The referential convergence of gene concepts based on classical and molecular analyses

Kenneth Waters and Marcel Weber argue that the joint use of distinct gene concepts and the transfer of knowledge between classical and molecular analyses in contemporary scientific practice is possible because classical and molecular concepts of the gene refer to overlapping chromosomal segments and the DNA sequences associated with these segments. However, while pointing in the direction of coreference, both authors also agree that there is a considerable divergence between the actual sequences that count as genes in classical genetics and molecular biology. The thesis advanced in this paper is that the referents of classical and molecular gene concepts are coextensive to a higher degree than admitted by Waters and Weber, and therefore coreference can provide a satisfactory account of the high level of integration between classical genetics and molecular biology. In particular, I argue that the functional units/cistrons identified by classical techniques overlap with functional elements entering the composition of molecular transcription units, and that the precision of this overlap can be improved by conducting further experimentation

Truth, falsity and experimental science

The arguments presented in this thesis aim to show that a Kantian model in which a theoretical framework is constitutive of empirical reality denies the possibility of a full grown experimental science. In contrast, a logical empiricist model according to which empirical reality is described by means of a theoretical language such as Euclidian geometry or Newtonian mechanics allows for a possible disagreement between experiment and theory. One of the main strengths of this model consists in its ability to handle cases in which theory is shown to be false in respect to empirical reality. However, in order to achieve this compatibility with experimental science, I argue that we must abandon the assumption that there is a single, unified language of science and replace it with the more general assumption of a plurality of languages. Under this new formulation, a perfect unity of science cannot be granted solely by a coherent formulation of all scientific knowledge in a unique language of science, but must be complemented by the common reference of all scientific theories to the same empirical realit

Life-threatening Consequence of a Psychiatric Behavior

Introduction: The prevalence of hypokalemia in psychiatric population is very high with eating disorders and laxative abuse being the main incriminated factors. Case presentation: We report a case of a 34-year-old woman with history of sleeve gastrectomy and breast implant, who presented for fatigue, severe myalgia, generalized hypotonia and palpitations. Laboratory exams revealed severe hypokalemia and rhabdomyolysis. The electrocardiography showed prolonged QT interval and ST segment depression with second-degree atrioventricular block. She received intravenous potassium supplementation with consecutive hydration. When potassium level was within safety limits, the patients received loop diuretics in order to decrease rhabdomyolysis and avoid kidney injury. The underlying cause was a pathological behavior, with frequent self-provoked episodes of nausea and vomiting after eating and chronic consumption of laxatives. She started psychotherapy. Conclusion: Psychiatric behaviour can lead to life-threatening conditions, therefore it should be discovered and managed promptly

A defense of syntax-based gene concepts in postgenomics: ‘Genes as modular subroutines in the master genomic program’

The purpose of this article is to update and defend syntax-based (conserved DNA-sequence motifs) gene concepts. I show how syntax-based concepts can and have been extended to accommodate complex cases of processing and gene expression regulation. In response to difficult cases and causal parity objections, I argue that a syntax-based approach fleshes out a deflationary concept defining genes as genomic sequences and organizational features of the genome contributing to a phenotype. These organizational features are an important part of accepted molecular explanations, provide the theoretical basis for a large number of experimental techniques and practical applications, and play a crucial role in in annotating the genome, deriving predictions and constructing bioinformatics models

Strategies of empirical justification in experimental science

Thèse numérisée par la Division de la gestion de documents et des archives de l'Université de Montréal