Temperature Response Research Articles

Detection of alpha heating in JET-ILW DT plasmas by a study of the electron temperature response to ICRH modulation

In the JET DTE2 campaign a new method was successfully tested to detect the heating of bulk electrons by α-particles, using the dynamic response of the electron temperature T e to the modulation of ion cyclotron resonance heating (ICRH). A fundamental deuterium (D) ICRH scheme was applied to a tritium-rich hybrid plasma with D-neutral beam injection (NBI). The modulation of the ion temperature T i and of the ICRH accelerated deuterons leads to modulated α-heating with a large delay with respect to other modulated electron heating terms. A significant phase delay of ∼40° is measured between central T e and T i, which can only be explained by α-particle heating. Integrated modelling using different models for ICRH absorption and ICRH/NBI interaction reproduces the effect qualitatively. Best agreement with experiment is obtained with the European Transport Solver/Heating and Current Drive workflow.

Sagnac interferometer embedded with fiber Bragg grating for relative humidity and temperature sensing

In this paper, we first propose and demonstrate an ultra-compact fiber sensor consisting of fiber Bragg grating (FBG) and Sagnac loop interferometer with a specific taper-based coupling region. It is utilized for the relative humidity and temperature monitoring at the same time. The taper-based coupling region in the Sagnac loop can enhance the interaction between high-order propagating modes and the surrounding perturbations, therefore improving the fiber-optic sensitivity. The Sagnac interferometer demonstrates the humidity sensitivity of 89.4 p.m./%RH and the temperature sensitivity of −8.7 p.m./oC. FBG, the structure embedded in the Sagnac loop, shows the temperature sensitivity of 11.6 p.m./oC, while along with no feedback on the ambient relative humidity. It could be used as the reference component to demodulate the humidity information from the total reflection spectrum, finally realizing the simultaneous response of temperature and relative humidity.S

Heat-stress-responsive HvHSFA2e gene regulates the heat and drought tolerance in barley through modulation of phytohormone and secondary metabolic pathways.

The heat stress transcription factor HSFA2e regulates both temperature and drought response via hormonal and secondary metabolism alterations. High temperature and drought are the primary yield-limiting environmental constraints for staple food crops. Heat shock transcription factors (HSF) terminally regulate the plant abiotic stress responses to maintain growth and development under extreme environmental conditions. HSF genes of subclass A2 predominantly express under heat stress (HS) and activate the transcriptional cascade of defense-related genes. In this study, a highly heat-inducible HSF, HvHSFA2e was constitutively expressed in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) to investigate its role in abiotic stress response and plant development. Transgenic barley plants displayed enhanced heat and drought tolerance in terms of increased chlorophyll content, improved membrane stability, reduced lipid peroxidation, and less accumulation of ROS in comparison to wild-type (WT) plants. Transcriptome analysis revealed that HvHSFA2e positively regulates the expression of abiotic stress-related genes encoding HSFs, HSPs, and enzymatic antioxidants, contributing to improved stress tolerance in transgenic plants. The major genes of ABA biosynthesis pathway, flavonoid, and terpene metabolism were also upregulated in transgenics. Our findings show that HvHSFA2e-mediated upregulation of heat-responsive genes, modulation in ABA and flavonoid biosynthesis pathways enhance drought and heat stress tolerance.

Microstructure and mechanical performance of polyurethane-fly ash composites (PU-FAC) under different effect factors

Conventional bridge expansion joints have the disadvantages of easy damage and lengthy maintenance period. Polyurethane concrete, as a polymer material, is gradually being applied to the repair of expansion joints. However, polyurethane-based repair materials are susceptible to a variety of factors during the early strength-building phase. In this regard, a Polyurethane-Fly Ash Composite (PU-FAC) for rapid repair was proposed in this paper and the effects of different factors on early mechanical performance were investigated. The orthogonal test was first used to determine the optimal mixing ratio of PU-FAC. Then the effects of temperature, catalyst, and curing time on the performance of PU-FAC were investigated by temperature rise curve, maturity index, SEM, and response surface method. The results showed that temperature and catalyst at different curing times had both positive and negative effects on the failure pattern, curing rate, degree of foaming, and mechanical performance. Finally, the optimum values of temperature and catalyst were determined by gray correlation analysis as 15 °C and 0.6 %. By analyzing the effects of different factors on the performance of PU-FAC, it provides a basis for the rapid repair construction of bridge expansion joint anchorage area.

