bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validated LC‐ESI‐MS/MS method for simultaneous quantitation of felodipine and metoprolol in rat plasma: application to a pharmacokinetic study in rats
Authors: Kallem Raja Reddy , Ramesh Mullangi , Seshagirirao J. V. L. N.
Published: January 2013

A highly sensitive and specific LC‐ESI‐MS/MS method has been developed and validated for simultaneous quantification of felodipine (FDP) and metoprolol (MPL) in rat plasma (50 μL) using phenacetin as an internal standard (IS) as per the FDA guidelines. Liquid–liquid extraction method was used to extract the analytes and IS from rat plasma. The chromatographic resolution of FDP, MPL and IS was achieved with a mobile phase consisting of 0.2% formic acid in water–acetonitrile (25:75, v/v) with a time program flow gradient on a C18 column. The total chromatographic run time was 4.0 min and the elution of FDP, MPL and IS occurred at 1.05, 2.59 and 1.65 min, respectively. A linear response function was established for the range of concentrations 0.59–1148 and 0.53–991 ng/mL for FDP and MPL, respectively, in rat plasma. The intra‐ and inter‐day accuracy and precision values for FDP and MPL met the acceptance as per FDA guidelines. FDP and MPL were stable in battery of stability studies viz., bench‐top, auto‐sampler and freeze–thaw cycles. The validated assay was applied to a pharmacokinetic study in rats. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Isolation and Characterisation of a Ferrirhodin Synthetase Gene from the Sugarcane Pathogen Fusarium sacchari
Authors: Munawar Asifa , Marshall James W. , Cox Russell J. , Bailey Andy M. , Lazarus Colin M.
Published: January 2013

FSN1, a gene isolated from the sugar‐cane pathogen Fusarium sacchari, encodes a 4707‐residue nonribosomal peptide synthetase consisting of three complete adenylation, thiolation and condensation modules followed by two additional thiolation and condensation domain repeats. This structure is similar to that of ferricrocin synthetase, which makes a siderophore that is involved in intracellular iron storage in other filamentous fungi. Heterologous expression of FSN1 in Aspergillus oryzae resulted in the accumulation of a secreted metabolite that was identified as ferrirhodin. This siderophore was found to be present in both mycelium and culture filtrates of F. sacchari, whereas ferricrocin is found only in the mycelium, thus suggesting that ferricrocin is an intracellular storage siderophore in F. sacchari, whereas ferrirhodin is used for iron acquisition. To our knowledge, this is the first report to characterise a ferrirhodin synthetase gene functionally.
Basic Principles and Current Trends in Colloidal Synthesis of Highly Luminescent Semiconductor Nanocrystals
Authors: Samokhvalov Pavel , Artemyev Mikhail , Nabiev Igor
Published: January 2013

The principal methods for the synthesis of highly luminescent core–shell colloidal quantum dots (QDs) of the most widely used CdSe, CdS, ZnSe, and other AIIBVI nanocrystals are reviewed. One‐pot versus multistage core synthesis approaches are discussed. The noninjection one‐pot method ensures slow, controllable growth of core nanocrystals starting from magic‐size seed recrystallization, which yields defect‐free cores with strictly specified sizes and shapes and a high monodispersity. Subsequent injection of shell precursors allows the formation of gradient core–shell QDs with a smooth potential barrier for electrons and holes, without strains or interfacial defects, and, as a consequence, a luminescence quantum yield (QY) approaching 100 %. These general approaches can also be applied to semiconductor core–shell QDs other than AIIBVI ones to cover the broad spectral range from the near‐UV to IR regions of the optical spectrum, thus displacing fluorescent organic dyes from their application areas.
An Investigation of 1:1 Adducts of Gallium Trihalides with Triarylphosphines by Solid‐State 69/71Ga and 31P NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Chen Fu , Ma Guibin , Bernard Guy M. , Wasylishen Roderick E. , Cavell Ronald G. , McDonald Robert , Ferguson Michael J.
Published: January 2013

Several 1:1 adducts of gallium trihalides with triarylphosphines, X3Ga(PR3) (X=Cl, Br, and I; PR3=triarylphosphine ligand), were investigated by using solid‐state 69/71Ga and 31P NMR spectroscopy at different magnetic‐field strengths. The 69/71Ga nuclear quadrupolar coupling parameters, as well as the gallium and phosphorus magnetic shielding tensors, were determined. The magnitude of the 71Ga quadrupolar coupling constants (CQ(71Ga)) range from approximately 0.9 to 11.0 MHz. The spans of the gallium magnetic shielding tensors for these complexes, δ11−δ33, range from approximately 30 to 380 ppm; those determined for phosphorus range from 10 to 40 ppm. For any given phosphine ligand, the gallium nuclei are most shielded for X=I and least shielded for X=Cl, a trend previously observed for InIII–phosphine complexes. This experimental trend, attributed to spin‐orbit effects of the halogen ligands, is reproduced by DFT calculations. The signs of CQ(69/71Ga) for some of the adducts were determined from the analysis of the 31P NMR spectra acquired with magic angle spinning (MAS). The 1J(69/71Ga,31P) and ΔJ(69/71Ga, 31P) values, as well as their signs, were also determined; values of 1J(71Ga,31P) range from approximately 380 to 1590 Hz. Values of 1J(69/71Ga,31P) and ΔJ(69/71Ga,31P) calculated by using DFT have comparable magnitudes and generally reproduce experimental trends. Both the Fermi‐contact and spin‐dipolar Fermi‐contact mechanisms make important contributions to the 1J(69/71Ga,31P) tensors. The 31P NMR spectra of several adducts in solution, obtained as a function of temperature, are contrasted with those obtained in the solid state. Finally, to complement the analysis of NMR spectra for these adducts, single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction data for Br3Ga[P(p‐Anis)3] and I3Ga[P(p‐Anis)3] were obtained.
Giant Residual Dipolar 13C–1H Couplings in High‐Spin Organoiron Complexes: Elucidation of Their Structures in Solution by 13C NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Kruck Matthias , Wadepohl Hubert , Enders Markus , Gade Lutz H.
Published: January 2013

