#morris water maze

[curiousquill1]

https://www.vjinstruments.com/products/morriswatermaze/?utm_source=Digital-Paid-Google-Ads&utm_medium=Conversion&utm_campaign=Retsch&gclid=Cj0KCQjwgrO4BhC2ARIsAKQ7zUl9l3qGCQoeM3y8wEH1ybz_hoI6NvZDu8bWWmXcAE_ffRetheRKNPEaApy8EALw_wcB

Explore the Morris Water Maze, an essential tool for behavioral research in neuroscience. This innovative apparatus aids in assessing spatial learning and memory in laboratory animals, providing reliable results for researchers. The Morris Water Maze is designed for precision and ease of use, featuring advanced technology that enhances experimental accuracy.

[vjinstruments]

Unlocking Secrets: Morris Water Maze, Plethysmometer, and Spheronizer

In the world of scientific research, understanding the intricacies of complex behavioral experiments and innovative laboratory equipment is essential. In this article, we will delve into three fascinating tools utilized by scientists and researchers: the Morris Water Maze, Plethysmometer, and Spheronizer. These instruments play critical roles in advancing our knowledge in various fields, from neuroscience to pharmaceuticals. Let's explore these tools and unlock the secrets they hold.

The Morris Water Maze: Navigating the Mind

The Morris Water Maze is a widely used apparatus in cognitive and behavioral research. Developed by Richard G. Morris in 1981, this maze is designed to study spatial learning and memory in rodents, typically mice and rats.

The Setup

Imagine a large circular pool filled with water, opaque and made slightly colder than room temperature. Inside the pool, a hidden escape platform is placed just below the water's surface. The idea is to measure how long it takes for the subjects (usually rodents) to find this hidden platform.

How It Works

Training Phase: During this phase, the subjects are placed at different starting points in the pool. They learn to navigate and locate the hidden platform using spatial cues.

Testing Phase: After they have learned the location of the platform, the subjects are released into the pool from various positions, and their ability to remember the platform's location is tested.

The Morris Water Maze is an invaluable tool for researchers investigating spatial memory, cognitive impairments, and the effects of various substances on learning and memory.

Plethysmometer: Measuring Behavior

The Plethysmometer is an essential device in the field of physiology and behavioral research. It is particularly useful in assessing respiratory and cardiovascular functions in small animals.

The Principle

The core principle of a plethysmometer involves measuring changes in volume. It is commonly used to analyze the breathing patterns of animals like rodents, allowing researchers to investigate various respiratory parameters, including tidal volume, frequency, and more.

Applications

Respiratory Research: Scientists use plethysmometers to study respiratory diseases, assess the effects of drugs on breathing, and analyze the impact of various conditions on lung function.

Cardiovascular Research: Beyond respiratory functions, plethysmometers can also be adapted for cardiovascular studies, enabling the measurement of cardiac output and other hemodynamic parameters.

Plethysmometers provide valuable insights into the physiological processes of animals and are crucial in developing treatments and interventions for various health conditions.

Spheronizer: Shaping the Future of Drug Delivery

The Spheronizer is an advanced piece of equipment primarily used in pharmaceutical research and development. It plays a pivotal role in the creation of spherical granules or pellets with precise characteristics.

Granule Formation

Spherical granules or pellets are an essential component in drug formulation. They ensure consistent drug release rates, improved bioavailability, and reduced side effects. Spheronizers are instrumental in shaping these granules.

How It Works

Agglomeration: The process begins with dry powders or granules that are agglomerated into small, irregularly shaped particles.

Spheronization: These irregular particles are then introduced into the spheronizer, which uses a combination of rotation and friction to shape them into perfectly round, smooth-surfaced pellets.

Drying and Screening: Once the pellets are formed, they are dried and screened to remove any fines or irregular particles.

Pharmaceutical Applications

Spheronizer are crucial in the production of controlled-release medications, ensuring that patients receive consistent drug dosages over extended periods.

They are also used in the creation of pharmaceutical dosage forms like pellets and tablets.

The Synergy of Research

While these three tools may seem disparate at first glance, they share a common thread—they empower researchers to unlock secrets and make groundbreaking discoveries in their respective fields.

Interdisciplinary Impact

Neuroscience and Drug Development: The Morris Water Maze, with its ability to assess cognitive function, can be invaluable in testing the effectiveness of drugs designed to treat neurological disorders. The Plethysmometer can assist in understanding the side effects of such drugs on respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Spheronizers are critical in shaping these drugs into precise forms for controlled delivery.

Respiratory and Cardiovascular Studies: The Plethysmometer helps researchers understand the respiratory effects of various substances. This information is vital not only for understanding health conditions but also for pharmaceutical companies developing treatments. Spheronizers, in turn, shape these treatments into effective dosage forms.

Conclusion:

In the world of scientific exploration, the Morris Water Maze, Plethysmometer, and Spheronizer are like keys to unlocking the secrets of the mind, body, and pharmaceutical development. These tools represent the ingenuity of the scientific community, enabling us to dive deeper into understanding complex processes, creating precise drug formulations, and improving healthcare.

With their combined power, researchers can continue to unlock the secrets of the natural world and develop innovative solutions that benefit us all. The Morris Water Maze, Plethysmometer, and Spheronizer are not just tools; they are instruments of discovery, shaping the future of science and medicine

[hayleylovesjessica]

“I fell completely in love with Venice three years ago whilst filming action scenes for MI7 (no spoilers just yet!). And last week I was lucky enough to revisit this extraordinary floating city, wandering (and splashing) through its centuries of history, art, culture, food and fashion. Oh and the @veneziafc football kits. You know the ones 🤌 The Venetians have a special kind of charm that seems to echo the eccentric prettiness of the city itself, and I was so happy to catch up with my dear friend Jane Da Mosto, whose NGO @weareherevenice does vital work raising awareness about the impact of climate change on the fragile ecosystem of the city’s canals and sacred connection to water. I also took a tip from my dear friend and Italian culinary wizard @stanleytucci who recommended Hamed Ahmadi’s delicious restaurant @hamed_orient_experience which serves up incredible Afghan cuisine. So many incredible food experiences out there, from local cicetti, to centuries old coffee houses, and the irresistible kosher delicacies of the Ghetto Ebraico. It’s a city that has benefitted from so many different cultures moving through its maze-like bridges and archways, each making their mark and contributing to the mysterious allure that is Venice. Needless to say, I loved being back there. In the words of one of my favourite authors, Jan Morris; “to live in Venice is one of the supreme pleasures that this world can offer”.”

[bookgeekgrrl]

My media this week (29 Sep-5 Oct 2024)

📚 STUFF I READ 📚

😍 i never did believe in miracles (but i've a feeling it's time to try) (cuoredimuschio) - 215K, steddie - a slow burn, perfectly angsted, absolutely hilariously written getting together fic. like, so funny, y'all.

😊 Three Men Out (Nero Wolfe #23) (Rex Stout)

🥰 bittersweet in the sunlight (2bestfriends) - 65K, vampire/werewolf AU, reread, stucky book club pick - what's supposed to be a 'quick & dirty fuck' leads to breaking down centuries of bucky's isolation - a very enjoyable fic

😊 Mystery Magnet (The Last Picks #1) (Gregory Ashe, author; Andrew Gibson, narrator) - entertaining cozy mystery. Wasn't so compelling that I couldn't dip out of it to listen to podcasts but definitely fun enough to finish. And I'll probably read the next one in the series.

