bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cowpox virus encodes a protein that binds B7.1 and B7.2 and subverts T cell costimulation
Authors: Wang Xiaoli , Piersma Sytse J. , Elliott Jabari I. , Errico John M. , Gainey Maria D. , Yang Liping , Nelson Christopher A. , Yokoyama Wayne M. , Fremont Daved H. 
Published: October 2019

SignificanceAfter eradication of smallpox, zoonotic orthopoxviruses, including cowpox virus (CPXV) and monkeypox virus, continue to be a source for infection in humans. Poxviruses dedicate a significant part of their genome encoding proteins that effectively undermine host immune defenses. Here, we demonstrate that a CPXV-encoded protein, M2, can specifically bind B7.1 (CD80) and B7.2 (CD86), cell surface proteins expressed mainly by professional antigen-presenting cells that serve as ligands of the T cell costimulatory receptor CD28 and inhibitory receptor CTLA4. Functionally, we found that M2 blocks CD28-mediated T cell activation in vitro and in a mouse model of cowpox infection.
Inherent reactivity of unselected TCR repertoires to peptide-MHC molecules
Authors: Krovi S. Harsha , Kappler John W. , Marrack Philippa , Gapin Laurent 
Published: October 2019

SignificanceCentral to adaptive immunity is the interaction between the αβ T cell antigen receptor (TCR) and peptides presented by the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. It is fundamental to understand any potential generalities regarding a TCR-pMHC recognition event. Two theories have been proposed to explain how TCR recognition of pMHC is specified: The germline-encoded theory, which proposes an evolutionary “hardwiring” of the TCR for recognition of MHC molecules through germline-encoded motifs, and the selection theory of TCR recognition, which suggests that TCR selection during development imposes the constraint of MHC recognition. Here, we show that TCRs have intrinsic specificity for MHC molecules, inherent to TCRαβ sequences, and enhanced but not determined by coreceptor expression.
Plasticity in exocytosis revealed through the effects of repetitive stimuli affect the content of nanometer vesicles and the fraction of transmitter released
Authors: Gu Chaoyi , Larsson Anna , Ewing Andrew G. 
Published: October 2019

Significance
The activity-dependent plasticity of neurotransmission has been intensively studied for decades. Our study uses a combination of chemical analysis methods and a neuroendocrine cell line to show that plasticity can occur at the level of a single vesicle. The neurotransmitter release as well as the transmitter storage inside vesicles can be dynamically regulated, which opens the possibility for cell systems to change the fraction released from each vesicle and offers a possible link between fraction of neurotransmitter release and synaptic strength and plasticity.
Postdocs’ lab engagement predicts trajectories of PhD students’ skill development
Authors: Feldon David F. , Litson Kaylee , Jeong Soojeong , Blaney Jennifer M. , Kang Jina , Miller Candace , Griffin Kimberly , Roksa Josipa 
Published: October 2019

SignificanceConventional wisdom in the laboratory sciences suggests that PhD students develop their research skills as a function of mentorship from their faculty advisors (i.e., principal investigators; PIs). However, no prior research has identified empirically a relationship between specific PI practices and the development of research skills. Here we show that PIs’ laboratory and mentoring activities do not significantly predict students’ skill development trajectories, but the engagement of postdocs and senior graduate students in laboratory interactions do. These findings support the practice of “cascading mentorship” as differentially effective and identify a critical but previously unrecognized role for postdocs in the graduate training process. They also illustrate both the importance and the feasibility of identifying evidence-based practices in graduate education.
Celluloid Diva: Staging Leoncavallo'sZazàin the Cinematic Age
Authors: Rindom Ditlev 
Published: October 2019

