Singularities in ion trap nonlinear coherent states

We present a theoretical analysis of the k-boson nonlinear coherent states of a two-level trapped ion interacting with two laser fields. Such states are both the zero-energy state of the interaction Hamiltonian and the eigenstates of a deformed annihilation operator. For the single-boson case, we show that the structure of the states and their coherence and minimum-uncertainty properties can be compromised whenever the Lamb-Dicke parameter is one of the roots of certain Laguerre polynomials. We investigate these problems, which are strictly related to the non-analyticity of the deformation function in the annihilation operator.     

The ‘Life Machine’: A Quantum Metaphor for Living Matter

Aim of this paper is to provide a scheme for the construction of a conceptual, virtual machine (the term has here a significance analogous to that of the Turing machine, i.e., a formal device which manipulates and evolves ‘states’), able to perform all that living matter – as distinguished from inert matter – can do and inanimate matter cannot, in a setting consistent exclusively with the quantum laws. In other words, the objective is to create a theoretical construct, in the form of a conceptual framework representing and providing the operational tools of a “\({\underline {\text {Life Machine}}}\)”.     

Unusual Acid-Catalyzed Rearrangement of Two α,α′-Diimino-oximes

2-[2-(Alkylimino)-2-phenylethylidene]pyrrolidines (vinamidines, 3 – 6 ) were obtained either via activation of the corresponding vinologous amide 1 with Meerwein salt and subsequent treatment of the intermediate 2 with an amine, or more directly by acid-catalyzed condensation of the Schiff bases derived from acetophenone with 2-ethoxy-1-pyrroline. Nitrosation of these vinamidines led to α,α′-diimino-oximes. In two cases ( 10 , 11 ), these oximes underwent acid-catalyzed rearrangement with formation of a 5,6,7,8-tetrahydroimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine ring system ( 12 , 13 ). X-Ray analysis of one of these products ( 13 ) and also of one of the vinamidine salts ( 6 ) are presented.     

Coherent states and partition function

The concept of coherent states for arbitrary Lie group is suggested as a tool for explicitly obtaining an integral representation of the partition function, whenever the Hamiltonian has a dynamical group. Two examples are thoroughly discussed: the case of the nilpotent group of Weyl related to a generic many-body problem with two-body interactions, and the case of SU(1, 1)() relevant for a superfluid system.     

Structure-based drug design: the discovery of novel nonpeptide orally active inhibitors of human renin

BACKGROUND: The aspartic proteinase renin plays an important physiological role in the regulation of blood pressure. It catalyses the first step in the conversion of angiotensinogen to the hormone angiotensin II. In the past, potent peptide inhibitors of renin have been developed, but none of these compounds has made it to the end of clinical trials. Our primary aim was to develop novel nonpeptide inhibitors. Based on the available structural information concerning renin-substrate interactions, we synthesized inhibitors in which the peptide portion was replaced by lipophilic moieties that interact with the large hydrophobic S1/S3-binding pocket in renin. RESULTS: Crystal structure analysis of renin-inhibitor complexes combined with computational methods were employed in the medicinal-chemistry optimisation process. Structure analysis revealed that the newly designed inhibitors bind as predicted to the S1/S3 pocket. In addition, however, these compounds interact with a hitherto unrecognised large, distinct, sub-pocket of the enzyme that extends from the S3-binding site towards the hydrophobic core of the enzyme. Binding to this S3(sp) sub-pocket was essential for high binding affinity. This unprecedented binding mode guided the drug-design process in which the mostly hydrophobic interactions within subsite S3(sp) were optimised. CONCLUSIONS: Our design approach led to compounds with high in vitro affinity and specificity for renin, favourable bioavailability and excellent oral efficacy in lowering blood pressure in primates. These renin inhibitors are therefore potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of hypertension and related cardiovascular diseases.