bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Platelet concentrate and type II IL-1 receptor are risk factors for allergic transfusion reactions in children
Authors: Hu Wenjing , Feng Li , Li Meng , Li Ting , Dai Yudong , Wang Xiaowei
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Allergic transfusion reactions (ATRs) are immunological reactions after transfusion. Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is a critical regulator for human diseases. We performed this study to investigate the association of type II IL-1 decoy receptor (IL1R2) expression with ATRs in children.

Methods

Children received blood transfusions between January and December 2019 were included. The age, sex, number and type of blood transfusion, allergic history, and medical history were collected and statistically analyzed. The blood samples were collected from children with and without ATRs for detecting the relative expression IL1R2 mRNA. Logistics regression analysis was performed to identify the risk factors for ATRs in children. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) was used to evaluate the predictive performance of risk factors.

Results

Totally, 28,840 transfusions in 20,230 children, with 236 ATRs (0.82%) in 117 patients (0.58%) were included. ATRs were common in children at the hematology-oncology department, in children received higher number of blood transfusions, and older children. Platelet concentrate induced a higher incidence of ATRs (3.31%) than red cell concentrate (0.22%, p < 0.0001). After the transfusion, IL1R2 mRNA level was higher in the blood samples in children with ATRs than those without ATRs (p < 0.0001). Logistics regression analysis indicated that platelet concentrate (95% CI 3.555, 293.782) and IL1R2 expression (95% CI 1.171 × 102, 1.494 × 104) were independent risk factors for ATRs in children. IL1R2 expression had high performance in predicting ATRs (AUC = 0.998, 100% sensitivity and 98.85% specificity).

Conclusion

High IL1R2 expression level in children who received blood transfusions may predict the morbidity of ATR.
Research on allergic rhinitis improvement in asthmatic children after dust mite exposure reduction: a randomized, double-blind, cross-placebo study protocol
Authors: Chen Ming , Wu YuFen , Yuan Shuhua , Chen Jiande , Li Luanluan , Wu Jinhong , Zhang Jing , Yin Yong
Published: July 2020

Background

Allergic rhinitis (AR) in children is a major respiratory inflammatory disease with a high incidence that is increasing yearly. In China, 54.93% of children with asthma have AR, which often requires synchronous treatment. House dust mites (HDMs) are common allergens that often cause attacks of AR and asthma. Reducing allergen exposure is one of the most important measures to control and treat AR and asthma attacks. Hestelia Mite Bait, containing 0.1% emamectin, is a new tool for trapping and killing dust mites, reducing the number of dust mites on mattresses and thereby potentially reducing stimulation by allergens and ultimately improving asthma and rhinitis symptoms. This single-centre, randomized, double-blind, cross-placebo trial will explore the improvement in AR in asthmatic children after dust mite exposure reduction.

Methods

We will recruit 60 children (aged 3–12 years) who have been diagnosed with AR and asthma and are allergic to dust mites as confirmed by a serum allergen test. Participants will randomly receive the Hestelia Mite Bait intervention for 8 weeks and the placebo intervention for 8 weeks. There will be a 4-week washout period between the two interventions. The primary outcome is the visual analogue scale (VAS) score of AR symptoms; the secondary outcomes include the Rhinitis Control Assessment Test (RCAT) score, Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) score, changes in the dust mite level, drug usage for asthma and AR, Asthma Control Questionnaire-5 (ACQ-5) score, and frequencies of acute asthma attacks, emergency visits, and hospitalizations.

Discussion

This study aims to scientifically and objectively evaluate the effects of mite bait on rhinitis and asthma improvement after dust mite exposure reduction and provides a convenient means for future prevention and treatment of allergic diseases involving the airways in children.

Trial registration

www.chictr.org.cn ChiCTR1900024688. Registered on July 21, 2019
Rapid detection of Babesia motasi responsible for human babesiosis by cross-priming amplification combined with a vertical flow
Authors: Wang Jinming , Gao Shandian , Zhang Shangdi , He Xin , Liu Junlong , Liu Aihong , Li Youquan , Liu Guangyuan , Luo Jianxun , Guan Guiquan , Yin Hong
Published: July 2020

Background

Babesia motasi is known as an etiological agent of human and ovine babesiosis. Diagnosis of babesiosis is traditionally performed by microscopy, examining Giemsa-stained thin peripheral blood smears. Rapid detection and accurate identification of species are desirable for clinical care and epidemiological studies.

Methods

An easy to operate molecular method, which requires less capital equipment and incorporates cross-priming amplification combined with a vertical flow (CPA-VF) visualization strip for rapid detection and identification of B. motasi.

