Twin-lattice atom interferometry

Inertial sensors based on cold atoms have great potential for navigation, geodesy, or fundamental physics. Similar to the Sagnac effect, their sensitivity increases with the space-time area enclosed by the interferometer. Here, we introduce twin-lattice atom interferometry exploiting Bose-Einstein condensates. Our method provides symmetric momentum transfer and large areas in palm-sized sensor heads with a performance similar to present meter-scale Sagnac devices

Multi-loop atomic Sagnac interferometry

The sensitivity of light and matter-wave interferometers to rotations is based on the Sagnac effect and increases with the area enclosed by the interferometer. In the case of light, the latter can be enlarged by forming multiple fibre loops, whereas the equivalent for matter-wave interferometers remains an experimental challenge. We present a concept for a multi-loop atom interferometer with a scalable area formed by light pulses. Our method will offer sensitivities as high as $$2\times 10^{-11}$$ rad/s at 1 s in combination with the respective long-term stability as required for Earth rotation monitoring

Optomechanical resonator-enhanced atom interferometry

Matter-wave interferometry and spectroscopy of optomechanical resonators offer complementary advantages. Interferometry with cold atoms is employed for accurate and long-term stable measurements, yet it is challenged by its dynamic range and cyclic acquisition. Spectroscopy of optomechanical resonators features continuous signals with large dynamic range, however it is generally subject to drifts. In this work, we combine the advantages of both devices. Measuring the motion of a mirror and matter waves interferometrically with respect to a joint reference allows us to operate an atomic gravimeter in a seismically noisy environment otherwise inhibiting readout of its phase. Our method is applicable to a variety of quantum sensors and shows large potential for improvements of both elements by quantum engineering. © 2020, The Author(s)

Twin-lattice atom interferometry

Inertial sensors based on cold atoms have great potential for navigation, geodesy, or fundamental physics. Similar to the Sagnac effect, their sensitivity increases with the space-time area enclosed by the interferometer. Here, we introduce twin-lattice atom interferometry exploiting Bose-Einstein condensates of rubidium-87. Our method provides symmetric momentum transfer and large areas offering a perspective for future palm-sized sensor heads with sensitivities on par with present meter-scale Sagnac devices. Our theoretical model of the impact of beam splitters on the spatial coherence is highly instrumental for designing future sensors

QGyro : Schlussbericht zum Verbundvorhaben Quanten-Inertialsensorsystem (QGyro)

