Broad Temperature Tolerance Research Articles

Natural cellulose reinforced multifunctional eutectogels for wearable sensors and epidermal electrodes

Wearable electronics significantly impact health monitoring, clinical care, and human-machine interfaces. Eutectogels, which utilize deep eutectic solvents (DES) address the drawbacks of hydrogels, such as weight loss and poor temperature tolerance, as well as the high costs and toxicities associated with ionogels. Despite these advances, most eutectogels serve only as sensors or epidermal electrodes and rarely fulfill both functions simultaneously. In this study, we present a multifunctional eutectogel designed to function in both ways. Incorporating natural cotton cellulose nanofibers as nanofillers reinforced the tensile strength of the resultant eutectogel by 7.47 times compared to that of the pure eutectogel, reaching 4.93 MPa. This eutectogel exhibited high ionic conductivity (1.22 S m−1), strong adhesion (1562.2 kPa to iron), self-healing ability (80.37% strain recovery and 80.53% tensile strength recovery), a broad temperature tolerance (−40 to 80 °C), and antibacterial properties. It demonstrates high sensitivity for the real-time strain detection of human activities and accurately captures electrophysiological signals, enabling the control of a small car. This versatile eutectogel has excellent potential for use in flexible wearable electronics.

Biomass Hydrogel Electrolytes toward Green and Durable Supercapacitors: Enhancing Flame Retardancy, Low-Temperature Self-Healing, Self-Adhesion, and Long-Term Cycling Stability.

Hydrogels have shown promise as quasi-solid-state electrolytes for flexible supercapacitors but face challenges such as poor self-repair, unstable electrode adhesion, limited temperature range, and flammability. Herein, an all-round green hydrogel electrolyte (silk nanofibers (SNFs)/peach gum polysaccharide (PGP)/borax/glycerol (SPBG)-ZnSO4) addresses these issues through dynamic cross-linking of peach gum polysaccharide and silk nanofibers with borax, integrating varieties of key property including high water retention, broad temperature tolerance (-20 to 90 °C), excellent self-adhesion (60.7 kPa for carbon cloth electrodes), satisfactory flame retardancy (limited oxygen index of 51%), low-temperature self-healing (-20 °C), and good ionic conductivity (7.68 mS cm-1). The resulting supercapacitor exhibits excellent cycling stability with 98.2% capacitance retention after 40,000 long cycles at 25 °C. The specific capacitance retention remains above 90% even after 15,000 cycles at high/low temperatures (50 °C/-20 °C). Furthermore, the flexible supercapacitor demonstrates stable performance under mechanical stimuli (180° bending and perforation), highlighting the potential of biomass hydrogels in flexible energy storage devices.

Spatiotemporal Distribution and Dispersal Pattern of Early Life Stages of the Small Yellow Croaker (Larimichthys Polyactis) in the Southern Yellow Sea

Nursery habitats play a significant role in completing fish life cycles, and they are now recognized as essential habitats. Monthly variations in nursery ground distributions of Larimichthys polyactis were investigated in the southern Yellow Sea in 2019. Bayesian hierarchical models with integrated nested Laplace approximation were utilized to model the preferential nursery habitats of L. polyactis larvae. The study analyzed the spatial and temporal distributions of the larvae and juveniles based on three environmental variables: sea surface temperature, sea surface salinity, and depth. Additionally, this study examined the utilization of habitats by different fish life stages and ontogenetic shifts. A total of 3240 individuals were collected from April to June, with the peak occurring in May (0.05 ind./m3), and the distribution areas varied between different months. The prediction of the model reveals the ecological adaptability of L. polyactis to temperature variations. The optimal temperature for L. polyactis density ranges from 12.5 °C to 16.5 °C in April and 16.5 °C to 17.5 °C in May, demonstrating a broad temperature tolerance for L. polyactis survival. In addition, there are variations in distribution patterns among different developmental stages. Larimichthys polyactis spawn in the inshore and nearshore waters, and after hatching, larvae in the pre-flexion stage tend to remain aggregated near the spawning beds. However, larvae in the advanced development stage (post-flexion) and juveniles move towards the sandy ridge habitats along the coast and start to migrate offshore in June. This study provides valuable insights for the effective management of fishery resources in the area and can be utilized to identify marine areas with specific habitat features that require conservation.

