Effect of zinc doping on electrical properties of LaAlO3 perovskite

New solid solution with the general formula of LaAl1-xZnxO3-1/2x was prepared by a solid-state reaction route. According to XRD, the crystal structure of LaAlO3 is rhombohedral, while the solid solution possesses cubic symmetry. Homogeneity region of the solid solution LaAl1-xZnxO3-1/2x was narrow and limited to the maximum concentration of 5 mol. %. Computer simulations using crystalochemistry and density functional theory approaches showed that LaAlO3 has high energy barriers for O2–-ion transport (2.79 eV). These results are in good agreement with the low values of electrical conductivity obtained experimentally. The electrical conductivity of LaAl1-xZnxO3-1/2x was measured by impedance spectroscopy in the temperature range of 200–1000 °C. The partial substitution of Al3+ by Zn2+ was found to increase the electrical conductivity by ~2 order of magnitude. The electrical conductivity of doped phase LaAl0.95Zn0.05O2.975 as a function of oxygen partial pressure was measured, and the partial contributions (oxygen-ionic and electronic) were determined. It was found that the sample has mixed ionic and p-type electronic conductivity, while the electronic contribution increases with the rise of the temperature

Demonstration of a parity-time symmetry breaking phase transition using superconducting and trapped-ion qutrits

Scalable quantum computers hold the promise to solve hard computational problems, such as prime factorization, combinatorial optimization, simulation of many-body physics, and quantum chemistry. While being key to understanding many real-world phenomena, simulation of non-conservative quantum dynamics presents a challenge for unitary quantum computation. In this work, we focus on simulating non-unitary parity-time symmetric systems, which exhibit a distinctive symmetry-breaking phase transition as well as other unique features that have no counterpart in closed systems. We show that a qutrit, a three-level quantum system, is capable of realizing this non-equilibrium phase transition. By using two physical platforms - an array of trapped ions and a superconducting transmon - and by controlling their three energy levels in a digital manner, we experimentally simulate the parity-time symmetry-breaking phase transition. Our results indicate the potential advantage of multi-level (qudit) processors in simulating physical effects, where additional accessible levels can play the role of a controlled environment.Comment: 14 pages, 9 figure

QTL Analysis of the Content of Some Bioactive Compounds in Brassica rapa L. Grown under Light Culture Conditions

The article presents the results of biochemical and QTL (Quantitative Trait Loci) analysis of dry matter content, nutrient and biologically active compounds: sugars, ascorbic acid, chlorophylls a and b, anthocyanins and carotenoids in populations of doubled haploid lines of leaf, root crops, and oilseeds of the Brassica rapa L. species grown in optimal light culture conditions, but with different photoperiod durations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the photoperiod on the transition to bolting and the accumulation of biologically active substances, as well as how the localization and identification of chromosomal loci determined the content of certain phytochemicals. The influence of the length of daylight hours on the content of components of the biochemical composition was assessed. It was shown that growing under conditions of a 16 h photoperiod increased the content of dry matter, sugars, vitamin C, and anthocyanins. On the contrary, the content of photosynthetic pigments was higher under the conditions of a 12 h photoperiod. Valuable lines that can be sources of biologically active compounds were revealed. Based on the results of the obtained data, 102 QTLs were mapped, which determine the manifestation of the studied biochemical quality traits in the B. rapa doubled haploid lines under conditions of short and long daylight hours. Molecular markers genetically linked to the selected QTLs were determined. It was revealed that the identified loci controlling all the studied biochemical traits were mainly in the fifth, sixth, seventh, and ninth linkage groups, which correlated with the data obtained in the field and greenhouse. Most of the identified loci controlled several studied traits simultaneously. The identified QTLs and identified molecular markers are of interest for further study of the genetic control of the economically valuable traits determined by them and for the implementation of marker-assisted selection in B. rapa. The data obtained can be used in genetic and breeding work, including for the obtaining of new genotypes, lines and cultivars with a valuable biochemical composition, adapted for cultivation under specific photoperiodic conditions

QTL Analysis of the Content of Some Bioactive Compounds in <i>Brassica rapa</i> L. Grown under Light Culture Conditions

The article presents the results of biochemical and QTL (Quantitative Trait Loci) analysis of dry matter content, nutrient and biologically active compounds: sugars, ascorbic acid, chlorophylls a and b, anthocyanins and carotenoids in populations of doubled haploid lines of leaf, root crops, and oilseeds of the Brassica rapa L. species grown in optimal light culture conditions, but with different photoperiod durations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the photoperiod on the transition to bolting and the accumulation of biologically active substances, as well as how the localization and identification of chromosomal loci determined the content of certain phytochemicals. The influence of the length of daylight hours on the content of components of the biochemical composition was assessed. It was shown that growing under conditions of a 16 h photoperiod increased the content of dry matter, sugars, vitamin C, and anthocyanins. On the contrary, the content of photosynthetic pigments was higher under the conditions of a 12 h photoperiod. Valuable lines that can be sources of biologically active compounds were revealed. Based on the results of the obtained data, 102 QTLs were mapped, which determine the manifestation of the studied biochemical quality traits in the B. rapa doubled haploid lines under conditions of short and long daylight hours. Molecular markers genetically linked to the selected QTLs were determined. It was revealed that the identified loci controlling all the studied biochemical traits were mainly in the fifth, sixth, seventh, and ninth linkage groups, which correlated with the data obtained in the field and greenhouse. Most of the identified loci controlled several studied traits simultaneously. The identified QTLs and identified molecular markers are of interest for further study of the genetic control of the economically valuable traits determined by them and for the implementation of marker-assisted selection in B. rapa. The data obtained can be used in genetic and breeding work, including for the obtaining of new genotypes, lines and cultivars with a valuable biochemical composition, adapted for cultivation under specific photoperiodic conditions

