Hollow fiber liquid‐phase microextraction and determination of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatories by capillary electrophoresis and sulfonamides by HPLC in human urine

In this paper two applications of three‐phase HF‐LPME for the determination of pharmaceuticals in human urine are proposed: a capillary electrophoresis with a photodiode array detection method for the analysis of seven nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and a high‐performance liquid chromatographic with photo diode array and fluorescence detection method for the determination of four sulfonamides and their corresponding N⁴‐acetyl‐metabolites. Q3/2 Accurel® polypropylene hollow fibers were used for both procedures. Dihexyl ether was used as the supported liquid membrane for the determination of anti‐inflammatories and 1‐octanol for sulfonamides. An aqueous solution (pH 12) was used in both procedures as the acceptor phase and as the donor phase an aqueous solution (pH 2), and a 2 m Na₂SO₄ aqueous solution (pH 4) was used for the determination of the anti‐inflammatories and sulfonamides. The detection limits obtained were between 0.25 (naproxen) and 0.86 ng/mL (aceclofenac) for the determination of anti‐inflammatories and 7 × 10^?4 (sulfamethoxazole) and 0.048 ng/mL (N⁴‐acetyl‐sulfamethazine) for sulfonamides. The method was successfully applied to the determination of the analytes in human urine. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Determination of anti‐malaria agent chloroquine using single drop liquid‐liquid‐liquid microextraction

A simple, sensitive, and inexpensive single drop liquid‐liquid‐liquid microextraction combined with isocratic RP‐HPLC and UV detection was developed for the determination of anti‐malaria drug, chloroquine. The target compound was extracted from alkaline aqueous sample solution (adjusted to 0.5 mol/L sodium hydroxide) through a thin layer of organic solvent membrane and back‐extracted to an acidic acceptor drop (adjusted to 0.02 mol/L phosphoric acid) suspended on the tip of a 25 μL HPLC syringe in the organic layer. This syringe was also used for direct injection after extraction. The linear range was 1–200 μg/L. The LOD and LOQ were 0.3 and 1.0 μg/L, respectively. Intra‐and inter‐day precisions were less than 2.0 and 2.3%, respectively. The real samples were successfully analyzed using the proposed method. The recoveries of spiked samples were more than 94.6%.     

Multi‐residue analysis of 44 pharmaceutical compounds in environmental water samples by solid‐phase extraction coupled to liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry

A solid‐phase extraction combined with a liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry analysis has been developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of 44 pharmaceuticals belonging to different therapeutic classes (i.e., antibiotics, anti‐inflammatories, cardiovascular agents, hormones, neuroleptics, and anxiolytics) in water samples. The sample preparation was optimized by studying target compounds retrieval after the following processes: i) water filtration, ii) solid phase extraction using Waters Oasis HLB cartridges at various pH, and iii) several evaporation techniques. The method was then validated by the analysis of spiked estuarine waters and wastewaters before and after treatment. Analytical performances were evaluated in terms of linearity, accuracy, precision, detection, and quantification limits. Recoveries of the pharmaceuticals were acceptable, instrumental detection limits varied between 0.001 and 25 pg injected and method quantification limits ranged from 0.01 to 30.3 ng/L. The precision of the method, calculated as relative standard deviation, ranged from 0.3 to 49.4%. This procedure has been successfully applied to the determination of the target analytes in estuarine waters and wastewaters. Eight of these 44 pharmaceuticals were detected in estuarine water, while 26 of them were detected in wastewater effluent. As expected, the highest values of occurrence and concentration were found in wastewater influent.     

