Selecting the most advantageous actions in a changing environment is a central feature of adaptive behavior. The midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons along with the major targets of their projections, including dopaminoceptive neurons in the frontal cortex and basal ganglia, play a key role in this process. Here, we investigate the consequences of a selective genetic disruption of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and metabotropic glutamate 5 (mGluR5) receptors in the DA system on adaptive choice behavior, in mice. We tested the effects of the mutation on performance in the probabilistic reinforcement learning and probability discounting tasks. In case of the probabilistic choice, both the loss of NMDA receptors in dopaminergic neurons or loss mGluR5 receptors in D1 receptor-expressing dopaminoceptive neurons reduced the probability of selecting the more rewarded alternative and lowered the likelihood of returning to the previously rewarded alternative (win-stay). When observed behavior was fitted to reinforcement learning models, we found that these two mutations were associated with reduced effect of expected outcome on choice, i.e. more random choices. None of the mutations affected probability discounting, which indicates that all animals had normal ability to assess probability. However, in both behavioral tasks animals with targeted loss of NMDA receptors in dopaminergic neurons or mGluR5 receptors in D1 neurons were significantly slower to perform choices. In conclusion, these results show that glutamate receptor-dependent signaling in the DA system is essential for the speed and accuracy of choices, but at the same time probably not critical for correct estimation of probable outcomes.
Moments like the Victory in Europe, Life magazine photo by Alfred Eisenstaedt. While this image was reportedly staged it signified a monumental time in history in celebration in unabashed expression of shear joy. A crescendo if you will, a good conquering evil at the close of the conflict in Europe at the end of World War II.
Then there was the national geographic image by Steve McCurry of the Afghanistan women with the striking green eyes. Perched in a world of turmoil her eyes reflected such a pensive moment. A moment that was caught between uncertainty yet with the preparedness to flight or flee. Only realizing that in the next moment could be her last. The image intrigued a generation.
Or perhaps the amazing image by Denis Reggie of John F. Kennedy Jr and Carolyn Bessette just as they left their wedding chapel as JFK turned back and kissed his new brides hands in a shear gesture of comfort. That simple gesture implying of a life that could have been.
Our iconic moments are a based on the people and the meanings of what is or could be. They are also define representation of what was. A look, a feeling, a moment that sometimes feels much larger than we expected. Some are for those that have passed. Or moments we didn’t realize the brevity of until, years or decades later. Its in these moments we find who we are.
Its for these moments we should find our happiness with the ones we love, in these magnificent moments. No one can prepare us for the first time you hold your child. And you realize you hold in your arms this life and the magnitude of what that will mean to you in the years to come.
No one can prepare us for the trials and tribulations you will find in each of your moments along the way. As I gaze upon the photos that grace our walls I realize I am where I am supposed to be and with every wonderful moment we are who we are and we have this one opportunity to touch the lives of the people who make up our moments.
In these moments, these embraces these looks we wish we could live within forever and hold on to the people that are nearest to us. Time is unforgiving. It moves on regardless of every effort we try to slow it down. I feel so fortunate that we can come into a family’s life for this one day and be apart of and create some of their greatest moments. If nothing else, these moments, these images, give us and our friends and family something we can hold on to.
Yes I used the Xpro-1 for most of the prep work and prior to the ceremony. The wide angle photo of the Dad and Amanda on the Stairs and the Bridge shot was with the 5DIII
This area of work encompasses all aspects of the planning and management of the finances of an organisation to achieve business objectives, and the preparation of financial reports that provide information on the business' performance.
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Animal care involves working directly with a wide variety of animals and rendering services which include feeding, grooming, bathing and disinfecting animals. It also covers providing them with companionship, and observing behavioral changes that could indicate illness or injury.
Banking as an area of work encompasses planning, regulating and the provision of financial services to the public (individuals, businesses and institutions) - from accepting deposits to granting of loans and advances, provision of basic mediums of exchange, trading securites, managing financial assets, providing financial advice, facilitating mergers and acquisitions etc.
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This area of work encompasses the identification, building and exploitation of new business opportunities ? new markets and or new partnerships with other businesses, new ways to reach existing markets, or new product or service offerings to better meet the needs of existing markets.
This area of work covers the part of law that applies to the rights, connections, and behavior or performance of people and businesses engaged in commerce, promotions, trade, and sales. It is usually considered to be a branch of civil law, and deals with issues of both private and public laws.
This area of work encompasses designing, producing, exhibiting, performing, writing, and publishing content including visual and performing arts and design, journalism, entertainment, cultural, fashion and beauty services as may apply to the specific sector.
This area of work encompasses activities relating to planning, managing and provision of public safety and national security services, as well as prison and other corrective services.
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