Abstract: An automated apparatus and method for analyzing liquid samples by forming discrete sample aliquots (boluses) in an elongated conduit which contains a hydrophobic carrier liquid. Aliquots may be analyzed by adding at least one reagent to the sample aliquot that reacts selectively with an analyte contained therein. The reaction product, which is selective for the analyte of interest and proportional to its concentration, is measured with an appropriate detector. Intrinsic sample properties of the sample may also be measured without the need for adding chemical reagents. The invention enables simple and accurate testing of samples using time honored wet-chemical analysis methods in microliter volume regimes while producing remarkably small volumes of waste.

Abstract: Method of producing ?5-Tibolone (C21H28O2), 6?-Hydroxy-?4-tibolone (C21H28O3), 6?-Hydroxy-?4-tibolone (C21H28O3), 15?-Hydroxy-?4-tibolone (C21H28O3), 6?-Hydroxy-?1,4-tibolone (C21H28O3) and 6?-Methoxy-?4-tibolone (C22H30O3) contacting tibolone with Gibberella fujikuroi (ATCC 10704) is reported.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a pipettor head, including: a body; one or more solenoid valves disposed in the body; each one or more solenoid valves having an outlet at a lower end and an inlet at an upper end; each one or more solenoid valves having an outlet attached to a dispensing passageway; each one or more solenoid valves having its inlet attached to a standpipe; and the standpipe having an open top communicating with an interior of a closed vacuum/pressure chamber defined in the pipettor head, the closed vacuum/pressure chamber being arranged such that vacuum or pressure may be selectively applied to the closed vacuum/pressure chamber. A method of using the pipettor head is also provided.

Abstract: Hepatitis C virus oligonucleotides and a system to determine hepatitis C virus genotypes with polymerase chain reaction utilizing those oligonucleotides as primers.

Abstract: An improved process for the preparation of 20-keto-21(S)-hydroxy steroids of the Formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is alkyl of 1 to 3 carbon atoms, R.sub.2 is alkyl of 1 to 12 carbon atoms, and R.sub.3 is alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms and novel intermediates therefrom.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel process for the production of 6.beta.,14.alpha.-dihydroxy-4-androstene-3,17-dione which comprises culturing a microorganism belonging to the genus Myrothecium and capable of hydrolyzing 4-androstene-3,17-dione to produce 6.beta.,14.alpha.-dihydroxy-4-androstene-3,17-dione in a medium supplemented with 4-androstene-3,17-dione, and isolating 6.beta.,14.alpha.-dihydroxy-4-androstene-3,17-dione from the cultured medium. According to the process of the present invention, 6.beta.,14.alpha.-dihydroxy-4-androstene-3,17-dione and 14.alpha.-hydroxy-4-androstene-3,6,17-trione can be produced with a high yield in a simple manner.

Abstract: Estrane derivatives of the general formula I ##STR1## wherein one of the substituents X or Z signifies a hydrogen atom and the other together with Y represents a carbon-carbon bond, or wherein the substituents X and Z represent hydrogen atoms and Y represents an .alpha.-position hydroxy group or a .beta.-position alkyl group with up to 6 carbon atoms, are valuable intermediates for preparation of pharmacologically effective substances.

Abstract: Microbiological conversions of cyclodextrins are intensified by adding to the reaction mixture 0.2 to 3 moles of .alpha.-, .beta.- or .gamma.-cyclodextrin or an optical mixture thereof pro mole of the steroid substrate, before, at the beginning or during the conversion. The cyclodextrin if desired, can be removed after the reaction. In this way the reaction velocity can be increased, the reaction time is reduced, the substrate concentration in the solution, i.e. its solubility is increased or the so called product inhibition may be avoided. In certain cases of more alternatives the desired reaction can be catalyzed and in this manner the selectivity is increased.

Abstract: Steroids of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are identical or different and each is hydrogen or the residue of an organic or inorganic acid,and for the esters (R.sub.1 or R.sub.2 is not H) capable of salt formation, the salts thereof, possess valuable pharmacoligical properties, e.g., good antiandrogenic activity with low progestational activity.

Abstract: A process for the production of useful steroids obtained by side chain degradation of sterol source materials through the use of microorganisms is described.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein X is .beta.-CH.sub.2 OH or CO and R.sub.2 is F, Cl or CH.sub.3, and their physiologically acceptable 21-esters are useful for the treatment of allergic diseases of the respiratory tract and for the treatment of topical and systemic inflammatory conditions.