Direct Electrochemical Nano‐immunosensor for Microcystin‐LR in Seawater

Microcystins are potent hepatotoxins produced by cyanobacteria, which proliferate in wastewaters with high nutrient content. Due to their high toxicity and potential risk to human health, even at low concentrations, the development of a sensitive and rapid method for the monitoring of microcystin‐LR (MC‐LR) in water samples is of great importance. In this context, a new direct electrochemical nano‐immunosensor for MC‐LR detection using the liquid crystal (E)‐1‐decyl‐4‐[(4‐decyloxyphenyl)diazenyl]pyridinium bromide (Br‐Py) as a redox probe and gold nanoparticles stabilized in bovine serum albumin (AuNP‐BSA) is described herein. The microcystin‐LR antibody (anti‐MC‐LR) was covalently immobilized using N‐(3‐dimethylaminopropyl)‐N‐ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) and N‐hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) on an AuNP‐BSA/BrPy film. The proposed sensor response is based on the inhibition of the Br‐Py electrochemical signal after the specific interaction of MC‐LR with immobilized anti‐MC‐LR on the electrode surface. The electrochemical behavior of the immunosensor was studied by square‐wave voltammetry (SWV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Under optimized conditions, using SWV and an incubation time of 15 min, the immunosensor exhibits a linear response to MC‐LR concentrations of 0.05 to 500.0 ng mL⁻¹ with a detection limit of 0.05 ng mL⁻¹. The anti‐MC‐LR/AuNP‐BSA/Br‐Py/GCE was successfully applied in the determination of MC‐LR in spiked seawater samples.     

Screening anti‐allergic components of Astragali Radix using LAD2 cell membrane chromatography coupled online with UHPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS method

Huangqi (Astragali Radix), a traditional Chinese herb, is widely used in clinical therapy in China. In addition, an anti‐allergic effect of constituents in Huangqi has been reported in the scientific literature. In the present study, cell membrane chromatography coupled online with UHPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS method was developed to screen, analyze and identify the anti‐allergic components of Huangqi. The Laboratory of Allergic Disease 2 (LAD2) cell was used to establish cell membrane chromatography, which was combined with UHPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS. The coupled system was then used to screen anti‐allergic components from Huangqi. Effects of active components were verified by histamine release assay. A component retained on the LAD2 cell membrane chromatography was identified as formononetin. Bioactivity of formononetin was investigated by histamine release assay in LAD2 cells, and it was found that formononetin could inhibit histamine release in a dose‐dependent manner from 1 to 100 μm . The LAD2 cell membrane chromatography online with UHPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS method is an effective technique for screening the anti‐allergic components of Huangqi.     

One‐step hydrothermal synthesis of magnetic nitrogen‐doped graphene for magnetic solid‐phase extraction of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs in environmental water samples

Graphene oxide has received extensive attention because of its unique properties and potential applications. In this study, magnetic nitrogen‐doped graphene was prepared by one‐step hydrothermal reaction using urea as the dopant and reductant, and ferroferric oxide nanoparticles were in situ deposited on the surface of the nanohybrids. The magnetic nitrogen‐doped graphene was characterized using various physical and chemical methods. It was used as a new adsorbent for the magnetic solid‐phase extraction of four nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs from the river water. The parameters influencing the extraction efficiency were optimized in detail. Under optimal conditions, this method provided a wide linear range (5–200 ng/mL). The limits of detection were in the range of 1.07–5.10 ng/mL. The recoveries varied from 81.2 to 121.5% with relative standard deviations of less than 10.8%. Overall, we can conclude that the proposed method offers an efficient pretreatment and enrichment and can be successfully applied for the extraction and determination of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs in complex matrices.     

Bismuth Film Electrode as Sensing Platform for IgE–anti‐IgE Interactions

In this study, a bismuth film was used as a sensing platform for immunoreaction assay which includes the interactions between IgE and anti‐IgE molecules. For preparing this assay, IgE was deposited on a carbon paste electrode via bismuth(III) cations without using any membrane or functional reagent. The immobilized reagents and interaction of anti‐IgE on this formation were monitored by using atomic force microscopy technique and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Then some experimental parameters like the effect of IgE amount and the IgE–anti‐IgE interaction time were optimized. Under the optimal experimental conditions, the binding of anti‐IgE was also examined by following current decrease in differential pulse voltammograms of neutral red.     

