Nervous System and Brain Stem Free Essays

Biopsychology: A specialty that studies the interaction of biology, behavior, and mental processes. Evolution: The gradual process of biological change that occurs in a species as it adapts to its environment new generations change as they adapt to changing environments Evolution has fundamentally shaped psychological processes because it favors genetic variations that produce adaptive behavior Charles Darwin:Wondered if animals were related and if all creations, even humans, could share a common ancestry made the controversial case for the evolution of life Natural selection:The driving force behind evolution, the fittest organisms are selected by the environment, the best adapted will flourish and the least adapted will die out. Darwin never said humans came from monkeys, but that they both had a common ancestor Genetics and inheritance: Genotype: Genetic Makeup Phenotype: Physical and behavioral characteristics (observable characteristics) not all biological, also can be changed by nutrition, disease, stress, and poor medical care causing birth defects Genome: Set of genetic information contained within a cell DNA:A complex molecule that stores biological information Genes: The words that make up the instruction manual (genome) Chromosomes:Tightly coiled structures in which genes are organized, consist of DNA Nucleotides: letters that form genes, there are 4 Sex chromosomes: The X and Y chromosomes that determine physical sex characteristics XX-female XY-male , fathers determine sex Genes influence our psychological characteristics Never attribute psychological characteristics to genetics alone, even identical twins Race and human variations: Certain features of skin color and other physical characteristics are common among people who trace their ancestry to the same part of the world tropical ancestry have darker skin to protect them from the sun, and lighter skin for less sunny places There are no genetic differences for races, race is more of a socially defined term Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis: Testing fetus at a very oung age to ensure a genetically healthy fetus Some of these clinics also offer gender selection and ‘savior siblings’ How does the body communicate internally? The nervous system reacts first:accelerate your heart rate and tense your muscles for action Endocrine system sends follow-up messages:send hormones which also accelerate heart and tense muscles they work together in stressful and happier situations and even during low arousal states the brain is the chief that manages the cooperation of the nervous and endocrine systems The brain coordinates the bodys 2 communication systems, the nervous and endocrine, which use similar chemical processes to communicate with targets throughout the body Neuron (nerve cell) : cell that receives and transmits information to other cells of the body, bundles are called nerves Sensory neuron (afferent neurons): A cell that carries messages towards the brain from sense receptors Motor neuron (efferent neurons): A cell that carries messages away from the brain to the muscles and glands Interneurons: A cell that relays messages between nerve cells, especially in the brain and spinal cord Dendrites: Branched fibers that extend outward from the cell body and carries information into the neuron Soma: part of the cell containing the nucleus or cell body, houses chromosomes Axon: An extending fiber that conducts information from the soma to the terminal buttons Resting potential: The electrical charge of the axon in its inactive state, when neuron is ready to ‘fire’ Action potential: When the neuron ‘fires’ due to a change in electrical charge across the cell membrane of axon All or none principle: action potential in the axon occurs either completely or not at all when many neurons fire too easily the result can be epileptic seizure Synapse:gap that serves as a communications link between neurons or between neurons and muscles or glands they serve Terminal buttons:Tiny bulb like structures at the end of the axon that carry the message into the synapse Synaptic transmission: The relaying of information across the synapse Neurotransmitter: Chemical messenger that relays neural messages across the synapse, many are also hormones Reuptake:The process by which unused neurotransmitters are drawn back into the vesicles of their originating neuron 7 important neurotransmitters: Dopamine:Produces feeling of pleasure or reward, imbalances cause schizophrenia and Parkinson, cocaine, amphatamine, and alcohol affect the action of this transmitter Serotonin:Regulates, sleep, dreams, mood, pain, appetite, sex drive, imbalances cause depression, anxiety, OCD, Prozac and LSD affect the action of this transmitter Norepinnephrine:controls heart rate, sleep, stress, sexual responsiveness, appetite, imbalances cause high blood pressure, depression, Tricyclic, anti depressants, and beta blockers affect the action of this transmitter Acetycholine:involved in learning and memory, imbalances cause muscular disorders, alzheimers, nicotine, black widow spider venom, botulism toxin, barbiturates affect the action of this transmitter GABA:Inhibitory transmitter, inbalances cause anxiety and epilepsy, minor tranquilizers and alcohol affect the action of this transmitter Glutamate:Excitatory transmitter, excess release of glutamate causes brain damage after stroke, PCP affects the action of this transmitter Endorphins:Pleasurable sensations and control of pain, imbalances come from opiate addiction, opiates like morphine, heroin, and methadone effect the action of this transmitter Plasticity: the nervous systems ability to change or adapt as a result of an experience or physical damage plasticity can not compensate for extensive injurys just as paralyzed individuals may implant computer chips in the brain to restore some forms of control Glial cells: A cell that provides structural support for neurons, also provide the myelin sheath of the axon for some neurons nervous system: Network of neurons in the body, including the central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, and their subdivisions Central nervous system:brain and spinal cord Reflex:simple unlearned response triggered by stimuli done by spinal cord Contralateral:Each side of the brain communicates with the opposite side of the body Peripheral Nervous system:Connects the central nervous system with the rest of the body (somatic and autonomic) Somatic nervous system: Carries sensory information to the brain and voluntary messages to the muscles Autonomic nervous system: Sends communications between the brain and the internal organs and glands Sympathetic division: ends messages to internal organs and glands that help us respond to stressful or emergency situations Parasympathetic: monitors the routine operations of the internal organs and returns body to calmer functioning after arousal by the sympathetic division The endocrine system: The hormone system, chemical messenger system including pituitary, thyroid, adrenals, pancreas, ovaries, and testes in a crisis this system releases epinephrine or adrenalin sustaining the bodies fight or flight reaction Hormones: chemical messengers used by the endocrine system and the nervous system Hormonal functions of major endocrine glands: Anterior Pituitary: ovaries and testes, breast milk production, metabolism, reactions to stress Posterior Pituitary: conservation of water in the body, breast milk secretion, uterus contractions Thyroid: metabolism, physical