Abstract: A reading algorithm for a set of mirrored disks sends groups of reads to one disk, then sends the next group to the other disk. This provides a more optimal use of disks for sequential reads than previous algorithms. An enhanced version uses snooping of the read requests and switches disks immediately for the read if the requests are not sequential, or within a given number of records of sequential. Additionally, the size of the requests can change the number of requests grouped together in the enhanced version.

Abstract: A process for the production of water soluble glycerol esters useful as parenteral nutrients is disclosed. The process comprises the reaction of glycerol or a protected glycerol and an acetoacetate ester or acetoacetate precursor, yielding an acetoacetyl glycerol which is thereafter reduced, providing a glycerol ester of 3-hydroxybutyric acid.

Abstract: Novel compositions that are useful as nutrients are disclosed. These compounds are preferably water soluble parenteral nutrients and are glycerol esters of .beta.-acyloxybutyrates of the formula ##STR1## wherein each R is the same or different and is hydrogen, or --COCH.sub.2 CHOR'CH.sub.3), provided that at least one R is not hydrogen and wherein R' is a linear acid ester of even carbon number from 2 to 20 carbons. These compositions are useful as a substitute for glucose in feeding.

Abstract: Preparing cyclohexanediones of the formula ##STR1## an aldehyde is reacted with a ketene to give a polymer having the repeating unit ##STR2## wherein n ranges from about 2 to about 1,000. The polymer is hydrolyzed to produce a mixture of an unsaturated acid of the formula R--CH.dbd.C(R.sub.1)--COOH and a hydroxy ester or acid of the formula R--CH(OH)C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--COOR.sub.3, the mixture is then contacted with an esterifying agent to convert the acids to esters. The ester mixture is contacted with a dehydrating agent to convert the hydroxy ester to unsaturated ester of the formula R--CH.dbd.C(R.sub.1)--COOR.sub.3. The unsaturated ester is contacted with a basic catalyst to cyclize it to the cyclic dione ester of the formula ##STR3## and this ester is then hydrolyzed and decarboxylated to give the cyclohexanedione give the productwherein:R is selected, e.g.

Abstract: Preparation of cyclohexanediones of the formula ##STR1## are disclosed. An aldehyde of the formula R--CHO is reacted with a ketene type compound of the formula (R.sub.1) (R.sub.2) C.dbd.C.dbd.O to give a polymer: ##STR2## wherein n ranges from about 2 to about 1,000. The polymer is hydrolyzed to produce a mixture of an unsaturated acid of the formula R--CH.dbd.C(R.sub.1)--COOH and a hydroxy ester or acid of the formula R--CH(OH)C(R.sub.1) (R.sub.2)--COOR.sub.3, the acids in the mixture are converted for esters. The hydroxy ester of the ester mixture is converted to unsaturated ester of the formula R--CH.dbd.C(R.sub.1)--COOR.sub.3. The unsaturated ester is contacted with a basic catalyst to cyclize it to the cyclic dione ester of the formula ##STR3## and this ester is then hydrolyzed and decarboxylated to give the product ##STR4## wherein: R is selected, e.g.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new granules, as well as the process for their preparation, obtained by extrusion of a mixture containing a meltable binder in an amount such that it permits the passage of the mixture through a die. The granules obtained are then coated with a polymer permitting their trans-rumen passage without degradation. After coating, these granules are used for animal feeding of ruminants.

Abstract: Processes, intermediates, and products involved in preparing cyclohexanediones of the formula ##STR1## are disclosed. An aldehyde of the formula R--CHO is reacted with a ketene type compound of the formula (R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)C.dbd.C.dbd.O at a temperature below about 110.degree. C. to give a polymer having the repeating unit ##STR2## wherein n ranges from about 2 to about 1,000. The polymer is hydrolyzed with alcoholic or aqueous base to produce a mixture of an unsaturated acid of the formula R--CH.dbd.C(R.sub.1)--COOH and a hydroxy ester or acid of the formula R--CH(OH)C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--COOR.sub.3, the mixture is then contacted with an esterifying agent to convert the acids to esters. The ester mixture is contacted with a dehydrating agent to convert the hydroxy ester to unsaturated ester of the formula R--CH.dbd.C(R.sub.1)--COOR.sub.3.

Abstract: A method for obtaining a stigmasterol enriched product from esterified deodorizer distillate by use of a particular solvent system. The solvent system contains water, a C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alcohol such as methanol, and a non-polar solvent such as heptane.

