Abstract: The present invention relates to phenylethynyl compounds of formula I wherein R1, R2, X, L, R3, R4, R4?, cyc, and n are as defined in the specification and claims and to a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt, to a racemic mixture, or to its corresponding enantiomer and/or optical isomer and/or stereoisomer thereof. Compounds of formula I are positive allosteric modulators (PAM) of the metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5 (mGluR5). They are useful for the treatment of schizophrenia or cognitive diseases.

Abstract: A device for measuring the sedimentation rate in biological fluids, and particularly the erythrocyte sedimentation rate in blood samples. The device comprises: holders (3) for test tubes (P) containing samples of biological fluid; agitator devices (25) for agitating the test tubes; at least one detector (17, 19) for reading the levels inside the test tubes. The holders together form a continuous flexible member (1) defining a closed path along which the agitator devices and the detector are arranged.

Abstract: A test tube apparatus including a container body (1) with a cavity (3) which is essentially prismatic and has an essentially rectangular cross section, a cylindrical connecting part (5) for filling, and a flat laminar zone (7) developed as an extension of one of the walls of the cavity. Information which can be read optically, such as bar codes or the like, may be accommodated on this flat laminar zone (7).

Abstract: On a base structure (101, 103), an assembly (104) oscillates about a horizontal axis (X—X) between two limit positions; on said assembly, a rotor (106) is capable of rotating about an axis (Y—Y) of rotation orthogonal to said horizontal axis (X—X) and has a ring of seats (121) for test tubes (1); an actuator (145) moves said assembly into a position with the axis of rotation (Y—Y) roughly horizontal, to carry out an agitation stage, and into a position with the axis of rotation (Y—Y) vertical, to carry out, before the reading stage, a centrifugation stage. The ring of seats (121) for test tubes has the test tubes (1) oriented, in the vertical position of said axis of rotation (Y—Y), with their bottom facing downwards and outwards.

Abstract: On a base structure (101, 103), an assembly (104) oscillates about a horizontal axis (X-X) between two limit positions; on said assembly, a rotor (106) is capable of rotating about an axis (Y-Y) of rotation orthogonal to said horizontal axis (X-X) and has a ring of seats (121) for test tubes (1); an actuator (145) moves said assembly into a position with the axis of rotation (Y-Y) roughly horizontal, to carry out an agitation stage, and into a position with the axis of rotation (Y-Y) vertical, to carry out, before the reading stage, a centrifugation stage. The ring of seats (121) for test tubes (1) oriented, in the vertical position of said axis of rotation (Y-Y), with their bottom facing downwards and outwards.

Abstract: A test tube apparatus including a container body (1) with a cavity (3) which is essentially prismatic and has an essentially rectangular cross section, a cylindrical connecting part (5) for filling, and a flat laminar zone (7) developed as an extension of one of the walls of the cavity. Information which can be read optically, such as bar codes or the like, may be accommodated on this flat laminar zone (7).

Abstract: A test tube apparatus including a container body (1) with a cavity (3) which is essentially prismatic and has an essentially rectangular cross section, a cylindrical connecting part (5) for filing, and a flat laminar zone (7) developed as an extension of one of the walls of the cavity. Information which can be read optically, such as bar codes or the like, may be accommodated this flat laminar zone (7).

Abstract: A device for the preservation and analysis of samples, comprising a first container (1) and a second container (5) for containing a sample and a maintaining or culture liquid; said first container comprises at least two mutually communicating chambers (2, 3), of which a first chamber (2) comprises an element (7) carrying a culture medium and a distributor member (19), and the second chamber (3) comprises on its base (13) at least one element (14) projecting into the chamber itself and able to break at least one weakened portion (26) of the base (SA) of said second container (5), this latter being insertable into said second chamber (3).The method for seeding onto the face of the element (7) comprises distribution along paths extending substantially in mutually perpendicular directions which are preferably parallel and, respectively, orthogonal to the axis of the element (7).

Abstract: Test tube for biological analyses, and in particular for blood tests such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate, provided with a device making it possible to perform a photometric inspection of the test tube with a relative movement between the optical system and the test tube (1), the latter being between the emitter (E) and the receiver (R) of said system; the test tube possesses--externally on the base--a device in the form of an optical prism (5) that induces a sudden change in the direction of the light beam emitted by the emitter so that it briefly is unable to reach the receiver.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention can be used to measure sedimentation rate of samples. The samples are placed in a sample rotor and are rotatable about a sample rotor axis. The sample rotor axis can be moved into two positions. In one position the sample rotor axis is substantially horizontal and in the other position the sample rotor axis is substantially vertical. Rotation of the sample rotor about the sample rotor axis causes stirring of the samples when the sample rotor axis is horizontal. When the sample rotor axis is substantially vertical settling of the samples occur. Step rotation of the sample rotor brings the samples to a reading means in order to analyze the samples. An optical signal sensor moves along the sides of the test tubes for measuring the sedimentation rate.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the erythrosedimentation rate and carrying out other similar analyses through photometric reading, comprises one or more seats (9, 11) for receiving test tubes (P) inclined to a limited extent with respect to the vertical. Guide means (13) are provided for a skid (15) which is able to slide parallel to the test tube(s) (P) introduced into said seat(s) for the reading. On said skid (15), there are provided emitting and receiving members (19A, 19B) for a signal of optical type which goes through the or each test tube (P) during the reading scan. A motorization (3,5) moves said skid (15) along the test tube(s) for performing reading of the latter.

Abstract: The apparatus consists of at least one test-tube carrier defining seats for test tubes. The carrier is moved by oscillation or rotary motion about a horizontal axis under the influence of time control means. A structure which is vertically movable relative to the test tubes is fitted with individual means for the photometric observation of the data relating to each test tube and is controlled by time-control means. Processing and recording means collect data relating to the presence of each test tube, the presence of a sample, and the level of said sample, for each test tube seat.

Abstract: The hemolytic method for the kinetic determination of antistreptolysin O antibodies (ASO) in blood samples consists of reacting a first reagent containing a single dose of oxidized SO with the specific antibodies which may be present in the blood sample under examination, allowing the necessary time to pass for the reaction between the oxidized SO and said antibodies to take place, returning the oxidized SO to its reduced state by adding a second reagent, and measuring the rate of hemolysis. The kinetic determination of the ASO titre is obtained by comparing said rate of hemolysis with the rate of hemolysis shown graphically for samples of known ASO titre.

Abstract: A method for measuring the antistreptolysin concentration in a human blood sample by adding a solution of oxidized 0-streptolysin to the blood sample (diluted), incubating, reacting with a reducing solution, incubating and relating the resulting hemolysis to the antistreptolysin concentration.

Abstract: A method for measuring the antistreptolysin concentration in a human blood sample by adding a solution of oxidized O-streptolysin to the blood sample (diluted), incubating, reacting with a reducing solution, incubating and relating the resulting hemolysis to the antistreptolysin concentration.