Value Conflicts Essay Example for Free

Value Conflicts Essay Looking at the article â€Å"Charge it to our children† written by Thomas L. Friedman, the obvious value conflict is monetary. Which is valued more, saving money in taxes, or pay for a war? However that question gives rise to another, more detrimental conflict†¦ should we even be fighting the war in Iraq? Many supporters of the war see no reason we shouldn’t pay for it, moreover the opposition undoubtedly feels they shouldn’t pay for something they don’t agree with. Friedman writes about a $1 per gallon tax on gasoline â€Å"which could reduce our dependence on Middle East oil dictators and reduce payroll taxes for low- income workers, pay down the deficit and fund the development of renewable energy†. Would we be willing to pay that amount to secure the future? Yet another type of value conflict now arises quality of live in the present as opposed to the quality of live for the future? Unfortunately money makes the world go around, where we decide to put it is always a conflict. This correlates with another article written by Freidman entitled â€Å"Generation Q† where he comments on the lackadaisical stance the younger generations have taken in regard to polity. He states that although we are more involved in the world, we are not riled up enough about our own prosperity. Should our generation sacrifice peace and political correctness in order to â€Å"light a fire under the country†? He tends to imply that we have become far too dependant on electronic communication. Should we give up the ease of e-mail in order to actually take time from our busy schedules to attend a rally? Would anyone else even show up? In the end it all boils down to a matter of proximity. Our country seems to have adopted the old out of sight, out of mind adage. I think we need to collectively do something, but are we willing to sacrifice our own self diluted cushy little lives in order to standup for ourselves, or will we go, uninspired and quiet into the darkness our future now holds. Works Cited â€Å"Charge it to Our Children† By Thomas L. Friedman. Published in the International Herald Tribune, October 7, 2007 http://www. iht. com/articles/2007/10/07/opinion/edfried. php â€Å"Generation Q† By Thomas L. Friedman. Written in young-Turks via Google Groups, October 10, 2007 http://groups. google. com/group/yotu/browse_thread/thread/5a20aa7a200eba46

Value Conflicts Essay Example for Free

Value Conflicts Essay Looking at the article â€Å"Charge it to our children† written by Thomas L. Friedman, the obvious value conflict is monetary. Which is valued more, saving money in taxes, or pay for a war? However that question gives rise to another, more detrimental conflict†¦ should we even be fighting the war in Iraq? Many supporters of the war see no reason we shouldn’t pay for it, moreover the opposition undoubtedly feels they shouldn’t pay for something they don’t agree with. Friedman writes about a $1 per gallon tax on gasoline â€Å"which could reduce our dependence on Middle East oil dictators and reduce payroll taxes for low- income workers, pay down the deficit and fund the development of renewable energy†. Would we be willing to pay that amount to secure the future? Yet another type of value conflict now arises quality of live in the present as opposed to the quality of live for the future? Unfortunately money makes the world go around, where we decide to put it is always a conflict. This correlates with another article written by Freidman entitled â€Å"Generation Q† where he comments on the lackadaisical stance the younger generations have taken in regard to polity. He states that although we are more involved in the world, we are not riled up enough about our own prosperity. Should our generation sacrifice peace and political correctness in order to â€Å"light a fire under the country†? He tends to imply that we have become far too dependant on electronic communication. Should we give up the ease of e-mail in order to actually take time from our busy schedules to attend a rally? Would anyone else even show up? In the end it all boils down to a matter of proximity. Our country seems to have adopted the old out of sight, out of mind adage. I think we need to collectively do something, but are we willing to sacrifice our own self diluted cushy little lives in order to standup for ourselves, or will we go, uninspired and quiet into the darkness our future now holds. Works Cited â€Å"Charge it to Our Children† By Thomas L. Friedman. Published in the International Herald Tribune, October 7, 2007 http://www. iht. com/articles/2007/10/07/opinion/edfried. php â€Å"Generation Q† By Thomas L. Friedman. Written in young-Turks via Google Groups, October 10, 2007 http://groups. google. com/group/yotu/browse_thread/thread/5a20aa7a200eba46

