upi--2020-03-09--Older age, history of sepsis, heart trouble elevate COVID-19 death risk

March 9 ( UPI ) -- Data out of China on the new coronavirus offers information on how the disease passes from one person to another , and who is at greatest risk for severe illness after infection .
In findings published Monday by The Lancet , researchers from Wuhan , China , ground zero for the ongoing outbreak , document trends in adults who ultimately died after acquiring the virus , known as COVID-19 .
They observe that those infected appear to be contagious `` for longer than expected . ''
The study is the first in which researchers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disease and death in hospitalized adults who have either died or been discharged from the hospital , because they were cured .
However , the clinicians also caution their findings -- based on analysis of data from 191 patients at two hospitals in Wuhan -- may be skewed , given the severe illness of those included in the study and limited samples and genetic material available for testing .
`` Poorer outcomes in older people may be due , in part , to the age-related weakening of the immune system and increased inflammation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prolonged responses to inflammation , causing lasting damage to the heart , brain and other organs , '' Zhibo Liu , from Jinyintan Hospital in China , said in a press release .
In general , Liu and the other researchers , who have been working at the front lines of the outbreak , found that being of older age , having sepsis -- a common infection -- and having a history of blood clotting are all key risk factors associated with higher risk for death from COVID-19 .
Additionally , Liu said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pressure and diabetes and the prolonged use of non-invasive ventilation were important factors in the deaths of these patients . ''
Of the 191 COVID-19 patients included in the analysis , 137 were discharged from the hospital and 54 died in the hospital while still receiving treatment .
Among the surviving patients , the authors found the median duration of viral shedding -- how long they were contagious -- was 20 days , and as high as 37 days in some .
The virus was detectable until death in the 54 non-survivors .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ our study has important implications for guiding decisions around isolation precautions and antiviral treatment in patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection , '' said co-author Bin Cao from the China-Japan Friendship Hospital and Capital Medical University in China .
`` However , we need to be clear that viral shedding time should not be confused with other self-isolation guidance for people who may have been exposed to COVID-19 but do not have symptoms , as this guidance is based on the incubation time of the virus . ''
While prolonged viral shedding suggests patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the authors said , they caution the duration of viral shedding is influenced by disease severity , and note that all patients in the study were hospitalized -- two-thirds of whom had severe or critical illness .
`` We recommend that negative tests for COVID-19 should be required before patients are discharged from hospital , '' Cao said .
`` In severe influenza , delayed viral treatment extends how long the virus is shed , and together these factors put infected patients at risk of dying .
Similarly , effective antiviral treatment may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not observe shortening of viral shedding duration after antiviral treatment in our study . ''
Among study participants , the median duration of fever was about 12 days in survivors , which was similar in non-survivors .
However , the cough associated with COVID-19 may last for a long time -- in fact , 45 percent of the survivors still had a cough on discharge -- and shortness of breath persisted for about 13 days in survivors , but would last until death in non-survivors .
On average , patients in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years -- and most were men , while roughly half had underlying chronic conditions , the most common being high blood pressure and diabetes .
From illness onset , the median time to hospital discharge was 22 days , and the average time to death was 18.5 days .
Compared with survivors , patients who died were more likely to be older -- with an average age of 69 years , versus 52 years for survivors -- and have a higher score on the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment indicating sepsis and elevated blood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a biomarker for coagulation or clotting , upon admission to the hospital .
In addition , lower lymphocyte white blood cell counts , elevated levels of Interleukin 6 -- common in those with inflammation and chronic disease -- and increased high-sensitivity troponin I concentrations , a common sign of heart attack , were more common in those with severe COVID-19 illness .
Perhaps not surprisingly , the frequency of complications such as respiratory failure , sepsis and secondary infections were also higher in those who died than in survivors .

This illustration, created at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, reveals ultrastructural morphology exhibited by coronaviruses. Photo by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/UPI | License Photo
March 9 (UPI) -- Data out of China on the new coronavirus offers information on how the disease passes from one person to another, and who is at greatest risk for severe illness after infection. In findings published Monday by The Lancet, researchers from Wuhan, China, ground zero for the ongoing outbreak, document trends in adults who ultimately died after acquiring the virus, known as COVID-19. Advertisement
They observe that those infected appear to be contagious "for longer than expected."
The study is the first in which researchers have examined risk factors associated with severe disease and death in hospitalized adults who have either died or been discharged from the hospital, because they were cured.
However, the clinicians also caution their findings -- based on analysis of data from 191 patients at two hospitals in Wuhan -- may be skewed, given the severe illness of those included in the study and limited samples and genetic material available for testing.
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"Poorer outcomes in older people may be due, in part, to the age-related weakening of the immune system and increased inflammation that could promote viral replication and more prolonged responses to inflammation, causing lasting damage to the heart, brain and other organs," Zhibo Liu, from Jinyintan Hospital in China, said in a press release.
In general, Liu and the other researchers, who have been working at the front lines of the outbreak, found that being of older age, having sepsis -- a common infection -- and having a history of blood clotting are all key risk factors associated with higher risk for death from COVID-19.
Additionally, Liu said that "underlying diseases like high blood pressure and diabetes and the prolonged use of non-invasive ventilation were important factors in the deaths of these patients."
Of the 191 COVID-19 patients included in the analysis, 137 were discharged from the hospital and 54 died in the hospital while still receiving treatment.
Among the surviving patients, the authors found the median duration of viral shedding -- how long they were contagious -- was 20 days, and as high as 37 days in some. The virus was detectable until death in the 54 non-survivors.
"The extended viral shedding noted in our study has important implications for guiding decisions around isolation precautions and antiviral treatment in patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection," said co-author Bin Cao from the China-Japan Friendship Hospital and Capital Medical University in China. "However, we need to be clear that viral shedding time should not be confused with other self-isolation guidance for people who may have been exposed to COVID-19 but do not have symptoms, as this guidance is based on the incubation time of the virus."
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While prolonged viral shedding suggests patients may be capable of spreading COVID-19, the authors said, they caution the duration of viral shedding is influenced by disease severity, and note that all patients in the study were hospitalized -- two-thirds of whom had severe or critical illness.
"We recommend that negative tests for COVID-19 should be required before patients are discharged from hospital," Cao said. "In severe influenza, delayed viral treatment extends how long the virus is shed, and together these factors put infected patients at risk of dying. Similarly, effective antiviral treatment may improve outcomes in COVID-19, although we did not observe shortening of viral shedding duration after antiviral treatment in our study."
Among study participants, the median duration of fever was about 12 days in survivors, which was similar in non-survivors. However, the cough associated with COVID-19 may last for a long time -- in fact, 45 percent of the survivors still had a cough on discharge -- and shortness of breath persisted for about 13 days in survivors, but would last until death in non-survivors.
On average, patients in the study were middle-aged -- median age 56 years -- and most were men, while roughly half had underlying chronic conditions, the most common being high blood pressure and diabetes.
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From illness onset, the median time to hospital discharge was 22 days, and the average time to death was 18.5 days.
Compared with survivors, patients who died were more likely to be older -- with an average age of 69 years, versus 52 years for survivors -- and have a higher score on the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment indicating sepsis and elevated blood levels of the d-dimer protein, which is a biomarker for coagulation or clotting, upon admission to the hospital.
In addition, lower lymphocyte white blood cell counts, elevated levels of Interleukin 6 -- common in those with inflammation and chronic disease -- and increased high-sensitivity troponin I concentrations, a common sign of heart attack, were more common in those with severe COVID-19 illness.
Perhaps not surprisingly, the frequency of complications such as respiratory failure, sepsis and secondary infections were also higher in those who died than in survivors.


upi--2020-03-09--Japan to partner with U.S. on next-generation fighter plane

March 9 ( UPI ) -- Japan 's Air Self-Defense Force will partner with U.S. firms to build its next-generation fighter plane .
A proposal to enlist British companies , which would have given Japan the freedom to update the planes at will , was ultimately rejected in favor of the increasing security ties between Japan and the United States , according to Japanese officials .
The decision was expected , and will officially be announced later this year .
It likely will offer U.S. companies control of design , while Japan will assume the cost of research and development @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aging F-2 aircraft , currently built by Mitsubishi , to enter service sometime in the 2030s .
It envisions a long-range fighter plane with stealth characteristics and usable for patrolling the country 's vast maritime sovereignty .
Among plausible partners for the project , expected to cost tens of billions of dollars , the United States has the most experience in building fighter planes with those capabilities , and Japan is unlikely to export the plane to any country the United States regards as an enemy .
U.S. contractors Lockheed Martin and Boeing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ although Japan has made it clear that it will not name a single partner .
A totally new aircraft is expected , unlike a hybrid of the F-22 and F-35 as proposed by Lockheed Martin .
It is unclear if all collaboration with British companies , currently developing a next-generation fighter plane of their own , the Tempest , has been rejected .
Some mutual development of systems and electronics components between Japan and Britain remains a possibility , officials say .

A Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-2 assigned to 8 Squadron, Tsuiki Air Base, Japan, taxis down the flightline during Exercise Cope North 20 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Feb. 14, 2020. Photo by Staff Sgt. Curt Beach/U.S. Air Force
March 9 (UPI) -- Japan's Air Self-Defense Force will partner with U.S. firms to build its next-generation fighter plane. A proposal to enlist British companies, which would have given Japan the freedom to update the planes at will, was ultimately rejected in favor of the increasing security ties between Japan and the United States, according to Japanese officials. Advertisement
The decision was expected, and will officially be announced later this year. It likely will offer U.S. companies control of design, while Japan will assume the cost of research and development.
Japan seeks a replacement for its aging F-2 aircraft, currently built by Mitsubishi, to enter service sometime in the 2030s. It envisions a long-range fighter plane with stealth characteristics and usable for patrolling the country's vast maritime sovereignty.
Among plausible partners for the project, expected to cost tens of billions of dollars, the United States has the most experience in building fighter planes with those capabilities, and Japan is unlikely to export the plane to any country the United States regards as an enemy.
U.S. contractors Lockheed Martin and Boeing have been named as possible partners, although Japan has made it clear that it will not name a single partner.
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A totally new aircraft is expected, unlike a hybrid of the F-22 and F-35 as proposed by Lockheed Martin. It is unclear if all collaboration with British companies, currently developing a next-generation fighter plane of their own, the Tempest, has been rejected. Some mutual development of systems and electronics components between Japan and Britain remains a possibility, officials say.


upi--2020-03-09--Gallup: Slight majority of Americans support Affordable Care Act

March 9 ( UPI ) -- Gallup said Monday that a slight majority of Americans support the Affordable Care Act as it nears its 10-year anniversary .
Fifty-two percent of U.S. adults surveyed approved of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act signed into law by President Barack Obama on March 23 , 2010 , the Gallup poll showed .
Since President Donald Trump has been in office , public reaction to the health care law has been favorable or closely split compared to 2012-2016 , when reaction was more unfavorable .
A record-high 55 percent approval of the law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gallup .
Poll figures dating back to 2012 showed sharply divergent views based on political party , with the division growing even more so this year as a record-high percentage of Democrats , 94 percent , now approve of the ACA , compared to 11 percent of Republicans .
Independents views have remained in between Democrats and Republicans with 53 percent approving of the ACA this year .
On the positive side , 78 percent said they did not have to change their primary doctor and the same percentage said they did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because of noncompliance with the ACA .
Other advantages were that 20 percent said they have gotten coverage for a pre-existing medical condition that was n't covered before the law was passed , 22 percent said they were able to keep or add an adult child on their plan and 28 percent said the ACA allowed them to obtain health insurance after not previously having it .
On the negative side , 61 percent said they do not think they have access to more services in their plan since the law was enacted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increased since the law passed .
`` While a slight majority of Americans approve of the Affordable Care Act , scarcely improved over the mostly divided support seen since Trump took office , Democrats are more likely than ever to approve of the healthcare law , '' Gallup Editor in Chief Mohamed Younis said in a statement .
`` Thus , despite some Democratic presidential candidates ' focus on 'Medicare for all , '' these results indicate Democrats are in no hurry to abandon the ACA . ''
Gallup interviewed a random sample @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Feb. 17-28 with a margin of error of 4 percentage points .

On the eve of the 10-year anniversary of President Barack Obama signing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act into law, a Gallup poll said a slight majority of Americans approve of it. File Photo by Pete Souza/ Wikimedia Commons
March 9 (UPI) -- Gallup said Monday that a slight majority of Americans support the Affordable Care Act as it nears its 10-year anniversary. Fifty-two percent of U.S. adults surveyed approved of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act signed into law by President Barack Obama on March 23, 2010, the Gallup poll showed. Advertisement
Since President Donald Trump has been in office, public reaction to the health care law has been favorable or closely split compared to 2012-2016, when reaction was more unfavorable.
A record-high 55 percent approval of the law was reached in 2017, according to Gallup.
Poll figures dating back to 2012 showed sharply divergent views based on political party, with the division growing even more so this year as a record-high percentage of Democrats, 94 percent, now approve of the ACA, compared to 11 percent of Republicans.
Independents views have remained in between Democrats and Republicans with 53 percent approving of the ACA this year.
On the positive side, 78 percent said they did not have to change their primary doctor and the same percentage said they did not have to give up a medical plan because of noncompliance with the ACA.
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Other advantages were that 20 percent said they have gotten coverage for a pre-existing medical condition that wasn't covered before the law was passed, 22 percent said they were able to keep or add an adult child on their plan and 28 percent said the ACA allowed them to obtain health insurance after not previously having it.
On the negative side, 61 percent said they do not think they have access to more services in their plan since the law was enacted and 53 percent reported their premiums have increased since the law passed.
"While a slight majority of Americans approve of the Affordable Care Act, scarcely improved over the mostly divided support seen since Trump took office, Democrats are more likely than ever to approve of the healthcare law," Gallup Editor in Chief Mohamed Younis said in a statement. "Thus, despite some Democratic presidential candidates' focus on 'Medicare for all," these results indicate Democrats are in no hurry to abandon the ACA."
Gallup interviewed a random sample of 1,020 adults across the United States from Feb. 17-28 with a margin of error of 4 percentage points.


upi--2020-03-09--To sea turtles, stinky plastic smells like food

March 9 ( UPI ) -- Sea turtles are drawn to stinky plastic because it smells like food , according to new research .
Their affinity for the aroma of plastic waste , described Monday in the journal Current Biology , could explain why the marine reptiles are so susceptible to pollution .
`` We found that loggerhead sea turtles respond to odors from biofouled plastics in the same way they respond to food odorants , suggesting that turtles may be attracted to plastic debris not only by the way it looks , but by the way it smells , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ marine biologist and sea turtle expert at the University of Florida , said in a news release .
`` This 'olfactory trap ' might help explain why sea turtles ingest and become entangled in plastic so frequently . ''
Previous studies have suggested some marine species eat plastic debris because it looks similar to their natural food .
But the latest findings suggest the funky smells of plastic can also fool hungry animals .
The wet , flat surface of plastic debris serves as a landing platform for microbes , algae , plants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can anchor and grow , giving off the kind of odors that make sea turtles salivate .
In lab tests , scientists enticed young loggerhead sea turtles with the smell of biofouled plastic both with and without different meal offerings , including fish and shrimp meal and the biofouled plastic itself .
The turtles responded to the biofouled plastic the same way they reacted to their natural food .
The tested turtles also kept their nostrils out of the water to get a good , long sniff of the odorrants produced by biofouled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interested in the smell of clean plastic .
`` We were surprised that turtles responded to odors from biofouled plastic with the same intensity as their food , '' Pfaller said .
`` We expected them to respond to both to a greater extent than the control treatments , but the turtles know the smell of their food since they 've been smelling and eating it in captivity for 5 months .
I expected their responses to food to be stronger . ''
Researchers plan to conduct followup studies to find out which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alluring to turtles .
`` The plastic problem in the ocean is more complex than plastic bags that look like jellyfish or the errant straw stuck in a turtle 's nose , '' Pfaller said .
`` These are important and troubling pieces to the puzzle , and all plastics pose dangers to turtles . ''

Young loggerhead turtles stuck their nostrils out of the water for longer to sniff the odors released by biofouled plastic. Photo by Joseph Pfaller/University of Florida
March 9 (UPI) -- Sea turtles are drawn to stinky plastic because it smells like food, according to new research. Their affinity for the aroma of plastic waste, described Monday in the journal Current Biology, could explain why the marine reptiles are so susceptible to pollution. "We found that loggerhead sea turtles respond to odors from biofouled plastics in the same way they respond to food odorants, suggesting that turtles may be attracted to plastic debris not only by the way it looks, but by the way it smells," lead study author Joseph Pfaller, marine biologist and sea turtle expert at the University of Florida, said in a news release. "This 'olfactory trap' might help explain why sea turtles ingest and become entangled in plastic so frequently." Advertisement
Previous studies have suggested some marine species eat plastic debris because it looks similar to their natural food. But the latest findings suggest the funky smells of plastic can also fool hungry animals.
The wet, flat surface of plastic debris serves as a landing platform for microbes, algae, plants and small animals, all of which can anchor and grow, giving off the kind of odors that make sea turtles salivate.
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In lab tests, scientists enticed young loggerhead sea turtles with the smell of biofouled plastic both with and without different meal offerings, including fish and shrimp meal and the biofouled plastic itself. The turtles responded to the biofouled plastic the same way they reacted to their natural food.
The tested turtles also kept their nostrils out of the water to get a good, long sniff of the odorrants produced by biofouled plastic. The turtles were much less interested in the smell of clean plastic.
"We were surprised that turtles responded to odors from biofouled plastic with the same intensity as their food," Pfaller said. "We expected them to respond to both to a greater extent than the control treatments, but the turtles know the smell of their food since they've been smelling and eating it in captivity for 5 months. I expected their responses to food to be stronger."
Researchers plan to conduct followup studies to find out which chemicals emitted by biofouled plastic are most alluring to turtles.
"The plastic problem in the ocean is more complex than plastic bags that look like jellyfish or the errant straw stuck in a turtle's nose," Pfaller said. "These are important and troubling pieces to the puzzle, and all plastics pose dangers to turtles."


upi--2020-03-09--Pentagon seeks designs for portable nuclear reactors

March 9 ( UPI ) -- The Defense Department issued contracts to three companies on Monday to begin design work on small , mobile nuclear reactors for use on U.S. military bases .
The `` micoreactors , '' with two megawatts of power , would be used by installations and bases affected by potential downed electrical grids , and would reduce the reliance on local power grids under normal situations .
Called `` Project Pele '' and administered by the Pentagon 's Strategic Capabilities Office at the Idaho National Laboratory , a two-year design process would lead to a single @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced .
`` We are pursuing the demonstration of a commercially developed , Nuclear Regulatory Commission-licensed reactor of about two megawatts that could power critical loads at a domestic military installation , '' Ellen Lord , defense undersecretary for acquisition and sustainment , said last week .
`` We have seen some commercial nuclear companies interested in this , and we think it 's a great way to bridge between civil/commercial nuclear and DoD nuclear . ''
Mobility and security are major obstacles for the design of the reactor , which would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plane .
The SCO , the Department of Energy and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission agreed to a letter of understanding on the project in 2019 .
The project `` involves the development of a safe , mobile and advanced nuclear microreactor to support a variety of Department of Defense missions such as generating power for remote operating bases , '' said Lt. Col. Robert Carver , a Defense Department spokesman .
Contracts were awarded to Virginia 's BWX Technologies , Inc. for $ 13.5 million ; Westinghouse Government Services of Washington , D.C. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's X-energy LLC of Maryland , for $ 14.3 million .
`` Nuclear reactors deployed at forward operating bases or shipped through war zones would be prime targets of the enemy , '' Lyman wrote .
`` An October 2018 report commissioned by the army 's Deputy Chief of Staff admits , quite reasonably , that exposed mobile nuclear plants would 'not be expected to survive a direct kinetic attack . '
If commanders need to expend significant resources to protect the reactors or their support systems from military strikes , such reactors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ''

