Moderate De Research Articles

Policy design and policy feedback in welfare retrenchment: A survey experiment in China

AbstractA growing body of public policy literature examines how welfare retrenchment reform produces attitudinal and behavioral feedback effects. This study adds to the literature on welfare reforms by exploring how different policy designs, combined with individual proximity to reform, produce heterogeneous feedback effects. Bridging the theories of policy feedback and policy design, we theorize how different policy designs shape individuals' self‐interest or sociotropic considerations when they form opinions on welfare reform. The feedback effects of these different policy designs are channeled by individual proximity to the reform, resulting in heterogeneous responses to proposed policy change. Seizing an opportune time window when the Chinese government undertook a public consultation program in 2020 regarding the proposed reform reallocating financial resources in individuals' medical savings accounts, we conducted a survey experiment to examine if two different policy designs led to varying feedback effects. We find that the moderate de facto retrenchment reform indeed triggered public opposition. Unlike previous research that emphasizes partisanship as a major source of heterogeneous feedback effects, our study reveals different sources of heterogeneity—public opposition to the proposed reform varies by the specific policy designs and individuals' past experiences with the existing health insurance policy.

COMPARISON OF ORAL IRON SUPPLEMENTS (FERROUS SULPHATE) V/S PARENTRAL IRON SUPPLEMENT (IRON SUCROSE) IN ANTENATAL PATIENTS AT DHIRAJ GENERAL HOSPITAL, VADODARA

Background: This study was carried out to compare the outcome of oral iron Ferrous sulphate tablets v/s parenteral Iron sucrose injection. Parenteral iron was more benecial in quickly restoring iron deciency in antenatal . Aim: To study outcome of comparison between oral and parenteral iron supplements in improving iron deciency anemia in pregnant women . Materials and Methods: This was a comparative and prospective study, conducted in Department of obstetrics and gynecology Dhiraj General hospital,Vadodara. Total 40 pregnant women with mild and moderate iron deciency anemia were taken as cases and followed up and study was conducted for 6 months. Results: Total 40 patients , 20 taking ferrous sulphate tablets and 20 given iv iron sucrose to avoid discrepancy , were studied for prevalence of iron deciency anemia . The anemic patients ranged from 20-35 years, of low socioeconomic status ,with prevalance in both the primigravida and multigravida, majorly in multigravida patients . Majority of patients were seen in 14-28 weeks gestation, which was timely managed in our setup. Majority of patients with iron deciency anemia had <50 kg weight , 13 of which had oral treatment, while 10 patients were given intravenous iron . Majority of women in this study had microcytic hypochromic iron deciency anemia with the nal mean hemoglobin after giving the treatment in oral group being less than in intravenous group . 15 patients (75%) in intravenous group and 13 patients ( 65%) in oral group did not have any side effects. Side effects like Gastrointestinal disturbance were seen more in oral group ( 5 patients i.e. 25%) while sweating and burning were seen in patients where intravenous treatment was given ( 2 patients i.e. 10%) and the nal mean hemoglobin in intravenous group is greater than the oral group. Thus, greater level of hemoglobin was achieved with intravenous mode in the same stipulated 6 months duration . Conclusion: The study depicts that intravenous iron is safe, convenient, and effective, without any serious side-effects , better tolerated by the patients with higher increase in mean hemoglobin. So, it's a good substitute to oral iron therapy in pregnant females with moderate anemia roughly at 14-28 weeks of gestation

Hydrogen peroxide production from oxygen and formic acid by homogeneous Ir-Ni catalyst.