Cell Adhesion Molecules in Olfactory Connection Formation

Cell Adhesion Molecules in Olfactory Connection Formation This dissertation study investigated expression, function and the regulatory mechanism of cell adhesion molecules in the formation of olfactory connections. Identification and characterization of a novel protocadherin, Pcdh20, provided additional evidence that multiple cell adhesion molecules are involved in the development of the olfactory system. In combination with several established studies by Sakano and Yoshihara’s group, my study further supports the neural identity model and provides a regulatory mechanism involving MeCP2 in the establishment and maintenance of this combinatory cell adhesion molecule expression in the olfactory sensory neurons. OR identity in correlation with cell adhesion molecule expression Though many cell adhesion molecule expression patterns were described, few of them were correlated with specific ORs. On the other side of the coin, it is also unknown whether a specific OR is correlated with a specific set of cell adhesion molecules throughout development. In adult mice, Pcdh20 expression is in a subpopulation of OSNs and their axons terminate in a small number of discrete Pcdh20-positive glomeruli in the OB. Interestingly, the distribution and numbers of Pcdh20-positive glomeruli are markedly different across gender. More Pcdh20-positive glomeruli with a wider distribution pattern are observed in the male OB, whereas fewer glomeruli with more restricted clustering of Pcdh20-positive glomeruli are found in female OB. The sexually dimorphic expression of Pcdh20 suggests that there may be different ORs associated with Pcdh20 in different sexes. 103 If Pcdh20 expression is correlated with specific OR expression, identification of Pcdh20 associated ORs could reveal possible sex-specific OR expression and aid in further investigation of OR-specific ligand function. In previous studies, cDNA libraries from a single OSN were obtained. OR expression in a single OSN can be identified by PCR using degenerate primers (Dulac and Axel, 1995). In collaboration with Dr. T. Cutforth from Stanford University, I have initiated this study by isolating single OSNs by dissociation of OE and attempting to identify Pcdh20 expressing cells by PCR. Several attempts were made to confirm OR expression using degenerate primers designed by L. Buck (Buck and Axel, 1989). Though I will not be able to complete this study during my dissertation research, identification of Pcdh20 associated ORs will provide important insight into not only OR and CAM association but also understanding of differential OR gene expression in different sexes and whether or not the main OB is related to pheromone recognition. Neuronal activity and regulation of cell adhesion molecule expression Neuronal activity results in long term changes in neurons by regulating gene expression. OSNs constantly respond to external stimuli throughout the life of the animal. Using genetic models and surgical manipulations, it is shown that blocking odorant evoked activity alters the expression of selected cell adhesion molecules. Even though regulation of cell adhesion molecule expression is important for the formation of olfactory axonal converge into glomeruli, the regulatory mechanism of gene expression is undetermined. I reported here that olfactory axon convergence is disrupted in MeCP2 null mice. Furthermore, I also obtained evidence that MeCP2 directly regulated Kirrel 2/3 expression. In MeCP2 KO mice, significant increases in Kirrel2/3 gene transcripts were observed in OE, suggesting that MeCP2 is a transcription suppressor for Kirrel 2/3 gene expression. In addition, my data provide evidence that MeCP2 function is regulated by neuronal activity. With the presence of odorant evoked 104 activity, MeCP2 is phosphorylated at Serine80 and also possesses enhanced binding affinity to promoters of Kirrel2 and Kirrel3 genes. Though MeCP2 increased its binding to promoters of both Kirrel2 and Kirrel3, transcript level changes are markedly different between Kirrel2 and Kirrel3 under odorant stimulation. Other transcription factors were shown to be regulated by neuronal activity. It is likely that both Kirrel2 and Kirrel3 are regulated under multiple neural activity dependent transcription factors. We propose a model in which a balanced transcriptional regulation from both repressors (like MeCP2) and enhancers (like CREB, MEF) determines the expression levels of Kirrel2 and Kirrel3. When both repressor and enhancer are under neural activity regulation, how the balance tilts will determine whether Kirrel2/3 expression will be up- or down-regulated in OSNs. In this study, the olfactory system serves as an excellent model system to study gene regulation of MeCP2 by neuronal activity at physiological levels. Previously, the mechanism of MeCP2 on gene expression regulation by neuronal activity was only studied in vitro. The brain is composed of heterogeneous cells and their neuronal circuits are extremely complex. In contrast, the OE is composed of a single type of neuron. This property provides an opportunity to study neuronal subtype specific MeCP2 function. In addition, the olfactory system provides an excellent system to study the effect of neuronal activity due to it accessibility. Odorant stimulation can be given to the OSNs in the nasal cavity to allow investigation of gene regulation under physiological level of stimulation. To further investigate the model we proposed, it is important to elucidate the full spectrum of MeCP2 target gene regulation. Future study should be done to screen MeCP2 target binding through ChIP-Chip analysi s. MeCP2 binding sequence will provide information in the target genes they regulate in the OSNs. To further provide or block odorant evoked activity, changes in MeCP2 binding will allow us to identify target genes that are activity dependent. Furthermore, identification of odorant evoked activity dependent transcription enhancers in OSNs will allow further  validation of the regulatory model we proposed here. Understanding neural activity dependent MeCP2 function is critical in elucidating the mechanisms of Rett Syndrome. Though rapid progress has been made in the identification of MeCP2 targeting genes, we still do not understand how changes in gene expression result in neuronal structural and functional changes. Rett Syndrome is exacerbated during the early postnatal period. Neural activity plays a critical role in this process. Understanding the relationship between physiological levels of neuronal activity and MeCP2 regulation is the obvious next challenge. The olfactory system provides an excellent model for the easy manipulation of activity stimulation and examination of subtle axonal targeting defects. This study established that cell adhesion molecules are regulated by MeCP2 in an activity dependent manner. Further genomic analysis will provide a comprehensive understanding of MeCP2 regulation of gene expression and could help in the development of treatment strategies for Rett Sy ndrome.

