Cartoons of the prophet Mohamed Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Cartoons of the prophet Mohamed - Essay Example The current free of charge market system has realistic imperfections, but also some thoughts of faultlessness, which can motivate us to discover "ideal" solutions to old tribulations that had no fine resolution previous to, like those of conveying and implementation of the universal attention and opposing dishonesty. From liberalism, is reserved the inspiration of not using power (specifically, to make the use of force needless). This makes it probable to put into practice the fresh laws everywhere with no call for of assistance from presented political establishments. The Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons argument started following to the editorial perspective portraying the Islamic Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) were issued in the Danish newspaper by the name of Jyllands-Posten on September 30, 2005. Danish Muslim associations conducted remonstration in comeback. As the argument has expanded, few or all of the cartoons have been printed again in newspapers in addition to fifty different c ountries, primarily to aggressive disapprovals , specially in the Islamic countries. Opponents assert that the cartoons are ethnically abusive, Islamophobic, sacrilegious, and purposely done to disgrace a rare Danish minority. Devotees of the cartoons declare they exemplify a significant aspect and their newspaper implement the precise right of free speech. They also state that there are comparable cartoons about many other religions, disputing that Islam and its devotees have not been intended in a seperable way.

Wieland Analysis Essay Example for Free

Wieland Analysis Essay Throughout this course, we have read many selections that were directly related to Puritanism. Just as well, they have often come in the form of a captivity narrative or gothic novel. In this case, â€Å"Wieland† by Charles Brockden Brown, is written in the format of a gothic novel, and similarly seems to reject Puritan ideals. It is a gothic novel in the sense that it follows the typical storyline of a young, honorable woman having her virtue threatened. It involves many supernatural events and is also thought to be ultimately resolved by a supernatural event. Most importantly, it brings about the threat of religion. Brown aims to expose the dangers of believing to strictly in Puritanism, and furthermore any religion for that matter. It’s the idea that any religion can lead to religious frenzy and that no human virtue is safe from corruption. One can witness these concepts by simply examining the _________ of characters Henry Pleyel, Clara Wieland, and Theodore Wieland also known as Wieland. Henry Pleyel intro. Hears voices telling him that lover is dead but more importantly â€Å"hears† things that cause him to question clara’s virtue. â€Å"In vain you dwelt upon incidents of which you only could be conscious; incidents that occurred on occasions on which none beside your own family were witnesses. In vain was your discourse characterized by peculiarities inimitable of sentiment and language. My conviction was effected only by an accumulation of the same tokens. I yielded not but to evidence which took away the power to withhold my faith† (Brown 154). In this part, Henry recounts an event in where he supposedly heard Clara submit to Carwin. He argues that he knows it couldn’t of been anyone other than Clara because she spoke only of things that only she or one close to her family could know, and that her discourse was particularly her own, down to the language used. It was clearly her. No other being could know how to sound like her or know the things she did. The fact that Henry relies solely on his senses and leaves no room for the possibility of supernatural occurrences comes back to this idea of American Enlightenment. Clara Wieland constantly antagonized by voices but cannot make sense of them. Play on her senses, does not know what to trust. â€Å"The interval was too brief to artificially measured, between the utterance of these words, and my scrutiny directed to the quarter to whence they came. Yet if a human being had been there, could he fail to have been visible? Which of my senses was the prey of a fatal illusion? The shock which the sound produced was still felt in every part of my frame. The sound therefore, could not but be a genuine commotion. But that I heard it, was not more true than that the being who uttered it was stationed at my right ear; yet my attendant was invisible†(Brown 97-98). Explanation. Tie to thesis. Theodore Wieland is the worst case scenario. Seems the most normal and able to rationalize up until the point where he viciously murders his family and claims to be carrying out an act of god. â€Å"I thank thee, my father, for thy bounty; that thou didst not ask a less sacrifice than this; that thou placedst me in a condition to testify my submission to thy will! What have I withheld which it was thy pleasure to exact? Now may I, with dauntless and erect eye, claim my reward, since I have given thee thy treasure of my soul† (Brown 188). Explanation. Tie to thesis. Brown keeps swinging the pendulum back and forth between supernatural and human explanations for events and by the end of the novel, even when the mystery is technically cleared up, there are still several things left unknown or murky. The complete Enlightenment reliance upon reason can be misleading, and in some cases, even dangerous.

History of Rock and Roll Essay example -- essays research papers fc

A History Paper-Rock ‘n’ Roll Many people and many styles of music influenced Rock and Roll. The styles included Blues, Jazz, Gospel, Bluegrass, Boogie-Woogie, and Rockabilly. Each was a major factor into the introduction of a new style of music called Rock ‘N’ Roll. Popular music places a premium on accessibility, represents various meanings to boost both instant appeal and memorability - distinctive tunes, novel instrumental flourishes, danceable rhythms, repeated riffs - but its signal feature is melodic emphasis and great vocal gatherings. Popular music at the turn of the century came largely from musical theater - Broadway and Hollywood. Originally, popularized by traveling groups and sheet music sales, popular music really came into its own with the arrival of radio broadcasting, jukeboxes, 78 r.p.m recordings and other twentieth century technologies which continued into the Fifties. Hits from the first half of the 20th century were supplied by Tin Pin Alley that celebrated the boom years and Roaring Twenties and provided an escape from the Depression and two World Wars. Cole Porter, Hoagy Carmichael, Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, Rodgers and Hart, Jerome Kern left their imprint during "the Jazz Age." However, there were the long-forgotten hacks cashing in on the latest fads spewing out sentimental weepers and cute novelty numbers aimed at the bland tastes of American mainstream. Jazz and â€Å"boogie-woogie† of the Thirties moved popular music away from the light entertainment of the publishing houses toward a more exciting and dance oriented style that made the swing era a golden age. As the bigger bands died out and the star singers again grabbed the spot light the songwriters again found their services in demand. Without jazz driving it and Americans rebuilding their lives and starting baby booms people were too busy to waste time dancing. Popular music turned back to light sentimental songs and cute novelty music song by polished voices and backed by sweetly generic instrumentals. The Fifties were a good time to be a white middle class American These years brought an UN-thought of prosperity and confidence to Americans who barely remembered the Great Depression. Popular music of the early fifties mirrored the life of mainstream America: bland predictable and reassuring. Which didn't seem bad after the depre... ... England the rock capital of the world. The British Invasion of 1964 brought America's music - reinvented and revitalized - home, a new generation of rock fans was born. Rock now entered what is now known as its Classic Era. In conclusion this report has helped us understand the significance of Music in America. Also, the impact it has on music we listen too. Music is very much like a big chain reaction. Rock ‘N’ Roll, much like music today, stood out and was in a way rebellious. Parents now hate Rap and we love it. People in the 70’s loved Rock ‘N’ Roll and parents hated it. This shows that maybe no matter how much older people deny it, the time gap and generation gap is not too far apart. Without Rock ‘N’ Roll the World would without a doubt be changed. Any guess to that of which way would be a good one. Works Cited 1 Gass, Bryan "A History of Rock Music: The Rock and Roll Era" World Book. Ed. 6. 1994. 2 Jervey, A. J. " Rock Music Developments" World Book. Ed. 6. 1994. 3 Briss, Jake "A Rock’n Time† Compton’s. Ed. 13. 1987. 4 Mack, Stacey "ROCKED AND ROLLIN" TIME to Rock round the Clock Nash Publishing, 1994.

Motion Analysis – Jump Shot

Motion Analysis: Basketball Jump Shot The main joints involved in a basketball jump shot include the hip, knee, ankle, shoulder, elbow, and wrist. All of these joints flex and extend. The jump shot can be split into three parts: the set-up, the jump and release, and the post-release. The set-up involves a lot of flexion and extension of the hip, knee, ankle, and shoulder. Hip flexion occurs first and flexion of both knees until the thighs are parallel to the ground follows closely. Knee flexion occurs simultaneously with dorsi-flexion of both ankles to lessen the force of landing on the knees.The moment the subject’s feet are planted on the ground, flexion of both shoulders occurs until the tricep muscle is parallel to the ground. At this point, it is important to note that the elbow in the beginning of the set-up is already in flexion, forming a right angle between the forearm and upper arm. The wrist hyperextends so the ball is resting in the palm of the subject. In this cas e, the subject is right handed, so the ball rests primarily in the right palm while the left hand provides support. At this point, the subject is ready to jump.Four joint actions occur simultaneously at this time. Both knees, ankles, and the hip extend as the subject pushes off the ground, and the elbow flexes a little further back. When the subject is in the air, the dominant elbow extends and the ball starts to roll towards the tip of the fingers. When the elbow is almost entirely extended, the wrist begins to flex, which is when the release occurs and the ball leaves the palm of the hand towards the basket. After the release, the subject is drawn back to the ground.During this descent, the shoulders begin to extend back towards the anatomical position. This action continues through the landing. As the subject lands, the ankles begin to dorsi-flex. During the dorsi-flexion, the knees and hips flex slightly to absorb the force of landing. By the end of the landing, the hip and knee s are flexed, the shoulders are completely extended, and the feet are firmly planted on the ground. The hip joint flexes primarily due to the iliopsoas muscle. The knee is controlled by rectus femoris and biceps femoris muscles. R. emoris is responsible for extension and B. femoris is responsible for flexion. The ankle dorsiflexes because of the gastrocnemius and plantar flexes due to anterior tibialis. Shoulder flexion occurs because of Pectoralis major and extension occurs because of Latissimus dorsi. Biceps brachii is responsible for elbow flexion and triceps brachii is responsible for elbow extension. Flexor carpi radialis and Flexor carpi ulnaris are responsible for wrist flexion and Extensor carpi radialis and Extensor carpi ulnaris are responsible for the extension of the wrist.

Vals Survey

1.After taking the VALS survey, I’ve learned the primary VALS segment that I match is ‘Experiencer’, which represents my dominant approach to life. This means I am motivated by self-expression. According to the site, experiencers quickly become enthusiastic about new possibilities but are equally quick to cool (Vals Survey). Experiencers tend to be young, enthusiastic, and impulsive consumers (Vals Survey). Additionally, this dimension seeks variety and excitement, savoring the new, the offbeat, and the risky (Vals Survey). An experiencer’s energy finds an outlet in exercise, sports, outdoor recreation, and social activities (Vals Survey). Experiencers are also said to be avid consumers and spend a comparatively high proportion of their income on fashion, entertainment, and socializing (Vals Survey). Their purchases reflect the emphasis they place on looking good and having â€Å"cool† stuff. I could not agree with this more. I tend to live life as if tomorrow would be my last day, so I prefer to spend my money on things that make me happy and keep me young. I was somewhat surprised to see that my secondary type is ‘Achiever’ rather than ‘Thinker’, because I constantly feel that I am mature, satisfied, and comfortable. I always value order, knowledge, and responsibility in my life. I am very well-educated and actively seek out information in the decision-making process. I am constantly well-informed about world and national events, and am alert to opportunities to broaden my knowledge. To summarize, I am either a very diverse type of person, or I know less about myself than I thought. 2.The various VALS types that one could be categorized under are innovators, thinkers, achievers, experiencers, believers, strivers, makers and survivors. Some are definitely easier to manage than others. I would say that innovators, achievers and experiencers are the most difficult to manage. The easiest to manage are probably the thinkers, believers, strivers, makers and survivors. Related essay: â€Å"Support Positive Risk Taking For Individuals† Innovators would involve a difficult lifestyle simply because they represent all three primary motivations in varying degrees. Achievers must balance career and family, which is difficult for a lot of people to do. As stated online, achievers are often interested in a variety of time-saving devices because of their busy lives. Experiencers are involved in a complicated life that would be tough to manage, because it requires a lot of money, a lot of risk taking, and being kept up-to-date on the latest styles and trends. This sounds like a very hectic lifestyle. 3.Since my VALS type is ‘experiencer’, one managerial conclusion that I can draw from this is that, when I become a manger one day, I will focus more on innovation and the ‘now’ of things rather than the past. Since an experiencer involves high resources and high innovation, I will be managing a company with great future prospects and hope for a lot of growth- whether it is through mergers, acquisitions, or expansion to foreign countries. This type of manager is also known as a ‘growth manager’. Growth managers tend to invest in the stocks of companies with rapidly growing sales and earnings (Fin Pipe). They believe that the stock price of this type of company will increase quickly as well, reflecting the strong growth of these companies (Fin Pipe). This always involves risk, which is a common characteristic of an experiencer.