💖💖 +56K of shorter fic so shout out to these I really loved 💖💖

Wide Open Spaces (emchant3d) - MCU: stucky, 2K - short & 🔥🔥🔥 skinny!steve/beefy!bucky

📺 STUFF I WATCHED 📺

In Deep: Life at the Bottom of the Ocean With Dr. Sarah McAnulty - Session 3

Dr. Odyssey - s1, e2

Elementary - s2, e1-8

Handsome - Rachel Dratch asks about hometowns

Handsome - Pretty Little Episode #7

The Sam Sanders Show - Joel Kim Booster on Sex, Wealth, and the Comedy Grind

D20: Misfits & Magic 2 - "A Meeting of Misfits" (s23, e1)

D20: Adventuring Party - "A Synecdoche, Like That Ass" (s18, e1)

D20: Misfits & Magic 2 - "Magma and Mingle" (s23, e2)

D20: Adventuring Party - "Dream Small" (s18, e2)

🎧 PODCASTS 🎧

⭐ Who Killed the Video Star: The Story of MTV - ep 4-8

Consider This - Author Robert Caro on the history of power

Re: Dracula - September 30: Let Me Be Your Friend

Code Switch - Ask Code Switch: Is picky eating about taste or race?

The Sporkful - Preserving Jewish Food And Pushing It Forward, With Joan Nathan And Jeremy Salamon

Pop Culture Happy Hour - Nobody Wants This

Short Wave - If Fungi Win, Will We Be Ready?

NPR's Book of the Day - Ta-Nehisi Coates returns to political writing in his new book 'The Message'

All Songs Considered - 'How Women Made Music'

Switched on Pop - Fall Out Boy and the worst earworm ever

Re: Dracula - October 1: Not My Own Master In The Matter

Welcome to Night Vale #255 - The John Peters Imaginary Corn Maze Experience

The Fandom Show - Jurassic Park

Vibe Check - Justice for Pluto!

The Atlas Obscura Podcast - The Diefenbunker

⭐ 99% Invisible - The Infernal Machine

It's Been a Minute - The SMACKDOWN: Rihanna's greatest hits vs. Black Wall Street vs. Route 66

Shedunnit Book Club - The Poisoned Chocolates Case (Green Penguin Book Club 5)

Off Menu - Ep 265: Rick Astley

⭐ Meat + Three - The Bittersweet History of Pralines

Re: Dracula - October 3: The Holiest Love

Signal Cleveland: On Air - From flush to fresh water: a trip through wastewater treatment at NEORSD

Re: Dracula - October 4: It Is Like Death

What Next: TBD - Helene Proves Nowhere is Safe

Short Wave - What Lightning And Black Holes Have In Common

⭐ Strong Songs - Rediscovering Stevie Wonder, with Wesley Morris and Josh Gwynn

⭐ Today, Explained - Puberty hits different now

Morning Edition - FX-Hulu series 'English Teacher' finds comedy in a Texas high school's culture wars

Morning Edition - A dad and his 2 teenage sons loved heavy metal so much they started a band: Narbona

Morning Edition - Batman’s nemesis Joker returns to theaters — this time he’s got a song in his heart

Re: Dracula - October 5: Baptism of Blood

🎶 MUSIC 🎶

Rock Radio • 1980s

Presenting Crosby, Stills & Nash

Charli XCX & Troye Sivan Sweat Setlist

'00s Pop Divas

personal 'Liked Music' playlist

Rock Radio • Pump-up

[citationzero]

they should invent university websites that are easy to navigate and don't make you feel like brain-damaged rat undergoing morris water maze test

[vjinstruments426]

Innovations in Pharmaceutical and Neurological Research: Morris Water Maze, Spheronizer, and Radial Arm Maze

The pharmaceutical and neurological research fields are continually evolving, with innovative technologies and methodologies playing a pivotal role. Three such advancements that have significantly impacted these fields are the Morris Water Maze, Spheronizer, and Radial Arm Maze.

Morris Water Maze

The Morris Water Maze is a tool used primarily in behavioral neuroscience to study spatial learning and memory. The maze consists of a large circular pool filled with water, with a hidden platform submerged just below the surface. Rodents are placed in the maze and their ability to locate the hidden platform is studied, providing insights into their spatial memory capabilities. This tool has been instrumental in studying the effects of drugs, brain damage, and diseases on spatial memory.

Spheronizer

In the realm of pharmaceutical manufacturing, the Spheronizer plays a crucial role. It is used to produce uniform, spherical granules from extruded material. The process involves feeding the extrudate into a spinning friction plate within the Spheronizer, where centrifugal force shapes the extrudate into small, round granules. These granules are then dried and can be coated for controlled-release drug formulations. The Spheronizer is valued for its ability to produce consistent, high-quality granules, enhancing the efficacy and safety of pharmaceutical products.

Radial Arm Maze

The Radial Arm Maze, like the Morris Water Maze, is another tool used in behavioral neuroscience. It consists of a central area with multiple arms radiating outwards. Rodents are placed in the maze and their movements are studied to understand their spatial memory and decision-making abilities. The Radial Arm Maze is particularly useful in studying the effects of drugs and neurological disorders on cognitive function.

Conclusion

These three innovations - the Morris Water Maze, Spheronizer, and Radial Arm Maze - have greatly enhanced the capabilities of pharmaceutical and neurological research. They represent the commitment to technological advancement and the continuous pursuit of knowledge in these fields.

[instrumentsbyvj]

Latest Trends in Pharmaceutical Research Equipment: Plethysmometers, Radial Arm Mazes, Watermazes, and FBD Fluid Bed Dryers

The pharmaceutical industry is constantly evolving, driven by innovations in research and development. This continuous push for advancement extends to the equipment used in preclinical and clinical trials, as researchers seek tools that are more accurate, efficient, and reliable. Here, we delve into the latest trends in four key pieces of equipment used in various stages of drug development: plethysmometers, radial arm mazes, watermazes, and FBD fluid bed dryers.

Plethysmometers:

Measuring body composition is crucial for understanding the effects of drugs on metabolism, energy expenditure, and overall health. Plethysmometers, which utilize air displacement or water displacement techniques, have long been the go-to tool for this purpose. However, recent trends highlight advancements in:

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) plethysmometers: These combine the traditional air displacement method with DXA scanning, providing highly accurate and precise measurements of fat, lean mass, and bone mineral density simultaneously.

Whole-body plethysmometers: These chambers accommodate larger animals, enabling studies on species like pigs and sheep, which are closer to humans in physiology than rodents.

High-throughput plethysmometers: These automated systems allow for rapid measurement of multiple animals, improving efficiency and throughput in preclinical studies.

Radial Arm Mazes:

Assessing cognitive function and learning abilities is essential for evaluating drugs targeting neurological disorders. Radial arm mazes (RAMs) are popular tools for this purpose, and recent trends encompass:

Touchscreen-based RAMs: These eliminate the need for physical barriers and reward mechanisms, simplifying setup and operation while offering flexibility in task design.