Results

The CPA-VF targets the 18S rRNA gene and has a detection limit of 50 fg per reaction; no cross reaction was observed with other piroplasms infective to sheep or Babesia infective to humans. CPA-VF and real-time (RT)-PCR had sensitivities of 95.2% (95% confidence interval, CI 78.1–99.4%) and 90.5% (95% CI 72–97.6%) and specificities of 95.8 (95% CI 80.5–99.5%) and 97.9 (95% CI 83.5–99.9%), respectively, versus microscopy and nested (n) PCR combined with gene sequencing. The clinical performance of the CPA-VF assay was evaluated with field blood samples from sheep (n = 340) in Jintai county, Gansu Province, and clinical specimens (n = 492) obtained from patients bitten by ticks.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that the CPA-VF is a rapid, accurate, nearly instrument-free molecular diagnostic approach for identification of B. motasi. Therefore, it could be an alternative technique for epidemiological investigations and diagnoses of ovine and/or human babesiosis caused by B. motasi, especially in resource-limited regions.
Strigea robusta causes polydactyly and severe forms of Rostand’s anomaly P in water frogs
Authors: Svinin Anton O. , Bashinskiy Ivan V. , Litvinchuk Spartak N. , Ermakov Oleg A. , Ivanov Alexander Yu. , Neymark Leonid A. , Vedernikov Aleksander A. , Osipov Vitalij V. , Drobot Galina P. , Dubois Alain
Published: July 2020

Background

Cases of polydactyly in natural populations of amphibians have attracted great interest from biologists. At the end of the 1940s, the French biologist Jean Rostand discovered a polymorphic syndrome in some water frog (Anura:Pelophylax) populations that included polydactyly and some severe morphological anomalies (he called it ‘anomaly P’). The cause of this anomaly remains unknown for 70 years. In a previous study, we obtained anomaly P in the laboratory in tadpoles of water frogs that developed together with molluscsPlanorbarius corneus(Mollusca: Gastropoda) collected in the field. We thus proposed the ‘trematode hypothesis’, according to which the infectious agent responsible for anomaly P is a trematode species.

Methods

Metacercariae from tadpoles with anomaly P were identified using ITS2 gene sequencing asStrigea robusta(Trematoda: Strigeidae). To verify teratogenic features of the species, cercariae ofS. robustawere tested for the possibility to cause anomalies. Identification of cercariae species was made using morphological and molecular methods (sequencing of ITS2 and28SrRNA). The tadpoles were exposed to parasites at four doses of cercariae (control, low, medium and high) and divided into two groups: “early” (at 25–27 Gosner stages) and “late” (at 29–34 Gosner stages) exposure.

Results

A total of 58 (72.5%) tadpoles survived until metamorphosis under the dose-dependent experiment with the trematodeS. robusta. Differences in the survival rates were observed between the exposed and unexposed tadpoles both in the group of “early” tadpoles and “late” tadpoles. The exposure of tadpoles to the cercariae ofS. robustainduced anomaly P in 82% of surviving tadpoles. The severe forms developed only in “early” stages under all doses of cercariae exposure. Polydactyly predominantly developed in the “late” stages; under a light exposure dose, polydactyly also developed in “early” tadpoles. Laboratory-hatched tadpoles reared together with infected snails had different rates of survival and complexity of deformations associated with the period of coexistence.

Conclusions

The experiments with direct cercariae exposure provide compelling evidence thatS. robustaleads to anomaly P in tadpoles of water frogs. The manifestation of anomaly P turned out to be dependent on the stage of development, cercariae dose, and the location of the cysts.
Stochastic patch structure Nicholson’s blowflies system with mixed delays
Authors: Yin Honghui , Du Bo , Cheng Xiwang
Published: July 2020

This paper is devoted to studying a stochastic patch structure Nicholson’s blowflies system with mixed delays which is a new model for the generalization of classic Nicholson’s blowflies system. We examine stochastically ultimate boundedness and global asymptotic stability for the considered model by stochastic analysis technique. Finally, numerical simulations verify theoretical results of the present paper.
Evaluating the effect of TLR4-overexpressing on the transcriptome profile in ovine peripheral blood mononuclear cells
Authors: Guo Xiaofei , Zhang Jinlong , Li Yao , Yang Jing , Li Yihai , Dong Chunxiao , Liu Guoshi , Lian Zhengxing , Zhang Xiaosheng
Published: July 2020

Background

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) plays an important role in the elimination of Gram-negative bacteria infections and the initiation of antiinflammatory response. Using the technology of pronuclear microinjection, genetically modified (GM) sheep withTLR4overexpression were generated. Previous studies have shown that these GM sheep exhibited a higher inflammatory response to Gram-negative bacteria infection than wild type (WT) sheep. In order to evaluate the gene expression of GM sheep and study the co-expressed and downstream genes forTLR4, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) fromTLR4-overexpressing (Tg) and wild type (WT) sheep were selected to discover the transcriptomic differences using RNA-Seq.

Result

An average of 18,754 and 19,530 known genes were identified in the Tg and WT libraries, respectively. A total of 338 known genes and 85 novel transcripts were found to be differentially expressed in the two libraries (p < 0.01). A differentially expressed genes (DEGs) enrichment analysis showed that the GO terms of inflammatory response, cell recognition, etc. were significantly (FDR < 0.05) enriched. Furthermore, the above DEGs were significantly (FDR < 0.05) enriched in the sole KEGG pathway of the Phagosome. Real-time PCR showed theOLR1,TLR4andCD14genes to be differentially expressed in the two groups, which validated the DEGs data.

