Estetyka ewolucyjna: między uniwersalizmem a adaptacją

The publication of Jerzy Luty’s book is a very good opportunity to look at the achievements of contemporary evolutionary aesthetics. In Jerzy Luty’s book one can find not only a successful and accurate presentation of the views of E. Dissaneyake and D. Dutton, but also the discussion of a number of difficult problems arising from the analysis of the nature and function of art from the evolutionary point of view. One such problem is undoubtedly the problem of the universalism of art, while another is the problem of art as adaptation. In the paper, I discuss and analyse the original solutions to the problems of universalism and the adaptive nature of art proposed by the author of the discussed book.

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Aural exostoses (surfer’s ear) provide vital fossil evidence of an aquatic phase in Man’s early evolution

Annals of The Royal College of Surgeons of England ◽

10.1308/rcsann.2017.0162 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 99 (8) ◽

pp. 594-601 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

PH Rhys Evans ◽

M Cameron

Keyword(s):

Cold Water ◽

Water Immersion ◽

Cold Water Immersion ◽

Senior Author ◽

Point Of View ◽

Hominid Evolution ◽

Ear Canal ◽

Early Hominid ◽

And Function ◽

Evolutionary Point

For over a century, otolaryngologists have recognised the condition of aural exostoses, but their significance and aetiology remains obscure, although they tend to be associated with frequent swimming and cold water immersion of the auditory canal. The fact that this condition is usually bilateral is predictable since both ears are immersed in water. However, why do exostoses only grow in swimmers and why do they grow in the deep bony meatus at two or three constant sites? Furthermore, from an evolutionary point of view, what is or was the purpose and function of these rather incongruous protrusions? In recent decades, paleoanthropological evidence has challenged ideas about early hominid evolution. In 1992 the senior author suggested that aural exostoses were evolved in early hominid Man for protection of the delicate tympanic membrane during swimming and diving by narrowing the ear canal in a similar fashion to other semiaquatic species. We now provide evidence for this theory and propose an aetiological explanation for the formation of exostoses.

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Expression and Function of Organic Anion Transporting Polypeptides in the Human Brain: Physiological and Pharmacological Implications

Pharmaceutics ◽

10.3390/pharmaceutics13060834 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (6) ◽

pp. 834

Author(s):

Anima M. Schäfer ◽

Henriette E. Meyer zu Schwabedissen ◽

Markus Grube

Keyword(s):

Organic Anion ◽

Physiological Role ◽

Point Of View ◽

Efflux Transporters ◽

Organic Anion Transporting Polypeptides ◽

Current State ◽

P Glycoprotein ◽

The Central Nervous System ◽

And Function ◽

Uptake Transporters

The central nervous system (CNS) is an important pharmacological target, but it is very effectively protected by the blood–brain barrier (BBB), thereby impairing the efficacy of many potential active compounds as they are unable to cross this barrier. Among others, membranous efflux transporters like P-Glycoprotein are involved in the integrity of this barrier. In addition to these, however, uptake transporters have also been found to selectively uptake certain compounds into the CNS. These transporters are localized in the BBB as well as in neurons or in the choroid plexus. Among them, from a pharmacological point of view, representatives of the organic anion transporting polypeptides (OATPs) are of particular interest, as they mediate the cellular entry of a variety of different pharmaceutical compounds. Thus, OATPs in the BBB potentially offer the possibility of CNS targeting approaches. For these purposes, a profound understanding of the expression and localization of these transporters is crucial. This review therefore summarizes the current state of knowledge of the expression and localization of OATPs in the CNS, gives an overview of their possible physiological role, and outlines their possible pharmacological relevance using selected examples.

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“Information”—from an Evolutionary Point of View

Information ◽

10.3390/info5020272 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 5 (2) ◽

pp. 272-284 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Walter Kofler

Keyword(s):

Point Of View ◽

Evolutionary Point

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XXVII.—The Inheritance of Long and Short Wings in the Weevil, Sitona hispidula, with a Discussion of Wing Reduction among Beetles

Transactions of the Royal Society of Edinburgh ◽

10.1017/s0080456800013351 ◽

1928 ◽

Vol 55 (3) ◽

pp. 665-735 ◽

Cited By ~ 59

Author(s):

Dorothy J. Jackson

Keyword(s):

Experimental Work ◽

Adult Stage ◽

Point Of View ◽

The Other ◽

Wing Dimorphism ◽

Wing Reduction ◽

Hereditary Factors ◽

The Subject ◽

The One ◽

Evolutionary Point

It is well known that in many orders of typically winged insects species occur which in the adult stage are apterous or have the wings so reduced in size that flight is impossible. Sometimes the reduction of wings affects one sex only, as in the case of the females of certain moths, but in the majority of cases it is exhibited by both sexes. In many instances wing dimorphism occurs irrespective of sex, one form of the species having fully developed wings and the other greatly reduced wings. In some species the wings are polymorphic. The problem of the origin of reduced wings and of other functionless organs is one of great interest from the evolutionary point of view. Various theories have been advanced in explanation, but in the majority of cases the various aspects of the subject are too little known to warrant discussion. More experimental work is required to show how far environmental conditions on the one hand, and hereditary factors on the other, are responsible for this phenomenon. Those species which exhibit alary dimorphism afford material for the study of the inheritance of the two types of wings, but only in a few cases has this method of research been utilized.