growth and development Parathyroid: calcium levels in the body Pancreas: glucose (sugar) metabolism Adrenal glands: fight or flight response, metabolism, sexual desire (especially in women) Ovaries: development of female sexual characteristics, production of eggs or ova Testes: development of male sexual characteristics, sperm production, sexual desire in men Pituitary gland: the ‘master gland’ that oversees all these endocrine responses Agonists: drugs or other chemicals that enhance or mimic the effects of neurotransmitters antagonists: drugs or other chemicals that inhibit the effects of neurotransmitters Neural pathways: bundles of nerve cells that follow generally the same route and employ the same neurotransmitter How does the brain produce behavior and mental processes? Thoughts and feelings originate from the brain (love doesn’t come from the heart) brain is a collection of distinct modules that work together like the components of a computer the brain is composed of many specialized modules that work together to create mind and behavior EEG(Electroencephalograph):A device for recording brain waves, typically by electrodes places on the scalp. We will write a custom essay sample on Nervous System and Brain Stem or any similar topic only for you Order Now The recording is an EEG Can reveal abnormal waves which cause epilepsy not very precise Wilder Pen field mapped the brain with electric probes which showed him that the brain’s surface had distinct areas with distinct functions Brain Scans: help neurosurgeons to locate abnormalities such as tumors or stroke related damage without opening the skull CT(computerized tomography):uses x-rays taken of the brain at different angles and then combined into an image PET(positron emission tomography):Imaging technique that relies on the detection of radioactive sugar consumed by active brain cells MRI(magnetic resonance imaging): Imaging technique that relies on cell’s responses in a high-intensity magnetic field fMRI(functional magnetic resonance imaging):form of MRI that records brain structure and activity PET and fMRI show which parts of the brain are active during a particular task MRI ecvelsat distinguishing the fine details of brain structures non of these can detect processes that occur only briefly (shift in attention, startle response) no scanning technique gives biopsychologists a perfectly clear view of all of the brains activity Three layers of the brain Brain stem: the most primitive of the brains three major layers, includes medulla, pons, and reticular formation medulla:Controls breathing and heart rate Pons:Regulates brain activity during sleep or dreaming Reticular formation:keeps the brain alert and attentive to new stimulation Limbic system:middle layer, involved in emotion and memory, includes thee hippocampus,amygdalaa, hypothalamus, and some pleasure centers Hippocampus:Establishes long term memories amydala:memory and emotion, particularly fear and aggression Hypothalamus:Brains blood testing lab, constantly monitors blood to determine condition of the bod Thalamus: brain’s central ‘relay station’, all messages that enter or exit the brain go through the thalamus controls sleep and awake states of consciousness cerebrum cerebellum:the ‘little brain’ attached to the brain stem, responsible for oordinated movements cerebral hemispheres:large symmetrical halves of the brain located atop the brain stem cerebral cortex:Thin gray matter covering the cerebral hemispheres, carries on major portion of higher mental processes like thinking and perceiving corpus callosum: the band of nerve cells connecting and enabling communication between the two cerebral hemispheres The frontal lobes:cortical regions at the front of the brain especially involved in movement and in thinking motor cortex: A narrow vertical strip of cortex in the frontal lobes, controls voluntary motor movement Mirror neuron:A class of neuron that fires in response to ‘mirroring’ observation of another person’s actions or emotions The left frontal lobes: production of speech The parietal lobes:Involved in touch sensation and perceiving spatial relationships Somatosensory cortex: A strip of the parietal lobe involved in sensations of touch The temporal lobes:Cortical lobes that process hearing, including speech, involved in storing long term memories Occipital lobes: The cortical regions that house the visual cortex Visual cortex: The visual processing area of cortex in the occipital and temporal lobes Association Cortex: Critical regions throughout the brain that combine information from various other parts of the brain Cerebral Dominance:The tendency of each brain hemisphere to exert control over different functions, such as language or perception of spatial relationships The left side is more active in language and speech the right side is for visual and spatial and interprets others emotional responses and their nonverbal communication signals the right frontal lobes control the negative emotions such as fear and anger the left frontal lobes control the positive emotions such as joy cerebral dominance patterns are not always the same from one person to another men on average have slightly larger brains, thought to be part of body size and not much other importance CH 3 Sensation: The process by which stimulation of a sensory receptor produces neural impulses that the brain interprets as a sound, sight, taste, touch, or smell Perception: A mental process that elaborates and assigns meaning to the incoming sensory patterns The brain senses the world indirectly because the sense organs convert stimulation into the language of the nervous system (neural messages) 3 attributes common to all senses: transduction-process that converts information carried by the stimulus , such as light or sound waves, into the form of neural messages sensory adaption-loss of responsiveness in receptor cells after stimulation has remained unchanged for a while thresholds bsolute threshold-minimum amount of physical energy needed to produce a sensory experience (how soft can music be and still be heard) if it is above your thresholds, you sense it varies from person to person and varies in an individual depending on mental alertness and physical condition difference thresho ld (JND)-minimum amount by which a stimulus can be changed and the difference be detected half the time large when the stimulus intensity is high and small when low Webers law: The size of the JND is proportional to the intensity of the stimulus We are built to detect changes in stimulation and relationships among stimuli Signal detection theory: Theory that states that sensation depends on the characteristics of the stimulus, the background stimulation, and the detector. Sensory Adaptation: Loss of responsiveness in receptor cells after stimulation has remained unchanged for a while (adjusting to the temperature of a cold pool) The sense all operate in much the same way, but each extracts different information and sends it to its own specialized processing region in the brain Vision: Retina:The thin light-sensitive layer at the back of the eyeball. The retina contains millions of photoreceptor and other nerve cells the retina is where the transduction of light into neural signals occurs Photoreceptors: Light sensitive cells (neurons) in the retina that concert light energy to neural impulses, these receptors are as far as light gets into the visual system. Rods: Photoreceptors in the retina sensitive to dark lighting but not to color Cones: photoreceptor in the retina sensitive to colors