Definition Essay Sample on 3D Computer Graphics

Definition Essay Sample on 3D Computer Graphics A definition essay is the type of work that gives space for creating a comprehensive understanding of a notion that goes far ahead of its mere explanation. The writer provides the inner and outer connotation of the phenomenon to immerse readers into the linguistic and practical variety that the word could have if it is put in distinct environments and situations. In another way, the notion could have one direct meaning, but if envisioned from various perspectives, its perception could change. Therefore, definition essay implies the type of work that could give the most profound approach to the multiple faces of the phenomenon. ‘The Description of Three-Dimensional Computer Graphics’ Essay Sample The concept of three-dimensional computer graphics is proposed to be defined in three ways that include 3D-simulation, 3D animation, and 3D-visualization in general. Three-dimensional graphics (3D or three dimensions) denotes a section of computer graphics that covers algorithms and software for operating objects in three-dimensional space, and the result of such programs. It is regularly used to create images in architectural rendering, cinematography, television, computer games, printed matter, science and, naturally, advertising. It is worth to put the focus on explaining the definition of three-dimensional computer graphics through particular examples, namely, its application in interactive advertising around the world. The following should be highlighted as the main features of three-dimensional computer graphics that are most actively used in interactive advertising. First goes the creation of completely â€Å"drawn† scenes. Second, we should name the replacing of the background. Third, the process includes the creation of an environment. Forth, it is important to mention adding the actors, characters, or creatures. Then goes the actors and their actions replace; adding of an object into the frame; removing an item from a structure; dimming or illuminating images; changing speed; fixing problems and disadvantages encountered during shooting (for instance, removing a grid from a wig, changing the shape or color of the eyes). It also allows converting 2D video to 3D and creates winning captions, title s, logos, and variety of multimedia content. Usually, three-dimensional elements complement or change scenes in interactive promotional materials, but they can also be used to create fully animated commercials based on computer graphics. Internationally, they are produced in collaboration with movie companies such as Pixar, DreamWorks, and Sony Animations. Based on the latest world achievements, the following types of external interactive advertising are identified: outdoor interactive advertising, interactive showcases (including virtual directories), interactive billboards, interactive mirrors, interactive flooring, interactive racks at the bar, interactive games and games without script, virtual drafts, showcase as canvas (art projects), holographic advertising, virtual 3D promoters, X3D-video (out of the screen). Among the technologies that are being used, it is important to highlight interactive 3D projections (Ground FX technology, Free Format Projection). The next is the fully represented examples of three-dimensional graphics definition through its applications in the sphere of interactive advertising: Interactive Showcases. Interactive showcases are one of the most promising trends in retailing, while windows decorated with the classical mannequins signify a relic of the past. At present, in the face of increasing competition, retailers have to fight for the buyer. Interactive showcases do not only have the benefits of external video screens but also enable passers-by to be engaged directly. The Wieden+Kennedy Advertising Agency once greeted London residents by creating an interactive installation that performed the Christmas hymn. The feature of interactive advertising was that it mimicked a whole choir with the help of the passers-by. The unique program recreated the faces of people as if they were part of a festive three-dimensional video. Virtual Catalog. It enables a visual showing of the store range and opens access to it, even if the shop itself is closed. For example, the Puma virtual catalog in Montreal runs by this principle. People can leave messages on the screen via the virtual keyboard. Interactive Games. The gaming ideas that establish an emotional contact with the viewer work well for the companies whose product offer does not suppose to design features but has more complex characteristics that cannot be displayed on the screen (such as taste or smell). In this case, the multi-dimensional graphics computer technology is also actively used. The recent examples included the Starbucks showcases that promoted the Tazo tea line (Ramsarran par.1). Passers-by were able to manage a small creature (hummingbird or butterfly) that has to go through many obstacles to find unique components for each of the new teas. Games without the Script. To force people to engage in a game, it is not necessary to come up with complicated moves. Sometimes, it is good enough to realize a simple idea. Therefore, â€Å"motion-sensors† in interactive windows can use the movement to open or display part of the image on the screens. In support of their company, Rocking Dots Diesel equipped a showcase of their main store in Copenhagen with such sensors, and passers-by waved with pleasure to open another piece of the performance of virtual rock musicians (â€Å"Diesel Interactive Storefront† par.1). A Showcase as a Canvas. The brands that seek to link their image with creative freedom refer to interactive solutions that allow passers-by to do small art projects. The colorful interactive showcase works fine on the promotional series of art and crafts master classes held in various museums. In addition to the information on the schedule of all events, it gives adults and children an opportunity to draw their hands directly on the glass, and then send the ready masterpiece by email. Interactive Billboards. It differs from interactive showcases by means of displaying graphic (animation) information and location. The duty of marketers remains the same – to make potential consumers at least to hold back and look at external media. One method to do this is to use 3D computer technologies and make billboards or online format interactive, thus providing consumers with the reason to stop and â€Å"get in touch† with the media (Mehrabi et al. 96). For example, there was an advertising medium set up in Japan to promote a reality show devoted to cooking. Every passerby could feel like a star since the screams and camera flashes began to work when people walked close enough. Thus, the development of means for the output of multidimensional computer graphics has made it possible to achieve extraordinary results. Interactive Mirrors are advertising media that have two modes: a highlighted poster and a mirror. Built-in motion sensors determine the distance between the surface and the person, and then change the look of the surface. Thus, when passers-by are approaching closer, they can see their reflection instead of an advert. As a rule, an interactive three-dimensional advertising image on the mirror comes up thanks to the instantaneous change in the attention of potential consumers. Sensitive Floor is a projection system created with modern digital and projection technologies. Interactive floors change the position of three-dimensional graphics depending on the movement of the person. The technology is based on the operation of projectors that respond to human action within the image being projected. Process management occurs automatically in a particular computer program. In fact, one can create a variety of high-end interactive effects with 3D graphics. The circles disperse under the feet, or the stellar trail stretches behind a human. These animation elements are often used in combination with slogans and logos. Interactive floors make consumers interact with them since movement under the feet drives attention and attracts to join the game simultaneously. A similar effect is achieved due to the innovations in computer animation, namely Ground FX technology that is an ultra-modern interactive projection. It was used in several supermarkets in Hollywood, and it turned the floor between the shop display shelves into the virtual seabed. 3D Projection is an innovative way of attracting attention by streaming an impressive video onto the surface or the facade of the building. 3D holographic projections are widely used in presentations, festive events, seminars, and in the opening of stores and introduction of product innovations (Chaudhari, Lakhani, and Deulkar 30). It embodies a very effective way of presenting a campaign that promotes goods and services. Interactive Racks at the bar are not commonly used carriers from the point of view of their location. However, they have extra options. In addition to the dynamic 3D design, interactive racks are accompanied by a Smart Menu. It means that, in addition to the entertainment, the racks carry out useful functions. The visitors can order a drink or musical support simply using the Smart Menu feature. Taking that for each client, there is an opportunity to write programs and algorithms under the order. Interactive barracks can be safely counted as internal advertising media that uses three-dimensional graphics. X3D-Video is a relatively new technology developed by X3D-Technologies Corporation (Relke, Klippstein, and Riemann par.1). It was first introduced in 2002 at the high tech conference in the United States. The three-dimensional technology allows the picture to go beyond the screen easily and then go back making an unforgettable experience for people passing by. Its main difference from simple 3D technology is the ability to perceive three-dimensional images without the use of additional means, such as special helmets or 3D glasses. Additionally, the realism of the image is available at a reasonably long distance. Due to the large viewing angle and spatial reproduction technology, the effect is noticeable at a distance of up to one hundred meters that is convenient for presenting goods and services at points of sale. In recent years, this ad technology has been improved dramatically. It is popular in Japan, China, France, Germany, and the USA. It is applied actively in supermarkets, cl ubs, and entertaining shopping centers. Moreover, advertising using X3D-video has spread in the field of computer technology and banking. Free Format Projection is another find of advertising innovations. This Japanese technology creates a sense of the presence of characters or other objects in real size due to the special processing of the image that is subsequently projected onto the surface. Here, the fantasy of the advertiser can be infinite: a virtual girl tries out clothes in the shop window; a huge bottle dances at the entrance to the entertainment center; a can strolls between rows in a supermarket. Nowadays, this technology has been already used by manufacturers of computer and home appliances, luxury clothing in Japan, the United States, and China. Holograms. In 2012, the French lingerie store L’Atelier Empreinte used a non-standard advertisement: a girl in underwear appeared in the shop window at the dark times of the day, then periodically disappeared and arose again (Macleod par.1). Holographic advertising looks very plausible and attracts the attention of the consumer. 3D-Visualization. There are no doubts that people remember things better when they are able not only see or hear, but also touch or make some manipulations. These properties are inherent to the advertising with interactive 3D-model since it represents a volumetric and realistic image of the advertised object. Therefore, while defining three-dimensional computer graphics, it is possible to find out its boundless possibilities in a wide variety of media spheres. The most prominent examples of this technology application pertain to the realm of innovative advertising. The use of three-dimensional means has become particularly productive and justified from a marketing point of view. Often advertising requires the participation of a fictitious character, non-existent in reality and embodying the product. The computer graphics provides this feature. 3D simulation also allows viewing created objects from all sides, including from the inside. One can animate the things to one’s liking, acquainting the potential buyer with a product or service and letting him or her feel like the owner even before the purchase. It ensures a stable emotional contact that enables considering the three-dimensional computer technologies as a leading instrument in interactive advertising projects. The present definition essay sample opens up a comprehensive explanation of the three-dimensional computer graphics phenomenon. The definition essay topic could be considered as strong one since it proposes numerous examples taken from real life. This piece of writing will make the student’s academic headache a completely disappeared matter when approaching this type of work. Chaudhari, Aunsh, Keval Lakhani, and Khushali Deulkar. â€Å"Transforming the World Using Holograms.† International Journal of Computer Applications, 130.1 (2015). â€Å"Diesel Interactive Storefront.† Accessed 31 December 2018. Great House Film (YouTube), 2009. Macleod, Duncan. â€Å"Empreinte L’Atelier Lingerie Hologram.† The Inspiration Room, 2012. Mehrabi, Mostafa, et al. â€Å"Making 3D Work: A Classification of Visual Depth Cues, 3D Display Technologies and Their Applications.† Proceedings of the Fourteenth Australasian User Interface Conference-Volume 139. Australian Computer Society, Inc., 2013. Ramsarran, Renee. â€Å"The Starbucks Interactive Window Display Turns Heads.† Trend Hunter, 2011. Relke, Ingo, Markus Klippstein, and Bernd Riemann. â€Å"Assessment and Improvement of the Stereo-Image Visualization on X3D Technologies 3D Displays.† Stereoscopic Displays and Virtual Reality Systems XI. Vol. 5291. International Society for Optics and Photonics, 2004.

Arousal, Behavior, Stress, and Affects Worksheet Essays

Arousal, Behavior, Stress, and Affects Worksheet Essays Arousal, Behavior, Stress, and Affects Worksheet Essay Arousal, Behavior, Stress, and Affects Worksheet Essay University of Phoenix Material Arousal, Behavior, Stress, and Affect Worksheet Using the text for this course, the University Library, the Internet, and/or other resources answer the following questions. Your response to each question should be at least 250 words in length. 1. What are the differences between physiological and psychological needs? Provide examples of each in your response. Physiological needs affect the body. Physiological needs are in the brain and body. Psychological needs have not material existence and are mental in nature. Physiological needs are maintenance of condition within the body. Psychological needs affect the mind. Psychological needs are air, food, water, shelter, sanitation, sleep and touch. Psychological needs are also autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Psychological needs have no material existence and are mental in nature. Physiological would when a person is thirsty they would get a drink. If the person is thirsty and decides to not drink the water then this need becomes psychological. Marlow’s hierarchy of needs postulates that the needs of a person are organized into an ascending structure, going from the lower physiological needs to the needs of safety, belongingness, esteem, and self-actualization,† (Deckers, 2005). The lower needs have to be addressed before the higher needs can be attended to. Psychological needs include the balance of food intake, water consumption, sleep, activities, and sexual needs. An example of the physiological counterpart to psychological n eed is the hypothesized hypothalamic control of sensations of hunger and satiety. The research entailing lesions in rates the hypothalamus controls the sensations of hunger and satiety through exercising control of adipose tissues deposited in the body. 2. What is the relationship between arousal and behavior? Does this relationship impact performance and affect? Arousal is the energy that develops in preparation of our behavior. Physiological arousal is the body changes during arousal. The brain arousal is the stages of sleep awake and alertness within get brain. Arousal is energy produced by within the interaction of external and internal stimuli and the energy from psychological and physiological needs. The arousal is the drive to satisfy both intrinsic and extrinsic motivations physiological and psychological arousal. Physiological arousal includes sweaty palms, increased muscle tension, increased breathing and heart rate. Psychological arousal includes anxiety, fearfulness, and tension. Yerkes-Dodson Law of arousal states that low arousal produces maximum performance on difficult task and high arousal produces maximal preface on easy task, Hulls drive theory states that arousal is predicated on the complexity of a task and correct or incorrect responses. Arousal can increase focus and attention because arousal energizes the person behavior having a direct effect on it. The relationship between arousal and behavior is a direct one as arousal impacts the performance and how a person will behave with the different amounts of arousal. 3. Assess the long-term and short-term effects of stress on the body, brain, and behavior. Stress encompasses a dichotomous paradigm of distress and eustress. Distress entails that cross-section of stress where arousal is either too high or too low, manifesting itself as negative feelings, diseases, and maladaptive behaviors. On the other hand, eustress entails that part of stress which includes arousal that is not too high or too low, but is just right. Internal and external stimuli can become stressors when they are not moderated or coped with properly. A short-term reaction to extremely traumatic events would be acute stress disorder; whereas, a longer-term reaction would be posttraumatic stress disorder. Hans Selye theorized that the body arousal of stress operates within a structure of the general adaptation syndrome. GAS entails an alarm reaction phase, sympathetic nervous system arousal, stress hormones are released, and the immune system is repressed; a resistance stage, stress reaction become localized, hormone levels drop back to normal, and the stressor is successfully moderated using adaptation energy; an exhaustion stage, adaptation energy is exhausted, stress hormones rise in the bloodstream, and the stress becomes a source of stress itself. Behaviors that help moderate stress would include primary and secondary appraisal, or the subjective evaluation of the ability for life events to be either positive or negative, and coping, which involves dealing with life change demands and any associated distress. Psychosomatic symptoms such as headaches and hypertension can result from unmanaged stress that affects the subjective quality of life. The immune system is also affected by stress, reduced t-cell and natural killer cell production. Reference: Deckers, L. (2005). Motivation: Biological, psychological, and environmental, Second Edition. Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon.

