Integrated Information Theory (IIT) 3.0 is among the leading theories of consciousness in contemporary neuroscience. The core of the theory relies on the calculation of a scalar mathematical measure of consciousness, Φ, which is inspired by the phenomenological axioms of the theory. Here, we show that despite its widespread application, Φ is not a well-defined mathematical concept in the sense that the value it specifies is non-unique. To demonstrate this, we introduce an algorithm that calculates all possible Φ values for a given system in strict accordance with the mathematical definition from the theory. We show that, to date, all published Φ values under consideration are selected arbitrarily from a multitude of equally valid alternatives. Crucially, both [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are often predicted simultaneously, rendering any interpretation of these systems as conscious or not, non-decidable in the current formulation of IIT.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
---|---|
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10408361 | PMC |
http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/nc/niad014 | DOI Listing |
J Neurosci
January 2025
Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence RI, USA.
Voltage-gated potassium conductances [Formula: see text] play a critical role not only in normal neural function, but also in many neurological disorders and related therapeutic interventions. In particular, in an important animal model of epileptic seizures, 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) administration is thought to induce seizures by reducing [Formula: see text] in cortex and other brain areas. Interestingly, 4-AP has also been useful in the treatment of neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and spinal cord injury, where it is thought to improve action potential propagation in axonal fibers.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAm J Chin Med
January 2025
Department of Neurosurgey, Ganzhou People's Hospital, Ganzhou 341000, P. R. China.
(PN) root is a renowned nutritional supplement, health food additive, and traditional medicine that maintains homeostasis within the human microcirculatory system. Notoginsenoside R1 (NG-R1), an active compound derived from PN root, has been reported to possess various pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, and angiogenic effects. However, NG-R1's pharmacokinetic properties and pharmacological activities have not been systematically elucidated.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAm J Chin Med
January 2025
School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, 9 Seyuan Road, Nantong 226019, P. R. China.
Ginkgolic acids (GAs) are distinctive secondary metabolites of () primarily found in its leaves and seeds, with the highest concentration located in the exotesta. GAs are classified as long-chain phenolic compounds, and exhibit structural similarities to lignoceric acid. Their structural diversity arises from variations in the length of side chains and their number of double bonds, resulting in six distinct forms within extracts (GBE).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAm J Chin Med
January 2025
Henan Key Laboratory of Digestive Organ Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, P. R. China.
has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for several thousands of years. This plant is known for tonifying kidney Yang, strengthening muscles and bones, and dispelling wind and dampness. It is worth noting that icaritin, a prenylated flavonoid isolated from , has received increasing attention in recent years due to its wide range of pharmacological activities.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSci Adv
January 2025
Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
Predicting the dynamics of turbulent fluids has been an elusive goal for centuries. Even with modern computers, anything beyond the simplest turbulent flows is too chaotic and multiscaled to be directly simulatable. An alternative is to treat turbulence probabilistically, viewing flow properties as random variables distributed according to joint probability density functions (PDFs).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEnter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!