bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coexistence of plant species under harsh environmental conditions: an evaluation of niche differentiation and stochasticity along salt marsh creeks
Authors: Kim Daehyun , Ohr Sewon
Published: July 2020

Background

Ecologists have achieved much progress in the study of mechanisms that maintain species coexistence and diversity. In this paper, we reviewed a wide range of past research related to these topics, focusing on five theoretical bodies: (1) coexistence by niche differentiation, (2) coexistence without niche differentiation, (3) coexistence along environmental stress gradients, (4) coexistence under non-equilibrium versus equilibrium conditions, and (5) modern perspectives.

Results

From the review, we identified that there are few models that can be generally and confidently applicable to different ecological systems. This problem arises mainly because most theories have not been substantiated by enough empirical research based on field data to test various coexistence hypotheses at different spatial scales. We also found that little is still known about the mechanisms of species coexistence underharshenvironmental conditions. This is because most previous models treat disturbance as a key factor shaping community structure, but they do not explicitly deal with stressful systems with non-lethal conditions. We evaluated the mainstream ideas of niche differentiation and stochasticity for the coexistence of plant species across salt marsh creeks in southwestern Denmark. The results showed that diversity indices, such as Shannon–Wiener diversity, richness, and evenness, decreased with increasing surface elevation and increased with increasing niche overlap and niche breadth. The two niche parameters linearly decreased with increasing elevation. These findings imply a substantial influence of an equalizing mechanism that reduces differences in relative fitness among species in the highly stressful environments of the marsh. We propose that species evenness increases under very harsh conditions if the associated stress is not lethal. Finally, we present a conceptual model of patterns related to the level of environmental stress and niche characteristics along a microhabitat gradient (i.e., surface elevation).

Conclusions

The ecology of stressful systems with non-lethal conditions will be increasingly important as ongoing global-scale climate change extends the period ofchronicstresses that are not necessarily fatal to inhabiting plants. We recommend that more ecologists continue this line of research.
Ameliorative effect of foliar application of calcium on vegetative growth and mineral contents of olive trees Kalmata and Manzanillo cultivars irrigated with saline water
Authors: Hagagg Laila F. , Merwad Mohamed A. , Shahin Mohamed M. F. , El-Hady Eman S.
Published: July 2020

Background

This work was carried out through 2017 and 2018 seasons on tow olive cultivars (Kalmata and Manzanillo). Trees were 15 years old, grown in sandy soil, planted at 5 × 5 m apart, and irrigated with saline water through drip irrigation system. This investigation aimed to improve vegetative growth and its mineral contents of the tow olive cultivars. Trees were sprayed with calcium at 0.5% as calcium chloride (21% Ca) and chelated calcium.

Results

The results revealed that there were significant differences with calcium source treatment regarding vegetative growth and leaf mineral contents.

Conclusions

Results proved that olive trees sprayed at the end of December with 0.5% calcium as chelated calcium was the promising treatment for good vegetative growth and leaf mineral contents.
Factors influencing the clinical presentation of hypersensitivity pneumonitis in pigeon breeders in Minia governorate: an Egyptian experience
Authors: Mohamed Nezar R. , Ghazawy Eman Ramadan , Saeed Zainab H.
Published: July 2020

Background

Bird fanciers’ lung (BFL) is a very famous type of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) produced by airborne exposure to avian antigens. Immunological response and duration of exposure to the avian protein increase the risk of developing BFL. The current study investigates the risk factors and the clinical characteristics of BFL in pigeon breeders. This study aimed to determine the risk factors and clinical characteristics of HP in pigeon breeders.

Results

This cross-sectional observational study included 67 hypersensitivity pneumonitis patients with a history of pigeon breeding. Patients were subjected to history taking (age, smoking history and duration, and type of exposure to birds), clinical examination, chest X-ray, high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), oxygen saturation, and spirometry.

Most of BFL patients were females (83.6%) and non-smokers (86.6%). Breathlessness, cough, fever, and crackles were the most common findings. Sweeping for birds was associated with more reduction of forced vital capacity (FVC) (p value 0.02). Patients who were exposed in closed places had a rapid onset of symptoms (p value 0.01).

Conclusion

In this study, most of the patients with BFL are females and non-smokers. Sweeping for birds and exposure in closed areas are important risk factors of HP in BFL.
Survivorship Care Plans: Reaching a Benchmark and Striving to Achieve Intent
Authors: Stuver Robert , Faig Jennifer , Cadorette Matthew , Decaneas Will , Kaplan Irving , VanDeWege Christine , Weden Victoria , Kent Michael , Zerillo Jessica A.
Published: July 2020

PURPOSE:

Survivorship care plans (SCPs) have been endorsed by major oncologic organizations despite challenges in implementation and unclear patient-specific benefits. In January 2020, the Commission on Cancer removed a 2018 provision that required accredited programs to deliver SCPs to eligible patients. Programs must determine whether to continue SCP use or begin de-implementation. We detail a framework to increase SCP delivery for programs continuing to provide SCPs as a component of survivorship care and suggest a patient-centered approach to evaluate continued utility amidst updated national standards.