Weird and Interesting Facts About Christmas

Weird and Interesting Facts About Christmas Christmas, besides being a joyful tradition of gift-giving and ham-devouring, has always been pretty weird, right? Like, just in general. How did everyone start celebrating it? Why? Here for your enjoyment we present a few interesting facts about Christmas that you can tell your family around the dinner table and give them a chance to think â€Å"Wow! Cant believe how smart my niece is!† and â€Å"God, do you always have to be the center of attention?† Christmas Wasnt Originally Jesus Birthday â€Å"Christmas† comes from â€Å"Christs mass†, the celebration of Jesus Christs birthday and christening. But did you know that Jesus want born on the 25th of December†? In fact, no one knows when he was born, but we can safely bet that it wasnt December. The clue is in Luke 2:8: the shepherds were â€Å"abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night† when he was born, which couldnt have been in December, since its so cold. Christmas Is an Adapted Holiday So how did Christmas come about? Well, youd be surprised to hear that many Christmas traditions you know have roots in pre-Christian seasonal celebrations. In fact, many traditions, for instance, the gift giving, carolers going from house to house, feasts, and many other traditions come from the Mesopotamian celebrations of the New Year. They held festivities for twelve days to honor one of their gods, Marduk. These festivities were called Zagmuk. By the way, have you already found Christmas gifts for friends and family? There are some Christmas gifts ideas you may like. The Romans Had Something Like Christmas, Too Like Zagmuk, the ancient Romans would hold seasonal festivities of their own. Their holiday was in the beginning of winter, just like ours, and held until approximately the beginning of January. They were celebrating â€Å"The Birth of the Unconquerable Sun†, since its at this time that the duration of the day began to lengthen. Like all pagans, they believed that the Sun was being reborn at this time. As the Christian church gained power and influence, they decided to ban this celebration, but many continued the tradition. The Christian church then decided to co-opt the holiday, and turn it into the celebration of Christ. Some Christians Celebrate Christmas in January In the US, the holidays are over with the New Years celebrations, but there are millions of Christians who celebrate their Xmas on January 7th. The reason here is a calendar mixup: a large part of the western world use the Julian calendar (named after Julius Caesar, who didnt invent it, but loved naming things after himself). The gregorian calendar, which Orthodox Christians use, is shifted, and their â€Å"December 25th† falls squarely on January 7th. Santa Came from Saint Nicholas Youve heard Santa Claus be called Saint Nick, but did you know that he was a real person? And an actual saint? The story of how he became Santa is pretty interesting: in the new world, after the revolution, Americans wanted to depart from British traditions and looked toward their Dutch roots for that. The Knickerbockers (writers, not baseball players) had a huge role in creating Santa – they released a poem titled A Visit from St. Nicholas, which popularized the character, and was later adapted into The Night Before Christmas. Santas name comes from the nickname fro St. Nicholas, Sinter Klaas (Dutch, of course). And lots of other cultures have their own Santa, as well. Werent those Christmas facts both weird and interesting? And theres lots more to find out! Like that Xmas comes from the Greek â€Å"Xristos†. And that Christmas wasnt an official holiday in America until 1870! Finding out about the genealogical anthropology of this holiday is lots of fun, and you can research it on your own to find out more. If you know other interesting facts about Christmas, feel free to add them in the comments! If you get tired from traditional ways to spend Christmas, to check out the unusual things to do for Christmas!

Intro to Astronmy Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Intro to Astronmy - Article Example In 200 AD, astronomers believed that planets moved round the earth in small circles called the epicycle. The Heliocentric model later explained that all planets including the sun revolved around the sun. This model also explained that the retrograde motion of planets did so as the earth which moves faster than the other planets overtook the other planets. Other planets are categorized as superior or inferior to the earth. Time that is able to elapse between the configurations that are identical and consecutive is known as the synodic period. It was Copernicus who determined the sidereal period of other planets. He was also able to know the distance between the planets and the sun. Kepler was able to come up with a law that stated that every planet has an orbit that about the sun know as an ellipse. He also came up with the semi major axis. This happens to be the distance between the planets and the sun. The measure of the deviation from the perfect circle is known as the eccentricity. Kepler had three laws to explain the motion of planets and this was a major achievement in the field of astronomy. Galileo was able to discover a lot more with the aid of a telescope. He was able to know that the earth was not at the centre of the universe. With his telescope, he was able to know that the earth was not at the centre of the universe and that the earth was just like any other planet moving around the sun. Isaac Newton later came and introduced three laws. Inertia, force and action and reaction. He was also able to come up wi th the laws of the universal gravitation. The law of gravitation states that two bodies attract each other with a force directly proportional to each and every mass of the two bodies. This force is also inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. Using the law of gravitation, Kepler’s three laws can be summed up. Newton’s was able to note that every

Organisational change management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Organisational change management - Essay Example Such moves, however, may not be successful in ensuring the company’s progress. The Case Study D2, the auto components producer, introduced change due to external pressures such as competition from other auto parts manufacturers, and the financial recession that resulted in fewer customers. In response to these external pressures, D2 made some immediate changes to counter the down turn in revenue. To cut costs, the company stopped manufacturing some of its components while increasing the production of others in specific sites. The company also made the decision to close down its UK Plant because it contained archaic manufacturing technical gadgets. Moreover, the company’s management is yet to divulge the new changes of the impending closure of the UK Plant to its employees. It is a fact that the workers based at the UK plant in Didcot will be shocked by their discharges because they are expecting continued business operations with even more investment or capital being di rected into the operations there. It also has not deigned to share the new strategies with the firms remaining employees. Only the higher ranking managers are aware of the strategies. Most researchers tend to first evaluate organisational change through the input of Kurt Lewin’s Field theory. The field theory asserts that all businesses exist in an active though constant state. To sustain this balance, businesses are compelled to make changes in reaction to forces that affect or influence the business’s field (Burnes 2004). Lewin’s model seeks to prove that most of the time, any kind of organisational change will be gradually realised. Moreover, when a company is experiencing a crisis, any organisational changes it decides on are quickly implemented. The field’s theory states that when an organisation ahs to realise changes on a fast pace, it has to ensure that there are corresponding powerful forces working to see the needed changes become an accepted pa rt of the organisation’s functions (Burnes 2004). The theory also asserts that there is a need to ensure that there is a dissuasion of any efforts that encourage the organisation’s status quo to remain. Lewin’s model asserts that, when there is gradual change in an organisation, the necessary steps will take place in three stages: (i) The old, archaic and ‘accepted’ business operations or ways of doing things must be ‘unfrozen’ or removes altogether so that the coming changes can be allowed to take hold without any competing functions making the process difficult. In the ‘unfreezing process’, an organisation’s management will examine why the change is necessary while also looking into facts that exists and which might impair or assist the changes that will be suggested. The management will also encourage workers to think as they do about the necessity of incorporating changes in the organisation in order to improve i t. (ii) In the second stage, movement, the organisation starts to change its behaviour. These shifts in behaviour usually occur after the organisation’s personnel understand the how different options of change will work and have selected their preferred method of change (Cameron and Green 2004). In most organisations, the process of change is supervised or overseen by a specialist such as an organisational development practitioner. (iii) In the third stage of the field model, refreezing, the organisation generates structures and functions to

The Effects of smoking cigarettes Research Paper

The Effects of smoking cigarettes - Research Paper Example Therefore, whatever they do becomes a norm for the fashion conscious lot of the society. Cigarette has lately become a necessary fashion accessory. People visualize it as a symbol of style. There have been cases when models have given photo-shoots regarding the various ways in which cigarettes can be smoked. In addition to looking stylish, many teenagers feel drawn towards cigarettes because smoking makes them feel mature. Teenage is a period when people normally have a desire to look elder and mature for their age. There is enthusiasm about looking grown up and entering into an independent practical life among the teenagers. In order to look mature, many teenagers give the cigarettes a try and then can not retreat from smoking. Smoking is a waste of health, time and money. Smokers should realize how dangerous cigarettes are for their health. This paper discusses some of the ways in which cigarettes cause harm to the smoker. Smoking is a waste of time and money: Smoking is a waste of time and more importantly money. Once an individual starts to smoke, he starts from only one cigarette a day. He thinks that he would not increase the consumption of cigarettes and believes that one cigarette in a day is just too less to cause him any potential loss in the long run. Such misconceptions are further added to by the individual’s smoker peers, colleagues and friends. ... There is no option. Smoke is in the air. Taking this into consideration, the individual approves of smoking one cigarette a day as it helps in the development of a unique bond with the company of smokers. Having smoked, the individual feels better in the company of smokers. Slowly and gradually, that company becomes an important part of the individual’s social life, and the habits of the peers become ingrained in the individual’s personality and psychology. Once the individual gets used to smoking one cigarette a day, there is little guilt over smoking two in the days to follow. This way, the smoker wastes time in smoking with his friends, and also money in buying packs of cigarettes. Cigarettes cause the smoker to take more drugs: Cigarette often stands first in the chain of drugs that people become addicted to in life. The possibility of drug addiction is much more profound in smokers as compared to non-smokers. One of the biggest drawbacks of the habit of smoking is that it saps a smoker’s ability to give importance to health. The smoker becomes so addicted to it that he smokes despite knowing that it is bad for health. Being addicted to smoking, smokers do not realize the gravity of drug addiction, and easily try more potential means of gaining pleasure than cigarette as cigarettes give little to no pleasure or relief to the smokers as compared to other drugs as Heroine. On the other hand, the non-smokers manage to stay away from drugs just like they said â€Å"no† to cigarettes in the first place. Cigarettes disturb the body and its functions: Cigarettes are extremely harmful for health. Smokers have a much higher tendency of acquiring heart and lung related diseases as compared to the non-smokers. Smoking

Assessing the marketplace Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Assessing the marketplace - Essay Example Apple Company has an exceptional operational excellence system. The organization develop mechanism that ensure its products are created in consideration of the needs of the client as well as improve the manufacturing effectiveness of the company (Satariano & Burrows, 2014). Apart from production, the organization allows for follow ups on products sold. For instance, consumer are provided with recycling services for already used devise. For this reason, the production process of Apple rhymes with the demands of the consumer, addresses the manufacturing objectives of the organization thus excellence in its operations (Satariano & Burrows, 2014). In regards to value excellence, McDonalds have ensured the organization retrain its customers. In the organization, value excellence is measured by the extent at which the organization measures the requirements of both the customer and other stakeholders (Mackenzie, 2013). The needs of the clients are retained and stakeholder objectives are attained. This success in value excellence has increased the consumer perception towards the company. In addition, internal values are those of the stakeholders have been retained to ensure the general excellence of the

Charles Darwin's Work according to Popper, Kuhn and Van Fraassen Essay

Charles Darwin's Work according to Popper, Kuhn and Van Fraassen - Essay Example However, philosophers demonstrated interest in finding the truth in various components of life. Some philosophers have observed that Darwin arguments failed to provide concrete reasons while other believes that interpretation of the arguments should take their immediate context (Auletta, et.al.2011). Many philosophers have debated the views of Darwin pointing of the weaknesses as well as possibilities. The evolutionary biology has been subject to scientific tests and principles as well as theological thinking. This paper will explore the views of Popper, Kuhn, and Van in relation to Charles Darwin work on evolution. Karl Popper on Darwin Karl Popper viewed Science as a means of distinguishing theories from myths or traditional believes. The questions raised by people about aspects of life should be subject to scientific analysis. Darwin’s theory clashed with Biblical view of creation, subjecting it to Scientific proves. Popper observed that Darwin’s theory of evolution does not have components, which are subject to scientific measurement (Auletta, et.al.2011). For instance, the survival of species based on how fit they are, in relation to conformation to changes in environment does not contain any bit of science because no species can survive if it is weak. In Popper’s view, Darwin theory does not qualify as a science. Popper’s perspective of science in relation to Darwin theory appears in four steps; first problem selection, second creation of hypothesis in relation to problem solution, third is to test the theory presented, and lastly develop an argument about the result. The knowledge built through the scientific argument would eliminate errors created through criticism. This argument contends that knowledge does not occur through a single suggestion, but must command some universality on the theory introduced. In Popper’s view, the learning that the society acquires is through mistakes that people make. Thus, the separatio n of truth from myths in the scientific way must consist approving and disapproving the exiting view. Darwin’s theory argued that the emergence of creatures in the present world took place after other creatures suffered wastages of unimagined proportion. The theory does not explain the source of suffering thus subjecting it more questions based on scientific credibility. Popper argues that the purpose served by the creatures that led to their extinction must be provable. Popper believes that Darwin must have created a theological problem or unearthed an old problem that was not in focus (Radick, 2003). The outcome of suffering does not lead a viable species to overtake the present challenges, but the cause of the suffering must be evident. Thus, this argument proposed by Popper disapproves the work of Darwin on the following accounts: first, the argument does not contain any scientific element. That is a scientific element can be subject to test through comparison of the exis ting facts and the anticipated outcomes. Second, the argument put forward by Darwin refuted the ontological boundaries between the animal kingdom and humanity. Popper argued that the theory puts animals to appear more human while humans appeared more animal (Radick, 2003). The explanation of evolution as put by Darwin traces the beginning of life from scratches, which are not provable scientifically. The evolution of apes into human beings reduces science to myths. Critics have argued that Popper promoted non-revolutionary interests; however, his argument tends to demonstrate his feelings about the concept of evolution (Radick, 2003). Popper believes that a real world existed, independent of Darwin or human views. He

Assessing the marketplace Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Assessing the marketplace - Essay Example Apple Company has an exceptional operational excellence system. The organization develop mechanism that ensure its products are created in consideration of the needs of the client as well as improve the manufacturing effectiveness of the company (Satariano & Burrows, 2014). Apart from production, the organization allows for follow ups on products sold. For instance, consumer are provided with recycling services for already used devise. For this reason, the production process of Apple rhymes with the demands of the consumer, addresses the manufacturing objectives of the organization thus excellence in its operations (Satariano & Burrows, 2014). In regards to value excellence, McDonalds have ensured the organization retrain its customers. In the organization, value excellence is measured by the extent at which the organization measures the requirements of both the customer and other stakeholders (Mackenzie, 2013). The needs of the clients are retained and stakeholder objectives are attained. This success in value excellence has increased the consumer perception towards the company. In addition, internal values are those of the stakeholders have been retained to ensure the general excellence of the

