scholarly journals On the Explicit Function of Life within a Physical Universe

Philosophies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 59
Author(s):  
Annette Grathoff
Keyword(s):  
Prebiotic Evolution ◽  
Mixing Processes ◽  
Physical Universe ◽  
Structural Types ◽  
Evolution Of Life ◽  
Living State ◽  
Physical Information ◽  
Prebiotic Environments ◽  
Types Of Information ◽  
Selective Environment

To describe the meaning of functionality in a universe before life evolved, existing etiological and systemic accounts of function are evaluated. Since the theory of function is only applicable in context with living beings and artifacts used by living beings and therefore cannot predict how a prebiotic form of functionality could evolve, a maintenance account for functionality is proposed. This account ascribes functionality to a structurally disposed property that increases the probability of maintenance or recurrence of the property in the surrounding selective environment. With the help of the maintenance account and a concept of physical information comprising kinetic and structural types of information, possible evolutionary processes preceding the evolution of life are explored. As important mechanisms in abiotic and prebiotic evolution, linear and non-linear mixing processes, as well as dynamics of solitary waves, are identified. Before the question of the meaning of life in prebiotic environments is renewed and an educated guess based on the elaborated arguments is made on the progress of evolution under the influencing impression of the living state, the evolution of functionality in different selective contexts is analyzed.

scholarly journals Functional State Spaces and their Formation in Systems from Biological Organisms to the Physical Universe

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andy E Williams
Keyword(s):  
State Space ◽  
Functional State ◽  
Semantic Representation ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Human Organism ◽  
Functional Modeling ◽  
State Spaces ◽  
Physical Universe ◽  
Mathematical Expressions ◽  
Evolution Of Life

This paper explores how the emerging science of Human-Centric Functional Modeling or HCFM provides a universal approach to modeling systems that is hypothesized to maximize human capacity to understand and navigate the complexity of systems, and how it facilitates a kind of biomimicry in which the human organism is represented in terms of abstract mathematical spaces that can be used to define simple expressions to represent properties like “complexity” for human systems like cognition, where the same spaces can be used to represent other systems, including the entire physical universe, so that the underlying equivalence of the representations allows the same mathematical expressions to define the same properties where applicable for these very different systems, and therefore allows deep insights to potentially be gained about these systems through looking inward to observe how one’s own cognition functions from one’s first person experience. This paper explores how from this Human-Centric Functional Modeling perspective the properties governing the evolution of life in its functional state space might also govern the formation of the universe in its own functional state space. Human-Centric Functional Modeling also has other significant benefits, one is that in defining behavior in terms of mathematical spaces it enables all the mathematical disciplines that apply to such spaces (e.g. functor theory, category theory, process theory) to be used to understand and navigate the relationships between concepts described in those spaces. Another is that in providing a self-contained representation of the human meaning of any entity, including of any region in the physical universe, Human-Centric Functional Modeling potentially defines the first complete semantic representation of concepts, physical objects, or any other entities represented in a functional state space. When applied to the physical universe this implies that all theoretical or experimental data can be stored in that single model and all theories tested against it to increase capacity to impact a research question. When applied to other systems semantic modeling has equally important implications. Another benefit of Human-Centric Functional Modeling is that it is also a human-centric expression of “constructor theory”, which in the case of physical systems enables accurate predictions to be made about their physical behavior simply from observations of their functions, without needing to understand the specific physics through which the functions are implemented in those systems.

High-Voltage Scanning Electron Microscopy

1970 ◽  
Vol 28 ◽  
pp. 6-7
Author(s):  
J. M. Cowley
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Transmission Electron Microscopy ◽  
Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy ◽  
Wave Optics ◽  
Contrast Effects ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Mode Of Operation ◽  
Scanning Transmission ◽  
Types Of Information ◽  
Voltage Scanning

The comparison of scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) with conventional transmission electron microscopy (CTEM) can best be made by means of the Reciprocity Theorem of wave optics. In Fig. 1 the intensity measured at a point A’ in the CTEM image due to emission from a point B’ in the electron source is equated to the intensity at a point of the detector, B, due to emission from a point A In the source In the STEM. On this basis it can be demonstrated that contrast effects In the two types of instrument will be similar. The reciprocity relationship can be carried further to include the Instrument design and experimental procedures required to obtain particular types of information. For any. mode of operation providing particular information with one type of microscope, the analagous type of operation giving the same information can be postulated for the other type of microscope. Then the choice between the two types of instrument depends on the practical convenience for obtaining the required Information.

