Mathematical models, explanation, laws, and evolutionary biology

It is commonly agreed in the literature on laws of nature that there are at least two necessary conditions for lawhood--that a law must have empirical content and that it must be universal. The main reason offered for the requirement that laws be empirical is as follows: a priori statements are consistent with any imaginable set of observations, so they cannot be informative about the world and therefore they cannot provide explanations. However, we care about laws because we think that laws provide explanations and allow us to make predictions. Thus, if one of the functions of laws is to provide explanations and a priori propositions cannot fulfill this function, they cannot properly be viewed as laws. In this paper, I will aim to show that this argument for the claim that laws must be empirical does not work.     

Earth, sky, wind, and weather

This paper seeks to understand what it means to live 'in the open'. It begins with an account of experiments that test whether children have acquired a scientifically correct understanding of the shape of the earth, according to which people live all around on the outside of a solid sphere. This understanding cannot accommodate the phenomenon of the sky, in relation to which the earth can appear only as the ground of human habitation. James Gibson's ecological approach to perception offers a possible alternative, depicting earth and sky as complementary hemispheres. Yet for Gibson, this earth-sky can be inhabited only insofar as it is furnished with objects. To that extent, it ceases to be open. Drawing on elements of Merleau-Ponty's phenomenology, it is argued that in the open world persons and things relate not as closed forms but by virtue of their common immersion in the generative fluxes of the medium – in wind and weather. Fundamental to life is the process of respiration, by which organisms continually disrupt any boundary between earth and sky, binding substance and medium together in forging their own growth and movement. Thus to inhabit the open is not to be stranded on the outer surface of the earth but to be caught up in the transformations of the weather-world.     

Empathy, communication, deception

Empathy is understood as a mode of understanding operating on a subconscious level of mental processing. The cognitive element can only abstractly be distinguished from its affective expression. When recognizing a fellow creature we involuntarily sympathize with it. Recognition of covert motivations of overt behavior is the first step in formation of a communication channel between two (or more) empathizing agents. Yet, since communication evolved in variably complex social environments it was subject to pressure of conflicting individual interests. Deception thus evolved as an adaptive evolutionary strategy. Empathic understanding does not necessarily entail recognition of agent's real intentions. Deception may be achieved on both conscious and unconscious processing levels. A sufficient degree of biopsychosocial maturity must be reached for a child to be able to independently recognize verbal and non-verbal communication finesses. Once this level has been attained, the prevailing emotional orientation determines his/her degree of empathizing competence.     

Decreased proteolysis caused by protein aggregates, inclusion bodies, plaques, lipofuscin, ceroid, and 'aggresomes' during oxidative stress, aging, and disease

Protein aggregation seems to be a common feature of several neurodegenerative diseases and to some extent of physiological aging. It is not always clear why protein aggregation takes place, but a disturbance in the homeostasis between protein synthesis and protein degradation seems to be important. The result is the accumulation of modified proteins, which tend to form high molecular weight aggregates. Such aggregates are also called inclusion bodies, plaques, lipofuscin, ceroid, or ‘aggresomes’ depending on their location and composition. Such aggregates are not inert metabolic end products, but actively influence the metabolism of cells, in particular proteasomal activity and protein turnover. In this review we focus on the influence of oxidative stress on protein turnover, protein aggregate formation and the various interactions of protein aggregates with the proteasome. Furthermore, the formation and effects of protein aggregates during aging and neurodegeneration will be highlighted.     

Conjugates of abscisic acid, brassinosteroids, ethylene, gibberellins, and jasmonates

Phytohormones, including auxins, abscisic acid, brassinosteroids, cytokinins, ethylene, gibberellins, and jasmonates, are involved in all aspects of plant growth, and developmental processes as well as environmental responses. However, our understanding of hormonal homeostasis is far from complete. Phytohormone conjugation is considered as a part of the mechanism to control cellular levels of these compounds. Active phytohormones are changed into multiple forms by acylation, esterification or glycosylation, for example. It seems that conjugated compounds could serve as pool of inactive phytohormones that can be converted to active forms by de-conjugation reactions. Some conjugates are thought to be temporary storage forms, from which free active hormones can be released after hydrolysis. It is also believed that conjugation serves functions, such as irreversible inactivation, transport, compartmentalization, and protection against degradation. The nature of abscisic acid, brassinosteroid, ethylene, gibberellin, and jasmonate conjugates is discussed.     