METHODS:

We surveyed medical, surgical, and radiation oncologists at our academic and community sites to identify barriers to SCP use and performed a Pareto analysis to highlight the most notable barriers. We then designed an intervention that used SCP templates within the medical record, disease-specific recommendations, delegation to nonphysician staff, and provider education. We monitored our intervention via a statistical process control analysis and assessed patient perceptions of SCP usefulness via a questionnaire.

RESULTS:

Before implementing our process improvements, our SCP completion rate during a 10-month period was 45%. During the 6-month period after our intervention, the SCP completion rate increased to 89%. Greater than 80% of patients who had recently received an SCP found the information helpful and were satisfied with the amount of information received. More than 40% did not remember receiving their original SCP.

CONCLUSION:

We demonstrated a feasible method for increasing SCP delivery for all cancers across a cancer network and used a patient-specific questionnaire to assess continued value amidst changing national standards.
Patient Cost-Sharing and Healthcare Utilization in Early Childhood: Evidence from a Regression Discontinuity Design
Authors: Han Hsing-Wen , Lien Hsien-Ming , Yang Tzu-Ting
Published: July 2020

This paper estimates the price elasticity of healthcare utilization in early childhood. We employ a regression discontinuity design by exploiting a subsidy that reduces patient cost-sharing for children under age 3 in Taiwan. Using longitudinal medical claims of over 410,000 children, we find a modest price elasticity of outpatient expenditure (e.g., −0.10 for regular outpatient care). Furthermore, increased cost-sharing at age 3 largely decreases the chance of visiting high-intensity healthcare providers (e.g., teaching hospitals) for minor illnesses. In contrast, children’s utilization of inpatient care is price insensitive, providing a rationale for full inpatient care coverage to children. (JEL H51, I11, I12, I13, I18, J13)
The Rise of Working Mothers and the 1975 Earned Income Tax Credit
Authors: Bastian Jacob
Published: July 2020

The rise of working mothers radically changed the US economy and the role of women in society. In one of the first studies of the 1975 introduction of the Earned Income Tax Credit, I find that this program increased maternal employment by 6 percent, representing 1 million mothers and an elasticity of 0.58. The EITC may help explain why the US has long had such a high fraction of working mothers despite few childcare subsidies or parental leave policies. I also find suggestive evidence that this influx of working mothers affected social attitudes and led to higher approval of working women. (JEL H24, J16, J22, J31, K34, Z13)
Long-Term Care Insurance: Information Frictions and Selection
Authors: Boyer M. Martin , De Donder Philippe , Fluet Claude , Leroux Marie-Louise , Michaud Pierre-Carl
Published: July 2020

This paper conducts a stated-choice experiment where respondents are asked to rate various insurance products aimed to protect against financial risks associated with long-term care needs. Using exogenous variation in prices from the survey design and individual cost estimates, these stated-choice probabilities are used to predict market equilibrium for long-term care insurance. Our results are twofold. First, information frictions are pervasive. Second, measuring the welfare losses associated with frictions in a framework that also allows for selection, it is found that information frictions reduce equilibrium take-up and lead to large welfare losses, while selection plays little role. (JEL D82, D83, G22, I13)
The Buck Stops Where? Federalism, Uncertainty, and Investment in the Brazilian Water and Sanitation Sector
Authors: Kresch Evan Plous
Published: July 2020

This paper documents how regulatory uncertainty may undermine public service when different levels of government share a mandate on public service provision. I examine the Brazilian water and sanitation sector, which presents a natural experiment of shared provision between state and municipal companies. Using a difference-in-differences framework, I study a legal reform that clarified the relationship between municipal and state providers and eliminated any takeover threat by state companies. I find that after the reform, municipal companies almost doubled their total system investment, leading to significant increases in system access and decreases in child mortality. (JEL H77, L95, O13, O18, Q53)
Formation of a traumatic air cyst and ensuing hemopneumothorax during CT angiography in a patient with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
Authors: Michell Hans , Chopra Prajna , Bhave Anant , Ali Naiim , Parkinson William , Shields Joseph , Scriver Geoffrey , Morris Christopher
Published: July 2020

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) refers to a rare group of genetic disorders that makeup part of the connective tissue disorders consortium. It is characterized by clinical features such as skin hyperextensibility, joint hypermobility, and tissue fragility. A vascular subtype (EDS IV) exists, that predisposes affected patients to vascular injury and is well-known and documented. However, other manifestations of EDS IV are less commonly understood and reported. Though spontaneous pneumothorax has been described in several cases, formation of traumatic air cysts/pneumatoceles with little to no inciting factors has not. This can eventually lead to pulmonary hemorrhage or hemopneumothorax. We present a case of spontaneous formation of a traumatic air cyst with ensuing large-volume hemopneumothorax occurring in a time period of under 3 minutes, between pre- and post-contrast-media administration during CT angiography of the chest.
HIV testing amid COVID-19: community efforts to reach men who have sex with men in three Kenyan counties
Authors: Odinga Manas Migot , Kuria Samuel , Muindi Oliver , Mwakazi Peter , Njraini Margret , Melon Memory , Kombo Bernadette , Kaosa Shem , Kioko Japtheth , Musimbi Janet , Musyoki Helgar , Bhattacharjee Parinita , Lorway Robert
Published: July 2020