but not dim light Fovea-tiny area of sharpest vision in the retina ipolar cells-collect impulses from photoreceptors and send them to the ganglion cells optic nerve-the bundle of neurons that caries visual information from the retina to the brain blind spot- the point where the optic nerve exits the eye and there are no photoreceptors, anything in this area cannot be seen visual cortex creates visual images from the information received from the eyes in this cortex, brain turns neural impulses into visual sensations of color, form, boundary, and movement brightness- A sensation caused by intensity(amplitude) of light waves color-(hue) not a property of things in the external world , a psychological sensation created in the brain from information from the eyes from the wavelength of visual light Electromagnetic spectrum-the entire range of electromagnetic energy, including radio waves, x rays, microwaves, and visible light visible spectrum-the tiny part of electromagnetic spectrum to which our eyes are sensitive, may be different from our own trichromatic theory-the idea that colors are sensed by three different types of cones sensitive to light in the red blue and green wavelengths, this theory explains color processing in the cones of the retina opponent-process theory-the idea that cells in the visual system process colors in complementary pairs, such as red or green , yellow or blue, this theory explains color sensation from the bipolar cells onward in the visual system afterimages-sensations that linger after the stimulus is removed, most are negative after images, which appear in reversed colors color blindness-genetic disorder that prevents an individual from discriminating certain colors, most common form is red green color blindness Hearing: Frequency-highness or lowness of sound, pitch amplitude-the physical strength of a wave. Height of the wave , when turning down vol, your turning down amplitude, loudness timbre-complex quality of a sound wave, helps you distinguish different voices how we hear: sound waves are relayed to the inner ear, vibrating waves make their way through the ear canal to the ear drum or tympanic membrane, vibrates middle ear, sends to cochlea cochlea-main organ of hearing focuses he vibrations on the basilar membrane basilar membrane converts vibrations into neural messages neural messages travel to the auditory cortex in the brain Hearing loss-from damage of the hair cells in the cochlea Vision-stimulus is light waves, receptor is rods and cones Hearing-stimulus is sound waves, receptor is hair cells in basilar membrane Skin senses-stimulus is external contact, receptor is nerve endings in skin Smell-stimulus is volatile substances, receptor is hair cells in olfactory epithelium Taste-stimulus is soluble substances, receptor is taste buds on tongue Pain- stimulus is extreme stimuli, receptors are pain receptors Kinesthatic and vestibular senses-stimulus is body position, movement and balance, receptors are hair cells in semicircular canals and neurons connected to muscles joints and tendons Vestibular senses-the sense of body orientation with respect to gravity, associated with inner ear and in fact is carried to the brain on a Branch of the auditory nerve Kinesthetic sense-the sense of body position and movement of body parts relative to each other Smell: olfaction-sense of smell pheromones-chemical signals released by organisms to communicate with other members of their species. Often used by animals as sexual attractants, unclear if humans use them Taste: Gustation-the sense of taste Skin senses: sensory system for processing touch, warmth, cold, texture, and pain synesthesia-the mixing of sensations across sensory modalities, as in tasting shapes or seeing colors associated with numbers Phantom limbs-sensations experienced by people who have lost a limb coming from the missing body part Gate control theory-an explanation for pain control that proposes we have a neural ‘gate’ that can, under some circumstances, block incoming pain signals if you experience pain you can take drugs like aspirin or you can get morphine which suppresses the pain messages in the spinal cord placebo-appears to be a drug, but is not (sugar pill) placebo effect-a response to a placebo caused by the belief that it is a real drug Perception gives meaning to sensation, so perception produces an interpretation of the world, not a perfect representation of it Percept: The meaning product of perception, often an image that has been associated with concepts, memories of events, emotions, and motives What pathway-A neural pathway, projecting from the primary visual cortex to the temporal lobe, which involves identifying objects where pathway-A neural pathway the projects visual information to the parietal lobe, responsible for locating objects in space blindsight-being conscious of information in the what pathway but not necessarily in the where pathway feature detectors-cells in the cortex that specialize in extracting certain features of a stimulus binding problem: how the brain combines the results from many senses into a single percept top-down process: memories and past experiences in our brain tell perception bottom up process: the sensed characteristics in the stimuli exert strong influence on our perceptions perceptual constancy-the ability to recognize the same object as remaining ‘constant’ under different conditions, such as distance or location inattentional blindness-a failure to notice changes occurring in ones visual field, caused by narrowing the focus of ones attention change blindness-failure to notice that a visual scene has changed from the way it had appeared previously, requires comparing a scene to one from the past illusion-incorrect perception of a stimulus pattern especially one that fools others ambiguous figures-images that can be interpreted in more than one way. No right way to see an ambiguous figure Gestalt psychology: believed that much of perception is shaped by innate factors built into the brain figure- a part of a pattern that stands out against the ground ground-part of a pattern that does not command attention-background closure-gestalt principle that identifies the tendency to fill in gaps in figures and to see incomplete figures as complete Laws of perceptual grouping-the gestalt principles of similarity, proximity, continuity, and common fate. Suggest how our brains prefer to group stimulus elements together to form a percept Law of similarity-gestalt principle, we tend to group similar objects together in out perceptions Law of proximity-gestalt principle, we tend to group objects together when they are near each other Law of continuity-gestalt principle, we prefer perceptions of connected and continuous figures to disconnected and disjointed ones Law of common fate-gestalt principle, we tend to group similar objects together that share a common motion of destination Law of Pragnanz- Gestalt principle, the simplest organization, requiring the least cognitive effect, will emerge as a figure, full figures such as a closed circle Learning based inference- the view that perception is primarily shaped by learning rather by innate factors perceptual set-readiness to detect a particular stimulus in a given context someone afraid interprets an unfamiliar sound as a threat, set of words, word missing binocular cues-information taken in by both eyes that aids in depth perception, including binocular convergence and retinal disparity Monocular cues-information about depth that relies on the input of just one eye and includes