Virtual reality (VR) RAMs: Immersive VR environments provide more complex and natural stimuli, potentially leading to more robust and ecologically relevant behavioral assessments.

Automated RAMs: These systems track animal movements and choices electronically, reducing human error and increasing data accuracy.

Watermazes:

Spatial learning and memory are critical cognitive functions often impaired in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. Watermazes, where animals navigate to a hidden platform submerged in water, are widely used to evaluate these functions. Recent trends include:

Morris watermaze variations: Modifications like the probe test, radial watermaze, and Barnes maze offer additional insights into specific aspects of spatial learning and memory.

Video tracking systems: Automated tracking eliminates manual scoring, improving objectivity and data consistency.

Chemogenetic watermazes: Combining watermaze testing with chemogenetic manipulation of specific brain circuits allows researchers to pinpoint the neural substrates of spatial learning and memory.

FBD Fluid Bed Dryers:

Drying pharmaceutical products is a crucial step in manufacturing, and fluid bed dryers (FBDs) offer several advantages over traditional methods. Recent trends in FBDs focus on:

Continuous processing: This approach improves efficiency and scalability, particularly for high-volume production.

Advanced process control: Real-time monitoring and adjustment of parameters like temperature, airflow, and product moisture content ensure consistent and high-quality drying.

Integration with other unit operations: Seamless integration with granulation, blending, and coating equipment streamlines production processes.

Energy efficiency: Newer FBD designs incorporate features like improved insulation and heat recovery systems to reduce energy consumption.

Conclusion:

The trends discussed above highlight the continuous advancements in pharmaceutical research equipment. These innovations aim to improve data accuracy, efficiency, and throughput, ultimately accelerating drug discovery and development while ensuring the safety and efficacy of new medications. As research continues to push boundaries, we can expect further developments in these and other equipment, paving the way for even more effective and personalized healthcare solutions.

[neurosciencenews]

Honeycomb Maze Offers Significant Improvement Over Current Spatial Navigational Tests

Spatial navigation tasks are used to study the way animals identify their location and navigate towards favourable, and away from unfavourable, locations in response to changes in the environment.

The research is in Nature. (full access paywall)

[jame7t]

*puts you in a morris water maze*

this would be easy for me

[vjinstruments]

Exploring Plethysmometers, Fear Conditioning Apparatus, and the Science of the Morris Water Maze

Introduction:

In the realm of pharmaceutical research and neuroscience, the quest to understand intricate mechanisms governing behavior, emotion, and cognition has led to the development of ingenious instruments that unlock the secrets of the mind. VJ Instruments proudly presents a comprehensive range of cutting-edge devices, including the Fear Conditioning Apparatus, Plethysmometer, and the iconic Morris Water Maze. In this insightful blog post, we delve into the technical intricacies of these instruments, uncovering the science that propels them, and their significant contributions to advancing scientific knowledge.

Fear Conditioning Apparatus: Decoding the Physiology of Fear

Fear Conditioning in a Nutshell

Fear is an innate response designed to ensure survival in the face of threats. Fear conditioning is a classical psychological experiment used to study the associative learning process that underlies fear responses. The Fear Conditioning Apparatus, an ingenious creation by VJ Instruments, provides researchers with a controlled environment to induce and analyze conditioned fear responses in laboratory animals.

Technical Insights

This apparatus comprises multiple components, including a conditioning chamber, shock generator, and sensors for data collection. The conditioning chamber offers a controlled setting where a neutral stimulus (e.g., a sound) is paired with an aversive stimulus (e.g., an electric shock). Over time, the animal associates the neutral stimulus with the aversive one, leading to a conditioned fear response upon exposure to the neutral stimulus alone.

Researchers can precisely manipulate variables such as intensity and timing of the stimuli, enabling investigations into fear extinction, memory retention, and potential interventions to mitigate fear-related disorders. The data collected from this apparatus play a crucial role in deciphering the neural circuits and molecular processes involved in fear learning, offering valuable insights for pharmaceutical innovations targeting anxiety and trauma-related disorders.

Plethysmometer: Measuring Respiratory Parameters with Precision

Respiration and Beyond

Respiration, a fundamental physiological process, is indicative of overall health and well-being. Plethysmometer, developed by VJ Instruments, are versatile tools employed in the pharmaceutical and medical research sectors to assess respiratory parameters in animal models.

Technical Ingenuity

VJ Instruments' Plethysmometer offer a non-invasive method for measuring parameters like tidal volume, respiratory rate, and lung function. These instruments function based on the principle of Boyle's Law, where changes in lung volume correspond to alterations in pressure. Small animals, usually rodents, are placed within the plethysmometer chamber.

Researchers gain invaluable insights into respiratory disorders such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cystic fibrosis. By understanding the mechanisms underlying these conditions, pharmaceutical interventions can be developed to target specific pathways, ultimately enhancing patient care and treatment outcomes.

Morris Water Maze: Navigating Cognitive Terrain

Unveiling Spatial Learning

Spatial learning is an essential cognitive ability in both humans and animals, involving the acquisition of information about the environment and the ability to navigate within it. The Morris Water Maze, an iconic creation by VJ Instruments, is a widely used experimental setup to study spatial learning and memory in rodents.

Technical Nuances

The Morris Water Maze consists of a large circular pool filled with opaque water. The pool is divided into four quadrants, and a hidden platform is submerged in one of the quadrants. During training, animals are placed in the pool and must learn to locate the hidden platform using spatial cues. Over time, they become adept at remembering the platform's location, demonstrating spatial memory retention.

This apparatus enables researchers to delve into the intricacies of cognitive processes, hippocampal function, and the effects of various interventions on spatial learning. The insights garnered from Morris Water Maze experiments contribute to the development of pharmaceutical interventions for neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease and also aid in understanding cognitive impairments associated with aging.

Conclusion:

VJ Instruments' Fear Conditioning Apparatus, Plethysmometers, and the Morris Water Maze stand as formidable pillars in the realm of pharmaceutical and neuroscience research. These instruments empower researchers to explore the depths of behavior, emotion, cognition, and physiology. By meticulously crafting these tools, VJ Instruments has facilitated groundbreaking discoveries and paved the way for innovative pharmaceutical solutions targeting an array of conditions.

As technology evolves and scientific inquiries deepen, these instruments remain at the forefront, unraveling the complexities of the human mind and body. Through meticulous engineering and a commitment to scientific progress, VJ Instruments continues to shape the future of pharmaceutical research, one innovative instrument at a time.

[ewingstan]

I obviously loved Pact, but I think one thing it was really missing for me was a stable cast of characters for Blake to bounce off of. Taylor had the Undersiders and Danny, Sy has the Lambs, Blake could have had the Toronto Cabal or the Thorburn extended family or his allies in Jacobs Bell, but actually doesn’t have anyone but Rose (until he’s post-boogeyification, at which point Ethan and Green Eyes actually serve the part quite well). Almost none of the groups above actually get to spend enough time with Blake to form a meaningful connection to him, or in the case of the Toronto cabal, for us to see the connection played on before its severed. I think more time devoted to Blake spending time with any of these groups would have helped sell me on Blake as a character; part of what helps contextualize a protagonist’s behavior is seeing other established characters react to them, and having the protagonist consider other character’s reaction in choosing what to do. Hell, even a Brian or Gordon-type figure to say “woah there buddy, that’s kind of a risky play” before Blake rushes head-first into some crazy plan would help sell that Blake is actually taking risks and making meaningful decisions, and not just perambulating around as the narrative requires.