In comparison to European and American countries, Kenya has been less impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of reported cases and mortalities. However, everyday life has been dramatically affected by highly restrictive government-imposed measures such as stay-at-home curfews, prohibitions on mobility across national and county boundaries, and strict policing, especially of the urban poor, which has culminated in violence. This open letter highlights the effects of these measures on how three community-based organizations (CBOs) deliver HIV programs and services to highly stigmatized communities of men who have sex with men living in the counties of Kisumu, Kiambu and Mombasa. In particular, emphasis is placed on how HIV testing programs, which are supported by systematic peer outreach, are being disrupted at a time when global policymakers call for expanded HIV testing and treatment targets among key populations. While government measures have greatly undermined local efforts to deliver health services to members and strengthen existing HIV testing programs, each of the three CBOs has taken innovative steps to adapt to the government restrictions and to the COVID-19 pandemic itself. Although HIV testing in clinical spaces among those who were once regular and occasional program attendees dropped off noticeably in the early months of the COVID-19 lockdown, the program eventually began to rebound as outreach approaches shifted to virtual platforms and strategies. Importantly and unexpectedly, HIV self-testing kits proved to fill a major gap in clinic-based HIV testing at a time of crisis.
Characteristics of the built environment on GPS-determined bicycle routes used by adolescents
Authors: Camargo Edina Maria de , Alberico Claudia Oliveira , Lopes Adalberto Aparecido Santos , Schipperijn Jasper , Reis Rodrigo Siqueira
Published: July 2020

The aim of this study was to identify the characteristics of the routes used for cycling according to gender on a sample of adolescents from the city of Curitiba, Brazil. The study was conducted in 2013 with 147  adolescents aged 12 to 17 years, who wore accelerometer and Global Positioning System receivers to assess physical activity and geographic locations. A total of 38 participants (50.0% girls) presented at least one bicycle route and were included in the analytic sample. A total of 386 routes were identified. Nearly all routes included public transportation facilities, plazas, and parcels with residential, retail, food or recreational land use (> 97.0%) while bike lanes/paths (62.7%) and Fitness Zones were less frequent (71.8%). Bus rapid transit (BRT) stations, parks and vacant lots were the least frequent feature in the routes (37.3%; 17.1%; and 7.5%, respectively). Routes used by girls had fewer vacant lots (3.9%; p = 0.001) and more residential, retail, food services, and recreational uses (99.6%; p = 0.003; 99.1%; p = 0.011; 98.7%; p = 0.030, respectively) than those used by boys. The findings suggest that the routes used by adolescents have mixed and diverse land use and girls ride along routes with greater bicycling and service infrastructure and less physical disorder than boys.
Investigation of the Impact of Forest Fires on the Chemistry and Quality of Ground Water in Yellowstone National Park
Authors: Runnells Donald , Siders Mary
Published: July 2020

In order to investigate the impact of the 1988 forest frres on the chemistry and water quality of shallow ground water in Yellowstone National Park, a two-year regime of sampling and analysis was begun in August, 1989. Samples from ground-water wells for which pre-fire chemical data could be obtained were selected for this study.
Composition, Distribution, Relative Abundance and Habitat Requirements of Endangered, Threatened and Rare Species to Southeast Utah Groups
Authors: Heil Ken , Floyd-Hanna Lisa
Published: July 2020

This was the third year of a four year investigation on the composition, distribution, relative abundance and habitat requirements of endangered, threatened, and rare plant species in the Southeastern Utah National Park Complex.
Man's Effects on Aquatic and Riparian Organisims in the Canyons of Canyonlands and Arches National Parks and Natural Bridge National Monument
Authors: Mitchell Sandra , Woodward Bruce
Published: July 2020

This research was designed to assess the impact of a hiking trail or a four wheel drive road on our three focal groups (plants, aquatic animals and small mammals). Analyses in 1990 revealed large differences in species abundances and some instances of presence/absence differences among the three focal groups. Differences occurred both between the road right of way per se and nonroaded sections of the canyon bottom and between roaded and nonroaded sections of the canyon bottom. In 1990 we sampled small mammals and plants for 2.4 km up and downstream of the road terminus. In May, June, and July 1991 we extended sampled areas to approximately 4.8 km up and downstream of the end of the four wheel drive road. We also sampled aquatic organisms at Natural Bridges and in Canyonlands. In addition, we performed an experiment in which we placed screen mesh enclosures into the creek above and below Bates Wilson Campground, Canyonlands. This experiment was designed to assess sand infiltration rates and aquatic animal densities in areas lacking or possessing a road. Four small mammal trap grids (70 traps/grid) were trapped in the area lacking a road and in an area containing a road up Salt Creek. Each trap grid was trapped for four successive nights. Eight plant grids (4 up and 4 downstream of the road terminus) were examined for species composition and plant coverages. Each upstream grid consisted of fifty 1 m2 plots, while the downstream grids consisted of the same 50 plots plus 10 plots randomly located in the road right of way.
Monitoring Amphibian Populations in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks
Authors: Peterson Charles , Koch Edward , Corn Paul
Published: July 2020