Facile Synthesis of Cellulose Acetate Ultrafiltration Membrane with Stimuli‐Responsiveness to pH and Temperature Using the Additive of F127‐b‐PDMAEMA

We fabricate a novel cellulose acetate (CA) ultrafiltration membrane modified by block copolymer F127‐b‐ PDMAEMA, which is synthesized using F127 and DMAEMA via the ARGET ATRP method. Compared to conventional ultrafiltration membranes, the incorporation of both F127 and PDMAEMA can not only readily increase the hydrophilicity of the membrane, but also exhibit stimuli‐responsiveness to temperature and pH. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) are employed to analyze the structure of the F127‐b‐PDMAEMA. The membrane properties are evaluated via scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging, porosity test, automatic target recognition Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR), water contact angle test and permeation test. The results indicate that the F127‐b‐PDMAEMA is an excellent pore agent, which contributes to an enhancement of the membrane in sensitivity to temperature and pH. The modified membrane also exhibits lower water contact angle (64.5°), which is attributed to the good anti‐fouling performance and high water permeation.     

Biomolecule‐Doped Organic/Inorganic Hybrid Nanocomposite Film for Label‐Free Electrochemical Immunoassay of α‐1‐Fetoprotein

A new electrochemical immunosensor for the detection of α‐1‐fetoprotien (AFP) was developed based on AFP antibody (anti‐AFP)‐functionalized organic/inorganic hybrid nanocomposite membrane. To fabricate such a hybrid composite membrane, 3,4,9,10‐perylenetetracarboxylic acid‐bound thionine molecules (PTCTH) were initially doped into titania colloids (TiO₂), and then gold nanoparticles and anti‐AFP were immobilized onto the composite film in turn. Comparison with the electrode fabricated only with thionine not 3,4,9,10‐perylenetetracarboxylic acid, the immunosensor with PTCTH exhibited high sensitivity and fast electron transfer. The presence of gold nanoparticles provided a good microenvironment for the immobilization of biomolecules, enhanced the surface coverage of protein, and improved the sensitivity of the immunosensor. The modified process was characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The surface topography of the membrane was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Under optimal conditions, the proposed immunosensor exhibited a wide linear range from 2.5 to 200.0 ng/mL towards AFP with a detection limit of 0.5 ng/mL (S/N=3). The stability, reproducibility and precision of the immunosensor were acceptable. Comparison with the conventional enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), the present method did not require more labeled procedures and washing steps. Significantly, the detection methodology provides a promising approach for other proteins or biosecurities.     

A Highly Selective and Sensitive Barium(II)‐Selective PVC Membrane Based on Dimethyl 1‐Acetyl‐8‐oxo‐2,8‐dihydro‐ 1H‐pyra‐zolo[5,1‐a]isoindole‐2,3‐dicarboxylate

A poly(vinyl chloride)‐based membrane of dimethyl 1‐acetyl‐8‐oxo‐2,8‐dihydro‐1H‐pyra‐zolo[5,1‐a]isoindole‐2,3‐dicarboxylate as a neutral carrier with sodium tetraphenylborate (NaTPB) as an anion excluder and 2‐nitrophenyl octyl ether (NPOE) as plasticizer was prepared and investigated as a Ba(II)‐selective electrode. The electrode exhibits a Nernstian slope of 29.7±0.4 mV per decade over a wide concentration range (1.0×10^?6 to 1.0×10^?1 M) with a detection limit of 7.6×10^?7 M between pH 3.0 and 11.0. The response time of the sensor is about 10 s and it can be used over a period of 2 months without any divergence in potential. The proposed membrane sensor revealed good selectivity for Ba(II) over a wide variety of other metal ions. It was successfully used in direct determination of barium ions in industrial wastewater samples.     