Fabrication of highly stretchable composite organohydrogel for strain sensors with high sensitivity and broad temperature tolerance

Elastically stretchable conductive hydrogels have garnered significant scholarly interest for their potential applications in wearable sensing technologies. Yet, these highly elastic hydrogels often display diminished sensory capacities, particularly under conditions of severe thermal variation. This investigation unveils a highly stretchable composite organohydrogel distinguished by its superior sensory proficiency and resilience to harsh thermal environments. Encapsulating carbonized crepe paper (CCP) within a hydrophobic association-driven organohydrogel-crafted through the micellar copolymerization of hydrophobic stearyl methacrylate with hydrophilic acrylamide, and incorporation of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and Al3+ in a binary solvent of glycerol and water-we attained a high stretchability of 3865 %, in conjunction with augmented tensile strength and sensory acuity. Moreover, this composite demonstrates a gauge factor of 263.1 for strains ranging from 400 to 550 %, a detection threshold of 0.1 %, swift response/recovery times (161/152 ms), and sustained durability over 1000 cycles at a 100 % strain. Such attributes facilitate its deployment in the realms of health monitoring, activity sensing, gesture recognition, and wireless motion control, even under extreme thermal conditions, heralding a pioneering strategy for the creation of cost-efficient, high-efficacy electronic conductive hydrogels.

Terrestrial Trentepohlia sp. (Ulvophyceae) from alpine and coastal collection sites show strong desiccation tolerance and broad light and temperature adaptation.

For the present study, we collected the Ulvophyceae species Trentepohlia aurea from limestone rock near Berchtesgaden, Germany, and the closely related taxa T. umbrina from Tilia cordata tree bark and T. jolithus from concrete wall both in Rostock, Germany. Freshly sampled material stained with Auramine O, DIOC6, and FM 1-43 showed an intact physiological status. Cell walls were depicted with calcofluor white and Carbotrace. When subjected to three repeated and controlled cycles of desiccation over silica gel (~ 10% relative humidity) followed by rehydration, T. aurea recovered about 50% of the initial photosynthetic yield of photosystem II (YII). In contrast, T. umbrina and T. jolithus recovered to 100% of the initial YII. HPLC and GC analysis of compatible solutes found highest proportions of erythritol in T. umbrina and mannitol/arabitol in T. jolithus. The lowest total compatible solute concentrations were detected in T. aurea, while the C/N ratio was highest in this species, indicative of nitrogen limitation. The prominent orange to red coloration of all Trentepohlia was due to extremely high carotenoid to Chl a ratio (15.9 in T. jolithus, 7.8 in T. aurea, and 6.6. in T. umbrina). Photosynthetic oxygen production was positive up to ~ 1500µmol photons m-2s-1 with the highest Pmax and alpha values in T. aurea. All strains showed a broad temperature tolerance with optima for gross photosynthesis between 20 and 35°C. The presented data suggest that all investigated Trentepohlia species are well adapted to their terrestrial lifestyle on exposed to sunlight on a vertical substrate with little water holding capacity. Nevertheless, the three Trentepohlia species differed concerning their desiccation tolerance and compatible solute concentrations. The lower compatible solute contents in T. aurea explain the incomplete recovery of YII after rehydration.

Ultrastretchable, repairable and highly sensitive xanthan collagen nanosilver hydrogel for wide temperature flexible sensing

Conductive hydrogels, lauded for their electrical conductivity, precise information capture, biocompatibility, and extensibility, have gained prominence as ideal candidate materials for flexible wearable sensor applications. Nevertheless, these sensors must surmount numerous challenges such as environmental temperature variations, bacterial growth in high-humidity environments, low signal detection sensitivity, irreversible damage, and mechanical performance stability during use. In response to these challenges, we present a hydrophobic supramolecular and dynamic coordination double-network hydrogel, prepared through a solvent-exchange method, with an accelerated gelation rate. The coordination of dynamic hydrogen bonds and coordination bonds within the hydrophobic supramolecular network imbues the hydrogel with superior mechanical properties (elongation at break around 4900%, tensile strength approximately 506 kPa) and improved self-healing capabilities. This solvent-exchange-mediated hydrogel exhibits broad temperature resilience (−20–60 °C) and reliable repeatability. Additionally, the sensor enables wireless human signal monitoring with a rapid response time (75 ms) and heightened sensitivity (gauge factor = 22.34). The wearable sensor’s antibacterial efficacy effectively suppresses bacterial propagation in high-moisture hydrogels, with a bacterial inhibition rate of 99.9%. The findings from our series of studies reveal the successful fabrication of stable, flexible wearable sensors with self-healing, antibacterial, high sensitivity, and broad temperature tolerance characteristics, showcasing the immense potential for applications in wearable electronics, wireless monitoring, and human–machine interactions.