Conclusions

The RNA-Seq results revealed that the overexpressedTLR4in our experiment strengthened the ovine innate immune response by increasing the phagocytosis in PBMC.
Shifting landscapes of coastal flood risk: environmental (in)justice of urban change, sea level rise, and differential vulnerability in New York City
Authors: Herreros-Cantis Pablo , Olivotto Veronica , Grabowski Zbigniew J. , McPhearson Timon
Published: July 2020

Climate-driven changes in coastal flood risk have enormous consequences for coastal cities. These risks intersect with unequal patterns of environmental hazards exacerbating differential vulnerability of climate related flooding. Here we analyze differential vulnerability of coastal flooding in New York City, USA, as an environmental justice issue caused by shifts in flood risk due to increasing floodplain extents. These extents are represented by updates to the 100-year floodplain by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and urban changes in land use, land value, and socio-economic characteristics of flood exposed populations. We focus on six local community districts containing disproportionately vulnerable communities. Across our study areas, we observed increases in the floodplain’s extent by 45.7%, total exposed population by 10.5%, and population living in vulnerable communities by 7.5%. Overall flood risk increases regardless of increases in the updated floodplain extent, as do floodplain property values. However, variability is high between community districts; in some cases, increases in exposure coincide with decreases in vulnerability due to shifts in racial demographics and increases in income (i.e. potential floodplain gentrification), while others experienced increases in exposure and vulnerability (i.e. double jeopardy). These findings highlight that the dominant drivers of coastal flood risk in NYC are ongoing real estate development and continued increases in sea level rise and storm severity, both of which have explicit implications for flood vulnerability. We describe the social processes governing development in the flood zone, namely zoning, resilience planning, and the determination of potential flooding severity and related insurance rates. We also discuss how these social drivers of risk intersect with social dimensions of vulnerability due to racist housing markets, and the distributions of public housing and toxic chemical hazards. We conclude with a framework for the analysis of contextual and outcome-based vulnerability to coastal flood hazards, and provide policy recommendations to reduce risks over the medium to long term.
QSAR, QSTR, and molecular docking studies of the anti-proliferative activity of phenylpiperazine derivatives against DU145 prostate cancer cell lines
Authors: Ikwu Fabian A. , Shallangwa Gideon A. , Mamza Paul A.
Published: July 2020

Background

Prostate cancer is the most common non-cutaneous cancer in males and accounts for about 4% of all cancer-related deaths in males annually. In silico methods provide faster, economical, and environmentally friendly alternatives to the traditional trial and error method of lead identification and optimization. This study, therefore, was aimed at building a robust QSAR and QSTR model to predict the anti-proliferate activity and toxicity of some phenylpiperazine compounds against the DU145 prostate cancer cell lines and normal prostate epithelial cells as well as carry out molecular docking studies between the compounds and the androgen receptor.

Results

Genetic Function Algorithm–Multilinear Regression approach was employed in building the QSAR and QSTR model. The QSAR model built had statistical parameters R2 = 0.7792, R2adj. = 0.7240, Q2cv = 0.6607, and R2ext = 0.6049 and revealed the anti-proliferate activity to be strongly dependent on the molecular descriptors: VR3_Dzp, VE3_Dzi, Kier3, RHSA, and RDF55v. The QSTR model, on the other hand, had statistical parameters R2 = 0.8652, R2adj. = 0.8315, Q2cv = 0.7788, and R2ext = 0.6344. The toxicity of the compounds was observed to be dependent on the descriptors MATS8c, MATS3s, ETA_EtaP_F, and RDF95m. The molecular descriptors in both models were poorly correlated (R < 0.4) and had variance inflation factors < 3. Molecular docking studies between the androgen receptor and compounds 25 and 32 revealed the compounds primarily formed hydrogen, halogen, and hydrophobic interactions with the receptor.

Conclusion

Findings from this study can be employed in in silico design of novel phenylpiperazine compounds. It can also be employed in predicting the toxicity and anti-proliferate activity of other phenylpiperazine compounds against DU145 prostate cancer cell lines.
Do mastoidectomy and type of graft affect tympanoplasty outcome in Egyptian children? A prospective randomized study
Authors: Khafagy Ahmed Gamal , Sobhy Tamer S. , Afifi Pretty O.
Published: July 2020

Background

The purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare surgical and hearing outcomes of tympanoplasty using temporalis fascia graft and tragal cartilage with or without mastoidectomy in children with tubotympanic chronic suppurative otitis media.

Two hundred children with chronic suppurative otitis media of tubotympanic type with perforation were included in this prospective randomized study. They were divided randomly into four equal groups according to operation done. Group I underwent tympanoplasty using temporalis fascia graft with cortical mastoidectomy, while in the second group, tragal cartilage was used as a graft with mastoidectomy. Groups III and IV were done without mastoidectomy, with tragal cartilage for group III and temporalis fascia for group IV. One-year follow-up was done for all patients to evaluate graft success (means without perforation nor retraction). Audiological evaluation was done for all children preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively for patients with successful graft uptake.

Result

There were 170 patients (85%) with graft success postoperatively. Tympanoplasty using temporalis fascia graft showed highly statistically significant difference (P < 0.001) when compared to tragal cartilage as regards hearing improvement in patients with successful graft uptake, while there is no statistically significant difference as regards graft uptake (P = 0.039). Also, there is no statistically significant difference between different techniques with or without mastoidectomy (P = 0.165).