Hydrogen peroxide was directly produced from oxygen and formic acid, catalysed by a hetero-dinuclear Ir-Ni complex with two adjacent sites, at ambient temperature. Synergistic catalysis derived from the hetero-dinuclear Ir and Ni centres was demonstrated by comparing its activity to those of the component mononuclear Ir and Ni complexes. A reaction intermediate of Ir-hydrido was detected by UV-vis, ESI-TOF-MS, and 1H NMR spectroscopies. It was revealed that the Ir moiety serves as an active species of Ir-hydrido, reacting with oxygen to afford an Ir-hydroperoxide species through O2 insertion, which is the rate-determining step for H2O2 production. Meanwhile, the Ni moiety promotes H2O2 formation by activating solvents as proton sources. We also found that H2O2 production is strongly affected by the solvent dielectric constants (DE); the highest H2O2 concentration was obtained in ethylene glycol with a moderate DE. The catalytic mechanism of H2O2 production by the Ir-Ni complex was discussed, based on kinetic analysis, isotope labelling experiments, and theoretical DFT calculations.

In vivo pharmacokinetic study and oral glucose tolerance test of sulfoxide analogs of GPR40 agonist TAK-875.

TAK-875 (compound 1) was the only GPR40 agonist with promising oral glucose-lowering effect, which entered phase III clinical trials. In previous studies, we successfully synthesized the TAK-875 sulfoxide analog 2, which was further separated to optically pure compounds 3 (S, S, 100.0% de) and 4 (R, S, 100.0% de). In vitro biological evaluation revealed that the sulfoxide analogs 3 and 4 possessed comparable GPR40 agonist activity to TAK-875. Herein, in order to further evaluate the druglikeness of TAK-875 sulfoxide analogs, the pharmacokinetic properties of compounds 2, 3, and 4 in rats were investigated and compared with that of TAK-875. The results showed that sulfoxide (2, 3, and 4) and sulfone (TAK-875) could be converted into each other in different degrees in vivo. Interestingly, compound 3 showed higher drug exposure calculated by the AUC sum of sulfoxide and sulfone in plasma than TAK-875, 2 and 4. In order to further investigate the in vivo glucose-lowering potency of sulfoxide analogs, asymmetric synthesis was carried out and led to two sulfoxides with moderate de values, 5 (S, S, 66.4% de) and 6 (R, S, 71.0% de). The following oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in rats showed that 5 (S, S, 66.4% de) had stronger glucose-lowering effect in vivo than 6 (R, S, 71.0% de) and TAK-875, which could be partly rationalized by the superior pharmacokinetic property of sulfoxide 3 (the main component of 5) relative to sulfoxide 4 (the main component of 6) and TAK-875.

Association between dry eye and depressive symptoms: Large-scale crowdsourced research using the DryEyeRhythm iPhone application

PurposeDry eye (DE) disease and depression are increasing in modern times. We investigated the association between DE and depressive symptoms using the iPhone application, DryEyeRhythm. MethodsThis large-scale crowdsourced observational study was conducted within iPhone users in Japan who downloaded DryEyeRhythm. Participants with a Zung Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) score ≥ 40 were defined as having depressive symptoms, and those with an Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score ≥ 13 were defined as having DE symptoms (mild, 13–22; moderate, 23–32; and severe, 33–100). We compared SDS scores between participants with normal eye and mild, moderate, and severe OSDI-based DE symptoms. Logistic regression analyses were used to determine the association between DE severity and depressive symptoms after adjustment for demographic characteristics, medical history, and lifestyle habits. ResultsThis study included 4454 participants (mean age, 27.9 ± 12.6 years; female, 66.7%). Participants with SDS scores ≥40 accounted for 58.2%, 70.9%, 79.4%, and 85.0% of normal controls and participants with mild, moderate, and severe DE symptoms, respectively (P trend < 0.001). The adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence interval) for depressive symptoms (SDS score of ≥40) were 1.62 (1.35–1.95) for mild, 2.39 (1.92–2.97) for moderate, and 3.29 (2.70–4.00) for severe DE symptoms. ConclusionThis large-scale crowdsourced clinical study using DryEyeRhythm suggests that depressive symptoms are more common in individuals with more severe DE symptoms. DryEyeRhythm could play a role in earlier prevention or future prospective interventions for depressive symptoms in individuals with DE symptoms.

Use of noninvasive mechanical ventilation with pressure support guaranteed with average volume in de novo hypoxaemic respiratory failure. A pilot study.