relative size, light and shadow, relative motion and atmospheric pressure CH 8 Cognitive Neuroscience-An interdisciplinary field involving cognitive psychology, neurology, biology, computer science, linguistics, and other specialists who are interested in the connection between mental processes and the brain Nonconscious process-Any brain process that does not involve conscious processing, including both preconscious memories and unconscious processes can perform many jobs at the same time (walk, chew gum, breath) Consciousness-The process by which the brain creates mental model of our experience, most common consciousness occurs during wakefulness, although there can be altered states Attention- a process by which consciousness focuses on a single item of ‘chunk’ in working memory Tools for studying consciousness- fMRI, EEG, PET Freud’s levels of consciousness: Preconscious- A special unconscious storehouse for information no currently in conscious but readily available to the conscious (like your phone number) The unconscious-A part of the mind that processes below the level or awareness, emotional memories, desires, and feelings that would be threatening if brought back to consciousness James stream of consciousness-walking consciousness is like a flowing stream carrying ever changing sensations, perceptions, thoughts, memories, feelings, and desires, this stream includes awareness of ourselves and of stimulation from our environment, can also include physical sensations from within like hunger or pain James said consciousness has 2 levels :an area of focus for what we are focusing our attention on, and a peripheral conscious to encompass the feelings that give meaning to our focus The computer metaphor-likens consciousness to the information and images that appear on a computer screen nonconscious is the electronic activity behind the sc ene, which most of the time operates in parallel with consciousness Three important functions of the consciousness: Consciousness restricts our attention-(restriction) because it processes information serially, it limits what you notice and think about,keeps your brain from being overwhelmed by stimulation cannot read while listening to music consciousness provides a mental ‘meeting place’-(combination) meeting place where sensation can combine with memory, emotions, motives, and a host of other psychological processes (perception) consciousness allows us to create a mental model of the world-(manipulation) a model we can manipulate in our minds, we don’t just operate in the moment, we make a model that draws on memory and brings the past and the future into awareness. Coma-An unconscious state, during which a person lacks the normal cycles of sleep and wakefulness, usually only lasts a few days (between vegetative and minimally conscious states) Consciousness fluctuates in cycles that correspond to our biological rhythms and to patterns of stimulation in our environmental Daydreaming-A common (and quite normal) variation of consciousness in which attention shifts to memories, expectations, desires, or fantasies and away from the immediate situation daydreaming is automatic when we are in a restful state or not focused on something Circadian Rhythms-A pattern that repeats every 24 hours such as sleep and wakefulness cycle, jet lag Main Events of sleep: REM sleep-stage that occurs approximately every 90 minutes, marked by bursts of rapid eye movement occurring under closed eye lids each REM period gets longer and longer Non-REM-the recurring periods, mainly associated with the deeper state of sleep, when a sleeper is not showing rapid eye movements Sleep paralysis- A condition in which a sleeper is unable to move any of the voluntary muscles except the eyes (normally occurs during REM) Stages of sleep: Stage 1:Slower theta waves, faster beta waves Stage 2:Short burst of fast electrical activity that reliably signal the end of stage 1 Stage 3 4:heart rate and breathing slow down , beta brain waves slow, delta waves appear DEEPEST sleep in stage 4 as stage 4 ends sleeper climbs back up the stages backwards REM sleep: fast beta waves, rapid eye movement, after REM sleeper slips back into stage 2 REM rebound- A condition of increased REM sleep caused by REM sleep deprivation Sleep debt-A sleep deficiency caused by not getting the amount of sleep required for optimal functioning Isrealites interpreted dreams as messages from the gods Egyptians tried to influence dreams by sleeping in temples dedicated to the god of dreaming Chinese are scared to dream because they think the soul wanders outside the body Freud’s theory of dreams: manifest content-the story line of a dream, taken at face value without interpretation latent content- the symbolic meaning or objects and events in a dream Activation synthesis theory- the theory th at dreams begin with random electrical activation coming from the brain stem. The storyline of dreams are the brains attempt to make sense of this random activity Insomnia- involving insufficient sleep, the inability to fall asleep quickly, frequent arousals, or early awakenings Sleep Apnea- A respiratory disorder in which the person intermittently stops breathing many times while asleep Night terrors-deep sleep episodes that seem to produce terror, what made the person scared is usually forgotten on awakening, usually found in children narcolepsy-a disorder of REM sleep, involving sleep-onset periods in sudden daytime REM-sleep attacks An altered state of consciousness occurs when some aspect of normal consciousness is modified by mental, behavioral, or chemical means Hypnosis-A state of awareness characterized by deep relaxation, heightened suggestibility, and focused attention Hypnotizability- susceptibility measured by a persons responsiveness to standardized suggestions hypnosis an be used for dental and medical uses, psychological treatment Meditation-A state of consciousness often induces by focusing on a repetitive behavior, assuming certain body positions, and minimizing external stimulation Psychoactive drug-chemical that affects mental processes and behavior by its effect on the brain Hallucinogen-a drug that creates hallucinations or alters perception of the external environment and inner awareness Opiates-Highly addictive drug, derived from opium, that can produce a profound sense of sell being and has strong pain relieving properties Depressant-drug that slows down mental and physical activity by inhibiting transmission of nerve impulses in the brain (alcohol, barbiturates) Stimulants-speed up brain and mental and physical responses (cocain, amphetamine, nicotine, caffeine) General Anesthetic-substance that suppresses consciousness and awareness of pain, some produce sedation and immobility Tolerance-the reduces effectiveness a drug has after repeated use psychical dependence-the body adjusts to and comes to need and drug for every day functioning addiction- a person continues to use a drug despite its adverse effects and many attempts to stop withdrawal-A pattern of uncomfortable or painful physical symptoms and cravings experienced by the user when the level of drug is decreased or the drug is eliminated psychological dependency-a desire to obtain or use a drug, even though there is no physical dependence How to cite Nervous System and Brain Stem, Essay examples

The Untouchables Essay Example