Performance optimization for an optimal operating condition for a shell and heat exchanger using a multi-objective genetic algorithm approach.

In this study, shell and heat exchangers are optimized using an integrated optimization framework. In this research, A structured Design of Experiments (DOE) comprising 16 trials was first conducted to systematically determine the essential parameters, including mass flow rates (mh, mc), temperatures (T1, t1, T2, t2), and heat transfer coefficients (€, TR, U). By identifying the first four principal components, PCA was able to determine 87.7% of the variance, thereby reducing the dimensionality of the problem. Performance-related aspects of the system are the focus of this approach. Key outcomes (€, TR, U) were predicted by 99% R-squared using the RSM models. Multiple factors, such as the mass flow rate and inlet temperature, were considered during the design process. The maximizing efficiency, thermal resistance, and utility were achieved by considering these factors. By using genetic algorithms, Pareto front solutions that meet the requirements of decision-makers can be found. The combination of the shell and tube heat exchangers produced better results than expected. Engineering and designers can gain practical insight into the mass flow rate, temperature, and key responses (€, TR, U) if they quantify improvements in these factors. Despite the importance of this study, it has several potential limitations, including specific experimental conditions and the need to validate it in other situations as well. Future research could investigate other factors that influence system performance. A holistic optimization framework can improve the design and engineering of heat exchangers in the future. As a result of the study, a foundation for innovative advancements in the field has been laid with tangible improvements. The study exceeded expectations by optimizing shell and heat exchanger systems using an integrated approach, thereby contributing significantly to the advancement of the field.

CmERF1 acts as a positive regulator of fruits and leaves growth in melon (Cucumis melo L.).

Melon (Cucumis melo L.) is an important horticultural and economic crop. ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR1 (ERF1) plays an important role in regulating plant development, and the resistance to multiple biotic and abiotic stresses. In this study, developmental biology, molecular biology and biochemical assays were performed to explore the biological function of CmERF1 in melon. Abundant transcripts of CmERF1 were found in ovary at green-yellow bud (GYB) and rapid enlargement (ORE) stages. In CmERF1 promoter, the cis-regulatory elements for indoleacetic acid (IAA), methyl jasmonate (MeJA), salicylic acid (SA), abscisic acid (ABA), gibberellic acid (GA), light and low temperature responses were found. CmERF1 could be significantly induced by ethylene, IAA, MeJA, SA, ABA, and respond to continuous light and low temperature stresses in melon. Ectopic expression of CmERF1 increased the length of siliqua and carpopodium, and expanded the size of leaves in Arabidopsis. Knockdown of CmERF1 led to smaller ovary at anthesis, mature fruit and leaves in melon. In CmERF1-RNAi #2 plants, 75 genes were differently expressed compared with control, and the promoter regions of 28 differential expression genes (DEGs) contained the GCC-box (AGCCGCC) or DRE (A/GCCGAC) cis-acting elements of CmERF1. A homolog of cell division cycle protein 48 (CmCDC48) was proved to be the direct target of CmERF1 by the yeast one-hybrid assay and dual-luciferase (LUC) reporter (DLR) system. These results indicated that CmERF1 was able to promote the growth of fruits and leaves, and involved in multiple hormones and environmental signaling pathways in melon.

Anti-crosstalk fiber-optic directional torsion sensor via intensity-modulated Lyot filter

In this paper, a fiber-optic directional torsion sensor based on the intensity modulated Lyot filter is completed to alleviate the crosstalk from ambient temperature and axial strain. The transmission is analyzed and compared with the varied twisted length. The experimental results show that the torsion response of 1.18 dB/° can be achieved by the 45° incident angle and 10-cm twisted length, with tiny wavelength shift (∼0.012 nm/°) and minimum range of π-phase jumping. Meanwhile, the crosstalk is well compressed within 0.006°/με and 0.23°/°C owing to ultralow axial-strain and temperature responses. In addition, an in-field test is performed electrically and the detection limit of 0.08° is witnessed experimentally.