On‐Off PVC Membrane Based Potentiometric Immunosensor for Label‐Free Detection of Alpha‐Fetoprotein

A poly(vinylchloride) (PVC) membrane based potentiometric immunosensor for the direct detection of alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) has been developed. First, Au colloid particle was chemisorbed upon amino groups of o‐phenylenediamine, which were dissolved in plasticized PVC membrane. Then alpha‐fetoprotein antibody (anti‐AFP) was immobilized upon the surface of the Au colloid particle to prepare a potentiometric AFP immunosensor. The Au colloid particle modified PVC membrane was characterized by digital photo and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The immunosensor exhibited fast potentiometric response (≤4 min) and showed specific response to AFP in the range of 4.9 to 158.5 ng/mL with a correlation coefficient of 0.9971 and a detection limit of 1.6 ng/mL. The factors influencing the performance of the immunosensor were also studied in detail. Moreover, the proposed method is economical and efficient as well as potentially attractive for clinical immunoassays.     

Identification of anti‐inflammatory active ingredients from Tumuxiang by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time‐of‐flight‐MSE

The dried roots of Inula helenium L. (IH) and Inula racemosa Hook f. (IR) are used commonly as folk medicine as ‘tumuxiang’ (TMX). The mixing and sharing of IH and IR in clinical use is a universal phenomenon. Modern pharmacological studies confirmed that IH and IR display anti‐inflammatory activities. However, the difference in anti‐inflammatory pharmacodynamic substances between these two herbs is still unknown. In the present study, the fingerprints of 18 IH and nine IR samples were established using UPLC/QTOF‐MS^E. A dimethylbenzene‐induced mouse ear vasodilation model was applied in evaluating the anti‐inflammatory properties of all 27 samples. Then, the spectrum–efficacy model between chemical characteristic peaks and anti‐inflammatory activities was investigated using principal component regression and partial least squares. Finally, the combination of UNIFI Scientific Information System with a library search of traditional Chinese medicines was employed to automatically characterize the peaks. UNIFI identified a total of 80 chemical components. Among the components, the 53 characteristic peaks showed correlation with anti‐inflammatory activities, pointing to phenolic and organic acids as primary anti‐inflammatory ingredients of TMX. This approach can efficiently and intelligently facilitate the identification of bioactive components from traditional Chinese medicine.     

Amperometric Flow‐Injection Determination of Phenolic Compounds Using a Biosensor with Immobilized Laccase,Peroxidase and Tyrosinase

A screen‐printed four‐electrode sensor based on immobilization of laccase (Coriolus hirsutus), peroxidase (horseradish) and tyrosinase (mushroom) in the same array was developed for monitoring of phenols. The enzymes were immobilized onto a self‐assembled monolayer (4‐mercapto‐1‐butanol) modified gold surface via covalent attachment by epichlorohydrin coupling. The experimental conditions for simultaneous operation of the three enzymes were optimized based on catechol determination. The sensors were further applied for the amperometric detection of several substituted phenolic compounds, carried out using a single line flow‐injection system. Hydrogen peroxide served as co‐substrate for peroxidase. The limits of detection for phenols in aqueous solutions were in the micromolar range, one assay was completed in less than 5 min. The preliminary studies showed that the compatibility of the above mentioned enzyme array enabled the multielectrode biosensor to be applied to real samples including industrial wastewaters and surface waters.     

Bioactivity‐based ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐coupled quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry for NF‐κB inhibitors identification in Chinese Medicinal Preparation Bufei Granule

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) preparations have become effective treatments for many diseases. However, their active ingredients are still uncertain and difficult to identify. In this study, we propose a strategy that integrates ultra‐performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UPLC/Q‐TOF‐MS) and bioactive (NF‐κB inhibitor) luciferase reporter assay systems for the rapid determination of various anti‐inflammatory compounds of TCM preparations. In this way, Bufei Granule (BFG), a TCM preparation used for the clinical therapy of asthma, was analyzed by the two ways of component identification and activity detection. Potential anti‐inflammatory constituents were screened by NF‐κB activity assay systems and simultaneously identified according to the mass spectrometry data. Three structural types of NF‐κB inhibitors (caffeic acid derivatives, flavonoids and Pentacyclic triterpenes) were characterized. Further cytokine detection confirmed the anti‐inflammatory effects of the potential NF‐κB inhibitors. Compared with conventional chromatographic separation and inhibitory activity detection, integrating UPLC/Q‐TOF‐MS identification and virtual validation was more convenient and more reliable. This strategy clearly demonstrates that MS data‐based fingerprinting is a meaningful tool not only in identifying constituents in complex matrix but also in directly screening for powerful trace ingredients in TCM preparations. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Preparation and application of polyvinyl alcohol‐decorated cell membrane chromatography for screening anti‐osteoporosis components from Liuwei Dihuang decoction‐containing serum