AbstractGeraldine Farrar's performances in Ruggero Leoncavallo'sZazà(1900) at New York's Metropolitan Opera House in the early 1920s were widely acclaimed as an unexpected triumph for the soprano. This article examines Farrar'sZazàin the context of New York's post-war operatic crisis, the concurrent emergence of Hollywood cinema and Farrar's own highly prominent movements between operatic and cinematic media throughout the 1910s. While Leoncavallo's opera raised a number of pressing difficulties for New York critics, Farrar's critical and popular success inZazàpoints to new understandings of operatic performance at the dawn of the cinematic age.
Degradation of tumour stromal hyaluronan by small extracellular vesicle‐PH20 stimulates CD103+ dendritic cells and in combination with PD‐L1 blockade boosts anti‐tumour immunity
Authors: Hong Yeonsun , Kim Yoon Kyoung , Kim Gi Beom , Nam Gi‐Hoon , Kim Seong A , Park Yoon , Yang Yoosoo , Kim In‐San 
Published: September 2019

ABSTRACTHighly accumulated hyaluronan (HA) not only provides a physiological barrier but also supports an immune‐suppressive tumour microenvironment. High‐molecular‐weight (HMW)‐HA inhibits the activation of immune cells and their access into tumour tissues, whereas, low‐molecular‐weight oligo‐HA is known to potentially activate dendritic cells (DCs). In this paper, we investigated whether small extracellular vesicle (EVs)‐PH20 hyaluronidase induces tumour HA degradation, which, in turn, activates DCs to promote anti‐cancer immune responses. Informed by our previous work, we used a small EV carrying GPI‐anchored PH20 hyaluronidase (Exo‐PH20) that could deeply penetrate into tumour foci via HA degradation. We found that Exo‐PH20‐treatment successfully activates the maturation and migration of DCs in vivo, particularly CD103+ DCs leading to the activation of tumour‐specific CD8+ T cells, which work together to inhibit tumour growth. Moreover, combination with anti‐PD‐L1 antibody provided potent tumour‐specific CD8+ T cell immune responses as well as elicited prominent tumour growth inhibition both in syngenic and spontaneous breast cancer models, and this anti‐tumour immunity was durable. Together, these results present new insights for HA degradation by Exo‐PH20, providing a better understanding of oligo HA‐triggered immune responses to cancer.
Four ideas to boost EU conservation policy as 2020 nears
Authors: Hermoso Virgilio , Morán-Ordóñez Alejandra , Canessa Stefano , Brotons Lluis 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
The European Union (EU) committed to halt the loss of biodiversity in its 2020 Biodiversity Strategy. However, all reports show conservation efforts are falling short of their objectives and the status of biodiversity in the EU continues to decline. Here, we propose four key avenues for the next Strategy, currently under discussion, to make EU conservation efforts more effective. First, we suggest the next Biodiversity Strategy should ensure legal coverage for threatened species not listed in the EU Habitats and Birds Directives, which currently cover only 16.4% of all threatened species. Second, halting biodiversity loss requires threatened species to be adequately managed. To this end, the potential of the extant Natura 2000 should be fully released. Already designated protected areas (PAs) hold more species than currently declared as target for management, leaving an opportunity to further manage more threatened species. Third, to address dynamism associated to climate and land use change, conservation management should be expanded outside PAs, using the planned network of Green Infrastructure. Fourth, while more funding is required to properly implement the Biodiversity Strategy, the improvements we suggest can be made more cost-effective by using systematic planning approaches and better integration of conservation policy in other sectorial policies, such as the Common Agriculture Policy. While existing policy mechanisms can already be used to implement some of these recommendations, revised policies should seek better integration of conservation into other sectorial policies, as well as efficient allocation and use of funds to increase the efficiency of conservation efforts.