An Army truck transports an ML-1 nuclear reactor during a test of portable nuclear reactors in the early 1960s. Photo courtesy of U.S. Army
March 9 (UPI) -- The Defense Department issued contracts to three companies on Monday to begin design work on small, mobile nuclear reactors for use on U.S. military bases. The "micoreactors," with two megawatts of power, would be used by installations and bases affected by potential downed electrical grids, and would reduce the reliance on local power grids under normal situations. Advertisement
Called "Project Pele" and administered by the Pentagon's Strategic Capabilities Office at the Idaho National Laboratory, a two-year design process would lead to a single company building a prototype, the Pentagon announced.
"We are pursuing the demonstration of a commercially developed, Nuclear Regulatory Commission-licensed reactor of about two megawatts that could power critical loads at a domestic military installation," Ellen Lord, defense undersecretary for acquisition and sustainment, said last week. "We have seen some commercial nuclear companies interested in this, and we think it's a great way to bridge between civil/commercial nuclear and DoD nuclear."
Mobility and security are major obstacles for the design of the reactor, which would be easily transported by truck, train or plane. The SCO, the Department of Energy and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission agreed to a letter of understanding on the project in 2019.
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The project "involves the development of a safe, mobile and advanced nuclear microreactor to support a variety of Department of Defense missions such as generating power for remote operating bases," said Lt. Col. Robert Carver, a Defense Department spokesman.
Contracts were awarded to Virginia's BWX Technologies, Inc. for $13.5 million; Westinghouse Government Services of Washington, D.C. for $11.9 million; and Maryland's X-energy LLC of Maryland, for $14.3 million.
A similar SCO plan, called Project Dilithium, drew concern in 2019 from prominent nuclear scientist Edward Lyman.
"Nuclear reactors deployed at forward operating bases or shipped through war zones would be prime targets of the enemy," Lyman wrote. "An October 2018 report commissioned by the army's Deputy Chief of Staff admits, quite reasonably, that exposed mobile nuclear plants would 'not be expected to survive a direct kinetic attack.' If commanders need to expend significant resources to protect the reactors or their support systems from military strikes, such reactors could become burdens rather than assets."


upi--2020-03-09--Watch: Sports stars, airline employees pull 201.6-ton plane for world record

March 9 ( UPI ) -- A crew of British Airways employees teamed with some sports celebrities to pull a @ @ @ @ @ 328 feet for a Guinness World Record .
British Airways teamed with charity Sport Relief @ @ @ @ @ which teamed the British Airways employees with sports stars including fitness coach Joe Wick , @ @ @ @ @ Gabby Logan , broadcaster and former soccer star Gary Lineker , boxer Nicola Adams , @ @ @ @ @ wheelchair tennis silver medalist Alfie Hewett .
The previous heaviest aircraft pulled by a mixed @ @ @ @ @ .

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March 9 (UPI) -- A crew of British Airways employees teamed with some sports celebrities to pull a 201.6-ton plane a distance of 328 feet for a Guinness World Record.
British Airways teamed with charity Sport Relief for the record attempt, which teamed the British Airways employees with sports stars including fitness coach Joe Wick, TV host and former gymnast Gabby Logan, broadcaster and former soccer star Gary Lineker, boxer Nicola Adams, sprinter Iwan Thomas and Paralympic wheelchair tennis silver medalist Alfie Hewett.


upi--2020-03-09--Look: Man wins $30,000 twice from same lottery game bought at same store

March 9 ( UPI ) -- A Connecticut man won a $ 30,000 lottery prize four years after winning the @ @ @ @ @ ticket purchased at the same store .
Thomas Perretta of Stamford told Connecticut Lottery officials @ @ @ @ @ scratch-off ticket from Cove Convenience in Stamford because the game had been lucky for him @ @ @ @ @ 's ticket won him $ 30,000 , the same amount he previously won four years @ @ @ @ @ ticket he bought at the same store .
`` The first time the prize helped @ @ @ @ @ This time , it 's going towards a new kitchen remodel .
The rest will @ @ @ @ @ '' Perretta said .

A Connecticut man won a $30,000 lottery jackpot four years after winning the same amount from the same scratch-off game purchased at the same store. Photo courtesy of the Connecticut Lottery
Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe March 9 (UPI) -- A Connecticut man won a $30,000 lottery prize four years after winning the same amount from the same ticket purchased at the same store. Thomas Perretta of Stamford told Connecticut Lottery officials he bought a 30X Cash scratch-off ticket from Cove Convenience in Stamford because the game had been lucky for him in the past. Advertisement
Perretta's ticket won him $30,000, the same amount he previously won four years ago from a 30X Cash ticket he bought at the same store.
"The first time the prize helped me pay some bills. This time, it's going towards a new kitchen remodel. The rest will go in the bank," Perretta said.


upi--2020-03-09--Look: Itzy releases new EP, 'Wannabe' video

March 9 ( UPI ) -- South Korean girl group Itzy is back with new music .
The K-pop stars @ @ @ @ @ z Me and a music video for the single `` Wannabe '' on Monday .
@ @ @ @ @ shows the members of Itzy perform an energetic dance routine .
The group sings about @ @ @ @ @ true self .
It ' z Me also features the songs `` Ting Ting Ting @ @ @ @ @ `` That 's a No No , '' `` Nobody Like You , '' `` @ @ @ @ @ `` Do n't Wan na Dance '' and `` 24Hrs . ''
The EP follows @ @ @ @ @ released in July .
Itzy promoted It ' z Me in a video for the @ @ @ @ @ .
Itzy consists of Yeji , Lia , Ryujin , Chaeryeong and Yuna .
The @ @ @ @ @ songs `` Dalla Dalla , '' `` Icy , '' `` Want It ? ''
@ @ @ @ @

March 9 (UPI) -- South Korean girl group Itzy is back with new music.
The K-pop stars released the EP It'z Me and a music video for the single "Wannabe" on Monday.
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The "Wannabe" video shows the members of Itzy perform an energetic dance routine. The group sings about embracing and celebrating one's true self.
It'z Me also features the songs "Ting Ting Ting" with Oliver Heldens, "That's a No No," "Nobody Like You," "You Make Me," "Don't Wanna Dance" and "24Hrs." The EP follows It'z Icy, released in July.
Itzy promoted It'z Me in a video for the streaming service Spotify on Monday.
Itzy consists of Yeji, Lia, Ryujin, Chaeryeong and Yuna. The group is known for the songs "Dalla Dalla," "Icy," "Want It?" and "Cherry."


upi--2020-03-09--Montana Gov. Steve Bullock announces run for U.S. Senate

March 9 ( UPI ) -- Montana Gov .
Steve Bullock announced Monday he will run for the U.S. Senate , becoming the most high-profile Democratic candidate to take on incumbent Republican Steve Daines in November .
The two-term governor made the announcement in a Twitter post Monday morning , including a video listing his accomplishments , such as creating 34,000 new jobs and investing in infrastructure .
The video announcement also highlighted that he protected public lands and banned dark money from Montana 's elections .
And under his tenure , Montana 's economy had the sixth-fastest weekly wage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ graduation rates improved and healthcare was expanded to 90,000 Montanans .
`` I 've always fought for the people of Montana , '' he tweeted .
`` Together , we expanded health care , protected public lands , banned dark money in politics and more .
Now I 'm taking the fight to the U.S .
Senate . ''
Bullock ran in the Democratic presidential race , but dropped out in December after struggling to register required support for debates .
Bullock previously said he was n't interested in entering the U.S. Senate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Schumer , D-N.Y. , and former President Barack Obama met with him personally during the past month .
And he has now said he will enter the race on the final day for candidates to have their names on the 2020 ballot in Montana .
He said Monday the change of heart came after encouragement from people statewide and backing of his family .
`` I do wish D.C. worked more like Montana and decided to do this in part from people I 've heard from , '' Bullock said .
`` Also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discussion and decided 'You can either wish it worked like Montana or try to do something about it . '
We decided it is n't the time to be on the sidelines . ''
Prior to serving as governor for eight years , Bullock served as attorney general for four years .
`` We 're going to win this race because Steve Daines is always on Montana 's side fighting for more high-paying jobs , against big government and defending Montanans ' way of life , '' Scanlon said .
`` From protecting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Second Amendment Rights , Daines always puts Montana first and Montanans know they can always trust him to continue doing so when he 's re-elected in November . ''
Republicans currently hold a 53-47 majority , with two Independents , Angus King , I-Maine , and Bernie Sanders , I-Vt. , who caucus with the Democrats in the U.S. Senate , and Bullock has been seen as the Democratic Party 's best chance to win back Montana 's seat .