Das Verbundvorhaben QGyro (Quanten-Inertialsensorsystem) ist ein Teil der High-Tech-Strategie der Bundesregierung und erhält Finanzierung durch das Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz (BMWK) mit Unterstützung der Raumfahrtagentur am Deutschen Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt DLR e.V. (Förderkennzeichen 50RK1957). Im Rahmen dieses Forschungsvorhabens wurden mithilfe der Quantentechnologie innovative Konzepte für die Navigation von Plattformen entwickelt. Das Hauptziel des Projekts ist die Untersuchung von Hybridansätzen zur Inertialsensorik, bei der Quantensensoren mit klassischen inertialen Messeinheiten miteinander kombiniert werden um Fehler in der Positionsbestimmung zu reduzieren. Ein Hauptaugenmerk lag auf der Entwicklung neuartiger Quantensensoren. Ein erster Ansatz war die Schaffung eines einachsigen, quantenbasierten Inertialsensors als Proof-of-Concept. Dies beinhaltet den Sensorkopf, aber auch die Perepherie, wie Lasersysteme und Elektronik. Darüber hinaus wurden Entwicklungen in Richtung von sechsachsigen quantenbasierten Intertialsensoren angestoßen und Realisierungskonzepte erarbeitet. Ein besonderer Fokus lag auf der Stabilisierung und aktiven Ausrichtung des entwickelten Messkopfes, was durch Simulationen und experimentelle Tests nachgewiesen werden konnte. Dies beinhaltete die Entwicklung eines Teststandes, die Erarbeitung eines Atom-StrapDown-Algorithmus zur Kombination von Quanten-Inertialsensoren und klassischer Inertialsensorik sowie die Umsetzung einer stabilisierten Plattform für den Sensorkopf. Die erfolgreiche Umsetzung wurde in enger Zusammenarbeit mit Forschungseinrichtungen an der Leibniz Universität Hannover (Institut für Erdmessung, Institut für Quantenoptik) sowie etablierten Unternehmen wie der iMAR GmbH erreicht. Das Projekt QGyro trägt dazu bei, die High-Tech-Strategie der Bundesregierung im Bereich der Quantentechnologie und Navigation voranzutreiben.The collaborative project QGyro (quantum inertial sensor system) is part of the German Federal Government’s High-Tech Strategy and receives funding from the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection (BMWK) with support from the Space Agency at the German Aerospace Center DLR e.V. (funding code 50 RK 1957). This research project used quantum technology to develop innovative concepts for the navigation of kinematic platforms. The main goal of the project is to investigate hybrid approaches for inertial sensors, combining quantum technology with classical inertial measurement devices in order to reduce errors in positioning. A primary focus has been the development of novel quantum sensors. A first approach considered the creation of a single-axis, quantum-based inertial sensor as a proof-of-concept. This includes the sensor head, and also the peripherals, such as laser systems and electronics. Furthermore, developments towards a six-axis quantum-based inertial sensor were initiated and realization concepts were elaborated. Further focus was on the stabilization and active alignment of the developed sensing head. For this purpose, a stabilized platform was designed and built that can compensate linear accelerations during the measurement time of the quantum sensor. A so-called Atom Strapdown algorithm was designed and implemented for inertial navigation for the combination of quantum inertial sensors and classical inertial sensors. This algorithm has been tested, optimized and validated in extensive simulation studies. Moreover, a successful application of the algorithm to real data was achieved by emulating the CAI observations with a navigation-grade IMU during the generation of the hybrid scenario. Algorithms for determining the uncertainties of the atomic interferometer were further developed and validated on prototype measurement series. Successful implementation was achieved in close collaboration with research institutions at Leibniz Universität Hannover (Institute of Geodesy, Institute of Quantum Optics) as well as established companies such as iMAR GmbH. The QGyro project contributes to advancing the German government’s high-tech strategy in the field of quantum technology and navigation.Deutsche Raumfahrtagentur im Deutschen Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V./Systemuntersuchungen und Technologie für die Satellitennavigation/BMWK 50 RK 1957/E

Identification of Novel Predictor Classifiers for Inflammatory Bowel Disease by Gene Expression Profiling

BACKGROUND: Improvement of patient quality of life is the ultimate goal of biomedical research, particularly when dealing with complex, chronic and debilitating conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This is largely dependent on receiving an accurate and rapid diagnose, an effective treatment and in the prediction and prevention of side effects and complications. The low sensitivity and specificity of current markers burden their general use in the clinical practice. New biomarkers with accurate predictive ability are needed to achieve a personalized approach that take the inter-individual differences into consideration. METHODS: We performed a high throughput approach using microarray gene expression profiling of colon pinch biopsies from IBD patients to identify predictive transcriptional signatures associated with intestinal inflammation, differential diagnosis (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis), response to glucocorticoids (resistance and dependence) or prognosis (need for surgery). Class prediction was performed with self-validating Prophet software package. RESULTS: Transcriptional profiling divided patients in two subgroups that associated with degree of inflammation. Class predictors were identified with predictive accuracy ranging from 67 to 100%. The expression accuracy was confirmed by real time-PCR quantification. Functional analysis of the predictor genes showed that they play a role in immune responses to bacteria (PTN, OLFM4 and LILRA2), autophagy and endocytocis processes (ATG16L1, DNAJC6, VPS26B, RABGEF1, ITSN1 and TMEM127) and glucocorticoid receptor degradation (STS and MMD2). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that using analytical algorithms for class prediction discovery can be useful to uncover gene expression profiles and identify classifier genes with potential stratification utility of IBD patients, a major step towards personalized therapy

Suppression of LPS-induced inflammatory responses in macrophages infected with Leishmania

