A sensitive capillary GC-MS method for analysis of topiramate from plasma obtained from single-dose studies

Topiramate (Topamax®) is an antiepileptic medication used as adjunctive and monotherapy in patients with epilepsy and for migraine prophylaxis. A GC‐MS assay was developed that was capable of detecting topiramate plasma concentrations following a single rectal or oral dose administration. Topiramate plasma samples were prepared by solid‐phase extraction and were quantified by GC‐MS analysis. The topiramate standard curves were split from 0.1 to 4 µg/mL and from 4 to 40 µg/mL in order to give a more accurate determination of the topiramate concentration. The accuracy of the standards ranged from 94.6 to 107.3% and the precision (%CV) ranged from 1.0 to 5.3% for both curves at all concentrations. The %CV for quality controls was <7.6%. The assay is both accurate and precise and will be used to complete future pharmacokinetic studies. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Wavelength-orthogonal photolysis of neurotransmitters in vitro

Irradiation of a mixture of 4-methoxyphenacyl-caged (S)-glutamate and 4,5-dimethoxy-2-nitrobenzyl-caged γ-amino butyric acid (GABA) on neurons, at ~260 nm, evokes selective photorelease of (S)-glutamate (Glu) whereas photolysis at 405 nm causes selective photorelease of GABA.     

The evolution of metanorms: quis custodiet ipsos custodes?

How are norms maintained? Axelrod (in Am. Political Sci. Rev. 80(4): 1095–1111, 1986) used an evolutionary computational model to proffer a solution: the metanorm (norm to enforce norm enforcement). Although often discussed, this model has neither been sufficiently replicated nor explored. In this paper we replicate and extend that model. Results were generally supportive of the original. Speculations in the original regarding the requirement to link sanctions underlying the metanorm structure were not supported, as differentiating punishment likelihoods against defectors from punishment likelihoods against shirkers (non-enforcers of the norm against defection) lead to more efficient and effective sanctioning structures that allowed norm emergence. Replications of the Groups game (two groups differing in numbers and power) generally supported the original reports, but true norms against defection emerged only if sanctioning structures were differentiated, resulting in the Strong group developing a dominant norm against others defecting (Metavengeance). That is, when groups are involved with differential power, Metanorms fail unless a more sophisticated sanctioning structure (Metavengeance) is supported.