Review of the Literature-Sheila Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Review of the Literature-Sheila - Coursework Example These studies have included a range of methods for collecting qualitative data reflecting on the perceived benefits of electronic health records in improving efficiencies in the clinical setting (Sittig & Singh, 2011). 14 One of the important components of this proposed study is to seek knowledge from healthcare professionals with lived experiences. The study design is a survey of health professionals to gain their perception on patient errors and the capture of data through an electronic health record and paper documentation. Creating a tool to capture effective strategies for patient record keeping in the clinical setting is necessary to review data. Organizational leadership may learn ways to improve patient outcomes through the findings of the qualitative phenomenological study to determine the best approaches to change and methods to reduce errors (Goldstein et al., 2014; Schumacher & Jerch, 2012). 14 The ubiquity of information technology in the 21st century has transformed virtual industries. Today, computers are virtually institutional contexts because of relatively low cost and easy to access. There are still some industries, resistant to the adoption of information technology; healthcare is one such industry (Goldstein et al., 2014). Computers are major in the healthcare field and are frequently in the healthcare delivery system for care management (Chen & Lin, 2011). The advent of the Affordable Care Act creates new compelling incentives exist for clinics regarding implementation of an electronic health record management (Freymann, 2013). The United States healthcare systems are lacking quality healthcare and health record information (Oldfield, 2014). United States healthcare providers are apprehensive about the digital health record because challenges with system integration, education, privacy, and compliance with the federal government regulations. An electronic health

Factories May Contaminate and Pollute Residential Areas Essay Example for Free

Factories May Contaminate and Pollute Residential Areas Essay There is a lot of harmful effects. I am totally disagree to this construction especially in the residential areas because it will bring the environmental pollution afterwards. There will be no such word as comfortable if our neighborhood is affected by pollutions. It is obvious that construction of factories will bring more disadvantages to the residential communities and should be stopped before it was too late. However, there are people that believe the construction will bring them benefit especially for those who plan the construction. They believe that factories are the opening door for job opportunities. In addition, its benefit will enhance family economy and improve national economy as well. This construction will get out the unemployed teenagers away from unhealthy tendency such as loitering. Indirectly, factories in residential areas will ease the employers in term of cost saving in transportation expenditure. Still, the construction will lead to environmental pollution. For example thermal pollution will lead to the increasing number of infectious disease-causing vectors since the river and air temperature is conducive to them. High temperature encourages the multiplying of vectors such as rats, mosquitoes, fleas and ticks. The spread of vectors such as mosquitoes can cause diseases such as malaria, dengue and yellow fever. Meanwhile, high rate production of rat also occurred. These animals could spread the disease such as Legionellosis Leptospirosis that spread through urine or feces. In addition, the construction of factories also affects our health. For example, air pollution leads to lung and circulatory system problems. Other than that, chemical pollution will take place. Chemical pollution leads to water source contamination. The contaminated water contains mercury and lead is very harmful to our health especially to our nerve system. Besides, noise pollution from factories also harmful especially to our hearing system. It could have a permanently or temporarily impacts to our eardrums. Noise from the constructions also distracts our focus and concentration in work especially for those that live near the constructions site. Children also have great difficulties to concentrate during their revision. So, these constructions should not be carried out. By only stopping the constructions, any negative impacts can be avoided. It was always true that prevention is better than cure. It will also ensure our neighborhood safe to live and can live in peace and security. Our future generation deserves better environment and we as the caretaker should inherited healthy and secure environment and living hood area. Bicycle Lane in Residential Area. Cycling can reduces pollution and protect the environment. However, the facility for the bicycle lane is very limited. Most of road projects forget to provide a special lane for bicycles include in my residential area. I hope the authorities can provide bicycle lanes for our comfortable and safety. In addition, cycling will be a safety and joyful activities for our leisure time. Bicycle lanes are very important for the safety of cyclists at any time. Even the children can ride in bicycle lane because it is safer than using the main road. Cyclists will feel securely comfortable if special lane for bicycle is provided. They can cycle anywhere they go especially for a short distance destination without worrying any unpredictable accident on roads. In addition, bicycle lanes will be safer area for cycling activities as a leisure activity in any time they want. Indirectly, cycling will improve their health. It also helps to strengthen relationship among them and enhance the sporting enthusiasm. Construction of these lanes will also be increasing the number of cyclists and plays major contribution of reducing the air and noise pollution. Furthermore, the construction of these lanes need little space beside the road and does not require high cost for authorities to build it. Besides, specific lanes for bicycle will not interfere with other vehicles such as cars and so on. Cyclists have their own lane and this will facilitate all road users. All road users can use their own space without worrying about cyclists that could interfere with them. The provider of specific lanes for cyclist also reduces the traffic jam. It is very obvious that the construction of bicycle lanes would be very beneficial. So, it is a great hope to see these lanes will be constructed so that all parties can use this facility for the fullest. As mentioned it is very important in term of safety and comfortably for all the road users. For cyclists especially in my residential area, this bicycle lane is a great needed. ope this bicycle lane will be provided in our residential area. How to get a driving license. Driving license is important to those who want to drive by their own without relying on others. When we reach the age of seventeen, is certainly of interest arise for self-drive vehicles and what we need is a driving license. There are several ways to get a driving license which such as registration with the legal driving institution attended t he test laws via computer and practical test authorized by Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalanraya (JPJ). In order to get a driving license, all these steps should be taken. Below are some descriptions of every step to get a driving license. Firstly, you need to register with the legal driving institution. Different institutions have different facility and payment. Make sure you ask the driving operators about the whole package that their offer and the total of payment. Currently, the payment to take a car’s driving license is between RM800 to RM950. However, you can reduce the cost such as refuse transportation facilities, reduce hours and pay their own study of L and P icense at the JPJ. You only confirm your registration if all of your circumstances are fulfilled. Next, you need to attend a computerize law examination. However, you need to attend the Driver Education Course for six hours. Then, after for at least three days, you can sit for the test. You need to score at least 42/50 marks to pass the exam. If you are fail, you need to reseat the exam until you pass to qualify f or Pre-L class. The charge for reseat the exam is RM50. 00. After you past the exam, you need to attend the Pre-L 3-hour theory and 3-hour of practical. Your attendance is compulsory to enable you to obtain a certificate-JPJL2B. This certificate enables you to learn the practical driving. Practical of driving training usually about 4 to 5 classes that needs 8 to 10 hours. Finally, you need to pass the practical test authorized by JPJ. This practical test can only be taken after you pass the pre-qualification. This exam is divided into two sections, carried out on the track and road. You must pass both sections to enable you to obtain a license-P. If you are fail, normally you will be charged RM100 RM200 including 1 or 2 classes to enable you to reseat the exam. But if you pass the exam, you will get your license-P in a week. Then you are free to drive on the road legally. In conclusion, you need to take all the steps discussed above to qualify you to have a legal driving license. There will be easier for you to drive without relying on others anytime and everywhere you want. The day you get your driving license will be an interesting beginning to gain experience of driving by your own on the road.

Crash Movie Analysis

Crash Movie Analysis Paul Haggis In 2004 wrote and directed the award winning movie Crash concerning a variety of intertwine experiences concerning racial relations and the levels of socioeconomic status of the varied cast of characters. This movie deal with how humans being contract with actual life situations and tackles how racial injustices and stereotypes effect our society by sourcing a division of customs, disregarding civil and human rights, and representation how racism can source cultural, moral, and economical distress. This comprehensive essay will deal with the cinematic constituents utilized right through the film, and offer a critical examination on the variety of components and methods utilized to generate this powerful and compelling film. Crash is a film that engages more than a few diverse stories and plots that all direct to somehow hook up the characters to each other in a sequence of incidents that occur throughout 2 days in California. America’s ever- rising melting pot is particularly signified in the movie as the viewers are introduced to a black detective of LAPD, two mischievous black car thieves, a white district lawyer and his discriminative wife, a white racist hit cop and his trainee partner, a black director of Hollywood and his wife, an furious owner of Persian shop and his family, and a blue-collar Hispanic man and his adolescent susceptible daughter. The characters unconnected yet interlinking stories were an extremely distinctive and efficient technique utilized to narrate this story in a provoking and extremely appealing manner. The theme of the movie is connected to the variety of features of prejudice. The mainly invasive theme is racism. The white copwhose father lost his janitorial business owing to special affirmative action practicesis fuming at African-Americans. A youthful African-American carjacker spurts the provocative Black Power expression of the 1970s. Stereotyping is an additional subject in the movie. For instance, the white wife of DA’s supposes the locksmith of being a member of gang since of his background. The conflict of cultures is demonstrated by the owner of Iranian store who construes the well-meant comments of the locksmith regarding a dented door as a shake-down for additional money. The subject of class difference is discovered in the distinction of characters. For instance, the African-American director and his wife are higher class in expressions of income and education even as the African-American police officer has afforded his means into a middle-class work and his bro ther a criminal and his mother is a drug addict. The DA’s wife, who exists in the well-off area of Brentwood of Los Angeles, is continuously grumbling in relation to her housekeeper/nanny, a stressed Latina. Cruelty is an additional idea investigated in the movie: a police officer sexually disgraces a naive woman, an HMO envoy erratically deny services to a anguish man, an annoyed man acquires a gun to obtain revenge in opposition to an naive man he believes has offended him, and an additional man is occupied in the contemporary slave trade. In actual fact, the occurrence of people’s cruelty is maybe the majority constant pattern. The stereotyping in opposition to one another is their incorrect beliefs regarding people; particularly about the diverse race (Sole, 2011).On the other hand, nevertheless, the movie as well encloses images of people’s humankind in addition, as the housekeeper approaches to the assistance of her employer, the police officer dangers his life to save the same woman he battered, and the carjacker confers up a prospect to sell a people van-load into slavery. Everybody engaged in the making of this movie added to the cinematic experience. In Crash The preponderance of the actors were most well-known and noticeable celebrities in Hollywood, for instance Sandra Bullock, Matt Dillon, Don Cheadle, and Terrence Howard. These movie stars sneakily carried the film with their sparkling performances and dramatic ability as they naturally contrived in the course of each scene with ease. The realism depicted by the actors fetched to life their characters and in spite of the susceptible and insecure topics in the movies they manage to fetch every character to life, give them their individual exclusive and separate personalities. In the movie the sound employed a contemporary dialogue and advanced every scene from an additional modern viewpoint. When slang terms were required by the characters it emerged to be utilized in a means that prepared the audience understand and narrate, for instance the dialogues amid the two black car thieves as they speak to each other by means of a apparently offensive word in the expression â€Å"nigger.† The country western and hip hop music being played and conversed by the two car thieves are important to the film since they indicate how music plays a large element in defining race and underlining a lot of diverse stereotypes. The songs that were element of the film soundtrack are played at instants that were important to the scene. The outstanding acting was not the merely perceptible constituent that let this award winning movie to connect the viewer. The movie begins with the out of focus shots of the car headlights which might perhaps be setting up the viewers to observe that the film characters will not be what they appear and might as well lack spotlight right through the movie as well. The cinematography about the preponderance of the movie is delicate as the director choose to spotlight additional on close-ups and the rare feelings on the actor’s expressions and faces. There are extremely few scenes where several action is essential to bear the film, however the scenes that do include action, for instance the carjacking attempted of character of Terrence Howard’s, Cameron, and the resulting chase of police in the course of Los Angeles, it was steady with the storyline and essential to the on the whole plot. The viewpoint shots that were utilized in the movie bring the observers additional i nto the action of the movie and decreased the space between the characters and audience. This permitted the a variety of stereotypes and depictions of the characters to turn out to be additional pronounced, and although a few of the stereotypes were a bit decorated as it relates to society of present, the implied realism was in reality deeply influential. Even though the in the film Crash cinematography is rather basic consecutively to spotlight additional on the acting, storylines, and on the whole subject matter of the movie, the editing of the movie is so elaborate that it is roughly offering the feeling of little movies in a movie as the scenes leap from every storyline. In the majority films the cinematography can effectively append credibility to the plot and development of character, letting a movie to have radiant construction and sensual detail. In Crash there are not numerous special effects, or contrasting lighting designs that have any minor effect on the appearance or sense of the movie. The film has several instants of low key lighting and the scene is mostly developed with the urban scenery of modern Los Angeles. Conclusion Stereotypes are not vague since they are all fake, other than since they are habitually surrogated for real depictions of individuals and experiences of life. Crash is capable to deal with a few stereotypes in a way that is interesting, yet thinking provoking by means of constituents designed to generate art in the course of cinema. The means this movie deals with societal prejudices and racism goes past the criticism we might be familiarized to in this age of conventional media and social networking openings, where anybody is capable to sight a huge selection of colorful social comments in addition to liberally express their free opinions. Other than the cinematic constituents used right through this movie, for instance location, the sound, movement of camera, editing, lighting, soundtrack, and the majority prominently the acting, radiantly contributed to the intersect storylines that modestly permitted the viewers to take a deep glimpse into their individual covert prejudices. References Haggis, P. (Writer Director). (2004). Crash [Motion Picture]. (Lions Gate Entertainment). Harris, Philip; Olson, Aaron; Levine, Deena; Shusta, Robert and Wong, Herbert. (1995). Multicultural Law Enforcement. 28-110 Sole, K. (2011). Making connections: Understanding interpersonal communication. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc. (https://content.ashford.edu)

The Tale of the Pardoner in Chaucers Canterbury Tales :: Pardoners Tale

A Look at the Pardoner: the Genius of Chaucer   The Canterbury Tales is a literary masterpiece in which the brilliant author Geoffrey Chaucer sought out to accomplish various goals. Chaucer wrote his tales during the late 1300’s.   This puts him right at the beginning of the decline of the Middle Ages.   Historically, we know that a middle class was just starting to take shape at this time, due to the emerging commerce industry. Chaucer was able to see the importance and future success of the middle class, and wrote his work with them in mind.   Knowing that the middle class was not interested in lofty philosophical literature, Chaucer wrote his work as an extremely comical and entertaining piece that would be more interesting to his audience.   Also, Chaucer tried to reach the middle class by writing The Canterbury Tales in English, the language of the middle class rather than French, the language of the educated upper class.   The most impressive aspect of Chaucer’s writing is how he incorporated into his piece some of his own controversial views of society, but yet kept it very entertaining and light on the surface level.   One of the most prevalent of these ideas was his view that certain aspects of the church had become corrupt.   This idea sharply contrasted previous Middle Age thought, which excepted the church’s absolute power and goodness unquestionably.   He used corrupt church officials in his tales to illustrate to his audience that certain aspects of the church needed to be reformed.   The most intriguing of these characters was the Pardoner.   Chaucer’s satirical account of the Pardoner is written in a very matter-of-fact manner that made it even more unsettling with his audience.   Chaucer uses his straightforwardness regarding the hypocrisy of the Pardoner, suggestive physiognomy of the character, and an interesting scene at the conclusion of the Pardoner’s Tale to inculcate his views of the church to his audience. The way that Chau cer used these literary devices to subtly make his views known to an audience while hooking them with entertainment, shows that Chaucer was truly a literary genius.   The first of these devices, his straightforwardness and matter-of-factness regarding the Pardoner’s hypocrisy, is used first to appall his readers, and then to cause them to take a second look at the church in their own society.   Chaucer knew that most of his audience lacked the ability to fully understand his views, but he hoped that by using this device he could plant seeds of reason in them that would lead to reform of corruption he saw among church officials like the pardoners.

