Transition Pathways Research Articles

Enhanced Photothermal Conversion through 2D/0D Nano-Heterojunction Engineering for Highly Efficient Solar Desalination.

Two-dimensional (2D) materials are promising candidates for solar-driven desalination. However, conventional photothermal 2D materials like transition metal carbides and nitrides (MXenes) as well as transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) suffer from major limitations such as their complex synthesis and low photothermal conversion efficiency. In contrast, metal phosphorus trichalcogenides (MPCh3) do not display the same drawbacks and possess widely tunable bandgaps (1.2-3.5 eV), making them ideal candidates for solar desalination. Moreover, their properties and applications related to light-matter interactions can be further enhanced by coupling with other low-dimensional nanostructures, tailoring hybrid van der Waals heterostructures of mixed dimensionality. Herein, we report the synthesis of FePS3 nanosheets/carbon nanodots (CNDs) 2D/0D nanoheterojunctions and their photothermal response when integrated into a 3D photothermal evaporator. These nanoheterojunctions exhibited high photothermal conversion performance, with an average absorbance of 90.6% from the UV to the NIR and a temperature increase of 42 °C over the blank control under 1 sun illumination for 300 s. A high water evaporation rate of 1.68 kg m-2 h-1 was observed under the same condition. Photothermal conversion and water evaporation experiments, along with femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy (fs-TAS), photoluminescence (PL) analysis, and finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations, revealed that the incorporation of CNDs and formation of the nanoheterojunction synergistically enhance localized heating and light absorption, improve trapping efficiency, and optimize nonradiative transition pathways. This study demonstrates the disruptive potential of the rational design of high-performance 2D material hybrids through MPCh3-based nanoheterojunction engineering, unveiling its transformative capability for use in solar desalination and photothermal technologies.

Well-Tempered Metadynamics Simulations Combined with Free Energy Landscape Analysis Uncover the Conformational Transition Pathway of the DYG Motif in LRRK2.

Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) is one of the most promising targets for the treatment of Parkinson's Disease. The activation of LRRK2 is regulated by the conserved Asp-Tyr-Gly (DYG) motif of the activation loop. Understanding the flipping process of the DYG motif from active to inactive is crucial for the regulation of LRRK2 kinase catalytic activity. Typically, type I inhibitors stabilize LRRK2 in the active conformation, while type II inhibitors favor the inactive state. To investigate the DYG-flipping mechanism, we performed well-tempered metadynamics simulations on LRRK2 in three distinct states: (1) the apo (ligand-free) state, (2) the type I inhibitor-bound state (DNL201), and (3) the type II inhibitor-bound state (rebastinib). The two-dimensional free energy landscape of DYG flipping in LRRK2 revealed transition pathways between the active ("DYG-in") and inactive ("DYG-out") states. Two distinct pathways were identified, which were differentiated by the orientation of Y2018. In the apo system, the DYG motif undergoes an upward flipping motion. Notably, type I inhibitor DNL201 stabilizes LRRK2 in the DYG-in active conformation, whereas type II inhibitor rebastinib promotes a downward flip into the DYG-out inactive state. These findings elucidate the conformational dynamics of LRRK2 in both unbound and ligand-regulated states as well as the mechanistic details of DYG motif flipping. Our study provides critical structural insights for targeted inhibition of LRRK2 kinase activity.

French consensus statement on transition of adolescent and young adults with rare pulmonary disease from paediatric to adult care: a Delphi method study