Resilience of ecological functions to drought in an oil palm agroecosystem
Authors: Eycott Amy E , Advento Andreas Dwi , Waters Helen S , Luke Sarah H , Aryawan Anak Agung Ketut , Hood Amelia SC , Naim Mohammad , Ps Sudharto , Pujianto  , Purnomo Dedi , Rambe T Dzulfikar S , Soeprapto  , Suhardi  , Tarigan Ribka Sionita , Wahyuningsih Resti , Widodo Rudi Harto , Caliman Jean-Pierre , Snaddon Jake L , Foster William A , Turner Edgar C 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Oil palm is a major habitat in the tropics. It is highly productive and contributes substantially to the economies of producing countries, but its expansion has caused widespread deforestation, with negative consequences for biodiversity. Such biodiversity losses may have substantial impacts on ecosystem functions within oil palm and resilience of functions to changing rainfall patterns, with impacts on yield. However, although the direct effects of water deficit on yield have been studied, little work has investigated ecosystem processes within plantations or the resilience of functions to changing rainfall. We conducted ecosystem function experiments within mature oil palm at the Biodiversity and Ecosystem Function in Tropical Agriculture (BEFTA) Programme site in Sumatra, Indonesia. We measured rates of leaf litter decomposition, seed removal, mealworm predation, and herbivory at multiple time points spanning the 2015–2016 El Niño - Southern Oscillation (ENSO) event that caused widespread drought within Southeast Asia. We found that mealworm predation, seed removal, and decomposition rates were high, whilst herbivory levels were low, indicating a healthy ecosystem with high levels of pest control and organic matter breakdown. Exclusion tests showed that the presence of invertebrates was associated with higher levels of seed removal and decomposition and the presence of vertebrates with higher predation. All functions were relatively robust to changes in rainfall. Yet, whilst seed removal and herbivory did not alter with rainfall, decomposition and predation showed more complex effects, with levels of both processes increasing with current rainfall levels when rainfall in preceding time periods was low. This suggests that both processes are resilient to change and able to recover following drought. Our results indicate that the ecosystem processes measured within oil palm plantations are healthy and resilient to changing rainfall patterns. This is hopeful and suggests that the crop may be fairly robust to future changes in precipitation.
The Impact of Mastectomy on Women’s Visual Perception of Breast Aesthetics and Symmetry: A Pilot Eye-Tracking Study
Authors: Pietruski Piotr , Noszczyk Bartłomiej , Paskal Adriana M , Paskal Wiktor , Paluch Łukasz , Jaworowski Janusz 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Little is known about breast cancer survivors’ perception of breast attractiveness. A better understanding of this subjective concept could contribute to the improvement of patient-reported outcomes after reconstructive surgeries and facilitate the development of new methods for assessing breast reconstruction outcomes.