High‐spin FeII–alkyl complexes with bis(pyridylimino)isoindolato ligands were synthesized and their paramagnetic 1H and 13C NMR spectra were analyzed comprehensively. The experimental 13C—1H coupling values are temperature (T−1)‐ as well as magnetic‐field (B2)‐dependent and deviate considerably from typical scalar 1JCH couplings constants. This deviation is attributed to residual dipolar couplings (RDCs), which arise from partial alignment of the complexes in the presence of a strong magnetic field. The analysis of the experimental RDCs allows an unambiguous assignment of all 13C NMR resonances and, additionally, a structural refinement of the conformation of the complexes in solution. Moreover the RDCs can be used for the analysis of the alignment tensor and hence the tensor of the anisotropy of the magnetic susceptibility.
A Versatile Long‐Wavelength‐Absorbing Scaffold for Eu‐Based Responsive Probes
Authors: Szíjjártó Csongor , Pershagen Elias , Ilchenko Nadia O. , Borbas K. Eszter
Published: January 2013

Coumarin‐sensitized, long‐wavelength‐absorbing luminescent EuIII‐complexes have been synthesized and characterized. The lanthanide binding site consists of a cyclen‐based chelating framework that is attached through a short linker to a 7‐hydroxycoumarin, a 7‐B(OH)2‐coumarin, a 7‐O‐(4‐pinacolatoboronbenzyl)‐coumarin or a 7‐O‐(4‐methoxybenzyl)‐coumarin. The syntheses are straightforward, use readily available building blocks, and proceed through a small number of high‐yielding steps. The sensitivity of coumarin photophysics to the 7‐substituent enables modulation of the antenna‐absorption properties, and thus the lanthanide excitation spectrum. Reactions of the boronate‐based functionalities (cages) with H2O2 yielded the corresponding 7‐hydroxycoumarin species. The same species was produced with peroxynitrite in a ×106–107‐fold faster reaction. Both reactions resulted in the emergence of a strong ≈407 nm excitation band, with concomitant decrease of the 366 nm band of the caged probe. In aqueous solution the methoxybenzyl caged Eu‐complex was quenched by ONOO−. We have shown that preliminary screening of simple coumarin‐based antennae through UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy is possible as the changes in absorption profile translate with good fidelity to changes in EuIII‐excitation profile in the fully elaborated complex. Taken together, our results show that the 7‐hydroxycoumarin antenna is a viable scaffold for the construction of turn‐on and ratiometric luminescent probes.
Total Synthesis of (+)‐ and (−)‐Decursivine and (±)‐Serotobenine through a Cascade Witkop Photocyclization/Elimination/Addition Sequence: Scope and Mechanistic Insights
Authors: Hu Weimin , Qin Hua , Cui Yuxin , Jia Yanxing
Published: January 2013

In this article, the total syntheses of antimalarial compound decursivine and its biologically inactive sibling serotobenine are presented. The biomimetic synthesis of (±)‐serotobenine was investigated first, but failed. During the subsequent investigation of other synthetic routes, we discovered a new cascade Witkop photocyclization/elimination/addition sequence, which enabled the expedient synthesis of not only racemic decursivine and serotobenine, but also enantiopure (+)‐ and (−)‐decursivine and a variety of their analogues. The present syntheses represent the shortest pathway for the total synthesis of decursivine and serotobenine to date. Moreover, the newly developed cascade sequence for the total synthesis of decursivine does not need any protecting steps. The scope and the reaction mechanism of the cascade sequence were also studied. A rational mechanism for the cascade sequence is proposed, which is consistent with the previous studies and our current experimental results.
Controllable Fabrication of CuS Hierarchical Nanostructures and Their Optical, Photocatalytic, and Wave Absorption Properties
Authors: He Shuai , Wang Guang‐Sheng , Lu Chang , Luo Xin , Wen Bo , Guo Lin , Cao Mao‐Sheng
Published: January 2013

