Bell Correlations and the Common Future

Reichenbach's principle states that in a causal structure, correlations of classical information can stem from a common cause in the common past or a direct influence from one of the events in correlation to the other. The difficulty of explaining Bell correlations through a mechanism in that spirit can be read as questioning either the principle or even its basis: causality. In the former case, the principle can be replaced by its quantum version, accepting as a common cause an entangled state, leaving the phenomenon as mysterious as ever on the classical level (on which, after all, it occurs). If, more radically, the causal structure is questioned in principle, closed space-time curves may become possible that, as is argued in the present note, can give rise to non-local correlations if to-be-correlated pieces of classical information meet in the common future --- which they need to if the correlation is to be detected in the first place. The result is a view resembling Brassard and Raymond-Robichaud's parallel-lives variant of Hermann's and Everett's relative-state formalism, avoiding "multiple realities."Comment: 8 pages, 5 figure

System der philosophischen Ethik und Padagogik. Aus dem Nachlasz herausgegeben von Grete Hermann und Minna Specht? 2. unveranderte Auflage.

Vorlesungen uber die Grundlagen der Ethik Bd. 2OPLADEN-RUG0

Effect of Third and Fourth mRNA-Based Booster Vaccinations on SARS-CoV-2 Neutralizing Antibody Titer Formation, Risk Factors for Non-Response, and Outcome after SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Breakthrough Infections in Patients on Chronic Hemodialysis: A Prospective Multicenter Cohort Study

The aim of this study is to determine the effect of repeated vaccinations on neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody titers, evaluate risk factors for immunological non-response, and to report breakthrough infections in chronic hemodialysis patients. Methods: A prospective, multi-center cohort study in 163 chronic hemodialysis patients was conducted. Antibody titers were measured three months after second, third, and fourth (10 pts) booster vaccinations. SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody titers in BAU/mL and % inhibition were divided into three categories (433 and 66%). Somers’s test, paired t-test, and univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis were applied to evaluate differences in antibody levels and search for risk factors for vaccination failure defined as neutralizing titers n = 10) and breakthrough infections (n = 20). Results: Third dose boosters resulted in higher proportions of patients with neutralizing antibody levels >66% as compared to after the second dose (64.7% after second dose vs. 88.9% after third dose, p = 0.003), as well as in a respective increase in neutralizing titer levels in % from 68 ± 33% to 89 ± 24 (p p ≤ 0.001). Age (p = 0.004, OR 1.066, 95% CI 1.020–1.114) and presence of immunosuppressive medications (p = 0.002, OR 8.267, 95% CI 2.206–30.975) were identified as major risk factors for vaccination failure. Repeated booster vaccinations ≥4 times were effective in 8 out of 10 former low-responders (80%) without any side effects or safety concerns. Breakthrough infections showed a clinically mild course but were associated with prolonged viral shedding on PCR-testing ranging 7–29 (mean 13) days. Conclusions: Third and fourth mRNA-based booster vaccinations resulted in higher and longer lasting SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels as compared to after two dosages. The presence of immunosuppressive medication and repeat vaccinations are major potentially modifiable measures to increase antibody levels in non-or low-responders. Breakthrough infections with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron were associated with prolonged viral shedding but clinically mild disease courses

Our health, our research. Identifying public health research priorities among children and youth in a multiethnic population: Protocol for a community-based participatory health research priority survey

Introduction Emphasis on public involvement (PI) in health research has increased in the last 20 years. However, there is limited literature on PI in planning and conducting population-based health research. This study aims to identify child and adolescent health research priorities among children and stakeholder groups in Northern Norway by inviting PI groups to collaborate with researchers to develop and conduct a research priority survey. Methods and analysis This is a community-based participatory research project. The methods for research prioritisation are informed by those developed by the James Lind Alliance. In addition, the survey design and engagement plans are developed in extensive collaboration with child and youth stakeholder groups. Nine PI groups have met three times to develop an anonymous child and youth health research priority survey, as well as strategies for recruitment and dissemination of results. All 5th–10th grade pupils in the Finnmark region will be invited to participate in the survey, as well as caretakers and adults working for and with children and youth. The survey results will be analysed in collaboration with the PI groups, and research priorities checked with existing research literature. Ethics and dissemination The study is registered and approved by the Data Protection Authorities at the Finnmark Hospital Trust and the Expert Committee for Sami Health Research. Descriptions of methods applied and the survey results will be published in popular and scientific publications