Title French consensus statement on transition of adolescents with rare pulmonary disease from paediatric to adult healthcare Background Transition of adolescents with chronic diseases to adult care is at risk of health complications and loss of medical follow-up. There is currently no official general consensus specific to rare pulmonary diseases. We aimed at setting up a consensus of experts to establish consensus statement for the transition of patients with rare pulmonary diseases in France. Methods We sought consensus using a three-round Delphi method, involving the French rare lung disease network. Statements were submitted to a panel of 38 experts (including nurses, patients, physiotherapists, specialised and general physicians, social workers, psychologists). A statement was validated if 80% of the respondents rated it with 7 or more on a Likert scale. Results We received completed all 3 surveys from 37 respondents. We identified 77 key elements that reached consensus, to be included in future guidelines. The main topics discussed correspond to the future guidelines’ structure, as follows: Transition overview and main objectives; Subjects to discuss with the patient during transition; Practical aspects of consultations during transition and transfer; and early follow up in adult care. The main remaining ideas were: 1) to coordinate global care for each patient, 2) to formalise transfer, and 3) to integrate patients’ will and needs into their care in order to support their empowerment. Conclusion This study has established key elements to a successful transition for patients with rare pulmonary disease, by a multidisciplinary panel of experts. We achieved consensus on a formalised transition pathway to guarantee a successful transition for patients and their families, but also for healthcare professionals.

Economic Growth and Grassland Recovery: The Case of the Inverted EKC From China

ABSTRACTThe Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis has been widely debated in pollution studies, and its applicability to grassland ecosystems remains fragmented, particularly regarding the mechanisms driving inflection point shifts. This study presents the Grassland Environmental Kuznets Curve (GEKC) framework, using high‐resolution county‐level panel data (2000–2022) from China's pastoral regions to model grassland degradation and recovery dynamics. With System GMM estimation for endogeneity, a robust U‐shaped GEKC is found: economic growth first degrades grasslands but shifts to restoration beyond a threshold. Notably, the GEKC inflection point arrives earlier in economically developed regions and temperate continental climate zones, suggesting regional heterogeneity in grassland responses to economic development. Four key pathways influencing the GEKC inflection point shift are identified: the grassland scarcity pathway reducing resource competition through land use optimization and efficient livestock practices; the grassland governance pathway enhancing ecological stewardship via policy interventions; the land intensification pathway boosting productivity with technological advancements; and the livelihood transition pathway lessening anthropogenic pressures through income diversification. These findings challenge the conventional EKC paradigm by demonstrating that strategic policy sequencing—prioritizing governance in early developmental stages and market mechanisms post‐inflection—can decouple economic growth from grassland degradation.

Strategic deployment of solar photovoltaics for achieving self-sufficiency in Europe throughout the energy transition

Transition pathways for Europe to achieve carbon neutrality emphasize the need for a massive deployment of solar and wind energy. Global cost optimization would lead to installing most of the renewable capacity in a few resource-rich countries, but policy decisions could prioritize other factors. We investigate the effect of energy independence on Europe’s energy system design. We show that self-sufficiency constraints lead to a more equitable distribution of costs and installed capacities across Europe. However, countries that typically depend on energy imports face cost increases of up to 150% to ensure that they cover their demand on an annual basis. Self-sufficiency particularly favors solar photovoltaic energy, and with declining PV module prices, alternative configurations like inverter dimensioning and horizontal tracking are beneficial enough to be part of the optimal solution for many countries. Moreover, we find that very high solar and wind annual installation rates are required, but they seem feasible considering recent historical trends.

The Effects of Different Types of Exercise on Pulmonary Inflammation and Fibrosis in Mice with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Background: Diabetic lung disease, characterized by inflammation and fibrosis, is an emerging chronic complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, systematic studies on the effects of exercise interventions remain limited. This study aimed to investigate the impact of different exercise types (swimming, resistance training, and high-intensity interval training [HIIT]) on pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis in T2DM mice, and to explore underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods: A T2DM mouse model was established by a high-fat diet (HFD) combined with streptozotocin (STZ) induction. Mice were randomly divided into sedentary control, swimming, resistance training, and HIIT groups, and underwent 8 weeks of exercise intervention. After the intervention, body composition was assessed. Lung histopathological changes were evaluated by hematoxylin&eosin (HE) and Masson staining. Inflammatory cytokines, fibrosis markers, and the expression of the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway were detected. Macrophage infiltration and polarization were also analyzed. Results: Exercise intervention improved body composition and reduced oxidative stress in T2DM mice. All three exercise modalities downregulated inflammatory cytokine expression, inhibited macrophage activation and M1 polarization, and promoted M2 polarization. Additionally, exercise improved lung tissue structure, reduced collagen deposition, and decreased the expression of fibrosis-related markers. Furthermore, anti-fibrotic effects were mediated by suppression of the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway and inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Among the interventions, HIIT demonstrated the strongest inhibitory effect on the TGF-β1/Smad pathway, while swimming showed the most significant anti-inflammatory benefits. Conclusions: Different types of exercise effectively alleviate pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis in T2DM mice. These effects are closely related to the inhibition of oxidative stress, regulation of macrophage polarization, and suppression of TGF-β1/Smad signaling activation, with swimming and HIIT demonstrating superior protective benefits.