Exploring the contribution of inter-individual factors to the development of physiological heat strain in older adults exposed to simulated indoor overheating.

Older adults are at elevated risk of heat-related mortality due to age-associated declines in thermoregulatory and cardiovascular function. However, the inter-individual factors that exacerbate physiological heat strain during heat exposure remain unclear, making it challenging to identify more heat-vulnerable subgroups. We therefore explored factors contributing to inter-individual variability in physiological responses of older adults exposed to simulated hot weather. Thirty-seven older adults (61-80 years, 16 females) rested for 8 hours in 31°C and 36°C (45% relative humidity). Core (rectal) temperature, heart rate (HR) and HR variability, mean arterial pressure (MAP), and cardiac autonomic responses to standing were evaluated at baseline and end-exposure. Bootstrapped least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was used to evaluate whether variation in these responses was related to type 2 diabetes (T2D, n=10), hypertension (n=18), age, sex, body morphology, habitual physical activity levels, and/or heat-acclimatization. T2D was identified as a predictor of end-exposure HR (with vs. without: 13 beats/min [bootstrap 95% CI: 6, 23]), seated MAP (-7 mm Hg [-18, 1]), and the systolic pressure response to standing (20 mm Hg [4, 36]). HR was also influenced by sex (female vs. male: 8 beats/min [1, 16]). No other predictors were identified. The inter-individual factors explored did not meaningfully contribute to the variation in body temperature responses in older adults exposed to simulated indoor overheating. By contrast, cardiovascular responses were exacerbated in females and individuals with T2D. These findings improve understanding of how inter-individual differences contribute to the development of heat-induced physiological strain in older persons.

3D printed autoclavable biocompatible biodegradable bioreactor vessels with integrated sparger made from poly-lactic acid

3D printing has become widespread for the manufacture of parts in various industries and enabled radically new designs. This trend has not spread to bioprocess development yet, due to a lack of material suitable for the current workflow, including sterilization by autoclaving. This work demonstrates that commercially available heat temperature stable poly-lactic acid (PLA) can be used to easily manufacture novel bioreactor vessels with included features like harvest tubes and 3D printed spargers. Temperature responsiveness was tested for PLA, temperature stable PLA (PLA-HP) and glass for temperatures relevant for insect and mammalian cell culture, including temperature shifts within the process. Stability at 27 °C and 37 °C as well as temperature shifts to 22 °C and 32 °C showed acceptable performance with slightly higher temperature overshoot for 3D printed vessels. A stable temperature is reached after 2 h for PLA, 3 h for PLA-HP and 1 h for glass reactors. Temperature can be maintained with a fluctuation of 0.1 °C for all materials. A 3D printed sparger design directly integrated into the vessel wall and bottom was tested under three different conditions (0.3 SLPH and 27 °C, 3 SLPH and 37 °C and 13 SLPH and 37 °C). The 3D printed sparger showed a better kLa than the L-Sparger with more pronounced differences for higher flowrates. An insect cell culture run in the novel vessel exhibited the same growth behavior as that in standard glass vessels, reaching the same maximum cell concentration. Being 3D printed from biodegradable materials, these bioreactors offer design flexibility for novel bioreactor formats. Additionally, their autoclavability allows seamless integration into standard workflows.