A series of CuS nanostructures were synthesized by a simple wet chemical method on a large scale in the presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide at low temperature. Three typical samples were selected to study the relationship between the morphologies and resulting physical properties. The optical properties of CuS hierarchical structures were investigated by UV/Vis and Raman spectroscopy and the excellent photocatalytic performance was also evaluated by measuring the decomposition rate of methylene blue under natural light. As an absorber, the selected CuS nanostructures possess excellent microwave absorbing properties. When the thickness of the absorber is 3.5 mm, the minimum reflection loss can reach −76.4 dB at 12.64 GHz. The enhanced photocatalytic performance and microwave absorbing properties were also explained based on morphologies of the nanostructures.
Segmented Tetrasulfonated Copoly(Arylene Ether Sulfone)s: Improving Proton Transport Properties by Extending the Ionic Sequence
Authors: Takamuku Shogo , Weiber E. Annika , Jannasch Patric
Published: January 2013

The morphologies and proton‐transport efficiencies of segmented copoly(arylene ether sulfone) ionomers that contain tetrasulfonated sequences are compared with the corresponding copolymers with disulfonated sequences. Tetrasulfonated 4,4′‐bis[(4‐chlorophenyl)sulfonyl]‐1,1′‐biphenyl (sBCPSBP) is synthesized by metalation and sulfination. This new monomer is then used in K2CO3‐mediated polycondensations of mixtures with 4,4′‐dichlorodiphenyl sulfone (DCDPS) and 4,4′‐dihydroxybiphenyl in dimethyl sulfoxide at 110 °C to prepare segmented copolymers with tetrasulfonated units. The corresponding disulfonated copolymers are prepared by using disulfonated DCDPS instead of sBCPSBP. Small‐angle X‐ray scattering measurements of the fully aromatic copolymer membranes show ionomer peaks that indicate significantly larger characteristic separation lengths of the tetrasulfonated copolymers compared to those of the corresponding disulfonated copolymers with similar ionic contents. This implies a much more efficient phase separation of the ionic groups in the segmented tetrasulfonated copolymer membranes, especially at low‐to‐medium ionic contents. The enhanced phase separation has a pronounced positive effect on water uptake characteristics and proton transport properties. Under a reduced relative humidity (RH), the tetrasulfonated copolymer membranes show a significantly higher conductivity than the disulfonated ones, particularly at low‐to‐medium ionic contents. At an ion‐exchange capacity of 1 meq g−1, the conductivity of the tetrasulfonated copolymer membrane at 30 % RH is higher than that of the disulfonated membrane at 90 % RH. Because of their relative ease of synthesis, segmented copolymers based on well‐designed multisulfonated monomers may provide a viable alternative to the more complex sulfonated block and graft copolymers for use as fuel‐cell membranes.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Oxidative Carbonylation Reactions
Authors: Wu Xiao‐Feng , Neumann Helfried , Beller Matthias
Published: January 2013

Palladium‐catalyzed coupling reactions have become a powerful tool for advanced organic synthesis. This type of reaction is of significant value for the preparation of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, as well as advanced materials. Both, academic as well as industrial laboratories continuously investigate new applications of the different methodologies. Clearly, this area constitutes one of the major topics in homogeneous catalysis and organic synthesis. Among the different palladium‐catalyzed coupling reactions, several carbonylations have been developed and widely used in organic syntheses and are even applied in the pharmaceutical industry on ton‐scale. Furthermore, methodologies such as the carbonylative Suzuki and Sonogashira reactions allow for the preparation of interesting building blocks, which can be easily refined further on. Although carbonylative coupling reactions of aryl halides have been well established, palladium‐catalyzed oxidative carbonylation reactions are also interesting. Compared with the reactions of aryl halides, oxidative carbonylation reactions offer an interesting pathway. The oxidative addition step could be potentially avoided in oxidative reactions, but only few reviews exist in this area. In this Minireview, we summarize the recent development in the oxidative carbonylation reactions.
Enhancing automated micrograph‐based evaluation of LPS‐stimulated macrophage spreading
Authors: Held Christian , Wenzel Jens , Wiesmann Veit , Palmisano Ralf , Lang Roland , Wittenberg Thomas
Published: January 2013

To evaluate macrophage spreading in immunofluorescence images of macrophages for surface protein CD11b and nuclear counterstaining with DAPI, it is necessary to measure the size of the macrophages at different time points after stimulation. Manual evaluation of fluorescent micrographs is usually a time‐consuming and error‐prone task, with poor reproducibility. Automatic image analysis methods can be used to improve the results. The quality of the analysis with these methods mainly depends on the quality of the image segmentation. A segmentation and quantification scheme based on shading correction, k‐means clustering, and fast marching level sets has been developed for the purpose. An initial application of this approach showed that separating touching and overlapping cells in particular suffers severely in the inevitably blurred conditions, leading to partly erroneous measurements of macrophage spreading. An alternative method of segmentation in fluorescent micrographs was therefore investigated and evaluated in this study. The proposed approach uses a methodology that separates foreground objects from background objects on the basis of Boykov's graph cuts. In this process, a rough estimation of background pixels is used for background seeds. To identify foreground seeds, a difference of Gaussian band pass filter based workflow is developed. Information on foreground and background seeds is then used for a gradient magnitude based graph cut resulting in a robust figure–ground separation method. In addition, a fast marching level set approach is used in the post‐processing step, which makes it possible to split touching cells by incorporating information about the cell nuclei. An evaluation based on a total of 553 manually labeled macrophages depicted in 21 micrographs showed that the proposed method significantly improves segmentation and splitting performance for fluorescent micrographs of LPS‐stimulated macrophages and reduces the rate of error in automated analysis of macrophage spreading in comparison with alternative methods. © 2013 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
A novel signal separation algorithm based on compressed sensing for wideband spectrum sensing in cognitive radio networks
Authors: Lv Shoutao , Liu Jian
Published: January 2013