Tourism policy in the European Union: progress, challenges and prospects

ABSTRACT This paper examines the evolution of EU tourism policy, from its early economic integration in the 1980s to current frameworks prioritising sustainability, resilience, and digital transition. Initially, tourism policy was driven by economic growth and regional development, with limited institutional recognition. The Treaty of Lisbon (2007) marked a turning point, granting the EU explicit competency in tourism policy, yet progress remained constrained by fragmented governance and the absence of a dedicated budget line. Recent initiatives, such as the Transition Pathway for Tourism and the European Agenda for Tourism 2030, promote sustainable, digital, and inclusive tourism. However, challenges persist, including weak enforcement mechanisms, the voluntary nature of stakeholder commitments, and insufficient policies addressing cultural heritage protection, tourism sites management, socio-cultural impacts and climate risks. Moving forward, stronger coordination among Member States, targeted funding, and enhanced policy enforcement are essential to achieve a truly cohesive and resilient EU tourism policy framework.

Multiple pathways for agrifood sustainable transitions: organizations on family farmers in Southern Brazil

ABSTRACT There are multiple ways of thinking about the transition to sustainable agri-food systems. Current theoretical approaches to such transitions have focused either on macro-analytical issues, such as food regimes as a world-historical process, or on micro-analytical aspects, by considering the individual features of the actors who mobilize their own transitions, on a local scale. Based on a case study in the Vale do Rio Pardo region, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, we present evidence that agroecological transitions comprise a multi-stakeholder, multidimensional, and non-linear process, as well as the political dimension that must be taken into account. Based on this, we propose ways to situate sustainable agri-food transitions in multiple and interrelated analytical dimensions at the territorial level. Research findings confirm the importance of in-loco solutions and innovations that facilitate family farmer autonomy for farm management and social action. At the same time, they reinforce the important role of the state in these processes, by fostering transition through steady initiatives and robust investments.

Fast-growing broadleaf trees in niche configurations: A business model approach to economization and socio-technical transitions

Ecological pressures, increasing forest damages, and declining forest biodiversity in Sweden have led to policy changes that seek to diversify practices beyond coniferous rotation forest management and improve the resilience of forests. Increasing the proportion of fast-growing species, such as birch and aspen, is a key alternative to address the challenges faced by the conifer-based system while increasing biomass to support the transition to a sustainable bioeconomy. Our study applies a business model and value chain approach to a niche configuration perspective to understand how firms use fast-growing broadleaf species to create value and develop pathways toward more broadleaf forestry. Firms create value with these species in six identified configurations combining innovation and niche protection measures. These range from small rural businesses creating birch beverages to industrial-scale production of hardwood textile pulp. We conclude that forest certification has been the most influential form of niche protection, enabling a fit-and-conform transition pathway. Thus, the certification raised broadleaf values without transforming the regime practices. Some configurations demonstrate a stretch-and-transform alternative, building on the material attributes of fast-growing broadleaf species and instigating innovation with potential for a deeper change.