Conclusion

Tympanoplasty using temporalis fascia without cortical mastoidectomy is the surgery of choice in children between 10 and 16 years old with tympanic membrane perforation as it showed highly statistically significant difference when compared to tragal cartilage graft as regards hearing improvement, with no statistically significant difference regarding successfully graft uptake.
Criminal Deterrence when There Are Offsetting Risks: Traffic Cameras, Vehicular Accidents, and Public Safety
Authors: Gallagher Justin , Fisher Paul J.
Published: July 2020

Numerous cities have enacted electronic monitoring programs at traffic intersections in an effort to reduce the high number of vehicle accidents. The rationale is that the higher expected fines for running a red light will induce drivers to stop and lead to fewer cross-road collisions. However, the cameras also incentivize drivers to accept a greater accident risk from stopping. We evaluate the termination of a monitoring program via a voter referendum using 12 years of geocoded police accident data. We find that the cameras changed the composition of accidents but no evidence of a reduction in total accidents or injuries. (JEL D72, K42, R41)
Misunderstanding Nonlinear Prices: Evidence from a Natural Experiment on Residential Electricity Demand
Authors: Shaffer Blake
Published: July 2020

This paper examines how consumers respond to nonlinear prices. Exploiting a natural experiment with electricity consumers in British Columbia, I find evidence that some households severely misunderstand nonlinear prices—incorrectly perceiving that the marginal price applies to all consumption, not simply the last unit. While small in number, the exaggerated responses by these households have a large effect in aggregate, masking an otherwise predominant response to average price. Largely unexplored in the literature, this type of misunderstanding has important economic, policy, and methodological implications beyond electricity markets. I estimate the welfare loss for these households to be the equivalent of 10 percent of annual electricity expenditure. (JEL D12, L11, L94, Q41)
The Perils of High-Powered Incentives: Evidence from Colombia’s False Positives
Authors: Acemoglu Daron , Fergusson Leopoldo , Robinson James , Romero Dario , Vargas Juan F.
Published: July 2020

We investigate the use of high-powered incentives for the Colombian military and show that this practice produced perverse side effects. Innocent civilians were killed and misrepresented as guerillas (a phenomenon known in Colombia as “false positives”). There were significantly more false positives during the period of high-powered incentives in municipalities with weaker judicial institutions and where a higher share of brigades were commanded by colonels, who have stronger career concerns than generals. In municipalities with a higher share of colonels, the high-powered incentives period also coincided with a worsening of local judicial institutions and no discernible improvement in overall security. (JEL D72, D74, D82, K41, K42, O17)
Peer Effects in Residential Water Conservation: Evidence from Migration
Authors: Bollinger Bryan , Burkhardt Jesse , Gillingham Kenneth T.
Published: July 2020

Social interactions are widely understood to influence consumer decisions in many choice settings. This paper identifies causal peer effects in residential water conservation during the summer using variation from movers. We classify high-resolution remote sensing images to provide evidence that conversions of green landscaping to dry landscaping are a primary determinant of the reductions in water consumption. We also find suggestive evidence that without a price signal, peer effects are muted, indicating a possible complementarity between information and prices. These results inform water use policy in many areas of the world threatened by recurring drought conditions. (JEL D12, L95, Q25, Q54, Z13)
SARS-CoV-2 RNA detected in blood products from patients with COVID-19 is not associated with infectious virus
Authors: Andersson Monique I. , Arancibia-Carcamo Carolina V. , Auckland Kathryn , Baillie J. Kenneth , Barnes Eleanor , Beneke Tom , Bibi Sagida , Brooks Tim , Carroll Miles , Crook Derrick , Dingle Kate , Dold Christina , Downs Louise O. , Dunn Laura , Eyre David W. , Gilbert Jaramillo Javier , Harvala Heli , Hoosdally Sarah , Ijaz Samreen , James Tim , James William , Jeffery Katie , Justice Anita , Klenerman Paul , Knight Julian C. , Knight Michael , Liu Xu , Lumley Sheila F. , Matthews Philippa C. , McNaughton Anna L. , Mentzer Alexander J. , Mongkolsapaya Juthathip , Oakley Sarah , Oliveira Marta S. , Peto Timothy , Ploeg Rutger J. , Ratcliff Jeremy , Robbins Melanie J. , Roberts David J. , Rudkin Justine , Russell Rebecca A. , Screaton Gavin , Semple Malcolm G. , Skelly Donal , Simmonds Peter , Stoesser Nicole , Turtle Lance , Wareing Susan , Zambon Maria
Published: July 2020

Background: Laboratory diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection (the cause of COVID-19) uses PCR to detect viral RNA (vRNA) in respiratory samples. SARS-CoV-2 RNA has also been detected in other sample types, but there is limited understanding of the clinical or laboratory significance of its detection in blood.

Methods: We undertook a systematic literature review to assimilate the evidence for the frequency of vRNA in blood, and to identify associated clinical characteristics. We performed RT-PCR in serum samples from a UK clinical cohort of acute and convalescent COVID-19 cases (n=212), together with convalescent plasma samples collected by NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) (n=462 additional samples). To determine whether PCR-positive blood samples could pose an infection risk, we attempted virus isolation from a subset of RNA-positive samples.