Organo‐Hydrogel Electrolytes with Versatile Environmental Adaptation for Advanced Flexible Aqueous Energy Storage Devices

With growing demands for portable electronics, flexible aqueous energy storage devices such as supercapacitors and Zn‐based batteries have drawn tremendous interest from both academic and industrial fields. Organo‐hydrogels, crosslinked amphiphilic polymers filled with organic solvents and water, are regarded as an ideal electrolyte candidate for portable electronic applications, especially due to their superior environmental adaptation. Organo‐hydrogels can reserve the advantages of the corresponding hydrogels and achieve some unique features such as broad temperature tolerance, high mechanical stability, strong interfacial interaction, and decent ionic conductivity. This review outlines the composition fundamentals, preparation methods, and comprehensive properties of reported organo‐hydrogel electrolytes. In particular, supercapacitors and Zn‐based batteries that operate under harsh temperature conditions and unusual mechanical deformations endowed by organo‐hydrogel electrolytes are further highlighted. Moreover, a unique perspective on the current challenges and future development directions of the organo‐hydrogel electrolytes for flexible energy storage is also provided.

Mechanically Robust and Flexible GO/PI Hybrid Aerogels as Highly Efficient Oil Absorbents.

Herein, mechanically robust and flexible graphene oxide/polyimide (GO/PI) hybrid aerogels (GIAs) were fabricated by a facile method, in which the mixed suspensions of the water-soluble polyimide precursor and graphene oxide (GO) sheets were freeze-dried, which was followed by a routine thermal imidation process. The porous GIAs obtained not only exhibit excellent elasticity and extremely low density values (from 33.3 to 38.9 mg.cm-3), but they also possess a superior compressive strength (121.7 KPa). The GIAs could support a weight of up to 31,250 times of its own weight, and such a weight-carrying capacity is much higher than that of other typical carbon-based aerogels. Having such a porous structure, and high strength and toughness properties make GIAs ideal candidates for oil spill cleanup materials. The oil/organic solvents' absorption capacity ranges from 14.6 to 85, which is higher than that of most other aerogels (sponges). With their broad temperature tolerance and acidic stability, the unique multifunctional GIAs are expected to further extend their application range into extreme environments.

Photosynthetic, Respirational, and Growth Responses of Six Benthic Diatoms from the Antarctic Peninsula as Functions of Salinity and Temperature Variations.

Temperature and salinity are some of the most influential abiotic parameters shaping biota in aquatic ecosystems. In recent decades, climate change has had a crucial impact on both factors—especially around the Antarctic Peninsula—with increasing air and water temperature leading to glacial melting and the accompanying freshwater increase in coastal areas. Antarctic soft and hard bottoms are typically inhabited by microphytobenthic communities, which are often dominated by benthic diatoms. Their physiology and primary production are assumed to be negatively affected by increased temperatures and lower salinity. In this study, six representative benthic diatom strains were isolated from different aquatic habitats at King George Island, Antarctic Peninsula, and comprehensively identified based on molecular markers and morphological traits. Photosynthesis, respiration, and growth response patterns were investigated as functions of varying light availability, temperature, and salinity. Photosynthesis–irradiance curve measurements pointed to low light requirements, as light-saturated photosynthesis was reached at <70 µmol photons m−2 s−1. The marine isolates exhibited the highest effective quantum yield between 25 and 45 SA (absolute salinity), but also tolerance to lower and higher salinities at 1 SA and 55 SA, respectively, and in a few cases even <100 SA. In contrast, the limnic isolates showed the highest effective quantum yield at salinities ranging from 1 SA to 20 SA. Almost all isolates exhibited high effective quantum yields between 1.5 °C and 25 °C, pointing to a broad temperature tolerance, which was supported by measurements of the short-term temperature-dependent photosynthesis. All studied Antarctic benthic diatoms showed activity patterns over a broader environmental range than they usually experience in situ. Therefore, it is likely that their high ecophysiological plasticity represents an important trait to cope with climate change in the Antarctic Peninsula.