Hereditary cancer: family history, diagnosis, molecular genetics, ecogenetics, and management strategies

The translation of knowledge about hereditary breast cancer and its improved control, as well as prevention through prophylactic surgery, has been significantly accelerated through the veritable explosive discoveries in molecular genetics inclusive of BRCA1 and BRCA2 germline mutations. Needed however, among the physician community, medical geneticists, and genetic counselors, is a raised level of knowledge about hereditary breast cancer syndromes. Particular attention needs to be given to their extant genotypic and phenotypic heterogeneity, their natural history, and foremost, the requirement of a sufficiently detailed family history, with knowledge as to how to interpret its significance so that hereditary cancer syndrome can be diagnosed, should it, in fact, exist in the particular family. Collectively, surveillance and management programs can then be developed for the patient and his or her high-risk relatives. We believe very firmly that this knowledge needs to be extended to the individual patient(s), first- and second-degree relatives so that they can benefit from this knowledge.     

Fetal tissue sampling--indications,techniques, complications,and experience with sampling of fetal skin,liver, and muscle.

Invasive prenatal testing has become an important way to evaluate fetuses at increased risk for hereditary disorders. In utero sampling of fetal skin, liver, and muscle may be required to diagnose before-birth disorders that cannot be diagnosed by analysis using chorionic villi or amniotic fluid. In the next few years, many of these conditions will be detected by DNA analysis, and the need for these procedures may decrease dramatically. First performed by fetoscopy, fetal tissue sampling is now most frequently done by inserting a biopsy needle under continuous ultrasonographic guidance. We describe the indications, techniques, complications, and experience with obtaining fetal skin, liver, and muscle biopsy specimens.     

Muslim customs surrounding death,bereavement, postmortem examinations,and organ transplants.

Muslims are always buried, never cremated. It is a religious requirement that the body be ritually washed and draped before burial, which should be as soon as possible after death. Those carrying out this duty should be immunised against hepatitis B and be aware of the hazards of AIDS. Muslim women never attend burials and it is rare for funeral directors to be involved. Muslim jurists from the Arab world can justify organ transplantation, but those from the Indian subcontinent are against it. They are united in the belief of the sacredness of the human body and thus deplore postmortem examinations.     

Myocardial ischemia, reperfusion, and infarction in chronically instrumented, intact, conscious, and unrestrained mice

In the United States alone, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) has invested several hundred million dollars in pursuit of myocardial infarct-sparing therapies. However, due largely to methodological limitations, this investment has not produced any notable clinical application or cardioprotective therapy. Among the major methodological limitations is the reliance on animal models that do not mimic the clinical situation. In this context, the limited use of conscious animal models is of major concern. In fact, whenever possible, studies of cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology should be conducted in conscious, complex models to avoid the complications associated with the use of anesthesia and surgical trauma. The mouse has significant advantages over other experimental models for the investigation of infarct-sparing therapies. The mouse is inexpensive, has a high throughput, and presents the ability of one to create genetically modified models. However, successful infarct-sparing therapies in anesthetized mice or isolated mouse hearts may not be successful in more complex models, including conscious mice. Accordingly, a conscious mouse model of myocardial ischemia and reperfusion has the potential to be of major importance for advancing the concepts and methods that drive the development of infarct-sparing therapies. Therefore, we describe, for the first time, the use of an intact, conscious, and unrestrained mouse model of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion and infarction. The conscious mouse model permits occlusion and reperfusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery in an intact, complex model free of the confounding influences of anesthetics and surgical trauma. This methodology may be adopted for advancing the concepts and ideas that drive cardiovascular research.     

