bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Conservation scholars' perspectives on the morality of trophy hunting for the sake of conservation
Authors: Ghasemi Benjamin , Kyle Gerard , Sell Jane , Varner Gary 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Trophy hunting is one of the most contentious issues in recent biodiversity conservation discourse, eliciting opposition and support for the practice. Ethical concerns are often at the heart of the debate.

To investigate moral views about trophy hunting, we conducted an online survey of randomly selected scholars worldwide who had published on biodiversity conservation (n = 2315).

Scholars expressed divergent views on the moral acceptability of trophy hunting as a conservation practice. Moral convictions were significantly related to the perspectives of scholars.

The most important factor in predicting the moral views of the respondents was the consequences of trophy hunting for local human communities.

The results also indicated that utilitarian (versus deontological) decision‐making in conservation, ecological consequences of trophy hunting and animal welfare issues contribute to the divergent views.

The findings emphasize the need for interdisciplinary work on ethical issues concerning animal rights and welfare in conservation, as well as providing robust and comprehensive evidence on the consequences of trophy hunting for local communities.

We caution that polarization among conservation scholars may negatively affect conservation efforts. Based on the literature and our findings, we provide some recommendations to narrow the gap and consider different management options.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Shear performance degradation of basalt fiber‐reinforced polymer bars in seawater environments: Coupled effects of seawater sea‐sand geopolymer mortar coatings and sustained loading
Authors: Jiang Zhan , Zhao Chenyang , Xie Jianhe , Tan Yongqiang , Li Shixin , Lu Zhongyu 
Published: September 2023

AbstractGeopolymers, as a promising substitute for ordinary cement, exhibit different coating effects with regard to the durability of basalt fiber‐reinforced polymer (BFRP) bars. In this study, a comparative investigation was carried out on the shear performance of prestressed BFRP bars coated with seawater sea‐sand geopolymer mortar (SSGM). The alkaline content of the SSGM was 4% or 6%. The prestress level was 20% of the ultimate tensile strength at room temperature. The immersion temperatures were room temperature (RT), 40, or 60°C. Interlaminar shear tests and transverse shear tests were conducted at each period (30, 60, 120, and 240 days). The results showed that BFRP bar coated with 6% alkaline content exhibited a slightly higher degradation of shear strength. Furthermore, the prestress developed microcracks in the bars and weakened the interface between the fiber and resin matrix, particular at the elevated temperature. This led to further degradation of the BFRP bars. Additionally, a comparison was made between the shear strength results of BFRP bars coated with SSGM and those coated with ordinary portland concrete or seawater sea‐sand concrete, revealing that the long‐term shear performance of BFRP bars was less negatively impacted by the SSGM coating.Highlights
Coupled effects of SSGM coatings and sustained loading on the degradation of BFRP bars are investigated.
SSGM provides better protection for BFRP bars than cement‐base concrete.
Alkaline content of activator in SSGM has insignificant impact on the BFRP degradation.
Proteomics elucidating physiological and pathological functions of TDP‐43
Authors: García Morato Jorge , Gloeckner Christian Johannes , Kahle Philipp J. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractTrans‐activation response DNA binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP‐43) regulates a great variety of cellular processes in the nucleus and cytosol. In addition, a defined subset of neurodegenerative diseases is characterized by nuclear depletion of TDP‐43 as well as cytosolic mislocalization and aggregation. To perform its diverse functions TDP‐43 can associate with different ribonucleoprotein complexes. Combined with transcriptomics, MS interactome studies have unveiled associations between TDP‐43 and the spliceosome machinery, polysomes and RNA granules. Moreover, the highly dynamic, low‐valency interactions regulated by its low‐complexity domain calls for innovative proximity labeling methodologies. In addition to protein partners, the analysis of post‐translational modifications showed that they may play a role in the nucleocytoplasmic shuttling, RNA binding, liquid‐liquid phase separation and protein aggregation of TDP‐43. Here we review the various TDP‐43 ribonucleoprotein complexes characterized so far, how they contribute to the diverse functions of TDP‐43, and roles of post‐translational modifications. Further understanding of the fluid dynamic properties of TDP‐43 in ribonucleoprotein complexes, RNA granules, and self‐assemblies will advance the understanding of RNA processing in cells and perhaps help to develop novel therapeutic approaches for TDPopathies.
Oxygen‐enhanced superoxido copper‐catalyzed ATRP accelerated by light
Authors: Casa Sina Della , Parkatzidis Kostas , Truong Nghia P. , Anastasaki Athina 
Published: September 2023

