Social Competitiveness and Plasticity of Neuroendocrine Function in Old Age: Influence of Neonatal Novelty Exposure and Maternal Care Reliability

Early experience is known to have a profound impact on brain and behavioral function later in life. Relatively few studies, however, have examined whether the effects of early experience remain detectable in the aging animal. Here, we examined the effects of neonatal novelty exposure, an early stimulation procedure, on late senescent rats' ability to win in social competition. During the first 3 weeks of life, half of each litter received daily 3-min exposures to a novel environment while the other half stayed in the home cage. At 24 months of age, pairs of rats competed against each other for exclusive access to chocolate rewards. We found that novelty-exposed rats won more rewards than home-staying rats, indicating that early experience exerts a life-long effect on this aspect of social dominance. Furthermore, novelty-exposed but not home-staying rats exhibited habituation of corticosterone release across repeated days of social competition testing, suggesting that early experience permanently enhances plasticity of the stress response system. Finally, we report a surprising finding that across individual rat families, greater effects of neonatal novelty exposure on stress response plasticity were found among families whose dams provided more reliable, instead of a greater total quantity of, maternal care

Broadband Multi-wavelength Properties of M87 during the 2017 Event Horizon Telescope Campaign

Abstract: In 2017, the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) Collaboration succeeded in capturing the first direct image of the center of the M87 galaxy. The asymmetric ring morphology and size are consistent with theoretical expectations for a weakly accreting supermassive black hole of mass ∼6.5 × 109 M ⊙. The EHTC also partnered with several international facilities in space and on the ground, to arrange an extensive, quasi-simultaneous multi-wavelength campaign. This Letter presents the results and analysis of this campaign, as well as the multi-wavelength data as a legacy data repository. We captured M87 in a historically low state, and the core flux dominates over HST-1 at high energies, making it possible to combine core flux constraints with the more spatially precise very long baseline interferometry data. We present the most complete simultaneous multi-wavelength spectrum of the active nucleus to date, and discuss the complexity and caveats of combining data from different spatial scales into one broadband spectrum. We apply two heuristic, isotropic leptonic single-zone models to provide insight into the basic source properties, but conclude that a structured jet is necessary to explain M87’s spectrum. We can exclude that the simultaneous γ-ray emission is produced via inverse Compton emission in the same region producing the EHT mm-band emission, and further conclude that the γ-rays can only be produced in the inner jets (inward of HST-1) if there are strongly particle-dominated regions. Direct synchrotron emission from accelerated protons and secondaries cannot yet be excluded

A qualitative exploration of couples’ expectations and experiences of change following bariatric surgery

The first chapter of this thesis comprises of a systematic review of the impact of psychological, systemic interventions on weight loss and mental health in overweight individuals. A total of 17 quantitative and qualitative articles met inclusion criteria for the narrative synthesis. The findings showed that most studies targeted weight loss goals rather than mental health outcomes, yet, systemic interventions generally facilitated improvements in both areas. Research in the use of psychological, systemic interventions with this population is in its infancy and requires wider sampling across the lifespan. The results support further research in this area and implications for developing systemic interventions with mental health as a central focus are considered.The second chapter is an empirical study exploring the experiences of expectation and change in couples where one had undergone bariatric surgery. Sixteen joint interviews were analysed using thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006). The analysis identified five main themes; ‘The patient’s decision to have bariatric surgery’, ‘The importance of feeling supported’, ‘Learning to eat again’, ‘Improved health and quality of life’ and ‘Confidence and body image’. The overall findings are consistent with the systematic literature review that systemic factors are important in a bariatric patient’s weight loss journey. Further research is required to explore the needs of couples from diverse socioeconomic and multicultural backgrounds. Clinical implications for the role of clinical psychologists in preparing and supporting patients and partners for change and adjustment are discussed

Human Rights Violations at the U.S.-Mexican Border

In the past nine years, Sinclair Community College students and faculty have visited the U.S. Mexican Border each year as part of geography and sociology course on this topic. Over, eighty students and five faculty have participated. Two of the faculty have participated every year and have witnessed the increasing human rights violations on the border. Using data, photographs, and newspapers collected over the past nine years, presenters will discuss the increasing militarization on the border and the effect it has had on increasing human rights violations. For example, ten years ago numerous humanitarian groups were on the border living in campgrounds bringing water to undocumented migrants, whereas today vigilante groups are vandalizing water left in the desert to keep people from dying and even posting videos online. Along with the increased militarization of the border, has come more stringent criminal prosecution (Operation Streamline), imprisonment of undocumented migrants, declining treatment of women including reports of rape and criminalization of various forms of humanitarian aid. Many humanitarian groups are referring to the U.S.-Mexican Border has a form of genocide. In particular they point out the majority of the people dying are poor people of color. We will argue that the State of Arizona has basically become a militarized state. Amnesty International has issued several statements about the State of Arizona and the state is featured in a report “Jailed Without Justice