Montana Gov. Steve Bullock announced Monday a bid for U.S. Senate. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
March 9 (UPI) -- Montana Gov. Steve Bullock announced Monday he will run for the U.S. Senate, becoming the most high-profile Democratic candidate to take on incumbent Republican Steve Daines in November. The two-term governor made the announcement in a Twitter post Monday morning, including a video listing his accomplishments, such as creating 34,000 new jobs and investing in infrastructure. Advertisement
The video announcement also highlighted that he protected public lands and banned dark money from Montana's elections. And under his tenure, Montana's economy had the sixth-fastest weekly wage growth in the country, high school graduation rates improved and healthcare was expanded to 90,000 Montanans.
"I've always fought for the people of Montana," he tweeted. "Together, we expanded health care, protected public lands, banned dark money in politics and more. Now I'm taking the fight to the U.S. Senate."
Bullock ran in the Democratic presidential race, but dropped out in December after struggling to register required support for debates.
Bullock previously said he wasn't interested in entering the U.S. Senate race, but Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and former President Barack Obama met with him personally during the past month. And he has now said he will enter the race on the final day for candidates to have their names on the 2020 ballot in Montana.
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He said Monday the change of heart came after encouragement from people statewide and backing of his family.
"I do wish D.C. worked more like Montana and decided to do this in part from people I've heard from," Bullock said. "Also we as a family recently had a discussion and decided 'You can either wish it worked like Montana or try to do something about it.' We decided it isn't the time to be on the sidelines."
Prior to serving as governor for eight years, Bullock served as attorney general for four years.
Daine's campaign manager Shane Scanlon responded to Bullock's announcement.
"We're going to win this race because Steve Daines is always on Montana's side fighting for more high-paying jobs, against big government and defending Montanans' way of life," Scanlon said. "From protecting our pocketbooks, veterans, public lands and Second Amendment Rights, Daines always puts Montana first and Montanans know they can always trust him to continue doing so when he's re-elected in November."
Republicans currently hold a 53-47 majority, with two Independents, Angus King, I-Maine, and Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., who caucus with the Democrats in the U.S. Senate, and Bullock has been seen as the Democratic Party's best chance to win back Montana's seat.


upi--2020-03-09--Katy Perry mourns death of 'wonderful grandma' Ann Pearl Hudson

March 9 ( UPI ) -- Pop music star Katy Perry announced the death of her paternal grandmother Ann Pearl Hudson on Instagram Monday .
`` A lot of what I am is because of my father ... and he is because of her .
She started it all , as she used to remind us and I 'm so grateful she did , '' Perry wrote .
Her post included several photos of her with her grandmother , as well as a brief video of them saying , `` I love you , '' to each other .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what love can be ... sometimes that journey of finding the love is tough to get to AND through but if you can open your heart and let the light lead the way you will find that incomparable love .
Ann Pearl Hudson was a fighter .
She survived the Great Depression , raised 3 kids on her own as a seamstress , making G strings for showgirls and other such characters in Vegas , '' Perry added .
`` She was always authentically herself , funny and full of all the sweet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think of grandmas .
She gave me crisp dollar bills in hallmark cards , she let us eat her favorite almond cookies from the 99 cent store while we asked questions about the different fans she had on display on her walls .
She was a wonderful grandma and I will forever carry some of her in me . ''
Perry announced last week that she is expecting her first child with her fiance , actor Orlando Bloom .
Her fellow American Idol judges -- Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie -- wished them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Twitter account Sunday .
`` Congrats @ katyperry and Orlando Bloom We 're looking forward to adding a 4th judge to the family .
@ AmericanIdol # AmericanIdol , '' read the caption for a video of Bryan and Richie wishing Perry well .
`` Ca n't wait for Uncle @ LionelRichie and Uncle @ LukeBryanOnline to teach my kid how to shop til they drop , and then tie a fishing hook # AmericanIdol , '' Perry tweeted .

1/3
Katy Perry is mourning the death and celebrating the life of her grandmother, Ann Pearl Hudson. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
March 9 (UPI) -- Pop music star Katy Perry announced the death of her paternal grandmother Ann Pearl Hudson on Instagram Monday. "A lot of what I am is because of my father... and he is because of her. She started it all, as she used to remind us and I'm so grateful she did," Perry wrote. Advertisement
Her post included several photos of her with her grandmother, as well as a brief video of them saying, "I love you," to each other.
"Family... is there to show us what love can be... sometimes that journey of finding the love is tough to get to AND through but if you can open your heart and let the light lead the way you will find that incomparable love. Ann Pearl Hudson was a fighter. She survived the Great Depression, raised 3 kids on her own as a seamstress, making G strings for showgirls and other such characters in Vegas," Perry added.
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"She was always authentically herself, funny and full of all the sweet cozy things you think of when you think of grandmas. She gave me crisp dollar bills in hallmark cards, she let us eat her favorite almond cookies from the 99 cent store while we asked questions about the different fans she had on display on her walls. She was a wonderful grandma and I will forever carry some of her in me."
Perry announced last week that she is expecting her first child with her fiance, actor Orlando Bloom.
Her fellow American Idol judges -- Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie -- wished them well in a message posted on Bryan's Twitter account Sunday.
"Congrats @katyperry and Orlando Bloom We're looking forward to adding a 4th judge to the family. @AmericanIdol #AmericanIdol," read the caption for a video of Bryan and Richie wishing Perry well.
"Can't wait for Uncle @LionelRichie and Uncle @LukeBryanOnline to teach my kid how to shop til they drop, and then tie a fishing hook #AmericanIdol," Perry tweeted.
Congrats @katyperry and Orlando Bloom ! We're looking forward to adding a 4th judge to the family. @AmericanIdol #AmericanIdol pic.twitter.com/5PhTunLG5D— Luke Bryan (@LukeBryanOnline) March 9, 2020
Moments from Katy Perry's music career


upi--2020-03-09--In Photos: Moments from Katy Perry's music career

Katy Perry attends an interview session on MuchOnDemand , a celebrity and fan showcase , at the MuchMusic studios in @ @ @ @ @ 2008 .
That summer , her hit song `` I Kissed a Girl '' topped @ @ @ @ @ by Christine Chew/UPI

Katy Perry attends an interview session on MuchOnDemand, a celebrity and fan showcase, at the MuchMusic studios in Toronto on December 15, 2008. That summer, her hit song "I Kissed a Girl" topped the Billboard chart . Photo by Christine Chew/UPI


upi--2020-03-09--As many as 9,000 Americans may have COVID-19, analysis suggests

March 9 ( UPI ) -- Officially , more than 400 Americans have been diagnosed with the new coronavirus , COVID-19 .
However , an analysis published Monday suggests the real numbers may be as much as 15 times higher .
And the authors indicate that their estimates are likely `` very conservative . ''
`` Similar to what we have seen in other countries , there are likely a large number of infected people who are as yet undiagnosed , '' study co-author Dermot P. McGovern , professor of medicine and biomedical sciences at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people appear to have mild disease and so may not present themselves to healthcare providers . ''
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Monday there have been more than 423 confirmed cases across the country of COVID-19 , a disease initially identified in Wuhan , China in December .
As testing capacity continues to expand , however , the agency expects more and more people nationally to get the disease `` either this year or next , '' officials said .
Since the outbreak first reached American shores in early @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a slow response by the federal government and well-publicized delays in supplying public health labs with adequate testing supplies .
These two factors , it has been suggested , have likely contributed to an under-counting of cases .
The estimates derived by McGovern and his colleagues , though , are through March 1 and are based only on cases `` imported '' directly to the United States , from Wuhan specifically and Hubei province in general , prior to January 23 .
That 's the day that Chinese officials placed the region on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out from the area .
Notably , potential cases arriving in the U.S. from other parts of China , or other heavily affected countries such as South Korea , Italy or Iran , were not included in the estimate .
In all , based on air traffic data between Wuhan and the United States , totals of confirmed cases publicly released by the CDC and transmission dynamics as estimated from previous research , McGovern and his team believe that between 1,043 and 9,484 Americans were infected by the beginning of this month .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and quarantine of individual domestic cases in the U.S. as well .
The lower figure also assumed current preventive procedures -- such as quarantines and screening international travelers at airports -- had reduced as much as 25 percent of the transmissibility in unidentified cases in the U.S. , while the higher figure assumed no intervention procedures had been undertaken to reduce the transmissibility .
The authors believe their findings indicate that the `` opportunity window to contain the epidemic '' is closing .
Slowing transmission is not an easy task , given that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or even asymptomatic , they noted , which can make it difficult to identify infected individuals who may be spreading the virus .
These obstacles aside , it may still be possible to contain the COVID-19 outbreak in the U.S. through steps already suggested by public health experts , including promoting social distancing and personal hygiene and restricting large-scale gatherings for occasions such as sporting events .
In addition , mass screening for infected individuals , while expensive and logistically challenging , would also potentially help to control the epidemic .
`` Even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very significant effect on the number of cases in our model , '' McGovern said .
`` This suggests that adopting the simple strategies can have profound benefits for dampening the curve and delaying the peak of infection , which is important for enabling healthcare systems to cope in pandemics . ''

A woman walks near the New York Stock Exchange wearing a face mask on Wall Street in New York City on March 3, 2020. The number of coronavirus cases and deaths continues to climb in the U.S. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
March 9 (UPI) -- Officially, more than 400 Americans have been diagnosed with the new coronavirus, COVID-19. However, an analysis published Monday suggests the real numbers may be as much as 15 times higher. And the authors indicate that their estimates are likely "very conservative." Advertisement
"Similar to what we have seen in other countries, there are likely a large number of infected people who are as yet undiagnosed," study co-author Dermot P. McGovern, professor of medicine and biomedical sciences at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles, told UPI. "The majority of people appear to have mild disease and so may not present themselves to healthcare providers."
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Monday there have been more than 423 confirmed cases across the country of COVID-19, a disease initially identified in Wuhan, China in December. As testing capacity continues to expand, however, the agency expects more and more people nationally to get the disease "either this year or next," officials said.
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Since the outbreak first reached American shores in early February, there have been allegations of a slow response by the federal government and well-publicized delays in supplying public health labs with adequate testing supplies. These two factors, it has been suggested, have likely contributed to an under-counting of cases.
The estimates derived by McGovern and his colleagues, though, are through March 1 and are based only on cases "imported" directly to the United States, from Wuhan specifically and Hubei province in general, prior to January 23. That's the day that Chinese officials placed the region on lockdown, banning all travel into and out from the area.
Notably, potential cases arriving in the U.S. from other parts of China, or other heavily affected countries such as South Korea, Italy or Iran, were not included in the estimate.
In all, based on air traffic data between Wuhan and the United States, totals of confirmed cases publicly released by the CDC and transmission dynamics as estimated from previous research, McGovern and his team believe that between 1,043 and 9,484 Americans were infected by the beginning of this month. Their analysis took into account the identification and quarantine of individual domestic cases in the U.S. as well.
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The lower figure also assumed current preventive procedures -- such as quarantines and screening international travelers at airports -- had reduced as much as 25 percent of the transmissibility in unidentified cases in the U.S., while the higher figure assumed no intervention procedures had been undertaken to reduce the transmissibility.
The authors believe their findings indicate that the "opportunity window to contain the epidemic" is closing. Slowing transmission is not an easy task, given that most COVID-19 cases appear to be mild or even asymptomatic, they noted, which can make it difficult to identify infected individuals who may be spreading the virus.
These obstacles aside, it may still be possible to contain the COVID-19 outbreak in the U.S. through steps already suggested by public health experts, including promoting social distancing and personal hygiene and restricting large-scale gatherings for occasions such as sporting events.
In addition, mass screening for infected individuals, while expensive and logistically challenging, would also potentially help to control the epidemic.
"Even modest reduction in transmission rates has a very significant effect on the number of cases in our model," McGovern said. "This suggests that adopting the simple strategies can have profound benefits for dampening the curve and delaying the peak of infection, which is important for enabling healthcare systems to cope in pandemics."