AbstractOxygen‐enhanced atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) via the formation of a superoxido copper complex, has recently emerged as a powerful tool for the synthesis of well‐defined polymers. However, relatively long reaction times (>8 h) were required to reach high monomer conversions. Herein, we explore the influence of light in this new polymerization procedure. Under UV irradiation, a significant enhancement over the polymerization rate was observed resulting in near‐quantitative monomer consumption (>90%) within 2 h and narrow molar mass distributions (Đ = 1.07). The rate acceleration was attributed to the fast reduction of the superoxido copper complex to Cu(I)Br under UV irradiation, as confirmed via detailed UV–Vis kinetic experiments. In addition, the induction period was completely eliminated, which is in stark contrast to conventional photo‐ATRP (utilizing Cu(II)Br), thus further highlighting the superiority of the presented system. The synergy of the superoxido complex and UV irradiation enabled the synthesis of low‐dispersity homopolymers with molecular weights ranging from 6000 to 300,000. The high end‐group fidelity of the system was further demonstrated via successful in‐situ chain‐extensions.
Associations of inflammation‐related proteome with demographic and clinical characteristics of people with HIV in South Africa
Authors: Chen Junyu , Hui Qin , Liu Chang , Brijkumar Jaysingh , Edwards Johnathan A. , Ordóñez Claudia E. , Dudgeon Mathew R. , Sunpath Henry , Pillay Selvan , Moodley Pravi , Kuritzkes Daniel R. , Moosa Mohamed Y. S. , Nemoto Tooru , Marconi Vincent C. , Sun Yan V. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractPurposeElevated levels of inflammation associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection are one of the primary causes for the burden of age‐related diseases among people with HIV (PWH). Circulating proteins can be used to investigate pathways to inflammation among PWH.Experimental designWe profiled 73 inflammation‐related protein markers and assessed their associations with chronological age, sex, and CD4+ cell count among 87 black South African PWH before antiretroviral therapy (ART).ResultsWe identified 1, 1, and 14 inflammatory proteins significantly associated with sex, CD4+ cell count, and age respectively. Twelve out of 14 age‐associated proteins have been reported to be associated with age in the general population, and 4 have previously shown significant associations with age for PWH. Furthermore, many of the age‐associated proteins such as CST5, CCL23, SLAMF1, MMP‐1, MCP‐1, and CDCP1 have been linked to chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and neurocognitive decline in the general population. We also found a synergistic interaction between male and older age accounting for excessive expression of CST5.Conclusions and clinical relevanceWe found that advanced age may lead to the elevation of multiple inflammatory proteins among PWH. We also demonstrated the potential utility of proteomics for evaluating and characterizing the inflammatory status of PWH.
Correlation between microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of CMDB propellant during uniaxial tension
Authors: Wu Chengfeng , Liu Yuanxiang , Hu Shaoqing , Lu Yingying , Guo Changchao , Li Huan , Qu Hongjian , Fu Xuejin , Li Hongyan 
Published: September 2023

