SLAMF8 knockdown, we explored the influence on macrophage M1 polarization and the effect on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process and tight junction integrity in epithelial cells through an indirect co-culture system of M1 macrophages with human nasal epithelial cells. SLAMF8 was highly expressed on M1 macrophages in polyp tissues, notably in neCRSwNP, and correlated with disease severity indices only in neCRSwNP. SLAMF8 knockdown in THP-1 cells reduced M1 macrophage markers (CD86, iNOS, and NLRP3) and decreased secretion of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α). Co-culture with M1 macrophage supernatant after SLAMF8 knockdown enhanced epithelial viability, reduced EMT and apoptosis, and upregulated tight junction markers Occludin and Claudin-4 in nasal epithelial cells. SLAMF8 elevation correlates with the EMT, epithelial tight junction and disease severity in neCRSwNP. The SLAMF8 upregulation promotes M1 macrophage polarization, by which facilitates EMT and impairs nasal epithelial barrier function. SLAMF8 may represent a novel therapeutic target for neCRSwNP.

The Perspectives of Young Adults with Cerebral Palsy on Transition to Adult’s Health Care and Rehabilitation

The purpose of this study was to describe the perspectives of young adults with cerebral palsy on participating in the transition process when transitioning from children’s health care to adults’ health care and rehabilitation. A phenomenographic approach with data collected with semi-structured interviews was used. Fourteen young adults aged 19–26 with cerebral palsy participated. The analysis resulted in four categories: (1) need for comprehensive and participatory rehabilitation; (2) barriers in the rehabilitation system; (3) self-awareness, courage and activity are rewarded; and (4) a dream of an active role in society. To conclude, the young adults had both positive and negative experiences of the transition process as well as of the rehabilitation planning at the adult health care service. It is important to start the transition planning early, and to involve the young adult as an active participant in the planning process. Both in the transition phase and in the adult health care service an anticipatory and collaborative approach where the young adult’s holistic needs would be considered should be standard practice. A focus is needed on how to grow towards a good adulthood and how to live a meaningful life as a valued member of society.

CDCA4 promotes bladder cancer progression by JAK/STAT signaling pathway

BackgroundThe cell division cycle associated 4 (CDCA4) plays a crucial role in various biological processes and is implicated in the progression of several tumors, however, the mechanisms by which it operates in bladder cancer remain unclear.MethodsUtilizing data from the TCGA and GEO datasets of bladder cancer patients, we analyzed the expression of CDCA4 and its prognostic significance. We then constructed stable overexpression and knockdown bladder cancer cell lines to investigate the effects of CDCA4 on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro, employing CCK-8, colony formation, transwell, and wound healing assays. Additionally, we validated the potential downstream pathways of CDCA4 through data analysis and western blot assays.ResultsOur study found that CDCA4 expression is elevated in bladder cancer cells and correlates with poor prognosis in patients. Inhibition of CDCA4 expression reduces the proliferation, migration, and invasion of bladder cancer cells, as well as inhibit the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. Conversely, promoting CDCA4 expression enhances the malignancy of bladder cancer cells. Investigation into the mechanism of CDCA4 revealed that it promotes bladder cancer progression by activating the JAK/STAT signaling pathway, and the JAK inhibitor AG490 can reverse the promoting effects of CDCA4.ConclusionOur findings suggest that CDCA4 enhances the proliferation, migration, and invasion of bladder cancer cells by positively regulating the JAK/STAT signaling pathway, indicating that CDCA4 may serve as a novel molecular target for bladder cancer treatment.

The concept of most responsible in international criminal law and its problematic reception in the Special Jurisdiction for Peace in Colombia

This perspective article critically explores the concept of “most responsible” within international criminal jurisprudence and its reception by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) in Colombia. In the context of Colombia's transitional justice process, the definitions of “most responsible” and “determining participants” play a pivotal role in deciding who should face prosecution and sanctions of effective restriction of liberty for war crimes and crimes against humanity. The article argues that the current conceptual ambiguity within the JEP's legal framework risks conflating accomplices with principal offenders, which could undermine the selective justice model designed to focus on high-level perpetrators. Through a comparative analysis of international criminal tribunals, including the ICTY, ICTR, ICC, and SCSL, the article highlights the importance of clear definitions to avoid excessive judicialization and to align the process with the goals of peace, reconciliation, and restorative justice. This perspective concludes that the lack of precise legal definitions in the JEP could hinder its ability to fulfill its mandate effectively.

Adsorption structures and bonding states of cesium and barium adsorbed on various sites of vermiculite.