This study was designed to determine the results associated with the use of noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) using the BiPAP S/T-AVAPS ventilation strategy in subjects with mild to moderate de novohypoxaemicrespiratory failure. This is a prospective study that includes subjects with de novohypoxaemic respiratory failure (not produced by acute exacerbations of COPD, chronic lung disease, or congestive heart failure) with mild to moderate PaO₂/FiO₂, who were admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Santa Maria Clinic in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Subjects were divided into two groups and compared according to their PaO₂/FiO₂: higher than 100 and up to 200 mm Hg (moderate ARDS) or between 200 and 300 mm Hg (mild ARDS) (both groups were ventilated with the BiPAP S/T-AVAPS strategy). A value of P < 0.05 was considered significant. A total of 38 subjects were analysed in this study. The total rate of intubation was 34.2% while the mortality rate was 28.9%. Significant differences were observed when comparing success versus failure in exhaled tidal volumes (P = 0.04), peak inspired pressure (P < 0.001), PaO₂ (P < 0.001), SaO₂ (P < 0.002), PaO₂/FiO₂ (P < 0.002), RR (P < 0.001), HR (P < 0.001), and inspiratory time (P = 0.029) measured at baseline and at 12-hour, 24-hour and 48-hour intervals. The BiPAP S/T-AVAPS ventilatory mode can be used in subjects with de novo hypoxaemic respiratory failure with special vigilance concerning exhaled tidal volumes and inspired pressure.

Transient contraction flow of a nonlinear viscoelastic fluid

AbstractThe unsteady behavior of a Phan‐Thien‐Tanner fluid in a pressure driven contraction flow is investigated. Calculations are performed using the log‐conformation reformulation and block coupled pressure correction. Studies are carried out for the Deborah number De of the process and the model's extension parameter α. It is shown that for very small and very large De the fluid responds newtonian whereas for moderate De damped oscillations of the volume flux can be observed. The studies for α show that the flow is shear dominant despite the extensional flow character of contractions. (© 2016 Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH &amp; Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Severity of clinical manifestations and laryngeal exposure difficulty predicted by glossoptosis endoscopic grades in Robin sequence patients

ObjectiveTo evaluate the performance of two glossoptosis airway obstruction classifications in predicting symptom severity and laryngeal exposure difficulty in Robin Sequence (RS) patients.Setting: Public tertiary hospital otolaryngology section (Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre - HCPA). PatientsAll RS patients diagnosed at HCPA from October 2012 to February 2015 were enrolled, a total of 58 individuals. They were classified in isolated RS, RS-Plus and syndromic RS. InterventionPatients were submitted to sleep endoscopy and a score was attributed according to Yellon and de Sousa by a blinded researcher. Symptom severity evaluation was performed as defined by Cole classification. Main outcome measureAssociation between endoscopic findings and clinical symptoms severity and laryngeal exposure difficulty. ResultsTwenty four patients were identified as isolated RS (41.4%), 19 patients presented as RS-Plus (32.7%) and 15 patients had well defined diagnosed syndromes (25.9%). Concomitant airway anomalies were found in 18 patients (31%). Specifically 17.4% in isolated RS, 55.6% in RS- Plus and 28.6% in the syndromic group had such anomalies (P = 0,03). Probability of presenting severe clinical symptoms as graded by Cole was higher in grade 3 Yellon classification (68.4%, P = 0.012) and in moderate and severe de Sousa classification (61.5% and 62.5%, respectively, P = 0.015) than in milder grades of obstruction. This findings were considered significant even after controlling for patient age. Laryngeal exposure difficulty was correlated with de Sousa and Yellon (Rho = 0,41 and Rho = 0,43, respectively; P < 0,05). ConclusionPatients with higher degrees of obstruction in sleep endoscopy had a higher probability of presenting a more severe clinical manifestation and a more difficult laryngeal exposure. Since the number of patients included in this study was small for subgroup analyses, it is not clear if this association is restricted to a specific group of RS.