Individual variation in growth and physiology of symbionts in response to temperature.

In many cases, understanding species’ responses to climate change requires understanding variation among individuals in response to such change. For species with strong symbiotic relationships, such as many coral reef species, genetic variation in symbiont responses to temperature may affect the response to increased ocean temperatures. To assess variation among symbiont genotypes, we examined the population dynamics and physiological responses of genotypes of Breviolum antillogorgium in response to increased temperature. We found broad temperature tolerance across genotypes, with all genotypes showing positive growth at 26, 30, and 32°C. Genotypes differed in the magnitude of the response of growth rate and carrying capacity to increasing temperature, suggesting that natural selection could favor different genotypes at different temperatures. However, the historical temperature at which genotypes were reared (26 or 30°C) was not a good predictor of contemporary temperature response. We found increased photosynthetic rates and decreased respiration rates with increasing contemporary temperature, and differences in physiology among genotypes, but found no significant differences in the response of these traits to temperature among genotypes. In species with such broad thermal tolerance, selection experiments on symbionts outside of the host may not yield results sufficient for evolutionary rescue from climate change.

PAN/W18O49/Ag nanofibrous membrane for high-efficient and multi-band electromagnetic-interference shielding with broad temperature tolerance and good thermal isolating capacity

High-efficient multispectral electromagnetic-interference (EMI) shielding membranes, with robust resistance against broad temperature range and good thermal isolating capacity, are highly desirable to prevent human being and portable sensitive electrical devices from both outside detrimental electromagnetic irradiation (interference) threaten and heat under harsh conditions, but still a challenge to be realized. Herein, an effective route has been demonstrated to address this challenge by constructing ternary polyacrylonitrile/W 18 O 49 /Ag composite nanofibrous membrane via electrospinning and post treatment. Prompted by the high electrical conductivity (∼30400 S cm −1 ) and multi-porous structures, our membrane exhibits outstanding EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) against multi-bands: (i) highest SE was ∼100.9 dB from 8 to 26.5 GHz (thickness: 0.11 mm); (ii) low emissivity (from 0.26 to 0.6) over whole-infrared bands (15 ∼ 150 THz; thickness: 0.11 mm); (iii) 99% X-ray attenuation of 30 keV (6.8–22.7 EHz; thickness: 1.92 mm). Moreover, our membrane also possesses good thermal insulating capacity to inhibit the heat, caused by the incident EM waves irradiation or outer hot environment, to protect the substrates. Most importantly, robust temperature tolerance has been also realized based on our membrane over broad temperature range (from −196 °C to 385 °C). These outstanding functions make our membrane hold great potential in constructing EMI layer for both human beings and sensitive electronic devices under harsh temperature. Ternary PAN/W 18 O 49 /Ag nanofibrous membrane has been designed to realize the high-efficient and multi-band electromagnetic-interference shielding protective layer with unexpected broad temperature tolerance and good thermal isolating capacity. • A ternary PAN/W 18 O 49 /Ag nanofibrous membrane (NM) has been fabricated for multispectral EMI shielding. • The as-prepared NM exhibits robust EMI SE (highest SE: 100.9 dB; thickness: 0.11 mm) in the microwave band (8–26.5 GHz). • Emissivity (from 0.26 to 0.60; thickness: 0.11 mm) in IR bands and 99% (thickness: 1.92 mm) X-ray attenuation of 30 keV. • Robust temperature tolerance (from −196 °C to 385 °C) has been realized.

Toughened, self-healing and self-adhesive conductive gels with extraordinary temperature adaptability for dual-responsive sensors

Synopsis: a versatile conductive elastomer with broad and long-term temperature tolerance for dual-responsive sensors.

Transcriptional Responses of the Heat Shock Protein 20 (Hsp20) and 40 (Hsp40) Genes to Temperature Stress and Alteration of Life Cycle Stages in the Harmful Alga Scrippsiella trochoidea (Dinophyceae).

