Spatial variation in diet-microbe associations across populations of a generalist North American carnivore.

Generalist species, by definition, exhibit variation in niche attributes that promote survival in changing environments. Increasingly, phenotypes previously associated with a species, particularly those with wide or expanding ranges, are dissolving and compelling greater emphasis on population-level characteristics. In the present study, we assessed spatial variation in diet characteristics, gut microbiome and associations between these two ecological traits across populations of coyotes Canis latrans.

Growth hormone controls lipolysis by regulation of FSP27 expression.

Growth hormone (GH) has long been known to stimulate lipolysis and insulin resistance; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects are unknown. In the present study, we demonstrate that GH acutely induces lipolysis in cultured adipocytes. This effect is secondary to the reduced expression of a negative regulator of lipolysis, fat-specific protein 27 (FSP27; aka Cidec) at both the mRNA and protein levels.

From endogenous to exogenous pattern formation: Invasive plant species changes the spatial distribution of a native ant.

Invasive species are a significant threat to global biodiversity, but our understanding of how invasive species impact native communities across space and time remains limited. Based on observations in an old field in Southeast Michigan spanning 35 years, our study documents significant impacts of habitat change, likely driven by the invasion of the shrub, Elaeagnus umbellata, on the nest distribution patterns and population demographics of a native ant species, Formica obscuripes. Landcover change in aerial photographs indicates that E.

Can we improve outcomes research by expanding research methods?

Therapeutic process occurs individually and in groups. The outcome of intervention, however, is demonstrated through changes in client performance in treatment sessions, that is, in individuals. Individual function, then, is both the target of intervention and the measure of effectiveness of occupational interventions.

Outcome of hospitalised anorexics and bulimics in Cape Town, 1979-1989. A retrospective study.

In a retrospective study of 73 girls and women treated in a psychiatric inpatient unit in Cape Town between 1979 and 1989, follow-up data were available for 49 (67%) of them. Internationally recommended measures were used to obtain further data, where possible, from 17 subjects (14 with anorexia, 3 with bulimia) who were 4 and more years post-hospitalisation, as well as 19 subjects (9 with anorexia, 10 bulimia) who had been out of hospital less than 4 years. Indirect information was available from 13 subjects.

Combining practice and research.

Although many authors advocate research involvement for occupational therapists involved in clinical practice, no formal studies existed of the personal, educational, and workplace environmental factors though to affect therapists' ability to integrate clinical research with practice. This exploratory, descriptive study surveyed 103 occupational therapists reporting work functions of both direct patient care and research. Major findings included: (a) workplace learning circumstances focusing on performance and application of clinical research were important for adopting a dual practice-research role, (b) research activities reflected the evolving character of the role, (c) administrative support and a personal commitment to research were critical for success, and (d) formal research courses were important, but so were informal discussions regarding application and problem solving.