Low geomagnetic field strength during End-Cretaceous Deccan volcanism and whole mantle convection.

Knowledge about long-term variation of the geomagnetic dipole field remains in its nascent stage because of the paucity of reliable experimental data over geological periods. Here, we present the first robust experimental data from the largest Cretaceous flood basalt province on Earth, the ~65-66 Ma Deccan basalt within a thick (1250 m) unbiased stratigraphic section down to the basement, recovered from a drill hole of the Koyna Deep Scientific Drilling Project in the Western Ghats, India. Critical analysis of the result along with similar results of the Cretaceous age find that (i) the dipole moment during the end Cretaceous Deccan eruption is the lowest in whole of Cretaceous (ii) dipole moment at the onset/termination of the Cretaceous Normal Superchron is apparently lower relative to that in mid-superchron, however, such differences cannot be deciphered in shorter polarities probably because of insufficient time to develop recognizable variations (iii) inverse relation between dipole moment and reversal rate is lacking and (iv) a cause and effect relation between core-mantle boundary heat flux and low dipole moment that appears to be the principle governing factor in forming the Large Igneous Provinces on the surface of earth.

Mechanism of rift flank uplift and escarpment formation evidenced by Western Ghats, India.

The Western Ghats is one of the largest escarpments on earth, containing Reunion plume derived Deccan Traps, it is an excellent example to probe epeirogenic uplift, extension and subsidence in volcanic continental margins. The most continuous unbiased stratigraphic section of basalt down to the basement within a 1250 m drill hole of the Continental Scientific Deep Drilling Project is a valuable resource to investigate the above aspects. The flows across the entire drill core are geologically subaerial in character with basement exposed ~300 m below the mean sea level; they clearly display more evolved compositions from primary melts of mantle in terms of petrology, and only a single geomagnetic polarity transition in palaeomagnetic data.

The Tropical Disease Priority Review Voucher: A Game-Changer for Tropical Disease Products.

The Neglected Tropical Disease Voucher Program is a Congressionally-mandated program intended to promote approval of products for tropical diseases because it provides spectacular financial compensation consequent to FDA approval of a priority product. Three drug approvals-artemether/lumifantrine for malaria, bedaquiline for multidrug resistant tuberculosis, miltefosine for leishmaniasis-have received Tropical Disease Vouchers to date. We give our view of the type of products that might qualify for a Tropical Disease Voucher, financial considerations in venturing capital to support product development, clinical ramifications of a successful product approval, and an overall evaluation of the Program.

Simultaneous determination of montelukast and loratadine by HPLC and derivative spectrophotometric methods.

In this study, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and second derivative spectrophotometry have been used and described for the simultaneous determination of montelukast and loratadine in pharmaceutical formulations. HPLC separation was achieved with a Symmetry C18 column and sodium phosphate buffer (pH adjusted to 3.7): acetonitrile (20:80, v/v) as eluent, at a flow rate of 1.

Determination of zafirlukast by stability indicating LC and derivative spectrophotometry.

Two analytical methods have been developed for the determination of zafirlukast, a novel anti-asthmatic drug: high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and derivative spectrophotometry (DS). HPLC with ultraviolet detection at 225 nm is carried out with a Symmetry Shield RP18 column and a mobile phase constituted of acetonitrile and 0.01 M potassium dihydrogen phosphate buffer, adjusted the pH to 3.

LC determination of rosiglitazone in bulk and pharmaceutical formulation.

An isocratic reversed phase liquid chromatographic (RP-LC) method has been developed and subsequently validated for the determination of rosiglitazone and its related impurities. Separation was achieved with a Symmetry C18 column and sodium phosphate buffer (pH adjusted to 6.2):acetonitrile (50:50, v/v) as eluent, at a flow rate of 1.

Simultaneous determination of fexofenadine and its related compounds by HPLC.

A simple reversed phase liquid chromatographic (RPLC) method has been developed and subsequently validated for the determination of fexofenadine hydrochloride and its related compounds A and B. The method utilizes a C8 column for the separation and determination of meta-isomer (related compound B). The separation was achieved using an Eclipse XDB C8, 5 microm, 4.

Determination of pioglitazone hydrochloride in bulk and pharmaceutical formulations by HPLC and MEKC methods.

High Performance Liquid Chromatographic (HPLC) and Micellar Electrokinetic Chromatographic (MEKC) methods have been developed for the determination of pioglitazone, a new englycemic antidiabetic agent. Pioglitazone and its unsaturated impurity were separated by MEKC in less than 7 min using a 43 cm x 50 microm i.d.

LC determination of rofecoxib in bulk and pharmaceutical formulations.

An isocratic reversed phase-liquid chromatographic (RP-LC) method has been developed for the determination and purity evaluation of rofecoxib in bulk and pharmaceutical dosage forms using photodiode array detection set at 225 nm. The method is simple, rapid and selective. The method is capable of detecting all process intermediates and other related compounds, which may be present at trace levels in finished products.

A validated method for the determination and purity evaluation of benazepril hydrochloride in bulk and in pharmaceutical dosage forms by liquid chromatography.

A gradient liquid chromatographic (LC) method has been developed for the determination and purity evaluation of benazepril hydrochloride in bulk and pharmaceutical dosage forms. The method is simple, rapid and selective. 5-Methyl-2-nitro phenol has been used as internal standard.

LC method for the determination of assay and purity of sibutramine hydrochloride and its enantiomers by chiral chromatography.

Two isocratic liquid chromatography (LC) methods have been developed for the purity estimation and quantitative determination of sibutramine HCl, using 4-chloro aniline and lovastatin as internal standards, respectively. The precision has been checked in terms of F-test variance ratio using latter method as reference. The ratio of variances of the two methods is close to unity, confirming their good precision.