The Untouchables Paper Throughout De Palmas career, he has spent time exploring the idea of corruption from within. De Palma has examined the ideas of power and justice in previous films such as; Blow Out, Scarface and The Bonfire of the Vontities. This theme is carried out throughout The Untouchables. During the motion picture, De Palma uses a number of film techniques to create tension and excitement throughout. The climax reaches its height in the station scene. When the scene opens, the audience is immediately faced with a feeling of anticipation, as a car drives at high speed along the road. It weaves in and out of the traffic with its horn blazing. This opening sequence is followed by the camera panning in to show a close up the speeding car wheel. This shot is super ceded by the camera slowly moving up to reveal the two inhabitants; Ness and Stone. The use of lighting in films is very important and can easily set the mood for a scene. For example, the time of day can be established by the quantity of light. During the car scene, De Palma uses lighting to effect. The lighting inside the car is subtle; with only the faces lightly illuminated, making sure that the audience are fully concentrated on Ness and Stone and what they have to say. We will write a custom essay sample on The Untouchables specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The Untouchables specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The Untouchables specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Stone and Ness appears detached, as if they are anxious to get some where. This is demonstrated through their dialogue which is short and to the point. Again, this adds to the growing tension. As the two characters walk to the train station, their fixed expressions are heightened. They are focused on what is going to happen next. When Ness says, The book keeper is no good to us dead Stone? the audience feels unnerved and tense; can Stone (the proti gi ) hold himself together so that he does not shoot the book keeper? For this is the penultimate scene, if they can capture the book keeper (the only one who can decode the ledger book) they can put Al Capone successfully behind bars. Also we remember back to the previous scene in which Malone (Nesss mentor) was killed by Capones cronies. This adds an emotional level to the scene and hence ups the tension and excitement; for without the book keeper, Malones death would have been in vain. Throughout the film De Palma has use a number of different camera shots/angles and editing to create more of an effect on the audience. For example, the scene in which Malone is killed, De Palma uses a point of view shot in which we see everything through the eyes of one of Capones cronies; in doing this, De Palma is able to give the audience a completely different cinematic experience. This is true for the station scene. He uses continuity editing which gives the impression of an unbroken continuum in time, where everything runs smoothly. For example, when Stone and Ness reach the station and open the door, this followed by a smooth switch over to an extreme long shot; which hence gives the impression that everything runs smoothly. The extreme long shot shows two enormous pillars and a huge lobby, putting into perspective the two men and the vast area they have to cover. This sustains the tension and excitement in the scene, how can Ness and Stone possibly watch and cover such a large area between them? Then Stone is sent to cover the south entrance, leaving Ness alone covering the main entrance, this cultivating anticipation within the audience. Ness takes a vantage point from which he can oversee the entrance hall and looks up at the clock; it is four minutes to twelve. Ness looks back to watch Stone walk across then entrance hall to the south exit. The audience hears Stones foot steps echo across the hall, which re-establishes the fact that they have such a huge area to cover. Sound of course plays a vital effect on how motion picture is perceived. These are separated into three main sets; diegetic, non diegetic and extra-diegetic. Diegetic sound is when you can see whats making the noise; for example if a person is playing the piano and you can hear a piano, the sound is obviously the piano. Non diegetic sound on the other hand is when we cant see whats making the noise but we know what is making it; for example an announcement from a speakerphone. Whereas extra-diegetic is a noise that is not part of the film; for instance a sound track playing over the top. As Ness turns away from the clock we instantly hear a baby crying, a non diegetic noise as we know what is making the sound. Instantly Nesss concentration is drawn away from the job at hand, the presence of a child at once creates tension as there is now another distraction. At the same time a low discordant note plays, adding an eeriness to the scene. As the baby is trundled into view, an unsettling baby lullaby plays over the top; this being an extra diegetic sound effect. Adding to this first distraction, the announcer calls for all passengers for the 12:05 train to board. This raises the tension in the scene as there is already too much happening. Simultaneously De Palma switches to a point of view shot, in which the audience are looking at the clock and the front entrance. Already people are coming through the doors. The audiences anticipation grows as they dont know what the book keeper looks like. It is clearly visible that Ness is distracted by the baby as he repeatedly looks over to the child in the pram and his mother, thus causing this anxiety for the audience. This is carried on as Nesss full attention is drawn towards the mother and her desperate attempts to calm the child down. The shift in attention heightens the tension as we worry that Ness might miss the book keeper. Again the announcement is made. More people come through the door. Time is passing by and the child is still playing on the audiences mind. These few changes help keep the excitement and tension sustainable. As the mother caries on soothing her child, the orchestral music playing in the back ground slowly rises. However more tension is created by the shadows of the people walking past, and the start of slow eerie music. Throughout this scene De Palma has chosen to use a point of view shot in which we can see everything that Ness sees as if through his eyes. This is extremely useful in that it shows where the characters attention lies and is also a useful instrument in creating tension and anxiety. By only showing what Ness is concentrating on, the audience grow anxious over what else is happening around Ness that he is not seeing. A suspicious looking character comes into frame wearing the typical gangster clothing. The baby music lowers to be heard quietly in the background; horns can be heard with a look out type of melody raising the tension of the scene. Audiences know that Ness is distracted by this man as his focus as well as ours is drawn away from the baby. The music fits in with this feeling, with slight increases in volume followed by quiet. The music seeps away as the man becomes no threat. De Palma is a clever film maker. He cleverly takes certain things from different films and fits them into his films. This is what sets De Palma apart from many film makers. The constant checking of the time and the fact that is moving towards noon, is in reference to the film High Noon, in which the penultimate part of the film (as in The Untouchables) is when the clock strikes twelve. The merge of the films is rammed home by the constant camera shots of the clock, as if waiting for it to stick at twelve. This anticipation both sustains and creates tension and excitement for the audience. Another