Observation of Intensity Statistics of Light Transmitted Through 3D Random Media

We experimentally observe the spatial intensity statistics of light transmitted through three-dimensional isotropic scattering media. The intensity distributions measured through layers consisting of zinc oxide nanoparticles differ significantly from the usual Rayleigh statistics associated with speckle, and instead are in agreement with the predictions of mesoscopic transport theory, taking into account the known material parameters of the samples. Consistent with the measured spatial intensity fluctuations, the total transmission fluctuates. The magnitude of the fluctuations in the total transmission is smaller than expected on the basis of quasi-one-dimensional (1D) transport theory, which indicates that quasi-1D theories cannot fully describe these open three-dimensional media.Comment: 4 pages 3 figure

Programmable two-photon quantum interference in 10310^3 channels in opaque scattering media

We investigate two-photon quantum interference in an opaque scattering medium that intrinsically supports $10^6$ transmission channels. By adaptive spatial phase-modulation of the incident wavefronts, the photons are directed at targeted speckle spots or output channels. From $10^3$ experimentally available coupled channels, we select two channels and enhance their transmission, to realize the equivalent of a fully programmable $2\times2$ beam splitter. By sending pairs of single photons from a parametric down-conversion source through the opaque scattering medium, we observe two-photon quantum interference. The programmed beam splitter need not fulfill energy conservation over the two selected output channels and hence could be non-unitary. Consequently, we have the freedom to tune the quantum interference from bunching (Hong-Ou-Mandel-like) to antibunching. Our results establish opaque scattering media as a platform for high-dimensional quantum interference that is notably relevant for boson sampling and physical-key-based authentication

E3 Ubiquitin Ligases as Immunotherapeutic Target in Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease

Chronic low-grade inflammation drives atherosclerosis and despite optimal pharmacological treatment of classical cardiovascular risk factors, one third of the patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease has elevated inflammatory biomarkers. Additional anti-inflammatory strategies to target this residual inflammatory cardiovascular risk are therefore required. T-cells are a dominant cell type in human atherosclerotic lesions. Modulation of T-cell activation is therefore a potential strategy to target inflammation in atherosclerosis. Ubiquitination is an important regulatory mechanism of T-cell activation and several E3 ubiquitin ligases, including casitas B-lineage lymphoma proto-oncogene B (Cbl-B), itchy homolog (Itch), and gene related to anergy in lymphocytes (GRAIL), function as a natural brake on T-cell activation. In this review we discuss recent insights on the role of Cbl-B, Itch, and GRAIL in atherosclerosis and explore the therapeutic potential of these E3 ubiquitin ligases in cardiovascular medicine

RO-Crates as a practical implementation of FAIR Digital Object to align biodiversity genomics work streams

We describe our pragmatic approach for aligning parallel scientific processes through the implementation of Fair Digital Objects (FDOs), as RO-Crates. Our work is grounded in the Biodiversity domains, but may be extrapolated to be useful more generally in other scientific domains