upi--2020-03-09--Look: Half-blind cat rescued from New York subway tracks

March 9 ( UPI ) -- Animal rescuers and New York subway workers teamed up to rescue a half-blind cat @ @ @ @ @ of tracks .
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority brought in an animal rescue expert Saturday after @ @ @ @ @ cat on the D line subway tracks north of 205th St. in the Bronx .
@ @ @ @ @ a stretch of track used for trains to turn around at the northern end of @ @ @ @ @ cat was found inside one of the traps by MTA crews about 5:30 a.m. Sunday @ @ @ @ @ Big Al by MTA workers , was taken to Bronx Tails Cat Rescue , where @ @ @ @ @ being treated for troubles linked to its missing left eye .
Rescuers said the cat @ @ @ @ @ be functioning normally .

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March 9 (UPI) -- Animal rescuers and New York subway workers teamed up to rescue a half-blind cat spotted wandering on a stretch of tracks.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority brought in an animal rescue expert Saturday after train operators reported spotting a cat on the D line subway tracks north of 205th St. in the Bronx.
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The expert laid traps on a stretch of track used for trains to turn around at the northern end of the D line and the cat was found inside one of the traps by MTA crews about 5:30 a.m. Sunday.
The cat, dubbed Big Al by MTA workers, was taken to Bronx Tails Cat Rescue, where officials said the feline is being treated for troubles linked to its missing left eye. Rescuers said the cat's right eye appears to be functioning normally.


upi--2020-03-09--Jimmy Eat World to launch 'Criminal Energy' tour in August

March 9 ( UPI ) -- Rock band Jimmy Eat World is going on tour in 2020 .
The group shared plans Monday on Instagram for Criminal Energy , a new North American tour featuring The Front Bottoms , Turnover and The Joyce Manor Band .
`` As promised , we have news for you today !
Excited to announce the Criminal Energy Tour with @ TheFrontBottoms !
! ''
the post reads .
The tour begins Aug. 6 in Atlanta , Ga. , and ends Sept. 5 in Phoenix , Ariz. Tickets go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday at 10 a.m .
The Criminal Energy tour is named after Jimmy Eat World 's single of the same name .
The song appears on the band 's 10th studio album , Surviving , released in October .
The album also features the singles `` All the Way ( Stay ) , '' `` Love Never '' and `` 555 . ''
Earlier this month , Jimmy Eat World canceled its tour of Asia amid concerns about coronavirus .
Here 's the full list of dates for the Criminal Energy tour : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , at The Rooftop at Pier 17 Aug. 29 - Kansas City , Mo.
, at Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland

March 9 (UPI) -- Rock band Jimmy Eat World is going on tour in 2020.
The group shared plans Monday on Instagram for Criminal Energy, a new North American tour featuring The Front Bottoms, Turnover and The Joyce Manor Band.
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"As promised, we have news for you today! Excited to announce the Criminal Energy Tour with @TheFrontBottoms!!" the post reads.
The tour begins Aug. 6 in Atlanta, Ga., and ends Sept. 5 in Phoenix, Ariz. Tickets go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. local time, with pre-sales to begin Tuesday at 10 a.m.
The Criminal Energy tour is named after Jimmy Eat World's single of the same name. The song appears on the band's 10th studio album, Surviving, released in October. The album also features the singles "All the Way (Stay)," "Love Never" and "555."
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Earlier this month, Jimmy Eat World canceled its tour of Asia amid concerns about coronavirus.
Here's the full list of dates for the Criminal Energy tour:
Aug. 6 - Atlanta, Ga., at Coca-Cola Roxy
Aug. 7 - Charlotte, N.C., at Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre
Aug. 8 - Raleigh, N.C., at Red Hat Amphitheater
Aug. 9 - Baltimore, Md., at MECU Pavilion
Aug. 11 - New York, N.Y., at The Rooftop at Pier 17
Aug. 14 - Asbury Park, N.J., at Stone Pony Summer Stage
Aug. 15 - Philadelphia, Pa., at The Met Philadelphia
Aug. 16 - Boston, Mass., at Rockland Trust Bank Pavilon
Aug. 18 - Toronto, Ontario, at REBEL
Aug. 20 - Indianapolis, Ind., at Amphitheater at White River State Park
Aug. 21 - Detroit, Mich., at The Fillmore Detroit
Aug. 22 - Cincinnati, Ohio, at PNC Pavilion
Aug. 26 - Minneapolis, Minn., at Armory
Aug. 27 - Milwaukee, Wisc., at The Rave/Eagles Club
Aug. 28 - Chicago, Ill., at Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom
Aug. 29 - Kansas City, Mo., at Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland
Aug. 31 - Denver, Colo., at Fillmore Auditorium
Sept. 1 - Salt Lake City, Utah, at The Complex
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Sept. 4 - San Diego, Calif., at Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre at SDSU
Sept. 5 - Phoenix, Ariz., at Arizona Federal Theatre


upi--2020-03-09--New kind of star only pulsates on one side

March 9 ( UPI ) -- Astronomers have discovered a new type of star that only pulsates on one side .
The single-sided pulsar , part of a binary star system with a red dwarf , was found inside the Milky Way , 1,500 light-years from Earth .
Scientists described the new star Monday in the journal Nature Astronomy .
`` What first caught my attention was the fact it was a chemically peculiar star , '' study co-author Simon Murphy , researcher with the Sydney Institute for Astronomy at the University of Sydney , said in a news release @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fairly rich with metals -- but this is metal poor , making it a rare type of hot star . ''
Astronomical models have predicted such a star , but HD74423 is the first one to be documented .
`` I 've been looking for a star like this for nearly 40 years and now we have finally found one , '' said co-author Don Kurtz , astronomer at the University of Central Lancashire in Britain .
Stellar pulsation is n't new .
Stars of all ages and sizes pulse , and pulsations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But until now , astronomers had never seen a star that pulsates mostly on just one hemisphere .
According to the new study , the star 's companion , a red dwarf , is responsible for the one-sided nature of the star 's pulsations .
Because the two stars orbit one another in less than two days , the bigger of the two stars is being distorted into a pear-like shape by the gravitational pull of the companion .
HD74423 , which features a mass 1.7 times that of the sun , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ satellite , which is primarily focused on finding exoplanets orbiting Milky Way stars .
`` The exquisite data from the TESS satellite meant that we could observe variations in brightness due to the gravitational distortion of the star as well as the pulsations , '' said lead study author Gerald Handler , professor at the Nicolaus Copernicus Astronomical Center in Poland .
The one-sided pulsations were initially spotted by citizen scientists tasked with looking for unexpected patterns among TESS data .
Astronomers took a closer look once they were alerted to the phenomena @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the star 's pulses varies , and the variation is synchronized with the binary orbit .
`` As the binary stars orbit each other we see different parts of the pulsating star , '' said study co-author David Jones , a researcher at the Institute of Astrophysics on the Canary Islands .
`` Sometimes we see the side that points towards the companion star , and sometimes we see the outer face . ''
The stellar pulsations only appeared when one specific hemisphere was visible .
Now that scientists know the one-sided pulsar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find more , especially as more sophisticated instruments and powerful observatories come online .

An artistic rendering showcases the world's first known one-sided pulsar, which is tidally locked with its companion, a red dwarf. Photo by Gabriel Pérez Díaz/IAC
March 9 (UPI) -- Astronomers have discovered a new type of star that only pulsates on one side. The single-sided pulsar, part of a binary star system with a red dwarf, was found inside the Milky Way, 1,500 light-years from Earth. Scientists described the new star Monday in the journal Nature Astronomy. Advertisement
"What first caught my attention was the fact it was a chemically peculiar star," study co-author Simon Murphy, researcher with the Sydney Institute for Astronomy at the University of Sydney, said in a news release. "Stars like this are usually fairly rich with metals -- but this is metal poor, making it a rare type of hot star."
Astronomical models have predicted such a star, but HD74423 is the first one to be documented.
"I've been looking for a star like this for nearly 40 years and now we have finally found one," said co-author Don Kurtz, astronomer at the University of Central Lancashire in Britain.
Stellar pulsation isn't new. Stars of all ages and sizes pulse, and pulsations vary widely in their timing and intensity. But until now, astronomers had never seen a star that pulsates mostly on just one hemisphere.
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According to the new study, the star's companion, a red dwarf, is responsible for the one-sided nature of the star's pulsations. Because the two stars orbit one another in less than two days, the bigger of the two stars is being distorted into a pear-like shape by the gravitational pull of the companion.
HD74423, which features a mass 1.7 times that of the sun, was originally identified using NASA's TESS satellite, which is primarily focused on finding exoplanets orbiting Milky Way stars.
"The exquisite data from the TESS satellite meant that we could observe variations in brightness due to the gravitational distortion of the star as well as the pulsations," said lead study author Gerald Handler, professor at the Nicolaus Copernicus Astronomical Center in Poland.
The one-sided pulsations were initially spotted by citizen scientists tasked with looking for unexpected patterns among TESS data. Astronomers took a closer look once they were alerted to the phenomena. The observations showed the strength of the star's pulses varies, and the variation is synchronized with the binary orbit.
"As the binary stars orbit each other we see different parts of the pulsating star," said study co-author David Jones, a researcher at the Institute of Astrophysics on the Canary Islands. "Sometimes we see the side that points towards the companion star, and sometimes we see the outer face."
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The stellar pulsations only appeared when one specific hemisphere was visible. Now that scientists know the one-sided pulsar is out there, researchers expect to find more, especially as more sophisticated instruments and powerful observatories come online.