Many amphibian populations appear to be declining throughout much of the world (Corn and Fogleman 1984, Beiswenger 1986, McAllister and Leonard 1990, Wake and Morowitz 1990, Wake 1991). Declines appear to be particularly noticeable in the western United States in the true frogs and toads (families Ranidae and Bufonidae, respectively). For example, leopard frogs (Rana pipiens) and western toads (Bufo boreas) have disappeared from the majority of their historic ranges in Colorado (Corn et al. 1989) and populations of spotted frogs (Rana pretiosa) have gone extinct or declined on the periphery of their range in Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, and Utah (McAllister and Leonard 1990). Monitoring amphibian populations is important for several reasons. First and most obvious, we need to know if and why amphibian populations are fluctuating so we can effectively manage and preserve them. Second, amphibians are important components of many ecosystems, both as predators and prey, often making up a significant amount of a system's biomass (Pough 1983). Finally, amphibians are potentially sensitive indicators of environmental change because of a unique combination of biological characteristics such as their permeable skins, biphasic life cycles, and aquatic reproduction and development (Wake and Morowitz 1990). For these reasons, the monitoring of amphibians populations has been recommended as an "early warning system" of environmental change (Beiswenger 1986, 1988, Wake 1991).
Estimating the Time of Establishment of the Cutthroat Trout (Oncorynchus clarki lewisi) Population in Avalanche Lake, Through Analysis of Fossil Zooplankton Assemblages in Profundal Sediments: Glacier National Park
Authors: Wright, Jr. Herbert , Verschuren Dirk
Published: July 2020

Surviving populations of native cutthroat trout (Oncorynchus clarki lewisi) in isolated lakes of Glacier National Park are being assigned a potentially important role in a recovery program of cutthroat trout fishery in the Lake McDonald basin. One population of native trout inhabits Avalance Lake; yet its indigenous nature is questioned, because of the absence of other fish species that normally occur in association with the trout, and because the creek giving access to Avalanche Lake from Lake McDonald is considered too precipitous for naturally dispersing fish. This study aims to find out whether the trout population in Avalanche Lake was established following a deliberate but unrecorded introduction sometime during the last century, or much earlier through successful natural immigration. Evidence is to be derived from examination of fossil zooplankton assemblages contained in the lake's profundal bottom sediments. The approach is based on the idea that introduction of planktivorous fish to a fishless lake must have caused significant changes in the zooplankton community. Visual, size-selective predation by planktivorous fish typically results in preferential removal of larger prey types and/or of prey that tend to stay in the upper water column during daytime. There are two groups of zooplankters in Glacier National Park lakes whose populations are likely to be affected, and whose buried remains preserve well enough to trace these changes in the sedimentary record: the limnetic cladoceran Daphnia, and the planktonic larvae of Chaoborus, a dipterous insect. In Daphnia, changes associated with fish introduction may include a shift to smaller body-size in resident species or a replacement altogether of large species by smaller ones. In Chaoborus, species that lack the habit of diurnal vertical migration are rapidly eliminated, and may then be replaced by congeners that do migrate.
Characterization of Relict Communities for Monitoring Park Ecosystems in Glen Canyon National Recreration Area
Authors: Butler Jack , Bich Brian , Schmidt Cheryl
Published: July 2020

All of the field work for the project was completed during the 1991 field season. All of the vegetation data from both field seasons have been entered into the USD mainframe computer in preparation for detailed analysis. The first objective of the 1991 field season was to identify suitable relict and lightly grazed pinyon-juniper sites that could be used as reference points in evaluating the effects of livestock grazing on the pinyon-juniper communities of the Orange Cliffs. Two sites in western Canyonlands National Park were considered in 1990, but they proved to have been either disturbed by livestock in the past or located on a significantly different substrate. Two areas, the North Block and the South Block, were selected during the 1991 field season as potential relict sites.
Feeding Selectivity of Montane and Long-tailed Voles (Microtus montanus and M. longicaudus)
Authors: Jannett, Jr. Frederick
Published: July 2020

The purpose of the research begun in 1989 is to ascertain how selectively these species feed, and to assess vegetation as a factor in demographic processes in the two species. Microtus longicaudus exhibits relatively stable numbers while M. montanus has dramatic fluctuations in some habitats. The study sites for M. montanus have been chosen to include primary and secondary habitat, and proximate and isolated habitat patches. Vegetation has heretofore not been quantitatively analyzed.
Temperature/Body Size Interactions and Species Interaction in Montane Ponds in Grand Teton National Park
Authors: Woodward Bruce , Mitchell Sandra
Published: July 2020