CATHERINE II AND HER PLAYS

Catherine II produced a fairly large number of plays in which she satirized particular vices and included a moderate number de moral teachings. However, in many of them Catherine was primarily occupied with amorous pursuits. Her so-called French plays are weak, full of gossip and ridiculing. Catherine also addressed the problem of education, but in most cases this was reduced to crude criticism, particularly of the masonry, fairly popular then in Russia. Although she was technically the head of the Orthodox church, there are almost no religious references in her plays. However, she was very concerned in her plays with proclaiming the elevated status of the monarch.

Effect of Telephone-Based Support on Postpartum Depression: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Postpartum depression (PPD) is one public health issue that affects both maternal and child health. This research studies the effect of health volunteers' telephone- based support on decreasing PPD. This randomized controlled trial evaluated 203 women who had uncomplicated deliveries. The women completed the Edinburg Postnatal Depres- sion Scale (EPDS), 10 to 15 days after childbirth in order to be assessed for pre-trial depression scores. The cut-off point for depression was considered to be a score of >10. We randomly assigned 54 eligible mothers (n=27 per group) with mild and moderate de- pression to the intervention and control groups. In both groups, mothers received routine postpartum care. The intervention group additionally received telephone support from health volunteers. A questionnaire was used to gather demographic and obstetric infor- mation. By the end of the 6thweek, mothers completed the EPDS to be reassessed for depression after intervention. Data were analyzed using the chi-square, Fisher's exact, t- and paired t tests. The mean depression scores before intervention (10 to 15 days after childbirth) in the intervention and control groups did not significantly differ (P=0.682). Depres- sion scores of the intervention and control groups showed a significant difference after 6 weeks (P=0.035). In addition, there was a significant decrease in depression for the intervention and control groups (P=0.045). Health volunteer telephone-based support effectively decreased PPD and may be beneficial to women with symptoms of mild and moderate PPD (Registration number: IRCT201202159027N1).

ChemInform Abstract: Access to 2′,3′‐Dihydro‐1′H‐spiro[indoline‐3,4′‐pyridin]‐2‐ones via Amino Acid Derived Phosphine‐Catalyzed Asymmetric [4 + 2] Annulation with Easily Available Oxindole‐Derived α,β‐Unsaturated Imines.

Abstract The phosphine-catalyzed asymmetric [4+2] annulation of vinyl ketones with more easily available oxindole-derived α,β-unsaturated imines has been further developed in the presence of an easily available multifunctional thiourea-phosphine catalyst derived from natural amino acid, providing the enantioselective synthesis of 2′,3′-dihydro-1′H-spiro[indoline-3,4′-pyridin]-2-ones in good yields and moderate de values with higher enantioselectivities under mild conditions.

PD21-09 THE INFLUENCE OF GLOBAL HEALTH ON URINARY AND SEXUAL FUNCTION IN MALES – ANALYSIS OF CARDIOVASCULAR AND METABOLIC RISK SCORES AND PSYCHOMETRIC TESTS