Objectives
The aim of this eye-tracking (ET)-based study was to verify whether mastectomy altered women’s visual perception of breast aesthetics and symmetry.

Methods
A group of 30 women after unilateral mastectomy and 30 healthy controls evaluated the aesthetics and symmetry of various types of female breasts displayed as highly standardized digital images. Gaze patterns of women from the study groups were recorded using an ET system and subjected to a comparative analysis.

Results
Regardless of the study group, the longest fixation duration and the highest fixation number were found in the nipple-areola complex. This area was also the most common region of the initial fixation. Several significant between-group differences were identified; the gaze patterns of women after mastectomy were generally characterized by longer fixation times for the inframammary fold, lower pole, and upper half of the breast.

Conclusions
Mastectomy might affect women’s visual perception patterns during the evaluation of breast aesthetics and symmetry. ET data might improve our understanding of breast attractiveness and constitute the basis for a new reliable method for the evaluation of outcomes of reconstructive breast surgeries.
Sexual Differences in the Behavior of Adult Great Black-Backed Gulls (Larus marinus) during the Pre-and Post-Hatch Periods
Authors: Butler Ronald G. , Janes-Butler Saskia 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Sexual differences in the behavior of adult Great Black-backed Gulls (Larus marinus) were examined during the pre- and post-hatch periods of the 1980 breeding season. Following clutch completion, females invested more time than males in both territorial attendance and incubation, but there were no sexual differences in egg-shifting or grass-collection. In contrast, males engaged in more agonistic behavior and long-called and yelped in all contexts more than females before chick hatching. Males also displayed more mate-oriented mews and chokes than did females at this time. During the post-hatch period, there were no sexual differences in territorial attendance, brooding, or frequency of chick feedings, but males continued to exhibit higher frequencies of agonistic acts than did females, as well as higher levels of long-calls and yelps. After chick hatching, both sexes demonstrated increased levels of agonistic acts, long-calls, yelps, mews, and yeows, while males exhibited decreased frequencies of chokes and head-tosses. The results of this study strongly suggest that parental investment by male L. marinus may equal that of females.
Reproductive Performance of Female-female Pairs and Polygynous Trios of Ring-Billed Gulls
Authors: Kovacs Kit M. , Ryder John P. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
We studied female-female pairs of Ring-billed Gulls (Larus delawarensis) on Granite Island, northern Lake Superior, during the breeding seasons of 1979 and 1980. In 1979 the colony consisted of approximately 2,400 nesting pairs, with a total of 99 nests containing 5-7 eggs (superclutches). In 1980 the colony had increased in size to 2,600 nests and contained a total of 71 superclutches. We discuss the difficulty of distinguishing nests in which superclutches have been laid by female-female pairs from single-cup nests used by polygynous groups or from nests receiving dump eggs. Nests containing superclutches were larger than those containing normal-sized clutches. They were not differentially located by substrate, nest density, or location within the colony. Nearest-neighbour distance was also similar for the two clutch types.
Eggs laid in superclutches were slightly smaller than those from normal-sized clutches (1-4 eggs) but did not differ in shape. Significantly more eggs from superclutches rolled from the nest or were destroyed or abandoned than from normal-sized clutches. The proportion of nests that hatched at least one chick did not differ significantly between the two clutch types. Hatching success for superclutches was 34% in 1979 and 30% in 1980, whereas for normal-sized clutches it was 77% in 1979 and 61% in 1980. Chicks from superclutches had a higher rate of mortality during the week following hatching than did chicks from normal-sized clutches. Chicks from the former hatched at significantly lighter weights than did those from the latter during both years of study, but their weights did not differ after the first week posthatch. Tarsal and culmen measurements followed a similar pattern to that of weight. Chicks from normal-sized clutches had a significantly higher fledging success than did those from superclutches. The reproductive success of four polygynous groups is also reported.
The Effect of Variable Spring Water Conditions on Mallard Reproduction
Authors: Krapu Gary L. , Klett Albert T. , Jorde Dennis G. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) breeding densities in the prairie pothole habitat of eastern North Dakota during 1961-1980 varied from 2.28 birds/km2 in 1977 to 9.47 birds/km2 in 1963 and were correlated with pond abundance (r = 0.543, P < 0.05). The number of basins used by pairs declined with drought, as did home-range size. Nesting activity also varied with the number of ponds holding water/km2, ranging from high (including substantial renesting) under favorable water conditions to low during extreme drought. The span between first and last nest initiations declined by 19 days from a wet to a dry year. With severe drought conditions during spring 1977 on the Medina Study Area, pairs returned to attempt nesting but were unsuccessful, and most abandoned activity centers by mid-May. Although the average clutch size declined by about 0.7 egg from a wet to a dry year on the Interstate Study Area, hatchability of eggs remained constant. We describe the adaptive strategy of Mallards for breeding under variable water conditions and food resources in the semiarid prairie environment of midcontinent North America.
The Detection of Near-Ultraviolet Light by Nonmigratory and Migratory Birds
