The importance of quantum decoherence in brain processes

Based on a calculation of neural decoherence rates, we argue that that the degrees of freedom of the human brain that relate to cognitive processes should be thought of as a classical rather than quantum system, i.e., that there is nothing fundamentally wrong with the current classical approach to neural network simulations. We find that the decoherence timescales ~10^{-13}-10^{-20} seconds are typically much shorter than the relevant dynamical timescales (~0.001-0.1 seconds), both for regular neuron firing and for kink-like polarization excitations in microtubules. This conclusion disagrees with suggestions by Penrose and others that the brain acts as a quantum computer, and that quantum coherence is related to consciousness in a fundamental way.Comment: Minor changes to match accepted PRE version. 15 pages with 5 figs included. Color figures and links at http://www.physics.upenn.edu/~max/brain.html or from [email protected]. Physical Review E, in pres

Research of amino acid composition of protein of сеreal and grain legume crops of Belarusian selection

In the article presents the results of studies of protein content and amino acid composition of grains and grain legume crops, cultivated on the territory of the Republic of Belarus. The objects of study were yellow lupine varieties Academichesky, BSHA-382, Bistrorastuschy 4, Kastrychnik, Narochansky, blue lupine varieties Nemchinovsky, Frost, Danko, pea varieties Ramonsky, Aist, Malinovka, oat of Bug varieties, Los-3, Nemchinovsky, Erbgraf, Ends kurt, oat varieties of Zhodinsky, Krynica, Favorit, Yanka varieties. In these sorts we determined the content of protein, essential and non-essential amino acids, estimated of biological value of protein grains and legumes by amino acid score method allowed us to recommend Kastrychnik, Narochansky yellow lupine, Nemchinovsky blue lupine, Zhodinsky spring barley, Nemchinovsky and Erbgraf oats varieties for use in the form for feed of animal and raw materials for the industrial manufacture of products