We visited Grand Teton National Park in May, June and July 1991 to begin research on species interactions in shallow montane ponds. Our primary interests were in how body size variation influences species interactions, and how temperature influences body size and thus species interactions. Our goal in the first year was to explore the extant variation in temperature regimes and body sizes of potentially interacting species, and examine some of these species interactions.
Surface Flow on Medano, Mosca, and Sand Creeks in Relation to Fault Zones and Water Tables
Authors: McCalpin James
Published: July 2020

This research seeks to determine the relation between surging surface flow and projected groundwater declines at the Great Sand Dunes National Monument. Surging flow in Medano Creek is a unique visitor attraction at the Monument, and is exhibited from April through July at easily accessible sites. Projected water table declines of up to 46 m due to an adjacent groundwater development scheme may increase infiltration rates in Monument creeks, thus leading to diminished or eliminated surge flow.
Remote Sensing of Vegetation Recovery in Grasslands after the 1988 Fires
Authors: Merrill Evelyn , Marrs Ron
Published: July 2020

Traditional methods for measurement of vegetative biomass can be time-consuming and laborÂ­intensive, especially across large areas. Yet such estimates are necessary to investigate the effects of large scale disturbances on ecosystem components and processes. One alternative to traditional methods for monitoring rangeland vegetation is to use satellite imagery. Because foliage of plants differentially absorbs and reflects energy within the electromagnetic spectrum, remote sensing of spectral data can be used to quantify the amount of vegetative biomass present in an area (Tucker and Sellers 1986). In 1987 we found that Landsat Multispectral Scanner (MSS) imagery could be used to quantify green herbaceous phytomass (GHP) on ungulate summer range in the northeastern portion of Yellowstone National Park. Estimates of GHP in the study area were well within values reported for the habitat types sampled (Mueggler and Steward 1980). Annual variation in GHP was related to winter snow accumulation probably due to the timing of snow melt (Merrill et al. 1988). Additionally, we found that GHP explained a significant amount of the variation in the per capita growth rate of elk and bison populations from 1972 to 1987 (Merrill and Boyce 1991). The extensive fires that occurred in the Park in the summer of 1988 provided an opportunity to determine whether remote sensing could be used to monitor grassland vegetation recovery in the Park and to explore the effects of the 1988 fires on ungulate populations using models we developed in 1987. Previous studies have used Landsat imagery to monitor succession of seral stages after fire in pine (Jakubauska et al. 1990), but no studies to our knowledge have used this approach to quantify herbaceous recovery in grasslands.
Man's Effects on Aquatic and Riparian Organisims in the Canyons of Canyonlands and Arches National Parks and Natural Bridges National Monument
Authors: Mitchell Sandra , Woodward Bruce
Published: July 2020

This is the third and final year of this project. In 1990 and 1991 we concentrated our efforts at Natural Bridges National Monument and Canyonlands National Park. In 1992, we performed work at Natural Bridges National Monument, and at Arches National Park. At Natural Bridges we sampled plant grids and small mammal grids along sections of canyon bottom containing or lacking a hiking trail to determine if the trail was influencing the distributions or abundances of plants or animals in the canyon bottom. We collected data in May and June. We sampled the area between Sipapu Bridge and Kachina Bridge (area containing the well used hiking trail), and an area about 3 kms long above Sipapu Bridge (area lacking a well used trail).
Evaluating Shrub-Steppe Habitat Quality Using the Pygmy Rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis) as an Indicator Species
Authors: Parker Katherine
Published: July 2020

The structurally-complex stands of sagebrush that are important as wildlife habitat are rapidly disappearing because of conversion to irrigated agriculture, spraying and brush removal treatments, wildfires, and intensive grazing. These sagebrush-dominated steppe habitats support a variety of wildlife species. For some, they serve as year-round home ranges; for others, as critical winter or transitional habitats. The pygmy rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis) is an example of an extreme specialist, solely restricted in its distribution to such sagebrush-dominated steppe habitats, and typically associated with dense stands of big sage (Artemisia tridentata). Most known populations now are declining.
Succession Following the 1974 Waterfalls Canyon Fire and Other Recent Fires in Grand Teton National Park
Authors: Doyle Kathleen , Knight Dennis
Published: July 2020

The focus of our research is to understand the rates and patterns of vegetation succession following fires in Grand Teton National Park. Our approach combines an intensive long-term study of biotic change on individual sites in Waterfalls Canyon, with an extensive investigation of the spatial variability of succession following fire throughout Grand Teton National Park.
Feeding Selectivity of Montane and Long-Tailed Voles (Microtus montanus and M. longicaudus)
Authors: Jannett, Jr. Frederick
Published: July 2020

The purpose of the research begun in 1989 is to ascertain how selectively voles of these species feed, and to assess vegetation as a factor in demographic processes in the two species. Microtus longicaudus exhibits relatively stable numbers while M. montanus has dramatic fluctuations in some habitats. The study sites for M. montanus have been chosen to include primary and secondary habitat, and proximate and isolated habitat patches. Vegetation has heretofore not been quantitatively analyzed.
Effects of Domestic Livestock and Native Wildlife Grazing in Grand Teton National Park
Authors: Smith Michael , Dodd Jerrold , Meiman Paul
Published: July 2020

