Trading Permutation Invariance for Communication in Multi-Party Non-Locality Distillation

Quantum theory puts forward phenomena unexplainable by classical physics - or information, for that matter. A prominent example is non-locality. Non-local correlations cannot be explained, in classical terms, by shared information but only by communication. On the other hand, the phenomenon does not allow for (potentially faster-than-light) message transmission. The fact that some non-local and non-signaling correlations are predicted by quantum theory, whereas others fail to be, asks for a criterion, as simple as possible, that characterizes which joint input-output behaviors are ``quantum'' and which are not. In the context of the derivation of such criteria, it is of central importance to understand when non-local correlations can be amplified by a non-interactive protocol, i.e., whether some types of weak non-locality can be distilled into stronger by local operations. Since it has been recognized that the searched-for criteria must inherently be multi-partite, the question of distillation, extensively studied and understood two-party scenarios, should be adressed in the multi-user setting, where much less is known. Considering the space of intrinsically n-partite correlations, we show the possibility of distilling weak non-local boxes to the algebraically maximal ones without any communication. Our protocols improve on previously known methods which still required partial communication. The price we have to pay for dropping the need for communication entirely is the assumption of permutation invariance: Any correlation that can be realized between some set of players is possible between any such set. This assumption is very natural since the laws of physics are invariant under spacial translation.Comment: 7 pages, 4 figures, for a conferenc

Distillation of Multi-Party Non-Locality With and Without Partial Communication

Non-local correlations are one of the most fascinating consequences of quantum physics from the point of view of information: Such correlations, although not allowing for signaling, are unexplainable by pre-shared information. The correlations have applications in cryptography, communication complexity, and sit at the very heart of many attempts of understanding quantum theory -- and its limits -- better in terms of classical information. In these contexts, the question is crucial whether such correlations can be distilled, i.e., whether weak correlations can be used for generating (a smaller amount of) stronger. Whereas the question has been studied quite extensively for bipartite correlations (yielding both pessimistic and optimistic results), only little is known in the multi-partite case. We show that a natural generalization of the well-known Popsecu-Rohrlich box can be distilled, by an adaptive protocol, to the algebraic maximum. We use this result further to show that a much bigger class of correlations, including all purely three-partite correlations, can be distilled from arbitrarily weak to maximal strength with partial communication, i.e., using only a subset of the channels required for the creation of the same correlation from scratch. In other words, we show that arbitrarily weak non-local correlations can have a "communication value" in the context of the generation of maximal non-locality.Comment: 5 pages, 3 figure

A ‘fuzzy clustering’ approach to conceptual confusion: how to classify natural ecological associations

The concept of the marine ecological community has recently experienced renewed attention, mainly owing to a shift in conservation policies from targeting single and specific objec- tives (e.g. species) towards more integrated approaches. Despite the value of communities as dis- tinct entities, e.g. for conservation purposes, there is still an ongoing debate on the nature of spe- cies associations. They are seen either as communities, cohesive units of non-randomly associated and interacting members, or as assemblages, groups of species that are randomly associated. We investigated such dualism using fuzzy logic applied to a large dataset in the German Bight (south- eastern North Sea). Fuzzy logic provides the flexibility needed to describe complex patterns of natural systems. Assigning objects to more than one class, it enables the depiction of transitions, avoiding the rigid division into communities or assemblages. Therefore we identified areas with either structured or random species associations and mapped boundaries between communities or assemblages in this more natural way. We then described the impact of the chosen sampling design on the community identification. Four communities, their core areas and probability of occurrence were identified in the German Bight: AMPHIURA-FILIFORMIS, BATHYPOREIA-TELLINA, GONIADELLA-SPISULA, and PHORONIS. They were assessed by estimating overlap and compactness and supported by analysis of beta-diversity. Overall, 62% of the study area was characterized by high species turnover and instability. These areas are very relevant for conservation issues, but become undetectable when studies choose sampling designs with little information or at small spatial scales

Hard-substrate habitats in the German Bight (South-Eastern North Sea) observed using drift videos

Comprehensive empirical data to inform benthic species distribution models for marine hard-substrate-dominated environments, are pivotal. However, such data are difficult to obtain. These data are crucial to the definition and demarcation of protected areas and for assessment of the ecological status and function of hard-substrate habitats. In this study, underwater video-observations of hard-substrate habitats within four target areas in the sand-dominated German Bight (SE North Sea) were investigated to obtain comprehensive information on hard-substrate distribution patterns, on the amount and sizes of stones and on the presence of sessile organisms. Based on three size classes (cobbles, boulders, large boulders) three hard-substrate distribution classes were identified: (1) widely scattered stones, (2) accumulations of stones and (3) dense stone fields. The ratios between cobbles, boulders and large boulders differed significantly between the investigated areas. Boulders and large boulders were largely colonized by sessile organisms, whereas cobbles in coastal areas were least frequently colonized. Physical disturbances of epibenthos resulting from abrasion and coverage by mobile sediments are discussed as a possible explanation for the proportional differences in the colonization of stones. Hard substrates in shallower, coastal areas appeared to be strongly influenced by sand abrasion because of higher current velocities and storm-induced waves. In deeper areas, located further offshore, disturbances caused by migrating sandy ripples mobilized by storm-events seemed to be more relevant. Habitat modelling of hard substrates and resultant ecological studies require sound information on the probability of epifaunal colonization for different substrate sizes, hard-substrate distribution patterns combined with hydrodynamic and physicochemical properties of the marine environment to produce valid results. We used a structured approach for the video-based analysis of hard-substrate habitats and present estimates of the colonization probability of differently-sized stones. Our study shows that the analysis of drift videos provides basic data at a suitable resolution to contribute to the monitoring and modelling of marine ecological processes

Outcomes in Newly Diagnosed Atrial Fibrillation and History of Acute Coronary Syndromes: Insights from GARFIELD-AF

BACKGROUND: Many patients with atrial fibrillation have concomitant coronary artery disease with or without acute coronary syndromes and are in need of additional antithrombotic therapy. There are few data on the long-term clinical outcome of atrial fibrillation patients with a history of acute coronary syndrome. This is a 2-year study of atrial fibrillation patients with or without a history of acute coronary syndromes