Count data, detection probabilities, and the demography, dynamics, distribution, and decline of amphibians

The evidence for amphibian population declines is based on count data that were not adjusted for detection probabilities. Such data are not reliable even when collected using standard methods. The formula C = Np (where C is a count, N the true parameter value, and p is a detection probability) relates count data to demography, population size, or distributions. With unadjusted count data, one assumes a linear relationship between C and N and that p is constant. These assumptions are unlikely to be met in studies of amphibian populations. Amphibian population data should be based on methods that account for detection probabilities.     

Femoral neck anteversion: values, development, measurement, common problems

The femoral neck anteversion angle is an important factor for hip stability and normal walking. It is multifactoral result of evolution, heredity, fetal development, intrauterine position, and mechanical forces. Abnormal FNA sometimes can be associated with many clinical problems ranging from harmless intoeing gait in the early childhood, to disabling osteoarthritis of the hip and the knee in the adults. In most cases is associated with minor functional problems in children during growth, but cause a concern in parents for children future. The child must be examined carefully and an accurate diagnosis must be established. The most important part of care is observation of the children. If abnormal femoral neck anteversion produces severe functional disability, derotational osteotomy should be done, but delayed until late childhood.     

Recruiting medical groups for research: relationships, reputation, requirements, rewards, reciprocity, resolution, and respect

Background

In order to conduct good implementation science research, it will be necessary to recruit and obtain good cooperation and comprehensive information from complete medical practice organizations. The goal of this paper is to report an effective example of such a recruitment effort for a study of the organizational aspects of depression care quality.

Methods

There were 41 medical groups in the Minnesota region that were eligible for participation in the study because they had sufficient numbers of patients with depression. We documented the steps required to both recruit their participation in this study and obtain their completion of two questionnaire surveys and two telephone interviews.

Results

All 41 medical groups agreed to participate and consented to our use of confidential data about their care quality. In addition, all 82 medical directors and quality improvement coordinators completed the necessary questionnaires and interviews. The key factors explaining this success can be summarized as the seven R's: Relationships, Reputation, Requirements, Rewards, Reciprocity, Resolution, and Respect.

Conclusion

While all studies will not have all of these factors in such good alignment, attention to them may be important to other efforts to add to our knowledge of implementation science.     

Clusters of Toxoplasmosis in Ganghwa-gun,Cheorwon-gun,and Goseong-gun,Korea

We find out the clusters with high toxoplasmosis risk to discuss the geographical pattern in Gyodong-myeon and Samsan-myeon of Ganghwa-gun, Cheorwon-gun, and Goseong-gun, Korea. Seroepidemiological data of toxoplasmosis surveyed using rapid diagnostic tests for the residents in the areas in 2019 were analyzed to detect clusters of the infection. The cluster was investigated using the SaTScan program which is based on Kulldorff’s scan statistic. The clusters were found with P-values in each region analyzed in the program, and the risk and patient incidence of specific areas can be examined by the values such as relative risk and log likelihood ratio. Jiseok-ri and Insa-ri were found to be a cluster in Gyodong-myeon and Seokmo-ri was the cluster in Samsan-myeon. Yangji-ri and Igil-ri were found to be a cluster in Cheorwon-gun and Madal-ri and Baebong-ri were the cluster in Goseong-gun. This findings can be used to monitor and prevent toxoplasmosis infections occurring in vulnerable areas.     