Medea a Mad Bitter Woman in Medea :: essays research papers

Medea is a story about love, passion, fear, and most importantly revenge. Throughout the story the reader witnesses a odd connection between Medea and Jason, they are both quarrelsome, surreptitious, and vigilantes. The characters, Medea and Jason, share many similar traits that they do not even notice mainly because they are both so egotistical. These connection are what really makes the story prominent. In the story, Medea and Jason are seen fighting in numerous occasions. This quarrelsomeness starts when Jason states, ?You could have stayed in Corinth, still lived in this house,/ if you had quietly accepted the decisions? (p.854 lines 406-407). Jason obviously could have stated the obvious in a more pleasant manner, but due to his inability to reason he unflinchingly states the situation extremely blunt. Jason's quarrelsome side is also seen numerous times later in the story, especially when he is talking to Medea. Jason remarks one time to Medea that she has ?everything to gain? if she just ?give up this rage?, this too, like the other comment, is unnecessary and only stated to invoke anger and create more drama. (p.858 line 561). Although Jason is seen, to many people, as the evil villain, Medea also has a little quarrel side to herself as well. After being verbally suppressed Medea is seen telling Jason that he has a ?disease? but not just any one ?The worst man can have, pure shamelessness?(p.855 line 427). Although Medea's comment was not as hurtful, it was still directed to Jason for the main purpose of creating a squabble. The altercations in the story make the story very enjoyable to read. Readers like drama and unexpected outcomes and when a character is pushed far enough and verbally abused enough the unexpected is expected. Arguments generally lead to other mischievous and surreptitious actions by characters, this is true for both Jason and Medea. Although Jason's actions were before the story when he ?betrayed/ his own sons, and my [the nurse's] mistress? by sleeping with, and later marrying, princess Glauce. Medea's actions are seen through the story (p.845 lines 16-17). Medea states, ?I'll carry out/ this murder cunningly and quietly? when referencing the future subtle killings of her children and Jason's new wife (p. 853 lines 353-354). Medea is later seen setting her plans up by tricking Jason into believing that she is fine with his decision by stating, ? Medea a Mad Bitter Woman in Medea :: essays research papers Medea is a story about love, passion, fear, and most importantly revenge. Throughout the story the reader witnesses a odd connection between Medea and Jason, they are both quarrelsome, surreptitious, and vigilantes. The characters, Medea and Jason, share many similar traits that they do not even notice mainly because they are both so egotistical. These connection are what really makes the story prominent. In the story, Medea and Jason are seen fighting in numerous occasions. This quarrelsomeness starts when Jason states, ?You could have stayed in Corinth, still lived in this house,/ if you had quietly accepted the decisions? (p.854 lines 406-407). Jason obviously could have stated the obvious in a more pleasant manner, but due to his inability to reason he unflinchingly states the situation extremely blunt. Jason's quarrelsome side is also seen numerous times later in the story, especially when he is talking to Medea. Jason remarks one time to Medea that she has ?everything to gain? if she just ?give up this rage?, this too, like the other comment, is unnecessary and only stated to invoke anger and create more drama. (p.858 line 561). Although Jason is seen, to many people, as the evil villain, Medea also has a little quarrel side to herself as well. After being verbally suppressed Medea is seen telling Jason that he has a ?disease? but not just any one ?The worst man can have, pure shamelessness?(p.855 line 427). Although Medea's comment was not as hurtful, it was still directed to Jason for the main purpose of creating a squabble. The altercations in the story make the story very enjoyable to read. Readers like drama and unexpected outcomes and when a character is pushed far enough and verbally abused enough the unexpected is expected. Arguments generally lead to other mischievous and surreptitious actions by characters, this is true for both Jason and Medea. Although Jason's actions were before the story when he ?betrayed/ his own sons, and my [the nurse's] mistress? by sleeping with, and later marrying, princess Glauce. Medea's actions are seen through the story (p.845 lines 16-17). Medea states, ?I'll carry out/ this murder cunningly and quietly? when referencing the future subtle killings of her children and Jason's new wife (p. 853 lines 353-354). Medea is later seen setting her plans up by tricking Jason into believing that she is fine with his decision by stating, ?