Authors: Parrish John W. , Ptacek James A. , Will Kevin L. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Near-ultraviolet (UV) light reception was demonstrated for the first time in three species of nonmigratory emberizid and passerid birds. Behavioral data also established that eight additional alcedinid and emberizid birds can detect near-UV wavelengths. The finding that these more recently evolved species can see near-UV light implies that near-UV vision is probably an important visual capability in most, if not all, diurnal birds. Although the utility of near-UV reception for birds remains equivocal, the fact that nonmigratory as well as migratory birds can perceive UV suggests that birds may be able to utilize the UV spectrum for homing, orientation, and navigation, as do the UV-sensitive arthropods. It also can be inferred that UV vision may be especially useful to insectivorous birds for the detection of UV reflectance patterns, which many otherwise cryptic arthropods possess for mate recognition. Ultraviolet reflectance patterns also may be useful to frugivorous and nectarivorous birds for the detection of food items.
Influence of Age and Time on Reproductive Performance of Female Lesser Scaup
Authors: Afton Alan D. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
I examined the influence of age and time on female reproductive performance in a marked population of Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis) breeding in southwestern Manitoba from 1977 to 1980. Arrival date and length of prelaying period varied among years but were not related to female age. Rate of nonbreeding and nest-initiation date varied among years and by female age. Age variation in nonbreeding was due to the failure of yearlings and a few 2-yr-olds to breed. Yearlings began laying an average of 5-8 days later than older females. Clutch size increased with female age but showed no significant annual variation despite extreme changes in water conditions. Reproductive performance generally increased with female age and with improving water conditions. These results were consistent with theoretical models that predict that reproductive effort (RE) increases with age or with declining residual reproductive value. My data support Williams' (1966) prediction that organisms adapted to living in variable environments adjust their RE in relation to probability of success. Female Lesser Scaup exhibited a temporally dynamic reproductive strategy, and natural selection seemingly has favored "yes-if" genes (Williams 1966) that effect breeding only when conditions are favorable for the individual.
Endocrine Correlates of Autumnal Behavior in Sedentary and Migratory Individuals of a Partially Migratory Population of the European Blackbird (Turdus merula)
Authors: Schwabl Hubert , Wingfield John C. , Farner Donald S. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Plasma levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, 5α-dihydrotestosterone (5α-DHT), estradiol-17β, and corticosterone were measured in free-living and captive European Blackbirds (Turdus merula) during autumn. Free-living birds were designated as sedentary or migratory according to whether they remained in or disappeared from the study area during the winter season. Captive birds that increased body weight, deposited fat, and developed Zugunruhe in autumn were designated as migratory, whereas those that failed to do so were regarded as sedentary. The results do not support the hypothesis that plasma levels of gonadal hormones are elevated in sedentary birds, thus inhibiting autumnal migration. Plasma levels of LH and of testosterone were low in both adult and first-year free-living males, although testosterone levels were higher in migratory than in sedentary free-living first-year males. In captivity, however, testosterone levels were not different between first-year sedentary and migratory males. In both free-living and captive first-year females levels of 5α-DHT were higher in migratory than in sedentary individuals. Our analyses suggest that the sedentary and migratory habit may be a consequence of different reactions of genetically different individuals to a slightly increased secretion of gonadal hormones in autumn. The variable plasma levels of corticosterone suggest that this hormone is not directly involved in the initiation of migratory behavior, although circulating levels of corticosterone may be influenced by energetic demands during migration.
Interspecific Aggressive Behavior of the Polyandrous Northern Jacana (Jacana spinosa)
Authors: Stephens Martin L. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Adults of the polyandrous Northern Jacana (Jacana spinosa) defend their offspring against avian territorial intruders that are potential offspring predators. I investigated this defensive behavior in Costa Rica during 1980 and 1981. Jacanas attacked 15 species; most attacks were against Purple Gallinules (Porphyrula martinica), which are known predators of jacana eggs and offspring. Three factors influenced the probability of attacks: (1) spatial proximity of intruders to jacana offspring, (2) species identity of intruders, and (3) stage of breeding (jacanas were most responsive to intruders when young offspring were present). Attacks prevented intruders from reaching jacana offspring, and limited evidence suggests that attacks also reduced the density of intruders near jacana nests. The female's role in offspring defense was substantial. Females participated in the defense of eggs and small young at levels comparable to those of males. This participation included: (1) joining ongoing attacks when their mates solicited aid, (2) continuing attacks while their mates led offspring away from intruders, and (3) launching attacks in the absence of their mates, especially during incubation.
The Use of Soaring by the Red-Tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)
Authors: Ballam Joan M. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Behavioral data collected year-round in northwestern Arkansas indicated that foraging is not the exclusive function of soaring flight. Red-tailed Hawks (Buteo jamaicensis) spent much more time soaring than would be expected from the foraging returns of this behavior. Soaring was found to be unimportant in thermoregulation. Instead of soaring to thermoregulate, birds sought shade, were inactive, and panted during heat stress. Ptiloerection and retraction of extremities were noted during cold stress. Soaring activity contributed significantly to territorial defense, and I suggest that soaring flight is superior to flapping flight in this regard. Courtship was a prominent function of soaring during late winter. Further studies on functions of raptorial soaring should investigate exploratory behavior.