The Snake River plains and foothill areas of Jackson Hole have been grazed by domestic livestock since settlement of the area. Wildlife populations, including elk, mule deer, and antelope have historically used and continue to use the area. Moose are currently relatively abundant and a small herd of bison have been introduced. Currently, livestock use part of the area contained in Grand Teton National Park either as a concession or due to authorization by Park enabling legislation. Park managers need information concerning the effects of grazing by large ungulates on vegetation resources to assist in effectively managing grazing to service forage needs and achieve desired plant community goals.
Succession Following the 1974 Waterfalls Canyon Fire
Authors: Doyle Kathleen , Knight Dennis
Published: July 2020

In the early 1970's, the growing awareness of the potential ecological impacts of fire suppression and the threat of more intensive fires due to fuel accumulation in fire-suppressed forests prompted the National Park Service to allow some fires to burn (Grand Teton National Park 1974). One of the first "prescribed natural fires" in a western National Park was the Waterfalls Canyon Fire (WCF) in Grand Teton National Park (GTNP). It was ignited by lightning in July 1974. Amid much public controversy (Anonymous 1974), the fire burned 1414 ha before it was extinguished by snow in December. In the following year, GTNP biologists established permanent plots within and adjacent to the WCF in forests dominated by subalpine fir, Engelmann spruce, and lodgepole pine, and which varied in fire severity and time since fire. The goal of the study was to document the effect of the 1974 fire by monitoring long-term changes in vegetation, breeding birds, and small mammals (Barmore et al. 1976). Data were collected from four study areas in 1975, 1976, 1977, and 1983 under the direction of William Barmore. In 1991 and 1992 we resampled the permanently-marked vegetation plots and breeding bird transects. Our objectives were to compile, analyze and interpret all of the data collected from the four study areas since 1975.
The Effects of Acoustic Signalling on Male Spacing Behavior in the Sagebrush Cricket: Are Signals used in Territorial Defense?
Authors: Snedden W. , Sakaluk S.
Published: July 2020

Acoustic signalling in orthopterans functions in mate attraction and/or intermale spacing. The pattern of intermale distances should reflect the degree to which signalling functions in territorial defense. Males who are unable to detect, and thus respond to, the signals of rivals should be at greater risk of inadvertently intruding on the territories of rivals and of being intruded upon. We tested, in two field mark-recapture experiments with the sagebrush cricket Cyphoderris strepitans, the hypothesis that acoustic signals are used in intermale spacing, predicting that deafened males are compromised in their ability to repel rivals and should thus be found in closer proximity than control (hearing) males. There was no difference in mating success between deaf and control groups. There was a difference in nearest-neighbor distance between deaf and control animals in one replicate of one experiment and in one night of one replicate of the other experiment. These results suggest that calling has a sporadic effect on spacing behaviour of sagebrush crickets and thus primarily functions in mate attraction. The results are discussed in the context of the mating system of sagebrush crickets and the economics of territory defense.
The Effects of Habitat Modification on a Spotted Frog Population in Yellowstone National Park
Authors: Patla Debra , Peterson Charles
Published: July 2020

Declines and extinctions of many populations of amphibians have been noted worldwide in recent years (Corn and Fogelman 1984, Beiswenger 1986, McAllister and Leonard 1990, Wake and Morowitz 1990, Wake 1991, Adler 1992). Habitat modifications due to human activities may contribute to many of these declines. Habitat may be destroyed overtly, or it may be fragmented. Fragmentation results in reduced area, a differential loss of important habitat components, and increased isolation of populations (Wyman 1990). The persistence of amphibians in areas where modifications short of total habitat destruction depends on the preservation of essential habitat components and landscape connectivity that allows individual animals access to breeding, foraging, and wintering sites (Sinsch 1989). Long-term persistence also may rely on the immigration of individuals from other populations (Pechmann et al. 1991, Sjogren 1991). Although our efforts to conserve amphibian species depend on our understanding of habitat fragmentation and knowledge of the behavioral and population responses to different types of habitat modifications (Gibbons 1988, Groom and Schumaker 1993), few studies have addressed these types of questions for amphibians. Notable exceptions include some studies on the effects of logging (Corn and Bury 1989) and acidification (Wyman and Hawksley-Lescault 1988, Harte and Hoffman 1989, Corn and Vertucci 1992). In Europe, researchers and wildlife conservationists are investigating the impacts of roads on amphibians and attempting to find solutions to fragmentation and mortality effects (Langton 1989), but this concern has not yet received noticeable attention in North America. We lack studies evaluating the relative importance and integration of foraging areas, hibernacula, breeding sites, areas occupied pre- and post-breeding, and dispersal routes connecting these areas. With these kinds of information, researchers and land managers will be better able to analyze, predict, and mitigate the effects of habitat modifications that are sources of amphibian population declines.
Remote Sensing of Coniferous Forest Structure in Grand Teton National Park
Authors: Blodgett Clayton , Jakubauskas Mark
Published: July 2020

