180 research outputs found
A quantum de Finetti theorem in phase space representation
The quantum versions of de Finetti's theorem derived so far express the
convergence of n-partite symmetric states, i.e., states that are invariant
under permutations of their n parties, towards probabilistic mixtures of
independent and identically distributed (i.i.d.) states. Unfortunately, these
theorems only hold in finite-dimensional Hilbert spaces, and their direct
generalization to infinite-dimensional Hilbert spaces is known to fail. Here,
we address this problem by considering invariance under orthogonal
transformations in phase space instead of permutations in state space, which
leads to a new type of quantum de Finetti's theorem that is particularly
relevant to continuous-variable systems. Specifically, an n-mode bosonic state
that is invariant with respect to this continuous symmetry in phase space is
proven to converge towards a probabilistic mixture of i.i.d. Gaussian states
(actually, n identical thermal states).Comment: 5 page
De Finetti theorem on the CAR algebra
The symmetric states on a quasi local C*-algebra on the infinite set of
indices J are those invariant under the action of the group of the permutations
moving only a finite, but arbitrary, number of elements of J. The celebrated De
Finetti Theorem describes the structure of the symmetric states (i.e.
exchangeable probability measures) in classical probability. In the present
paper we extend De Finetti Theorem to the case of the CAR algebra, that is for
physical systems describing Fermions. Namely, after showing that a symmetric
state is automatically even under the natural action of the parity
automorphism, we prove that the compact convex set of such states is a Choquet
simplex, whose extremal (i.e. ergodic w.r.t. the action of the group of
permutations previously described) are precisely the product states in the
sense of Araki-Moriya. In order to do that, we also prove some ergodic
properties naturally enjoyed by the symmetric states which have a
self--containing interest.Comment: 23 pages, juornal reference: Communications in Mathematical Physics,
to appea
Feasibility of quantum key distribution through dense wavelength division multiplexing network
In this paper, we study the feasibility of conducting quantum key
distribution (QKD) together with classical communication through the same
optical fiber by employing dense-wavelength-division-multiplexing (DWDM)
technology at telecom wavelength. The impact of the classical channels to the
quantum channel has been investigated for both QKD based on single photon
detection and QKD based on homodyne detection. Our studies show that the latter
can tolerate a much higher level of contamination from the classical channels
than the former. This is because the local oscillator used in the homodyne
detector acts as a "mode selector" which can suppress noise photons
effectively. We have performed simulations based on both the decoy BB84 QKD
protocol and the Gaussian modulated coherent state (GMCS) QKD protocol. While
the former cannot tolerate even one classical channel (with a power of 0dBm),
the latter can be multiplexed with 38 classical channels (0dBm power each
channel) and still has a secure distance around 10km. Preliminary experiment
has been conducted based on a 100MHz bandwidth homodyne detector.Comment: 18 pages, 5 figure
The Complete Genome of Propionibacterium freudenreichii CIRM-BIA1T, a Hardy Actinobacterium with Food and Probiotic Applications
Background: Propionibacterium freudenreichii is essential as a ripening culture in Swiss-type cheeses and is also considered for its probiotic use [1]. This species exhibits slow growth, low nutritional requirements, and hardiness in many habitats. It belongs to the taxonomic group of dairy propionibacteria, in contrast to the cutaneous species P. acnes. The genome of the type strain, P. freudenreichii subsp. shermanii CIRM-BIA1 (CIP 103027T), was sequenced with an 11-fold coverage. Methodology/Principal Findings: The circular chromosome of 2.7 Mb of the CIRM-BIA1 strain has a GC-content of 67% and contains 22 different insertion sequences (3.5% of the genome in base pairs). Using a proteomic approach, 490 of the 2439 predicted proteins were confirmed. The annotation revealed the genetic basis for the hardiness of P. freudenreichii, as the bacterium possesses a complete enzymatic arsenal for de novo biosynthesis of aminoacids and vitamins (except panthotenate and biotin) as well as sequences involved in metabolism of various carbon sources, immunity against phages, duplicated chaperone genes and, interestingly, genes involved in the management of polyphosphate, glycogen and trehalose storage. The complete biosynthesis pathway for a bifidogenic compound is described, as well as a high number of surface proteins involved in interactions with the host and present in other probiotic bacteria. By comparative genomics, no pathogenicity factors found in P. acnes or in other pathogenic microbial species were identified in P. freudenreichii, which is consistent with the Generally Recognized As Safe and Qualified Presumption of Safety status of P. freudenreichii. Various pathways for formation of cheese flavor compounds were identified: the Wood-Werkman cycle for propionic acid formation, amino acid degradation pathways resulting in the formation of volatile branched chain fatty acids, and esterases involved in the formation of free fatty acids and esters. Conclusions/Significance: With the exception of its ability to degrade lactose, P. freudenreichii seems poorly adapted to dairy niches. This genome annotation opens up new prospects for the understanding of the P. freudenreichii probiotic activity
Characterization of the effects of cross-linking of macrophage CD44 associated with increased phagocytosis of apoptotic PMN