In cognitive radio networks, since cognitive terminals use a shared wideband frequency spectrum for data transmissions, they are susceptible to malicious denial‐of‐service attacks, where adversaries try to corrupt communication by actively transmitting interference signals. To address this issue, in this paper, we propose a novel signal separation algorithm based on compressed sensing, which can not only recover the entire spectrum but also separate mixed occupying signals. Specifically, the proposed algorithm is executed following three steps: (i) each cognitive terminal attempts to recover all signals over an entire wideband spectrum employing the compressed sensing technique; (ii) all cognitive terminals send their recovered signals to the fusion center where a wavelet edge detection method is adopted to locate the spectrum edges of these signals and then divide the entire spectrum into several sub‐bands; (iii) the fusion center separates its received signals on each spectrum sub‐band into different categories according to their features. Both analytical and simulation results indicate that this novel compressed‐sensing‐based algorithm can effectively separate wideband signals at a low cost and combat interference of the malicious terminals in cognitive radio networks as well. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Studies on the metabolism and detectability of the designer drug β‐naphyrone in rat urine using GC‐MS and LC‐HR‐MS/MS
Authors: Meyer Markus R. , Prosser Denise , Maurer Hans H.
Published: January 2013

Naphyrone (1‐naphthalen‐2‐yl‐2‐pyrrolidin‐1‐yl‐pentan‐1‐one; naphthylpyrovalerone, β‐naphyrone) is a cathinone designer drug and was marketed as replacement for the synthetic cathinone derivative mephedrone. Meanwhile, naphyrone is also classified as a controlled drug in several countries. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the metabolites of naphyrone in rat urine using gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry techniques and to show its detectability in urine samples. The following metabolic steps could be detected in rat urine: oxidation of the pyrrolidine ring to the corresponding lactam, hydroxylation of the propyl side chain and the naphthyl ring, degradation to the primary amines after opening of the pyrrolidine ring, and combinations of these steps. Assuming similar kinetics, an intake of naphyrone should be detectable in human urine mainly via its metabolites. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG): Application of routine immunological methods for initial testing and confirmation analysis in doping control
Authors: Kuuranne Tiia , Ahola Liisa , Pussinen Christel , Leinonen Antti
Published: January 2013

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is dimeric glycoprotein produced by placenta in pregnancy and also in low levels by pituitary gland. The main clinical use for exogenous hCG‐administration is typically linked to infertility. The desired effect of hCG misuse in sport is due to the enhancement of testicular production of testosterone. Therefore, hCG is listed by the World Anti‐Doping Agency (WADA) as a prohibited substance in male athletes and according to the recently published WADA guideline urinary concentrations of hCG > 5 IU/L may be an indicator of doping. In this study two independent immunoassays were used to implement the new WADA guideline. The assay for initial testing (Siemens Immulite 2000 XPi hCG assay) recognizes various hCG variants (e.g. hCG and β‐core fragment of hCG) whereas the confirmatory assay (PerkinElmer DELFIA Xpress hCG) is sensitive to intact and nicked hCG only. Both assays showed adequate sensitivity and were proven fit‐for‐purpose in routine doping control. Population‐based distribution of the assays was in good agreement with results of earlier studies and supported well the current threshold of 5 IU/L. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Feasibility study for catalytic cracking of waste plastic to produce fuel oil with reference to Malaysia and simulation using ASPEN Plus
Authors: Sahu J.N. , Mahalik K.K. , Nam Ho Kim , Ling Tan Yee , Woon Teoh Swee , bin Abdul Rahman Muhammad Shahimi , Mohanty Y.K. , Jayakumar N.S. , Jamuar S.S.
Published: January 2013

A technical and feasibility assessment has been conducted for catalytic cracking of waste plastics to produce fuel oils in Malaysia. The availability and current technologies for using plastic waste has been reviewed. Flow sheet for the process has been conceptualized and the material and energy balances for the process along with a plant‐wide simulation using the software ASPEN Plus have been undertaken. Amorphous silica‐alumina has been proposed as catalyst to give 94.36% conversion. Furthermore, the economic analyses for small, medium, and large scale have been done and in all cases, the rates of return (ROR) analysis have been undertaken. From the economic analysis, it has been observed that the total estimated cost for a large scale plant would be USD $58,591,260 for an annual feed rate of 120,000 ton. Based on current market of gasoline and diesel the payback period for the large scale plant would be 1.42 yr with the total annual profit of USD $72,933,156, which corresponds to a ROR of 35.97%. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 33: 298–307, 2014
Seismic analyses of conventional and improved marginal wharves
Authors: Chiaramonte Maurizio M. , Arduino Pedro , Lehman Dawn E. , Roeder Charles W.
Published: January 2013