Satellite remotely sensed multispectral data provides a systematic, synoptic means for broad-area spatially-explicit estimation of biophysically important variables. By using ground measurements of biotic properties to calibrate remotely sensed multispectral data, vegetation properties measured at sample points can be extrapolated across a large geographic region (Graetz, 1990). Biophysical variables derived by this empirical method may include the successional state of the vegetation, or an intrinsic property of the vegetation, such as biomass, leaf area index, cover, or moisture content (Jensen, 1983; Waring et al., 1986; Spanner et al., 1984; Graetz, 1990). Spatially-explicit estimation of forest biophysical factors at landscape to regional scales has applications in forest management and ecology, including insect infestation susceptability, forest fire behavior, and estimating plant and animal species habitat and diveristy. Our previous research examined relationships -- between forest structure, successional state, and spectral reflectance characteristics. Results indicated that decreases in visible and middle-infrared spectral reflectance are related to the age and development of a coniferous forest stand. Spectral reflectance changes are rapid during the initial stages of stand regeneration, but the rate of change slows as the stand progresses into later successional stages (Blodgett and Jakubauskas, 1996; Jakubauskas, 1996). Our ongoing objectives are to develop methods for estimation of forest biophysical parameters from satellite remotely sensed data and to compare Yellowstone and Teton coniferous forests in terms of forest structure and successional pattern. Forest stands sampled in 1995 in Grand Teton National Park are 500 - 1000 meters lower in elevation than the Yellowstone sites (sampled 1992-1994), and subject to different temperature and precipitation regimes. Sampling in 1995 was directed at increasing our database of lodgepole-dominated forest stands in the Greater Yellowstone Area.
Breeding Bird Popluations in Grand Teton National Park: Density and Distribution
Authors: Cody Martin
Published: July 2020

GTNP (Grand Teton National Park) recently initiated a breeding bird monitoring program, with a view toward assessing population densities of breeding birds and their potential changes, both of residents and neotropical migrants; the 1995 season was the first in which the monitoring protocols of the program were fully instigated. The program goals are the monitoring of both species and densities over a broad range of habitats within the park, with a view to detecting changes over time in these variables, in year-to-year "background" variation and in possible long-term trends. Site selection, mapping and marking, and deployment of various bird census techniques, will be completed and refined over three introductory years, 1995-1997. Thence, it is anticipated that the monitoring program will become permanently established, contributing yearly to an expanding data base on the park's breeding bird populations. This data base, it is believed, will become a useful backup and basis for management decisions, and an increasingly sensitive index from which changes in the park's avifauna, natural or anthropogenic, can be calibrated.
Activity Patterns of River Otters in the Oxbow Bend Vicinity, Grand Teton National Park
Authors: Hall Joseph
Published: July 2020

Goals of the project were to obtain information on daily movements and activity patterns of River otters (Lutra canadensis), particularly nocturnal activity, to supplement data on diurnal activity obtained from a previous study. Of special interest was to determine whether or not nocturnalism activity occur which are similar to those seen by day. Additionally, observations of any evidence of fidelity to specific habitat sites documented in previous years were to be recorded,
Metapopulations and Feeding Selectivity of Montane and Long-Tailed Voles (Microtus montanus and M. Longicaudus), and Hantavirus and Plague in the Jackson Hole Small Mammal Communtiy
Authors: Jannett, Jr. Frederick
Published: July 2020

The purpose of the long-term research which began in 1971 on metapopulations of voles is to enumerate patterns in surviorship, reproduction, and morphology across sections of the metapopulations. The study sites for Microtus montanus were chosen to represent primary and secondary habitat and proximate and isolated habitat patches. The purpose of the work which commenced in 1989 is to ascertain how selectively Microtus montanus and M. longicaudus feed, and to assess vegetation as a factor in demographic processes of the two species . The purpose of the more recently initiated study on hantavirus started in 1994 is to ascertain the extent of hantavirus among as many species of small mammals as possible, to identify the strain(s), to understand the presence of hantavirus across species and among the metapopulations of voles, and to assess the potential for human contact. The purpose of the work on plague since 1995 is to test the long-standing hypothesis that voles are a reservoir in the intervals between plague outbreaks among ground squirrels.
An Investigation into Marmot Migration in Grand Teton National Park
Authors: Montopoli George , Visser Nick , Harlow Hank
Published: July 2020

In 1994 and 1995, a high abundant winter snowfall at higher elevations appeared to result in long distance movement patterns by yellow-bellied marmot (Marmota flaviventris) over snow to lower, snowfree elevations where food was more available. As the snow melted and food became abundant, the marmots return to higher altitudes. In 1996, we continued to investigate the potential for migrational movements, by studying two study sites at different elevations in the North Fork of Cascade Canyon. Four marmots at each site were implanted with intraperitoneal tracking transmitters. Of eight marmots that were equipped with intraperitoneal transmitters, six demonstrated significant movements of greater than 0.5 km, one did not, and one most likely died as a result of predation before any movement could be observed. Of the six that demonstrated significant movements within the canyon, only one moved distances greater than 1 km. Marmots, after emerging from hibernation, migrated down canyon to snowfree areas as they become available. With progressive snow melt, most marmots move upward to higher elevations, but not to the extent originally expected. Instead, they moved to the first available habitat where food was obtainable, and other (dominant) marmots accepted their presence. This movement is exhibited in both males and females, yearlings and adults, and melanistic and normal colored marmots.
Biomass of Coarse Woody Debris Following Disturbance in Rocky Mountain Coniferous Forests
Authors: Tinker Daniel , Knight Dennis
Published: July 2020