Development of Tetramycin-Loaded Core–Shell Beads with Hot-/Wet-Responsive Release Properties for Control of Bacterial Wilt Disease

Plant bacterial wilt is caused by Ralstonia solanacearum, a soilborne pathogen that infects plant conduits, leading to wilt disease. It is extremely difficult to cure plants infected with Ralstonia solanacearum; however, bactericide-loaded beads with hot-/wet-responsive properties may be able to release a biocide in line with the increase in the hot-/wet-associated activity of Ralstonia solanacearum, effectively killing the pathogenic cells and providing high levels of plant protection. A biopesticide, Tetramycin, was embedded in corn kernel powder (CKP)-based cores. An oil-phase mixture was sprayed onto the core surface to form a hot-/wet-responsive intermediate shell (IMS). Subsequently, a layer of ethyl cellulose (EC) and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) was coated onto the IMS to create a single wet-responsive outer shell (OTS). The ratios of the components in the cores, including the corn kernel powder (CKP), xanthan gum (XG), and Tetramycin, were optimized, as well as those of the IMS, including pentaerythrityl tetrastearate (PETS), pentaerythrityl tetraoleate (PETO), polyethylene glycol stearate (PEG400MS), and polyethylene glycol monooleate (PEG400MO), and those of the outer shell (OTS), including ethyl cellulose (EC) and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC). A texture performance analysis, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), temperature and humidity response performance tests, scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations, and a field effectiveness test were conducted to characterize the Tetramycin-loaded beads. The results indicated that the optimal formula for the bead cores comprised a mass ratio of CKP/Tetramycin solution/XG = 13.5:23:2. The preferred mass ratio for IMS was PETS/PETO/PEG400MO = 10:30:10, and the formula for the applicable OTS consisted of a mass ratio of EC/HPMC = 5:1. In soil with a temperature of 30–35 °C and humidity of 30%, the release period of the Tetramycin-loaded beads, with a cumulative release rate of over 95%, could last up to 35 days. Furthermore, the Tetramycin-loaded beads exhibited a gradual and multi-cyclic release process under alternating hot/wet and dry/cold environments. The relative preventive efficacy of 54.74% on tobacco was revealed at a field-testing scale. A significant reduction in the abundance of Ralstonia solanacearum was also observed under treatment with the Tetramycin-loaded beads. The early fungal community structure exhibited higher consistency compared to the control. However, in the later stage, the diversity differences between the soil layers were restored. In conclusion, Tetramycin-loaded beads that could effectively respond to temperature and humidity fluctuations were developed, resulting in enhanced disease prevention efficacy and offering broad prospects for the prevention and control of Ralstonia solanacearum in agricultural settings.

Efficient hygro-thermal and ammonia control in day-old chick brooding box using internet of things and Tsukamoto Fuzzy controller

Abstract Day-old chick brooding box systems play a pivotal role in optimizing chicken production by providing ideal environmental conditions. Controlling hygro-thermal parameters (temperature and relative humidity) and ammonia levels in poultry buildings is paramount. In this study, we introduce a novel approach where an Internet of Things (IoT) based prototype for day-old chick brooding box management is integrated with an Android application for real-time monitoring and control. The prototype incorporates an innovative hybrid control strategy, combining a Tsukamoto (TSUKAMOTO) fuzzy logic controller (FLC) with IoT. This approach is rigorously tested through experimental measures and studies over a 90-day period, encompassing both rainy and drought seasons. Comparative analysis reveals that the T-FLC controller outperforms conventional methods, exhibiting lower root mean square errors for temperature and relative humidity response (0.9°C, 1.35%) compared to the FLC (1.18°C, 1.89%) and On/Off controller (2.08°C, 3.07%). Importantly, all controllers maintain ammonia concentrations below 4 ppm. Furthermore, the T-FLC system demonstrates superior efficiency, achieving a daily weight gain rate of 95%, surpassing the FLC (89%) and On/Off controller (81%). Additionally, the T-FLC controller significantly reduces energy consumption, saving up to 40% compared to the On/Off controller and 16% compared to the fuzzy controller. These findings underscore the exceptional efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed control strategy for day-old chick brooding box applications, promising enhanced poultry production and sustainability.

