Abstract: The invention is directed to an aqueous non-ototoxic, topical, otic pharmaceutical composition of matter for treating a mammal consisting essentially of: ciprofloxacin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in aqueous solution in an amount effective for antibacterial action; hydrocortisone or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in an amount effective as an anti-inflammatory agent; polyvinyl alcohol at least about 85% hydrolyzed in an amount effective to suspend the hydrocortisone in solution; water sufficient to produce an aqueous composition; benzyl alcohol in an amount effective for antibacterial action; lecithin in an amount effective for enhancing suspension of other constituents in the composition; and polysorbate ranging from polysorbate 20 to 80 in an amount effective for spreading the preparation on a hydrophobic skin surface to the site of infection or inflammation.

Abstract: A display device, including: a front panel having defined therethrough at least two apertures; and an index panel disposed behind the front panel and moveable between at least first and second positions to vary what can be viewed through the at least two apertures by an observer looking at the front panel.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of treating otitis which comprises introducing an antibacterially-effective amount of a composition comprising a non-ototoxic, topical, otic pharmaceutic composition comprising (a) ciprofloxacin in aqueous solution in an amount effective for antibacterial action; (b) a non-ionic viscosity augmenter unaffected by pH and ionic level, said viscosity augmenter being present in an amount effective for augmenting viscosity of the composition to a viscosity greater than that of water, said viscosity augmenter being at least 85% hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol; (c) a non-ototoxic preservative present in an amount effective for antibacterial action, the preservative being benzyl alcohol; (d) water sufficient to produce an aqueous composition; (e) hydrocortisone in aqueous suspension in an amount effective for anti-inflammatory action; (f) lecithin in an amount effective for enhancing suspension of other constituents in the composition; and (g) polysorbate ranging from polysorbate 20

Abstract: An allelic variant of the 5HT7 serotonin receptor was discovered. Family study data indicate that this variant can be correlated to alchoholic offerders. DNA encoding the variant protein, the protein itself, vectors containing the variant gene and cell lines carrying a vector with the variant gene are part of the invention.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a power assist device for a partially or totally disabled body member, including: detection apparatus to detect position of the body member; and power assist apparatus, responsive to the detection apparatus, to provide powered assistance to move the body member in response to detection of the position of the body member and in response to the rate of change of position of the body member reaching a predetermined limit and/or in proportion to the rate of change of position of the body member.

Abstract: We describe identification of a non-conservative amino acid substitution in the 5-HT.sub.2C receptor gene. The variant was found using single strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP) analysis. By typing this polymorphism in CEPH families, the gene was genetically mapped on the long arm of the X chromosome. Since this polymorphism was not detectable as a conventional RFLP, we also developed a PCR-RFLP based method which allows rapid genotyping in populations and families.

Abstract: A method of detecting abnormal serotonergic function in an impulsive human subject is disclosed. The method comprises detecting an L allele of a gene encoding tryptophan hydroxylase. The invention also includes an isolated nucleic acid having a sequence specific to an L allele of a gene encoding tryptophan hydroxylase. The nucleic acid may migrate in a denaturing gel at the same rate as a second nucleic acid specific to a corresponding region of a U allele of a gene encoding tryptophan hydroxylase, and migrate in a nondenaturing gel at a rate about 1.02 times the migration rate of the second nucleic acid.

Abstract: Vitamin E acetate, C.sub.3 -linked triesters, glycerin, t-butanol, and transesterified oil/polyethylene glycol are effective dispersing agents for use with hydrofluoroalkanes. Effective amounts of the above are effective in suspending medicaments which are useful in inhalation aerosols, and especially meter-dose inhalers.

Abstract: The braking system for an in-line roller skate is operated by a cable attached to a trigger type of lever in a hand grip. This braking system is improved by incorporating an arrangement for allowing the skater to quickly attach or detach the end of the brake cable at the skate. Locking of the brakes to permit walking without rolling is obtained by incorporating a latch mechanism in the gripper handle. The gripper handle is storable by a snap-on type retainer for the belt or pocket of the user which permits the brake cable to move without unintentionally releasing the retainer from the person of the skater while avoiding kinking and twisting of the cable in response to the normal skating motions of the skater. Retention of the cable relative to the thigh of the user is realized by a belt or other attachment arrangement including a Velcro type of clip.

Abstract: There is disclosed a VIDEO AUTOMATIC FOCUSSING SYSTEM in which a video signal from the television camera is directed to a band pass filter and then detected to produce a DC signal indicative of the video signal as band limited. The detected signal is directed to the inputs of a negative slope detector and peak detector. The detectors monitor the slope of the video signal to form the basis for controlling the motor to achieve automatic focussing on command.

Abstract: The invention provides an assay method for cellular and extracellular protein biodynamics comprising the use of radiochemical techniques in combination with high resolution protein separation procedures and recently developed silver stain techniques, to assess turnover of polypeptides over time. Quenching of polypeptide radiolables in silver stained gels is obviated by the use of .sup.14 C-labelled amino acids as precursors.