Standard molar enthalpies of formation of [RE(Gly)<Subscript>4</Subscript>(Im)(H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O)](ClO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>3</Subscript> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">RE</Emphasis>=Eu,Sm)

The two complexes, [RE(Gly)₄(Im)(H₂O)](ClO₄)₃(s)(RE = Eu, Sm), have been synthesized and characterized. The standard molar enthalpies of reaction for the following reactions, RECl₃·6H₂O(s)+4Gly(s)+Im(s)+3NaClO₄(s) = =[RE(Gly)₄(Im)(H₂O)](ClO₄)₃(s)+3NaCl(s)+5H₂O(l), were determined by solution-reaction colorimetry. The standard molar enthalpies of formation of the two complexes at T = 298.15 K were derived as Δ_f H _m^Θ {Eu(Gly)₄(Im)(H₂O)}(ClO₄)₃(s)} = = −(3396.6±2.3) kJ mol⁻¹ and Δ_f H _m^Θ {Sm(Gly)₄(Im)(H₂O)}(ClO₄)₃(s)} = −(3472.7±2.3) kJ mol⁻¹, respectively.     

Synthesis and characterization of the [Ru<Subscript>3</Subscript>O(CH<Subscript>3</Subscript>COO)<Subscript>6</Subscript>(py)<Subscript>2</Subscript>(BPE)Ru(bpy)<Subscript>2</Subscript>Cl](PF<Subscript>6</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript> dimer

The polymetallic [Ru₃O(CH₃COO)₆(py)₂(BPE)Ru(bpy)₂Cl](PF₆)₂ complex (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine, BPE = trans-1,2-bis(4-pyridil)ethylene and py = pyridine) was assembled by the combination of an electroactive [Ru₃O] moiety with a [Ru(bpy)₂(BPE)Cl] photoactive centre, and its structure was determined using positive ion electrospray (ESI-MS) and tandem mass (ESI-MS/MS) spectrometry. The [Ru₃O(CH₃COO)₆(py)₂(BPE)Ru(bpy)₂Cl]²⁺ doubly charged ion of m/z 732 was mass-selected and subject to 15 eV collision-induced dissociation, leading to a specific dissociation pattern, diagnostic of the complex structure. The electronic spectra display broad bands at 409, 491 and 692 nm ascribed to the [Ru(bpy)₂(BPE)] charge-transfer bands and to the [Ru₃O] internal cluster transitions. The cyclic voltammetry shows five reversible waves at −1.07 V, 0.13 V, 1.17 V, 2.91 V and −1.29 V (vs SHE) assigned to the [Ru₃O]^{−1/0/+1/+2/+3} and to the bpy^0/−1 redox processes; also a wave is observed at 0.96 V, assigned to the Ru^+2/+3 pair. Despite the conjugated BPE bridge, the electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical results indicate only a weak coupling through the π-system, and preliminary photophysical essays showed the compound decomposes under visible light irradiation.     

LC–MS–MS Assay for Simultaneous Quantification of Fexofenadine and Pseudoephedrine in Human Plasma

A rapid, sensitive, and simple HPLC–MS–MS method, with electro-spray ionization and cetirizine as internal standard (IS), has been developed and validated for simultaneous quantification of fexofenadine and pseudoephedrine in human plasma. The analytes were isolated from plasma by solid-phase extraction (SPE) on Oasis HLB cartridges. The compounds were chromatographed on an RP 18 column with a mixture of ammonium acetate (10 mm, pH 6.4) and methanol as mobile phase. Quantification of the analytes was based on multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) of precursor-to-product ion pairs m/z 502 → 466 for fexofenadine, m/z 166 → 148 for pseudoephedrine, and m/z 389 → 201 for cetirizine. The linear calibration range for both analytes was 2–1,700 ng mL⁻¹ (r = 0.995), based on analysis of 0.1 mL plasma. Extraction recovery was 91.5 and 80.88% for fexofenadine and pseudoephedrine, respectively. The method was suitable for analysis of human plasma samples obtained 72 h after administration of a drug containing both fexofenadine and pseudoephedrine.     