Half the driving tension in the first parts of Worm was Taylor trying to balance being a mole with wanting her new villain friends to like her, or with being a villain and having a normal relationship with her dad. Even in instances like the cafeteria confrontation scene in Worm, where Taylor drops the civilian facade and acts as if Emma and the other students aren’t there, the framing of her acting that way despite an established character’s presence really helps sell the radical shift the moment spells out for the story. I hardly ever felt the same way in Pact, just because it never felt like anyone would feel surprised/disappointed/betrayed by what Blake did. No matter how crazy and desperate he got, no one was around who knew him well enough to do anything but have their suspicions confirmed about the mysterious Thorburn diabolical/boogeyman.

And yeah, that’s certainly part of the intended tone of the story, that no one will lower their barriers to Blake and that he spends the whole thing dealing with unknown, unwelcoming elements. It sells the idea of being thrust into a strange and frightening world. It sells the constant desperation, the feeling that Blake is a mouse stuck in a Morris Water Maze, padding around for an invisible floor and constantly in danger of drowning.

And it accomplishes all that! But there are also times where its nearly as exhausting for the reader as it is for Blake.

Also, there are times where Blake having real connections would just help sell the tragedy better. The readers having more of a sense of Blake’s friendship with the Toronto cabal would make it hurt that much more when Ur happens and they start treating him like a freaky stranger. It’s really cool when all the hated traits of the Thorburn extended family get reframed as survival tactics that come in clutch in key moments, but it would work better if we had more time to see them in their original antagonistic context. And the rock bottom Blake hits where his most trusted comrades are some dead kid and a cannibal mermaid works really well in establishing how Blake is losing his old sense of self even as his literal old self is being replaced by branches and sparrow-bone, but it would hit even harder if he had any trusted comrades before Evan and Green Eyes.

How did other people feel about this aspect? Did the more ephemeral connection between the protagonist and the greater cast work better for other people?

[luna-writes-stuff]

Motion Sickness, Xu Shangqi

Yes, I wrote this out self projection. I myself have a very weak stomach and can therefor very easily and quickly catch motion sickness.

For those interested about what motion sickness is and what it means for me: Quick story of it, my stomach cannot stand a lot of motion, especially when my brain is unaware of the direction my body is moving in. I get nauseous and light headed and just feel the bile rising up in my throat. So when I go on long car rides for vacation and I cannot see the navigation, I could easily throw up in the car in a matter of seconds. When I sit on the wrong side of the car, I get sick. When I look anywhere else but outside in the car, I get sick. When the car is taking turns instead of driving straight ahead, I get sick. It’s really annoying and it’s still something I struggle with a lot. I get it on amusement rides, rollercoasters, boats; even when I just move around to quickly or too much. So when I was watching that scene in Shang-Chi where they drive to Ta Lo, all I could think about was how terrible I would’ve been in that situation. And it inspired me to write this (stupid as it may sound.) Yes, I am aware there is medication for this, but it happens a lot of the times and would I keep using and buying it, I would spend way more money than I actually need to. I only use it for long car rides and boat trips.

Fanfic, female! reader

Fluff, bit of angst

Tw: SPOILERS, motion sickness, description of nausea, lightheadedness, description of vomiting, rising temperature, half consciousness, self projected, description of losing consciousness (but not really), Shang-Chi being worried, established relationship, use of Y/N. Also, I could not find the script anywhere, so half of the dialogue is probably wrong.

Summary: When escaping Wenwu’s home, you join the ride to Ta Lo, even as you are aware that you get severe motion sickness in cars and most definitely will end up throwing up later. Shang-Chi knows this and tries to help, but you can’t talk nausea out of someone. Upon arriving in Ta Lo, you’re barely conscious and Shang-Chi gets concerned.

“Are you sure this is a good idea?” Shang-Chi asked, as you sat outside the car you just escaped in.

The ride from Wenwu’s home had been difficult to say the least. You got very nauseous in car rides, and you knew that, yet you wanted to be there for Shang-Chi when he would travel to his mother’s village. It was already clear it was not going to be an easy journey, but you insisted on joining the ride.

At the moment, you were catching some fresh air after the eventful car ride earlier. You forced your nausea down, smiling up at Shang-Chi.

“Oh yeah. I’ll be fine.” You assured, standing up and taking a deep breath in.

“You know you don’t have to come along.” He tried again, but you ignored his offer.

“I said I’ll be fine.” You insisted, walking back towards the car. Shang-Chi let out a sigh of defeat before opening the door to the passenger seat.

“Actually, Trevor was going to sit there. Seeing as he kind of holds the information and stuff.” Katy said, gesturing towards the man behind you two.

“He can do that from the back.” Shang-Chi said, but you shoo’d him, opening the door behind the passenger seat.

“I can sit here too.” You announced, sitting down before your boyfriend could say anything about it.

“Y/N-“ “Don’t Y/N me.” You interrupted. “If I get sick, it’s my own damn fault.”

He groaned before stepping in on the other side, his sister seated between the two of you.

“Is something wrong?” She asked, looking towards you with a worried glance.

“She gets sick in car rides.” Shang-Chi announced, putting on his seatbelt.

“Don’t worry.” You reassured her, “If I’m going to throw up, I’m going to aim for Shang-Chi. You’ll be fine.”

“You’re going to throw up?” She questioned, frowning at the statement.

“I’ll try not to, if it’s any consolation to you.” You offered, throwing off your jacket before bundling it up and letting it rest on your lap, holding it against your stomach lightly.

“I hope you’re strapped in. Morris tells us we need to leave now.” Trevor announced, simultaneously making Katy push the gas.

As you’re driving, Katy keeps a steady pace, causing a feeling of relief to wash through you. If this was going to be the pace you’d keep during the ride, nothing could really go wrong.

In front of the car, the trees suddenly started to separate, creating a road for Katy to drive on. You gasped at the sight, having never seen anything like it before.

“This is so cool.” Katy quietly awed. You hummed in agreement, staring at the greens out of the window.

“Morris says you might want to speed up.” Trevor announced, looking at the rearview mirror. Katy followed his look, before letting a curse word slip and speeding up. All three of you in the back quickly looked behind, eyes widening at the sight of the trees closing back.

You turned around the second you saw what was happening, not ready to move forward while looking back.

“Take a left.” Trevor instructed.

“When?” Katy wondered, sparing the man a single glance.

“Now!” He ushered.

Katy took a sharp turn at his words, causing you to immediately grab hold of the handle on the door. Xialing and Shang-Chi both fell towards your side, not having prepared for the turn. You let out a little chuckle at the sight of them, but stopped as the familiar feeling of nausea hit you again.

“Right!” Trevor instructed. Yet again, Katy listened to him, taking a sharp right turn as the woods split into two again.

You had yet to let go of the handle, but you figured it might the closest thing you’d get to grounding at the moment. You felt Shang-Chi’s eyes drill holes into your head, but you refused to look at him. Instead, you kept you eyes on the window outside, knowing shooting your glance anywhere else might lead to some unfortunate consequences.