Results: We identified 28 relevant studies, reporting SARS-CoV-2 RNA in 0-76% of blood samples; pooled estimate 10% (95%CI 5-18%). Among serum samples from our clinical cohort, 27/212 (12.7%) had SARS-CoV-2 RNA detected by RT-PCR. RNA detection occurred in samples up to day 20 post symptom onset, and was associated with more severe disease (multivariable odds ratio 7.5). Across all samples collected ≥28 days post symptom onset, 0/494 (0%, 95%CI 0-0.7%) had vRNA detected. Among our PCR-positive samples, cycle threshold (ct) values were high (range 33.5-44.8), suggesting low vRNA copy numbers. PCR-positive sera inoculated into cell culture did not produce any cytopathic effect or yield an increase in detectable SARS-CoV-2 RNA.

Conclusions: vRNA was detectable at low viral loads in a minority of serum samples collected in acute infection, but was not associated with infectious SARS-CoV-2 (within the limitations of the assays used). This work helps to inform biosafety precautions for handling blood products from patients with current or previous COVID-19.
The BOAST recommendations for care of the older or frail orthopaedic trauma patient
Authors: Sacks Ben , Mughal Hanaa N , Ahluwalia Aashish , Rudran Branavan , Parmar Kishan R
Published: July 2020

Safe and effective care for the elderly or physiologically frail patient in cases of trauma requires a multidisciplinary perioperative approach. This article expands upon the British Orthopaedic Association Standards for Trauma and Orthopaedics guidelines for the management of the older or frail orthopaedic trauma patient. Optimisation of the patient is key to a successful surgical outcome, because these patients often have significant comorbidities involving bone health, nutrition, cognitive function and cardiovascular stability. This article discusses the evidence base for tailoring the management of these patients and the importance of doing so in an ageing population. It considers the requisite preoperative procedures and investigations, guidelines for specific cases such as comatose patients or those with complex fractures, and ceiling of care discussions, and then focuses on the postoperative period, including physiotherapy, rehabilitation goals and medical management.
Communication and engagement in kidney care
Authors: Palmer Nicholas
Published: July 2020

As kidney care has been hit by a unique set of challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, not least the halt of face-to-face interactions, healthcare professionals have had to use other channels to maintain effective engagement with patients
Marten Subnivean Access in Winter to Subnivean Prey in Yellowstone National Park
Authors: Sherburne Stuart , Bissonette John
Published: July 2020

American marten (Martes americana) use primarily old growth coniferous habitat (Bateman 1986, Raine 1983, Soutiere 1979, Steventon and Major 1982). However, habitat use may vary by season (Steventon and Major 1982, Koehler and Hornocker 1977, Wynne and Sherburne 1984). In summer, marten use of non-forested areas to forage for fruits and berries has been documented (Soutiere 1979, Steventon and Major 1982). While there is some seasonal variation in habitat use, all authors agree that old growth is the core habitat required by marten. During winter, marten tend to remain in mature coniferous forests and will seldom cross open areas greater than 100m wide (Steventon and Major 1982, Soutiere 1979). Winter appears to be the most critical period for marten survival (Zielinski et al. 1983, Buskirk 1984).
Landscape Level Interactions Among Ungulates, Vegetation, and Large-Scale Fires in Northern Yellowstone National Park
Authors: Turner Monica , Romme William , Wallace Linda
Published: July 2020

Substantial progress has been made in both the modeling and field studies during the first six months of research funding. Yegang Wu, Jennifer O'Hara, and Michael O'Hara all began working full time for the project on September 1, 1990. Wu is based at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and is working primarily on model development and analyses using the geographic information system (GIS) located in Yellowstone. The O'Hara's are based in Yellowstone and are working full time on the field studies. Here we describe our progress during the past six months for each main area of the proposed work: 1. field studies, including aspen (Populus tremuloides) and grassland sampling, and 2. model development and GIS analyses.
Distribution and Abundance of Spotted Owls in Zion Natioinal Park
Authors: Gutierrez R. , Rinkevich Sarah
Published: July 2020

The recent listing of the Northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina) by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a threatened species (Federal Register 1990) raises heated debate concerning the long-term survival of the species and perceived economic cost to timber industry (Thomas et al. 1988). Long term studies of the owls's ecology are necessary to provide information needed for ecologically based management plans (Dawson et al. 1987). Much is already known about the natural and life history of the Northern spotted owl (Forsman et al. 1984, Gutierrez et al. 1984, Gutierrez 1985, Franklin et al. 1990) as well as the California subspecies (S. o. occidentalis) (Gutierrez and Pritchard 1990). In contrast, the Mexican spotted owl (S. o. Iucida) is the least studied of the three subspecies (Ganey and Balda 1989). It is known that this latter subspecies inhabits rocky canyonlands and coniferous forests in the southwestern United States and Mexico (Kertell1977, Wagner et al. 1982, Webb 1983, Johnson and Johnson 1985, Ganey 1988, and Skaggs 1988) but there are few published studies on its ecology and habitat needs (Ganey 1988). Also, the effects of human activities, such as recreation, on the Mexican subspecies are unclear, particularly in isolated habitats (Gutierrez 1985). Therefore, in 1989, we initiated a two year investigation of abundance and distribution of Mexican spotted owls in Zion National Park. This report summarizes our 1990 survey effort and research findings.
Wolves in Yellowstone, Jackson Hole, and the North Fork of the Shoshone River: Simulating Ungulate Consequences of Wolf Revovery
Authors: Boyce Mark , Gaillard Jean-Michel
Published: July 2020