You have accessJournal of UrologyBenign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Epidemiology & Natural History1 Apr 2014PD21-09 THE INFLUENCE OF GLOBAL HEALTH ON URINARY AND SEXUAL FUNCTION IN MALES – ANALYSIS OF CARDIOVASCULAR AND METABOLIC RISK SCORES AND PSYCHOMETRIC TESTS Roberto Soler, Alexandre Ferreira, Renato Holcman, Fabricio Beltrame, Raquel Conceição, Viviane Tabone, and Rogerio Simonetti Roberto SolerRoberto Soler More articles by this author , Alexandre FerreiraAlexandre Ferreira More articles by this author , Renato HolcmanRenato Holcman More articles by this author , Fabricio BeltrameFabricio Beltrame More articles by this author , Raquel ConceiçãoRaquel Conceição More articles by this author , Viviane TaboneViviane Tabone More articles by this author , and Rogerio SimonettiRogerio Simonetti More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2014.02.1686AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail Introduction and Objectives Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and erectile dysfunction (ED) are associated conditions, probably sharing pathophysiological mechanisms. The influence of comorbidities (diabetes, metabolic syndrome and hypertension) on both conditions has been described. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of cardiovascular and metabolic risk scores and psychometric status with male LUTS and DE. Methods Data from men 40 years or older undergoing global health check-up from jan-2007 to jul-2013 at a single institution (n=10,931) were reviewed. They underwent clinical and specialized assessments and were categorized by risk scores for cardiovascular events (Framingham) and diabetes (Finnish Diabetes Risk Score - FINDRISC). They also responded psychometric tests for depression (Beck) and stress. The urological assessment included the IPSS (LUTS) and IIEF-5 (erectile function). Men with diagnosis of prostate cancer, prostatic surgery and using medications that affect urinary or sexual function were excluded. Men were categorized by IPSS and IIEF-5 and the association with categorical variables were analyzed by chi-square test, and numerical by Student’s t-test. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors. Results A total of 10,630 men were analyzed. The presence of at least moderate LUTS and DE was significantly associated with moderate to high risk score for cardiovascular events (Framingham) and for diabetes (FINDRISC). Those were independent risk factors for LUTS and DE. Likewise, the presence of depression (Beck) and stress were independent factors. Global health parameters (hypertension, diabetes, obesity) were also associated with both conditions (table). Conclusions Moderate to high risk score for cardiovascular events and diabetes are independent risk factors for moderate to severe male LUTS and erectile dysfunction. Depression and stress were also independently associated with these conditions. Those may be important tools for assessing the need for preventive actions to try to minimize the negative impact of global health deterioration on urological function. IPSS less than or equal to 7 IPSS more than 7 IIEF-5 more than or equal 17 IIEF-5 less than 16 Framingham score (moderate/high) 24.0% 53.1% ∗ # 24.1% 65.7% ∗ # Findrisc (higher than moderate) 39.3% 55.3% ∗ # 39.3% 64.1% ∗ # Beck (depression) 11.2% 21.7% ∗ # 11.2% 31.6% ∗ # Stress 21.2% 35.4% ∗ # 21.4% 34.2% ∗ # Physical activity (active/very active) 41.6% 36.8% 41.7% 30.8% ∗ Diabetes 4.1% 10.8% ∗ # 4.1% 16.8% ∗ # Hypertension 20.2% 33.8% ∗ # 20.2% 45.2% ∗ # Metabolic syndrome 32.8% 41.7% ∗ # 32.9% 44.9% ∗ Age (years) (mean (SD)) 48 (6) 57 (9) ∗ # 48 (6) 58 (9) ∗ # Body mass index (Kg/m2)(mean (SD)) 27(4) 27 (3) 27 (4) 28 (4) ∗ # Waist circumference (cm) (mean (SD)) 97 (11) 99 (10) ∗ # 97 (11) 101 (12) ∗ # Prostate volume (g) (mean (SD)) 26 (11) 39 (24) ∗ # 27 (11) 34 (16) ∗ # Blood glucose (mg/dL) (mean (SD)) 93 (20) 101 (39) ∗ # 93 (20) 110 (51) ∗ # Reactive protein C (mg/L) (mean (SD)) 2.4 (5) 2.8 (5) 2.4 (5) 3.1 (4) ∗ ∗ p < 0.01 (univariate analysis) # p < 0.01 (multivariate analysis) © 2014FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 191Issue 4SApril 2014Page: e609 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2014MetricsAuthor Information Roberto Soler More articles by this author Alexandre Ferreira More articles by this author Renato Holcman More articles by this author Fabricio Beltrame More articles by this author Raquel Conceição More articles by this author Viviane Tabone More articles by this author Rogerio Simonetti More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Access to 2′,3′-dihydro-1′H-spiro[indoline-3,4′-pyridin]-2-ones via amino acid derived phosphine-catalyzed asymmetric [4+2] annulation with easily available oxindole-derived α,β-unsaturated imines

The phosphine-catalyzed asymmetric [4+2] annulation of vinyl ketones with more easily available oxindole-derived α,β-unsaturated imines has been further developed in the presence of an easily available multifunctional thiourea-phosphine catalyst derived from natural amino acid, providing the enantioselective synthesis of 2′,3′-dihydro-1′H-spiro[indoline-3,4′-pyridin]-2-ones in good yields and moderate de values with higher enantioselectivities under mild conditions.