Control of macrophage capacity for apoptotic cell clearance by soluble mediators such as cytokines, prostaglandins and lipoxins, serum proteins, and glucocorticoids may critically determine the rate at which inflammation resolves. Previous studies suggested that macrophage capacity for clearance of apoptotic neutrophils was profoundly altered following binding of CD44 antibodies. We have used a number of different approaches to further define the mechanism by which CD44 rapidly and specifically augment phagocytosis of apoptotic neutrophils. Use of Fab ’ fragments unequivocally demonstrated a requirement for cross-linking of macrophage surface CD44. The molecular mechanism of CD44-augmented phagocytosis was shown to be opsonin-independent and to be distinct from the Mer/protein S pathway induced by glucocorticoids and was not functional for clearance of apoptotic eosinophils. CD44-cross-linking also altered macrophage migration and induced cytoskeletal re-organisation together with phosphorylation of paxillin and activation of Rac2. Investigation of signal transduction pathways that might be critical for CD44 augmentation of phagocytosis revealed that Ca 2+ signalling, PI-3 kinase pathways and altered cAMP signalling were not involved, but did implicate a key role for tyrosine phosphorylation events. Finally, although CD44 antibodies were able to augment phagocytosis of apoptotic neutrophils by murine peritoneal and bone marrow-derived macrophages, we did not observe a difference in the clearance of neutrophils following induction of peritonitis with thioglycollate in CD44-deficient animals. Together, these data demonstrate that CD4
Topological optimization of quantum key distribution networks
A Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) network is an infrastructure that allows the
realization of the key distribution cryptographic primitive over long distances
and at high rates with information-theoretic security. In this work, we
consider QKD networks based on trusted repeaters from a topology viewpoint, and
present a set of analytical models that can be used to optimize the spatial
distribution of QKD devices and nodes in specific network configurations in
order to guarantee a certain level of service to network users, at a minimum
cost. We give details on new methods and original results regarding such cost
minimization arguments applied to QKD networks. These results are likely to
become of high importance when the deployment of QKD networks will be addressed
by future quantum telecommunication operators. They will therefore have a
strong impact on the design and requirements of the next generation of QKD
devices.Comment: 25 pages, 4 figure
High-rate quantum cryptography in untrusted networks
We extend the field of continuous-variable quantum cryptography to a network
formulation where two honest parties connect to an untrusted relay by insecure
quantum links. To generate secret correlations, they transmit coherent states
to the relay where a continuous-variable Bell detection is performed and the
outcome broadcast. Even though the detection could be fully corrupted and the
links subject to optimal coherent attacks, the honest parties can still extract
a secret key, achieving high rates when the relay is proximal to one party, as
typical in public networks with access points or proxy servers. Our theory is
confirmed by an experiment generating key-rates which are orders of magnitude
higher than those achievable with discrete-variable protocols. Thus, using the
cheapest possible quantum resources, we experimentally show the possibility of
high-rate quantum key distribution in network topologies where direct links are
missing between end-users and intermediate relays cannot be trusted.Comment: Theory and Experiment. Main article (6 pages) plus Supplementary
Information (additional 13 pages
Photonic quantum information processing: a review
Photonic quantum technologies represent a promising platform for several
applications, ranging from long-distance communications to the simulation of
complex phenomena. Indeed, the advantages offered by single photons do make
them the candidate of choice for carrying quantum information in a broad
variety of areas with a versatile approach. Furthermore, recent technological
advances are now enabling first concrete applications of photonic quantum
information processing. The goal of this manuscript is to provide the reader
with a comprehensive review of the state of the art in this active field, with
a due balance between theoretical, experimental and technological results. When
more convenient, we will present significant achievements in tables or in
schematic figures, in order to convey a global perspective of the several
horizons that fall under the name of photonic quantum information.Comment: 36 pages, 6 figures, 634 references. Updated version with minor
changes and extended bibliograph
Matrix-Bound PAI-1 Supports Cell Blebbing via RhoA/ROCK1 Signaling
The microenvironment of a tumor can influence both the morphology and the behavior of cancer cells which, in turn, can rapidly adapt to environmental changes. Increasing evidence points to the involvement of amoeboid cell migration and thus of cell blebbing in the metastatic process; however, the cues that promote amoeboid cell behavior in physiological and pathological conditions have not yet been clearly identified. Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1) is found in high amount in the microenvironment of aggressive tumors and is considered as an independent marker of bad prognosis. Here we show by immunoblotting, activity assay and immunofluorescence that, in SW620 human colorectal cancer cells, matrix-associated PAI-1 plays a role in the cell behavior needed for amoeboid migration by maintaining cell blebbing, localizing PDK1 and ROCK1 at the cell membrane and maintaining the RhoA/ROCK1/MLC-P pathway activation. The results obtained by modeling PAI-1 deposition around tumors indicate that matrix-bound PAI-1 is heterogeneously distributed at the tumor periphery and that, at certain spots, the elevated concentrations of matrix-bound PAI-1 needed for cancer cells to undergo the mesenchymal-amoeboid transition can be observed. Matrix-bound PAI-1, as a matricellular protein, could thus represent one of the physiopathological requirements to support metastatic formation
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