Transition pathway from blue to green ammonia production: Comparative insight into technoeconomic, environmental, and policy framework

Transition pathway from blue to green ammonia production: Comparative insight into technoeconomic, environmental, and policy framework

Silencing THBS1 in M2 Macrophages Exerts an Inhibitory Effect on Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma by Suppressing TGF-β Pathway.

Tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) is a common oral and maxillofacial malignancy. Thrombospondin-1 (THBS1), acting in the extracellular matrix, impacts cell migration and proliferation, significantly contributing to tumor development. We aim to investigate the role of THBS1 in TSCC. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened by sequencing using macrophages obtained from TSCC patients. Hub genes were identified from protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks. Proliferation, migration, and invasion were assessed to determine the role of THBS1 in TSCC cells. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunohistochemistry were utilized to explore the effect of THBS1 on xenograft models. Western blot was used to determine protein expression related to M2 macrophages, angiogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and key pathways. MMP2, THBS1, EDN1, and PERP were hub genes of TSCC, which were upregulated in M2 macrophages. Silencing THBS1 suppressed the polarization of M2 macrophages, proliferation, migration, and invasion of TSCC cells. THBS1 silencing in M2 macrophages suppressed tumor growth in mice. THBS1 silencing in M2 macrophages inhibited angiogenesis and EMT in TSCC. TGF-β pathway was a potential downstream pathway by comprehensive bioinformatics analysis. Silencing THBS1 decreased the expression of TGF-β pathway proteins in TSCC. The activation of the TGF-β pathway induced by SRI-011381 counteracted the inhibitory impacts of THBS1 silencing on M2 macrophage polarization, proliferation, migration, and invasion of TSCC cells. THBS1 silencing inhibits the polarization of M2 macrophages to hinder TSCC progression via suppressing the TGF-β pathway.

A Gene Signature Developed Based on Reactive Oxygen Species to Predict the Metabolism, Immunity, Mutational Status, and Prognostic Survival for Glioblastoma.

To explore the mechanism of regulatory genes related to reactive oxygen species (ROS) in glioblastoma (GBM). GBM is a brain malignancy with a poor prognosis. ROS plays a critical role in cellular metabolism, signaling, and senescence, and abnormalities in ROS are closely associated with cancer initiation and development. However, the role of ROSregulated genes in GBM remained unknown. To explore the role of ROS-regulated genes in GBM and to build a ROS-related prognostic model. RNA sequencing and clinical data from GBM patients were collected from public databases. The enrichment scores of ROS-correlated pathway gene sets obtained from The Molecular Signatures Database (MSiDB) were calculated using single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA). Subsequently, key ROS-correlated gene modules were sectioned by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and Cox regression analyses were performed to screen ROS-related genes, which were used to develop a risk model. In addition, the correlation between patients in high-risk and low-risk groups and clinicopathological features, metabolism-related pathways, and pathways related to tumor progression was analyzed. Finally, the difference in immune cell infiltration between patients in the two risk groups was calculated using CIBERSORT. We found that ROS-related genes could predict the prognosis of patients suffering from GBM and that abnormal activation of the ROS pathway increased the metabolism of sugars, fats, and amino acids. WGCNA identified gene modules closely associated with ROS. A prognostic risk model was created using three key genes (OSMR, SLC6A6, and UPP1). Immune infiltration analysis showed that high-risk Patients had higher levels of macrophage infiltration, and a high-RiskScore was positively correlated with multiple metabolism processes, programmed death, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway activity. The ROS-associated risk model could accurately predict tumor immunity and progression for GBM patients, acting as an effective predictor of GBM prognosis. The present discovery provided a novel understanding of the diagnosis and treatment of GBM patients.

The NARly side of whole-body NAD homeostasis.

The NARly side of whole-body NAD homeostasis.

Synergizing oxygen vacancy engineering and f-Electron doping to Promote dynamics of Rare-Earth-Doped bismuth Oxyhalides for photocatalysis.

Synergizing oxygen vacancy engineering and f-Electron doping to Promote dynamics of Rare-Earth-Doped bismuth Oxyhalides for photocatalysis.

