The energetic streams are together 23 million light-years in length—roughly as long as 140 Milky Way galaxies lined end to end

Mosquito-borne disease is a major global public health issue. One path toward the development of evidence-based strategies to limit mosquito biting is the study of the mosquito nervous system—in particular, the sensory systems that drive biting behavior. The central nervous system of insects consists of the brain and the ventral nerve cord. Here, we describe a protocol for dissecting, immunofluorescent labeling, and imaging both of these structures in the mosquito. This protocol was optimized for Aedes aegypti and works well on Anopheles gambiae tissue. It has not been tested in other mosquito species, but we anticipate that it would work on a range of mosquitoes, and, if not, our protocol will provide a starting point from which to optimize. Notably, a limited number of antibodies cross-react with Ae. aegypti proteins. This protocol is intended for use with validated antibodies and can also be used to test new antibodies as they are generated. It has been successfully used to visualize protein tags, such as green fluorescent protein, that have been introduced into the mosquito to amplify or detect their presence.

Genetically encoded calcium indicators (GECIs) allow for the noninvasive evaluation of neuronal activity in vivo, and imaging GECIs in Drosophila has become commonplace for understanding neural functions and connectivity in this system. GECIs can also be used as read-outs for studying sleep in this model organism. Here, we describe a methodology for tracking the activity of neurons in the fly brain using a two-photon (2p) microscopy system. This method can be adapted to perform functional studies of neural activity in Drosophila under both spontaneous and evoked conditions, as well as during spontaneous or induced sleep. We first describe a tethering and surgical procedure that allows survival under the microscopy conditions required for long-term recordings. We then outline the steps and reagents required for optogenetic activation of sleep-promoting neurons while simultaneously recording neural activity from the fly brain. We also describe the procedure for recording from two different locations—namely, the top of the head (e.g., to record mushroom body calyx activity) or the back of the head (e.g., to record central complex activity). We also provide different strategies for recording from GECIs confined to the cell body versus the entire neuron. Finally, we describe the steps required for analyzing the multidimensional data that can be acquired. In all, this protocol shows how to perform calcium imaging experiments in tethered flies, with a focus on acquiring spontaneous and induced sleep data.

Sleep studies in Drosophila melanogaster rely mostly on behavioral read-outs to support molecular or circuit-level investigations in this model. Electrophysiology can provide an additional level of understanding in these studies to, for example, investigate changes in brain activity associated with sleep manipulations. In this protocol, we describe a procedure for performing multichannel local field potential (LFP) recordings in the fruit fly, with a flexible system that can be adapted to different experimental paradigms and situations. The approach uses electrodes containing multiple recording sites (16), allowing the acquisition of large amounts of neuronal activity data from a transect through the brain while flies are still able to sleep. The approach starts by tethering the fly, followed by positioning it on an air-supported ball. A multichannel silicon probe is then inserted laterally into the fly brain via one eye, allowing for recording of electrical signals from the retina through to the central brain. These recordings can be acquired under spontaneous conditions or in the presence of visual stimuli, and the minimal surgery promotes long-term recordings (e.g., overnight). Sleep and wake can be tracked using infrared cameras, which allow for the measurement of locomotive activity as well as microbehaviors such as proboscis extensions during sleep. The protocol has been optimized to promote subject survivability, which is an important factor when performing long-term (~16-h) recordings. The approach described here uses specific recording probes, data acquisition devices, and analysis tools. Although it is expected that some of these items might need to be adapted to the equipment available in different laboratories, the overall aim is to provide an overview on how to record electrical activity across the brain of behaving (and sleeping) flies using this kind of approach and technology.

The dust has finally settled on the 2024 Saskatchewan election and Premier Scott Moe has appointed a smaller cabinet with many new faces. The Morning Edition political panel discusses the potential impact.

Sleep is likely a whole-brain phenomenon, with most of the brain probably benefiting from this state of decreased arousal. Recent advances in our understanding of some potential sleep functions, such as metabolite clearance and synaptic homeostasis, make it evident why the whole brain is likely impacted by sleep: All neurons have synapses, and all neurons produce waste metabolites. Sleep experiments in the fly Drosophila melanogaster suggest that diverse sleep functions appear to be conserved across all animals. Studies of brain activity during sleep in humans typically involve multidimensional data sets, such as those acquired by electroencephalograms (EEGs) or functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and these whole-brain read-outs often reveal important qualities of different sleep stages, such as changes in frequency dynamics or connectivity. Recently, various techniques have been developed that allow for the recording of neural activity simultaneously across multiple regions of the fly brain. These whole-brain-recording approaches will be important for better understanding sleep physiology and function, as they provide a more comprehensive view of neural dynamics during sleep and wake in a relevant model system. Here, we present a brief summary of some of the findings derived from sleep activity recording studies in sleeping Drosophila flies and discuss the value of electrophysiological versus calcium imaging techniques. Although these involve very different preparations, they both highlight the value of multidimensional data for studying sleep in this model system, like the use of both EEG and fMRI in humans.