Media: Source of Todays Violence? Essay -- Argumentative Persuasive E

Media: Source of Today's Violence? In recent years, intense scrutiny has come upon the entertainment industry with critics claiming that it has great influence on the minds of today’s youth. But, what exactly are the effects of such an influence? Certain people have exaggerated the effects that it plays on children. Many people, including government officials, have singled out television, video games, and movies as itthe cause of some types of violence simply because it is an easy target for laying the blame. The truth is that these three media sources are nowhere near the actual causes for acts of violence and other crimes. Studies on the issue are, at best, inconclusive on the issue. Many people believe that television, movies, and video games are the cause of crime because they don’t know the facts on the issue. They single them out because they have violent images and suggestive themes and therefore believe that these will create violence in real life. When a violent crime is committed by a youth, the crime is often blamed on the television or the movies that the youth watched or the video game they just played. Many people will start thinking this is true, based on the fact it seems like a plausible explanation. People will start trying to censor violent images and possibly even ban them. But, by censoring the images it will just make people want to see them more. Humans are inherently attracted to violence and if they can’t see it on television or in movies, they will go elsewhere to get it. Violent television, movies and especially video games offer a way to relieve stress without actually committing any crimes or hurting anyone. Before humans could see or engage in virtual violence, we... ...rnment continues legislation on Capitol Hill on the V-Chip. This the government’s answer to controlling what kids can watch. It’s a device that’s implemented into the television set prohibiting certain shows from being viewed. The parents of the household decide what shows to block. This is not the answer. If a kid wants to watch a certain show or movie on television, then they will simply go to a friends house that doesn’t have the V-Chip. My solution to the problem rests on the shoulders of the parents. They parents must be knowledgeable about their child’s maturity level and whether or not they can handle such programming. By educating the parents on the content of certain shows, movies, and video games, I believe the amount of blame toward the entertainment industry for violence will be alleviated. After all, children are a reflection of their parents.