Oxygen reduction in acid media by a Ru<Subscript>x</Subscript>Fe<Subscript>y</Subscript>Se<Subscript>z</Subscript>(CO)<Subscript>n</Subscript> cluster catalyst dispersed on a glassy carbon-supported Nafion film

Electrocatalytic oxygen reduction was studied on a Ru_xFe_ySe_z(CO)_n cluster catalyst with Vulcan carbon powder dispersed into a Nafion film coated on a glassy carbon electrode. The synthesis of the electrocatalyst as a mixture of crystallites and amorphous nanoparticles was carried out by refluxing the transition metal carbonyl compounds in an organic solvent. Electrocatalysis by the cluster compound is discussed, based on the results of rotating disc electrode measurements in a 0.5 M H₂SO₄. A Tafel slope of −80.00±4.72 mV dec⁻¹ and an exchange current density of 1.1±0.17×10⁻⁶ mA cm⁻² was calculated from the mass transfer-corrected curve. It was found that the electrochemical reduction reaction follows the kinetics of a multielectronic (n=4e⁻) charge transfer process producing water, i.e. O₂+4H⁺+4e⁻→2H₂O. Electronic Publication     

Simultaneous determination of histamine and prostaglandin D<Subscript>2</Subscript> using an LC-ESI-MS/MS method with positive/negative ion-switching ionization modes: application to the study of anti-allergic flavonoids on the degranulation of KU812 cells

A new method for simultaneous determination of histamine and prostaglandin D₂ (PGD₂) by liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry operated in positive and negative ionization switching modes was developed and validated without a previous derivatization step. This method was used to measure histamine and PGD₂ release following degranulation of KU812 human basophilic cells, using pyrazol and d₄-PGD₂ as internal standards. Analyses were performed on a liquid chromatography system employing a Cosmosil 5C₁₈ PAQ column and an isocratic elution with mixed solution of methanol–water (7:3, v/v) with 0.0015% trifluoroacetic acid at a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min. A triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer operating in selected reaction monitoring mode simultaneously monitored using the following transitions: positive m/z 112/95 for histamine and negative m/z 351/271 for PGD₂. The retention times of histamine and pyrazol were 4.2 and 5.0 min, respectively. PGD₂ and d₄-PGD₂ had retention times of 8.5 min. The limits of detection were 0.3 and 0.5 ng/mL for histamine and PGD₂, respectively. The relative standard deviations of the retention time and peak area for histamine were between 1.6% and 7.7%, and were 1.2% and 7.8% for PGD₂. This method was used to evaluate the anti-allergic effects of 26 flavonoids and sodium cromoglicate which are first-line anti-allergic drugs. Of these compounds, baicalein and morin were the most potent inhibitors.     

Multiconfigurational study on the synchronous mechanisms of the ClO self-reaction leading to Cl or Cl<Subscript>2</Subscript>