Cell membrane chromatography is a powerful tool for screening active components from complex matrices. New cell membrane carriers need to be developed to increase the coverage of cell membranes on the surface of stationary phases, thereby improving cell membrane chromatographic retention. In this work, we prepared polyvinyl alcohol‐poly dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride modified silica gel as a cell membrane carrier. Osteoblast cell was used as cell membrane source, which was widely used to evaluate the osteogenic activity of drugs. The new cell membrane chromatographic stationary phase was used to screen anti‐osteoporosis components in Liuwei Dihuang decoction‐containing serum. The chemical structures of the new modified materials were characterized by scanning electronic microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and elemental analysis characterization. Compared with the common cell membrane column, the cell membrane coverage of this modified material was increased by 30%, and thus provided a stronger retention effect in positive drugs. Nineteen metabolites in rat serum samples were retained on the cell membrane chromatography and identified by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography/time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. Among those, four components (morroniside, catalpol, loganin, and acteoside) were selected for in vitro pharmacodynamics validation. They significantly increased the osteoblast proliferation. The new modified material was successfully applied to screen anti‐osteoporosis components from Liuwei Dihuang Decoction‐containing serum.     

Dual‐Amplification of Antigen–Antibody Interactions via Backfilling Gold Nanoparticles on (3‐Mercaptopropyl) Trimethoxysilane Sol‐Gel Functionalized Interface

A new dual‐amplification strategy of electrochemical signaling from antigen–antibody interactions was proposed via backfilling gold nanoparticles on (3‐mercaptopropyl) trimethoxysilane sol‐gel (MPTS) functionalized interface. The MPTS was employed not only as a building block for the electrode surface modification but also as a matrix for ligand functionalization with first amplification. The second signal amplification strategy introduced in this study was based on the backfilling immobilization of nanogold particles to the immunosensor surface. Several coupling techniques, such as with nanogold but not MPTS or with MPTS but not nanogold, were investigated for the determination of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) as a model, and a very good result was obtained with nanogold and MPTS coupling immunosensor. With the noncompetitive format, the formation of the antigen–antibody complex by a simple one‐step immunoreaction between the immobilized anti‐CEA and CEA in sample solution introduced membrane potential change before and after the antigen–antibody interaction. Under optimal conditions, the proposed immunosensor exhibited a good electrochemical behavior to CEA in a dynamic concentration range of 4.4 to 85.7 ng/mL with a detection limit of 1.2 ng/mL (at 3 δ). Moreover, the precision, reproducibility and stability of the as‐prepared immunosensor were acceptable. Importantly, the proposed methodology would be valuable for diagnosis and monitoring of carcinoma and its metastasis.     

Non‐Flat Bisbenzylisoquinoline Alkaloid Fangchinoline As a Class of Potent G‐Quadruplex Stabilizer with Anti‐cancer Activity

Compounds selectively binding and stabilizing G‐quadruplex structures could inhibit the telomerase or down‐ regulate the oncogenes and may act as anti‐cancer drugs. An alkaloid with non‐flat structure, fangchinoline, showed to strongly stabilize the intermolecular and intramolecular parallel stranded G‐quadruplex structure, increasing melting temperature by 20 and 23°C, respectively. The binding mode was investigated by using NMR and molecular modelling methods. Four human cell lines (HL‐60, BGC‐823, Bel‐7402 and KB) were taken to test the anti‐proliferation effects of fangchinoline and the IC₅₀ values were ranged from 16 to 32 µmol/L. These results showed that the fangchinoline or related moiety derivatives may represent a class of telomere‐targeted agents as potential anti‐cancer drugs.     