Simple SummaryAs the greatest contributors to harmful algal blooms, dinoflagellates account for roughly 75% of bloom events, which become an escalating threat to coastal ecosystems and cause substantial economic loss worldwide. Resting cyst production and broad temperature tolerance are well proven as adaptive strategies for blooming dinoflagellates; however, to date, the underlying molecular information is scarce. In the present study, we characterized two heat shock protein genes from the representative dinoflagellate Scrippsiella trochoidea, with the aim to primarily determine their possible roles in response to temperature stress and alteration of the life cycle. The yielded results enhance our knowledge about the functions of cross-talk of different Hsp members in temperature adaptation of dinoflagellates and facilitate further exploration in their potential physiological relevance during different life-stage alternation in this ecological important lineage.The small heat shock protein (sHsp) and Hsp40 are Hsp members that have not been intensively investigated but are functionally important in most organisms. In this study, the potential roles of a Hsp20 (StHsp20) and a Hsp40 (StHsp40) in dinoflagellates during adaptation to temperature fluctuation and alteration of different life stages were explored using the representative harmful algal blooms (HABs)-causative dinoflagellate species, Scrippsiella trochoidea. We isolated the full-length cDNAs of the two genes via rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) and tracked their differential transcriptions via real-time qPCR. The results revealed StHsp20 and StHsp40 exhibited mRNA accumulation patterns that were highly similar in response to heat stress but completely different toward cold stress, which implies that the mechanisms underlying thermal and cold acclimation in dinoflagellates are regulated by different sets of genes. The StHsp20 was probably related to the heat tolerance of the species, and StHsp40 was closely involved in the adaptation to both higher and lower temperature fluctuations. Furthermore, significantly higher mRNA abundance of StHsp40 was detected in newly formed resting cysts, which might be a response to intrinsic stress stemmed from encystment. This finding also implied StHsp40 might be engaged in resting cyst formation of S. trochoidea. Our findings enriched the knowledge about possible cross-talk of different Hsp members in dinoflagellates and provided clues to further explore the molecular underpinnings underlying resting cyst production and broad temperature tolerance of this group of HABs contributors.

Detoxification of deoxynivalenol by Bacillus subtilis ASAG 216 and characterization the degradation process

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a widely distributed mycotoxin that frequently occurs in various foodstuffs, and poses a health risk to human and animals. Biodegradation of DON to less- or non-toxic substances using naturally existing microorganisms is considered the best approach for DON detoxification. Although various microorganisms capable of detoxifying DON have been reported; however, such studies on probiotic strains are scarce. In this study, a bacterial strain (ASAG 216) showed to possess the capability of detoxifying 100 μg/mL DON by 81.1% within 8 h was isolated from the intestine of a donkey. After morphological observation and 16S rDNA sequence analysis, the strain was identified as Bacillus subtilis. The DON-degradation potential of B. subtilis ASAG 216 was predominantly attributed to the culture supernatant, which turned to be sensitive to heat, sodium dodecyl sulfate, and proteinase K treatment, indicating the possible presence of extracellular proteins or enzymes in the supernatant which were responsible for DON degradation. Moreover, B. subtilis ASAG 216 has a broad temperature (35–50 °C) and pH (6.5–9.0) tolerance on DON degradation, apart from its ability to withstand conditions which generally prevail during the intestinal transit. In addition, the tested strain showed antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhimurium. These results provide satisfactory grounds for the potential use of B. subtilis ASAG 216 as a new feed additive to address DON contamination.

Ecosystem-specific growth responses to climate pattern by a temperate freshwater fish