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THE CRITICALLY ILL CHILD: SICKLE CELL DISEASE CRISES AND THEIR MANAGEMENT

PEDIATRICS ◽

10.1542/peds.48.4.629 ◽

1971 ◽

Vol 48 (4) ◽

pp. 629-635

Author(s):

Howard A. Pearson ◽

Louis K. Diamond

Keyword(s):

Sickle Cell Disease ◽

Sickle Cell ◽

Mutant Gene ◽

Point Of View ◽

Clinical Aspects ◽

Cell Disease ◽

Form And Function ◽

Heterozygous Form ◽

The Many ◽

And Function

This brief review, being limited in scope to the recognition and management of the life-threatening and painful crises in infants and children with sickle-cell disease, has not even touched on the intriguing mystery of the molecular basis for the sickling phenomenon–how one amino-acid substitution (gene controlled) in the beta chain sequence of 146 amino acids can cause such serious disruption in form and function; or how this mutation occurred in the first place and why it has persisted in contrast to the rapid disappearance of many other deleterious mutants. Nor has there been even mention of the many milder symptoms, signs, and complications due to the presence of Hb. S., either in the homozygous (disease-producing) state or heterozygous form when found in combination with other hereditary hemoglobin defects. The accumulated knowledge about this mutant gene, its biochemical effects, and geographic distribution is enormous. From a fundamental scientific standpoint, sickle cell disease is one of the best understood of human afflictions. However, from a practical point of view treatment of the patient himself is often only symptomatic and palliative. Nevertheless, prompt and effective therapy of the myriad manifestations of sickle cell disease can effectively reduce morbidity and mortality. The pediatrician who cares for black children in his practice should be familiar with the cardinal diagnostic and clinical aspects of sickle cell disease and its crises.

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Steps Towards an Evolutionary Account of Argumentative Competence

Informal Logic ◽

10.22329/il.v35i2.4115 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 35 (2) ◽

pp. 167 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Cristián Santibáñez Yáñéz

Keyword(s):

Niche Construction ◽

Point Of View ◽

Informal Logic ◽

Collective Intentionality ◽

Evolutionary Perspective ◽

Evolutionary Account ◽

Logic Approach ◽

Tentative Explanation ◽

Argumentative Competence ◽

Evolutionary Point

In this paper a tentative explanation of the competence of argumentation from an evolutionary point of view is offered. Because in contemporary argumentation theory and the informal logic approach the evolutionary perspective has been neglected, this paper gives an initial overview on the matter with the hope that core aspects of the argumentative faculty—such as argumentative normativity, the function of arguments, or fallacious moves, among others—can be seen differently afterwards. In order to specify the proposal, the main concepts considered are the notion of collective intentionality, cooperation, reputation, niche construction and, of course, basic evolutionary terms.

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An Introduction to Concept and Evolution of the Guardstone and Its Architectural Visualization of the Contemporary Religious and Cultural Diversities

Journal of Arts and Humanities ◽

10.18533/journal.v6i3.1135 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 6 (3) ◽

pp. 52

Author(s):

Sasni Amarasekara

Keyword(s):

Sri Lanka ◽

Developmental Stages ◽

Logical Reasoning ◽

Point Of View ◽

Aesthetic Evaluation ◽

Specific Study ◽

Religious Buildings ◽

Evolutionary Point ◽

Shed Light ◽

Academic Study

<p>This specific study deals with a unique piece of Buddhist architecture, the Guardstone found almost in every part of ancient kingdoms in Sri Lanka spanning from Anuradhapura to Kandy period significantly. The Guardstone is an excellent piece of structure placed on either side of the first step of the flight of stairs at the entrance of ancient religious buildings or palaces in Sri Lanka. The origin of this architectural masterpiece is still to determine. Nevertheless, it is widely accepted in an evolutionary point of view that the guardstone has passed through several developmental stages from a simple slab to a highly sophisticated artifact in its dimensions, complexity and artistry. The numerous inclusions as well as exclusions from time to time to this artifact still remain uncertain as to whether they were due to secular or ecclesiastical reasons or simply due to the creators own culture influenced imagination. This study will peruse all the possible evidence that are available architecturally and to develop a logical reasoning for any identifiable characteristic and to elucidate with reasonable legitimacy as to how and why such a character is present or absent in a particular guardstone. This study in no way has any intention of rejecting or amending any proposition available at present but will pursue its best to shed light only on the attributes of a guardstone and to concentrate on the diversities of this beautiful monastic artifact that deserves serious academic study and meticulous aesthetic evaluation.</p>