For studying the adiabatic and nonadiabatic mechanisms of the ClO (X ²Π) + ClO (X ²Π) → ClOOCl → 2Cl (² P _u) + O₂ (X ³Σ _g ⁻) reaction (1) and the ClO (X ²Π) + ClO (X ²Π) → ClOOCl → Cl₂ (X ¹Σ _g ⁺) + O₂ (X ³Σ _g ⁻) reaction (2), we calculated, by partial geometry optimizations under the C₂ constraint, the O–O and O–Cl dissociation potential energy curves (PECs) from the five low-lying states of ClOOCl at the CASPT2 level. The CASSCF minimum-energy crossing point (MECP) between the potential energy surfaces of the 1 ¹A ground state [correlating with the product of reaction (1)] and the 1 ³B state [correlating with the product of reaction (2)] states was also determined. Based on the CAS calculation results (PECs, energies, and spin–orbit coupling at the MECP), we predict that reaction (1) occurs along pathway 1: ClO (X ²Π) + ClO (X ²Π) → ClOOCl (1 ¹A) → 2Cl (² P _u) + O₂ (X ³Σ _g ⁻) and that reaction (2) occurs along pathway 2: ClO (X ²Π) + ClO (X ²Π) → ClOOCl (1 ¹A) → 1 ¹A/1 ³B MECP (142.4 cm⁻¹) → ClOOCl (1 ³B) → Cl₂ (X ¹Σ _g ⁺) + O₂ (X ³Σ _g ⁻). The needed energies (relative to the reactant) for pathways 1 and 2 are predicted to be 5.3 and 11.1 kcal/mol, respectively, which indicates that reaction (1) is more favorable than reaction (2). The present work supports the traditional photochemical model for ozone degradation: ClOOCl (1 ¹A), formed by two ClO (X ²Π), can directly produce O₂ plus two Cl atoms.     

Quantitative estimation of riluzole in human plasma by LC-ESI-MS/MS and its application to a bioequivalence study

A novel simple, sensitive, selective, and rapid high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated for quantification of riluzole in human plasma. The chromatography was performed by using a Zorbax-SB-C18 (4.6 × 75 mm, 3.5 μm) column , isocratic mobile phase 0.1% formic acid/acetonitrile (10:90 v/v), and an isotope-labeled internal standard (IS), [¹³C,¹⁵N₂]riluzole. The extraction of drug and internal standard was performed by liquid–liquid extraction and analyzed by MS in the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode using the respective [M+H]⁺ ions, m/z 235.0/165.9 for riluzole and m/z 238.1/169.0 for the IS. The calibration curve was linear over the concentration range 0.5–500.0 ng/ml for riluzole in human plasma. The limit of quantification (LOQ) was demonstrated at 0.5 ng/ml. The within-batch and between-batch precision were 0.6–2.3% and 1.4–5.7%, and accuracy was 97.1–101.1% and 98.8–101.2% for riluzole respectively. Drug and IS were eluted within 3.0 min. The validated method was successfully applied in a bioequivalence study of riluzole in human plasma.     

Cellulose scaffolds modulated synthesis of Co<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> nanocrystals: preparation,characterization and properties

Magnetic Co₃O₄ nanoparticles were prepared by using microporous regenerated cellulose films as sacrificial scaffolds. The cellulose macromolecules and the porous structure of the films made them used as spatially confined reacting sites where Co(OH)₂ nanoparticles could be synthesized in situ. When the cellulose matrix was removed by sintering at 500 °C, Co₃O₄ nanoparticles were obtained. XRD and XPS indicated that the prepared nanoparticles were pure Co₃O₄ without any impurity. TEM and SEM images revealed that the particle size of the nanoparticles was smaller than 100 nm. The nanoparticles had weak ferromagnetic properties at 25 °C. Furthermore, the pronounced quantum confinement effects of the synthesized nanoparticles have been observed, the optical bandgap energies determined were about 1.92 ~ 2.12 and 2.74 ~ 2.76 eV for O²⁻ → Co³⁺ and O²⁻ → Co²⁺ charge-transfer processes, respectively. Furthermore, the resulted Co₃O₄ nanoparticles behaved stable electrochemical performance with promising applications in the electrode for lithium ion battery.     

Investigation into the formation of heteronuclear clusters of formula [{Ru<Subscript>6</Subscript>C(CO)<Subscript>16</Subscript>Ag<Subscript>2</Subscript>X}<Subscript>2</Subscript>]<Superscript>2−</Superscript> (X = Cl,Br or I)

Reaction of [Ru₆C(CO)₁₆]²⁻ with an excess of AgX (X = Cl, Br or I) affords heteronuclear clusters of formula [{Ru₆C(CO)₁₆Ag₂X}₂]²⁻ in 80% yield, which for X = I and X = Br/Cl were crystallographically characterised. The formation of the cluster was followed in solution using electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), which revealed the presence of a wide range of clusters with the general formula [{Ru₆C(CO)₁₆} _x Ag _y X _z ]^{(2x−y+z)−} where x = 1 or 2, y = 1, 2, 3 or 4 and z = 0, 1 or 2. The high yield of the product despite the evident complicated solution speciation is attributed to selective crystallisation of the observed compound driving the equilibrium toward this product.     