The gray wolf (Canis lupus) was extirpated from Yellowstone National Park by U.S. Government personnel during 1914-1926. Since then, occasional reports of wolves in Yellowstone National Park have been recorded (Weaver 1978), but no recent records exist of wolves breeding in the park. In recent years, public attitudes towards predators have changed such that predators are more commonly viewed as an integral component of natural ecosystems (see e.g., Mech 1970, Despain et al. 1986, Dunlap 1988). An increasing proportion of the American public desires that wolves be reestablished in Yellowstone National Park (McNaught 1987, Bath 1991). ln 1987, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service approved a Recovery Plan for the Northern Rocky Mountain wolf (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service 1987). Before proceeding with wolf recovery, however, Congress appropriated funds in 1988 and 1989 and directed that studies be conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Park Service to determine the effects of wolf recovery on ungulate populations. Boyce (1990) developed a predator-prey model for ungulate populations in Yellowstone National Park as a part of this Congressional charge to determine the probable outcome of wolf recovery. Our purpose is to expand upon the simulation model of Boyce (1990) to predict the probable consequences of wolf reintroduction in Yellowstone National Park to ungulate populations in Jackson Hole and along the North Fork of the Shoshone River. As in the previous model, this model allows the user to choose among several likely management scenarios. By manipulating alternatives, the user of the model can explore the consequences of management actions. In particular, it is essential to be able to anticipate if wolves will be culled if they leave the parks, if poaching can be controlled within the park, and if hunting for bison and elk will continue in the Yellowstone River valley north of Gardiner, Montana. Any such model must incorporate the natural variability in the environment, because the vagaries of climate can have enormous effects on ecological processes. Therefore, the model is a stochastic one, i.e., it contains random variation in climatic variables. Such stochastic model structure is important because it helps to educate the user that it is impossible to predict precisely the consequences of wolf recovery. It is not the purpose of this effort to offer recommendations for whether wolf recovery should take place, but rather to provide resource managers with an additional tool which will assist them in making that decision.
Effects of Fire on Ectomycorrhizal Fungi, Spore Dispersal and Dependent Flora Establishment in Soils
Authors: Miller Steven , Stanton Nancy , Williams Stephen
Published: July 2020

Movement of ectomycorrhizal fungal propagules by small mammals into burned areas of the Huck fire, John D. Rockefeller Memorial Parkway, was monitored for a third field season by live-trapping small mammals in burned and unburned forest sites and examining spores contained in their fecal pellets. As in the first two years, three species of small mammals were commonly trapped including the white-footed deermouse (Peromyscus maniculatus), least chipmunk (Tamias minimus) and southern red-backed vole (Clethrionomys gapperi).
Distribution and Significance of Mesozoic Vertebrate Trace Fossils in Dinosaur National Monument
Authors: Lockley Martin , Conrad Kelly , Paquette Marc
Published: July 2020

Dinosaur National Monument (DNM) encompasses a large area with surface exposures of Mesozoic rocks. Although only one isolated footprint (from an unknown locality) had previously been discovered at DNM, there is a high potential for preservation of fossil footprints in this area, as has been proven by discoveries in similar rocks in the region around DNM, and during research activity at DNM. As reported by Lockley et al. (1990), the purpose of this research is to seek, document and interpret vertebrate trace fossils in any of the ten potentially track-bearing Mesozoic stratigraphic units in which footprints might be discovered. During the course of the first year (6/90-6/91) the University of Colorado at Denver Research Group documented 11 localities where tracks were discovered at one or more stratigraphic levels (Lockley et al. 1990, 1991). In the first part of the second year of investigation (7/91-1 0/91) the research group discovered an additional five localities, and three additional sites were reported to us by Park Paleontologists and other researchers. This brings the total to 19 localities, of which three include at least two levels with tracks (Total = 22 localities). As discussed below, the tracks provide evidence of the activities of several dozen animals that represent distinct ancient animal communities.
Paleo-Historical Fluctuations in Paleogeography, Depositional Environment, and Chemistry of Eocene Fossil Lake
Authors: Buchheim H.
Published: July 2020