Brand Report – Monster v Red Bull

At the heart of every great organization, Is a world class product or service and in any competitive business market, organizations rival to be every consumer's â€Å"first choice†. Effective brand management Is essential to every business – building strong brands that not only reflect value and credibility, but also outlive the product or service the business offers, Is a challenge for many organizations today.The FMC (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) industry is one of the biggest industries in the world, simply because of the rand's and products that make up this sector such as Colgate, Dove, Palmolive and the list goes on. This report will compare two FMC brands within the Australian market, namely Monster Energy and Red Bull, and the consumers levels of brand awareness towards the selected brands. It will also discuss the importance of brand association and how this is measured.Through the use of these brands, Monster Energy and Red Bull, the report will illustrate the importance of an organization's ability to continuously build brand awareness with its consumers. Launched by Hansen Natural In 2002, Monster Energy penetrated the Australian market In 2009 ND has since bumped up the consumption of energy drinks In Australia to 225 million liters, resulting In gross sale of $2. 37 billion, according to Monster Corps's 2012 annual report. This figure also includes Australia's number one selling energy drink company, Red Bull, with a market share of 40%.As defined by Kettle (2009), a brand can be a name, sign, logo, symbol or a combination of these, that identifies an organization's product or service, differentiating them from other competitors. According to Keller (1993), brand equity is conceptualized from the perspective of the individual consumer. He also asserts that customer-based brand equity (CUBE) occurs when the consumer is familiar with the brand and whilst holding favorable, strong and unique brand associations in memory (1993). CUBE (Cus tomer-Based Brand Equity) is further defined by Keller (1993, up. ) as the differential effect of brand knowledge on consumer response to the marketing of the brand. Brand knowledge Is defined In In terms of two components; brand awareness and brand Image. According to Keller (1 993), brand awareness relates to brand recall and recognition performance by consumers, whilst brand image refers to the set of associations that consumers hold in memory. Since its launch in 2002, Monster Energy has developed strong brand salience, despite its non-evocative brand name.Placing the word ‘energy' with ‘Monster assists the customer to associate the product with the correct category. Brand salience is the first step in Seller's CUBE model (2008) and where organizations must establish who they are and what the brand represents to consumers. Establishing an identity and creating brand awareness is important at this stage, as it is when customers initially create perceptions about the b rand. McDonald & Sharp (2003) assert that a brand that has some level of brand awareness Is more likely to be selected by the consumer, than a brand unknown to the consumer.A challenge FMC companies must consider, Is the consumer's lack of decision making process Involved at the time of purchase, making It difficult for new brands to penetrate an already infiltrated industry. When Monster was initially low. Despite heavy marketing promotions and sporting associations, Monster's position within Australia's energy drinks category was relatively low, in comparison to market dominator and competitor, Red Bull. In comparison to its rival, Red Bull, Monster's brand salience lacks depth in the minds of Australian consumers.Although the Monster's logo of a monster claw shaped as an ‘M' is easily recognizable internationally, Australian consumers still lack the ability to recognize or recall the product category in which Monster belongs. The breadth of brand awareness concerns the rang e of purchase and usage situations in which the brand comes to mind (Keller, 2008), which largely depends on the organization of the brand and the product knowledge in consumers' memory.Today, Red Bull is the most recognized ND profitable energy drink in the world and is a beverage consumed at any time throughout the day. Both Red Bull and Monster offer a range of energy products, targeting consumption at different times throughout a given day. Both brands have broad brand awareness, consumers associating them with extreme sports, beverage for consumption early, mid or late in the day and an energy booster. Experiment 1 A research survey was conducted with a sample of 30 participants, 1 5 of which were male and 15 female (Fig 1 & 2).The objective of the survey research was to: Determine if males or females consume energy drinks and how frequently To determine the position of both Monster Energy and Red Bull in the mind of consumers Determine when and where the energy drink is most c onsumed Procedure The survey was formed with the appropriate questions to provide the data required to support brand awareness research on the energy drinks category. Participants were recruited from Speeches Australia Pity Ltd and also several students from the University of Western Sydney, Parameter campus.Results The first question was to determine how frequently males and females drink energy drinks throughout any given week (Fig 3). 19 participants reported drinking 1 or less energy drinks throughout the week with only 2 drinking 5 times a week. The next question asked what energy drink they consume and Red Bull came in at 43% popularity and Monster ranking third place at 20% Fig 4). The third question was asked to determine when and where the participants consumed their selected energy drink (Fig 5). 17 participants reported having an energy drink in the afternoons, with mornings being the time energy drinks were least consumed.Consumption within the workplace was reported as being the most common place of consumption with social events ranking in second with a reported 9 participants (Fig ). Summary Although the sample was small, the data research supports the statistics that Red Bull Energy rates higher in consumer's minds than Monster Energy. Despite both brands being strongly associated with humor, fun, excitement and extreme sports, one can conclude that because energy drinks are most consumed during the day and within the workplace, the breadth of brand awareness for both Monster and Red Bull is relatively broad.According to Asker (1992), brand association is anything linked in memory to a brand associations enable a company to differentiate their brands in the market and can be tildes as an organization's competitive advantage. Keller (2013) classifies brand associations into three categories; attributes, benefits and attitudes. Attributes are the features of the brand, benefits are the values the consumer attaches to the brand and attitudes refer s to the consumer's overall evaluation of the brand. Building brand equity can also be done through the leverage of related or secondary brand associations (Keller, 2013).Secondary brand association can be an effective way for an organization to reinforce existing strong, favorable and strong associations if the existing brand is deficient. Red Bull uses celebrity endorsements, sporting, cultural and community events as secondary brand associations. Low & Lamb (2000) discusses the importance of firms measuring being able to measure associations with their brands and the techniques that can be used to accurately measure consumer brand associations. Brand image, attitude and perceived quality have been used to measure brand associations for many years.After much research, Low & Lamb concluded that not all brand scales such as personality or attributes can be applied across all categories, therefore, acting as separate constructs as opposed to nee-dimensional brand associations. This g ives rise to the idea that consumers now have more developed memory structures for more familiar brands. The authors also suggest that care must be taken when measuring associations of familiar brands – as quoted by the author ‘Familiarity moderates the dimensionality of brand associations'.Asker (1996) asserts that in order for organizations to perform optimally and allocate resources fairly across its portfolio of brands, it must implement common measures of performance. Managers should seek new branding strategies, to always from the same category as their product, but from the other brand categories. This will provide fresh ideas and new insight, resulting in new product positioning in the market. Kara also discusses the use of ten different measurements used to measure brand associations.He also asserts that the one measurement of brand equity that can be used is price premium. The reason behind this is that regardless of brand, any driver of brand equity will affe ct price premium. The consumer's association with any given brand is important to any organization wishing to maintain competition in the business market. Suppresses (2000) discusses the lack of knowledge regarding brand association relevant to other brands in other product categories. Suppresses points out the challenges brought about by private label brands.Suppresses also discusses the ways by which firms can research consumers' brand associations including lengthy personal interviews as opposed to group interviews and validating given answers to questions. By validating answers, one can increase the probability of detecting hidden associations. Suppresses concludes that brand managers need to attain a deeper understanding f the sources of brand equity in order to implement optimal brand strategies and to maintain effective communication. The way by which firms undertake research should delve into the unconscious and non-verbal associations that consumers have for their brands (2 000).Experiment 2 Personal interviews were conducted with two participants, male and female, aged 27 and 19 respectively. The objective of the survey research was to: the emotions associated with Red Bull's secondary association through sporting imagery Determine the emotions evokes when the participants brand Red Bull Procedure The interview was conducted to determine the emotions consumers have Bull and its secondary brand association. Both participants (Male A and were students of University of Western Sydney, Parameter campus. Rest The words ‘RED BULL† was vocalizes to each participant two times.The FL to measure their initial reaction and the second was to validate that area reacted immediately with instant recognition and slight excitement. Fem. recognition but not of excitement. When validating their reactions, Male loves the brand and is a regular consumer however, Female B said she c Red Bull but is not a fan of the taste. A picture of the Red Bull logo (Fig. 5; to both participants and both reacted similarly, with recognition. Male A recognition and affordability for the brand with the use of facial express head gestures.Similar to the reacted of Female B, although she wasn't t the product. The third measurement was through the use of imagery re Bull's secondary association, sporting endorsements (Fig. 8). Male Bi's ex. increased and he vocalizes his interest in X-tree sporting events and of Red Bull's consistent involvement in the sporting arena. Female Bi's en however, dropped and was visible by her posture and lack of verbalism Brands can evoke strong emotions and memory associations from consul that one's negative perception of the brand as a result of taste or expert difficult for organizations to change.The research also illustrates that the association consumers hold with Red Bull is a positive one. Following Ex and Experiment 2, the results reflect the premise that the selected bran extensive brand salience with consumers and that if consumers are expo positive marketing, perceptions tend to remain. Red Bull is a superior BRB otherwise saturated energy drink category, posing increased competition riveter label beverages and other energy brands. By continuously impair strategic branding, firms can be certain that with these strategies, it will competitive edge within the business market.Brand management with industry is of utmost importance, as monopoly retailers continue to dicta brands to display on their shelves, minimizing consumer choice and the increasing competition within all product categories. The energy drinks exception, with consumers increasingly becoming more health conscious industry battling to remain competitive with an increasingly globalizes market. With the right brand strategies and managers to drive and imply strategies, one can be confident that Red Bull will continue to dominate energy market share. Appendix Fig 7.

Parental Involvement Week 2 Paper

Parental Involvement Parental Involvement Joi I. Booty Grand Canyon University SPE-522 Module 2 May 9, 2012 Introduction This essay will strive to discuss the effects of the No Child Left Behind Act on special education reform, specifically the relationship between parents and teachers. We will discuss parental involvement in the education of their children in schools and ways to increase participation in a school setting.Lastly, we will discuss what schools can do to involve more parents in the educational process, rights and responsibilities as a parent of a special needs child and a parent’s candid opinion of how they would build a reliable alliance with their teacher and school. My interview is with a mother of a freshman at Southwood High School in Shreveport, La. This was a telephone interview and the mother was very forthcoming in answering all the questions. On the first question â€Å"How has NCLB (general education and special education reform) affected the relation ship between parents and teachers?The parent replied: I believe it has made it better for my child. I have three school age children that have gone through the Caddo Parish School System and with my older child I did not get all the updates and information that I have now with my youngest child. (K. Davis, personal communication, May 7, 2012). The second question â€Å"Have you been actively involved in your child’s education throughout your child’s school life? In what ways? The parent replied: Yes I have. I am firm believer in being active in my children school work and after school activities.I am a member of the PTA, a parent monitor, teacher helper; and I also bring extra school supplies at the beginning and during the school year. (K. Davis, personal communication, May 7, 2012). The third question â€Å"What can schools do to involve more parents in the educational process†? The parent replied: Schools should make participation mandatory and not an option . Parents should have so many volunteer hours that they must complete every semester or every month. I volunteer twice a month in my child’s class, one block, and twice a month, that’s only three hours a month.Parents have to volunteer at these private schools or else their child cannot attend, it should be the same in a public school. The second thing I think would be good is to allow parents to teach a class, just for 30 minutes or so. If the parents knew all what teachers have to do in a class, then they would be better able to help the kids at home. (K. Davis, personal communication, May 7, 2012). The fourth question â€Å"Do you know your rights as a parent with a special needs child†? The parent replied: â€Å"Yes, I am very well aware of my children rights when it comes to special education.I stay informed and read a lot on the internet and the hand outs my I. E. P. holder gives me at her meetings. † (K. Davis, personal communication, May 7, 2012). The fifth question was â€Å"How would you as a parent build a reliable alliance with your teacher/school†? You should have a reliable alliance and communicate with your child. You should listen to them when they come to you with things, and not make them feel like they are lying to you all the time. Sure kids bend the truth, but that’s just the point, it’s got to be some truth in what they say to you. Listen to your I. E. P. holder; he is your personal advocate for your child.I call him and leave a message for him all the time, and he calls me back usually the same day, even if it’s after school is out. You as a parent must call teachers, I. E. P. holders, go to meetings, and move your schedule around so you can be there. These meetings are important and it tells your child you mean business. Work with all the staff that works with your child. Communication is the key. (K. Davis, personal communication, May 7, 2012). According to Farenga and Ness (2005) , â€Å"the most important component to successful family involvement in the provision of services to children with special needs is information. Information is what K. Davis; the mother that this author interviewed talked about. She said communication is key between parents and the school, the teacher, special education support staff and especially your own child. She also agreed with Farenga and Ness (2005), when they noted, â€Å"All children must show adequate yearly progress. † In summary, partnering with families is an important part of the reauthorization of Public Law 101-476,otherwise known as (IDEA), Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and a part of the latest revision of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001.This act mandates more accountability in terms of academic results and more flexibility on how local school board and districts divide their federal dollars. Plus it gives parents from lower income families’ ways to send their children to better schools and have more input on their educational outcomes. These mandates help to level the playing field for all special education students and help them achieve a quality education. ConclusionThis essay discussed the effects of the â€Å"No Child Left Behind Act† on special education reform, specifically the relationship between parents and teachers. We discussed parental involvement in the education of their children in schools and ways to increase participation in a school setting. Lastly, we discussed what schools can do to involve more parents in the educational process, rights and responsibilities as a parent of a special needs child and a parent’s candid opinion of how they would build a reliable alliance with their teacher and school.References Farenga, J. and Ness, D. (2005). Families of Children with Special Needs, Encyclopedia of Education and Human Development. Vol. 3. Armonk, NY; M. E. Sharpe, 2005. 891-893. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 3 May 2012 Farenga, J. and Ness, D. (2005). Families of Children with Special Needs, Encyclopedia of Education and Human Development. Vol. 3. Armonk, NY; M. E. Sharpe, 2005. 891-893. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 3 May 2012