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Síntesis del conocimiento taxonómico, origen y domesticación del género Capsicum

Botanical Sciences ◽

10.17129/botsci.1583 ◽

2017 ◽

pp. 65 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Sergio Hernández-Verdugo ◽

Patricia Dávila ◽

Ken Oyama

Keyword(s):

Genetic Resource ◽

Point Of View ◽

American Continent ◽

Ecological Studies ◽

Wild Populations ◽

Center Of Origin ◽

The Andes ◽

Genus Capsicum ◽

Evolutionary Point ◽

Molecular Characters

The genus Capsicum consists of approximately 30 species of which C. annuum, C. chinense, C. frutescens, C. baccatum and C. pubescens are domesticated. Although Capsicum has been studied from the taxonomic and evolutionary point of view, using morphological, cytological and molecular characters, there are still sorne problems related to the taxonomic delimitation of the genus and its species, the nomenclature of the wild and cultivated forms, and the treatment of infraspecific variation. In order to determine the generic and specific taxonomic limits and to establish their phylogenetic and evolutionary relationships, it is necessary to undertake these studies among all the taxa of the genus Capsicum. C. annuum, C. chinense, and C. frutescens are taxa that form a taxonomic complex that can be barely differentiated and at the present it is impossible to determine whether they belong to the same or different species. The center of origin of the genus Capsicum is in South America, in the region that comprises Bolivia, northern Argentina, and central and southern Brazil. The biogeographic and archeobotanical studies indicate that during the dispersion of Capsicum along the American Continent, some of the species were domesticated independently in different places: C. annuum in Mexico; C. frutescens in Costa Rica, and possibly also in Mexico; C: chinense in the Amazonas lowlands; C. baccaturn in Bolivia, and C. pubescens in the Andes. In Mexico, C. annuwn has been cultivated throughout all the country; C. frutescens in the central and south eastern regions; C. chinense in the Yucatán Península, and C. pubescens in the high lands of the central states. In addition, there are C. ciliatum and C. lanceolatum, two species that have never been used by man. Genetic and ecological studies on wild populations are very important for the use and conservation of this genetic resource.

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German Incunabula Herbals from the Russian State Library: Towards Popular Literature

Tekst Kniga Knigoizdanie ◽

10.17223/23062061/26/4 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 60-87

Author(s):

Catherine R. Squires ◽

◽

Keyword(s):

Popular Literature ◽

Point Of View ◽

Literary Texts ◽

Book Production ◽

Medical Practitioners ◽

Language History ◽

15Th Century ◽

Russian State ◽

State Library ◽

And Function

Early printed herbals have a special place in the 15th-century book production as they were popular both with academics, including medical scientists and pharmacists, and with the common reader. The popular response to the mass production of herbal books made possible by the invention of printing left textual and linguistic evidence in the form of handwritten marginal notes. In the present study, six copies of illustrated herbals printed in Mainz by Peter Schoeffer in 1484 and 1485 are compared as to the subject, language and function of the marginal notes found in them. Five of these books are from the Rare Books Department of the Russian State (former Lenin) Library, the sixth copy from the Moscow University Library is used to enable better comparison. The analysis has shown that the types of marginal notes vary significantly depending on the owners’ social status, interest, background, and on the time and region. Marginal notes in Latin or Greek are considered from the point of view of their thematic (content) and chronological (dating) characteristics. As the result of many centuries of natural science, herbals were an important source of professional knowledge for academics, including medical scientists and pharmacists, of the time. Thematically, linguistically and paleographically, marginal notes of this type can be ascribed to professionals or students of natural sciences. Notes made considerably later than the incunabula era can in fact only be explained by an academic interest on the part of the reader (some notes date after 1700). Marginal notes made in German and, judging by the handwriting, dating closer to 1500 reflect work of common medical practitioners or even of lay readers, who used their herbals to cope with practical problems of their everyday life. These German marginal notes are of high interest as a source for German language history, as they contain synonymous names of plants, additional to those used in the printed text. The analysis of their form, dialect, and distribution proves that they offer valuable lexical material (regional names) in the semantic field usually scarcely documented in medieval literary texts. Those descriptions, which are indicative of region or dialect, show a distinct Southern German origin of their authors.

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