Fossil Butte National Monument contains within its boundaries a significant portion the world's best preserved and most complete ancient lake deposit, known in the scientific literature as the Fossil Butte and Angelo Members of the Green River Formation (Oriel and Tracy 1970). Fossil Lake, the Eocene depository of these members of the Green River Formation, occupied a north-south trending structural basin within the Wyoming Thrust Belt known as Fossil Basin. Within Fossil Basin one can follow individual time horizons or rock units from lake center to margin with relative ease and great accuracy. Those rock units have faithfully recorded lake center to lake margin differences in lake depth, turbidity, salinity, alkalinity, temperature, and faunal elements. Areal changes in thickness and lithology (rock type) can be measured and mapped revealing details of lake shape, geography, and regional differences in lake depth and chemistry. Details concerning location and size of fluvial inlets and deltas, variations in lake bottom gradient and sediment type, and how these relate to flora and fauna can be discerned. An understanding of these aspects of the ancient lake system are essential if paloontologists are to put together a complete picture of the lake's fish fauna, which is the focal point of the monument. A variety of basin analysis maps derived from data collected in the field and laboratory will be used to make paleoenvironmental and paleogeographical interpretations of Fossil Lake through time.
An Analysis of Potential Sensitive Plant Species For Long-Term Monitoring in Glacier National Park
Authors: Mauer Brian , Williams Tara
Published: July 2020

Monitoring of the natural resources available in parks is necessary to allow the National Park Service to develop long term management strategies for preservation of those resources for future generations. To this end, personnel at Glacier National Park (GLAC) determined that it was necessary to identify populations of plant species that might serve as indicators of environmental change. Preliminary data on locations of populations of sensitive plants was obtained by the park from work done by Lesica (1984). However, basic life history data on these species bad not been collected and made available to park personnel in such a manner as to interface with existing park data bases. The acquisition of such data was seen as a necessary step in developing a baseline data base that park personnel could use to base future assessments of biological change within the park. The objective of the research described in this final report was to obtain basic life history data from the literature for 52 species of plant populations in GLAC judged to be rare or endangered, and hence potentially sensitive to changes-in the biological and environmental conditions in the park. To accomplish this objective, we used the list of rare plant species given by Lesica (1984; Table 1 of this report) with recent additions by the Montana Natural Heritage Program (1990) as the basis of a literature search to determine the basic life history attributes of each species. We used these data and the locations of populations of each species to document the spatial distribution of the different ecological groups represented by the rare flora of the park. This suggested that park personnel should focus on continued attempts to assess potential ecological changes in response to changes in the global climate induced by human activity. We suggest that the park take an active role in establishing permanent vegetation plots for monitoring changes in these sensitive plant populations. One such study (Lesica and McCune 1989) is already in progress.
Genetic Diversity of Plant Species in Glacier National Park: Implications for Management
Authors: Mitchell-Olds Thomas
Published: July 2020

Genetic diversity, as the fundamental resource of Glacier National Park (GNP), is central to the characterization of biodiversity present in GNP. Preserving the genetic variation in species maintains their intrinsic flexibility to deal with variable abiotic and biotic environments. Although often not readily apparent as visible morphologic (phenotypic) differences, genetic variation may occur 1) between individuals within a population and 2) between populations of a species. Managers need to consider these two components of genetic variation when mediating the effects of human disturbance in GNP. However, very little is currently known about these levels of genetic organization in GNP species. Our three year project examines the presence and patterns of genetic variation in two GNP species: strawberry (Fragaria virginiana Duchesne) and mountain brome (Bromus carinatus Hook. and Arn.). We are quantifying the amount and distribution of genetic and phenotypic variation using quantitative genetic and electrophoretic methods and are identifying phenotypic characters subject to natural selection, i.e., those characters important for survival and reproduction differences in populations.
Rangeland Recovery Potential: Soil Seed Content and Seed Viability
Authors: Butler Jack , Paintner Kara
Published: July 2020

The objectives of this project are to 1) evaluate the viable seed bank within grazed and relict pinyonÂ­juniper and blackbrush/lndian ricegrass communities, 2) assess the ability of these communities to recover following a disturbance using their respective seed banks as indicators of recovery potential, and 3) address the suitability of using seed banks to monitor and predict community level composition changes in response to various intensities of grazing.
Effects of Domestic Livestock and Native Wildlife Grazing in Grand Teton National Park
Authors: Smith Michael , Dodd Jerrold , Omphile Uyapo , 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 continue to 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 achieve desired plant community goals.
The Influence of Riparian and Adjacent Habitats on Small Mammal Distributions in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Authors: Villalobos C. , Keller Barry
Published: July 2020

Riparian ecosystems are among the most productive biological systems providing food, water, shade, and cover for wildlife (Thomas et al. 1979). Furthermore, they may display a greater diversity of plant and animal species and vegetative structure than adjacent ecosystems (USDI 1986). Previous investigators have sought to document rodent associations within riparian vegetation (Moor and Bradley 1975, Anderson et al. 1977, Boeer and Schmidly 1977, Gier and Best 1980, Paul 1981, Cross 1985, Doyle 1986, 1990, MacCraken et al. 1985, Anthony et al. 1987). Generally, these studies demonstrate that riparian habitats contain higher abundance and lower diversity of small mammal species when compared to adjacent upland sites or nearby sites which contained variable non-riparian habitats. Odum (1978) states that for wildlife populations, the riparian zone provides a classic example of the ecological pririciple of "edge effect". This effect is exerted by adjoining communities on the population structure within the ecotone which often contains greater numbers of species and higher densities of some species then either adjoining communities. He further states that density and diversity of species tend to be higher at the land-water ecotone than in adjacent communities. This relationship between edge effect and wildlife has not been well documented (Forman and Godron 1986) in part, because research has focused more on induced edges created by corridors than by patches (Yahner 1988).
Exotic Plants in Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Authors: Butler Jack , Einhellig Frank
Published: July 2020

