Diet Composition and Body Condition of Northern Continental Divide Grizzly Bears, Montana

From 2009–2013, we documented apparent population health by investigating food use and physiological condition of grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) in the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem (NCDE), Montana.  We used stable isotope analysis upon hair and blood tissue to obtain information on percent terrestrial meat and plant matter in the diets of NCDE bears.  We also assessed body fat content of grizzly bears via bioelectrical impedance analysis.  Adult females used less meat compared to subadults and adult males (P < 0.0001).  Bears within regions on the southwestern, southern, and eastern periphery of the ecosystem consumed a significantly higher proportion of meat than those in the interior or northwestern periphery (P < 0.0001).  Diets of bears in the Whitefish Mountains and North and South Fork of the Flathead River were, on average, composed of 70% less meat than those on the East Front.  Adult males had significantly higher den entrance body fat contents than adult females and subadults (P < 0.0001).  Average body fat of adult females varied significantly between those in areas of high consumption of meat and those otherwise.  However, we find adult females across all regions enter dens at mean fat levels above those thought to be critical for cub production (i.e., > 20%).  We conclude that, within each region, the quantity and quality of foods appear adequate to meet the needs of reproductively-active adult females.  As truly opportunistic omnivores, grizzly bears in each region of the NCDE exploit diverse combinations of food items to arrive at productive body conditions

Termination of Solar Cycles and Correlated Tropospheric Variability

The Sun provides the energy required to sustain life on Earth and drive our planet's atmospheric circulation. However, establishing a solid physical connection between solar and tropospheric variability has posed a considerable challenge. The canon of solar variability is derived from the 400 years of observations that demonstrates the waxing and waning number of sunspots over an 11(-ish) year period. Recent research has demonstrated the significance of the underlying 22 years magnetic polarity cycle in establishing the shorter sunspot cycle. Integral to the manifestation of the latter is the spatiotemporal overlapping and migration of oppositely polarized magnetic bands. We demonstrate the impact of “terminators”—the end of Hale magnetic cycles—on the Sun's radiative output and particulate shielding of our atmosphere through the rapid global reconfiguration of solar magnetism. Using direct observation and proxies of solar activity going back some six decades we can, with high statistical significance, demonstrate a correlation between the occurrence of terminators and the largest swings of Earth's oceanic indices: the transition from El Niño to La Niña states of the central Pacific. This empirical relationship is a potential source of increased predictive skill for the understanding of El Niño climate variations, a high-stakes societal imperative given that El Niño impacts lives, property, and economic activity around the globe. A forecast of the Sun's global behavior places the next solar cycle termination in mid-2020; should a major oceanic swing follow, then the challenge becomes: when does correlation become causation and how does the process work

Access pricing and investment: a real options approach

Real options, Option to delay, Regulation and investment, Access pricing, L51,

Experiences that matter in bipolar disorder: a qualitative study using the capability, comfort and calm framework

Abstract Background When assessing the value of an intervention in bipolar disorder, researchers and clinicians often focus on metrics that quantify improvements to core diagnostic symptoms (e.g., mania). Providers often overlook or misunderstand the impact of treatment on life quality and function. We wanted to better characterize the shared experiences and obstacles of bipolar disorder within the United States from the patient’s perspective. Methods We recruited 24 individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder and six caretakers supporting someone with the condition. Participants were involved in treatment or support services for bipolar disorder in central Texas. As part of this qualitative study, participants discussed their everyday successes and obstacles related to living with bipolar disorder during personalized, open-ended interviews. Audio files were transcribed, and Nvivo software processed an initial thematic analysis. We then categorized themes into bipolar disorder-related obstacles that limit the patient’s capability (i.e., function), comfort (i.e., relief from suffering) and calm (i.e., life disruption) (Liu et al., FebClin Orthop 475:315–317, 2017; Teisberg et al., MayAcad Med 95:682–685, 2020). We then discuss themes and suggest practical strategies that might improve the value of care for patients and their families. Results Issues regarding capability included the struggle to maintain identity, disruptions to meaningful employment, relationship loss and the unpredictable nature of bipolar disorder. Comfort related themes included the personal perception of diagnosis, social stigma and medication issues. Calm themes included managing dismissive doctors, finding the right psychotherapist and navigating financial burdens. Conclusions Qualitative data from patients with bipolar disorder helps identify gaps in care or practical limitations to treatment. When we listen to these individuals, it is clear that treatments must also address the unmet psychosocial impacts of the condition to improve patient care, capability and calm