Lifeboat Foundation: Safeguarding Humanity
Toggle light / dark theme

Blog

Get the latest international news and world events from around the world.

Log in for authorized contributors

On computing quantum waves exactly from classical action

The fundamental quantum postulates on the existence of a wave function, its propagation with the Schrödinger equation in theorem 3.2 and the wave collapse at a measurement in lemma 3.3 are derived from the classical theorem 2.4. Furthermore, analytic computations of the classical action are simpler than solving the Feynman path integral and potentially easier than solving the Schrödinger equation directly. In addition, theorem 3.2 is a multi-particle result.

The J classical multipaths in theorem 3.2 and lemma 3.3 are strictly determined by the initial and final conditions. In the double slit experiment, the probabilistic quantum observation results from the non-Lipschitz constraint force in the slit. For the harmonic oscillator, the Coulomb wave, the particle in the box, or the spinning particle, the initial probabilistic density distribution is classically propagated forward in time. In the EPR experiment [64,65], theorem 2.4 determines a constant angular momentum χo↑,χo↓ over time, and lemma 3.3 in turn allows a classical interpretation that the decision which spin correlation is sensed behind the filters is already taken when the particles separate.

Early Rule Out With a Refreshed Troponin Assay

💬 Editorial: A sixth-generation high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T assay could allow clinicians to reassure more emergency department patients they are not having a myocardial infarction at presentation, but further study is needed to optimize clinical application.

In 2008, Roche Diagnostics introduced a high-sensitivity version of their cardiac troponin T assay (hs-cTnT), a fifth-generation assay. Researchers quickly deduced that by using the assay’s limit of detection (LoD) of 5 ng/L (to convert to micrograms per liter, multiply by 0.001) as a cutoff, many patients could safely be classified as very low-risk for myocardial infarction (MI).1,2 Researchers gathered data across multiple institutions, and a 9241-patient meta-analysis demonstrated a pooled sensitivity for the LoD of 98.7%.3 Outside the US, on presentation (0-hour) concentrations less than LoD became guideline recommended, reassuring patients quickly and reducing time spent in busy emergency departments (EDs). Once US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval was obtained in the US, a similar risk-stratification approach became possible, though using a threshold of 6 ng/L because the FDA mandated that exact concentrations below the limit of quantitation (LoQ) be not reported. In the meantime, troponin I assay manufacturers brought to market high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) assays. Low-risk thresholds were derived for these that were above the LoD and LoQ by identifying the concentration that gave a minimum prespecified statistical performance. Most often these minimums are greater than or equal to 99% sensitivity4 and greater than or equal to 99.5% negative predictive value (NPV). Roche Diagnostics has now placed in the hands of researchers a sixth-generation cTnT assay. Already this has been established as high sensitivity, with very low LoD and LoQ and well-defined sex-specific upper-reference levels.5 This will allow, for the first time with hs-cTnT, the derivation of single-sample, very low-risk thresholds likely usable across institutions. In this issue of JAMA Cardiol ogy, Thurston and colleagues6 present the first such derivation of a single-sample, very low-risk threshold for the Roche sixth-generation hs-cTnT assay.

In a prospective cohort study of 987 patients, blood was drawn at multiple time points from ED presentation. cTnT concentrations were measured on the same analyzer with both the fifth-and sixth-generation assays. This allowed derivation of a sixth-generation single-sample very low-risk threshold, a comparison of the performance of that threshold with the fifth-generation LoD, and determination of the performance of the High-Sensitivity Troponin in the Evaluation of Patients With Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome (High-STEACS) early rule-out pathway. External validation used stored samples from the Advantageous Predictors of Acute Coronary Events (APACE) study. The primary outcome was an index or subsequent MI (types 1, 4b, or 4c) or cardiac death within 30 days. The prespecified goal was to determine the highest troponin threshold with statistical metrics NPV greater than or equal to 99.5% and sensitivity greater than or equal to 99%.

Probabilistic projections of global wind and solar power growth based on historical national experience

PROLONG, a data-driven probabilistic model of technology growth, projects wind and solar expansion consistent with 2 °C pathways and faster than current policy scenarios. The 1.5 °C pathway lies beyond the 95th percentile of projections and meeting this target would require major effort.

Anaerobic digestion of poultry droppings for biogas production: a pilot study of renewable energy technology in the agricultural sector

Proper management of agricultural waste is challenging due to diverse sources, high production volumes, seasonal fluctuations, limited technical knowledge, and insufficient funding. These challenges often lead to soil degradation, environmental pollution, and adverse effects on ecosystems and human health. This study aims to investigate biogas production from poultry droppings using Continuous Stirred Tank Reactor (CSTR) Anaerobic Digestion (AD) technology to promote green energy use and as a sustainable solution for agricultural waste management.

Dried poultry manure samples were collected from two poultry farms in Lafia city and from their manure disposal sources. The samples were thoroughly stirred to ensure homogeneity and digested at a mesophilic temperature of 28.0 °C. With an initial solid concentration of 20.0%, the manure was diluted with water at 1:2 ratio to produce an input slurry containing 12.0% total volatile solids by weight. The experiment was conducted from July 20 to September 10, 2025. Parameters including pH, alkalinity, temperature, and biogas flow rate were monitored daily. Chemical and physical analyses of total solids, total volatile solids, and chemical oxygen demand were conducted during startup using three biological replicates (n = 3), with results expressed using statistical tool of mean ± standard error. Volatile fatty acids and alkalinity were measured using the distillation method.