The primary objective of the first year of the project was to determine the number and distribution of exotic plant species within the park. A preliminary list of exotics was provided by park personal. A more complete list of exotics found in the park was then generated using Heidel's (1990) list of "Preliminary Vascular Flora of Theodore Roosevelt National Park". The origin of all of the plant species listed in that report were determined from Stevens (1963) and Flora of the Great Plains (Great Plains Association 1986).
Responses of Nematodes to Ungulate Herbivory on Bluebunch Wheatgrass and Idaho Fescue in Yellowstone National Park
Authors: Merrill Evelyn , Stanton Nancy
Published: July 2020

The effects of ungulate grazing on the Northern winter range of Yellowstone National Park has recently received considerable attention. Early interest in this topic centered around the question to cull or not to cull elk in the Park. However, as the concepts of "maintaining ecological processes" (Houston 1982) and "ecosystem management" (Keiter 1991) have gained acceptance in Park management, understanding the dynamics and interactions of a broader array of herbivores inhabiting the Park will become increasingly important. In 1990, we studied the responses of Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis) and bluebunch wheatgrass (Agropyron spicatum) and their associated nematode communities to ungulate herbivory.
Marten use of Subnivean Access Points in Yellowstone
Authors: Sherburne Stuart , Bissonette John
Published: July 2020

American marten (Martes americana) use primarily old growth coniferous habitat (Bateman 1986, Raine 1983, Soutiere 1979, Steventon and Major 1982). However, their use of habitat may vary by season (Steventon and Major 1982, Koehler and Hornocker 1977, Wynne and Sherburne 1984). In summer, marten use of non-forested areas to forage for fruits and berries has been documented (Soutiere 1979, Steventon and Major 1982). While there is some seasonal variation in habitat use, all authors agree that old growth is the core habitat required by marten. During winter, marten tend to remain in mature coniferous forests and will seldom cross open areas greater than 100m wide (Steventon and Major 1982, Soutiere 1979). Winter appears to be the most critical period for marten survival (Zielinski et al. 1983, Buskirk 1984). In winter, marten seem to require subnivean access for three major reasons: food, escape cover, and homeothermy. The use of subnivean access points has been well documented (Pullianen 1981, Buskirk 1984, Buskirk et al. 1989), but the mechanisms that determine the use of some access points and not others are not well understood. Certainly there is a relationship between the use of access points and coarse woody debris (CWD). Buskirk et al. (1989) found that 49% of marten resting sites and 63% of resting episodes were associated with CWD. CWD provides structure that breaks the snow surface, providing access to the subnivean zone where marten may escape low ambient temperatures, find prey or escape from predators. Buskirk (1989) has suggested that marten use subnivean access points to reach CWD that provides insulation from the cold. Marten in Wyoming (Buskirk et al. 1989) were found to use resting (access) sites associated with CWD when ambient temperatures were coldest; therefore, use of access points can decrease the metabolic demand for maintenance of body temperature. Studies of marten activity patterns, however, have shown that marten are most active at night during the winter (Zielinski 1981, Zeilinski et al. 1983, Lensink et al. 1955) when temperatures are coldest. This strategy is not energetically beneficial from a thermoregulatory standpoint and implies that other mechanisms may contribute to access point use. Microtines are the major food item in marten diets. Additionally, marten tend to hunt on a daily basis and their activity patterns in winter tend to be nocturnal. Zielinski et al. (1983) showed a correlation between marten activity and the activity of their principle prey in California. These aspects of their natural history suggest a relationship between the use of subnivean access points and prey densities. The primary goal of this study is to determine if this relationship occurs.
University of Wyoming-National Park Service Research Center and Jackson Hole Biological Research Station Research Bibliography (1951-1991)
Authors: National Park Service Research Center University of Wyoming
Published: July 2020

This section is the University of Wyoming-National Park Service Research Center and Jackson Hole Biological Research Station Research Bibliography from 1951-1991.
Climate and Vegetation Change in the Central Grasslands Biogeographic Area
Authors: Plumb Glenn
Published: July 2020

The purpose of this document is to describe the intent of climate change research being funded by the National Park Service (NPS) in the Central Grasslands (CEGR) Biogeographic Area (BGA). For the purposes of this document, the CEGR BGA is broadly defined as areas of historical or potential grassland extending from the southern Canadian provinces to northern Mexico and from the foothills of the Rocky Mountains to western Indiana. The majority of NPS units containing prairie within this BGA are short-grass, northern mixed-grass, or tall-grass ecosystems. Increasing levels of atmospheric greenhouse gases (C02, CH4, CFCs, etc.) are expected to induce dramatic changes in the world's climate over the next 30-100 years. General circulation model (GCM) simulations for a doubling of C02 have projected 2-3xC increases in mean global temperatures and major transformations of land surface hydrology. Extensive modification of the land surface due to land use changes (e.g. deforestation, irrigation) are also anticipated to have important effects on atmospheric circulation and climate.