thing that De Palma does to make this scene different is the fact that the scene is in real time everything occurs on screen in the time span of the scene. De Palmas constant use of camera shots easily shows where Nesss concentration lies. It becomes very obvious that Ness is caught between two sides, the obvious need to carry out his duty and his moral duty; should he help the woman? Of course, these feelings are perceived by the audience, they too undergo the same dilemma. This feeling grows to frustration and heightened tension as yet more people pass and still no-one offers the woman any assistance. As Ness looks down on the woman in dismay, the audience are reminded that he himself is a family man. However Nesss interests are in conflict; on the one hand he has his official duty (to arrest the book keeper) and that of his moral duty, (to help the weak). Ness takes one last look at the clock realising that it has hit twelve and with this last glance at the clock the audience again hear the low ominous horns sustaining the tension. Ness finally gives in to his moral duty. The music used in the film has a huge part in sustaining and hightening the tension and excitement. One of the most effective instruments used in the set scene are the horns. When the horns play, it warns the audience of the danger and brings their attention in to what is happening around Ness. This is expertly used when two suspicious men walk down the opposite staircase. As they draw level we hear the horns, which confirms our suspicion. This is followed immediately by a reaction shot of Ness who is becoming aware of the danger; what will Ness do? Tension is further sustained with the use of sound. The womens distracting chatter, the prams heave and awkward clank. We wonder how Ness keeps his focus? Another of Al Capones men comes in, Ness looks uneasily at him and as he turns round yet more men come in to the station. It seems that Ness is surrounded and the audiences excitement of what will happen grows. However, as Ness looks round he does not see another of Capones men come in. It is the gangster that Ness hit earlier on in the film. The audience (tension rising) and question whether gangster recognises him and whether when Ness is seen by him, he will be recognised. He currently appears to be the babys farther, but the audience knows this cant last. At this point the baby starts crying and De Palma gives us a closeup. This is a sign of what is going to happen and shows the babys helplessness and innocence. Will the baby survive? As the babys crying gets louder, the camera suddenly switches to the gangster with the broken nose and slowly closes up on his face. At the very same time the music starts to get louder, heightening the tension. The camera changes to Ness and gradually gets closer, as if showing the gangster slowly starting to remember who Ness actually is. In unison the orchestral music reaches a crescendo, signalling that something big is going to happen. All the tension that De Palma has managed to create and sustain thought the scene so far, has been built up until the moment when Ness fires the first shot. When he does, we get an immediate reaction shot of Stone, but moving in slow motion; heightening tension as to whether Stone will get there in time. From this moment onwards, De Palma has chosen to shoot the scene in slow motion, thus allowing the audience to appreciate every moment. However by also choosing to shoot in slow motion, De Palma manages to make the fight seem almost graceful, thus making the audience understand and appreciate De Palmas skill as a film maker. De Palma demonstrates his skill by editing sound and only allowing sounds that he wants the audience to hear; by doing this, he makes the audience concentrate on the most important aspects of what is happening. De Palma chooses to allow us to hear the load clank as the pram rolls down the stairs, the gun fire and the slow echoing foot steps of Stone as he runs to the rescue. De Palma has a good knowledge of film and he shows us this in the closing part of this scene. The shoot out reminding us of cowboy films (High Noon) and also he uses the classic film Battleship Potemkin, these demonstrating how well he can manipulate his audience. However De Palma has not finished creating tension and excitement during this scene. As the pram falls down the stairs, Ness has to choose either to save the baby or capture the book keeper. Choosing to shoot in slow motion also serves in creating anxiety; as Ness runs after the pram, it seems he is moving too slowly to save the child. Aiding in creating tension are the violins that play eerily over the top, creating an ever more tense atmosphere. As well as the constant sound of bullets ricocheting reminding the audience of the danger. As Ness runs out of bullets (highlighted by the load click as he fires), Stone rushes in to save Ness; arriving like the cavalry to save the day. Yet De Palma has not finished showing off his filmmaking technique, for as Stone runs in, De Palma has used a vast montage of shots showing everything that happens in those few seconds. At this point the cradle music that once unnerved the audience now serves as a comfort and is a sign that scales have turned. Ness now has the authority in situation; we get this through the way he takes control of the scene. Presently we get a reaction shot of the gangster and the bookkeeper; the gangster sweating and the bookkeeper trembling and afraid. All tension is now on the two. The gangster tries to take control of the situation but Ness is calm, conveying this by the slight shake of his head. The gangster is desperate Ness speaks calmly to Stone You got him? Stone replies with the same air Yeah I got him. Followed by a close up of the gangsters sweating face and trembling bookkeeper as he starts to count out One! There is a tense pause of anticipation as the audience wonder what will happen next, no other sound or musical compliments are playing, just silence. Take him, Ness says it as if it is nothing to him, followed by the load bang of the gun. Two, Stone says very calmly (blackly humorous), with a reaction shot of the gangster slowly falling to the floor. Immediately the orchestra play, still with the same eeriness as the bookkeeper looks down at his ex-comrade. The load click of Stone re-cocks his gun, now all tension is with the bookkeeper. The scene finishes on Ness; stern and impassive. The audience now are relieved of all anxiety, for justice has prevailed. What has De Palma shown us? Justice wins, in the wake of injustice and corruption, tying in with De Palmas theme of corruption from within. Ness has done whatever was necessary, even if it was not by the book as he was primarily so steadfast in doing. Most importantly De Palma has shown his skilfulness in directing, using a variety of camera angles to create different cinematic experiences. He also uses camera angles to provoke different emotions from the audience. His usage of sound, music and lighting has successfully been employed to formulate tension and excitement. He uses various editing styles to show the audience just how well he can make and produce a film, as well as influencing his audience in the way he wishes to; to feel worried, afraid, tense or excitement and relieved. In all De Palma has managed to show in one scene the following; how skilful a director he is, his knowledge of films, his ability to take things from previous films and make them his own, also how he can influence an audience into feeling what he wants them to.