Different Strategies of Stratospheric Aerosol Injection Would Significantly Affect Climate Extreme Mitigation

AbstractStratospheric aerosol injection (SAI) has been proposed as a potential supplement to mitigate some climate impacts of anthropogenic warming. Using Community Earth System Model ensemble simulation results, we analyze the response of temperature and precipitation extremes to two different SAI strategies: one injects SO2 at the equator to stabilize global mean temperature and the other injects SO2 at multiple locations to stabilize global mean temperature as well as the interhemispheric and equator‐to‐pole temperature gradients. Our analysis shows that in the late 21st century, compared with the present‐day climate, both equatorial and multi‐location injection lead to reduced hot extremes in the tropics, corresponding to overcooling of the mean climate state. In mid‐to‐high latitude regions, in comparison to the present‐day climate, substantial decreases in cold extremes are observed under both equatorial and multi‐location injection, corresponding to residual winter warming of the mean climate state. Both equatorial and multi‐location injection reduce precipitation extremes in the tropics below the present‐day level, associated with the decrease in mean precipitation. Overall, for most regions, temperature and precipitation extremes show reduced change in response to multi‐location injection than to equatorial injection, corresponding to reduced mean climate change for multi‐location injection. In comparison with equatorial injection, in response to multi‐location injection, most land regions experience fewer years with significant change in cold extremes from the present‐day level, and most tropical regions experience fewer years with significant change in hot extremes. The design of SAI strategies to mitigate anthropogenic climate extremes merits further study.

FaIRGP: A Bayesian Energy Balance Model for Surface Temperatures Emulation

AbstractEmulators, or reduced complexity climate models, are surrogate Earth system models (ESMs) that produce projections of key climate quantities with minimal computational resources. Using time‐series modeling or more advanced machine learning techniques, data‐driven emulators have emerged as a promising avenue of research, producing spatially resolved climate responses that are visually indistinguishable from state‐of‐the‐art ESMs. Yet, their lack of physical interpretability limits their wider adoption. In this work, we introduce FaIRGP, a data‐driven emulator that satisfies the physical temperature response equations of an energy balance model. The result is an emulator that (a) enjoys the flexibility of statistical machine learning models and can learn from data, and (b) has a robust physical grounding with interpretable parameters that can be used to make inference about the climate system. Further, our Bayesian approach allows a principled and mathematically tractable uncertainty quantification. Our model demonstrates skillful emulation of global mean surface temperature and spatial surface temperatures across realistic future scenarios. Its ability to learn from data allows it to outperform EBMs, while its robust physical foundation safeguards against the pitfalls of purely data‐driven models. We also illustrate how FaIRGP can be used to obtain estimates of top‐of‐atmosphere radiative forcing and discuss the benefits of its mathematical tractability for applications such as detection and attribution or precipitation emulation. We hope that this work will contribute to widening the adoption of data‐driven methods in climate emulation.

Nutrient levels control root growth responses to high ambient temperature in plants

Global warming will lead to significantly increased temperatures on earth. Plants respond to high ambient temperature with altered developmental and growth programs, termed thermomorphogenesis. Here we show that thermomorphogenesis is conserved in Arabidopsis, soybean, and rice and that it is linked to a decrease in the levels of the two macronutrients nitrogen and phosphorus. We also find that low external levels of these nutrients abolish root growth responses to high ambient temperature. We show that in Arabidopsis, this suppression is due to the function of the transcription factor ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL 5 (HY5) and its transcriptional regulation of the transceptor NITRATE TRANSPORTER 1.1 (NRT1.1). Soybean and Rice homologs of these genes are expressed consistently with a conserved role in regulating temperature responses in a nitrogen and phosphorus level dependent manner. Overall, our data show that root thermomorphogenesis is a conserved feature in species of the two major groups of angiosperms, monocots and dicots, that it leads to a reduction of nutrient levels in the plant, and that it is dependent on environmental nitrogen and phosphorus supply, a regulatory process mediated by the HY5-NRT1.1 module.