Sensitive and specific liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for assay of fluoxetine and its metabolite norfluoxetine in human plasma and application of method to pharmacokinetic analysis

A simple, specific and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography — electrospray tandem mass spectrometry method is developed for the simultaneous determination of fluoxetine and its metabolite norfluoxetine in human plasma. Plasma samples were simply treated with acetonitrile to precipitate and remove proteins and the isolated supernatants were directly injected into the high-performance liquid chromatography — electrospray tandem mass spectrometry system. Chromatographic separation of the analytes was achieved on a Discovery C₁₈ (100 × 2.1 mm I.D., particle size 3.0 μm) column using 0.1% formic acid in water — acetonitrile (40: 60) as mobile phase with a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min. Diazepam was used as the internal standard. The compounds were ionized in the electrospray ionization source of the mass spectrometer and were detected by selected reaction ion monitoring of the transitions of m/z 310 → m/z 44.3 for fluoxetine, m/z 296 → m/z 134 for norfluoxetine and m/z 285 → m/z 193 for the internal standard. The method has low limit of detection (LOD) of 0.02 ng/mL and 0.03 ng/mL for fluoxetine and norfluoxetine, respectively. The inter- and intra-run precision was measured to be below 5.3% (relative standard deviation) for both fluoxetine and norfluoxetine. The developed method was successfully used to investigate plasma concentrations of fluoxetine and norfluoxetine in the pharmacokinetic study of Chinese volunteers who received fluoxetine orally.     

Synthesis of highly ordered mesoporous CeO<Subscript>2</Subscript> and low temperature CO oxidation over Pd/mesoporous CeO<Subscript>2</Subscript>

Highly ordered mesoporous cerium dioxide (meso-CeO₂) was successfully synthesized using a facile solvent-free infiltration method from a mesoporous silica template, KIT-6. The meso-CeO₂ material, thus obtained, exhibited well-defined mesostructure and high surface area (153 m² g⁻¹). The physicochemical properties of meso-CeO₂ material and Pd-supported on meso-CeO₂ (Pd/meso-CeO₂) were characterized by electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, N₂ adsorption–desorption, and temperature-programmed experiments. The Pd/meso-CeO₂ catalyst exhibited excellent catalytic activity for CO oxidation compared with those of other Pd/CeO₂ catalysts which were prepared using nanocrystalline CeO₂ and bulk-CeO₂ as the supports. Moreover, a hydrogen pretreatment of the Pd/meso-CeO₂ catalyst resulted in a remarkable increase of catalytic activity (T ₁₀₀ = 52 °C).     

Al,B, and F doped LiNi<Subscript>1/3</Subscript>Co<Subscript>1/3</Subscript>Mn<Subscript>1/3</Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript> as cathode material of lithium-ion batteries

A series of the mixed transition metal compounds, Li[(Ni_1/3Co_1/3Mn_1/3)_1–x-y Al _x B _y ]O_2-z F _z (x = 0, 0.02, y = 0, 0.02, z = 0, 0.02), were synthesized via coprecipitation followed by a high-temperature heat-treatment. XRD patterns revealed that this material has a typical α-NaFeO₂ type layered structure with R3^- m space group. Rietveld refinement explained that cation mixing within the Li(Ni_1/3Co_1/3Mn_1/3)O₂ could be absolutely diminished by Al-doping. Al, B and F doped compounds showed both improved physical and electrochemical properties, high tap-density, and delivered a reversible capacity of 190 mAh/g with excellent capacity retention even when the electrodes were cycled between 3.0 and 4.7 V.     

