Local probe for connectivity and coupling strength in quantum complex networks

We develop a local probe to estimate the connectivity of complex quantum networks. Our results show how global properties of different classes of complex networks can be estimated - in quantitative manner with high accuracy - by coupling a probe to a single node of the network. Here, our interest is focused on probing the connectivity, i.e. the degree sequence, and the value of the coupling constant within the complex network. The scheme combines results on classical graph theory with the ability to develop quantum probes for networks of quantum harmonic oscillators. Whilst our results are proof-of-principle type, within the emerging field of quantum complex networks they may have potential applications for example to the efficient transfer of quantum information or energy or possibly to shed light on the connection between network structure and dynamics

Complex quantum networks as structured environments: engineering and probing

We consider structured environments modeled by bosonic quantum networks and investigate the probing of their spectral density, structure, and topology. We demonstrate how to engineer a desired spectral density by changing the network structure. Our results show that the spectral density can be very accurately detected via a locally immersed quantum probe for virtually any network configuration. Moreover, we show how the entire network structure can be reconstructed by using a single quantum probe. We illustrate our findings presenting examples of spectral densities and topology probing for networks of genuine complexity

Energy backflow in strongly coupled non-Markovian continuous-variable systems

By employing the full counting statistics formalism, we characterize the first moment of energy that is exchanged during a generally non-Markovian evolution in nondriven continuous-variable systems. In particular, we focus on the evaluation of the energy flowing back from the environment into the open quantum system. We apply these results to the quantum Brownian motion, where these quantities are calculated both analytically, under the weak-coupling assumption, and numerically also in the strong-coupling regime. Finally, we characterize the non-Markovianity of the reduced dynamics through a recently introduced witness based on the so-called Gaussian interferometric power and we discuss its relationship with the energy backflow measure.</p

Reconfigurable optical implementation of quantum complex networks

Network theory has played a dominant role in understanding the structure of complex systems and their dynamics. Recently, quantum complex networks, i.e. collections of quantum systems arranged in a non-regular topology, have been theoretically explored leading to significant progress in a multitude of diverse contexts including, e.g., quantum transport, open quantum systems, quantum communication, extreme violation of local realism, and quantum gravity theories. Despite important progress in several quantum platforms, the implementation of complex networks with arbitrary topology in quantum experiments is still a demanding task, especially if we require both a significant size of the network and the capability of generating arbitrary topology-from regular to any kind of non-trivial structure-fn a single setup. Here we propose an all optical and reconfigurable implementation of quantum complex networks. The experimental proposal is based on optical frequency combs, parametric processes, pulse shaping and multimode measurements allowing the arbitrary control of the number of the nodes (optical modes) and topology of the links (interactions between the modes) within the network. Moreover, we also show how to simulate quantum dynamics within the network combined with the ability to address its individual nodes. To demonstrate the versatility of these features, we discuss the implementation of two recently proposed probing techniques for quantum complex networks and structured environments

B Chromosomes Have a Functional Effect on Female Sex Determination in Lake Victoria Cichlid Fishes

The endemic cichlid fishes in Lake Victoria are a model system for speciation through adaptive radiation. Although the evolution of the sex-determination system may also play a role in speciation, little is known about the sex-determination system of Lake Victoria cichlids. To understand the evolution of the sex-determination system in these fish, we performed cytogenetic analysis in 11 cichlid species from Lake Victoria. B chromosomes, which are present in addition to standard chromosomes, were found at a high prevalence rate (85%) in these cichlids. In one species, B chromosomes were female-specific. Cross-breeding using females with and without the B chromosomes demonstrated that the presence of the B chromosomes leads to a female-biased sex ratio in this species. Although B chromosomes were believed to be selfish genetic elements with little effect on phenotype and to lack protein-coding genes, the present study provides evidence that B chromosomes have a functional effect on female sex determination. FISH analysis using a BAC clone containing B chromosome DNA suggested that the B chromosomes are derived from sex chromosomes. Determination of the nucleotide sequences of this clone (104.5 kb) revealed the presence of several protein-coding genes in the B chromosome, suggesting that B chromosomes have the potential to contain functional genes. Because some sex chromosomes in amphibians and arthropods are thought to be derived from B chromosomes, the B chromosomes in Lake Victoria cichlids may represent an evolutionary transition toward the generation of sex chromosomes

How to make a sex chromosome

Sex chromosomes can evolve once recombination is halted between a homologous pair of chromosomes. Owing to detailed studies using key model systems, we have a nuanced understanding and a rich review literature of what happens to sex chromosomes once recombination is arrested. However, three broad questions remain unanswered. First, why do sex chromosomes stop recombining in the first place? Second, how is recombination halted? Finally, why does the spread of recombination suppression, and therefore the rate of sex chromosome divergence, vary so substantially across clades? In this review, we consider each of these three questions in turn to address fundamental questions in the field, summarize our current understanding, and highlight important areas for future work

Network Geometry and Complexity

(28 pages, 11 figures)Higher order networks are able to characterize data as different as functional brain networks, protein interaction networks and social networks beyond the framework of pairwise interactions. Most notably higher order networks include simplicial complexes formed not only by nodes and links but also by triangles, tetrahedra, etc. More in general, higher-order networks can be cell-complexes formed by gluing convex polytopes along their faces. Interestingly, higher order networks have a natural geometric interpretation and therefore constitute a natural way to explore the discrete network geometry of complex networks. Here we investigate the rich interplay between emergent network geometry of higher order networks and their complexity in the framework of a non-equilibrium model called Network Geometry with Flavor. This model, originally proposed for capturing the evolution of simplicial complexes, is here extended to cell-complexes formed by subsequently gluing different copies of an arbitrary regular polytope. We reveal the interplay between complexity and geometry of the higher order networks generated by the model by studying the emergent community structure and the degree distribution as a function of the regular polytope forming its building blocks. Additionally, we discuss the underlying hyperbolic nature of the emergent geometry and we relate the spectral dimension of the higher-order network to the dimension and nature of its building blocks

Energy backflow in strongly coupled non-Markovian continuous-variable systems

By employing the full counting statistics formalism, we characterize the first moment of energy that is exchanged during a generally non-Markovian evolution in nondriven continuous-variable systems. In particular, we focus on the evaluation of the energy flowing back from the environment into the open quantum system. We apply these results to the quantum Brownian motion, where these quantities are calculated both analytically, under the weak-coupling assumption, and numerically also in the strong-coupling regime. Finally, we characterize the non-Markovianity of the reduced dynamics through a recently introduced witness based on the so-called Gaussian interferometric power and we discuss its relationship with the energy backflow measure.Peer reviewe