“Right again!” And at those words, the car stumbled around. Your stomach started feeling heavy as your head grew lighter, but you refused to acknowledge it, silently wishing for it to be over soon. You knew what would happen. You brought this upon yourself and you had no one to blame but yourself. You were in this now and you would not complain about it.

“Left!”

The next turn came completely unexpected to you, causing you to lose grip of the handle and the jacket on your lap, your hands trying to hold onto the seat in front of you.

As the car was on a straight line again, Shang-Chi quickly leaned over, grabbing your jacket and handing it to you, before opening your window slightly, allowing fresh air to fill the car. He shot you a silent look before returning to his seat.

“Drive faster!” Trevor urged, looking in the rearview mirror again. The forest seemed to close in behind you in an even faster rate now.

Katy just followed his lead, pushing the gas pedal down all the way. The car was hurled forward as your stomach began to flip. You leant your head against the window, your jacket pressed tightly against your stomach.

“Right!” Trevor yelled, the wind that blew into the car now becoming louder than his voice.

As Katy followed his directions, your clothes began to uncomfortably cling to your body, your hair slowly sticking to your forehead. You felt the bile rising up your throat, but you swallowed it back down, knowing there was no way of stopping now.

As Trevor kept shouting instructions, you began to wonder when this maze would end. It had been more terrible than you predicted. Perhaps the nausea of the earlier car-ride still lay heavy on your stomach, which only increased with the current journey. Or maybe the fact that there were no blinkers or navigation used, made your brain confused and uncomfortable, leaving you with a sickening feeling. Perhaps it was a combination of both.

Had this been a bad idea?

Definitely.

Would you ever confess it?

Never.

“Close the window!” Trevor yelled to Katy, holding his hands over his ears.

“Do not close the window!” Shang-Chi shot after him, holding his hand beside Katy’s seat, leaving her unable to access the window buttons.

Your head rested against the backside of the chair in front of you, trying to keep the dizziness at bay, but with every following turn, you felt that uncomfortable substance rising back up. Your head felt too light to lift it now, but your stomach forced you to keep it up before everything would come back out.

You let your head fall towards the window, keeping it up in order to swallow everything down again. The sour feeling stung your throat, nearly making you gasp in uneasiness, but you did your best not to show it. The open window that provided you with fresh air, had begun to lose its purpose, now only filling you with a loud pounding in the ears, every other word suddenly passing by unheard. It wasn’t until you felt a warm hand on the one that clung to your jacket, that you moved your head.

Before even looking, you knew it was Shang-Chi, but there was little he could do for you now. He didn’t say anything. Instead, he held out a bottle of cold water and a plastic bag. You gratefully took the offer, taking small sips from the bottle before placing the plastic bag on top of your jacket, just in case things would go sideways.

Your hands had grown all warm and soggy, nearly gliding off of the fabric. Your shirt was now nearly glued to your back. The hair you had refused to put up earlier was now suffocating your neck with a heat attack. You could feel the sweat of it fall down your body, making you move uncomfortably in your seat. A sharp ringing filled your ears, your vision showing black dots from time to time.

The car increased its speed suddenly. You had no idea what was happening, but you closed your eyes, not willing to look outside anymore. You needed your focus on your body, trying so desperately to maintain it.

Katy’s screaming disturbed the ringing in your ears as you felt an annoying banging against your brain.

And just like that, the car stopped moving. Heavy breathing was heard all around the car, but you had yet to open your eyes. The nauseating feeling was far from over. You figured it was best to continue driving before you would have to experience everything again.

“Everyone okay?” Katy asked, which went answered by multiple hums.

“Morris says to go right through there.” The man in front of you announced.

“Through the waterfall?” Katy asked incredulously.

“Yes.” Was the simple answer.

And then, the car was moving again. You heard the window beside you shut, but you made no intention to open your eyes yet.

“Y/N?” You heard Shang-Chi ask, but you ignored him, waving your hand towards him in a “let it go” manner.

How long the car had been driving afterwards, you did not know. You didn’t look outside, the earlier trip still heavy on your stomach. It wasn’t until the car suddenly stopped, that your stomach decided enough was enough, and resorted to throwing everything out.

You were hunched over the bag in your hands, the vomit slowly leaving your throat, much to your discomfort. You felt two gentle, yet unfamiliar hands wrap around your hair before tying it in a simple pony tail.

Your body felt as if it was on fire, your shirt definitely drenched by now. You tried to catch your breath, but you threw yourself back over the bag before you knew it. A second round falling out just as terrible as the first one.

You could hardly comprehend the door beside you opening, followed by a hand slowly, but steadily rubbing your back. You kept yourself above the bag, even though you were fairly sure you were done now. You began tying it, but it was taken from you before you could grab the ends.

As you unbuckled yourself and stood back up, black spots appeared in your vision again, making you stumble outside, before forcing you to sit down, your back against the car.

“Babe, can you hear me?” You faintly heard, making you hum silently, leaning your head against the car too, your eyes closing again.

“Are you okay?” He asked again, the voice now nearer.

“I just threw up twice. What do you think?” You mumbled.

Your statement went ignored, a soft hand being placed on top of your head instead.

“You’re burning up.” He remarked, untying your hair and wrapping it in a bun instead, making you sigh in relief.

“Give me a few minutes.” You stated quietly.

“Can you give me that bottle of water?” You followed up in a whisper. It was quiet for a moment before you felt the cold bottle back in your hands. You finished it quickly, handing it back when you were done.

“Do you need anything else?” He wondered again, his hand softly touching your cheek.

“A cold shower.” You mustered out, throwing your head forward, making it rest against Shang-Chi’s chest. “And a few painkillers.”

A low chuckle escaped his throat as his hand rested on your back, making you since slightly at the hot and sweaty shirt now being pushed against your body.

“Can you move yet?” He whispered patiently, letting you go, though he allowed your head to keep resting against him.

“Give me a moment.” You muttered, one of your hands falling to your stomach as if it would calm it down.

“That’s okay.” He answered, shifting a little bit before resting his head on top of yours, one of his his hands connecting with the one that was on your stomach.

“Xialing is doing the talking anyway.” He explained, his second hand falling to your neck and stroking it affectionately.

“Tell me when to get up.” He proposed, letting you pick your time and comfort.

You hummed in response, happy to be in his arms back on solid ground. You tried turning in your position, but your body quickly show down the idea, fresh nausea returning fast.

Shang-Chi understood what you were trying to do, luckily. He grabbed your waist, carefully turning you around, making your back rest against his chest.

“You’re drenched in sweat.” He noticed aloud, though that was the only thing he did about it.

Your head fell back in the crook of his neck, making Shang-Chi smile and rest his head against yours. Your hand tried reaching for his, even though you could not see anything right now.

“You want more water?” He misunderstood, his voice vibrating through his chest.

You just shook your head lightly, grabbing his arm and letting your hand slide down it until your hand connected with his. He squeezed it in comfort, before wrapping his arms around your body, holding you against him tightly, your hands toying with his fingers.

“I’m tired.” You whispered. “Do you mind if I fall asleep right here?”

Once more, Shang-Chi chuckled. “Of course not, babe.”