Ministry opportunities in Hungary open up the mission experience for families with younger children.

Getting the whole family involved in a short term missions trip is an unforgettable experience!

Concerningly for South Africa, the question of whether our laws and regulations provide sanctions and penalties that are commensurate to the harm caused by white-collar criminals remains a matter of contested viewpoints, writes Khaya Sithole.

SAA now remains firmly in state hands - a state that it insists it can no longer provide the type of capital support it desperately needs. Who should feel vindicated? asks Khaya Sithole.

In the latest Auditor-General report, what stands out is persistent underperformance and the level of desperation in local governments. Reliance on consultants who don't solve the underlying problem is no longer sustainable, says Khaya Sithole.

Tinashe disciples and shows Zimbabweans that they, too, are called to serve; everyone can share their own stories with others to show the love of Christ. 

NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory has unveiled mysterious "knots" in the jet of a supermassive black hole in Centaurus A, a nearby galaxy. These bright, fast-moving features exhibit a higher speed in X-rays than in radio wavelengths, hinting at unexplored physics in black hole jets. Despite financial uncertainties surrounding Chandra's operations, scientists continue to uncover new phenomena in deep space, underscoring the telescope’s enduring value to astrophysics.

Maheep Kapoor gave an insight into her scrumptious lunch. It was the classic Delhi delight - chole bhature.

DEPARTMENT OF STATE: Office of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commissioner

When Los Angeles County invested in Whole Person Care (WPC) it could not have known just how important the system’s flexibility would be. Anyone who has had an interface with health care delivery, policy, oversight and management know things change quickly. As data becomes a priority, expectations of the use [...]

The post LA County's Whole Person Care analytics program offers crucial flexibility   appeared first on Government Data Connection.

In a package design, designers often need to perform degassing. This is typically done at the end of the design process before sending the design to the manufacturer.

Degassing is a process where you perforate power planes, voltage planes, and filled shapes in your design. Degassing holes let the gas escape from beneath the metal during manufacturing of the substrate. The perforations or holes for degassing are generally small, having a specified size and shape, and are spaced regularly across the surface of the plane. If the degassing process is not done, it may result in the formation of gas bubbles under the metal, which may cause the surface of the metal to become uneven. After you degas the design, it is recommended to perform electrical verification.

Allegro X APD has degassing features that allow users to automate the process and place holes in the entire shape.

In today’s topic, we will talk about how to avoid adding  degassing holes on a particular shape.

Sometimes, a designer may need to avoid adding degassing holes to a particular shape on a layer. All other shapes on the layer can have degassing holes but not this shape. Using the Layer Based Degassing Parameters option, the designer can set the degassing parameters for all shapes on the layer. Now, the designer would like to defer adding degassing holes for this particular shape.

You may wonder if there is an easy way to achieve this. We will now see how this can be done with the tool.

Once the degassing parameters are set, performing Display > Element on any of the shapes on that layer will show the degassing parameters set.

You can apply the Degas_Not_Allowed property to a shape to specify that degassing should not be performed on this shape, even if the degassing requirements are met. Select the shape and add the property as shown below.

Switch to Shape Edit application mode (Setup > Application mode > Shape Edit) and window-select all shapes on the layer. Then, right-click and select Deferred Degassing > All Off.

Now, all shapes on the layer will have degassing holes except for the shape which has the Degas_Not_Allowed property attached to it.

Is there a way to set a thru via hole to thru via hole spacing constraint?

I need the hole to hole spacing, nit pad to pad spacing.

I can calculate the spacing using the via pad diameter, but this won't work for multiple via pad sizes.