Structural dynamics of P-type ATPase ion pumps

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (5) ◽  
pp. 1247-1257 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mateusz Dyla ◽  
Sara Basse Hansen ◽  
Poul Nissen ◽  
Magnus Kjaergaard
Keyword(s):  
Structural Dynamics ◽  
Single Molecule ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Atp Hydrolysis ◽  
Resonance Energy Transfer ◽  
Resonance Energy ◽  
Time Resolved ◽  
Dynamics Simulations ◽  
Types Of Information ◽  
P Type

Abstract P-type ATPases transport ions across biological membranes against concentration gradients and are essential for all cells. They use the energy from ATP hydrolysis to propel large intramolecular movements, which drive vectorial transport of ions. Tight coordination of the motions of the pump is required to couple the two spatially distant processes of ion binding and ATP hydrolysis. Here, we review our current understanding of the structural dynamics of P-type ATPases, focusing primarily on Ca2+ pumps. We integrate different types of information that report on structural dynamics, primarily time-resolved fluorescence experiments including single-molecule Förster resonance energy transfer and molecular dynamics simulations, and interpret them in the framework provided by the numerous crystal structures of sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase. We discuss the challenges in characterizing the dynamics of membrane pumps, and the likely impact of new technologies on the field.

Caregivers' Perceptions of Speech-Language Pathologist Talk About Child Language and Literacy Disorders

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 2049-2067
Author(s):  
Karmen L. Porter ◽  
Janna B. Oetting ◽  
Loretta Pecchioni
Keyword(s):  
Language And Literacy ◽  
Collective Case Study ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
School Aged Children ◽  
Speech Language Pathologist ◽  
Therapy Goals ◽  
Semistructured Interviews ◽  
Types Of Information

Purpose This study examined caregiver perceptions of their child's language and literacy disorder as influenced by communications with their speech-language pathologist. Method The participants were 12 caregivers of 10 school-aged children with language and literacy disorders. Employing qualitative methods, a collective case study approach was utilized in which the caregiver(s) of each child represented one case. The data came from semistructured interviews, codes emerged directly from the caregivers' responses during the interviews, and multiple coding passes using ATLAS.ti software were made until themes were evident. These themes were then further validated by conducting clinical file reviews and follow-up interviews with the caregivers. Results Caregivers' comments focused on the types of information received or not received, as well as the clarity of the information. This included information regarding their child's diagnosis, the long-term consequences of their child's disorder, and the connection between language and reading. Although caregivers were adept at describing their child's difficulties and therapy goals/objectives, their comments indicated that they struggled to understand their child's disorder in a way that was meaningful to them and their child. Conclusions The findings showed the value caregivers place on receiving clear and timely diagnostic information, as well as the complexity associated with caregivers' understanding of language and literacy disorders. The findings are discussed in terms of changes that could be made in clinical practice to better support children with language and literacy disorders and their families.

Not at Imminent Risk

Crisis ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (6) ◽  
pp. 459-463
Author(s):  
Kate Monaghan ◽  
Martin Harris
Keyword(s):  
Early Intervention ◽  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Intervention Strategies ◽  
Group Method ◽  
Narrative Approach ◽  
Complex Issue ◽  
Research And Practice ◽  
Client Group ◽  
Types Of Information ◽  
Imminent Risk

Abstract. Background: Suicide is a pervasive and complex issue that can challenge counselors through the course of their careers. Research and practice focus heavily on crisis management and imminent risk rather than early intervention strategies. Early intervention strategies can assist counselors working with clients who have suicidal ideation, but are not at imminent risk, or with clients whose risk factors identify them as having a stronger trajectory for suicidal ideation. Aims: This systematic literature review examines the current literature on working with clients with suicidal ideation who are not at imminent risk, to ascertain the types of information and strategies available to counselors working with this client group. Method: An initial 622 articles were identified for analysis and from these 24 were included in the final review, which was synthesized using a narrative approach. Results: Results indicate that research into early intervention strategies is extremely limited. Conclusion: It was possible to describe emergent themes and practice guidelines to assist counselors working with clients with suicidal ideation but not at imminent risk.

THE NOTHING THAT REALLY IS!

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 4172-4177
Author(s):  
Abdul Malek
Keyword(s):  
Quantum Dynamics ◽  
Theoretical Physics ◽  
Historical Evolution ◽  
Proper Understanding ◽  
Physical Universe ◽  
Wave Particle Duality ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Materialist Interpretation

The denial of the existence of contradiction is at the root of all idealism in epistemology and the cause for alienations.  This alienation has become a hindrance for the understanding of the nature and the historical evolution mathematics itself and its role as an instrument in the enquiry of the physical universe (1). A dialectical materialist approach incorporating  the role of the contradiction of the unity of the opposites, chance and necessity etc., can provide a proper understanding of the historical evolution of mathematics and  may ameliorate  the negative effect of the alienation in modern theoretical physics and cosmology. The dialectical view also offers a more plausible materialist interpretation of the bewildering wave-particle duality in quantum dynamics (2).

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