“Thank you.” You mumbled, sinking into his arms, nausea slowly subsiding as your mind finally drifted off.

You were glad he had been understanding, instead of cocky and full of himself at the moment. He did not mention your stubbornness earlier or your stupid comments. And you were thankful for that. You were far too tired or nauseous to deal with these comments now. They’d have to wait until tomorrow morning. Besides, a cold shower was next on the agenda, whether Ta Lo had that or not.

Taglist: @wlfstxr

[compneuropapers]

Interesting Papers for Week 35, 2022

Opponent control of behavior by dorsomedial striatal pathways depends on task demands and internal state. Bolkan, S. S., Stone, I. R., Pinto, L., Ashwood, Z. C., Iravedra Garcia, J. M., Herman, A. L., … Witten, I. B. (2022). Nature Neuroscience, 25(3), 345–357.

Local connectivity and synaptic dynamics in mouse and human neocortex. Campagnola, L., Seeman, S. C., Chartrand, T., Kim, L., Hoggarth, A., Gamlin, C., … Jarsky, T. (2022). Science, 375(6585).

A distribution-free, Bayesian goodness-of-fit method for assessing similar scientific prediction equations. Chechile, R. A., & Barch, D. H. (2022). Journal of Mathematical Psychology, 107, 102638.

Secondary auditory cortex mediates a sensorimotor mechanism for action timing. Cook, J. R., Li, H., Nguyen, B., Huang, H.-H., Mahdavian, P., Kirchgessner, M. A., … Jin, X. (2022). Nature Neuroscience, 25(3), 330–344.

Target-specific control of olfactory bulb periglomerular cells by GABAergic and cholinergic basal forebrain inputs. De Saint Jan, D. (2022). eLife, 11, e71965.

Tuning alpha rhythms to shape conscious visual perception. Di Gregorio, F., Trajkovic, J., Roperti, C., Marcantoni, E., Di Luzio, P., Avenanti, A., … Romei, V. (2022). Current Biology, 32(5), 988-998.e6.

Age‐related differences in bottom‐up and top‐down attention: Insights from EEG and MEG. ElShafei, H. A., Masson, R., Fakche, C., Fornoni, L., Moulin, A., Caclin, A., & Bidet‐Caulet, A. (2022). European Journal of Neuroscience, 55(5), 1215–1231.

Brief Stimuli Cast a Persistent Long-Term Trace in Visual Cortex. Fritsche, M., Solomon, S. G., & de Lange, F. P. (2022). Journal of Neuroscience, 42(10), 1999–2010.

Abnormal multisensory integration in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis. Giurgola, S., Casati, C., Stampatori, C., Perucca, L., Mattioli, F., Vallar, G., & Bolognini, N. (2022). Experimental Brain Research, 240(3), 953–968.

Flexibility and stability of habit learning depend on temporal signal variation. Hong, I., Kim, M.-S., & Jeong, S. K. (2022). Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition, 48(1), 1–12.

Population temporal structure supplements the rate code during sensorimotor transformations. Jagadisan, U. K., & Gandhi, N. J. (2022). Current Biology, 32(5), 1010-1025.e9.

α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor modulation of accumbal dopamine release covaries with novelty seeking. Leach, A. C., Pitts, E. G., Siciliano, C. A., & Ferris, M. J. (2022). European Journal of Neuroscience, 55(5), 1162–1173.

Relevance of Predictive and Postdictive Error Information in the Course of Motor Learning. Maurer, L. K., & Maurer, H. (2022). Neuroscience, 486, 77–90.

Post-error Slowing During Instrumental Learning is Shaped by Working Memory-based Choice Strategies. McDougle, S. D. (2022). Neuroscience, 486, 37–45.

Novel measures of Morris water maze performance that use vector field maps to assess accuracy, uncertainty, and intention of navigational searches. Meenakshi, P. K., Mehrotra, D., Nruthyathi, N., Almeida‐Filho, D., Lee, Y., Silva, A., & Balaji, J. (2022). Hippocampus, 32(4), 264–285.

Opposing Roles of the Dorsolateral and Dorsomedial Striatum in the Acquisition of Skilled Action Sequencing in Rats. Turner, K. M., Svegborn, A., Langguth, M., McKenzie, C., & Robbins, T. W. (2022). Journal of Neuroscience, 42(10), 2039–2051.

A dentate gyrus-CA3 inhibitory circuit promotes evolution of hippocampal-cortical ensembles during memory consolidation. Twarkowski, H., Steininger, V., Kim, M. J., & Sahay, A. (2022). eLife, 11, e70586.

NMDA receptors in visual cortex are necessary for normal visuomotor integration and skill learning. Widmer, F. C., O’Toole, S. M., & Keller, G. B. (2022). eLife, 11, e71476.

Neuronal activity in sensory cortex predicts the specificity of learning in mice. Wood, K. C., Angeloni, C. F., Oxman, K., Clopath, C., & Geffen, M. N. (2022). Nature Communications, 13, 1167.

Neurons detect cognitive boundaries to structure episodic memories in humans. Zheng, J., Schjetnan, A. G. P., Yebra, M., Gomes, B. A., Mosher, C. P., Kalia, S. K., … Rutishauser, U. (2022). Nature Neuroscience, 25(3), 358–368.

[thecreaturecodex]

You mention on your Ulgurstasta post that you had an Age of Worms soundtrack when you ran the AP in High School. Any other tracks for other encounters/areas?

I actually still have the whole playlist put together! I'll stash it under a cut in the interest of saving space, but some highlights:

The Hellboy soundtrack by Marco Beltrami was sort of the backbone of the piece. The Main Theme was what I used as the main theme for the campaign as a whole, and the themes used for the Nazis in that movie were the cues for the Ebon Triad.

The Full Metal Alchemist soundtrack was also a major role (the original 2004 anime, not Brotherhood). The Homunculus theme was used as Lashonna's theme, in many variations.

Lots of Nobou Uematsu, particularly FFVI and FFVII. I used OC Remix versions of many of those tracks for fights.

The Hall of Harsh Reflections, appropriately, used music from The Thing by Ennio Morricone

Balabar Smenk's theme was the Jabba the Hutt music from Return of the Jedi

The music used for the Kyuss Knights was Spiders and Vinegaroons by Queens of the Stone Age (who were formed from a band named Kyuss)

Musically, Alhaster was Russia. Lots of Russian folk songs for its characters.

The Library of Last Resort was themed around Philip Glass music

Every time they found an artifact, I used The Ecstasy of Gold from the soundtrack to The Good, The Bad and the Ugly

Kyuss himself got One Winged Angel for his fight music, so I gave the JENOVA theme to the Harbinger of Worms, who created him.

The full list (all six discs worth, including bonus tracks!) is below the cut.