Dover Beach & My Last Duches Essays - Dover Beach, My Last Duchess

Dover Beach & My Last Duches Essays - Dover Beach, My Last Duchess Dover Beach & My Last Duches Setting in Dover Beach & My Last Duches Intro to Literature Paper II . My analysis of the setting in My Last Duchess and Dover Beach At first glance the setting of a poem is the psychological and physiological environment in which the story takes place. In some instances, the setting is used to develop the characters. Robert Browning and Matthew Arnold use the setting to expose their character traits. My Last Duchess and Dover Beach, respectively, portray the weaknesses of the characters using elements from the setting. The text, page 629 and 630, tells us that the setting in My Last Duchess displays a valuable art form that exposes his greed and cruelty. Dover Beach demonstrates changeability and impermanence. The speakers solution is to establish personal fidelity as a fixture against change, dissolution, and brutality. Even though the text tells us the main use of setting in these two poems, I believe that many individual words used in the poems help describe the surroundings and the feelings that the speaker is trying to get across. Robert Browning, the author of My Last Duchess, uses the setting to show the Dukes greed, cruelty, and jealousy. The development of the setting begins with the Duke showing an agent for the Count of Tyrol the curtained picture of his deceased Duchess. Count of Troy sent an agent in order to see if the Duke is worthy to marry his daughter. The fact that he keeps the picture behind closed curtains and deems it a privilege to view the Dukes last Duchess illustrates his possessiveness and greed. She thanked mengood! But thanked somehowI know not howas if she ranked my gift of nine-hundred-years-old name with anybodys gift. This line lends to the setting by showing his greed and how he places himself above other men according to his possessions and can not believe that she had the audacity to place the Duke in the same category as other men. The physical setting of this poem is revealed by phrases such as Thats my Duchess painted on the wall and words like curtains and Duke. Duke itself makes one think of a beautiful castle with priceless furniture and art work. The use of curtains to cover up the Duchess picture implies that the Duke is hiding something. The phrase mentioned above informs all that the Dukes past wife is dead and that by putting her picture on the wall shows the love and devotion that he had for her and will have for his future wife. Where the words of the Duke imply that he shows dedication and warm heart for the Duchess the setting reveals the true character of the Duke. Dover Beach is a poem written by Matthew Arnold and was first published in 1849. The physical setting is described as a moon lit night by a calm sea. In the distant background the speaker describes the cliffs of England as he looks across a tranquil bay. The author is setting up a romantic scene for two people in love. The waves give both a mental and physical setting for the poem. Listen! You hear the grating roar of pebbles which the waves draw back, and fling, at their return, up the high strand, begin, and cease, and then again begin, with tremulous cadence slow, and bring the eternal note of sadness in. Here, Arnold begins using the setting to describe the characters and their traits. The phrase begin, and cease, and then again begin is indicative of the characters changing state of mind; to like then dislike, to love then hate then love again. The use of ebb, flow, and misery makes the night and the relationship between the lovers appears dark and chaotic. Through his depiction of the eroding shores of the earth, Arnold describes the constant changes in the relationship and the continuous changes of their feelings towards each other. Lines 20 and 21, the Sea of Faith, was once, too, at the full, and round earths shore, describe the erosion of not only the land but the relationship of the couple, too. The wind, waves, and sounds that you hear along the beach, obviously the physical aspects of the setting represent the emotional ties of the lovers. The speakers description of a land of dreams having, neither joy, nor love, nor light, nor certitude, nor peace, nor help for pain: is one were the relationship has nothing hidden and the roar of the waves on the beach

Writing a Good Biology Research Paper

Writing a Good Biology Research Paper Biology research papers can be very challenging for many students. Biology is such a broad field and the range of topics for research papers is vast. Biology research papers are not the hardest scientific papers to write but they do take time. There are many sources available for your biology research papers. Actual sources are needed because you cannot use your thoughts or feelings in your biology research paper. You need to answer a scientific question or hypothesis supported by material found from texts, experiments, and journals. Essentially a biology research paper would be based on some form of plant or animal life. A more basic biology research paper would discuss some basic concepts found in science. Questions can be answered on mitosis, meiosis, explain experiments you conducted in class, investigate the differences between sexual and asexual reproduction, investigate cell division, describe single cell life forms and how they evolved into multiple cell life forms, discuss Darwin and the evolution theory. There are many topics. It is a matter of finding one that interests you. Supporting material can come from books, textbooks, scientific journals, class notes, experiments conducted even some online sources. Illustrations and graphics can also help to present information that is difficult to explain in words. Many people respond better to pictures as means of illustration. Graphs and graphics can help cement a point to your audience. Assigned to write a research paper? Here is a great  guide to the research paper writing: How to Write a Research Paper It is important that you understand the assignment given before you choose your biology research paper topic. There are often specific guidelines and questions that must be answered completely independent of the chosen topic. Plan your biology research paper, make sure the structure is correct and that you have access to the appropriate amount of supporting material. The most important rule, try not to procrastinate! A biology research paper that is written at the last minute does not have the content or supporting materials to be rewarded with a good mark. Biology research papers take some time so don’t leave it to the last minute. Contact our support team if you have questions or need assistance in writing your research paper in biology or place an order.

