Local Synaptic Inputs Support Opposing, Network-Specific Odor Representations in a Widely Projecting Modulatory Neuron

Serotonin plays different roles across networks within the same sensory modality. Previously, we used whole-cell electrophysiology in Drosophila to show that serotonergic neurons innervating the first olfactory relay are inhibited by odorants (Zhang and Gaudry, 2016). Here we show that network-spanning serotonergic neurons segregate information about stimulus features, odor intensity and identity, by using opposing coding schemes in different olfactory neuropil. A pair of serotonergic neurons (the CSDns) innervate the antennal lobe and lateral horn, which are first and second order neuropils. CSDn processes in the antennal lobe are inhibited by odors in an identity independent manner. In the lateral horn, CSDn processes are excited in an odor identity dependent manner. Using functional imaging, modeling, and EM reconstruction, we demonstrate that antennal lobe derived inhibition arises from local GABAergic inputs and acts as a means of gain control on branch-specific inputs that the CSDns receive within the lateral horn

The wiring logic of identified serotonergic neurons across olfactory networks in Drosophila

Serotonin is a ubiquitous neuromodulator that confers flexibility in networks to modulate a wide array of behavioral and physiological processes. However, due to the complexity and heterogeneity of serotonergic systems, it has been challenging to determine the patterns of connectivity as well as the physiological contexts that influence individual serotonin neurons. In this dissertation, I use two serotonergic neurons which innervate the Drosophila olfactory system, the CSDns, as a model to explore these broad questions comprehensively using anatomical approaches. I first show that the CSDns have distinct connectivity relationships with populations of antennal lobe principal olfactory neurons and that their output across is non-uniform across glomeruli. I then comprehensively explore the wiring logic of a CSDn at a single-cell level. I demonstrate that the CSDn is highly interconnected with local networks, receiving glomerulus-specific input and synapsing extensively with subtypes of local interneurons, but also receives top-down input from neurons extrinsic to the olfactory system. I further demonstrate that a single serotonin neuron can differ in its connectivity across sensory regions, even to the same neuron that spans both regions, suggesting that its interactions may also differ across regions. Lastly, I demonstrate that the CSDns affect olfactory behavior in a circadian manner and provide anatomical data suggesting that the CSDn receives input from a population of clock neurons. Taken together, this thesis reveals the complex connectivity of individually identifiable serotonergic neurons within and across sensory brain regions and explores potential sources of input across multiple scales (local, global, and temporal) which may regulate the CSDn in context-specific manners

Проблемы состязаний: благополучие лошадей, пятиборцы и соревновательная верховая езда

Equestrian sports vary in degree of human-animal bond and affiliation, from catch-ride to perceptions of ownership. The Modern Pentathlon has not garnered mainstream media coverage until the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. Unfortunately, the rise in conversation and coverage was in response and reaction to poor horsemanship, negative behavior, and aggressive coaching. The events of the 2020 Modern Pentathlon were profound in that they highlighted the extreme juxtaposition of competitions that focus on bonded relationships and catch-riding experiences. The implications are far reaching with increased critique of equestrian sports, transparency about the lack of riding training athletes engaged in prior to competition, and the omission of partnership between horse and rider. The Modern Pentathlon is discussed in the context of the human-equine bond. The standards for equine welfare and wellbeing is considered in regard to the role of the rider in supporting their equine partner in the face of competition, including the implications of emotional distress in reaction to disappointment, and tragedy. Additionally, the role of riders when they are not engaged in the competitive sport (e.g., training and general care of their equine partners). Recommendations for the process and guidelines of the sport are delineated, as well as professional opportunities to strengthen the sport.Виды конного спорта различаются по степени связи и принадлежности между человеком и животным: от разовой езды до владения лошадью. Современное пятиборье не освещалось в основных СМИ до Олимпийских игр 2020 года в Токио. К сожалению, растущее количество комментариев и освещения в СМИ было вызвано низким уровнем верховой езды, негативным поведением спортсменов и агрессивной тренировкой. Соревнования по современному пятиборью 2020 года были важны, поскольку они выявили резкие различия между видами спорта, в которых отношения всадника и лошади основаны на прочной связи между ними, и теми, в которых выбор всадника и лошади является делом случая. Последствия имеют особо далеко идущий характер: растущая критика конного спорта, отсутствие подготовки спортсменов к верховной езде до соревнований и игнорирование роли партнерских отношений между лошадью и всадником. Современное пятиборье рассматривается в статье в контексте связи человека и лошади. Стандарты потребностей и благополучия лошадей обсуждаются в связи с ролью всадника в поддержке лошади-партнера в соревнованиях, включая последствия эмоционального стресса в ответ на разочарование, неудачу или падение. Кроме того, обсуждается роль всадников в период, когда они не занимаются соревновательными видами спорта (например, тренировки и общий уход за лошадью-партнером). В статье представлены рекомендации относительно взаимоотношений спортсмен–лошадь и конного спорта, а также профессиональные возможности укрепления имиджа этих видов спорта

A Competition Question: Horse Welfare, Pentathletes, and Competitive Riding

Equestrian sports vary in degree of human- animal bond and affiliation, from catch-ride to perceptions of ownership. The Modern Pentathlon has not garnered mainstream media coverage until the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. Unfortunately, the rise in conversation and coverage was in response and reaction to poor horsemanship, negative behavior, and aggressive coaching. The events of the 2020 Modern Pentathlon were profound in that they highlighted the extreme juxtaposition of competitions that focus on bonded relationships and catch-riding experiences. The implications are far reaching with increased critique of equestrian sports, transparency about the lack of riding training athletes engaged in prior to competition, and the omission of partnership between horse and rider. The Modern Pentathlon is discussed in the context of the human-equine bond. The standards for equine welfare and wellbeing is considered in regard to the role of the rider in supporting their equine partner in the face of competition, including the implications of emotional distress in reaction to disappointment, and tragedy. Additionally, the role of riders when they are not engaged in the competitive sport (e.g., training and general care of their equine partners). Recommendations for the process and guidelines of the sport are de-lineated, as well as professional opportunities to strengthen the sport