Essay --

Pain is one of the most powerful human motivators. People will say anything to make it stop because it hurts. And when used specifically to derive information our federal government can make it hurt a lot. No one should ever have to be put through the type of pain that is specifically engineered to hit your pain threshold, engineered to cause you to fear your interrogator, engineered to make you talk. The practice of enhanced interrogation should not be used under any circumstances because it is illegal under international law, it’s not always effective, and it’s inhumane. What is enhanced interrogation? In simple terms it’s when an interrogator uses techniques that are specifically designed to cause you a.) either so much pain that you break down and tell the interrogator what they want to know or b.) you fear pain and your interrogator so much that you readily give them the information that they seek. So, what techniques does the American government use to derive information from it’s prisoners? Some techniques that they have used are sexual humiliation, sleep deprivation, sensory deprivation, sensory overload, solitary confinement, mock execution, medical experimentation, learned helplessness, intimidation by dogs, confinement in a box with insects, and waterboarding. â€Å"The United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhumane, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment’s stance on torture is ‘No exceptional circumstances whatsoever, whether a state of war or a threat of war or an emergency may be invoked as j ustification for torture [or enhanced interrogations], which inflict pain and suffering and most UN scholars consider to qualify as torture under international law.† (Dinan) However under international law it is ... ... they will never be normal again.(Stephens) This is a list of just a few of the techniques and their described effects that our own government and foreign governments use. The effects are cruel and long-lasting and they stick with you for a long time, not to mention the immediate effects of fear and pain from thing such as being waterboarded. It’s cruel and inhumane and illegal. All in all enhanced interrogation doesn’t get you anymore and it’s just plain cruel. There are many better alternatives to torturing the information out of someone. The more peaceful route should always be taken. If we don’t want our own citizens undergoing the same stuff that we put the citizens of foreign countries through than we should never ever do that to them. It goes back to the most basic rule of all time. The Golden Rule â€Å"Do unto others what you would have them do unto you†

Environmental Depletion Essay

1. Individuals are affected by the environment in different ways. The environment is an essential element in man’s daily sustenance. The environment is the source of fresh air which humans breath in order to live, the source of fruits and vegetables that are necessary for the better functioning of the body, and the care taker of nature which provides man with a serene view of the world. The environment is also the source of trees and other raw materials that are used in the production of the basic needs of the modern world. The environment aids man in so many ways that living without it is totally indispensable for the survival of man. However, the many blessings and benefits which man derives from the environment have caused greed and abuse. The environment, as many theorize is very sick because of man’s lack of concern for it. Instead of striving to preserve and/ or cultivate all that the environment has to offer, man continues to abuse and show lack of care for the environment. Thus, the world now is experiencing too many nature related tragedies. The tragedies that are happening and the climate changes as well as global warming are all the result of man’s depletion of the earth’s natural resource. Everything which the environment has to offer has been continually abused by man and utilized commercially to satisfy their greed for profit. What man forgets is that whatever he does with the environment will be done to him two fold. Aside from the physical effects, changes in the environment can also have physiologic and psychological effects to man. If the temperature is hot and dry, man tends to be sweaty and thirsty while if the temperature is cold, the body of man tends to cling on to something that will provide him warmth. Psychologically, a hot temperature will most likely cause man to be easily irritated and annoyed. More often than not, the patience is man is shorter when it is hot as compared when the temperature is cold. In addition, if the environment to which man lives in is rowdy or in chaos or there is too much pollution, the tendency of man is also to feel and act in chaos whereas if the environment is serene, man, most often than not, will feel relaxed and relieved. A busy and crowded environment may lead to stress but a lax setting may temper the mind and feelings of man. Individuals, generally, act in accordance with what they see and feel from the environment. There are only a few people who do not feel affected with what is happening in their environment, these are the people who have high tolerance and have a high sense of discipline to detach themselves from the environment where they are. 2. In the past five years, there has been an increased awareness in the environment because man has been feeling the wrath of nature. The effects of the pollution of the water, the seas and rivers, the air and the noise pollution that are felt world wide are starting to cause serious trouble to man’s daily existence. There has been too much pollution around that man can hardly enjoy the benefits which nature used to offer. The climate changes, global warming, extinction of plants, animals and fishes, melting of glaciers and scarcity of natural resources such as water, trees and animals have caused man difficulties. In some parts of the world, such as Africa, water scarcity is very prevalent (Arriens, 2007). The people there hardly have any water to drink, cook and bath. In the years to come, it has been predicted by several scientists and researchers that water scarcity will be felt in a greater degree. If there is water scarcity, almost all resources will be affected. Lack of water will also deprive man to cultivate the soil and plant fruits, vegetables and rich thus there will be food shortage. Cost of products bought in the market will also rise. The lesser products there are available, the higher is the cost. The fear of man to experience all of these adverse effects is the reason why there has been an increased awareness of the environment, which I believe is just right. Man needs to protect and preserve the blessings of nature in order to live longer and enjoy life better.