upi--2020-03-09--Weight loss, routine exercise can ease Afib management, AHA says

March 9 ( UPI ) -- Not enough Americans with atrial fibrillation , or Afib , are using weight loss and routine exercise regimens to manage the condition , according to the American Hearth Association .
In a scientific statement published Monday in Circulation , the AHA noted that attaining and maintaining a healthy body weight and getting regular , moderate physical activity are useful additions to physician-guided prescription drug treatment for Afib , a heart rhythm abnormality that can lead to stroke .
Quitting smoking and reduced alcohol intake can also help , as can screening for and treating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` While established medical treatment protocols remain essential , helping atrial fibrillation patients adopt healthier lifestyle habits whenever possible may further help to reduce episodes of atrial fibrillation , '' Mina K. Chung , chair of the AHA writing group for the scientific statement and a cardiologist and professor of medicine at the Cleveland Clinic , said in a statement .
Afib affects at least 2.7 million people in the United States and is increasing as the population grows older , the organization said .
In people with the condition , the upper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , beat rapidly and erratically , interfering with proper movement of blood , which can cause clots to form and potentially lead to stroke .
People with Afib have a five-fold greater risk of having a stroke compared to people without the condition , the AHA noted .
To reduce this risk , people with the condition typically take prescription drugs or undergo surgical procedures designed to regulate their heart rate , prevent abnormal heart rhythms and reduce blood clotting .
According to the AHA , obesity can contribute to enlargement and stretching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ changing the way the chambers work and making Afib more likely to occur and to be persistent rather than occasional .
In an Australian study , people who were overweight or had obesity and lost at least 10 percent of their body weight were less likely to develop Afib or to have it become persistent .
In addition , obesity is often associated with sleep apnea , a type of disordered breathing that raises risk for Afib .
Regular , moderate physical activity can help people attain and maintain a healthy weight , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and can also help to prevent and treat the condition .
However , the scientific statement notes that extreme levels of physical activity , such as that of endurance athletes and professional football players , may raise the risk of Afib .
`` To help patients make healthy lifestyle changes , we suggest setting specific , progressive achievable weight and exercise targets , and prescribing lifestyle intervention programs that can provide appropriate supports , '' Chung said .
`` Using a pedometer , smartphone/watch apps or other wearable devices that provide activity feedback @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people track food intake , can be helpful to keep people motivated . ''
Smoking and alcohol consumption can also increase risk for Afib , researchers point out in the statement .
Smoking not only raises the risk for Afib , it reduces the efficacy of treatment for a condition called ablation , a procedure to destroy cells that generate abnormal rhythms .
Moderate or high alcohol use -- more than seven drinks per week in women and 14 per week in men -- raises risk for Afib , with a recent study @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can improve heart rhythm control .
Overall , though , the scientific evidence on lifestyle and Afib is limited because the studies on the subject are mostly observational , which can identify links but can not prove cause and effect .
`` In particular , we need further work on the effects of high intensity and other physical activities , and studies on the need for and effects of screening and treating sleep apnea for atrial fibrillation , '' Chung said .
`` However , the data emerging support the beneficial effects of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are a call to action to develop and utilize integrated , multidisciplinary teams and/or structured programs that can facilitate intensive and comprehensive lifestyle counseling for our patients . ''

Regular exercise and weight loss may help with atrial fibrillation, the American Heart Association says. Photo by Daniel Reche/Pixabay
March 9 (UPI) -- Not enough Americans with atrial fibrillation, or Afib, are using weight loss and routine exercise regimens to manage the condition, according to the American Hearth Association. In a scientific statement published Monday in Circulation, the AHA noted that attaining and maintaining a healthy body weight and getting regular, moderate physical activity are useful additions to physician-guided prescription drug treatment for Afib, a heart rhythm abnormality that can lead to stroke. Advertisement
Quitting smoking and reduced alcohol intake can also help, as can screening for and treating sleep apnea, the group said.
"While established medical treatment protocols remain essential, helping atrial fibrillation patients adopt healthier lifestyle habits whenever possible may further help to reduce episodes of atrial fibrillation," Mina K. Chung, chair of the AHA writing group for the scientific statement and a cardiologist and professor of medicine at the Cleveland Clinic, said in a statement.
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Afib affects at least 2.7 million people in the United States and is increasing as the population grows older, the organization said.
In people with the condition, the upper chambers of the heart, the atria, beat rapidly and erratically, interfering with proper movement of blood, which can cause clots to form and potentially lead to stroke.
People with Afib have a five-fold greater risk of having a stroke compared to people without the condition, the AHA noted. To reduce this risk, people with the condition typically take prescription drugs or undergo surgical procedures designed to regulate their heart rate, prevent abnormal heart rhythms and reduce blood clotting.
According to the AHA, obesity can contribute to enlargement and stretching of the heart's upper chambers, changing the way the chambers work and making Afib more likely to occur and to be persistent rather than occasional. In an Australian study, people who were overweight or had obesity and lost at least 10 percent of their body weight were less likely to develop Afib or to have it become persistent.
In addition, obesity is often associated with sleep apnea, a type of disordered breathing that raises risk for Afib.
Regular, moderate physical activity can help people attain and maintain a healthy weight, without increasing their risk for Afib -- and can also help to prevent and treat the condition.
Advertisement
However, the scientific statement notes that extreme levels of physical activity, such as that of endurance athletes and professional football players, may raise the risk of Afib.
"To help patients make healthy lifestyle changes, we suggest setting specific, progressive achievable weight and exercise targets, and prescribing lifestyle intervention programs that can provide appropriate supports," Chung said. "Using a pedometer, smartphone/watch apps or other wearable devices that provide activity feedback, as well as apps that help people track food intake, can be helpful to keep people motivated."
Smoking and alcohol consumption can also increase risk for Afib, researchers point out in the statement.
Smoking not only raises the risk for Afib, it reduces the efficacy of treatment for a condition called ablation, a procedure to destroy cells that generate abnormal rhythms.
Moderate or high alcohol use -- more than seven drinks per week in women and 14 per week in men -- raises risk for Afib, with a recent study showing that reducing or abstaining from alcohol can improve heart rhythm control.
Overall, though, the scientific evidence on lifestyle and Afib is limited because the studies on the subject are mostly observational, which can identify links but cannot prove cause and effect.
Advertisement
"In particular, we need further work on the effects of high intensity and other physical activities, and studies on the need for and effects of screening and treating sleep apnea for atrial fibrillation," Chung said. "However, the data emerging support the beneficial effects of lifestyle modification to reduce atrial fibrillation and are a call to action to develop and utilize integrated, multidisciplinary teams and/or structured programs that can facilitate intensive and comprehensive lifestyle counseling for our patients."


upi--2020-03-09--Coronavirus: More than 600 cases in U.S.; Washington, D.C., clergyman infected

March 9 ( UPI ) -- A Washington , D.C. , church identified the leading member of its clergy as one of the first positive COVID-19 cases in the area on Monday , as the United States documents more cases nationwide .
Christ Church Georgetown said the Rev .
Timothy Cole tested positive for the coronavirus Saturday , and Washington , D.C. , officials confirmed he was the man in his 50s with no international travel identified as the city 's first presumptive case .
The church canceled services Sunday , and has been reaching out to parishioners as health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to identify exposure at the church .
Church spokesman Rob Volmer said Cole became ill shortly after attending a conference in Louisville on Feb. 22 , and his health improved before a March 1 service attended by 550 people in which he handed out Communion to parishioners .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in its update Monday that 75,000 COVID-19 tests are available to states .
The CDC said there are 423 cases nationwide and 19 deaths as of Monday afternoon .
The Johns Hopkins University of Medicine , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. case total at 607 and deaths at 22 .
New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo said Monday the head of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is one of the patients with the coronavirus disease .
Cuomo and the Port Authority said chief Rick Cotton tested positive for the virus and has been placed under quarantine .
`` He is going to be on quarantine , '' Cuomo said .
`` He 'll be working from home . ''
As Port Authority chief , Cotton 's duties include overseeing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City metro area , including John F. Kennedy International Airport , LaGuardia Airport , Newark-Liberty International Airport and the Port Authority Bus Terminal .
`` He 's been at the airports , obviously , when many people were coming back with the virus , '' the governor said .
During his briefing , the governor said 142 confirmed cases exist in New York .
The largest hot spot is New Rochelle in suburban Westchester County .
Earlier Monday , trading was halted for 15 minutes on Wall Street after stocks plummeted and an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infrastructure .
The emergency safeguard had n't been activated since the financial crisis in 2008 .
Cuomo also said schools in the area could remained closed for weeks .
Princeton University announced plans Monday to begin `` mandatory '' virtual classes on March 23 , and urged students to remain home following spring break .
Other colleges around the county are switching in-person classes to online instruction .
`` Medical advisers tell us that we should proceed on the assumption that the virus will spread more broadly and eventually reach our campus , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an open letter Monday .
Dr. Nancy Messonnier , director of the CDC 's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases , said the 75,000 tests have been made available by the CDC to 78 state and local public health labs in all 50 states .
She also said research indicates that the elderly over age 80 face the greatest risk from COVID-19 , as well as those with serious underlying medical conditions .
Messonnier said it 's likely `` many '' U.S. residents will be exposed to the virus in the coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added , `` based on what we know about this virus , we do not expect most people to develop serious illness . ''
Eighty percent of Chinese cases , she said , saw only mild symptoms and just 2 percent involved patients under 19 .
The virus originated in China in December .
Also Monday , the U.S. Navy barred families from attending boot camp and other candidate school graduation events and canceled `` Liberty '' for grads .
`` This action is being taken out of an abundance of caution , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that [ Recruit Training Command ] can continue its essential mission of producing basically trained sailors , '' the Navy Recruitment Training Command said .
`` RTC recruits impacted by this change are being authorized to call home to directly inform their loved ones .