Abstract: Processes, intermediates, and products involved in preparing cyclohexanediones of the formula ##STR1## are disclosed. An aldehyde of the formula R--CHO is reacted with a ketone type compound of the formula (R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)C.dbd.C.dbd.O at a temperature below about 110.degree. C. to give a polymer having the repeating unit --OCH(R)C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)CO].sub.n wherein n ranges from about 2 to about 1,000. The polymer is hydrolyzed with alcoholic or aqueous base to produce a mixture of an unsaturated acid of the formula R--CH.dbd.C(R.sub.1)--COOH and a hydroxy ester or acid of the formula R--CH(OH)C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--COOR.sub.3, the mixture is then contacted with an esterifying agent to convert the acids to esters. The ester mixture is contacted with a dehydrating agent to convert the hydroxy ester to unsaturated ester of the formula R--CH.dbd.C(R.sub.1)--COOR.sub.3.

Abstract: Acetoacetic esters of the formula R--OOCCH.sub.2 COCH.sub.3 are reacted with an unsaturated ester of the formula R.sup.1 R.sup.2 C.dbd.CHCOOR.sup.3 in the presence of basic catalyst such as ethanolic sodium ethoxide to give compound I of the formula ##STR1## and the alcohol by-product HOR.sup.3. By known hydrolysis and decarboxylation procedures, compound I is convertible to compound II of the formula ##STR2## In the above formulas, R is alkyl, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are each selected independently from H, alkyl, alkylthioalkyl, cycloalkyl, alkyl substituted cycloalkyl, aryl, substituted aryl, heterocyclic, or substituted heterocyclic, and R.sup.3 is alkyl or cycloalkyl. These compounds I and II are intermediates in the preparation of known herbicides.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for preparing 11.beta., 17.alpha., 20, 21-tetrahydroxy steroids of the pregnane class. This method comprises incubating the corresponding 17.alpha., 20.alpha. or .beta., 21-trihydroxy steroid in the presence of a culture medium capable of effecting the 11.beta.-hydroxylation, such medium comprising a fungal culture of the genus Curvularia. Also disclosed herein is a method for preparing 11.beta., 17.alpha., 21-trihydroxy-20-oxo steroids of the pregnane class. This method comprises the hydroxylation method described hereinabove followed by conversion of the resulting 11.beta., 17.alpha., 20.alpha. or .beta., 21-tetrahydroxy steroid into the corresponding 11.beta., 17.alpha., 21-trihydroxy-20-oxo steroid.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, 17.alpha.-hydroxy-20-ketosteroids are prepared by the oxidation of 20-ketosteriods, such as 3-methoxy-pregna-3,5-dien-20-one. The 3-methoxypregna-3,5-dien-20-one is prepared from progesterone by methods well known in the art. The pregn-20-ones, such as 3-methoxypregna-3,5-dien-20-one, are oxidized with oxygen or air using a base catalyst in the presence of a phosphite reducing agent in a suitable solvent. The base catalyst consists of an alkali metal tert-alkoxide, which can be prepared from an alkali metal and a tert-alkanol. The oxidation reaction can be carried out at any temperature from about -20.degree. C. to about 50.degree. C. and for a period of 2-20 hours depending on the temperature at which the reaction is carried out. For example, at ambient temperature the rate of oxidation is sufficiently fast to complete the oxidation in 2 to 4 hours. This method for preparing 17.alpha.

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-fermentation process for placing unsaturation at the 9,11 position in a steroidal compound. Also, the present invention provides a process whereby the modified steroidal compound can be separated from the reaction mixture without the use of chromatography. More specifically, the present invention provides a process whereby a steroid compound such as 17-.alpha.-hydroxy-progesterone is reacted to form the meta iodoaryl benzoate. The iodoarylbenzoate is then irradiated with visible light in the presence of an alkyl-m-iodobenzoate dichloride to form the 9.alpha.-chloro steroid derivative. The chlorinated steroid derivative can then be hydrolized to provide a 9.alpha.-chloro steroidal alcohol and m-iodobenzoic acid. The m-iodobenzoic acid is extracted by the use of an aqueous base.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, 21-lower alkoxyoxalylprogesterone is prepared in high yield by the lower alkoxyoxalylation of 3-methoxypregna-3,5-diene-20-one. The 3-methoxypregna-3,5-diene-20-one is prepared from progesterone by methods well known in the art. The 3-methoxypregna-3,5-diene-20-one is lower alkoxyoxalylated with an alkoxide base and the corresponding lower alkyloxalate in a suitable solvent. The alkoxide base consists of a lower alkoxide with an alkali metal counter ion. The lower alkyl group of both the alkoxide and oxalate should be the same and also are the same as the group to be added to the 21 position of the 20-keto steroid, the lower alkyl group contains 1 to 6 carbon atoms. The lower alkoxyoxalylation reaction can be carried at any temperature below the boiling point of the solvent and for a period of 2-20 hours depending on the temperature at which the reaction is carried out.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for dehydroformylation of dinorcholanaldehydes and dinorcholenaldehydes to form 17(20)-pregnenes or 20-pregnenes. The dehydroformylation is carried out using a noble metal catalyst, and preferably carried out in the presence of a hydrogen acceptor.