729 research outputs found
Quantum random number generation for 1.25 GHz quantum key distribution systems
Security proofs of quantum key distribution (QKD) systems usually assume that
the users have access to source of perfect randomness. State-of-the-art QKD
systems run at frequencies in the GHz range, requiring a sustained GHz rate of
generation and acquisition of quantum random numbers. In this paper we
demonstrate such a high speed random number generator. The entropy source is
based on amplified spontaneous emission from an erbium-doped fibre, which is
directly acquired using a standard small form-factor pluggable (SFP) module.
The module connects to the Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) of a QKD
system. A real-time randomness extractor is implemented in the FPGA and
achieves a sustained rate of 1.25 Gbps of provably random bits.Comment: 6 pages, 8 figure
Heralded photon amplification for quantum communication
Heralded noiseless amplification based on single-photon sources and linear
optics is ideally suited for long-distance quantum communication tasks based on
discrete variables. We experimentally demonstrate such an amplifier, operating
at telecommunication wavelengths. Coherent amplification is performed with a
gain of G=1.98+/-0.2, for a state with a maximum expected gain G=2. We also
demonstrate that there is no need for a stable phase reference between the
initial signal state and the local auxiliary photons used by the amplifier.
These results highlight the potential of heralded quantum amplifiers for
long-distance quantum communication, and bring device-independent quantum key
distribution one step closer.Comment: 5 pages, 4 figure
Distribution of time-bin qubits over 50 km of optical fiber
We report experimental distribution of time-bin entangled qubits over 50 km
of optical fibers. Using actively stabilized preparation and measurement
devices we demonstrate violation of the CHSH Bell inequality by more than 15
standard deviations without removing the detector noise. In addition we report
a proof of principle experiment of quantum key distribution over 50 km of
optical fibers using entangled photon.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figure
Weak randomness completely trounces the security of QKD
In usual security proofs of quantum protocols the adversary (Eve) is expected
to have full control over any quantum communication between any communicating
parties (Alice and Bob). Eve is also expected to have full access to an
authenticated classical channel between Alice and Bob. Unconditional security
against any attack by Eve can be proved even in the realistic setting of device
and channel imperfection. In this Letter we show that the security of QKD
protocols is ruined if one allows Eve to possess a very limited access to the
random sources used by Alice. Such knowledge should always be expected in
realistic experimental conditions via different side channels
Experimental Test of Relativistic Quantum State Collapse with Moving Reference Frames
An experimental test of relativistic wave-packet collapse is presented. The
tested model assumes that the collapse takes place in the reference frame
determined by the massive measuring detectors. Entangled photons are measured
at 10 km distance within a time interval of less than 5 ps. The two apparatuses
are in relative motion so that both detectors, each in its own inertial
reference frame, are first to perform the measurement. The data always
reproduces the quantum correlations and thus rule out a class of collapse
models. The results also set a lower bound on the "speed of quantum
information" to 0.66 x 10^7 and 1.5 x 10^4 times the speed of light in the
Geneva and the background radiation reference frames, respectively. The very
difficult and deep question of where the collapse takes place - if it takes
place at all - is considered in a concrete experimental context.Comment: 4 pages + 2 ps figure
Bloodstream infections and local access site infection surveillance program in hemodialysis, Vaud, Switzerland
Swiss ethnoveterinary knowledge on medicinal plants - a within-country comparison of Italian speaking regions with north-western German speaking regions
BACKGROUND:
Ethnoveterinary knowledge in Europe may play an important role as a basis for sustainable treatment options for livestock. Aims of our study were (a) to compare the ethnoveterinary practices of two culturally and sociodemographically different regions of Switzerland, (b) to compare results with earlier ethnoveterinary studies conducted in Switzerland and in adjacent Italian regions and, (c) to evaluate possible reasons for regional differences in European ethnoveterinary medicine.
METHODS:
25 interviews were conducted in 2014 in all Italian speaking regions (ItR) of Switzerland, and 31 interviews were held in five north-western German speaking Cantons (GeC). Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect detailed information regarding plant species, mode of preparation, dosage, route of administration, category of use, origin of knowledge, frequency of use, and satisfaction with outcomes of the treatments.