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Christ Church Georgetown said the Rev. Timothy Cole was the first person diagnosed with COVID-19 in the Washington, D.C. area., Photo by Tasos Katopodis/UPI | License Photo
March 9 (UPI) -- A Washington, D.C., church identified the leading member of its clergy as one of the first positive COVID-19 cases in the area on Monday, as the United States documents more cases nationwide. Christ Church Georgetown said the Rev. Timothy Cole tested positive for the coronavirus Saturday, and Washington, D.C., officials confirmed he was the man in his 50s with no international travel identified as the city's first presumptive case. Advertisement
The church canceled services Sunday, and has been reaching out to parishioners as health officials said they launched an intensive investigation to identify exposure at the church.
Church spokesman Rob Volmer said Cole became ill shortly after attending a conference in Louisville on Feb. 22, and his health improved before a March 1 service attended by 550 people in which he handed out Communion to parishioners.
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in its update Monday that 75,000 COVID-19 tests are available to states. The CDC said there are 423 cases nationwide and 19 deaths as of Monday afternoon. The Johns Hopkins University of Medicine, which also tracks the disease, lists the U.S. case total at 607 and deaths at 22.
As the number of cases continued to climb on Monday, Rhode Island, Ohio, New Jersey and Illinois joined California, Florida, New York, Oregon, Washington and several others in declaring a state of emergency.
Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo said she made her declaration to make available "more tools in our toolbox."
"It will enable us to better tap into resources of the National Guard, if necessary, it'll make sure that we are first in line for any federal resources and it'll just give us more degree of freedom to address the virus if and as the need arises," she announced during a press conference.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine also declared a state of emergency on Monday after announcing Ohio's first three COVID-19 patients, all from Cuyahoga County.
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"It's important for us to take aggressive action to protect Ohioans, and therefore, I have declared a state of emergency in Ohio," he said on Twitter.
The declaration allows for state departments and agencies to better coordinate their response, the Ohio Department of Health said in a statement.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency as the state records five more confirmed cases of COVID-19, increasing its total to 11.
And Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced during a press conference on Monday before issuing a disaster proclamation, Illinois' version of a state of emergency, that the state had recorded four new COVID-19 cases, increasing its tally to 11.
"This declaration also reduces red tape across state government -- so that moving forward, we will have all the tools in play and rapidly available to assist cities and counties across Illinois," he said.
Thirteen states have declared states of emergency amid the coronavirus crisis, he said.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Monday the head of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is one of the patients with the coronavirus disease.
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Cuomo and the Port Authority said chief Rick Cotton tested positive for the virus and has been placed under quarantine.
"He is going to be on quarantine," Cuomo said. "He'll be working from home."
As Port Authority chief, Cotton's duties include overseeing international transit hubs in the New York City metro area, including John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, Newark-Liberty International Airport and the Port Authority Bus Terminal.
"He's been at the airports, obviously, when many people were coming back with the virus," the governor said.
During his briefing, the governor said 142 confirmed cases exist in New York. The largest hot spot is New Rochelle in suburban Westchester County.
Cuomo also said schools in the area could remain closed for weeks.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency after two people died in the state over the weekend and 18 Floridians have tested positive for the coronavirus.
"That allows us to create a unified command structure, it also allows, if need be, out-of-state medical personnel to operate in Florida," he said. "It allows us to more swiftly purchase any necessary supplies including masks and materials and equipment necessary to set up field hospitals. It allows pharmacists to dispense up to 30-day emergency prescription refill of maintenance medication."
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The Grand Princess cruise ship, which was carrying 21 people who tested positive for the virus, docked in Oakland on Monday with about half of its 2,421 passengers expected to be disembarked today.
Earlier Monday, trading was halted for 15 minutes on Wall Street after stocks plummeted and an emergency circuit breaker cut power to market infrastructure. The emergency safeguard hadn't been activated since the financial crisis in 2008.
President Donald Trump said that he will hold a press conference on Tuesday to discuss efforts to lessen the economic impact of the virus and that he and members of the White House Coronavirus Task Force met with Congress to discuss a payroll tax cut relief and relief for hourly workers.
"We are going to be asking tomorrow, we're seeing the Senate. We're going to be meeting with House Republicans, Mitch McConnell, everybody discussing a possible payroll tax cut or relief, substantial relief," he said. "We're also going to be talking about hourly wage earners getting help so that they can be in a position where they're not going to ever miss a paycheck."
Princeton University announced plans Monday to begin "mandatory" virtual classes on March 23, and urged students to remain home following spring break. Other colleges around the county are switching in-person classes to online instruction.
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"Medical advisers tell us that we should proceed on the assumption that the virus will spread more broadly and eventually reach our campus," Princeton President Chris Eisgruber said in an open letter Monday.
Dr. Nancy Messonnier, director of the CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, said the 75,000 tests have been made available by the CDC to 78 state and local public health labs in all 50 states. She also said research indicates that the elderly over age 80 face the greatest risk from COVID-19, as well as those with serious underlying medical conditions.
Messonnier said it's likely "many" U.S. residents will be exposed to the virus in the coming months and years -- but, she added, "based on what we know about this virus, we do not expect most people to develop serious illness."
Eighty percent of Chinese cases, she said, saw only mild symptoms and just 2 percent involved patients under 19. The virus originated in China in December.
Also Monday, the U.S. Navy barred families from attending boot camp and other candidate school graduation events and canceled "Liberty" for grads.
"This action is being taken out of an abundance of caution, to both ensure the welfare of sailors and that [Recruit Training Command] can continue its essential mission of producing basically trained sailors," the Navy Recruitment Training Command said. "RTC recruits impacted by this change are being authorized to call home to directly inform their loved ones.


upi--2020-03-09--Watch: Family accidentally orders $2,153 worth of toilet paper

March 9 ( UPI ) -- An Australian family who attempted to order 48 rolls of toilet paper online instead ended up with 48 boxes -- $ 2,153.78 worth of bathroom tissue .
Haidee Janetzki of Toowoomba said her family had been ordering toilet paper 48 rolls at a time from online company Who Gives a Crap , but she recently made an error while switching to a different variety of paper offered by the website .
`` And when it asked for quantity , I put 48 , thinking that would be a box of 48 rolls , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was 48 boxes .
The courier man turned up at the door with two pallets of toilet paper instead of one box . ''
Janetzki said she checked her credit card statement and confirmed she had shelled out $ 2,153.78 plus shipping for the massive haul of paper .
She said the recent toilet paper shortages stemming from coronavirus concerns have simplified the process of getting rid of the rolls .
The family has started selling the toilet paper at a slight mark-up to support a school trip her daughter 's class @ @ @

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March 9 (UPI) -- An Australian family who attempted to order 48 rolls of toilet paper online instead ended up with 48 boxes -- $2,153.78 worth of bathroom tissue.
Haidee Janetzki of Toowoomba said her family had been ordering toilet paper 48 rolls at a time from online company Who Gives a Crap, but she recently made an error while switching to a different variety of paper offered by the website.
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"And when it asked for quantity, I put 48, thinking that would be a box of 48 rolls," Janetzki told 7News. "Turned out it was 48 boxes. The courier man turned up at the door with two pallets of toilet paper instead of one box."
Janetzki said she checked her credit card statement and confirmed she had shelled out $2,153.78 plus shipping for the massive haul of paper.
She said the recent toilet paper shortages stemming from coronavirus concerns have simplified the process of getting rid of the rolls. The family has started selling the toilet paper at a slight mark-up to support a school trip her daughter's class is planning.


upi--2020-03-09--North Korea recovering power plants, state media says

March 9 ( UPI ) -- North Korea is moving forward with `` power plant recovery '' to address the issue of power shortages in the country , according to state media .
Pyongyang propaganda service Meari reported Sunday workers and technicians in the North Korean power industry are focusing efforts toward securing power generation in various parts of the country .
The laborers are `` working hard to restore the original performance of power generation facilities , '' Meari said .
The groups are descending on Pukchang Thermal Power Complex , Pyongyang Thermal Power Plant , Changchon River Thermal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ equipment will be replaced , according to state media .
Similar projects are being carried out at various North Korean hydroelectric power plants , Meari added .
According to South Korean news service Seoul Pyongyang News , North Korea 's total electricity generation equaled 23.5 billion kilowatt hours , with about 50 percent of power coming from thermal power , and 40 percent from hydropower .
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has pledged to bring about economic improvements to the country .
He has also promoted self-reliance while rejecting economic assistance from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economy was highlighted in state media on Monday .
Korean Workers ' Party paper Rodong Sinmun reported the Sinuiju Textile Mill at the North Korea-China border has swapped out 200 old machines with air-jet looms .
Air-jet looms are capable of manufacturing items like shirts , denim , sheets , towels and sports apparel .
In 2017 , the United Nations Security Council agreed to ban North Korea textile exports .
Pyongyang 's textiles were the regime 's second-biggest export after coal in 2016 , totaling about $ 750 million , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The United States has called on North Korea to take steps toward denuclearization .