The adsorption reaction on clay minerals is crucial for understanding the environmental behavior of various cations, including cesium (Cs). However, its details remain unclear because of multiple adsorption sites of the clay minerals, a significant difference between concentrations in the atomic-scale experiments and the actual environment, and difficulties of evaluating bonding states of the adsorbed cations. It is expected that systematic experiments at the atomic-scale with a wide concentration range and application of density functional theory (DFT) calculations overcome the problems and bring crucial insights to link laboratory experiment results with environmental sample analysis. This study obtained adsorption isotherms and conducted X-ray diffraction and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) measurements at various concentrations of Cs+ or barium (Ba2+). Additionally, high-energy resolution fluorescence detection (HERFD) X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) measurements was performed for Cs+ to estimate its bonding state. To interpret the results, DFT calculations were also conducted. The results clarified the transition process of the adsorption site and local structures of adsorbed cations depending on the adsorption concentrations. Especially, the combination of EXAFS and DFT calculations succeeded in revealing the intermediate state between frayed edge site at a low concentration and collapsed interlayer site at a high concentration. Furthermore, HERFD-XANES and DFT calculations suggested the ionic bonding nature of Cs+, regardless of the adsorption sites.

Extracting rates and activation free energies of martensitic transitions using nanomechanical force statistics: theory, models, and analysis

Nanomechanical responses (force-time profiles) of crystal lattices under deformation exhibit random critical jumps, reflecting the underlying structural transition processes. Despite extensive data collection, interpreting dynamic critical responses and their underlying mechanisms remains a significant challenge. This study explores a microscopic theoretical approach to analyse critical force fluctuations in martensitic transitions. Extensive sampling of the critical forces was performed using nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulations of an atomic model of single-crystalline titanium nickel. We demonstrate that a framework of nonequilibrium statistical mechanics offers a principled explanation of the relationship between strain rate and the critical force distribution as well as its mean. The martensitic transition is represented on a free energy landscape, taking into account the thermally activated evolution of atomic arrangements over a barrier during its time-dependent deformation. The framework enables consistent inference of the relevant fundamental properties (e.g., intrinsic rate, activation free energy) that define the rate process of structural transition. The study demonstrates how the statistical characterisation of nanomechanical response-stimulus patterns can offer microscopic insights into the deformation behaviours of crystalline materials.

Mechanism investigation on the solid-solid phase transition of CL-20 induced by water vapor.

Energetic materials often possess different polymorphs that exhibit distinguishable performances. As a typical energetic material, hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane (CL-20 or HNIW) is one of the most powerful explosives nowadays. Phase transition of CL-20 induced by ubiquitous water vapor leading to an increase in sensitivity and a decrease in energy level is a key bottleneck that limits the widespread application of CL-20-based explosives. Herein, the solid-solid phase transition behavior of CL-20 induced by water vapor and the related mechanism have been investigated. The results show that CL-20 undergoes an irreversible ε to α phase transition at an initial temperature of 104 °C in the presence of water vapor, much lower than that induced by thermal stimulation alone. According to XRD results and phase transition kinetics analysis, a four-parameter model is established to describe the phase transition process as a function of time. Theoretical calculations further support the promoting effect of water molecules on the phase transition. Based on experimental and theoretical results, a possible mechanism of steam-induced solid-solid phase transition of CL-20 is proposed. This work will provide a theoretical basis for the reliable design of CL-20-based energetic materials and also for the study on polymorphic transition inhibition of organic crystals to obtain the preferred phase.

Phase Transition Process of Graphite to Diamond Induced by Monodispersed Tantalum Atoms at Ordinary Pressure.

The transformation of graphite into diamond (2-10nm) at ordinary pressure by monodispersed Ta atoms was recently reported, while the effects of Ta concentration on the transition process remain obscure. Here, by regulating the Ta wire treatment time, as well as the annealing time and temperature, larger diamond grians (5-20nm) are successfully synthesized, and the transition process of graphite to diamond is revealed to vary with Ta concentration. Specifically, short Ta wire treatments (5-10 min) induce graphite to form a "circle" structure and transforms into diamond directly after annealing. Long Ta wire treatments (15-25 min) produce larger and more "circle" structures, containing an increased number of graphite layers. After annealing at 1100°C for 30-120 min, graphite first transforms into amorphous carbon, then to i-Carbon and n-Diamond, and finally to diamond. Notably, a large amount of n-Diamond and diamond are formed after 120 min annealing. By modulating the annealing temperature from 500 to 1200°C for 30 min, diamond is already obtained at 500°C, and hexagonal diamond up to 20nm in size at 1200°C. This provides a fresh insight into the graphite/diamond transition process and an approach for diamond synthesis.

Attractor Landscape Analysis Reveals a Reversion Switch in the Transition of Colorectal Tumorigenesis.