Facilitation of Conditioned Fear Extinction

Neuroscience 134 (2005) 247–260 FACILITATION OF CONDITIONED FEAR EXTINCTION BY D-CYCLOSERINE IS MEDIATED BY MITOGEN-ACTIVATED PROTEIN KINASE AND PHOSPHATIDYLINOSITOL 3-KINASE CASCADES AND REQUIRES DE NOVO PROTEIN SYNTHESIS IN BASOLATERAL NUCLEUS OF AMYGDALA Y. L. YANGa AND K. T. LUb* Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, National Chia-Yi University, 300 University Road, Chia-Yi, Taiwan b Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, 88 Ming-Chow Road, Sec 4, Taipei, Taiwan aKey words: extinction, D-cycloserine, MAPK, PI-3 kinase, amygdala. Abstract—Recent results showed that either systemic or intra-amygdala administration of D-cycloserine, a partial agonist at the glycine modulatory site on the glutamate N-methylD-aspartate receptor facilitates the extinction of conditioned fear. Here we evaluated the role of mitogen-activated protein kinase and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase in the basolateral nucleus of amygdala on the effect of D-cycloserine.The facilitation effect of D-cycloserine on fear extinction and mitogen-activated protein kinase activation was completely blocked by intra-amygdala administration of mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor PD98059 (500 ng/side, bilaterally) or U0-126 (20 M/side, bilaterally). Furthermore, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor (wortmannin, 5. 0 g/side, bilaterally) infused into the basolateral nucleus of amygdala signi? cantly reduced both facilitation effect of D-cycloserine and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activation.Intra-amygdala administration of a transcription inhibitor (actinomycin D, 10 g dissolved in 1. 6 l vehicle; 0. 8 l per side) and a translation inhibitor (anisomycin, 125 g dissolved in 1. 6 l vehicle; 0. 8 l per side) completely blocked the facilitation effect of D-cycloserine. Control experiments indicated the blockage by actinomycin D or anisomycin were not due to lasting damage to the basolateral nucleus of amygdala or state d ependency. In addition, none of the active drugs used here altered the expression of conditioned fear.These results suggested that phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and mitogenactivated protein kinase-dependent signaling cascades and new protein synthesis within the basolateral nucleus of amygdala played important roles in the D-cycloserine facilitation of the extinction of conditioned fear.  © 2005 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of IBRO. *Corresponding author. Tel: 886-2-29333149Ãâ€"234; fax: 886-229312904. E-mail address: [email  protected] ntnu. edu. tw (K. -T. Lu).Abbreviations: ACT DCS, actinomycin D D-cycloserine; ACT SAL, actinomycin D saline; ANI DCS, anisomycin D-cycloserine; ANI SAL, anisomycin saline; BLA, basolateral nucleus of the amygdala; CS, conditioned stimulus; DCS, D-cycloserine; EDTA, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid; ISI, interstimulus interval; MAPK, mitogen-activated protein kinase; NMDA, N-methyl-D-aspartate; PD DCS, PD98059 D-cycloserine; PD SAL, PD9805 9 saline; PI-3K, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase; US, unconditioned stimulus; U0 DCS, U0-126 D-cycloserine; U0 SAL, U0126 saline; VEH DCS, vehicle D-cycloserine; VEH SAL, vehicle saline; WH DCS, wortmannin D-cycloserine; WH SAL, wortmannin saline. 0306-4522/05$30. 00 0. 00  © 2005 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of IBRO. doi:10. 1016/j. neuroscience. 2005. 04. 003 Fear conditioning occurs when a previously neutral stimulus (conditioned stimulus) is paired with an aversive stimulus (McAllister and McAllister, 1971).Following such pairing the conditioned stimulus is thought to elicit a state of conditioned fear. This is de? ned in animals by their behavior: freezing, autonomic reactivity, and fear-potentiated startle. A large literature indicates that the basolateral nucleus of the amygdala (BLA) is critically involved in both the acquisition and the expression of conditioned fear (Davis, 2000). Neurotoxic lesions or intra-amygdala infusion of glutamate antagonists into the BLA bl ocks the expression of conditioned fear. In addition, local infusion of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) speci? c antagonists blocks the acquisition of conditioned fear (Miserendino et al. , 1990; Kim et al. , 1991; Maren et al. , 1996; Gewirtz and Davis, 1997).Synaptic plasticity in this area is thought to underlie the learning process when afferent sensory information elicited by the conditioned stimulus is paired with afferent pain information elicited by the unconditioned stimulus (Fanselow and LeDoux, 1999). Extinction is de? ned as a reduction in conditioned fear when the conditioned stimulus (CS) is presented repeatedly in the absence of the unconditioned stimulus (US). Many studies show that extinction is not the result of forgetting or memory erasure but results from formation of new associations that compete with prior fear-conditioned associations (Falls and Davis, 1995; Davis et al. , 2000). Similar to acquisition, extinction is also blocked by glutamate NMDA receptor antagon ists either given systemically (Cox and Westbrook, 1994; Baker and Azorlosa, 1996; Kehoe et al. 1996) or locally infused into the BLA (Falls and Davis, 1992). The glycine modulatory site of the NMDA receptor provides a critical regulatory role. Whereas direct NMDA agonists may be neurotoxic due to unregulated calcium entry, partial agonists can facilitate glutamatergic NMDA activity in a more limited fashion (Lawler and Davis, 1992; Olney, 1994). Recent results showed that partial agonists acting at the glycine modulatory site of the NMDA receptor, such as D-cycloserine (DCS), enhance learning and memory in several animal models (Thompson and Disterhoft, 1997; Pussinen et al. , 1997; Matsuoka and Aigner, 1996; Land and Riccio, 1999; Walker et al. , 2002; 247 248 Y. L. Yang and K. T.Lu / Neuroscience 134 (2005) 247–260 extinction test, an extinction training and a post-extinction test (see Fig. 1A). Acclimation. On each of 3 consecutive days, rats were placed in the test chamb ers for 10 min and then returned to their home cages. Baseline startle test. On each of the next 2 consecutive days, animals were placed in the test chambers and presented with 30 95-dB startle stimuli at a 30-s interstimulus interval (ISI). Animals whose baseline startle response was 1% of the measurable level were not included in later analysis. Fear conditioning. Twenty-four hours later, rats were returned to the test chambers and after 5 min were given the ? rst of 10 light-footshock pairings.The shock (US) was delivered during the last 0. 5 s of the 3. 7 s light (CS). The average intertrial interval was 4 min (range 3–5 min) and the shock intensity was 0. 6 mA. Pre-extinction test. Twenty-four hours after fear conditioning, rats were returned to the test chambers and 5 min later presented with 30 startle-eliciting noise bursts (95 dB, 30 s ISI). These initial startle stimuli were used to habituate the startle response to a stable baseline prior to the light-noise test tr ials that followed. Thirty seconds later a total of 20 startle-eliciting noise bursts were presented, 10 in darkness (noise alone) and 10 3. 2 s after onset of the 3. s light (light-noise) in a balanced, irregular order at a 30-s ISI. Percent fear-potentiated startle was computed as [(startle amplitude on light-noise noise-alone trials)/noisealone trials] 100. Rats were then divided into equal size groups of comparable mean levels of percent fear-potentiated startle. Rats with less than 50% fear-potentiated startle during the pre-extinction test were not used. Extinction training. Extinction training (cue exposure) is de? ned as the repetitive exposure to the CS cue (light) in the absence of the US (shock). Twenty-four hours after the preextinction test, rats were returned to the test chamber. After 5 min, they were presented with 30, 3. s light exposures at a 30-s ISI. Context control groups (context exposure) remained in the test cages for the same amount of time but did not recei ve light presentations. Extinction training was performed for varying numbers of consecutive days (2 days for experiment 1 and 1 day for subsequent experiments). Post-extinction test-1. Twenty-four hours after the last extinction training, rats were returned to the test chamber. After 5 min, they were presented with 30 95-dB leader stimuli for a habituated startle baseline. This was followed by a total of 60 startle-eliciting noise bursts, 30 in darkness (noise alone) and 30 presented 3. 2 s after onset of the 3. s light (light-noise) in a balanced, irregular order at a 30-s ISI. Results were evaluated the same way as pre-extinction test. Post-extinction test-2. Twenty-four hours after the extend extinction training period, rats were returned to the test chamber and process the post-extinction test described above. Fear-potentiated startle test. Twenty-four hours after fear conditioning, rats were returned to the test chamber and testing for fear-potentiated startle using the post-e xtinction test-1 described above. Ledgerwood et al. , 2003; Richardson et al. , 2004). In addition, ( )-HA966, a competitive antagonist at the glycine regulatory site on the NMDA receptor, reversed the DCS effect (Walker et al. , 2002).Clinical studies have shown that DCS can sometimes enhance implicit memory and improve cognition in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (Schwartz et al. , 1996; Tsai et al. , 1998, 1999). It can also counter cognitive de? cits in schizophrenia (Javitt et al. , 1994; Goff et al. , 1999). Furthermore, systemic administration of DCS also proved to facilitate extinction of conditioned fear (Walker et al. , 2002; Ledgerwood et al. , 2003, 2004; Ressler et al. , 2004). Numerous signaling cascades including mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI-3K) and calcineurin, are involved in the extinction of conditioned fear (Lu et al. , 2001; Lin et al. , 2003).Similar mechanisms may also be involved in the facilitation effec t of DCS. This study was designed to clarify the relationship between amygdaloid NMDA receptors, MAPK and PI-3K signal cascades on the extinction of conditioned fear. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURES Animals Adult male Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats (obtained from the animal center of National Taiwan University Taipei, Taiwan) weighing between 250 and 350 g were used. Animals were housed in groups of four rats in a temperature (24  °C) -controlled animal colony with continuous access to food and water. Rats were kept on a 12-h light/dark cycle with lights on at 07:00 h. All behavioral procedures took place during the light cycle.All procedures were conducted in accordance with the National Institutes of Health Guide for Care and Use of Laboratory Animals and the guidelines set forth by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee at the National Taiwan Normal University. In all experimental procedures involving animals, all efforts were made to minimize pain and the number of animals u sed. Surgery All surgeries were carried out under sodium pentobarbital (50 mg/ kg, i. p. ) anesthesia. Once anesthetized, the rat was placed in a Kopf stereotaxic instrument, the skull was exposed, and 22 gauge guide cannula (model C313G, Plastic-one Products, Roanoke, VA, USA) were implanted bilaterally into the BLA (AP, 2. ; DV, 9. 0, ML, 5. 0 from bregma (Paxinos and Watson, 1997)). Size 0 insect pins (Carolina Biological Supply, Burlington, NC, USA) were inserted into each cannula to prevent clogging. These extended about 2 mm past the end of the guide cannula. Screws were anchored to the skull and the assembly was cemented in place using dental cement (Plastic-one Products). Rats received an antibiotic (penicillin) once every day for the ? rst 3 days after the surgery to reduce the risk of infection. General behavioral procedures Fear conditioning was measured using the potentiated startle paradigm (Cassella and Davis, 1986; Lu et al. , 2001; Walker et al. , 2002).The rats were trained and tested in a startle chamber (San Diego Instruments, San Diego, CA, USA) in which cage movement resulted in the displacement of an accelerometer. Startle amplitude was de? ned as peak accelerometer voltage within 200 ms after startle stimulus onset. The behavioral procedures common to all experiments consisted of an acclimation phase, a baseline startle test phase, a fear conditioning phase, a pre- Drug injection DCS (Sigma) was freshly dissolved in saline. DCS (15 mg/kg, i. p. ) or saline was injected intraperitoneally 15 min prior to extinction training with a 26 gauge injection needle connected to a 1 ml syringe (Walker et al. , 2002; Ledgerwood et al. , 2003) (experiments 1– 8).MAPK inhibitor PD98059 (500 ng in 1 l of 20% DMSO; Calbiochem) (Lu et al. , 2001) or U0-126 (50 ng/side; Sigma) (Lin et al. , 2003) or 20% DMSO was infused into the BLA Y. L. Yang and K. T. Lu / Neuroscience 134 (2005) 247–260 249 Fig. 1. Systemic administration of DCS accelerate d extinction of conditioned fear. (A) Timeline of behavioral procedures for experiment 1. (B) Percent fear-potentiated startle measured 24 h before (pre-extinction test) and 24 h after extinction training (post-extinction test). Rats in each group were treated with either DCS or saline prior to a single session of extinction training. (C) To test for toxicity, after 24 h all animals of experiment 1 were retrained.They were tested for fear-potentiated startle response in the absence of drugs 24 h later (fear-potentiated startle test) (values are mean SEM, * P 0. 05 versus control group; # P 0. 05 versus the group with 1 day extinction and saline injection). 250 Y. L. Yang and K. T. Lu / Neuroscience 134 (2005) 247–260 10 min prior to saline or DCS injection (experiments 2 and 8). PI-3K inhibitor (wortmannin, 5 g/side) (Lin et al. , 2003) or vehicle was administrated to the BLA 10 min prior to saline or DCS injection (experiment 3). Transcription inhibitor actinomycin D (10 g d issolved in 1. 6 l vehicle; 0. 8 l per side) or translation inhibitor (anisomycin, 125 g dissolved in 1. 