Femtosecond laser inscribed fiber Bragg grating and Mach-Zehnder interferometer cascade sensing structure for temperature and relative humidity simultaneous measurement

A femtosecond (fs) laser inscribed cascade structure of a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) and a gap-coupled cladding waveguide Mach-Zehnder interferometer (CWMZI) is proposed and demonstrated, which can be used to simultaneously measure temperature and relative humidity. The structure can also be used as a breathing sensor. Transmission dip wavelength of the FBG is used for the temperature monitoring based on its temperature response. Meanwhile, gap-coupled CWMZI is used for relative humidity monitoring because the gap part of the CWMZI is very close to the cladding surface, it is very sensitive to refractive changes caused by ambient humidity variations. Experiments show a temperature sensitivity of 0.01104 nm/°C in a temperature range of 20 °C to 125 °C, and a high relative humidity sensitivity response of −0.0793 nm/%RH in a relative humidity range of 50 % to 80 %. Breathing signal monitoring is also successfully demonstrated using the FBG-CWMZI cascading structure.

Spatio-Temporal Analysis of Vegetation Index Change on Land Surface Temperature in Yogyakarta Special Region Using MODIS Imagery (2000-2023)

Yogyakarta has become a province renowned for its abundance of tourist destinations and learning opportunities for students from all over Indonesia. Temperature and vegetation density are key factors contributing to comfort in both academic pursuits and recreational activities. This study utilizes NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) and LST (Land Surface Temperature) to determine these crucial parameters. MODIS imagery serves as a vital data source for analyzing NDVI and LST. The aim of this research is to comprehend the environmental dynamics of DIY (Yogyakarta Special Region) by exploring the relationship between NDVI and LST. Through the Pearson correlation method, the relationship between these variables is deeply evaluated. The analysis reveals a significant correlation between changes in NDVI and LST, indicating a complex interaction between vegetation and land surface temperature. However, these significant findings have minimal impact on Yogyakarta City and Sleman, which serve as the focal points of community activities in Yogyakarta. These changes can be attributed to various factors, including changes in land use, urbanization, and climate variability, which show weak correlation values when associated with vegetation. Another finding is that Yogyakarta City exhibits the most distinct response in vegetation density and surface temperature compared to the surrounding four cities. This is attributed to Yogyakarta City being the administrative center and economic hub of DIY. These findings provide a deeper understanding of the environment's response to these factors in DIY. By employing spatial and temporal analysis, this study offers valuable insights for climate change mitigation efforts and adaptation to the evolving environmental dynamics.

Dynamic performance and control analysis of supercritical CO2 brayton cycle for solid oxide fuel cell waste heat recovery

Due to the high-temperature operation of solid oxide fuel cell, recovering its exhaust waste heat is worthwhile. The supercritical CO2 cycle features low compression power consumption and high thermal efficiency, making it a promising power cycle. Therefore, this paper adopts the supercritical CO2 recompression cycle as the bottom cycle, combined with solid oxide fuel cell to form a joint system, further improving energy utilization. Given the long temperature response time of the solid oxide fuel cell and the variability of its exhaust waste heat with load changes, this paper innovatively proposes establishing an integrated dynamic model of the joint system, instead of directly providing heat source flow and temperature changes as in traditional research, to more accurately study the dynamic response of the cycle during solid oxide fuel cell startup and load variations. Based on this, a control strategy utilizing inventory control is proposed, and the feasibility of the control effect is verified. The research results indicate that the uncontrolled cycle may lead to safety issues with a significant increase in turbine inlet temperature when solid oxide fuel cell load increases. Under the control strategy, the turbine inlet temperature and main compressor inlet temperature are rapidly stabilized at the target values. The controlled cycle achieves higher efficiency compared to the uncontrolled cycle, particularly prominent during solid oxide fuel cell load reduction, with an efficiency increase of approximately 5.23%.