Novel Metronidazole Membrane Sensor Based on a 2,6‐(p‐N,N‐Dimethylaminophenyl)‐4‐Phenylthiopyrylium Perchlorate

A novel PVC‐based membrane sensor based on 2,6‐(p‐N,N‐dimethylaminophenyl)‐4‐phenylthiopyrylium perchlorate (DAPP) is described. The electrode exhibits a sub‐Nernstian response to 1‐(beta‐hydroxyethyl)‐2‐methyl‐5‐nitroimidazole (metronidazol) over a relatively wide concentration range (1.0 × 10^?1 to 1.0 × 10^?5 M) with a detection limit of 8.0 × 10^?6 M. The best performance was obtained with the membrane containing 30% poly (vinyl chloride), 50% dibutyl phthalate, 7% DAPP and 13% oleic acid. It has a fast response time (< 30 s) and can be used for at least four weeks without any major deviation. The proposed sensor revealed very good selectivity for metronidazole over a wide variety of common cations, anions and amino acids and could be used in the pH range of 6.0–7.5. It was successfully used for direct determination of metronidazole in an oral synthetic antiprotozoal as an antibacterial agent, in metronidazole tablets, and metronidazole injections and metronidazole gels.     

Self‐Assembled Monolayers of Cucurbit[6]uril on a Gold Electrode for 4,4′‐Oxydianiline Determination. Analytical Application

Self‐assembled monolayers of cucurbit[6]uril (CB[6]) on a gold electrode have been used for 4,4′‐oxydialine (ODA) analysis. The formation of the supramolecular complex between ODA and CB[6] was used for the molecular selection and the electroanalytical determination of this analyte. In addition to this, all the parameters affecting the modification of the gold electrode and the determination of 4,4′‐oxydianiline were optimized by square wave voltammetry. Upon the electrode modification, pentanethiol was employed to fill up the exposed surface between CB[6] molecules. The calculated detection and determination limits were 0.06 µg mL^?1 and 0.19 µg mL^?1, respectively, with good accuracy and precision as shown by the calculated values for the relative error and relative standard deviation (E_r=0.1 % and RDS=2.9 %; n=10 ). Moreover, the developed methodology was successfully applied to the 4,4′‐oxydialine determination in real wastewaters and shoe‐dyeing samples.     

Laccase Biosensor Based on N‐Succinimidyl‐3‐Thiopropionate‐Functionalized Gold Electrodes

A laccase biosensor, in which the enzyme was immobilized on N‐succinimidyl‐3‐thiopropionate (NSTP)‐modified gold electrodes, is reported. Two different approaches for the preparation of N‐succinimidyl‐terminated monolayers were evaluated: a) activation of a preformed 3‐mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) SAM by reaction with 1‐(3‐dimethylaminopropyl)‐ 3‐ethylcarbodiimide (EDC) and N‐hydroxysulfosuccinimide (NHS); b) assembling of dithiobisuccinimidyl propionate (DTSP). NSTP‐modified electrodes were characterized by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Biosensors prepared by covalent binding of the enzyme and by cross‐linking with glutaraldehyde atop NSTP‐modified electrodes were compared in terms of sensitivity and operational range for caffeic acid. A much better analytical performance was found using the latter approach. Variables affecting the amperometric detection (enzyme loading, pH and applied potential) were optimized. The operational stability and characteristics of functioning of the laccase biosensor in terms of repeatability of the amperometric measurements, reproducibility with different biosensors and useful lifetime, were evaluated. The kinetic parameters of the enzyme reactions and the analytical characteristics of the corresponding calibration plots were calculated for eight phenolic compounds. Limits of detection of 0.07 μM, 0.05 μM and 0.09 μM were obtained for caffeic acid, catechol and 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), respectively. The practical usefulness of the developed biosensor was evaluated by estimating the “pool” of phenolic compounds in olive oil mill wastewaters (OMW).