Quantum-Neurocritical Filter Hypothesis (HFQNC): An Integrative Framework for Consciousness

The Quantum-Neurocritical Filter Hypothesis (HFQNC) proposes an integrative mechanism for consciousness articulated across three levels of processing: [Q<->F]->A. Level Q describes quantum fluctuations documented in synapses (proton tunneling in synaptic enzymes, electron radical pairs, cryptochromes, Posner molecules, and lithium ionic tunneling) generating genuine variability as a functional resource. Level F describes the filtering of that variability through selective decoherence in an environment structured by tripartite history H(t) = H_evo + H_cult + H_pers. Level A describes the selective amplification in neural networks operating near criticality (exponent sigma approx. 1.0), determining conscious access. The central conceptual inversion: decoherence is not the enemy of quantum effects but their functional translation mechanism. Myelin, classically conceived as a conduction accelerator, fulfills an additional and original role: it structures the decoherence environment that defines which synaptic quantum variability translates into conscious experience. The framework offers falsifiable quantitative predictions: H->D isotopic substitution must reduce synaptic variability by factor KIE_net in the range 1.5-3.5x; correlation r < -0.5 between myelination and intensity of childhood magical perception; normal wakefulness sigma approx. 0.98-1.02, deep anesthesia sigma < 0.85. Related work: Collados, J. (2026b). Isotopic modulation of neural criticality. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18870856. Collados, J. (2026c). Quantum tunneling in synaptic enzymes. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.20026348