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Chronic inflammation activated by macrophage innate pathogen recognition receptors such as TLR4 can lead to a range of inflammatory diseases, including atherosclerosis, Crohn's disease, arthritis and cancer. Unlike many microbes, the kinetoplastid protozoan pathogen <it>Leishmania </it>has been shown to avoid and even actively suppress host inflammatory cytokine responses, such as LPS-induced IL-12 production. The nature and scope of <it>Leishmania</it>-mediated inflammatory cytokine suppression, however, is not well characterized. Advancing our knowledge of such microbe-mediated cytokine suppression may provide new avenues for therapeutic intervention in inflammatory disease.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We explored the kinetics of a range of cytokine and chemokine responses in primary murine macrophages stimulated with LPS in the presence versus absence of two clinically distinct species of <it>Leishmania </it>using sensitive multiplex cytokine analyses. To confirm that these effects were parasite-specific, we compared the effects of <it>Leishmania </it>uptake on LPS-induced cytokine expression with uptake of inert latex beads.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Whilst <it>Leishmania </it>uptake alone did not induce significant levels of any cytokine analysed in this study, <it>Leishmania </it>uptake in the presence of LPS caused parasite-specific suppression of certain LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-12, IL-17 and IL-6. Interestingly, <it>L. amazonensis </it>was generally more suppressive than <it>L. major</it>. We also found that other LPS-induced proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1α, TNF-α and the chemokines MIP-1α and MCP-1 and also the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, were augmented during <it>Leishmania </it>uptake, in a parasite-specific manner.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>During uptake by macrophages, <it>Leishmania </it>evades the activation of a broad range of cytokines and chemokines. Further, in the presence of a strong inflammatory stimulus, <it>Leishmania </it>suppresses certain proinflammatory cytokine responses in a parasite-specific manner, however it augments the production of other proinflammatory cytokines. Our findings highlight the complexity of inflammatory cytokine signalling regulation in the context of the macrophage and <it>Leishmania </it>interaction and confirm the utility of the <it>Leishmania</it>/macrophage infection model as an experimental system for further studies of inflammatory regulation. Such studies may advance the development of therapies against inflammatory disease.</p

Technology roadmap for cold-atoms based quantum inertial sensor in space

Recent developments in quantum technology have resulted in a new generation of sensors for measuring inertial quantities, such as acceleration and rotation. These sensors can exhibit unprecedented sensitivity and accuracy when operated in space, where the free-fall interrogation time can be extended at will and where the environment noise is minimal. European laboratories have played a leading role in this field by developing concepts and tools to operate these quantum sensors in relevant environment, such as parabolic flights, free-fall towers, or sounding rockets. With the recent achievement of Bose-Einstein condensation on the International Space Station, the challenge is now to reach a technology readiness level sufficiently high at both component and system levels to provide "off the shelf"payload for future generations of space missions in geodesy or fundamental physics. In this roadmap, we provide an extensive review on the status of all common parts, needs, and subsystems for the application of atom-based interferometers in space, in order to push for the development of generic technology components

Analysis of Interactions of Salmonella Type Three Secretion Mutants with 3-D Intestinal Epithelial Cells

The prevailing paradigm of Salmonella enteropathogenesis based on monolayers asserts that Salmonella pathogenicity island-1 Type Three Secretion System (SPI-1 T3SS) is required for bacterial invasion into intestinal epithelium. However, little is known about the role of SPI-1 in mediating gastrointestinal disease in humans. Recently, SPI-1 deficient nontyphoidal Salmonella strains were isolated from infected humans and animals, indicating that SPI-1 is not required to cause enteropathogenesis and demonstrating the need for more in vivo-like models. Here, we utilized a previously characterized 3-D organotypic model of human intestinal epithelium to elucidate the role of all characterized Salmonella enterica T3SSs. Similar to in vivo reports, the Salmonella SPI-1 T3SS was not required to invade 3-D intestinal cells. Additionally, Salmonella strains carrying single (SPI-1 or SPI-2), double (SPI-1/2) and complete T3SS knockout (SPI-1/SPI-2: flhDC) also invaded 3-D intestinal cells to wildtype levels. Invasion of wildtype and TTSS mutants was a Salmonella active process, whereas non-invasive bacterial strains, bacterial size beads, and heat-killed Salmonella did not invade 3-D cells. Wildtype and T3SS mutants did not preferentially target different cell types identified within the 3-D intestinal aggregates, including M-cells/M-like cells, enterocytes, or Paneth cells. Moreover, each T3SS was necessary for substantial intracellular bacterial replication within 3-D cells. Collectively, these results indicate that T3SSs are dispensable for Salmonella invasion into highly differentiated 3-D models of human intestinal epithelial cells, but are required for intracellular bacterial growth, paralleling in vivo infection observations and demonstrating the utility of these models in predicting in vivo-like pathogenic mechanisms