Thermosphere and satellite drag

Accurate forecasts of thermosphere densities, realistic calculation of aerodynamic drag, and propagation of the uncertainty on the predicted orbit positions are required for conjunction analysis and collision avoidance decision making. The main focus of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) International Space Weather Action Teams (ISWAT) involved in atmosphere variability studies is satellite drag, and this paper reviews our current capabilities and lists recommendations. The uncertainty in the density of thermosphere models is due to the combined effect of employing simplified or incomplete algorithms, inconsistent and sparse density data, incomplete drivers for upper atmosphere heating processes (proxies for solar and geomagnetic activity), and forecast error of said drivers. When calculating drag, the uncertainty is amplified due to the satellite shape and aerodynamic model. The sources of uncertainty are reviewed in this paper, and possible and promising ways forward are proposed. Data assimilation models/approaches have demonstrated superior skill in reproducing the thermosphere's state and are the most promising way forward. However, data to drive the models is generally lacking, and they require significant computational resources. Substantial progress can only be made by means of setting up a full-blown observing system, including not only density and composition measurements, but equally the necessary model drivers

Epilepsy and Electroencephalographic Abnormalities in SATB2-Associated Syndrome

Background: Seizures are an under-reported feature of the SATB2-associated syndrome phenotype. We describe the electroencephalographic findings and seizure semiology and treatment in a population of individuals with SATB2-associated syndrome. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of 101 individuals with SATB2-associated syndrome who were reported to have had a previous electroencephalographic study to identify those who had at least one reported abnormal result. For completeness, a supplemental survey was distributed to the caregivers and input from the treating neurologist was obtained whenever possible. Results: Forty-one subjects were identified as having at least one prior abnormal electroencephalography. Thirty-eight individuals (93%) had epileptiform discharges, 28 (74%) with central localization. Sleep stages were included as part of the electroencephalographies performed in 31 individuals (76%), and epileptiform activity was recorded during sleep in all instances (100%). Definite clinical seizures were diagnosed in 17 individuals (42%) with a mean age of onset of 3.2 years (four months to six years), and focal seizures were the most common type of seizure observed (42%). Six subjects with definite clinical seizures needed polytherapy (35%). Delayed myelination and/or abnormal white matter hyperintensities were seen on neuroimaging in 19 individuals (61%). Conclusions: Epileptiform abnormalities are commonly seen in individuals with SATB2-associated syndrome. A baseline electroencephalography that preferably includes sleep stages is recommended during the initial evaluation of all individuals with SATB2-associated syndrome, regardless of clinical suspicion of epilepsy.Sin financiación3.372 JCR (2020) Q1, 25/129 Pediatrics0.902 SJR (2020) Q1, 59/301 Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child HealthNo data IDR 2020UE

Asymmetry across international borders: Research, fishery and management trends and economic value of the giant sea bass ( Stereolepis gigas )

Co-operation in the management of shared fish stocks is often necessary to achieve sustainability and reduce uncertainty. The United States of America (USA) and Mexico share a number of fish stocks and marine ecosystems, while there is some binational co operation in scientific research, unilateral management decisions are generally the rule. We present a case study using the giant sea bass (Stereolepis gigas, Polyprionidae) to highlight how these management and research asymmetries can skew national perceptions of population status for a fully transboundary species. Scientific publications and annual funding related to giant sea bass are 7x and 25x higher in the USA, respectively, despite the fact that 73% of the species’ range occurs in Mexico. Conversely, annual fishery production and consumptive value of giant sea bass in Mexico are 19x and 3.5x higher than in the USA, respectively, while the non consumptive value related to dive ecotourism is 76x higher in the USA. These asymmetries have generated a distorted view of the population status of the giant sea bass across its entire range. This and other factors related to historical fishery dynamics and policy must be accounted for when assessing population status, and subsequent appropriate management responses, across geopolitical boundaries

Developmental histories of perceived racial discrimination and diurnal cortisol profiles in adulthood: A 20-year prospective study

Perceived racial discrimination (PRD) has been associated with altered diurnal cortisol rhythms in past cross-sectional research. We investigate whether developmental histories of PRD, assessed prospectively, are associated with adult diurnal cortisol profiles. One-hundred and twelve (N = 50 Black, N = 62 White) adults from the Maryland Adolescent Development in Context Study provided saliva samples in adulthood (at approximately age 32 years) at waking, 30 min after waking, and at bedtime for 7 days. Diurnal cortisol measures were calculated, including waking cortisol levels, diurnal cortisol slopes, the cortisol awakening response (CAR), and average daily cortisol (AUC). These cortisol outcomes were predicted from measures of PRD obtained over a 20-year period beginning when individuals were in 7th grade (approximately age 12). Greater average PRD measured across the 20-year period predicted flatter adult diurnal cortisol slopes for both Black and White adults, and a lower CAR. Greater average PRD also predicted lower waking cortisol for Black, but not White adults. PRD experiences in adolescence accounted for many of these effects. When adolescent and young adult PRD are entered together predicting cortisol outcomes, PRD experiences in adolescence (but not young adulthood) significantly predicted flatter diurnal cortisol slopes for both Black and White adults. Adolescent, but not young adult PRD, also significantly predicted lower waking and lower average cortisol for Black adults. Young adult PRD was, however, a stronger predictor of the CAR, predicting a marginally lower CAR for Whites, and a significantly larger CAR for Blacks. Effects were robust to controlling for covariates including health behaviors, depression, income and parent education levels. PRD experiences interacted with parent education and income to predict aspects of the diurnal cortisol rhythm. Although these results suggest PRD influences on cortisol for both Blacks and Whites, the key findings suggest that the effects are more pervasive for Blacks, affecting multiple aspects of the cortisol diurnal rhythm. In addition, adolescence is a more sensitive developmental period than adulthood for the impacts of PRD on adult stress biology