AbstractNumerical simulation of the deformation and damage evolution process of composite modified double base (CMDB) propellant based on the microstructure is of great significance for improving its macro‐mechanical properties. The macro‐mechanical properties and damage evolution of CMDB propellant were studied experimentally and numerically in current work. To establish the correlation between microstructural evolution and the macro‐mechanical response of the propellant, a three‐dimensional microstructure model of the CMDB propellant was constructed utilizing the molecular dynamics particle filling approach. At the interface between RDX particles and the nitrocellulose‐nitroglycerine (NC‐NG) matrix, the conventional cohesive element was replaced by cohesive contact, and the parameters of the cohesive zone model (CZM) at the interface between the particles and the matrix were obtained by parameter inversion based on the Hooke‐Jeeves parameter optimization algorithm. The processes of damage initiation, propagation, convergence, and failure at the cohesive interface were simulated using the bilinear cohesive zone model (BCZM). The results revealed that the fracture strength of NC‐NG propellant with added RDX particles was significantly increased and the fracture elongation was reduced. The three‐dimensional microstructure model can accurately describe the microstructure of CMDB, and dewetting at the interface is the primary cause of propellant degradation when subjected to an external load, which compromises the mechanical properties of the propellant.
Identification of chitinase genes and roles in the larval–pupal transition of Leptinotarsa decemlineata
Authors: Chen Yu , Tang Hong , Zhou Wei , Li Chang , Chen Yi‐Nan , Zhang Qing , Fu Kai‐Yun , Guo Wen‐Chao , Shi Ji‐Feng 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDInsect chitinases play crucial roles in degrading chitin in the extracellular matrix, affecting insect development and molting. However, our understanding of the specific functions of various chitinases in Leptinotarsa decemlineata is limited, hindering the deployment of novel gene‐targeting technologies as pest management strategies.RESULTSWe identified and characterized 19 full‐length complementary DNA (cDNA) sequences of chitinase genes (LdChts) in Leptinotarsa decemlineata. Despite having varying domain architectures, all these chitinases contained at least one chitinase catalytic domain. Phylogenetic analysis classified the chitinase proteins into ten distinct clusters (groups I–X). Expression profiles showed the highest expression in chitin‐rich tissues or during specific developmental stages from the larva‐to‐pupa transition. Gene‐specific RNA interference (RNAi) experiments provided valuable insight into chitinase gene function. Silencing of group II LdCht10 prevented larval–larval molting, larval–prepupal, and prepupal–pupal processes. Moreover, our study revealed that LdCht5, LdCht2, LdCht11, LdCht1, and LdCht3 from groups I and VII–X were specifically essential for the transition from prepupal to pupal stage, whereas LdIDGF2 from group V was necessary for the larval–prepupal metamorphic process. The chitinase gene LdCht7 from group III and LdIDGF4 from group V were involved in both the larva‐to‐prepupa and the prepupa‐to‐pupa shift. Additionally, our findings also shed light on the exclusive expression of nine chitinase genes within group IV in the digestive system, suggesting their potential role in regulating larval body weight and larva‐to‐pupa transition.CONCLUSIONOur results provide a comprehensive understanding of the functional specialization of chitinase genes during the molting process of various stages and identify potential targets for RNAi‐based management of Leptinotarsa decemlineata. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Development, application and evaluation of three novel TaqMan qPCR assays for phosphine resistance monitoring in major stored product pests Tribolium castaneum and Rhyzopertha dominica
Authors: Sakka Maria K. , Mavridis Konstantinos , Papapostolou Kyriaki Maria , Riga Maria , Vontas John , Athanassiou Christos G. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBACKROUNDStored product protection from insect pests relies heavily on the use of phosphine. The most serious drawback of phosphine is the development of resistance in major stored product insects worldwide, including the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) and the lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica (F.). Two genetic loci are responsible for phosphine resistance: the rph1 (S349G mutation in the cyt‐b5‐r homolog) in T. castaneum and the rph2 (P45/49S mutation in the dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (dld) gene) in T. castaneum and R. dominica.RESULTSIn this study, we have developed and applied high‐throughput, practical and specific molecular diagnostics (TaqMan qPCR) for monitoring mutations S349G, P45S and P49S. In our pilot monitoring application, we have included phosphine‐resistant and susceptible populations from different parts of the world (USA, Australia, Brazil) and European strains from Greece and Serbia. Our results for the resistant T. castaneum showed a P45S mutant allele frequency (MAF) of 100% and 75.0% in the populations from Serbia and Brazil, respectively. Regarding the susceptible T. castaneum, P45S was detected in Greece (MAF = 62.5%) and was absent in Australia (MAF = 0.0%). Additionally, the S349G mutation was found to be fixed in all resistant populations, while it was also detected in susceptible ones (frequencies: 65.0% and 100.0%). The only case where both mutations were fixed (100%) was a resistant population from Serbia. In R. dominica, the P49S mutation was found only in the two resistant R. dominica populations from Serbia and Greece (50.0% and 100%) and was absent from the susceptible one from Greece; thus, P49S seems to be a satisfactory indicator for monitoring phosphine resistance.CONCLUSIONSOur P49S detection assay in R. dominica seems to be a viable option in this direction, yet its utilization needs additional large‐scale confirmatory work. The identification of additional resistance markers also should be prioritized. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Large‐area field application confirms the effectiveness of toxicant‐infused bait for managing Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) in maize fields
Authors: Wang Liying , He Limei , Zhu Xiaoming , Zhang Jinwen , Li Na , Fan Jingfang , Li Huafeng , Sun Xiaoji , Zhang Lijiao , Lin Yongling , Wu Kongming 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDMaize is one of the world's most important crops, so its stable production and supply is crucial for food security and socioeconomic development. The cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner), is one of the major pests in maize. We evaluated the control effect of a bio‐bait, an adult attractant, combined with insecticide, a ‘toxicant‐infused bait’, on H. armigera populations in maize fields, as well as the impact on crop yield and quality through large‐scale field applications in Hebei Province, China over a period spanning 2019 to 2021.RESULTThe number of male and female H. armigera adults killed by strip application ranged from 1 to 37 and 4 to 36 per strip, respectively, of which female moths were 53%. Following the application of toxicant‐infused bait, we observed a significant reduction in the populations of eggs and larvae, with the average adjusted decrease range from 58% to 63% for eggs and from 34% to 62% for larvae. The application of toxicant‐infused bait also resulted in a notable reduction in the proportion of damaged maize plants, with an adjusted decline rate ranging from 59% to 69%. Concurrently, we observed an increase in yield by 4% to 8%. The concentration of aflatoxin in harvested maize grains was significantly reduced from an initial level of 1.24 to 0.1 ug/kg.CONCLUSIONBy applying toxicant‐infused bait, there was a significant reduction in the population of H. armigera adults and their offspring, resulting in an improved yield and quality of maize. Toxicant‐infused bait has great application potential in the integrated pest management of H. armigera. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Highly Sensitive Soft Pressure Sensors for Wearable Applications Based on Composite Films with Curved 3D Carbon Nanotube Structures
Authors: Jung Young , Gu Jimin , Yeo Jinwook , Lee Wookjin , Han Hyeonseok , Choi Jungrak , Ha Ji‐Hwan , Ahn Junseong , Cho Hanchul , Ryu Seunghwa , Park Inkyu 
Published: September 2023