6 l vehicle; 0. 8 l per side) or vehicle (Lin et al. 2003) was administrated to the BLA 10 min prior to DCS or saline injection (experiment 4) or 25 min prior to fear-potentiated startle test (experiment 6). In the control experiment, PD98059, U0-126, wortmannin, actinomycin D, and anisomycin were injected 25 min prior to the fear-potentiated startle test. Injections were made through 28-gauge injection cannula (model C313I, Plastic-one Products) connected to a Hamilton micro-syringe via polyethylene tubing. Infusion speed was 0. 25 l/ min. The total volume of injection was 0. 8 l per side. Western blot analysis Animals were killed by decapitation 10 min after extinction training. The lateral and basolateral subregions of the amygdala were collected and sonicated brie? y in ice-cold buffer: 50 mM Tris–HCl (pH 7. ), 50 mM NaCl, 10 mM EGTA, 5 mM EDTA, 2 mM sodium pyrophospha te, 4 mM para-nitrophenylphosphate, 1 mM sodium orthovanadate, 1 mM phenylmethylsulfonyl ? uoride (PMSF), 20 ng/ml leupeptin, and 4 ng/ml aprotinin. Following sonication, the soluble extract was obtained after pelleting the crude membrane fraction in a centrifuge at 50,000 g at 4  °C. Protein concentration in the soluble fraction was then measured using a Bradford assay with bovine serum albumin as the standard. Equivalent amounts of protein for each sample were resolved in 10% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)–polyacrylamide gels, blotted electrophoretically to PVDF membranes and blocked overnight in 5% skim milk (Cell Signaling Technology, Inc. , USA).Blots were incubated with antiphospho-ERK antibody (New England Biolabs, USA), anti-ERK antibody (BD Transduction Laboratories, USA), anti-phospho-Akt antibody (New England Biolabs) or anti-pan-Akt (BD Transduction Laboratories). Band detection was performed with an enhanced chemiluminescence Western blotting analysis system (RPN 2108; Amersham International, Amersham, UK). fear-potentiated startle during the pre-extinction test. The ? nal 30 rats were assigned into ? ve groups of six animals based on their level of fear-potentiated startle in the preextinction test. Twenty-four hours after the pre-extinction test, each rat received 1 or 2 consecutive days of extinction training with DCS (15 mg/kg, i. p. ) or saline. Saline or DCS was injected 15 min prior to the extinction training.An additional control group was tested 2 days after the pre-extinction training without intervening exposures to visual CS. Fig. 1B shows that DCS accelerated extinction of conditioned fear. A two way ANOVA for differences in treatment (DCS vs saline) and days (one or two extinction sessions) between-subjects indicated a signi? cant treatment effect (F(1,20) 9. 02) and a signi? cant treatment days interaction (F(2,20) 6. 68). Thus, the reduction of fear-potentiated startle after 1 day of extinction training was greater in the gr oup that received DCS than in the group that received saline (Fig. 1B). Individual comparisons between DCS- and saline-treated groups indicated signi? ant differences after 1 day of extinction sessions (t(10) 3. 86). Previous studies have shown that lesions of the BLA block expression of fear-potentiated startle (Campeau and Davis, 1995). DCS may have toxic effect on BLA, and resulting misinterpretation of its facilitation effects on extinction. To test for toxicity, all animals of experiment 1 were retrained and tested 24 h later. Under these conditions, animals previously injected with DCS or saline showed a signi? cant fear-potentiated startle (Fig. 1C). Thus, the facilitation effect of DCS observed during the post-extinction test 1 appeared to result from the acute drug effect rather than from a more permanent, perhaps toxic, action of DCS.Experiment 2: intra-amygdala infusion of MAPK inhibitors blocked the facilitation of extinction by DCS To test the possible role of MAPK-depe ndent signaling cascade in the DCS-enhanced effect on the extinction of condition fear, 48 rats received fear conditioning, extinction training, and testing for fear-potentiated startle. Initially, 58 rats were used, but 10 of them were excluded. Rats were randomly assigned to six different groups and received one of the following treatments: vehicle saline (VEH SAL), vehicle DCS (VEH DCS), PD98059 DCS (PD DCS), U0-126 DCS (U0 DCS), PD98059 saline (PD SAL) or U0-126 saline (U0 SAL). The MAPK inhibitors, PD98059, and U0-126 (or vehicle) were administrated to the BLA 10 min prior to the injection with DCS or saline. Animals were then returned to their cage.Fifteen minutes after injection, animals were subjected to a single session of extinction training. Previously, we show that a single day of extinction training with cue exposure led to about 35% decrease in fear-potentiated startle, whereas 2–3 days of extinction training led to near complete extinction (Lu et al. , 2001; Wa lker et al. , 2002). We concluded that the acceleration of extinction is best detected after a single session of extinction training. As shown in Fig. 2, DMSO, PD98059 (500 ng/side, bilaterally), or U0-126 (20 nM/per side, bilaterally) was given 10 min prior to saline or DCS injection; rats were returned to their cages for 30 min before a single HistologyRats were overdosed with chloral hydrate and perfused intracardially with 0. 9% saline followed by 10% formalin. The brains were removed and immersed in a 30% sucrose-formalin solution for at least 3 day. Coronal sections (30 M) were cut through the area of interest, stained with Cresyl Violet, and examined under light microscope for cannula placement. Animals with misplaced cannula were not included in later analysis. Statistical analysis The mean startle amplitude across the 30 noise alone and 30 light-noise trials during the pre- and post-extinction tests was calculated for each animal. All results were analyzed using a score of percent fear-potentiated startle, as de? ned in the post-extinction tests above.ANOVA on scores was the primary statistical measure. Between-group comparisons were made using two-tailed t-tests for independent samples. The criterion for signi? cance for all comparisons was P 0. 05. RESULTS Experiment 1: systemic administration of DCS accelerated extinction of conditioned fear This experiment assessed the facilitation effect of DCS on different amounts of extinction training. Initially, 35 rats were used. Five were excluded for showing less than 50% Y. L. Yang and K. T. Lu / Neuroscience 134 (2005) 247–260 251 Fig. 2. Intra-amygdala infusion of MAPK inhibitors blocked facilitation effect of DCS on extinction. (A) Timeline of behavioral procedures for experiment 2. B) Cannula was placed in the BLA. Percent fear-potentiated startle measured 24 h before (pre-extinction test) and 24 h after extinction training (post-extinction test). Rats in each group underwent VEH SAL, VEH DCS, PD DCS, U0 DCS, PD SAL, or U0 SAL prior to a single session of extinction training. Twenty-four hours later, animals were tested for fear-potentiated startle in the absence of drugs (values are mean SEM, * P 0. 05 versus VEH SAL group; # P 0. 05 versus VEH DCS group). (C) Cannula tip placements transcribed onto atlas plates adapted from Paxinos and Watson (1997). 252 Y. L. Yang and K. T. Lu / Neuroscience 134 (2005) 247–260 session of extinction training.Twenty-four hours later, animals were tested for fear-potentiated startle in the absence of drugs. Results showed that there was a signi? cant overall difference between treatments (F(5,42) 11. 81). Fig. 2 shows that administration of DCS facilitated extinction of conditioned fear (VEH DCS) compared with the control group (VEH SAL) (t(14) 3. 12, P 0. 05). This effect was blocked by co-administration of MAPK inhibitor PD98059 (PD DCS) or U0-126 (U0 DCS) (t(14) 3. 08, P 0. 05 and t(14) 3. 29, P 0. 05, respectively) compared wit h the control (VEH DCS), treated with PD98059 only (PD SAL) or U0-126 only (U0 SAL) did not affect extinction (t(14) 0. 7 and t(14) 0. 36, respectively). These results indicated that the MAPK dependent signaling cascade most likely mediated the facilitation effect of DCS. Experiment 3: intra-amygdala infusion of the PI-3K inhibitor blocked facilitation of extinction by DCS Previous ? ndings have shown that PI-3K inhibitors retard acquisition in a variety of learning paradigms (Lin et al. , 2003). To evaluate the possible role of PI-3K signaling cascade in the DCS enhancement of extinction of conditioned fear, 32 rats received fear conditioning, extinction training, and testing for fear-potentiated startle. Although 38 rats were used initially, six were excluded.They were then randomly assigned to four different groups and received one of the following treatments: VEH SAL, VEH DCS, wortmannin DCS (WH DCS) and wortmannin saline (WH SAL). The PI-3K inhibitor (wortmannin, 5 g/side, bila terally) was infused to the BLA 10 min prior to the injection of saline or DCS. Then rats were returned to their cages for 15 min before being subjected to a single session of extinction training. Twenty-four hours later, animals were tested for fear-potentiated startle in the absence of drugs. Results showed that there was a signi? cant overall difference between treatments (F(4,28) 12. 17). As shown in Fig. 3, the facilitation effect of DCS (VEH DCS) on extinction was blocked by co-administration of PI-3K inhibitor (WH DCS) (t(14) 2. 98, P 0. 05).With the single extinction training session used in this experiment, this dose of wortmannin alone (WH SAL) at this dose had no effect on the extinction of fear-potentiated startle compared with control group (VEH SAL) (t(14) 0. 19). These results suggest that the PI-3K signaling cascade was involved in the DCS facilitation of extinction. Experiment 4: DCS enhanced the extinction training induced MAPK and PI-3K phosphorylation According t o the results of the above experiments, the DCS facilitation effect on extinction was prevented by coadministration of MAPK or PI-3K inhibitor. Previous studies have shown that infusion of these same inhibitors blocks extinction (Lu et al. , 2001; Lin et al. , 2003). Therefore, these treatments in conjunction with DCS must result in no extinction and resulting misinterpretation of its blockage effects on DCS.To show the MAPK and PI-3K signaling pathways are essential for the facilitation effect of DCS, we used Western blot to evaluate the DCS effect on the extinction training induced MAPK and PI-3K phosphorylation. Additional amygdala-cannulated rats received fear conditioning, extinction training, and testing for fear-potentiated startle. Then PD98059 or wortmannin was infused to the BLA 10 min prior to the injection of saline or DCS. Rats were returned to their cages. Fifteen minutes after DCS or saline injection, animals were subjected to a single session of extinction training. Animals were killed by decapitation 10 min after extinction training.The lateral and basolateral sub-regions of the amygdala were tested with Western blot analysis. Compared with control group, MAPK phosphorylation was signi? cantly elevated in BLA after extinction training (Fig. 4A, lane 2). Administration of DCS enhanced the effect of extinction training on MAPK phosphorylation (Fig. 4A, lane 3). The MAPK inhibitor PD98059 blocked the effect of DCS (Fig. 4A, lane 4). In addition, we measured the state of Akt phosphorylation as an index of PI-3K activity (Lin et al. , 2001). Fig. 4B showed that administration of DCS enhanced the effect of extinction training on Akt phosphorylation (Fig. 4B, lane 3). The PI-3K inhibitor, wortmannin, blocked the enhancement effect of DCS (Fig. 4b, lane 4).These results raise the possibility that DCS enhancement effect of extinction of conditioned fear is mediated by the amygdaloid MAPK and PI-3K dependent signaling cascades. Experiment 5: intra-amygd ala infusion of the transcription inhibitor or translation inhibitor blocked DCS facilitation of extinction The MAPK pathway participates in the synthesis of proteins important for the long-term stabilization and storage of fear memories. According to the result of experiment 2, the facilitation effect of DCS on extinction is mediated by the MAPK dependent signaling cascade. We predicted that the facilitation effect of DCS required new protein synthesis in the BLA.To test this hypothesis, 48 rats received fear conditioning, extinction training, and testing for fear-potentiated startle. Initially, 56 rats were used but eight of them were excluded. Rats were then randomly assigned to six different groups and received one of the following treatments: VEH SAL, VEH DCS, actinomycin D DCS (ACT DCS), anisomycin DCS (ANI DCS), actinomycin D saline (ACT SAL), and anisomycin saline (ANI SAL). Transcription inhibitor (actinomycin D, 10 g dissolved in 1. 6 l vehicle; 0. 8 l per side) and transl ation inhibitor (anisomycin, 125 g dissolved in 1. 6 l vehicle; 0. 8 l per side) were administered to the BLA 10 min prior to saline or DCS injection. Then rats were returned to their cages. Fifteen minutes later, nimals were subjected to a single session of extinction training. Twenty-four hours later, animals were tested for fear-potentiated startle in the absence of drugs. Results showed that there was a significant overall difference between treatments (F(5,42) 10. 17). As shown in Fig. 5, actinomycin D and anisomycin completely blocked the facilitation effect of DCS (t(14) 3. 11 and t(14) 2. 96, respectively) compared with the VEH DCS group. With a single extinction training session used in this experiment, actinomycin alone (ACT SAL) or anisomycin alone (ANI SAL) did not affect the extinction of fear-potentiated startle compared with control Y. L. Yang and K. T.Lu / Neuroscience 134 (2005) 247–260 253 Fig. 3. Intra-amygdala infusion of the PI-3K inhibitor blocked the fa cilitation effect of DCS on extinction. (A) Timeline of behavioral procedures for experiment 3. (B) Cannula was placed in the BLA. Percent fear-potentiated startle measured 24 h before (pre-extinction test) and 24 h after (post-extinction test) extinction training. Rats in each group were treated with VEH SAL, VEH DCS, WH DCS, or WH SAL prior to a single session of extinction training. Twenty-four hours later, animals were tested for fear-potentiated startle in the absence of drugs (values are mean SEM, * P 0. 