North Korea's city of Sinuiju is the site of the Sinuiju Textile Mill, where new air-jet looms have been installed, state media said Monday. North Korea textile exports are under international sanctions and have been banned since 2017. File Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI | License Photo
March 9 (UPI) -- North Korea is moving forward with "power plant recovery" to address the issue of power shortages in the country, according to state media. Pyongyang propaganda service Meari reported Sunday workers and technicians in the North Korean power industry are focusing efforts toward securing power generation in various parts of the country. Advertisement
The laborers are "working hard to restore the original performance of power generation facilities," Meari said.
The groups are descending on Pukchang Thermal Power Complex, Pyongyang Thermal Power Plant, Changchon River Thermal Power Plant and other sites where defective equipment will be replaced, according to state media.
Similar projects are being carried out at various North Korean hydroelectric power plants, Meari added.
According to South Korean news service Seoul Pyongyang News, North Korea's total electricity generation equaled 23.5 billion kilowatt hours, with about 50 percent of power coming from thermal power, and 40 percent from hydropower.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has pledged to bring about economic improvements to the country. He has also promoted self-reliance while rejecting economic assistance from South Korea.
Independent development of the economy was highlighted in state media on Monday.
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Korean Workers' Party paper Rodong Sinmun reported the Sinuiju Textile Mill at the North Korea-China border has swapped out 200 old machines with air-jet looms.
Air-jet looms are capable of manufacturing items like shirts, denim, sheets, towels and sports apparel.
In 2017, the United Nations Security Council agreed to ban North Korea textile exports. Pyongyang's textiles were the regime's second-biggest export after coal in 2016, totaling about $750 million, according to South Korea's Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency.
The United States has called on North Korea to take steps toward denuclearization.


upi--2020-03-09--Angelina Jolie has two daughters recovering from surgery

March 9 ( UPI ) -- Mom-of-six Angelina Jolie says she has two daughters that are recovering from surgery .
The 44-year-old actress and humanitarian praised her daughters ' strength and bravery in an essay for Time published Sunday on International Women 's Day .
Jolie has six children , Maddox , 18 , Pax , 16 , Zahara , 15 , Shiloh , 13 , and twins Knox and Vivienne , 11 , with her ex-husband , actor Brad Pitt .
She shared how Zahara and one of her younger daughters recently had surgery .
`` I have spent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of surgeries with my eldest daughter , and days ago watched her younger sister go under the knife for a hip surgery , '' Jolie wrote .
`` They know that I am writing this , because I respect their privacy and we discussed it together and they encouraged me to write , '' she said .
`` They understand that going through medical challenges and fighting to survive and heal is something to be proud of . ''
Jolie said her daughters have cared for and supported one another as her two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ youngest daughter studied the nurses with her sister , and then assisted the next time .
I saw how all my girls so easily stopped everything and put each other first , and felt the joy of being of service to those they love , '' Jolie wrote .
`` I also watched them face their fears with a resolute bravery .
We all know that moment when no one else can help us , and all we can do is close our eyes and breathe .
When only we can take the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so we steady ourselves and do it , '' she said .
Jolie said her sons have been `` supportive and sweet '' toward their sisters , but also spoke about how girls are often expected to take care of others and have their worth defined by it .
`` Little girls ' softness , their openness and instinct to nurture and help others , must be appreciated and not abused , '' Jolie said .
`` We must do much more to protect them , in all societies ; not only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are often violated , but also the most subtle injustices and attitudes that so often go unnoticed or excused . ''
Jolie encouraged people to value and care for girls , saying that stronger and healthier girls are able to give more back to their family and community .
Jolie brought her five younger children to the Los Angeles premiere of Maleficent : Mistress of Evil in September .
She shared at a press conference in October how being a mother `` completely transformed '' her .

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Angelina Jolie, second from right, pictured with Vivienne, Zahara, Shiloh and Knox, from left to right, praised her daughters' strength and bravery on International Women's Day while sharing how two of them recently had surgery. File Photo by Rune Hellestad/UPI | License Photo
March 9 (UPI) -- Mom-of-six Angelina Jolie says she has two daughters that are recovering from surgery. The 44-year-old actress and humanitarian praised her daughters' strength and bravery in an essay for Time published Sunday on International Women's Day. Advertisement
Jolie has six children, Maddox, 18, Pax, 16, Zahara, 15, Shiloh, 13, and twins Knox and Vivienne, 11, with her ex-husband, actor Brad Pitt. She shared how Zahara and one of her younger daughters recently had surgery.
"I have spent the last two months in and out of surgeries with my eldest daughter, and days ago watched her younger sister go under the knife for a hip surgery," Jolie wrote.
"They know that I am writing this, because I respect their privacy and we discussed it together and they encouraged me to write," she said. "They understand that going through medical challenges and fighting to survive and heal is something to be proud of."
Jolie said her daughters have cared for and supported one another as her two daughters experience health issues.
"My youngest daughter studied the nurses with her sister, and then assisted the next time. I saw how all my girls so easily stopped everything and put each other first, and felt the joy of being of service to those they love," Jolie wrote.
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"I also watched them face their fears with a resolute bravery. We all know that moment when no one else can help us, and all we can do is close our eyes and breathe. When only we can take the next step or breath through the pain, so we steady ourselves and do it," she said.
Jolie said her sons have been "supportive and sweet" toward their sisters, but also spoke about how girls are often expected to take care of others and have their worth defined by it.
"Little girls' softness, their openness and instinct to nurture and help others, must be appreciated and not abused," Jolie said. "We must do much more to protect them, in all societies; not only against the extreme ways girls' rights are often violated, but also the most subtle injustices and attitudes that so often go unnoticed or excused."
Jolie encouraged people to value and care for girls, saying that stronger and healthier girls are able to give more back to their family and community.
Jolie brought her five younger children to the Los Angeles premiere of Maleficent: Mistress of Evil in September. She shared at a press conference in October how being a mother "completely transformed" her.


upi--2020-03-09--Joe Biden, Bernie Sanders stump in Michigan for top primary prize Tuesday

March 9 ( UPI ) -- Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and former Vice President Joe Biden , the Democratic Party 's presidential hopefuls , campaigned heavily in Michigan on Monday -- hoping to win the state primary , which is the largest prize this week .
Michigan , with 125 delegates , is one of six states that will stage primaries Tuesday , along with Washington state ( 89 delegates ) , Missouri ( 68 ) , Mississippi ( 36 ) , Idaho ( 20 ) and North Dakota .
Michigan , historically a `` swing '' state , voted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden is enjoying his new status as the party front-runner for the nomination after soundly defeating Sanders in last week 's `` Super Tuesday '' contests .
Sanders , who upset candidate Hillary Clinton in Michigan four years ago , canceled a campaign stop in Mississippi to return to Michigan .
Monday afternoon , he will meet with public health officials in Detroit to discuss the outbreak of coronavirus .
`` The only way we win is when millions of people together stand up for justice .
Michigan , make sure your friends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he tweeted Sunday .
Analysts say polling figures show Sanders behind in Michigan .
`` Sanders has to win here , no doubt about it , and it 's possible that he could , '' Michigan-based Democratic strategist Adrian Hemond said .
`` But one thing working against him , compared to 2016 , is the candidate he 's up against .
Sen. Sanders did well with white working-class and non-college educated voters in 2016 .
Part of his appeal was the utter lack of appeal from his opponent .
That 's not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hit the campaign trail Monday with former candidate and California Sen. Kamala Harris , who some have speculated might ultimately become his vice presidential running mate .
Biden has been campaigning in Michigan and picked up an endorsement Monday from former candidate and New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker .
`` We need a candidate who can best unify all of us and that is Joe Biden , '' Booker said .
`` Biden wo n't only win -- he 'll show there 's more that unites us than divides us , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Oval Office and tackle our most pressing challenges .
That 's why I 'm proud to endorse Joe . ''
`` We are in a battle for the soul of our nation -- and Donald Trump is poison to our soul .
We have to get him out of the White House , '' Biden tweeted Sunday .
Four more states will hold primaries a week from Tuesday -- including Florida , Ohio and Illinois , which collectively offer 510 Democratic delegates .

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Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden appears at a campaign stop in St. Louis, Mo., on Saturday. Missouri is one of six states voting in primary contests Tuesday. Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo
March 9 (UPI) -- Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and former Vice President Joe Biden, the Democratic Party's presidential hopefuls, campaigned heavily in Michigan on Monday -- hoping to win the state primary, which is the largest prize this week. Michigan, with 125 delegates, is one of six states that will stage primaries Tuesday, along with Washington state (89 delegates), Missouri (68), Mississippi (36), Idaho (20) and North Dakota. Michigan, historically a "swing" state, voted for President Donald Trump in 2016. Advertisement
Biden is enjoying his new status as the party front-runner for the nomination after soundly defeating Sanders in last week's "Super Tuesday" contests.
Sanders, who upset candidate Hillary Clinton in Michigan four years ago, canceled a campaign stop in Mississippi to return to Michigan. Monday afternoon, he will meet with public health officials in Detroit to discuss the outbreak of coronavirus.
"The only way we win is when millions of people together stand up for justice. Michigan, make sure your friends and neighbors vote this Tuesday!" he tweeted Sunday.
Analysts say polling figures show Sanders behind in Michigan.
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"Sanders has to win here, no doubt about it, and it's possible that he could," Michigan-based Democratic strategist Adrian Hemond said. "But one thing working against him, compared to 2016, is the candidate he's up against. Sen. Sanders did well with white working-class and non-college educated voters in 2016. Part of his appeal was the utter lack of appeal from his opponent. That's not the case this time."
Biden hit the campaign trail Monday with former candidate and California Sen. Kamala Harris, who some have speculated might ultimately become his vice presidential running mate. Biden has been campaigning in Michigan and picked up an endorsement Monday from former candidate and New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker.
"We need a candidate who can best unify all of us and that is Joe Biden," Booker said.
"Biden won't only win -- he'll show there's more that unites us than divides us," he added. "He'll restore honor to the Oval Office and tackle our most pressing challenges. That's why I'm proud to endorse Joe."
"We are in a battle for the soul of our nation -- and Donald Trump is poison to our soul. We have to get him out of the White House," Biden tweeted Sunday.
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Four more states will hold primaries a week from Tuesday -- including Florida, Ohio and Illinois, which collectively offer 510 Democratic delegates.