AbstractSoft pressure sensors based on 3D microstructures exhibit high sensitivity in the low‐pressure range, which is crucial for various wearable and soft touch applications. However, it is still a challenge to manufacture soft pressure sensors with sufficient sensitivity under small mechanical stimuli for wearable applications. This work presents a novel strategy for extremely sensitive pressure sensors based on the composite film with local changes in curved 3D carbon nanotube (CNT) structure via expandable microspheres. The sensitivity is significantly enhanced by the synergetic effects of heterogeneous contact of the microdome structure and changes of percolation network within the curved 3D CNT structure. The finite‐element method simulation is used to comprehend the relationships between the sensitivity and mechanical/electrical behavior of microdome structure under the applied pressure. The sensor shows an excellent sensitivity (571.64 kPa−1) with fast response time (85 ms), great repeatability, and long‐term stability. Using the developed sensor, a wireless wearable health monitoring system to avoid carpel tunnel syndrome is built, and a multi‐array pressure sensor for realizing a variety of movements in real‐time is demonstrated.
Grafting a Polymer Coating Layer onto Li1.2Ni0.13Co0.13Mn0.54O2 Cathode by Benzene Diazonium Salts to Facilitate the Cycling Performance and High‐Voltage Stability
Authors: Liu Junhao , Li Fangkun , Xi Lei , Sun Zhaoyu , Yang Yan , Shen Jiadong , Yao Shiyan , Zhao Jingwei , Zhu Min , Liu Jun 
Published: September 2023