Abstract Somatic growth patterns among animal populations are maintained through complex processes that vary among ecosystems. Changes in growth patterns may be concomitant with changes in climate; however, understanding how growth will manifest among ecosystems is limited. Information embedded within fish hard-parts (i.e., otoliths, spines, vertebrae) can account for variation in growth patterns resulting from changing climate conditions. Channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus is a freshwater fish species widely distributed across North America with limited information regarding climate influences on growth and differences in climate-growth relations among ecological systems. We assessed growth (total length) response to changing climate conditions for channel catfish among three waterbody types—pit lakes, irrigation and power-generation reservoirs, and flood-control reservoirs in Nebraska, USA. We used linear mixed-effect models and an information theoretic approach to assess the relative strengths among competing hypotheses. The most supported linear mixed-effect model of channel catfish growth was a function of fish age and an interaction between waterbody type and growing-degree-day (GDD). A positive trend existed in GDD from 1990 through 2008 whereby the predicted increase in GDD among waterbody types ranged from 182 GDD to 189 GDD. The predicted change in channel catfish growth resulting from increased GDD ranged from 1% to 39% among waterbody types. Channel catfish population rate functions, thus, may not respond similarly to climate conditions across ecosystem types. Changes in climate variables may contribute to system-specific responses in population dynamics for channel catfish as well as other similar freshwater species. The establishment of relations between climate and growth variables for a freshwater generalist with a plastic diet and broad temperature tolerance serves as an indication of the breadth of responses possible for freshwater fishes under global changes in climate conditions.

Ecophysiological Features of Polar Soil Unicellular Microalgae1.

Due to their ecological, physiological, and molecular adaptations to low and varying temperatures, as well as varying seasonal irradiances, polar non-marine eukaryotic microalgae could be suitable for low-temperature biotechnology. Adaptations include the synthesis of compounds from different metabolic pathways that protect them against stress. Production of biological compounds and various biotechnological applications, for instance, water treatment technology, are of interest to humans. To select prospective strains for future low-temperature biotechnology in polar regions, temperature and irradiance of growth requirements (Q10 and Ea of 10 polar soil unicellular strains) were evaluated. In terms of temperature, three groups of strains were recognized: (i) cold-preferring where temperature optima ranged between 10.1 and 18.4°C, growth rate 0.252 and 0.344 · d-1 , (ii) cold- and warm-tolerating with optima above 10°C and growth rate 0.162-0.341 · d-1 , and (iii) warm-preferring temperatures above 20°C and growth rate 0.249-0.357 · d-1 . Their light requirements were low. Mean values Q10 for specific growth rate ranged from 0.7 to 3.1. The lowest Ea values were observed on cold-preferring and the highest in the warm-preferring strains. One strain from each temperature group was selected for PN and RD measurements. The PN :RD ratio of the warm-preferring strains was less affected by temperature similarly as Q10 and Ea. For future biotechnological applications, the strains with broad temperature tolerance (i.e., the group of cold- and warm-tolerating and warm-preferring strains) will be most useful.

Photosynthesis and Respiration of Baltic Sea Benthic Diatoms to Changing Environmental Conditions and Growth Responses of Selected Species as Affected by an Adjacent Peatland (Hütelmoor).

Eight benthic diatom taxa (Actinocyclus octonarius, Melosira moniliformis, Halamphora sp. 1, Halamphora sp. 2, Navicula perminuta, Navicula phyllepta, Nitzschia dubiiformis, Nitzschia pusilla) were isolated from sediments sampled in the southern coastal brackish Baltic Sea and established as unialgal cultures. The coastal shallow water sampling area lies close to a fen peat site (Hütelmoor) and both are connected through an underground peat layer, which might facilitate organic matter and nutrient fluxes along the terrestrial-marine gradient. The photosynthetic performance of these diatoms was measured at different photon fluence rates (0–1200 μmol photons m–2 s–1, always recorded at 20°C) and different temperatures (5–40°C, always measured at saturating ∼270 μmol photons m–2 s–1), resulting in light saturation points between 32 and 151 μmol photons m–2 s–1 and maximum net primary production rates of 23–144 μmol O2 mg–1 Chl a h–1. None of the species showed severe photoinhibition, and hence all displayed a high photo-physiological plasticity. Photosynthetic oxygen evolution and respirational oxygen consumption between 5 and 40°C revealed eurythermal traits for half of the studied taxa as photosynthetic efficiency was at least 20% of the maximum values at the extreme temperatures. The remaining taxa also indicated eurythermal characteristics, however, photosynthetic efficiency of at least 20% was at a narrower temperature range [5 (10) °C to 30 (35) °C]. Species-specific optimum temperatures for photosynthesis (15–30°C) were always lower compared to respiration (25–40°C). Actinocyclus octonarius and Nitzschia dubiiformis were grown in different defined media, some enriched with Hütelmoor water to test for possible effects of organic components. Hütelmoor water media stimulated growth of both diatom species when kept in a light dark cycle. Actinocyclus octonarius particularly grew in darkness in Hütelmoor water media, pointing to heterotrophic capabilities. The benthic diatoms studied are characterized by high photo-physiological plasticity and a broad temperature tolerance to maintain high primary production rates under wide environmental fluctuations. Organic carbon fluxes from the Hütelmoor into the Baltic Sea may support mixo- and/or heterotrophic growth of microphytobenthic communities. These are essential traits for living in a highly dynamic and variable shallow water environment at the coastal zone of the Baltic Sea.