Age of Worms OST

Disc 1

1. Main Title – Hellboy Main Title (Marco Beltrami)

2. Sasha –Time’s Scar (Yasunori Mitsuda)

3. Trinton – Gilderoy Lockhart (John Williams)

4. The Whispering Cairn – Winds of Neo-Tokyo (Genioh Yamashirogumi)

5. Vincent – Nonki (Michiru Ooshima)

6. Dinner with Balabar Smenk – Jabba the Hutt (John Williams)

7. Filge the Necromancer – In the Theatre (Philip Glass and the Kronos Quartet)

8. Relics of a Lost Time – El Amor Brujo (Manuel de Falla)

9. Battle with the Wind Warriors – Battle with the Four Fiends (Nobou Uematsu and the Black Mages)

10. Into Dourstone Mine – Overture of Destiny (Michiru Ooshima)

11. Three Faces of Evil 1: The Temple of Theldrick – Evil-Doers (Marco Beltrami)

12. Three Faces of Evil 2: Maze of the Faceless One – Soul Sucker (Marco Beltrami)

13. Three Faces of Evil 3: The Eyes of Grallak Kur – Alley Fight (Marco Beltrami)

14. Diana – Dark Eyes (Moondog)

15. Escape from Dourstone Mine and The Thing from the Pool – Juurin (Michiru Ooshima)

16. Allustan – Avenue (Michiru Ooshima)

17. Clyde – Mystic Mysidia (Nobou Uematsu)

18. An Encounter at Blackwall Keep – Opening/Bombing Run (Nobou Uematsu)

19. Damon – Greed (Michiru Ooshima)

20. Into the Lizard’s Lair – River Cruise (Danny Elfman)

21. Battle with the Turtle Rider – High Above Chaos (Nobou Uematsu, remixed by OverCoat)

22. The Shaman’s Sad Tale – Land Governed by Beasts (Nobou Uematsu, remixed by OverCoat)

23. The Dragon’s Egg – Brett’s Demise (Jerry Goldsmith)

24. Blessings of the Shaman – River Cruise 2 (Danny Elfman)

25. Another Encounter at Blackwall Keep – Element’s (Yoko Kanno)

26. Those Who Have Fallen – Sad Resolution (Michiru Ooshima)

27. End Title – End Credits (Nicholas Pavkovic)

28. Bonus Track – Worms (The Pogues)

Disc 2

1. An Ominous Beginning – Beyond the Wasteland (Nobou Uematsu)

2. The Prophet – The Fall of Neo-Kuja (Nobou Uematsu)

3. Meeting Dr. Thanatos – Revelation of Fire (Claado Shou)

4. The Crooked House – Music TCC (Michael Hoenig)

5. Doppelganger Chase – Spider Dib (Kevin Manthei)

6. Mimics! – Contamination (Ennio Morricone)

7. The Hall of Harsh Reflections – Eternity (Ennio Morricone)

8. Cathar – Rider’s March (Russian folksong, performed by the Red Army Choir)

9. Zyrxog the Illithid / The Death of Damon – Mutation (Geinoh Yamashirogumi)

10. Kysom – Heavenly Spirit (Michiru Ooshima)

11. Puli – The Dragon’s Eye (Jeremy Soule)

12. Battle with the Kenku – Russian Sailor’s Dance (Reinhold Gliere)

13. Filge Unveils His Undead Army – Carriage Without a Driver (Philip Glass)

14. The Weavers – Shelob’s Lair (Howard Shore)

15. The Painter’s Madness – The Belgian Circus Episode (John Morris)

16. Maskarovka! / The Champion’s Dinner – The Kitchen, The Orgy (Basil Poledouris)

17. The Champion’s Games – Wheel of Fortune (Hans Zimmer)

18. The Shrine of Kyuss – Dog’s Attack (Jerry Goldsmith)

19. Zahol, the Cleric – Davy Jones (Hans Zimmer)

20. The Final Battle – Algiers, November 1, 1954 (Ennio Morricone)

21. The Apostle of Kyuss – The Kraken (Hans Zimmer)

22. Victory! – L’Arena (Ennio Morricone)

Disc 3

1. The Dragon Ilthane – Riddle of Steel, Riders of Doom (Basil Poledouris)

2. Falth – Jungle Dance (Max Steiner)

3. Cosgrak the Lewd – Castle Damcyan (Nobou Uematsu)

4. A Gathering of Winds – The Promised Land (Nobou Uematsu)

5. Riverof Blood – The Decisive Battle (Nobou Uematsu)

6. Rescuing Allustan – Illusory World (Nobou Uematsu)

7. Moreto – Space Station of the Ancients (Nobou Uematsu, remixed by Mazedude)

8. Battle with the Ten Thousand Year Old Demon – Fire Cross (Nobou Uematsu, remixed by Luiza)

9. Gifts of the Wind Dukes – The Ecstasy of Gold (Ennio Morricone)

10. Return to Diamond Lake– Death Rides a Horse (Ennio Morricone)

11. Ambushed by Devils – Pandemonium (Hector Berlioz)

12. Magepoint – Misha (Yoko Kanno)

13. Tenser Manzorian – Averro Reinhold (Yoko Kanno)

14. The Spire of Long Shadows – Seven Notes in Black (Vince Tempera)

15. A Dragon took the Spire! – Minas Morgul (Howard Shore)

16. Fallen Angels – Anakin’s Dark Deeds (John Williams)

17. Visions of the Past – Summer Overture (Clint Mansell)

18. Serai Keeneye – Saber Dance (Gayane)

19. Knights and Swords of Kyuss – Spiders and Vinegaroons (Queens of the Stone Age and Kyuss)

20. Ascension Interrupted – Monolith (Immediate Music)

21. The Harbinger of Worms – JENOVA for Classical Piano (Nobou Uematsu, arranged by Eric Barker)

22. Battle with the Harbinger – Piano Quartet Boss Battle Medley (Nobou Uematsu, arranged by Reu)

23. The Final Vision – Father’s Funeral (Marco Beltrami)

Disc 4

1. Heroes – Space Marines’ Theme (artist unknown)

2. Journey to Alhaster – Song of the Plains (Red Army Chorus)

3. Ilthane’s Brood – Godzilla Comes to Tokyo Bay(Akira Ifukube)

4. The Acidwraith – Ghidorah’s Theme (Akira Ifukube)

5. The Deluxury – Theology, Civilization (Basil Poledouris)

6. Adalbert Childermass – Castaniets (Yoko Kanno)

7. Blessed Angels of Hextor – Yuukoku (Michiru Ooshima)

8. The Ebon Overgod – Aw, Crap (Marco Beltrami)

9. Twenty Years of Joy – Song of the Volga Boatman (Leningrad Cowboys)

10. Macabre Feast – Smoldering Corpse Bar (Mark Morgan)

11. A Dance of the Dead – Butou (Michiru Ooshima)

12. The Prince of Redhand – The Infernal Dance of King Kaschei (Igor Stravinsky)

13. Lashonna – Homonculus (Michiru Ooshima)

14. Disciples of Darkness – Grievous Speaks to Lord Sidious (John Williams)

15. The Library of Last Resort – Facades (Philip Glass)

16. The Wild Watchers – Koyaanisqatsi (Philip Glass)

17. Trials – November 25: Morning (Philip Glass)

18. Battlewith Curwen – Black History (Yoko Kanno)

19. Heroes of Time – Symphony 8, Movement 1 (Philip Glass)

Disc 5

1. Battle with Warduke – Position X (Yoko Kanno)

2. Lashonna’s Tragic Tale – Meimyaku (Michiru Ooshima)

3. Kings of the Rift – King Kong (James Howard)

4. A Flight of Dragons – Ride of the Valkyries (Wagner)

5. Gazzilfek, the Ominous Fabler – Cefca (Nobou Uematsu)

6. Citadel of Weeping Dragons – Last Blank Spot on the Map (James Howard)

7. Dragotha’s Phylactery/ Brazzemal the Burning – Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II Opening (Akira Ifukube)