Theoretical study of the mechanism for C-H bond activation in spin-forbidden reaction between Ti<Superscript>+</Superscript> and C<Subscript>2</Subscript>H<Subscript>4</Subscript>

The mechanism of the spin-forbidden reaction Ti⁺(⁴F, 3d²4s¹) + C₂H₄→TiC₂H₂ ⁺ (²A₂) + H₂ on both doublet and quartet potential energy surfaces has been investigated at the B3LYP level of theory. Crossing points between the potential energy surfaces and the possible spin inversion process are discussed by means of spin-orbit coupling (SOC) calculations. The strength of the SOC between the low-lying quartet state and the doublet state is 59.3 cm⁻¹ in the intermediate complex IM1-⁴B₂. Thus, the changes of its spin multiplicity may occur from the quartet to the doublet surface to form IM1-²A₁, leading to a sig-nificant decrease in the barrier height on the quartet PES. After the insertion intermediate IM2, two distinct reaction paths on the doublet PES have been found, i.e., a stepwise path and a concerted path. The latter is found to be the lowest energy path on the doublet PES to exothermic TiC₂H₂ ⁺(²A₂) + H₂ products, with the active barrier of 4.52 kcal/mol. In other words, this reaction proceeds in the following way: Ti⁺+C₂H₄→⁴IC→IM1-⁴B₂→^4,2ISC→IM1-²A₁→[²TS_ins]→IM2→[²TS_MCTS]→IM5→TiC₂H₂ ⁺(²A₂)+H₂. Supported by ‘Qinglan’ Talent Engineering Funds by Tianshui Normal University.     

Thermochemical properties of MnNb<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>6</Subscript>

Homogeneous manganocolumbite (MnNb₂O₆) was synthesized from Nb₂O₅ and MnO oxides. Powder sample was orthorhombic with unit cell parameters: α = 0.5766 nm, b = 1.4439 nm, c = 0.5085 nm and V = 0.4234 nm³. Heat capacity over the temperature range of 313–1253 K was measured in an inert atmosphere with combined thermogravimetry and calorimetry using NETZSCH STA 449C Jupiter thermoanalyzer. Melting point was 1767 ± 3 K, enthalpy of melting was 144 ± 4 kJ mol⁻¹. Experimental heat capacity of MnNb₂O₆ is fitted to polynomial C _pm = 221.46 + 3.03 · 10⁻³ T + −39.79 · 10⁵ T ⁻² + 40.59 · 10⁻⁶ T ².     

Rapid quantification of levosulpiride in human plasma using RP‐HPLC‐MS/MS for pharmacokinetic and bioequivalence study

A rapid and validated method for analysis of levosulpiride in human plasma using liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry was developed. Levosulpiride and tiapride (IS, internal standard) were extracted from alkalized plasma samples with ethylacetate and separation by RP‐HPLC. Detection was performed by positive ion electrospray ionization in multiple‐reaction monitoring mode, monitoring the transitions m/z 342.1 → m/z 112.2 and m/z 329.1 → m/z 213.2, for quantification of levosulpiride and IS, respectively. The standard calibration curves showed good linearity within the range of 2–200 ng/mL (r² ≥ 0.9990). The lower limit of quantitation was 2 ng/mL. The retention times of levosulpiride (0.63 min) and IS (0.66 min) presented a significant time saving benefit of the proposed method. No significant metabolic compounds were found to interfere with the analysis. This method offered good precision and accuracy and was successfully applied for the pharmacokinetic and bioequivalence study of a 25 mg of levosulpiride tablet in 24 healthy Korean volunteers. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Preparation and electrical properties of Nd and Mn co-doped Bi<Subscript>4</Subscript>Ti<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>12</Subscript> thin films