Google is a Successful Organization Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Google is a Successful Organization - Essay Example From this paper it is clear that  Google is an international worldwide organization that is ranked world’s third biggest and valuable organization. The extraordinary work force with passionate and commitment to work environment, sound management practices and peoples analytics approach are some other determinants of success for Google. Google has incorporated the concept of continuous innovation and considering new talent screening the marketplace to the top. Google has taken a strategic shift to strengthen its workplace by great people management. Innovation is a product of new retainers and new people and Google accepts this fact for success. The managers are enabled to produce advanced business outcomes only when they are managing people decisions, accurately.  This study outlines that  people analytics approach is applied here. Pursuing long term relationships with the personnel, reward and recognitions, growth and opportunity, securities are yet other determinants o f success. The analytical based models for producing great results, enhancing workforce productivity and growing dramatically is given out by Google that has gained enough recognition and acceptance by the executives of other firms.   Google largely depends on data and analytics for driving decisions. Technology is a great breakthrough and coping up with the ultra high tech standards for maintaining and provoking it also call for Google’s success.

Love and Hate Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Love and Hate - Research Paper Example In the end a conclusion is given about the essay. Thesis Statement: In this essay, a relationship between ‘Love’ and ‘Hate’ is emphasized. A descriptive commentary is given in the favor of the existence of relationship between Love and Hate. Stories of ‘The Storm’ by Kate Chopin, ‘Eveline’ by James Joyce, ‘Araby’ by James Joyce and ‘The Cask of Amontillado’ by Edgar Allan Poe are also discussed as references to prove the existence of relationship between Love and Hate. There are numerous beliefs about ‘Love and hate’. People consider these two emotional jargons according to the manifestations of their own minds. So, in this stance it can be said that the individual meanings of Love and Hate may differ from person to person. Likewise, the relationship between these two extreme emotions may vary according to the circumstances. It has been perceived that there is a relationship between ‘Love and Hate’, although they seem contrary to each other. It has been noticed that almost all the Love stories have vast number of harmonies and they quite look alike. To prove this, there are many things which are needed to be taken into consideration. Many writers and poets have written loads of chunks about ‘Love and Hate’. Spot light must be put on extracts of those writers and poets. Literal meanings of ‘Love’ and ‘Hate’ in solitude must be deemed. ... t can be seen that in real life as well ‘Love’ reaches to the verge of extreme intensity and the lovers, normally called as love birds do not seem to consider this intensity. The real life experiences may also prove the literal meaning of ‘Love’. Now, if we see the literal meaning of ‘Hate’, then it means that ‘an intense and strong aversion or hostility, which is normally derived from anger, sense of injury or fear’ (Webster). Similarly as ‘Love’ can be evidenced from the different examples of practical life, ‘Hate’ can also be proven to be giving the same meaning in the real life, as the literature explains. A person hates some other person if he or she is having some sense of injury or fear from other person. This can also be called as an emotional distress because this fear/sense of injury causes the ‘Love’ to evaporate in the air. Apparently it seems that ‘Love’ and ‘Hat e’ do not have any relationship with each other. However, a deep thought is needed to be given in order to break the shell and think other way round. A vague idea about ‘Love’ and ‘Hate’ is unlikely to become a source of conviction to prove that ‘Love’ and ‘Hate’ are integral to each other. There are many common things between ‘Love’ and ‘Hate’. The most common thing is that both are intense and extreme feelings which cause a robust emotional bond and cause a strong emotional arousal. Both are related to intangible feelings of emotions. When we look at the relationship between the ‘Love’ and ‘Hate’, in the perspective /context of science, then scientists also come up with an idea that ‘Hate’ and ‘Love’ have a thin line in the brain. (Reporter). According to the biologists passion of hate is equal interest to the feelings of

Heart of Darkness Essay -- essays research papers

When considering a work of literature, the title can be just as important as the context of the story. Literary devices such as contrast and repetition help develop the symbolism of Joseph Conrad's novel, Heart of Darkness. The use of contrast can be seen within the differences between the black and white people along with the differences between the civilized and uncivilized. The phrase "Heart of Darkness" itself is repetitious to describe certain places, events, and people. Joseph Conrad successfully relates his title to the African continent, the people, how the people were treated, and the soul of Kurtz. The title can relate to the wilderness in the center of Africa where Marlow is headed. In the story, the commander sees England as many men viewed Africa. It is a "sea the colour of lead" and "sky the color of smoke" which conveys the place as dark and gloomy. Furthermore, Englishmen wanted to colonize Africa and they were willing to sacrifice their lives for the journey. Marlow shows that wilderness really isn't a place for men to be. The sheer size of "darkness" makes the people powerless, despite the fact that they feel that they can make improvements in Africa. Through it all, the darkness provides many challenges for the civilizers and as a result, their conditions become worse, causing them to achieve very little. Wilderness is a very significant symbol becau...