Adhesives to empower a manipulator inspired by the chameleon tongue

Existing grasping technologies have persistent challenges with unstructured objects and environments, highlighting an increasing demand for methods that conform to various application scenarios. Inspired by the chameleon tongue, a soft-contact grasping manipulator empowered by a class of adhesive gels has been demonstrated. The adhesives enable the manipulator to rapidly and strongly adhere to diverse substrates with varied surfaces, shapes and sizes, also to release objects under mild conditions. The robustness of such adhesive gels was highlighted with the remarkable recyclability, broad temperature tolerance and long-term stability. Furthermore, a general approach was developed to reconcile the contradiction of simultaneously enhancing their interfacial adhesion and cohesion strength that exists in conventional glues. We anticipate that this work will offer a strategy of developing adhesive materials and pave the way towards new applications of soft materials in the emerging fields of soft robotic devices and smart manufacturing.

Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. temperature-responsive traits influencing the prevalence and severity of pollinosis: a study in controlled conditions

BackgroundAmbrosia artemisiifolia L. is one of the most important sources of allergenic pollen in many regions of the world. Its health impact increased over the last decades and is expected to further increase in consequence of climate change. However little information is available on the specific role played by temperature on allergy rising. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of temperature on A. artemisiifolia growth, flowering and pollen allergenicity, the major plant functional traits influencing the prevalence and severity of pollinosis.ResultsPlants were grown in controlled conditions at three thermal regimes: “Low” (LT: 18–14 °C light-dark), “Intermediate” (IT: 24–20 °C light-dark) and “High” (HT: 30–26 °C light-dark). During plant development, plant vegetative and reproductive morpho-functional traits were measured and, at the end of plant life-cycle, mature pollen was collected and analyzed for its allergenic properties by slot blot, 1D- and 2D-western blot (by using a pool of sera from ragweed-allergic patients) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. A. artemisiifolia showed a great development plasticity leading to a broad temperature tolerance. Shoot architecture, growth rate, number of male inflorescence and pollen allergenicity were temperature-responsive traits. Pollen allergenicity increased in parallel with temperature and differences were related to allergen synthesis and Amb a 1-IgE-binding. Flavonoids whose concentration in pollen decreased with the increase of temperature, were recognized as the cause of the negligible Amb a 1-IgE binding in LT pollen.ConclusionsResults show that temperature governs plant development and pollen allergenicity influencing the temporal and spatial magnitude of subject exposure to allergens.

Cold sensitivity of mitochondrial ATP synthase restricts oxidative phosphorylation in Arabidopsis thaliana.

The combined action of the electron transport chain (ETC) and ATP synthase is essential in determining energy efficiency in plants, and so is important for cellular biosynthesis, growth and development. Owing to the sessile nature of plants, mitochondria must operate over a wide temperature range in the environment, necessitating a broad temperature tolerance of their biochemical reactions. We investigated the temperature response of mitochondrial respiratory processes in isolated mitochondria and intact plants of Arabidopsis thaliana and considered the effect of instantaneous responses to temperature and acclimation responses to low temperatures. We show that at 4°C the plant mitochondrial ATP synthase is differentially inhibited compared with other elements of the respiratory pathway, leading to decreased ADP:oxygen ratios and a limitation to the rate of ATP synthesis. This effect persists invivo and cannot be overcome by cold-temperature acclimation of plants. This mechanism adds a new element to the respiratory acclimation model and provides a direct means of temperature perception by plant mitochondria. This also provides an alternative explanation for non-phosphorylating ETC bypass mechanisms, like the alternative oxidase to maintain respiratory rates, albeit at lower ATP synthesis efficiency, in response to the sensitivity of ATP synthase to the prevailing temperature.