Generation of cavity field cluster and GHZ states using Bragg-regime atom interferometry

We propose two schemes for engineering cavity field cluster and GHZ states. The schemes are based on multiport atom interferometry in the Bragg-regime cavity QED. The second-order off-resonant Bragg diffraction of two-level atoms is utilized for generating the desired state. The derived schematics are shown to be experimentally feasible under the prevailing cavity QED research scenario.     

Optimal quantum clocks based on wavepacket recurrences

We present the recurrence phenomena of an initially localized wavepacket as a foundation to the quantum clock. Various recurrence times in a multidimensional system serve as arms of the clock. The quantum clock so designed may provide the best precision and make the measurement of time possible to the smallest scale.     

Controlled acceleration of a modulated quantum bouncer

Cold atoms bouncing on a modulated atomic mirror exhibit dynamic localization and acceleration subject to modulated strength. We explain the characteristics of acceleration using accelerated mapping and define control parameters. We show that the effective Planck’s constant plays a vital role in limiting overall linear growth of accelerated atoms with time. For large values of the effective Planck’s constant, the atomic quantum accelerated is seized if the localization window overlaps the accelerated window.     

A new four-parameter empirical potential energy function for diatomic molecules

A new empirical four-parameter function is proposed for the construction of potential curves of 15 stable states of diatomic molecules. The parameters are evaluated in terms of experimentally known spectroscopic constants. On comparing its performance with other functions, the proposed function is found to be simple and reliable for a wide range of molecules.      

In vitro pro-oxidant action of Methotrexate in presence of white light

Methotrexate (MTX) an anti-cancer drug as well as a photosensitizer is able to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS). Cu (II) is present associated with chromatin in cancer cells and has been shown to be capable of mediating the action of several anti-cancer drugs through production of ROS. The objective of the present study is to determine Cu (II) mediated anti-cancer mechanism of MTX under photoilluminated condition as well as alone, using alkaline single cell gel electrophoresis (comet assay). We have shown that cellular DNA breakage was enhanced when Cu (II) is used with MTX as compared to MTX alone. It is also shown that MTX alone as well as in combination with Cu (II) is able to generate oxidative stress in lymphocyte which is inhibited by scavengers of ROS but the pattern of inhibition was differential as was also demonstrated by plasmid nicking assay. Thus, we can say that MTX exhibit pro-oxidant action in presence of white light which gets elevated in presence of Cu (II). Hence, we propose that the mobilization of endogenous copper is possibly involved in killing of cancer cells by MTX during chemo-radio therapy besides acting as antifolate.     

Miniaturized nucleic acid amplification systems for rapid and point-of-care diagnostics: A review

Point-of-care (POC) genetic diagnostics critically depends on miniaturization and integration of sample processing, nucleic acid amplification, and detection systems. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays have extensively applied for the diagnosis of genetic markers of disease. Microfluidic chips for microPCR with different materials and designs have been reported. Temperature cycling systems with varying thermal masses and conductivities, thermal cycling times, flow-rates, and cross-sectional areas, have also been developed to reduce the nucleic acid amplification time. Similarly, isothermal amplification techniques (e.g., loop-mediated isothermal amplification or LAMP), which are still are emerging, have a better potential as an alternative to PCR for POC diagnostics. Isothermal amplification techniques have: (i) moderate incubation temperature leading to simplified heating and low power consumption, (ii) yield high amount of amplification products, which can be detected either visually or by simple detectors, (iii) allow direct genetic amplification from bacterial cells due to the superior tolerance to substances that typically inhibit PCR, (iv) have high specificity, and sensitivity, and (v) result in rapid detection often within 10–20 min. The aim of this review is to provide a better understanding of the advantages and limitations of microPCR and microLAMP systems for rapid and POC diagnostics.     

Highly Enantioselective Pictet–Spengler Reactions with α‐Ketoamide‐Derived Ketimines: Access to an Unusual Class of Quaternary α‐Amino Amides

“ Quat's” the story? N‐Aryl amides are effective directing/activating groups for chlorosilane Lewis acids. This aspect has been exploited for the development of the first simple and general method for the highly enantioselective Pictet–Spengler reaction of ketimines derived from α‐ketoamides leading to quaternary α‐amino acid derivatives (see scheme).

     

Regge poles in the collective model of the nuclear giant multipole resonances

Giant nuclear resonance states, of higher multipolarity than dipole, have recently been observed in hadron and electron scattering. They may possibly be described by the collective Goldhaber-Teller model as extended to the higher multipolarity case, and as generalized to include spin-isospin vibrations and spin waves. Based on such a model, we show that the multipole resonances, together with the conventional dipole resonances, can be generated by the motion of a few basic Regge poles through the complex angular momentum plane. This viewpoint unifies all the resonances with a given spin-isospin character but arbitrary value of the multipolarity, and suggests the existence of the higher-multipole resonances as a consequence of the existence of the dipole resonance. We also analyze these Regge poles in terms of collective surface waves (“creeping waves”) circumnavigating the nucleus, and we determine their phase velocities and attenuations. Finally, the giant resonances them selves are explained as a resonant reinforcement of phase-matched surface waves.