Marginal wharves are key components in providing functionality of port facilities. Ports are central components of the US economy. Earthquake damage to a port can disrupt the economic stability. Therefore, port facilities must be able to quickly return to full operation shortly after a seismic event. Prior studies have shown that integrity of marginal wharves may be compromised by excessive soil movement and structural damage. The latter is often localized at pile‐to‐wharf connections and in the pile body buried within the soil. Recent research has resulted in an improved connection design that mitigates damage. This study was undertaken to evaluate the full seismic performance of marginal wharves including both conventional and damage‐resisting connections. A series of finite element models of a representative pile‐supported wharf facility were created. The models varied in their moment‐resisting pile‐to‐wharf connections. A total‐stress analysis approach was used to capture the soil response along with p–y, t–z, and Q–z soil–structure interaction springs. Validated connection interface elements were integrated with non‐linear frame elements to simulate the marginal wharf structure and substructure. Non‐linear static pushover and dynamic time history analyses, for three different hazard levels, were performed. The results of the numerical simulations were used to assess the performance of the marginal wharf including estimates of crane damage and port downtime. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Differential effect of glucose ingestion on the neural processing of food stimuli in lean and overweight adults
Authors: Heni Martin , Kullmann Stephanie , Ketterer Caroline , Guthoff Martina , Bayer Margarete , Staiger Harald , Machicao Fausto , Häring Hans‐Ulrich , Preissl Hubert , Veit Ralf , Fritsche Andreas
Published: January 2013

Eating behavior is crucial in the development of obesity and Type 2 diabetes. To further investigate its regulation, we studied the effects of glucose versus water ingestion on the neural processing of visual high and low caloric food cues in 12 lean and 12 overweight subjects by functional magnetic resonance imaging. We found body weight to substantially impact the brain's response to visual food cues after glucose versus water ingestion. Specifically, there was a significant interaction between body weight, condition (water versus glucose), and caloric content of food cues. Although overweight subjects showed a generalized reduced response to food objects in the fusiform gyrus and precuneus, the lean group showed a differential pattern to high versus low caloric foods depending on glucose versus water ingestion. Furthermore, we observed plasma insulin and glucose associated effects. The hypothalamic response to high caloric food cues negatively correlated with changes in blood glucose 30 min after glucose ingestion, while especially brain regions in the prefrontal cortex showed a significant negative relationship with increases in plasma insulin 120 min after glucose ingestion. We conclude that the postprandial neural processing of food cues is highly influenced by body weight especially in visual areas, potentially altering visual attention to food. Furthermore, our results underline that insulin markedly influences prefrontal activity to high caloric food cues after a meal, indicating that postprandial hormones may be potential players in modulating executive control. Hum Brain Mapp 35:918–928, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Predicting effective connectivity from resting‐state networks in healthy elderly and patients with prodromal Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Neufang Susanne , Akhrif Atae , Riedl Valentin , Förstl Hans , Kurz Alexander , Zimmer Claus , Sorg Christian , Wohlschläger Afra M.
Published: January 2013

Using functional neuroimaging techniques two aspects of functional integration in the human brain have been investigated, functional connectivity and effective connectivity. In this study we examined both connectivity types in parallel within an executive attention network during rest and while performing an attention task. We analyzed the predictive value of resting‐state functional connectivity on task‐induced effective connectivity in patients with prodromal Alzheimer's disease (AD) and healthy elderly. We found that in healthy elderly, functional connectivity was a significant predictor for effective connectivity, however, it was frequency‐specific. Effective top‐down connectivity emerging from prefrontal areas was related with higher frequencies of functional connectivity (e.g., 0.08–0.15 Hz), in contrast to effective bottom‐up connectivity going to prefrontal areas, which was related to lower frequencies of functional connectivity (e.g., 0.001–0.03 Hz). In patients, the prediction of effective connectivity by functional connectivity was disturbed. We conclude that functional connectivity and effective connectivity are interrelated in healthy brains but this relationship is aberrant in very early AD. Hum Brain Mapp 35:954–963, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
THE DETERMINANTS OF PRICING IN PHARMACEUTICALS: ARE US PRICES REALLY SO HIGH?
Authors: Cabrales Antonio , Jiménez‐Martín Sergi
Published: January 2013

This paper studies price determination in pharmaceutical markets using data for 25 countries, 6 years, and a comprehensive list of products from the MIDAS IMS database. A key finding is that the USA has prices that are not significantly higher than those of countries with similar income levels, especially those that are ‘lightly regulated’. More importantly, price differences to the US levels increase for ‘branded’, world top selling, or innovative products, and decrease, regardless of the level of regulation for mature or widely diffused molecules. Because prices for top selling molecules may be easier to perceive and recollect and more important for companies, they may bias the public discussion about international price differences. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CAN PRICE GET THE MONKEY OFF OUR BACK? A META‐ANALYSIS OF ILLICIT DRUG DEMAND
Authors: Gallet Craig A.
Published: January 2013