Crack propagation effects on the critical temperature degradation of superconducting Nb3Sn single crystal

The irreversible degradation of Nb3Sn critical performance caused by the crack propagation brings challenges to the reliability of Nb3Sn service equipment. In this paper, the crack propagation behavior of Nb3Sn single crystal was studied by molecular dynamics method. The results show that amorphous transformation occur in Nb3Sn samples with cracks under the applied loading conditions. On the basis of these results, the electronic structures of different regions in the cracked sample are studied by first principles method. The critical temperature response in this process is analyzed in combination with our proposed trans-scale electromechanical coupling model. The physical mechanism behind the critical temperature degradation caused by the transition between the cracked surface and the amorphous zone at the crack tip is discussed. Amorphous states and the crack surface destroy the special kind of bonding in the atom chain direction, inducing the electronic band structure distortions. The density of states curve of Nb3Sn no longer exhibits the characteristic peaks near the Fermi surface observed in cubic crystalline Nb3Sn. The intrinsic relationship between the crack propagation, the electronic structure evolution driven by the local atomic rearrangements, and the irreversible critical temperature degradation of cracked Nb3Sn is revealed by the given model. The results deepen the understanding of the electromechanical coupling behavior of Nb3Sn under complex deformation.

DNA methylase 1 influences temperature responses and development in the invasive pest Tuta absoluta.

DNA methylase 1 (Dnmt1) is an important regulatory factor associated with biochemical signals required for insect development. It responds to changes in the environment and triggers phenotypic plasticity. Meanwhile, Tuta absolutaMeyrick (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)-a destructive invasive pest-can rapidly invade and adapt to different habitats; however, the role of Dnmt1 in this organism has not been elucidated. Accordingly, this study investigates the mechanism(s) underlying the rapid adaptation of Tuta absoluta to temperature stress. Potential regulatory genes were screened via RNAi (RNA interference), and the DNA methylase in Tuta absoluta was cloned by RACE (Rapid amplification of cDNA ends). TaDnmt1 was identified as a potential regulatory gene via bioinformatics; its expression was evaluated in response to temperature stress and during different development stages using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results revealed that TaDnmt1 participates in hot/cold tolerance, temperature preference and larval development. The full-length cDNA sequence of TaDnmt1 is 3765 bp and encodes a 1254 kDa protein with typical Dnmt1 node-conserved structural features and six conserved DNA-binding active motifs. Moreover, TaDnmt1 expression is significantly altered by temperature stress treatments and within different development stages. Hence, TaDnmt1 likely contributes to temperature responses and organismal development. Furthermore, after treating with double-stranded RNA and exposing Tuta absoluta to 35°C heat shock or -12°C cold shock for 1 h, the survival rate significantly decreases; the preferred temperature is 2°C lower than that of the control group. In addition, the epidermal segments become enlarged and irregularly folded while the surface dries up. This results in a significant increase in larval mortality (57%) and a decrease in pupation (49.3%) and eclosion (50.9%) rates. Hence, TaDnmt1 contributes to temperature stress responses and temperature perception, as well as organismal growth and development, via DNA methylation regulation. These findings suggest that the rapid geographic expansion of T absoluta has been closely associated with TaDnmt1-mediated temperature tolerance. This study advances the research on 'thermos Dnmt' and provides a potential target for RNAi-driven regulation of Tuta absoluta.

Carbon-decorated diatomite stabilized lauric acid-stearic acid as composite phase change materials for photo-to-thermal conversion and storage

Diatomite is a promising supporting matrix in the preparation of composite phase change material for latent thermal energy storage. Raw diatomite has the advantages of porous space but with a shortage of thermal conductivity than carbon materials. In this work, the carbon-decorated diatomite (DC) matrix was synthesized by a novel template-carbonization method at different calcination temperatures of 600 °C, 800 °C, and 1000 °C. Then, the matrix was used to stabilize binary lauric-stearic acid of LA-SA for the preparation of diatomite-based composite phase change material which is used to explore the application of composite in photo-to-thermal conversion/storage. Results show that the carbon-decorated process on diatomite causes an increment of specific surface area and pore space. Thus, more phase change material being loaded in the matrix leads to a larger heat storage capacity of the composite. The designed composite with a matrix carbonization temperature of 1000 °C, LA-SA/DC-1000, has a loadage of 49.92 %, melting temperature of 31.48 °C, and latent heat of 70.07 J g-1 which is improved by 23 %. Compared with the raw diatomite-based composite, the enhancements of thermal conductivity were 90 % for that of LA-SA/DC-1000. Moreover, the corresponding composite exhibits better photo-to-thermal conversion performance and transient temperature response.