A cell fate change such as tumorigenesis incurs critical transition. It remains a longstanding challenge whether the underlying mechanism can be unraveled and a molecular switch that can reverse such transition is found. Here a systems framework, REVERT, is presented with which can reconstruct the core molecular regulatory network model and a reversion switch based on single-cell transcriptome data over the transition process is identified. The usefulness of REVERT is demonstrated by applying it to single-cell transcriptome of patient-derived matched organoids of colon cancer and normal colon. REVERT is a generic framework that can be applied to investigate various cell fate transition phenomena.

The HISTONE ACETYLTRANSFERASE 1 interacts with CONSTANS to promote flowering in Arabidopsis.

Chromatin modifications including histone acetylation play essential roles in regulating flowering. The CBP/p300 family HISTONE ACETYLTRANSFERASE 1 (HAC1), which mediates histone acetylation, promotes the process of floral transition; however, the precise mechanism remains largely unclear. Specifically, how HAC1 is involved in the flowering regulatory network and which genes are the direct targets of HAC1 during flowering regulation are still unknown. In this study, we elucidated the critical function of HAC1 in promoting flowering via exerting active epigenetic markers at two key floral integrators, FT and SOC1, thereby regulating their expression to trigger the flowering process. We show that HAC1 physically interacts with CONSTANS (CO) in vivo and in vitro. Chromatin immunoprecipitation results indicate that HAC1 directly binds to the FT and SOC1 loci. Loss of HAC1 impairs CO-mediated transcriptional activation of FT and SOC1 in promoting flowering. Moreover, CO mutation leads to the decreased enrichment of HAC1 at FT and SOC1, indicating that CO recruits HAC1 to FT and SOC1. Finally, HAC1, as well as CO, is required for the elevated histone acetylation level at FT and SOC1. Taken together, our finding reveals that HAC1-mediated histone acetylation boots flowering via a CO-dependent activation of FT and SOC1.

Changing Winds: An Account Of The Bora Museum In Trieste (Italy) As A Space Of Rootedness In Climate Change

The Bora Museum in Trieste was founded in 2004 to celebrate the bora, the typical wind of Trieste, which for thousands of years has had an enormous impact on the city and the region in social, urban, economic, cultural and artistic terms. The museum has always been a space ‘in progress’, collecting testimonies of the wind and its changes. Since mid-2023, thanks to a major national grant, the museum has been working on opening a new exhibition space, the Borarium, designed as a centre for reflection on climate change. This contribution (presented here in the form of reflective papers or personal accounts) first aims to discuss the bottom-up and co-creation projects of the Bora Museum together with the citizens of Trieste, in particular Memories of bora, a series of videos dedicated to citizens’ memories of this characteristic wind, and Changing winds: climate emergency and us, dedicated to the climate changes perceptible in the wind. It then describes the ongoing interactive experiences, the Borarium Interactive project to digitise the museum’s analogue heritage, and initiatives to co-create content with visitors to support local processes of green transition and raise awareness of environmental choices. This work exemplifies a museum’s commitment to rooted work, as evidenced by its partnerships and collaborations with local communities on environmental issues, as well as its shared practices with its fellow citizens. Keywords: Museum, wind, climate change, co-creation projects, Bora, Trieste

N52 Transition care does not end at transfer of treatment

Abstract Background Whilst there are many documents telling us how to ‘do’ transition of care from paediatrics to adults i.e. ‘The Inbetweeners’ (NCEPOD) (2023) we report on a constantly evolving Adolescent and Young people’s IBD (AYP) service to meet the patient needs in an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) setting. The paediatric IBD advanced nurse practitioner (ANP) as the transition lead, and Adult IBD link nurse are co-located within the same nursing team. The transition process starts at first contact in paediatrics – where the AYP and family are made aware that we aim to transfer care to adult services in the year following their 16th birthday and exams have been completed, enabling 2 years within the AYP service with paediatric and adult nursing support. Transfer of care occurs in a multidisciplinary clinic with adult and paediatric Consultants and Nurses. This initial appointment determines the need for more ‘joint’ clinics and is tailored to the AYP needs. Subsequent AYP clinics are led by the Adult IBD Link nurse until the AYP naturally moves into a regular clinic. We wanted to review the current process and identify any barriers to young people accessing timely support. Methods We identified the cohort from a variety of routes that AYP have entered the adult IBD service. The structured transition patients formed the spine of our current AYP database. Patients lost to follow up were identified and challenges and barriers to engagement with services were identified to inform service improvement projects. Results 286 AYP were identified using a variety of means – Adviceline calls, clinics, transition lists. Some ‘well’ patients may not have been identified. Initial audit shows that 3 out of 143 patients had been lost to follow-up and not seen/had contact in the last 12 months. Table 1: Changes to AYP clinics Conclusion After reviewing the current structure of AYP clinics we made several changes, some changes have been more successful than others. Due to the numbers of AYP identified, Paediatric nursing support is planned for the clinic (upto 18 years), but adapting Adult clinic style i.e. the patient is in the lead of the consultation. The use of the LUSCII app meets 4 of the top 10 most important questions from James Lind Alliance Digital Technology for Adolescents and Young persons with IBD. Although only recently launched, initial interaction indicates that it may reduce need for routine monitoring, for which the AYP has no perceived benefit and AYP engagement appears to be increasing. Ongoing audit of the changes continues along with monitoring the DNA rate of contact with the young adult group.