The Next Great Engine War Was Not What You Thought It Was

The author compares and contrasts the various "engine wars" starting with the F-15's engine competition, fifth-generation engine procurements (F-22 and F-35), and finally, adaptive cycle engine technology development. He emphasizes the value of competition and the need for clear requirements to drive technological investments, leading to recommendations including technology roadmaps to facilitate transition pathways and funding technology maturation programs to ensure healthy competition.

Extratropical transition pathways of tropical cyclones and their associated storm intensity and destructiveness.

Extratropical transition pathways of tropical cyclones and their associated storm intensity and destructiveness.

Exploring Gliosarcoma by Light Microscopy, Two-Photon Excitation Microscopy, and Radiological Imaging Techniques

Gliosarcoma is a rare and aggressive variant of glioblastoma, characterized by both a malignant glial component and a mesenchymal sarcomatous component. Gliosarcomas have genetic alterations with glioblastomas, including TP53, PTEN mutations, and EGFR amplification, but may also exhibit additional changes related to epithelial-mesenchymal transition pathways. Management is similar to glioblastoma, involving safe, maximal surgical resection followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy with temozolomide, but the prognosis remains poor, with a median survival of 6-14 months. Both Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) play crucial roles in the detection, characterization, and treatment planning of gliosarcoma. While MRI is the gold standard, CT remains valuable in certain situations. Light microscopy is essential for definitive diagnosis, allowing pathologists to examine cellular morphology and tissue architecture. It is essential for distinguishing gliosarcoma from other high grade gliomas and for guiding treatment decisions. In addition, two-photon excited fluorescence (TPEF) microscopy is an advanced optical imaging technique that enables real-time, high-resolution visualization of tumor tissue without the need for staining or contrast agents and enhances visualization of collagen structure and vascularization, key factors in gliosarcoma assessment. The study of radiological and histopathological (light microscopy) features in primary gliosarcomas of the brain is a priority to achieve an early diagnosis that can be translated into better outcomes. Here, we describe the radiological and histopathological features observed in multiple cases of gliosarcoma in current practice.

Regional preconditions and sustainability transition pathways: Insights from circular, bio-based and resource-efficient building material innovations in Vietnam

Regional preconditions and sustainability transition pathways: Insights from circular, bio-based and resource-efficient building material innovations in Vietnam

Iterative variational learning of committor-consistent transition pathways using artificial neural networks.

Discovering transition pathways that are physically meaningful and committor-consistent has long been a challenge in studying rare events in complex systems. Here we introduce a neural network-based strategy that learns simultaneously the committor function and the associated committor-consistent string, offering an unprecedented view of transition processes. Built on the committor time-correlation function, this method operates across diverse dynamical regimes, and extends beyond traditional approaches relying on infinitesimal time-lag approximations, valid only in the overdamped diffusive limit. It also distinguishes multiple competing pathways, crucial for understanding complex biomolecular transformations. Demonstrated on benchmark potentials and biological systems such as peptide isomerization and protein-model folding, this approach robustly reproduces established dynamics, rate constants and transition mechanisms. Its adaptability to collective variables and resilience across neural architectures make it a powerful and versatile tool for enhanced-sampling simulations of rare events, enabling insights into the intricate landscapes of biomolecular systems.

DECARBONIZATION PATHWAYS OF THE REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJAN AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL SECURITY CHALLENGES

The paper studies national context of climate change combat, environmental security, low greenhouse gas emission (GHG) development scenarios for the Republic of Azerbaijan in the XXI century, analyzes the optimal pathways of transition to the green economy in the country. Since the paragraph 19 of the Article 4 of the Paris Agreement defines a task for each country - Party of the Agreement, to formulate and communicate long-term low greenhouse gas emission development strategies (LT-LEDS), preparation of such strategy is of high priority for each Party of the Agreement. In this regard, the paper focusses particularly on the energy and environmental characteristics of the decarbonization scenario in Azerbaijan.