8. When Three Spirits Become One – The Bad Color (James Howard)

9. Into the Wormcrawl Fissure – Circle of Hell (Brian Tyler and Klaus Badlet)

10. The Mighty Undone – Those We Don’t Speak Of (James Howard)

11. Thesselar, the Lich – October is Eternal (Of Montreal)

12. Zulshyn, the Angel – Dancing Calcobrena (Nobou Uematsu)

13. Cults of the Wormgod – Fithos Lusec Wecos Vinosec (Nobou Uematsu)

14. Kyuss’ Divine Blood – Full Tense (Clint Mansell)

15. Dragotha’s Revelation – Secrets of Shizuma Drive (Masamichi Amano)

16. Battle with Dragotha the Dracolich – I Don’t Think Now is the Best Time (Hans Zimmer)

17. A Treasure Unseen in this Age – Ecstacy of Gold (Ennio Morricone, performed by Yo-Yo Ma)

18. The Age of Worms Has Begun – Blasphemy 2.0 (Immediate Music)

Disc 6

1. Tenser’s Desperate Plan – Sign (Nobou Uematsu)

2. Saviors – Church Windows: Saint Michael (Respighi)

3. Alhaster in Ruins – Tragedy Occurs Again (Masamichi Amano)

4. The Traitor’s Graves Rise – Black Water (Nobou Uematsu)

5. Filge Betrayed – Dr. Van Helsing and Dracula (Philip Glass)

6. Riggby the Patriarch – Forward to Time Past (John Williams)

7. Lashonna’s Sanctum – Kaichou (Michiru Ooshima)

8. Vampire Attack – Shingun (Michiru Ooshima)

9. Accountant of Mephistopheles – All Hell Breaks Loose (Immediate Music)

10. Broodfiends – Tadarida (Hans Zimmer and James Howard)

11. Lashonna Triumphant – Keiji (Michiru Ooshima)

12. Battle with Lashonna – Symphonie Fantastique: Dreams of a Witches’ Sabbath (Hector Berlioz)

13. Ascending the Spire – Divinity I (Nobou Uematsu)

14. Kyuss – Advent One Winged Angel (Nobou Uematsu)

15. The Wormgod Defeated – Divinity II (Nobou Uematsu)

16. The New Prince of Redhand – Guardian of the Motherland (Michiru Ooshima)

17. A Happy Ending – B. P. R. D. Suite (Marco Beltrami)

18. Bonus Track 1 – Icarus (Jason Webley)

19. Bonus Track 2 – Swelling Itching Brain (DEVO)

20. Bonus Track 3 – Dance While the Sky Crashes Down (Jason Webley)

21. Bonus Track 4 – Dragon Attack (Queen)

[gradschoolrants]

Here’s my story of how I became vegan.

I used to love chicken, it was my favorite food. I always said that chickens were the best animals because they made eggs that you could eat and that you could eat them themselves. The only thing they were lacking was milk production. I’d jokingly tell my friends that as a scientist I’d genetically modify chickens so they could produce milk.. then they’d be the perfect animals. Eggs, meat, and dairy.

This view changed after I got a job in a lab that used mice as a model organism. I was in charge of administering pain meds to the mice who just underwent surgery and for behavioral tests such as the hidden cookie test and the Morris water maze. At the end of the study, we had to sacrifice the mice to analyze their brains. And I couldn’t do it...

I couldn’t bring myself to personally kill the mice I had been looking after for 8 months. Others in the lab stepped in and used the guillotine to chop their heads off, while I had to immediately collect the heads of the mice, so that I could dissect and preserve their fresh brains. All the while warm blood was gushing everywhere.

And that’s when I realized I was a hypocrite. If I couldn’t kill these mice myself, why was I paying other people to kill animals so that I could eat them?

I had seen some scenes of footage from factory farms before and I had dissected numerous animals in my biology classes (including worms, fish, snakes, jellyfish, starfish, squid, cats, cow eyes, sheep brains). I even went to a human cadaver lab and got to see a human dissection and hold human organs, so I had thought this experience wouldn’t affect me the way it did. But the difference between that footage and all those dissections and this experience with the mice was that I finally made the connection that these animals were once living beings.

The footage felt distant, kind of like watching a movie or the news — where you recognize something is happening but it doesn’t immediately affect you so you sort of ignore it. (When was the last time you cried after hearing about a plane crash unless you knew the people in the flight). And the dissections were equally as distant. Those animals had already died and had the fluids drained from their bodies. It was hard to envision they even once had life.

But those mice... I knew them. I fed them. I weighed them every day. And I actually saw them take their last breaths gasping for air as their heads were separated from their bodies. And they, those 16 little mice, are why I’m vegan.

Me becoming vegan didn’t happen overnight after that experience. No. I struggled and grappled with the trauma for a couple of months before I realized how hypocritical I had been. And now I resolve to live a much better life and reduce the suffering and needless killing of thousands of animals who don’t need or want to die.

[vjinstruments426]

Unveiling Industrial and Scientific Marvels: Tablet Coater, Fluid Bed Processor, and Morris Water Maze

In the diverse world of industrial machinery and scientific apparatus, three entities stand out: Tablet Coater, Fluid Bed Processor, and Morris Water Maze. Each plays a pivotal role in their respective fields, contributing significantly to pharmaceutical manufacturing and neuroscience research.

Tablet Coater

Tablet Coaters are integral to the pharmaceutical industry. They are used to coat tablets with a thin layer of coating material, which can serve various purposes such as masking taste, providing a specific color for identification, or controlling the drug release rate. The manufacturers of these machines prioritize precision, efficiency, and consistency, ensuring that each tablet is uniformly coated, thereby maintaining the quality and efficacy of the medication.

Fluid Bed Processor

Next, we have the Fluid Bed Processor. This versatile machine is used for mixing, granulation, and drying in the pharmaceutical industry. It operates on the principle of air fluidization, where a bed of solid particles is made to behave like a fluid by passing gas or air through it. This results in efficient mixing and drying, leading to high-quality granules ready for tablet compression. Manufacturers of these machines focus on ensuring their products offer high levels of precision, reliability, and scalability, catering to both small-scale and large-scale production needs.

Morris Water Maze

Moving from the industrial to the scientific realm, the Morris Water Maze is a tool used in neuroscience to study spatial learning and memory in rodents. Named after Richard G. Morris, who developed it in 1981, this apparatus consists of a large circular pool filled with water, with a hidden platform submerged just below the surface. Rodents are placed in the pool and their ability to locate the hidden platform is studied, providing insights into their spatial memory capabilities. This tool has been instrumental in advancing our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

In conclusion, the Tablet Coater, Fluid Bed Processor, and Morris Water Maze each play a crucial role in their respective fields. Their contributions are vital in enhancing the quality of pharmaceutical products and advancing our understanding of the brain. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect these machines and tools to become even more efficient and precise, further solidifying their importance in the industrial and scientific sectors.