Abstract: The present invention provides a novel process for preparing pleuromutilin derivatives, novel salts of mutilin 14-(exo-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-ylsulfanyl)-acetate or solvates thereof, novel pharmaceutical compositions or formulations for topical administration comprising mutilin 14-(exo-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-ylsulfanyl)-acetate or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof and their use in medical therapy, particularly antibacterial therapy.

Abstract: A process for the detection of a nucleic acid sequence in a homogeneous assay format using an energy transfer system is disclosed. This process utilizes a 5' labeled primer containing a selfcomplementary sequence in an amplification or extension process together with a subsequent detection step using a 3' labeled probe for the amplified or extended region. The labels will be close together in space after hybridizing the probe close to the short piece of double-stranded DNA resulting from backfolding of the selfcomplementary region of the primer which has been incorporated into the amplified or extended product. A new primer for use in this process is also disclosed.

Abstract: Energy-transfer systems which can be used, inter alia, for measuring distances within or between different molecules are described, comprising derivatives of lumazine and ruthenium, in particular derivatives of DNA or RNA sequences.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ruthenium complex having the formulaRu.sup.2+ L.sub.1 L.sub.2 L.sub.3 Iwherein L.sub.1, L.sub.2 and L.sub.3 are the same or different are equal to a bi- or polycyclic ligand with at least two nitrogen-containing heterocycles, whereby at least one of these ligands is substituted with at least one group conferring water-solubility, and whereby at least one of these ligands is substituted, optionally via a spacer group, with at least one reactive group, and whereby the ligands L.sub.1, L.sub.2 and L.sub.3 are attached to the ruthenium via nitrogen atoms.The invention is further related to such ruthenium complexes having coupled thereto an immunologically active material, for example, antigens, haptens or antibodies and to the use of said ruthenium complexes in fluorescence spectroscopy. Specific ligands L.sub.1, L.sub.2 and L.sub.3 which are useful in the ruthenium complexes of the invention are, e.g.

Abstract: Spin polarized electron source using an emissive micropoint cathode. At least one portion of each micropoint, including the top of the latter, is ferromagnetic, so that the electrons emitted by the cathode are spin polarized in a given direction, when the portion is subject to a magnetic field parallel to the given direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ruthenium complex having the formulaRu.sup.2+ L.sub.1 L.sub.2 L.sub.3 Iwherein L.sub.1, L.sub.2 and L.sub.3 are the same or different are equal to a bi- or polycyclic ligand with at least two nitrogen-containing heterocycles, whereby at least one of these ligands is substituted with at least one group conferring water-solubility, and whereby at least one of these ligands is substituted, optionally via a spacer group, with at least one reactive group, and whereby the ligands L.sub.1, L.sub.2 and L.sub.3 are attached to the ruthenium via nitrogen atoms.The invention is further related to such ruthenium complexes having coupled thereto an immunologically active material, for example, antigens, haptens or antibodies and to the use of said ruthenium complexes in fluorescence spectroscopy. Specific ligands L.sub.1, L.sub.2 and L.sub.3 which are useful in the ruthenium complexes of the invention are, e.g.

Abstract: The display comprises a cholesteric liquid crystal film in which are embedded dye molecules between the two walls separated by a shim. One wall is at least partly covered by a reflecting coating reversing the polarization of a circularly polarized electromagnetic wave. The optical anisotropy .DELTA.n and the helix pitch p are such that the least absorbed wave on passing through the cell has an ellipticity equal to or greater than .pi./8.