Blackworms are ultra-fast swimmers, and they tangle up into worm balls to protect themselves from predators – but leeches have an ingenious method of catching them called “spiral entombment”

Whether space and time are part of the universe or they emerge from quantum entanglement is one of the biggest questions in physics. And we are getting close to the truth

How did the supermassive black holes we’re now seeing in the early universe get so big so fast? Astrophysicist Sophie Koudmani is using sophisticated galaxy simulations to figure it out

Physicists finally know whether black holes destroy the information contained in infalling matter. The problem is that the answer hasn’t lit the way to a new understanding of space-time

Information contained within quantum objects gets scrambled when they interact. Physicists have now derived a speed limit for this process, challenging the idea that black holes are the fastest data scramblers

When I heard Stephen Hawking extol the mysteries of black holes, I knew theoretical physics was what I wanted to do. There is still so much to learn about these strange regions, says Chanda Prescod-Weinstein

Whether space and time are part of the universe or they emerge from quantum entanglement is one of the biggest questions in physics. And we are getting close to the truth

Physicists finally know whether black holes destroy the information contained in infalling matter. The problem is that the answer hasn’t lit the way to a new understanding of space-time

An oil company in China has started drilling a hole that would be the deepest in the country and among the deepest in the world

Earth appears to have less mass beneath a certain part of the Indian Ocean compared with the rest of the planet. Plumes of magma at the location could explain why

A drilling project in the Taklamakan desert is aiming to reach more than 11,000 metres below Earth’s surface as China explores the deep earth for resources

This claustrophobia-inducing image is taken from photographer Martin Broen's new book Light in the Underworld, a collection of shots from the Yucatán’s cenotes, or sinkholes

Title: Adding Fish Oil to Low-Fat/High-Carb Diet May Improve Cholesterol
Category: Health News
Created: 8/20/2010 2:10:00 PM
Last Editorial Review: 8/23/2010 12:00:00 AM

Title: Study Suggests Statins Could Help Some With Normal Cholesterol
Category: Health News
Created: 8/25/2010 12:10:00 PM
Last Editorial Review: 8/26/2010 12:00:00 AM

Title: Diet for Lowering Cholesterol: Soy Beats Low-Fat
Category: Health News
Created: 8/24/2011 11:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/24/2011 12:00:00 AM

Title: High Cholesterol May Be Particularly Bad for Middle-Aged Men
Category: Health News
Created: 8/27/2013 9:35:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/27/2013 12:00:00 AM

Title: Whole Fruits Tied to Lower Diabetes Risk
Category: Health News
Created: 8/30/2013 9:35:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/30/2013 12:00:00 AM

Title: FDA Approves Second Drug in New Class of Cholesterol-Lowering Medications
Category: Health News
Created: 8/28/2015 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/28/2015 12:00:00 AM

Title: Drug May Fight Heart Disease in Whole New Way
Category: Health News
Created: 8/28/2017 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/29/2017 12:00:00 AM

Title: Could Too Much 'Good' HDL Cholesterol Be Bad for Your Heart?
Category: Health News
Created: 8/27/2018 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/28/2018 12:00:00 AM

Title: Could a Long-Used Cholesterol Drug Fight Severe COVID-19?
Category: Health News
Created: 8/27/2021 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/27/2021 12:00:00 AM

Title: Are Cholesterol Tests Always Accurate?
Category: Diseases and Conditions
Created: 3/9/2022 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 3/9/2022 12:00:00 AM

Title: Which Nuts Are Best to Lower Cholesterol?
Category: Diseases and Conditions
Created: 5/10/2022 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 5/10/2022 12:00:00 AM

Title: Are Plant Sterols Good for Lowering Cholesterol?
Category: Diseases and Conditions
Created: 5/12/2022 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 5/12/2022 12:00:00 AM

Title: Does Coffee Raise Cholesterol?
Category: Health News
Created: 5/11/2022 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 5/12/2022 12:00:00 AM

Title: Gene Tests Could Spot 1 Million Americans at Risk of High Cholesterol
Category: Health News
Created: 5/18/2022 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 5/18/2022 12:00:00 AM

Title: What Fish Is Best for Lowering Cholesterol?
Category: Health and Living
Created: 5/19/2022 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 5/19/2022 12:00:00 AM

Title: 26 Natural Ways to Lower Your Cholesterol Levels
Category: Health and Living
Created: 7/6/2022 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 7/6/2022 12:00:00 AM

Title: What Can You Eat on a Low Cholesterol Diet?
Category: Health and Living
Created: 8/27/2021 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 7/6/2022 12:00:00 AM

Title: Cholesterol Management
Category: Diseases and Conditions
Created: 12/31/1997 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 7/6/2022 12:00:00 AM

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:

Intracranial epidermoids temporal bone cholesteatomas, and head and neck epidermal inclusion cysts are typically slow-growing, benign conditions arising from ectodermal tissue. They exhibit increased signal on DWI. While much of the imaging literature describes these lesions as showing diffusion restriction, we investigated these qualitative signal intensities and interpretations of restricted diffusion with respect to normal brain structures. This study aimed to quantitatively evaluate the ADC values and histogram features of these lesions.