Hear the herd: the power of Sámi perspectives for achieving just transitions in Norway

IntroductionFor achieving just transitions, it is crucial to address Indigenous perspectives and knowledge systems. In the North of Europe, the fast pace of transformational actions toward the decarbonisation of society has caused much controversy associated with the (further) endangerment of the traditional modes of life. Reindeer herding is a traditional activity of the Sámi, the Indigenous Peoples of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and North-Western Russia. For many Sámi, reindeer herding is of economic, social, and cultural importance. However, increasingly, pressures are being put on reindeer, as human activities, such as the building of roads or wind turbines, further encroaches on grazing lands.Methods and objectiveUsing semi-structured group and individual interviews, this article investigates Sámi perspectives on drivers and stressors impacting reindeer in Norway and its connections to sustainable development activities, in the context of the energy transition. It also focuses on the communication of Traditional Ecological Knowledge to better address inclusive decision-making processes.ResultsThe results highlight the divide between Western and Indigenous ways of thinking about land management and use. They provide reflections on why Traditional Ecological Knowledge, including from the Sámi is still far from being actively integrated in the processes toward Just Transitions. This work also brings to light some of the reasons behind the hesitance of many Indigenous Peoples to integrate mainstream transition processes as well as make available their Ancestral Knowledge for the benefit of nature conservation and sustainable management of the areas they inhabit. Lastly, the article offers some insight into how to facilitate communication of Traditional Ecological Knowledge and its potential impact on the current Norwegian strategy toward nature conservation and societal decarbonization.

Analyzing the Corporate Business Intelligence Impact: A Case Study in the Financial Sector

Business intelligence is the process and methods that enable businesses to effectively analyze large amounts of data and transform it into meaningful information, helping to increase efficiency and productivity in businesses, thus enabling businesses to gain competitive advantage. In this context, business intelligence improves data management and decision-making processes and plays a critical role in strategic management. The main purpose of this study is to analyze the transition process of business intelligence solutions in financial institutions in detail, to increase efficiency in reporting processes, and to optimize decision-making processes. The study examines the ‘Cheque Report’, which reports the status of cheques in XY Financial Institution. Within the scope of the study, the transition process to business intelligence in the financial institution examined the ‘Cheque Report’ in three stages: in the first stage, reports were prepared manually; in the second stage, they were prepared with PL/SQL, and in the last stage, they were prepared with a business intelligence solution, and their outputs were compared. As a result, it was observed that with the use of business intelligence, fast and direct access to reports, data security, freedom from person dependency, and efficiency in internal information sharing are provided.

Transition Behavior of Cellulose Nanocrystal Networks Induced by Nanoconfined Water

Hydrogen bonding (HB) is essential for the mechanical properties of cellulose‐based materials. However, the plastification of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) caused by the transition of HB in the presence of water is still insufficiently understood. In this work, the rigid–soft transition of nanoconfined chains in non‐ordered regions of CNC surfaces is quantitively described by comparing their strain behaviors with amorphous cellulose. Moreover, this softening (referred to as the “hydro‐glass transition”) with increasing relative humidity (RH) is explored, and a threshold RH value (RHt) is identified to characterize the transition. The phenomenon is attributed to the monolayer to multilayer adsorption and eventually capillary condensation of water molecules in wedged mesopores of the CNC films. This triggers a rapid transition of HB from cellulose–cellulose to cellulose–water type in the vicinity of RHt. The hydro‐glass transition is promoted by higher temperatures, for example, RHt at 65 °C decreases to 50%. In addition, the presence of surface groups with lower acid dissociation constant (comparing SO3− and OH/COO− moieties) also accelerates this hydro‐glass transition process. Thus, a detailed understanding of the thermodynamic changes in hydrogen‐bonded nanoconfined polymer chains in the presence of humidity, with implications for developing nanomaterials with RH‐controlled properties, is provided.