Because of the increased availability of price data over the past 15 years, several studies have estimated the demand for illicit drugs, providing 462 estimates of the price elasticity. Results from estimating several meta‐regressions reveal that these price elasticity estimates are influenced by a number of study characteristics. For instance, the price elasticity differs across drugs, with its absolute value being smallest for marijuana, compared with cocaine and heroin. Furthermore, price elasticity estimates are sensitive to whether demand is modeled in the short‐run or the long‐run, measures of quantity and price, whether or not alcohol and other illicit drugs are included in the specification of demand, and the location of demand. However, a number of other factors, including the functional form of demand, several specification issues, the type of data and method used to estimate demand, and the quality of the publication outlet, have less influence on the price elasticity. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Expert opinion on toxicity profiling—report from a NORMAN expert group meeting
Authors: Hamers Timo , Legler Juliette , Blaha Ludek , Hylland Ketil , Marigomez Ionan , Schipper Cor A , Segner Helmut , Vethaak A Dick , Witters Hilda , de Zwart Dick , Leonards Pim EG
Published: January 2013

This article describes the outcome and follow-up discussions of an expert group meeting (Amsterdam, October 9, 2009) on the applicability of toxicity profiling for diagnostic environmental risk assessment. A toxicity profile was defined as a toxicological “fingerprint” of a sample, ranging from a pure compound to a complex mixture, obtained by testing the sample or its extract for its activity toward a battery of biological endpoints. The expert group concluded that toxicity profiling is an effective first tier tool for screening the integrated hazard of complex environmental mixtures with known and unknown toxicologically active constituents. In addition, toxicity profiles can be used for prioritization of sampling locations, for identification of hot spots, and—in combination with effect-directed analysis (EDA) or toxicity identification and evaluation (TIE) approaches—for establishing cause–effect relationships by identifying emerging pollutants responsible for the observed toxic potency. Small volume in vitro bioassays are especially applicable for these purposes, as they are relatively cheap and fast with costs comparable to chemical analyses, and the results are toxicologically more relevant and more suitable for realistic risk assessment. For regulatory acceptance in the European Union, toxicity profiling terminology should keep as close as possible to the European Water Framework Directive (WFD) terminology, and validation, standardization, statistical analyses, and other quality aspects of toxicity profiling should be further elaborated. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2013; 9: 185–191. © 2013 SETAC
Solution‐Focused Therapy as a Culturally Acknowledging Approach With American Indians
Authors: Meyer Dixie D. , Cottone R. Rocco
Published: January 2013

Limited literature is available applying specific theoretical orientations with American Indians. Solution‐focused therapy may be appropriate, given the client‐identified solutions, the egalitarian counselor/client relationship, the use of relationships, and the view that change is inevitable. However, adaption of scaling questions and the miracle question may be necessary.

Hay una limitada cantidad de literatura disponible que aplique orientaciones teóricas específicas con indios americanos. La terapia centrada en soluciones puede ser apropiada, dadas las soluciones identificadas por los clientes, la relación igualitaria entre consejero y cliente, el uso de relaciones y la visión de que el cambio es inevitable. Sin embargo, puede que sea necesario adaptar las preguntas de escala y la pregunta del milagro.
The Victim as a Means to an End: Detective Decision Making in a Simulated Investigation of Attempted Rape
Authors: Barrett Emma C. , Hamilton‐Giachritsis Catherine
Published: January 2013

Police decision making in rape cases is poorly understood, despite high levels of attrition for rape and sexual assault cases, with up to 75% lost at the investigation stage. A qualitative analysis was undertaken of the comments of 22 British detectives as they conducted a ‘virtual investigation’ of an allegation of attempted rape of an adult woman. Material was ‘drip fed’ to detectives in a simulation exercise, and officers were asked to express their thoughts as they processed each document in the ‘investigation’ to evaluate detective decision making. It was anticipated that this method would shed light both on the dynamic nature of detectives' thinking during an investigation and on variations in perception of the same material by different officers. It was found that the alleged rape victim was perceived primarily as a source of information to progress enquiries, with her welfare needs taking second place. Although some police officers revealed sceptical attitudes to rape allegations, the investigative approach that all took was professional and pragmatic, ‘investigating’ the report as true and focusing on corroborating the victim's account. The balance between the needs of the victim and the needs of the investigation is discussed, with implications for rape survivor support. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of α‐acyloxyhydroperoxy aldehydes with electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry (ESI‐MSn)
Authors: Witkowski Bartłomiej , Gierczak Tomasz
Published: January 2013