Primary productivity, the accumulation of nutrients, and other important ecosystem processes are largely dependent on the mineral soil organic matter that has developed during hundreds or thousands of years. In forest ecosystems, the decomposition of coarse woody debris, woody roots, twigs, leaves and micro-organisms is a primary source of this organic matter. Large quantities of coarse woody debris are typically produced following natural disturbances such as fires, pest/pathogen outbreaks, and windstorms, and make a significant contribution to the formation of soil organic matter (SOM). In contrast, timber harvesting often removes most of the coarse woody debris (CWD), which could result in a decrease in the quantity and a change in the quality of mineral soil organic matter. The 1988 fires in Yellowstone National Park continue to provide an excellent opportunity to study the effects of fires of various intensities on ecosystem processes. Ecosystems develop under conditions that are constantly changing, but which remain within some range of natural variability. At present, national forest managers are uncertain as to the quantity of CWD which should be left in a stand following timber harvest in order to maintain levels of SOM which are within the range of natural variability. Little empirical data exist which help characterize the range of natural variability with regard to CWD in lodgepole pine forests, and it is therefore difficult to assess current timber harvesting practices in terms of how much CWD should be left at each site. We began a pilot study in late summer 1995 to begin to address this deficiency. A larger study of broader scope is planned for an additional two to three years, beginning this year, in 1996. This research will attempt to measure specific processes which include the distribution, decomposition, combustion by natural fires, and removal of CWD. The specific objectives of our study are: i) compare the mass and distribution of coarse woody debris that remains following fires of varying intensities to that which remains following clearcutting in the Rocky Mountain Region; ii) estimate the amount of CWD that is combusted or converted to charcoal following fires of varying intensities in stands of varying stages of development; and iii) estimate the length of time necessary for every square meter of the forest soil to be affected by CWD under natural conditions.
A 14,000-Yr Fire History From the Mixed Conifer Forest of Southern Yellowstone National Park
Authors: Whitlock Cathy , Sherriff Rosemary
Published: July 2020

The Yellowstone region has been divided into geovegetation regions based on characteristics of the vegetation, climate, and geology (Despain, 1990). The Northern Range or Yellowstone-Lamar valleys features open Douglas-fir parkland, summerÂ­wet conditions, and substrates composed of glacial debris and sedimentary and granitic material. The Central Plateau is an area of lodgepole forest, relatively dry summers, and infertile rhyolite soils. The Absaroka region consists of mixed conifer forest, relatively dry summers, and andesitic and sedimentary rock types. The environmental history of the geovegetation regions, as revealed from a network of pollen and charcoal records, has been equally distinctive (Whitlock, 1993; Whitlock and Bartlein, 1993; Whitlock et al., 1994, 1995). The Northern Range experienced wetter-than-present summers in the early Holocene between 10 and 7 ka (ka = 1000 14C years before present) as a result of intensified monsoonal circulation. The development of Douglas-fir parkland there has occurred with drying in the late Holocene. The paleoecologic record shows few fires in the early Holocene and increased burning in the last 7000 years as the climate became drier (Millspaugh, in prep.). In the Central Plateau, areas of rhyolite supported lodgepole-pine forest for the last 10,000 years with little change. Charcoal data from this region indicate that fires were most frequent in the early Holocene between 10 and 7 ka, when southern and central Yellowstone National Park (YNP) and Grand Teton National Park (GTNP) were warmer and drier than at present. Fire frequency has decreased in the last few millennia with the onset of present-day cool conditions (Millspaugh, in prep.; Whitlock and Millspaugh, in press). Despite these changes in Holocene climate and fire regime the vegetation of the Central Plateau remained a lodgepole pine forest, presumably because of the infertile soils.
Further Information on Ectomycorrhizal Macrofungi in the Greater Yellowstone Area
Authors: Ammirati Joe , Seidl M. , Matheny P. , Moser Meinhard , Kropp Bradley
Published: July 2020

Mushroom collecting in the Greater Yellowstone Area was relatively poor during the summer of 1999 due to a cool early season followed by dry weather during the summer. It was perhaps the poorest year of a long term study of Cortinarius, which Meinhard Moser and the late Vera and Kent McKnight began in earnest in the early 1980s; later joined by Joe Ammirati. None-the-less during the season Meinhard Moser was able to paint more than forty-five species for the monograph we are preparing on the Cortinarii of this region. At the end of the season, in late August, some good collections of Cortinarii were made at Sandpoint on Yellowstone Lake, and Lilypad Lake in Yellowstone National Park.