RESULTS:
A total of 162 homemade remedies in ItR and 219 in GeC were reported, out of which 125 and 145, respectively, were reported to contain only one plant species (homemade single species herbal remedy report, HSHR). 44 ItR and 43 GeC plant species were reported to treat livestock, of which only a half were used in both regions. For each HSHR, we classified the treatment intention of all use reports (UR), leading to a total of 205 and 219 UR in ItR and GeC respectively. While cattle were the most often treated livestock species in both study regions, in ItR 40% of UR were administered to small ruminants. Main indications in both regions were gastrointestinal diseases and skin afflictions, but in ItR a high number of URs were reported as antiparasitics. URs were mainly handed down from the past generation, but in GeC the source of knowledge for 20% of URs were from courses. Regarding the used plant species, ItR showed a higher concordance with Swiss than Italian studies, but with some differences to all regions. A total of 22 (14 ItR; 8 GeC) plant species in this study have not been reported before in ethnoveterinary studies of Swiss and Italian alpine regions.
CONCLUSIONS:
ItR and GeC, show differences and similarities with respect to their own ethnoveterinary practices and earlier Swiss and Italian ethnoveterinary studies. Linguistic, geographical, as well as social and farm-structural conditions influence the regional ethnoveterinary knowledge. However, political borders seem to be more important than language or geographical barriers
Body size of virtual rivals affects ejaculate size in sticklebacks
Sperm competition occurs when sperm of two or more males compete to fertilize a given set of eggs. Theories on sperm competition expect males under high risk of sperm competition to increase ejaculate size. Here we confirm this prediction experimentally in the three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus). In this species, sneaking (i.e., stealing of fertilizations by neighboring males) can lead to sperm competition. Sneaking males invade foreign nests, and the owners vigorously try to prevent this intrusion. In such fights, male body size is assumed to be an important predictor of success. Consequently, the risk of sperm competition may depend on the size of a potential competitor. We experimentally confronted males before spawning with either a large or a small computer-animated rival. We show that males ejaculated significantly more sperm after the presentation of the larger virtual rival than after the small stimulus. In addition, the time between the initiation of courting and the spawning was shorter in the large virtual male treatment. The results suggest that stickleback males tailor ejaculate size relative to the risk of sperm competition perceived by the size of a potential competito
In Vitro Inhibition of Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci by Vancomycin/Aminoglycoside-Loaded Cement Spacers
Background:: Successful treatment of allograft infections by the temporary implantation of an antibiotic-loaded polymethylmethacrylate cement spacer depends on the diffusion of antibiotics out of the cement and inhibition of bacterial growth in the surrounding tissue. We investigated with an in vitro model how long antibiotics are released by the cement and if gentamicin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) are inhibited by vancomycin mixed with the gentamicin-loaded cement. Materials and Methods:: Four formulations of antibiotic-loaded cement disks, i.e. gentamicin, tobramycin, vancomycin and tobramycin combined with vancomycin, respectively, were used to test the inhibition of eight isolates of Staphylococcus epidermidis and two reference strains of Staphylococcus aureus by an agar diffusion test on Mueller-Hinton (MH) agar similar to the routine laboratory disk diffusion method. Moreover, cement spacer cylinders loaded with gentamicin alone or combined with vancomycin were submerged in MH agar for weeks and the capacity to inhibit five different isolates of S. epidermidis was measured. Results:: The size of the inhibition zones around the antibiotic-loaded cement disks correlated with the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the antibiotics against the tested strains. All five strains of S. epidermidis were inhibited by vancomycin-loaded cement spacers for at least 30 days. However, two gentamicin-resistant S. epidermidis strains with MICs of 4 mg/l and 16 mg/l could not be inhibited longer than 3 days by the gentamicin-loaded cement spacer. Conclusion:: The in vitro data suggest that antibiotic-loaded cement spacers inhibit susceptible bacteria for 4-6 weeks. The addition of vancomycin to commercial aminoglycoside-loaded cements might be helpful in allograft infections in tumor patients to inhibit a broad range of bacteria including gentamicin-resistant CNS very commonly found in such infection
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