Ferroelectric thin films of Nd and Mn co-doped bismuth titanate, Bi_3.15Nd_0.85Ti_3−x Mn _x O₁₂ (BNTM) (x = 0–0.1), were fabricated on Pt/TiO₂/SiO₂/Si(100) substrates by a sol–gel technique. The BNTM films had a polycrystalline perovskite structure and uniform and dense surface morphologies. A lattice distortion was observed in the BNTM films due to Mn ion doping. The ferroelectric measurement of the films indicated that the values of coercive field (E _c ) decreased gradually with the increase of the Mn content (x), however, the remanent polarization (P _r ) increase firstly and then decrease with the increase of x. The sample with x = 0.05 had optimum electrical properties and a maximum 2P _r value. The 2P _r and 2E _c values of the film at a maximum applied electric field of 400 kV/cm were 38.3 μC/cm² and 180 kV/cm, respectively. Moreover, this BNTM capacitors did not show fatigue behaviors after 1.0 × 10¹⁰ switching cycles at a frequency of 1 MHz, suggesting a fatigue-free character. The main reason for the increase of the 2P _r and the decrease of the 2E _c might be attributed to the lattice distortion in BNTM films due to Mn ion doping.     

Computational study on the reaction of CH<Subscript>3</Subscript>SCH<Subscript>2</Subscript>CH<Subscript>3</Subscript> with OH radical: mechanism and enthalpy of formation

The reaction mechanism of CH₃SCH₂CH₃ with OH radical is studied at the CCSD(T)/6-311+G(3df,p)//MP2/6-31+G(2d,p) level of theory. Three hydrogen abstraction channels, one substitution process and five addition–elimination channels are identified in the title reaction. The result shows hydrogen abstraction is dominant. Substitution process and addition–elimination reactions may be negligible because of the high barrier heights. Enthalpies of formation [ \Updelta_f H_{(298.15\textK)}^o \Updelta_{f} H_{(298.15{\text{K}})}^{o} ] of the reactants and products are evaluated at the CBS-QB3, G3 and G3MP2 levels of theory, respectively. It is found that the calculated enthalpies of formation by the aforementioned three methods are in consistent with the available experimental data. Rate constants and branching ratios are estimated by means of the conventional transition state theory with the Wigner tunneling correction over the temperature range of 200–900 K. The calculation shows that the formations of P1 (CH₂SCH₂CH₃ + H₂O) and P2 (CH₃SCHCH₃ + H₂O) are major products during 200–900 K. The three-parameter expressions for the total rate constant is fitted to be k_\texttotal = 1.45 ×10 ^{- 21} T^3.24 exp( - 1384.54/T) k_{\text{total}} = 1.45 \times 10^{ - 21} T^{3.24} \exp ( - 1384.54/T) cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹ from 200 to 900 K.     

Determination of avoparcin in animal tissues and milk using LC‐ESI‐MS/MS and tandem‐SPE

A highly sensitive and selective method using LC‐ESI‐MS/MS and tandem‐SPE was developed to detect trace amounts of avoparcin (AV) antibiotics in animal tissues and milk. Data acquisition using MS/MS was achieved by applying multiple reaction monitoring of the product ions of [M + 3H]³⁺ and the major product ions of AV‐α and ‐β at m/z 637 → 86/113/130 and m/z 649 → 86/113/130 in ESI(+) mode. The calculated instrumental LODs were 3 ng/mL. The sample preparation was described that the extraction using 5% TFA and the tandem‐SPE with an ion‐exchange (SAX) and InertSep C18‐A cartridge clean‐up enable us to determine AV in samples. Ion suppression was decreased by concentration rates of each sample solution. These SPE concentration levels could be used to detect quantities of 5 ppb (milk), 10 ppb (beef), and 25 ppb (chicken muscle and liver). The matrix matching calibration graphs obtained for both AV‐α (r >0.996) and ‐β (r >0.998) from animal tissues and milk were linear over the calibration ranges. AV recovery from samples was higher than 73.3% and the RSD was less than 12.0% (n = 5).     

