319 research outputs found
Generating qudits with d=3,4 encoded on two-photon states
We present an experimental method to engineer arbitrary pure states of qudits
with d=3,4 using linear optics and a single nonlinear crystal.Comment: 4 pages, 1 eps figure. Minor changes. The title has been changed for
publication on Physical Review
Neural mechanisms underlying respiratory regulation within the preBötzinger complex of the rabbit
"All-versus-nothing" nonlocality test of quantum mechanics by two-photon hyperentanglement
We report the experimental realization and the characterization of
polarization and momentum hyperentangled two photon states, generated by a new
parametric source of correlated photon pairs. By adoption of these states an
"all versus nothing" test of quantum mechanics was performed. The two photon
hyperentangled states are expected to find at an increasing rate a widespread
application in state engineering and quantum information. PACS: 03.65.Ud,
03.67.Mn, 42.65. LmComment: Replaced with published versio
Essential Role of the cVRG in the Generation of Both the Expiratory and Inspiratory Components of the Cough Reflex.
As stated by Korpáš and Tomori (1979), cough is the most important airway protective reflex which provides airway defensive responses to nociceptive stimuli. They recognized that active expiratory efforts, due to the activation of caudal ventral respiratory group (cVRG) expiratory premotoneurons, are the prominent component of coughs. Here, we discuss data suggesting that neurons located in the cVRG have an essential role in the generation of both the inspiratory and expiratory components of the cough reflex. Some lines of evidence indicate that cVRG expiratory neurons, when strongly activated, may subserve the alternation of inspiratory and expiratory cough bursts, possibly owing to the presence of axon collaterals. Of note, experimental findings such as blockade or impairment of glutamatergic transmission to the cVRG neurons lead to the view that neurons located in the cVRG are crucial for the production of the complete cough motor pattern. The involvement of bulbospinal expiratory neurons seems unlikely since their activation affects differentially expiratory and inspiratory muscles, while their blockade does not affect baseline inspiratory activity. Thus, other types of cVRG neurons with their medullary projections should have a role and possibly contribute to the fine tuning of the intensity of inspiratory and expiratory efforts
Engineering a C-Phase quantum gate: optical design and experimental realization
A two qubit quantum gate, namely the C-Phase, has been realized by exploiting
the longitudinal momentum (i.e. the optical path) degree of freedom of a single
photon. The experimental setup used to engineer this quantum gate represents an
advanced version of the high stability closed-loop interferometric setup
adopted to generate and characterize 2-photon 4-qubit Phased Dicke states. Some
experimental results, dealing with the characterization of multipartite
entanglement of the Phased Dicke states are also discussed in detail.Comment: accepted for publication on EPJ
The monitoring program of grapevine phytoplasmas in Tuscany (Italy): Results of a four year survey
Quantitative PCR protocols for phytoplasma detection were used to
monitor grapevine yellows (GY) in 373 vineyards located in nine Tuscan districts. Among more than 70,000 plants visually monitored, 1.867 plants were
sampled and “flavescence dorée” phytoplasmas (FD) were detected in 122
plants and mainly identified as trains belonging to 16SrV-C subgroup. The “bois
noir” (BN) phytoplasma was found in 734 samples, with prevalence of tufB
type-b strains. The 2013–2015 monitoring program was strongly influenced by
the first survey (2012) in which FD was found consistently in the North West
(15 samples), whereas only a few cases were observed in the East territory (2
samples). Both areas were thoroughly monitored in the following years: few
foci were found in the East (2 in 2014, 1 in 2015), while several infected areas
were found in the North West (6, 10 and 22 foci in 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively). Definitely, the novel FD foci detected in the survey (17, 6, 12 and 23 in
each year of survey) and the widespread of BN, suggest a dangerous distribution of GY in Tuscan
Radiological risk from thoron, a case study: The particularly radon-prone area of Bolsena, and the lesson learned
Abstract The contribution of 220 Rn is usually negligible compared to that of 222 Rn: its very short half-life makes escape from its source site within the rock very unlikely and it never has time enough to filtrate through the ground and through cracks in the floors or cellar walls to reach living quarters. This however becomes untrue if walls built with 232 Th-rich materials are present: then sizeable amounts of thoron may be detected in the closed areas bounded by those walls. This is the case for many dwellings in central Italy, and the town of Bolsena (northern Latium) is presented as a case study. A typical building of the area, entirely constructed with tuff blocks, is investigated and the annual dose rates calculated for varying distances from the wall. Thoron concentration was found to decrease with a relaxation length of 13 cm. Thoron was found to pose a significant risk. The rate of air exchange was found to produce little effect. Wall plastering acts as a filter: thoron diffuses through it but a HVL of less than 1 cm was found to prevail
Bosentan regulates the expression of adhesion molecules on circulating T cells and serum soluble adhesion molecules in systemic sclerosis-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension
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