Pallidus internus versus subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation for Meige syndrome: a randomized, controlled, double-blind multicenter trial

The aim of this randomized, controlled, double-blind multicenter trial was to compare the safety and efficacy of globus pallidus internus (GPi) and subthalamic nucleus (STN) deep brain stimulation (DBS) in patients with Meige syndrome (MeS). Additionally, the authors explored the optimal site of DBS and identified predictors of clinical outcomes.

The primary outcome was improvement in motor function as assessed by the Burke-Fahn-Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale (BFMDRS). The secondary outcomes included mood, global cognitive function, and quality of life (QOL). The optimal stimulation site for DBS was investigated using Lead-DBS.

A total of 62 patients with MeS were randomized to receive GPi-DBS (n = 31) or STN-DBS (n = 31), and all completed the 1-year follow-up. In the GPi-DBS group, the mean improvement rates in BFMDRS movement scores were 54.9%, 57.3%, and 59.7% at 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. In the STN-DBS group, the corresponding rates were 57.1%, 59.0%, and 59.9%. There was no significant difference in the efficacy of motor symptoms, depression, anxiety, and QOL between the two groups during follow-up. The total electrical energy delivered in the GPi-DBS group was significantly greater than that in the STN-DBS group. The adverse event rates were comparable between the GPi-DBS (16.1%) and STN-DBS (12.9%) groups (p 0.99). The “sweet spot” for GPi-DBS was found to be located in the posterolateral dorsal pallidum (ρ = 0.76, p = 0.001), while the sweet spot for STN-DBS was found to be situated in the dorsal subthalamic nucleus (ρ = 0.66, p = 0.005).

Bayesian probabilistic density mapping of the decussating dentato-rubro-thalamic tract to predict clinical tremor improvement in MRgFUS

OBJECTIVE Magnetic resonance–guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) is increasingly recognized as an effective treatment option for patients with medication-refractory essential tremor (ET). Indirect coordinates of the ventral intermediate nucleus of the thalamus, as well as the dentato-rubro-thalamic tract (DRTT) originating from the ipsilateral dentate nucleus, known as the “nondecussating DRTT” (nd-DRTT), are commonly used as targets for sonication. Anatomically, the DRTT originating from the contralateral dentate nucleus, referred to as the “decussating DRTT” (d-DRTT), constitutes the predominant component of the two fiber populations. However, the d-DRTT is rarely visualized using conventional diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) because of the technical challenges associated with resolving crossing fiber orientations. Probabilistic tractography enables the differentiation of crossing fibers, thus allowing for visualization of both the d-DRTT and nd-DRTT. Authors of this study aimed to evaluate whether the d-DRTT delineated by probabilistic tractography represents an anatomical target more important than indirect coordinates or the nd-DRTT. METHODS Consecutive patients with medically refractory ET who underwent unilateral MRgFUS thalamotomy at a single institution between May 2022 and August 2024 were analyzed. Tremor severity was assessed using the Clinical Rating Scale for Tremor Part B, and the percentage improvement at 3 months after treatment was calculated as an indicator of functional recovery. Probabilistic tractography of the DRTT was performed post hoc using preoperative diffusion MRI and Bayesian modeling (BedpostX) and probabilistic tracking (ProbtrackX). The distances between the sonicated lesion as detected on postoperative MRI and each of the following were compared: indirect coordinates, nd-DRTT, and d-DRTT. Subgroup analysis was performed on patients with a peak lesion temperature ≥ 55°C. Pearson correlation was used to assess the relationships between distance metrics and clinical outcomes. RESULTS Probabilistic tractography successfully visualized the d-DRTT in all 28 patients included in the study. The d-DRTT was more lateral than both the indirect coordinate and the nd-DRTT (p < 0.01 for both), with a nonsignificant tendency for a more anterior position relative to the nd-DRTT (p = 0.054). Among the patients with a peak lesion temperature ≥ 55°C, the distance between the sonicated lesion and the d-DRTT showed a strong correlation with clinical outcomes, whereas that between the lesion and nd-DRTT showed a moderate correlation; the indirect coordinates showed no significant correlation. CONCLUSIONS Probabilistic tractography successfully visualized the d-DRTT, and its location appears to capture the “tremor-relevant” neural pathway more accurately than either the indirect coordinate or the nd-DRTT.

Nuclei Limit Neural Network Quantum Simulations

For a fixed number of configurations, representing quantum states becomes less accurate as their non-stabilizerness increases. This demonstrates a clear limit to how well restricted Boltzmann machines can compress and represent highly entangled systems. Calculations using ground states of medium-mass atomic nuclei reveal non-stabilizerness as a key property governing neural network performance.

Efficacy and Safety of VMAT2 Inhibitors in the Treatment of Huntington DiseaseA Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials

In patients with Huntington disease, vesicular monoamine transporter 2 inhibitors (VMAT2is) treatment improved chorea without significant changes in adverse effects or depressive symptoms.

This website uses a security service to protect against malicious bots. This page is displayed while the website verifies you are not a bot.

/* */