A series of α‐acyloxyhydroperoxy aldehydes was analyzed with direct infusion electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI/MSn) as well as liquid chromatography coupled with the mass spectrometry (LC/MS). Standards of α‐acyloxyhydroperoxy aldehydes were prepared by liquid‐phase ozonolysis of cyclohexene in the presence of carboxylic acids. Stabilized Criegee intermediate (SCI), a by‐product of the ozone attack on the cyclohexene double bond, reacted with the selected carboxylic acids (SCI scavengers) leading to the formation of α‐acyloxyhydroperoxy aldehydes. Ionization conditions were optimized. [M + H]+ ions were not formed in ESI; consequently, α‐acyloxyhydroperoxy aldehydes were identified as their ammonia adducts for the first time. On the other hand, atmospheric‐pressure chemical ionization has led to decomposition of the compounds of interest. Analysis of the mass spectra (MS2 and MS3) of the [M + NH4]+ ions allowed recognizing the fragmentation pathways, common for all of the compounds under study. In order to get detailed insights into the fragmentation mechanism, a number of isotopically labeled analogs were also studied. To confirm that the fragmentation mechanism allows predicting the mass spectrum of different α‐acyloxyhydroperoxy aldehydes, ozonolysis of α‐pinene, a very important secondary organic aerosol precursor, was carried out. Spectra of the two ammonium cationized α‐acyloxyhydroperoxy aldehydes prepared with α‐pinene, cis‐pinonic acid as well as pinic acid were predicted very accurately. Possible applications of the method developed for the analysis of α‐acyloxyhydroperoxy aldehydes in SOA samples, as well as other compounds containing hydroperoxide moiety are discussed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
More ‘crop per drop’: constraints and opportunities for precision irrigation in European agriculture
Authors: Monaghan James M , Daccache Andre , Vickers Laura H , Hess Tim M , Weatherhead E Keith , Grove Ivan G , Knox Jerry W
Published: January 2013

Dwindling water supplies, increasing drought frequency and uncertainties associated with a changing climate mean Europe's irrigated agriculture sector needs to improve water efficiency and produce more 'crop per drop'. This paper summarizes the drivers for change, and the constraints and opportunities for improving agricultural water management through uptake of precision irrigation technologies. A multi‐disciplinary and integrated approach involving irrigation engineers, soil scientists, agronomists and plant physiologists will be needed if the potential for precision irrigation within the field crop sector is to be realized. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Proteomic analysis of the enzymes involved in the starch biosynthesis of maize with different endosperm type and characterization of the starch
Authors: Juárez‐García Erika , Agama‐Acevedo Edith , Gómez‐Montiel Noel Orlando , Pando‐Robles Victoria , Bello‐Pérez Luis Arturo
Published: January 2013

BACKGROUND

The characterization of starch maize with different endosperm type and the proteomic analysis of its biosynthetic enzymes at 20 and 50 days after pollination (DAP) was carried out.

RESULTS

There were differences between both endosperm types at 20 DAP, mainly in starch accumulation, amylose content, granule size and crystallinity percentage, whereas at 50 DAP the differences found were not relevant in the case of starch content, granule size, chain length distribution and thermal properties. SSSI, SBEIIb and GBSSI enzymes were identified; however, SBEIIb was only identified in two samples: floury endosperm at 20 DAP and vitreous at 50 DAP.

Conclusion

Starch did not show differences in its morphological or structural characteristics in either endosperm on reaching maturity. Starch biosynthetic enzymes identified by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization–time of flight did not show a relationship to starch structure. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Analysis of pesticides residues in environmental water samples using multiwalled carbon nanotubes dispersive solid‐phase extraction
Authors: González‐Curbelo Miguel Ángel , Herrera‐Herrera Antonio V. , Hernández‐Borges Javier , Rodríguez‐Delgado Miguel Ángel
Published: January 2013

In this manuscript, a dispersive SPE method based on the use of multiwalled carbon nanotubes has been developed for the determination of 15 organophosphorus pesticides residues including some of their metabolites (disulfoton sulfoxide, ethoprophos, cadusafos, dimethoate, terbufos, disulfoton, chlorpyrifos‐methyl, malaoxon, fenitrothion, pirimiphos‐methyl, malathion, chlorpyrifos, terbufos sulfone, disulfoton sulfone, and fensulfothion) from real environmental waters (run‐off, mineral and tap water) by GC with nitrogen phosphorus detection. Factors that affect the enrichment efficiency such as sample volume, multiwalled carbon nanotubes amount, and volume of eluent were studied. The optimized method was validated in terms of matrix‐matched calibration, recovery, precision, and accuracy for the three analyzed samples. In this last case, the developed Student´s t test demonstrated that there were no significant differences between real and spiked concentrations. Optimum dispersive SPE conditions (extraction of 200 mL of water, pH 6.0, with 130 mg of multiwalled carbon nanotubes, elution with 25 mL of dichloromethane for run‐off and tap water and 30 mL for mineral water) allowed the quantitative extraction of analytes at levels lower than the maximum residues limits legislated by the European Union, with LODs between 1.16 and 93.6 ng/L. Absolute recovery values achieved were in the range of 67–107% (RSD values <10.1%).
Combined use of ionic liquid and β‐CD for enantioseparation of 12 pharmaceuticals using CE
Authors: Zuo Lihua , Meng Heng , Wu Jingjing , Jiang Zhen , Xu Shuying , Guo Xingjie
Published: January 2013