Carbohydrate Structure Generalization Scheme for Database-Driven Simulation of Experimental Observables, Such as NMR Chemical Shifts

Carbohydrates play an immense role in different aspects of life. NMR spectroscopy is the most powerful tool for investigation of these compounds. Nowadays, progress in computational procedures has opened up novel opportunities giving an impulse to the development of new instruments intended to make the research simpler and more efficient. In this paper, we present a new approach for simulating ¹³C NMR chemical shifts of carbohydrates. The approach is suitable for any atomic observables, which could be stored in a database. The method is based on sequential generalization of the chemical surroundings of the atom under prediction and heuristic averaging of database data. Unlike existing applications, the generalization scheme is tuned for carbohydrates, including those containing phosphates, amino acids, alditols, and other non-carbohydrate constituents. It was implemented in the Glycan-Optimized Dual Empirical Spectrum Simulation (GODESS) software, which is freely available on the Internet. In the field of carbohydrates, our approach was shown to outperform all other existing methods of NMR spectrum prediction (including quantum-mechanical calculations) in accuracy. Only this approach supports NMR spectrum simulation for a number of structural features in polymeric structures

Adverse Effects of Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs in Pediatrics: Case Series According to the Doctor Reports in Republic of Crimea through 2010 to 2018

Background. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs safety profile (NSAIDs) is well-studied in clinical trials. Meanwhile, the monitoring of adverse effects (AEs) of this drug class and analysis of AEs structure in pediatrics is essential. Our aim was to study AEs related to NSAIDs in children. Methods. Retrospective analysis of doctor reports about AEs associated with drugs from N02B and M01A groups (according to Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System) administration in patients under 18 years old in healthcare facilities or outpatiently (self-medication included) was carried out. Data source — regional database (Republic of Crimea) of spontaneous reports about AEs. Recall period — January 2010–December 2018. Results. 201 AEs cases were registered during research period. Most commonly AEs on NSAIDs were reported in infants — 87 (43.3%) cases, and in children at 1–3 years old — 65 (32.3%). Development of 126 (62.7%) AEs cases were associated with administration of Ibuprofen drugs, and 53 (26,4%) cases — with Paracetamol drugs. Significance level of cause-effect relationship was estimated in compliance with WHO Collaborating Centre method. For most cases AEs have started with such hypersensitivity reactions (193 cases, 96%) as hives, hyperemia, skin itching. Much less often AEs have presented with respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders. AEs were slight and posed no threat to children in 57% of all cases. Conclusion. AEs development on NSAIDs administration was associated with Ibuprofen and Paracetamol drugs in most cases. Immediate hypersensitivity reactions were the main clinical manifestations of AEs on NSAIDs

Breeding Approaches for Controlled Conditions of Artificial Light Culture for Small Radish and Radish (<i>Raphanus sativus</i> L.)

This paper presents the results of breeding and genetic studies of Raphanus sativus L. under the controlled conditions of the biopoligon of the Agrophysical Research Institute (St. Petersburg, Russia). The aim of this study was to create new R. sativus forms for controlled environments with artificial lightning (CEAL). An original technique for accelerated transgressive plant breeding was used. It is based on the methodology for predicting transgressions by economically valuable plant traits when evaluating breeding traits under controlled conditions. Using it in a short period of time (4–5 years) greatly increases productive accessions of small radish and radish adapted to light culture, and a set of valuable characteristics (resistance to bolting, glabrous leaves, compact leaf rosette) were obtained. The yield of roots of new forms was 4.30–4.98 kg/m2 (small radish) and 5.46–7.66 kg/m2 (radish) for the growing period. Transgression by root mass was observed in plants of three new forms and amounted to 40.7–63.0% in small radish and 40.3% in radish. The breeding of new genotypes of R. sativus is aimed at expanding the range of crops cultivated in plant factories, and ultimately, at a better and more balanced nutrition for the population

Facile Chemical Access to Biologically Active Norcantharidin Derivatives from Biomass

Reductive amination of 2,5-diformylfuran (DFF) was used to implement the transition from bio-derived 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to pharmaceuticals. The synthesized bis(aminomethyl)furans were utilized as building blocks for the construction of new derivatives with structural cores of naturally occurring biologically active compounds. Using the one-pot procedure, which included the Diels–Alder reaction followed by hydrogenation of the double bond, bio-derived analogues of the anticancer drug norcantharidin were obtained. The cyclization process was diastereoselective, and resulted in the formation of tricyclic products with the endo configuration. Analysis of cytotoxycity for the resulting tricyclic amine-containing compounds showed an increase of anticancer activity as compared with the unsubstituted norcantharimide