GC–MS and GC–IRD studies on dimethoxyamphetamines (DMA): Regioisomers related to 2,5-DMA

The mass spectrum of the drug of abuse 2,5-dimethoxyamphetamine (2,5-DMA) is characterized by an imine fragment base peak at m/z 44 and additional fragments at m/z 151/152 for the dimethoxybenzyl cation and radical cation, respectively. Five positional ring isomers of dimethoxyamphetamines (DMA) have an isomeric relationship to 2,5-DMA. All six compounds have the same molecular weight and produce similar EI mass spectra. This lack of mass spectral specificity for the isomers in addition to the possibility of chromatographic coelution could result in misidentification. The lack of reference materials for the potential imposter molecules constitutes a significant analytical challenge. Perfluoroacylation of the amine group reduced the nitrogen basicity and provided individual fragmentation pathways for discrimination between these compounds based on some unique fragment ions and the relative abundance of common ions. GC–IRD studies provided additional structure–IR spectra relationships and yielded confirmation level identification for each of the six regioisomeric dimethoxyamphetamines. The amines and their perfluoroacylated derivatives were resolved by capillary gas chromatography and the amines showed excellent resolution on the more polar stationary phase, Rtx-200.     

GC-MS studies on acylated derivatives of 3-methoxy-4-methyl- and 4-methoxy-3-methyl-phenethylamines: regioisomers related to 3,4-MDMA

A series of side chain regioisomers of 3-methoxy-4-methyl- and 4-methoxy-4-methyl-phenethylamines have mass spectra essentially equivalent to the controlled drug substance 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (3,4-MDMA), all have molecular weight of 193 and major fragment ions in their electron ionization mass spectra at m/z 58 and 135/136. The acetyl, propionyl and trifluoroacetyl derivatives of the primary and secondary regioisomeric amines were prepared and evaluated in GC-MS studies. The mass spectra for these derivatives were significantly individualized and the resulting unique fragment ions allowed for specific side chain identification. The trifluoroacetyl derivatives provided more fragment ions for molecular individualization among these regioisomeric substances. These trifluoroacetyl derivatives showed excellent resolution on a non-polar stationary phase such as Rtx-1.     

Rethinking the Economic Torts

We propose a revised conceptual basis for the economic torts which is true to their historical role of regulating the competitive process. Claims that the economic torts are part of a wider principle of prima facie liability for intentional harm or that they are based on a theory of secondary or accessorial liability should, we argue, be rejected. Instead, we focus on a narrower and, we claim, more defensible conception of these torts in terms of the economic interests which they protect, the kinds of interferences which trigger liability, and the nature of the justifications which should be accepted as defences.     

Testing a Model of Universal Prevention Effects on Adolescent Relationships and Marijuana Use as Pathways to Young Adult Outcomes

There are several interrelated knowledge gaps in the literature on skills-building interventions for middle schoolers designed to prevent initiation of substance use, all of which concern the limited study of the adolescent pathways of those intervention effects on distal young adult outcomes. Among the most important yet understudied pathways of influence on long-term effects are positive youth relationship outcomes of middle-school interventions. Other influential pathways for long-term effects are reductions in adolescent substance misuse, particularly marijuana use, considering the long-term consequences of early marijuana initiation. To address these knowledge gaps, data from a randomized controlled trial were used to test a longitudinal, developmental model positing pathways of intervention effects on age 21 illicit drug use and positive relationship affect, via earlier effects on adolescent relationships and marijuana use. Sixth-graders and their families enrolled in 22 Iowa schools were randomly assigned to the Iowa Strengthening Families Program or a control group (N?=?446). The average age of students at baseline was 11.3 years (10–13 year age range); 48% were male and 98% were Caucasian, reflective of the demographics in the participating rural Midwest communities. Measures included middle-school relationships (parents, peers, school), high school marijuana use, plus age 21 illicit drug use and relationship affect (parents, work, school), 10 years past intervention implementation. As expected, intervention effects on young adult variables were indirect, through effects on adolescent outcomes, with higher-risk participants showing greater intervention impact. The findings suggest preventive interventions with young adolescents have potential to demonstrate effects into young adulthood.

     

L’exil et la négociation du manque dans trois romans de Calixthe Beyala

This article takes as its theme the literature of sub-Saharan Africa, and in particular the prolific work of the Cameroonian author Calixthe Beyala, who, since 1987, has published numerous novels in exile. Calixthe Beyala is among those expatriate writers for whom exile, far from being synonymous with banishment, on the contrary represents true salvation. The article examines how Calixthe Beyala speaks of expatriation in three of her novels: Tu t’appelleras Tanga (Your name shall be Tanga) (1988), Les honneurs perdus (1996) and Comment cuisiner son mari à l’africaine (2000). Belonging to three successive decades, these works relate specifically to the theme of exile and plunge to the heart of Cameroon and to the Cameroonian diaspora in Paris, shedding light on the grieving process linked to the loss of one’s own geographic space, and to the loss of self.     

The social sub-optimality of competitive elections: comment

Buchler (Public Choice 133(3-4): 439–456, 2007) models elections as methods of making social choices among different options, and argues that increased electoral competition may produce inferior outcomes. However, competitive elections also play a role in affecting the behavior of candidates, and of elected officials in office. Once this role is recognized, competitive elections must be seen as a necessary (but not sufficient) ingredient in the production of socially-optimal government.     

Digital Nonviolence

The digital age features titillating technologies, on-demand consumption, and information saturation. Technology has a unique capacity to offer a sense of greater connection, even as its actual workings may yield deeper forms of dislocation and alienation. While the marketing of new tech often highlights the potential for enhanced mobility, access, equity, and opportunity, the emerging evidence on the full range of impacts is beginning to tell another story. Among other challenges, there are nascent accounts of the effects technology is having on youth in particular, including disconcerting rates of anxiety, depression, and even aggression. Constant use of electronic devices may impair the ability to take responsibility for conduct, manage one’s emotions, and to develop strong bonds of empathy for others. Some tech pioneers have begun openly questioning their handiwork, and a larger coalition of former industry insiders has coalesced in order to confront the effects of social media and smartphones—with one even characterizing the dangers of technology saturation as a gathering “existential threat.”