Development of a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method for the determination of ursolic acid in rat plasma and tissue: application to the pharmacokinetic and tissue distribution study

A fast and sensitive liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry method was developed for the determination of ursolic acid (UA) in rat plasma and tissues. Glycyrrhetinic acid was used as the internal standard (IS). Chromatographic separation was performed on a 3.5 μm Zorbax SB-C18 column (30 mm × 2.1 mm) with a mobile phase consisting of methanol and aqueous 10 mM ammonium acetate using gradient elution. Quantification was performed by selected ion monitoring with (m/z)⁻ 455 for UA and (m/z)⁻ 469 for the IS. The method was validated in the concentration range of 2.5 − 1470 ng mL⁻¹ for plasma samples and 20 − 11760 ng g⁻¹ for tissue homogenates. The intra- and inter-day assay of precision in plasma and tissues ranged from 1.6% to 7.1% and 3.7% to 9.0%, respectively, and the intra- and inter-day assay accuracy was 84.2 − 106.9% and 82.1 − 108.1%, respectively. Recoveries in plasma and tissues ranged from 83.2% to 106.2%. The limits of detections were 0.5 ng mL⁻¹ or 4.0 ng g⁻¹. The recoveries for all samples were >90%, except for liver, which indicated that ursolic acid may metabolize in liver. The main pharmacokinetic parameters obtained were T _max = 0.42 ± 0.11 h, C _max = 1.10 ± 0.31 μg mL⁻¹, AUC = 1.45 ± 0.21 μg h mL⁻¹ and K _a = 5.64 ± 1.89 h⁻¹. The concentrations of UA in rat lung, spleen, liver, heart, and cerebellum were studied for the first time. This method is validated and could be applicable to the investigation of the pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of UA in rats.     

Determination of the primary structure and carboxyl p<Emphasis Type="Italic">K</Emphasis><Subscript>A</Subscript>s of heparin-derived oligosaccharides by band-selective homonuclear-decoupled two-dimensional <Superscript>1</Superscript>H NMR

Determination of the structure of heparin-derived oligosaccharides by ¹H NMR is challenging because resonances for all but the anomeric protons cover less than 2 ppm. By taking advantage of increased dispersion of resonances for the anomeric H¹ protons at low pD and the superior resolution of band-selective, homonuclear-decoupled (BASHD) two-dimensional ¹H NMR, the primary structure of the heparin-derived octasaccharide ∆UA(2S)-[(1 → 4)-GlcNS(6S)-(1 → 4)-IdoA(2S)-]₃-(1 → 4)-GlcNS(6S) has been determined, where ∆UA(2S) is 2-O-sulfated ∆^4,5-unsaturated uronic acid, GlcNS(6S) is 6-O-sulfated, N-sulfated β-d-glucosamine and IdoA(2S) is 2-O-sulfated α-l-iduronic acid. The spectrum was assigned, and the sites of N- and O-sulfation and the conformation of each uronic acid residue were established, with chemical shift data obtained from BASHD-TOCSY spectra, while the sequence of the monosaccharide residues in the octasaccharide was determined from inter-residue NOEs in BASHD-NOESY spectra. Acid dissociation constants were determined for each carboxylic acid group of the octasaccharide, as well as for related tetra- and hexasaccharides, from chemical shift–pD titration curves. Chemical shift–pD titration curves were obtained for each carboxylic acid group from sub-spectra taken from BASHD-TOCSY spectra that were measured as a function of pD. The pK _As of the carboxylic acid groups of the ∆UA(2S) residues are less than those of the IdoA(2S) residues, and the pK _As of the carboxylic acid groups of the IdoA(2S) residues for a given oligosaccharide are similar in magnitude. Relative acidities of the carboxylic acid groups of each oligosaccharide were calculated from chemical shift data by a pH-independent method.