Resting EEG Activity and Ovarian Hormones as Predictors of Depressive Symptoms in Postmenopausal Women without a Diagnosis of Major Depression

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of depressive symptoms on resting EEG and their corre- lation with endogenous hormone levels in postmenopausal women without a diagnosis of major depress- sion. Fifty postmenopausal women aged 48 to 60 years were assessed for depressive symptoms using the Beck Depression Inventory. EEG activity was recorded during rest with eyes closed in 23 participants with minimal and 27 with moderate depressive symptoms. Relative power for delta, theta, alpha1, alpha2, beta1 and beta2 were analyzed and compared between women with minimal and moderate depressive symptoms. Hormonal levels of estrone, estradiol, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone and lu- teinizing hormone were obtained and correlated with the EEG parameters. The women with moderate de- pressive symptoms showed more relative alpha1power (p = .01) and less relative beta 2 power (p = .03). Relative theta and alpha2 power, estradiol levels and menopausal years were predictors of depressive symptoms. Progesterone was negatively correlated with the theta band (p = .005) and positively correlated with the beta2 band (p = .02) in women with moderate depressive symptoms. Estrone was negatively cor- related with the alpha2 band (p = .05), and estradiol was positively correlated with the theta band (p = .02) and negatively correlated with the beta2 band (p = .05) in women with minimal depressive symptoms. These findings suggest that slow and fast EEG relative power, menopausal status and estrogen levels pre- dict depressive symptoms and that progesterone is related with moderate depression.

Premature and delayed ejaculation: two ends of a single continuum influenced by hormonal milieu

Although it is well established that all the aspects of male reproduction are hormonally regulated, the endocrine control of the ejaculatory reflex is still not completely clarified. Sex steroids, thyroid and pituitary hormones (oxytocin and prolactin) have been proposed to control the ejaculatory process at various levels; however, only a few reports are currently available. The aim of this study was to evaluate the contribution of testosterone, thyrotropin (TSH) and prolactin (PRL) in the pathogenesis of ejaculatory dysfunction in a large series of subjects consulting for sexual dysfunction. Among the 2652 patients studied, 674 (25.2%) and 194 (7.3%) reported premature and delayed ejaculation (PE and DE), respectively. Categorizing ejaculatory difficulties on an eight-point scale starting from severe PE and ending with anejaculation (0 = severe PE, 1 = moderate PE, 2 = mild PE, 3 = no difficulties, 4 = mild DE, 5 = moderate DE, 6 = severe DE and 7 = anejaculation), PRL as well as TSH levels progressively increased from patients with severe PE towards those with anejaculation. Conversely, the opposite was observed for testosterone levels. All of these associations were confirmed after adjustment for age (adjusted r = 0.050, 0.053 and -0.038 for PRL, TSH and testosterone, respectively; all p < 0.05). When all hormonal parameters were introduced in the same regression model, adjusting for age, ΣMHQ (an index of general psychopathology) and use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants, they were independently associated with ejaculatory problems (adjusted r = 0.056, 0.047 and -0.059 for PRL, TSH and testosterone, respectively; all p < 0.05). This study indicates endocrine system is involved in the control of ejaculatory function and that PRL, TSH and testosterone play an independent role.