In this study, the enantioseparation of zopiclone, repaglinide, chlorphenamine maleate, brompheniramine maleate, dioxopromethazine hydrochloride, promethazine hydrochloride, liarozole, carvedilol, homatropine hydrobromide, homatropine methylbromide, venlafaxine, and sibutramine hydrochloride has been investigated using β‐CD in combination with a chiral ionic liquid (IL), 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium‐L‐lactate. The influence of the type of IL and its concentration, BGE pH, and chain length of the IL cations on the resolution are discussed. Finally, the proposed method was successfully applied for the chiral impurity determination of eszopiclone in pharmaceutical tablets after validation with respect to accuracy and precision, linearity range, selectivity, repeatability, LOD and LOQ. It is assessed that the chiral impurity determination in the commercial tables is fewer than 0.1%.
Psychosocial Influences on Children's Food Consumption
Authors: Roberts Michele , Pettigrew Simone
Published: January 2013

This exploratory study generated a grounded theory of factors influencing children's diets, particularly those that contribute to suboptimal eating and ultimately child obesity. The study involved 124 children (aged 6–12 years) and 39 of their parents from three separate junior schools (including a lower, middle, and higher socioeconomic school). Research methods included (i) interviews with children and parents and (ii) observations, drawings, and lunchbox audits with children. The findings suggest that children and parents prioritize psychosocial needs over physiological needs during food selection and consumption. This tendency toward psychosocial eating appears to be strongly reinforced by food advertising.
“Made in Country” Versus “Made in County”: Effects of Local Manufacturing Origins on Price Perceptions
Authors: Suri Rajneesh , Thakor Mrugank V.
Published: January 2013

Consumers often use an array of extrinsic and intrinsic attributes to infer product quality and to assess monetary sacrifice. However, literature reveals little about how and if consumers would use information on product's manufacturing origins differently if it was national rather than local. In two studies, the role played by uncertainty in judgments of the quality of locally made products is examined. It is shown that when consumers are motivated to process information and quality ratings are high, local identity effects are elicited and monetary sacrifice perceptions are diminished. These results suggest that favorable quality ratings need to be prominently featured when promoting locally made products, and that locally made products are preferred to national ones only when quality is not a concern.
Effective suppression of azoxymethane‐induced aberrant crypt foci formation in mice with citrus peel flavonoids
Authors: Lai Ching‐Shu , Li Shiming , Liu Cheng Bin , Miyauchi Yutaka , Suzawa Michiko , Ho Chi‐Tang , Pan Min‐Hsiung
Published: January 2013

Citrus peel or its extract has been reported to exhibit a broad spectrum of biological activity. Herein, we report the first investigation of inhibitory effects of a formulated product from citrus peel extract, gold lotion (GL), on azoxymethane‐induced colonic tumorigenesis. We have demonstrated that oral feeding of GL decreased the number of aberrant crypt foci (ACF), particularly large size of ACF in colonic tissues of mice. Both gene and protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) were suppressed by GL treatment. The in vivo data have revealed for the first time that the citrus peel extract–GL–is an effective antitumor agent mechanistically downregulating the protein levels of iNOS, COX‐2, ornithine decarboxylase, vascular endothelial growth factor, and matrix metallopeptidase 9 in colonic tissues of mice, suggesting that GL is a novel functional natural product capable of preventing inflammation‐associated colon tumorigenesis.
In situ formation of silver nanoparticles in poly(methacrylic acid) hydrogel for antibacterial applications
Authors: Bajpai S.K. , Chand Navin , Mahendra Manika
Published: January 2013

In this study, silver nanoparticles‐loaded poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAAc) hydrogels (HGs) have been produced by using a novel approach that involves equilibration of PMAAc HGs in aqueous solution of Ag(I) ions, followed by their reduction with borohydride. The AgNP/PMAAc composite, so produced, was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier‐transform infrared, surface plasmon resonance, and differential scanning colorimetry analysis. The composite demonstrated pH‐dependent swelling behavior. The AgNP/PMAAc composites demonstrated fair antibacterial action against Escherichia coli. Their biocidal action was found to depend on the concentration of silver present within the HG and degree of crosslinking of HGs. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Neurologic Adverse Effects of Ranolazine in an Elderly Patient with Renal Impairment
Authors: Southard Robert A. , M. Blum Rachel , Bui An H. , Blankstein Ron
Published: January 2013

Ranolazine, an antianginal agent, has activity at muscle and neuronal sodium channels. Congenital genetic mutations to sodium channels in humans and supratherapeutic ranolazine concentrations in animal models have produced similar neurologic adverse reactions. We describe a case of neurologic adverse effects in an 81‐year‐old woman with coronary artery disease, renal impairment, and mild neurologic disease who received ranolazine for symptomatic control of a non–ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction. Just over 48 hours after a dose increase, she experienced new‐onset dysarthia, dysmetria, hallucinations, worse tremors, and difficulty with word finding. Her workup for acute stroke and infectious causes was negative. Her symptoms abated 2 days after ranolazine was discontinued. The patient was at risk for ranolazine adverse effects due to the high dose administered and her advanced age, renal impairment, and baseline mild neurologic disease. Use of the Naranjo adverse drug reaction probability scale indicated a probable relationship (score of 5) between the patient's neurologic adverse events and the ranolazine therapy. To our knowledge, this is the first case report illustrating rare but debilitating neurologic adverse effects of ranolazine. Health care practitioners should be aware of the adverse effects of ranolazine and avoid doses greater than 500 mg twice/day in patients older than 80 years or those with a creatinine clearance of less than 30 ml/minute.