05 versus VEH SAL group). C) Cannula tip placements transcribed onto atlas plates adapted from Paxinos and Watson (1997). 254 Y. L. Yang and K. T. Lu / Neuroscience 134 (2005) 247–260 (VEH SAL) (t(14) 0. 88 and t(14) 0. 48, respectively). These results suggest that new protein synthesis within the BLA played an important role in DCS facilitation of extinction of conditioned fear. Experiment 6: the disruptive effect of intra-amygdala infusion of actinomycin D and anisomy cin was not attributed to lasting damage to the amygdala The active drugs used in the above experiments may have toxic effect within the amygdala. Previous work shows that infusion of PD98095 (Lu et al. , 2001) or wortmannin (Lin et al. 2003) into BLA did not appear to cause permanent impairment of amygdala function. To test for possible toxic effects of actinomycin D and anisomycin on the BLA, all animals of experiment 5 received an additional 2 days of drug free extinction training followed 24 h later by testing. Under these conditions, rats previously treated with actinomycin D (ACT DCS-treated group and ACT SALtreated group) or anisomycin (ANI DCS- and ANI SALtreated group) showed a signi? cant reduction of fearpotentiated startle between post-extinction test 1 and post-extinction test 2 (t(7) 3. 08 and t(7) 3. 32 for the ACT DCS-treated group and ACT SAL-treated group respectively) and (t(7) 2. 96 and t(7) 3. 1 for the ANI DCStreated group and ANI SAL-treated group respectively ) (Fig. 6B). Thus, the blockage of extinction observed during post-extinction test 1 appeared to result from an acute drug effect rather than from a more permanent and perhaps toxic action, of actinomycin D or anisomycin. Previous studies have shown that lesions of the BLA block fear-potentiated startle (Campeau and Davis, 1995), an outcome opposite from that obtained with infusion of actinomycin D or anisomycin. It is also important to note that actinomycin D or anisomycin may have long-term toxicity within the BLA. The extinction of fear would look the same as a gradual loss of ability to express or relearn fear.Experiment 7: the disruptive effect of intra-amygdala infusion of actinomycin D and anisomycin was not attributed to state dependency To evaluate the contribution of state-dependency effects to the results obtained in experiment 6, additional amygdala-cannulated rats were tested for extinction in a drug-free state and after receiving the same compound that they had receive d during extinction training. Results showed that there was a signi? cant overall difference between treatments in post-extinction test 2 (F(2,21) 32. 16). These results are shown in Fig. 7. Rats infused with actinomycin or anisomycin before postextinction test 2 showed a slight, but non-signi? cant, decrease in fear-potentiated startle from post-extinction test 1 to post-extinction test 2. For control rats (n 8), fear-potentiated startle was signi? cantly lower during post-extinction test 2 than post-extinction test 1 (t(7) 2. 455; P 0. 05). The lost of fear-potentiated startle in both groups probably re? cted incidental extinction produced by the 30 non-reinforced CS presentations of post-extinction test 1. The failure of rats infused before Fig. 4. MAPK and PI-3K inhibitors blocked extinction training activation of MAPK and PI-3K. (A) Representative Western blots and densitometric analysis of the activation of MAPK in the BLA under different treatments (values are mean SEM, * P 0 . 05 versus VEH SAL group). (B) Representative Western blots and densitometric analysis Akt phosphorylation as an index of PI-3K activity in the BLA under different treatments (values are mean SEM, * P 0. 05 versus VEH DCS group). Y. L. Yang and K. T. Lu / Neuroscience 134 (2005) 247–260 255 Fig. 5.Intra-amygdala infusion of the transcription inhibitor or translation inhibitor blocks the facilitation effect of DCS on extinction of conditioned fear. (A) Timeline of behavioral procedures for experiment 5. (B) Cannula was placed in the BLA. Percent fear-potentiated startle measured 24 h before (pre-extinction test) and 24 h after (post-extinction test 1) extinction training. Rats underwent treatment with VEH SAL, VEH DCS, ACT DCS, ANI DCS, ACT SAL, or ANI SAL prior to a single session of extinction training. Twenty-four hours later, animals were tested for fear-potentiated startle in the absence of drugs (values are mean SEM, * P 0. 05 comparing with the VEH SAL group; # P 0. 05 compared with the VEH DCS group). C) Cannula tip placements transcribed onto atlas plates adapted from Paxinos and Watson (1997). 256 Y. L. Yang and K. T. Lu / Neuroscience 134 (2005) 247–260 Fig. 6. The disruptive effects of intra-amygdala infusion of actinomycin D and anisomycin on extinction were not attributed to lasting damage to the BLA. (A) Timeline of behavioral procedures for experiment 6. The same animals used in experiment 3 were subjected for two more trials of extinction training. (B) Twenty-four hours after the last extinction training, animals were tested for fear-potentiated startle in the absence of drugs (post-extinction test-2) (values are mean SEM, * P 0. 05 versus the corresponding post-extinction test-2). esting with the transcription and translation inhibitors before testing to show a loss of fear-incidental extinction suggested that state dependency was not a major factor in the effects of actinomycin D and anisomycin. Experiment 8: effect of pretest PD98059, U0-126, wortmannin, actinomycin, and anisomycin administration on fear-potentiated startle This experiment was designed to evaluate whether the effect of the active drugs used has had a secondary effect on fear itself or on CS processing. For example, if MAPK inhibitor U0-126 reduced CS-elicited fear, this might attenuate extinction by decreasing the discrepancy between CS predictions and what actually occurred. If actinomycin D or anisomycin interfered with visual processing, this might block extinction produced by non-reinforced exposures to the visual CS.To evaluate these possibilities, 42 amygdala-cannulated rats received acclimation, baseline startle test, and fear conditioning. Initially, 50 rats were used, but eight of them were excluded. After 24 h, rats were infused with PD98059, U0-126, wortmannin, actinomycin, and anisomycin. At 25 min after the infusions, rats were tested for fear-potentiated startle. As shown in Fig. 8, none of the active drugs we used here sig ni? cantly in? uenced fearpotentiated startle (F(6,35) 0. 993). Thus, it is unlikely that these drugs in? uenced extinction by increasing fear or by disrupting CS processing. Y. L. Yang and K. T. Lu / Neuroscience 134 (2005) 247–260 57 Fig. 7. The disruptive effect of intra-amygdala infusion of actinomycin D and anisomycin were not attributed to state dependency. (A) Timeline of behavioral procedures for experiment 7. (B) Cannula was placed in the BLA. Percent fear-potentiated startle measured 24 h before (pre-extinction test), 24 h after (post-extinction test 1), and 48 h after (post-extinction test 2) extinction training. Rats in each group underwent VEH SAL, ACT DCS, or ANI DCS prior to a single session of extinction training and prior to post-extinction test 2. Animals were tested for fear-potentiated startle in the absence of drugs (values are mean SEM, * P 0. 05). C) Cannula tip placements transcribed onto atlas plates adapted from Paxinos and Watson (1997). 258 Y. L. Y ang and K. T. Lu / Neuroscience 134 (2005) 247–260 Fig. 8. Effect of pretest PD98059, U0-126, wortmannin, actinomycin, and anisomycin administration on fear-potentiated startle. (A) Timeline of behavioral procedures for experiment 8. (B) Cannula was placed in the BLA. Percent fear-potentiated startle was measured 24 h after fear conditioning. Rats were treated with DMSO, PD98059 (PD), U0-126 (U0), wortmannin (WH), vehicle (VEH), actinomycin (ACT), or anisomycin (ANI) 25 min prior to the fear-potentiated startle test (values are mean SEM). C) Cannula tip placements transcribed onto atlas plates adapted from Paxinos and Watson (1997). DISCUSSION We build on the previous ? ndings that DCS facilitated extinction of conditioned fear (Walker et al. , 2002; Ledgerwood et al. , 2003, 2004; Ressler et al. , 2004). Here, we show for the ? rst time that the DCS effect was prevented by co-administration of MAPK, PI-3K, transcription, and translation inhibitors. Control experiments indica ted that the blocking effects of actinomycin D and anisomycin on extinction were not due to lasting damage to the BLA or state dependency. In addition, none of active drugs we used in this study altered the expression of conditioned fear.These results suggest that PI-3K and MAPK-dependent signaling cascades and de novo protein synthesis within the BLA were important for DCS facilitation. Early behavioral studies by Pavlov (1927) and Konorski (1948) de? ned extinction as an active process involving formation of new inhibitory associations as opposed to forgetting previously conditioned associations. Numerous studies since have con? rmed and elaborated these early ? ndings (reviewed in Falls and Davis, 1995; Davis et al. , 2000). It is now well accepted that extinction occurs with repeated presentation of a CS in the absence of the pre- Y. L. Yang and K. T. Lu / Neuroscience 134 (2005) 247–260 259 viously paired US.This reduces the conditioned response elicited by the CS. In co ntrast to forgetting which implies the passive loss of memory, extinction implies active formation of new inhibitory associations competing with and overpowering original excitatory associations. Evidence is growing that extinction may involve circuits and use mechanisms of synaptic plasticity similar to those of conditioned fear learning (Falls and Davis, 1992; Cox and Westbrook, 1994; Baker and Azorlosa, 1996; Davis et al. , 2000). NMDA-dependent synaptic plasticity appears to mediate many forms of active learning (Morris, 1989; Staubli et al. , 1989; Flood et al. , 1990; Collinridge and Bliss, 1995).It is likely that conditioned fear learning depends on CS–US pairing mediated by NMDA receptors within the BLA (Miserendino et al. , 1990; Fanselow and LeDoux, 1999). Extinction also appears to require active, NMDA-dependent learning within the amygdala. This was demonstrated by blockage of extinction by microinjections of APV into the BLA in both fear-potentiated startle (Fall s and Davis, 1992) and freezing paradigms (Lee and Kim, 1998). Furthermore, systemic administration of a different NMDA antagonist, MK801, blocks the extinction process in a range of different learning paradigms (Cox and Westbrook, 1994; Baker and Azorlosa, 1996; Kehoe et al. , 1996).Recently, DCS, a partial agonist acting at the strychnine-insensitive glycine-recognition site of the NMDA receptor complex, has repeatedly been shown to facilitate learning in various cue and context association paradigms (Monahan et al. , 1989; Flood et al. , 1992; Thompson and Disterhoft, 1997). Walker et al. (2002) reported the ? rst evidence that DCS facilitates extinction of learned fear. Since then, further studies con? rmed and elaborated this early ? nding (Ledgerwood et al. , 2003, 2004; Ressler et al. , 2004). These studies reported that DCS is more effective at facilitating extinction when given after extinction training, rather than before. They interpret these ? dings as evidence that DCS facilitates the consolidation of a new memory acquired during extinction. It is important to note that although some studies have shown DCS to be effective in improving memory impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease (Schwartz et al. , 1996; Tsai et al. , 1999) and schizophrenia (Javitt et al. , 1994; Goff et al. , 1999), other studies found little or no improvement (Tsai et al. , 1998; van Berckel et al. , 1999). This may be related to the fact that acute treatment with DCS may have a more pronounced facilitation than chronic treatment (Quartermain et al. , 1994; Ledgerwood et al. , 2003; Richardson et al. , 2004). Ledgerwood et al. (2003, 2004) reported that DCStreated animals fail to exhibit reinstatement effects.That DCS enhances extinction may be through some processes different from extinction induced by repeat representation of CS. Lin et al. (2003) investigated the similarities and differences between consolidation of conditioning and consolidation of extinction. They fo und that both processes depend on activation of NMDA receptors, PI-3K, MAPK, and require synthesis of new proteins within the amygdala. They also found that different characteristics show differential sensitivity to the transcription inhibitor actinomycin D. Our results were consistent with the model that the extinc- tion process involved active learning of new inhibitory associations.Here we showed that DCS facilitation of extinction could be blocked by actinomycin D and anisomycin. These seemingly con? icting results could be attributable to our extinction protocol. Our protocol resembled betweensession extinction, presumably corresponding to long-term extinction memory. In addition, we used DCS to facilitate the extinction process and tested the animals in a drug free condition. Acquisition or consolidation of long-term memory requires activation of protein kinase, transcription of genes, new protein synthesis, and synapse formation (Schafe and LeDoux, 2000). Similar mechanisms w ere involved in the DCS facilitation of extinction. The DCS activated NMDA receptors, resulted in Ca2 in? x into the cell, and led to the PI-3K and MAPK activation. Activated MAPK can translocate to the nucleus, subsequently activating transcription factors to promote gene transcription and new protein synthesis. Thus, combinations of drugs and extinction training may weaken or erase original memory. There is increasing evidence that learning of CS–US associations involves synaptic plasticity within the BLA, leading to differential activation of this circuit by sensory afferents (Davis, 1997; Rogan et al. , 1997; Lee and Kim, 1998; Fanselow and LeDoux, 1999). 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