Magnesium,calcium, copper,and zinc in meals

Meals of 12 diets were prepared from conventional foods with precautions against contamination by metallic elements because of epidemiologic associations between ischemic heart disease and the metabolism of magnesium, calcium, copper, and zinc. Magnesium, calcium, copper, and zinc were measured by atomic absorption spectrometry with satisfactory accuracy and precision. The mean daily amount of copper in the diets was less than the apparent adult requirement. Mean amounts of magnesium and zinc were close to apparent requirements; however, adults consuming amounts less than one standard deviation below these means may be depleting body stores and be at risk of pathology. Magnesium and copper were highly correlated (r=0.849,P=0.0001) in meals. This and other significant correlations probably will prevent the relationships of these elements to ischemic heart disease from being elucidated by epidemiology. Metabolic experiments will be necessary to differentiate among several hypotheses.     

Functionalized, probe-containing, latex nanospheres.

Synthesis of surface-functionalized, probe-containing latex nanospheres is described. Approximately 40,000 probe ions may be encapsulated in a nanosphere of 50 nm diameter. The probe may be a radionuclide or a lanthanide with long-lived fluorescence. Alternatively, a "cargo" of pharmaceutical interest may be used. The surface of each nanosphere contains thousands of acid groups which may be functionalized for subsequent attachment to biomolecules such as antibodies. Functionalized nanospheres have been successfully coupled to a tobacco virus.     

COMPARATIVE MORPHOLOGY OF THE CARPEL IN THE ROSACEAE VI. POMOIDEAE: ERIOBOTRYA,HETEROMELES, PHOTINIA,POURTHIAEA, RAPHIOLEPIS,STRANVAESIA

The pomoid genera, Eriobotrya, Photinia, Pourthiaea, Raphiolepis, Stranvaesia, and Heteromeles, have compound inflorescences and biovulate carpels which become papery at maturity. The carpels of all of these except Heteromeles are fused with one another. There are open sutures in the carpels of Heteromeles, Photinia, Pourthiaea, and Raphiolepis, and in these four genera the extent of fusion of the ovular bundle with the wing bundle is related directly to the state of tegumentary fusion and to the extent of fusion of the carpel with the floral cup. In those species of Eriobotrya and Stranvaesia with closed sutures the integuments tend to be fused, as do the ovular and wing bundles, and the carpels are adnate with the floral cup for a considerable distance; in species with open sutures the integuments tend to be free, the ovular and wing bundles tend to be separate, and the extent of fusion of carpel with floral cup tends to be shorter. In genera with connate carpels the wing bundles of adjoining carpels may also be fused. The greatest extent of fusion occurs in Eriobotrya and Raphiolepis, in which there may also be attenuation and disappearance of the wing bundles above the region of ovular insertion and even reduction and disappearance of the carpellary margin.     

Genome analysis,phylogeny, and classification

The implications of genome analysis for evolutionary theory and systematics are treated. The precise relationship between the theoretical and operational definitions of chromosome homology is shown to be uncertain. It is pointed out that genera defined by genome analysis may be either monophyletic or non-monophyletic, and that the genus is not a basic unit of evolution. Characters obtained by genome analysis may be useful in a phylogenetic context, provided they are treated as all other characters.     

Guidelines,enthusiasms, uncertainty,and the limits to purchasing.

Recently government ministers have set out their vision of the future of purchasing. Ineffective treatments will be discarded and purchasing will be based on guidelines or protocols rather than activity. But have the advocates of this approach considered all the issues? This paper examines the challenges of balancing the desire for protocol based uniformity with the needs of individual patients, explores the extent to which existing purchasing structures can support this process, and questions whether such moves will actually lead to reduced costs. In each case it is concluded that oversimplistic analyses are likely to be misleading and that much of the current debate fails to recognise the complexity of health care.     

Defining specificities,genes, antigens,and antibodies- A matrix approach

We study the consequences of assigning single letter symbols to operationally defined entities such as genes, antigens, specificities, and antibodies. If this is to be done and if reagents are not specific in recognizing the products of single genes or single antigens, then these entities must be defined by a definition matrix to avoid mislabeling a matrix of data. A method is given whereby for a given matrix of data all possible definition matrices consistent with this data can be obtained. In particular, all the ways of labeling by the complex-complex code of Hirschfeld can be so obtained.