AbstractLi‐rich Mn‐based cathodes have been regarded as promising cathodes for lithium‐ion batteries because of their low cost of raw materials (compared with Ni‐rich layer structure and LiCoO2 cathodes) and high energy density. However, for practical application, it needs to solve the great drawbacks of Li‐rich Mn‐based cathodes like capacity degradation and operating voltage decline. Herein, an effective method of surface modification by benzene diazonium salts to build a stable interface between the cathode materials and the electrolyte is proposed. The cathodes after modification exhibit excellent cycling performance (the retention of specific capacity is 84.2% after 350 cycles at the current density of 1 C), which is mainly attributed to the better stability of the structure and interface. This work provides a novel way to design the coating layer with benzene diazonium salts for enhancing the structural stability under high voltage condition during cycling.
Temperature‐Dependent Modulation of Short‐Wave‐Infrared Light Transparency Based on Associated Structures of a Liquescent Nickel(III) Complex
Authors: Suzuki Shuichi , Shu Ruifeng , Shiomi Daisuke , Naota Takeshi 
Published: September 2023

AbstractA liquescent bis(malononitriledithiolato)nickel(III) complex with a bis(methoxyethyl)imidazolium cation, 1[Ni(mnt)2], exhibits three‐stage thermochromic modulation of transparency/absorption in the short‐wave‐infrared (SWIR) region (1000–2500 nm), driven by associated structural changes. Upon heating, the electronic spectra of 1[Ni(mnt)2] in the SWIR region shift to shorter wavelengths accompanying with the solid–liquid phase transition at 76 °C. Further heating to over 109 °C induces a second transition of the electronic spectra, characterized by a blue‐shift of the SWIR absorption in the liquid phase. The results of temperature‐dependent electronic spectra and magnetic susceptibility indicated that the thermochromic changes can be attributed to the two‐step dissociation of the associated structures of [Ni(mnt)2]−, occurring during the solid–liquid phase transition and the shift of dimer–monomer equilibrium in the liquid state. These changes can be visualized using an SWIR imaging camera under appropriate SWIR lights.
One‐Pot Synthesis of MOF@MOF: Structural Incompatibility Leads to Core–Shell Structure and Adaptability Control Makes the Sequence
Authors: Tan Hao , Zhao Xiang , Du Liting , Wang Bufeng , Huang Yongliang , Gu Yupeng , Lu Zhiyong 
Published: September 2023

AbstractCore–shell metal–organic frameworks (MOF@MOF) are promising materials with sophisticated structures that cannot only enhance the properties of MOFs but also endow them with new functions. The growth of isotopic lcore–shell MOFs is mostly limited to inconvenient stepwise seeding strategies with strict requirements, and by far one‐pot synthesis is still of great challenge due to the interference of different components. Through two pairs of isoreticular MOFs, it reveals that the structural incompatibility is a prerequisite for the formation of MOFs@MOFs by one‐pot synthesis, as illustrated by PMOF‐3@HHU‐9. It further unveils that the adaptability of the shell‐MOF is a more key factor for nucleation kinetic control. MOFs with flexible linkers has comparably slower nucleation than MOFs with rigid linkers (forming PMOF‐3@NJU‐Bai21), and structural‐flexible MOFs built by flexible linkers show the lowest nucleation and the most adaptability (affording NJU‐Bai21@HHU‐9). This degree of adaptability variation controls the sequence and further facilitates the synthesis of a first triple‐layered core–shell MOF (PMOF‐3@NJU‐Bai21@HHU‐9) by one‐pot synthesis. The insight gained from this study will aid in the rational design and synthesis of other multi‐shelled structures by one‐pot synthesis and the further expansion of their applications.