Photodecarboxylative benzylations of phthalimide in pH 7 buffer: a simple access to 3-arylmethyleneisoindolin-1-ones

Photoadditions of phenylacetates to phthalimide in pH 7 buffer solution give the corresponding benzylated-hydroxyphthalimidines in moderate to high yields of up to 94%. In a micro-structured reactor, higher conversions and purities are achieved. With branched phenylacetates, photoaddition affords diastereoisomeric mixtures with low to moderate de values. Subsequent acid-catalyzed dehydration furnishes the corresponding 3-arylmethyleneisoindolin-1-ones in good to excellent yields and with high E-selectivities. Irradiation of the parent 3-phenylmethyleneisoindolin-1-one under oxidative conditions only leads to cis/ trans-isomerization.

Threonine aldolases—an emerging tool for organic synthesis

In a systematic study, 21 ring-substituted benzaldehydes were reacted with glycine under catalysis with a l-threonine aldolase ( lTA) from Pseudomonas putida and a d-threonine aldolase ( dTA) from Alcaligenes xylosoxidans to form the corresponding β-hydroxy-α-amino acids 1– 18. dTA proved to be highly selective with ee's >99% ( d) and de's up to 99% ( syn). Two thiamphenicol precursors were synthesized utilizing dTA on a preparative scale. lTA-catalyzed reactions led to ee's >99% ( l) but low to moderate de's (20–50%, syn).

Asymmetric conjugate reductions with samarium diiodide: asymmetric synthesis of (2S,3R)- and (2S,3S)-[2-2H,3-2H]-leucine-(S)-phenylalanine dipeptides and (2S,3R)-[2-2H,3-2H]-phenylalanine methyl ester

The highly diastereoselective samarium diiodide and D(2)O-promoted conjugate reduction of homochiral (E)- and (Z)-benzylidene and isobutylidene diketopiperazines (E)-5,7 and (Z)-6,8 has been demonstrated. This methodology allows the asymmetric synthesis of methyl (2S,3R)-dideuteriophenylalanine 27 in > or = 95% de and >98% ee, and (2S,3R)- or (2S,3S)-dideuterioleucine-(S)-phenylalanine dipeptides 37 and 38 in moderate de, 66% and 74% respectively. A mechanism is proposed to account for this process.

Effect of subthreshold up and down states on the whisker-evoked response in somatosensory cortex.

Changes in spontaneous activity within the cortex recognized by subthreshold fluctuations of the membrane potential of cortical neurons modified the response of cortical neurons to sensory stimuli. Sensory stimuli occurring in the hyperpolarized "down" state evoked a larger depolarization and were more effective in evoking action potentials than stimuli occurring in the depolarized "up" state. Direct electrical stimulation of the thalamus showed the same dependence on the cell's state at the time of the stimulus, ruling out a strictly thalamic mechanism. Stimuli were more effective at triggering action potentials in the down state even during moderate de- or hyperpolarization of the somatic membrane potential. The postsynaptic potential (PSP) evoked from the down state was larger than the up state PSP but achieved about the same peak membrane potential, which was also near the reversal potential of the PSP (about -51 mV). Chloride loading shifted the reversal potentials of both the up state and the whisker-evoked PSP toward a more depolarized membrane potential. In addition, the threshold for action potentials evoked from the down state was lower than for spikes evoked in the up state. Thus the larger PSP from the down state may be caused by its larger driving force, and the state dependence of action potential generation in response to whisker stimulation may in part be related to a shift in threshold. Different mechanisms are therefore responsible for the state-dependence of PSP amplitude and the spike frequency response to the whisker stimulus.

Spiroaziridination of Cycloalkylidene Esters under High Pressure

The reaction between primary amines and 2-bromo-2-(cycloalkylidene)acetates in alcohol under high pressure provides the expected spiroaziridines in good yields and diastereomeric excesses. With bulky or aromatic amines, this reaction competes with the migration of the double bond, which, migrating from an exo to an endocyclic position, provides an intermediate allylic α-bromo ester, immediately converted into an α-amino ester. It was also possible to develop a tandem version, applying the same high pressure conditions to a 1,4-bis-cyclohexylidene acetate. The corresponding bis-spiroaziridine was obtained in good yield and moderate de. However, this reaction did not succeed with 2-chloro-2-(cyclopropylidene)acetate, which produced only glutaric acid derivatives in low yields.