An important goal in visual neuroscience is to understand how neuronal population coding in vertebrate retina mediates the broad range of visual functions. Microelectrode arrays interface on isolated retina registers a collective measure of the spiking dynamics of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) by probing them simultaneously and in large numbers. The recorded data stream is then processed to identify spike trains of individual RGCs by efficient and scalable spike detection and sorting routines.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: There is growing evidence that the accumulation of protein- bound uremic retention solutes, such as indoxyl sulfate, p-cresyl sulfate and kynurenic acid, play a role in the accelerated cardiovascular disease seen in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis. Protein-binding, presumably to albumin, renders these solutes poor-dialyzable. We previously observed that the free fraction of indoxyl sulfate was markedly reduced at the end of hemodialysis.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: To identify factors that promote the effective performance of accountable care organizations (ACOs) in the Medicare Shared Savings Program.
Data Sources/study Setting: Data come from a convenience sample of 16 Medicare Shared Savings ACOs that were organized around large physician groups. We use claims data from the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services and data from 60 interviews at three high-performing and three low-performing ACOs.
Objective: There has been a rapid increase in the use of waterpipe tobacco and non-tobacco based shisha in many countries. Understanding the impact and effects of second-hand smoke (SHS) from cigarette was a crucial factor in reducing cigarette use, leading to clean indoor air laws and smoking bans. This article reviews what is known about the effects of SHS exposure from waterpipes.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Visual information is conveyed from the retina to the brain via 15-20 Retinal Ganglion Cell (RGC) types. The developmental mechanisms by which RGC types acquire their distinct molecular, morphological, physiological and circuit properties are essentially unknown, but may involve combinatorial transcriptional regulation. Brn3 transcription factors are expressed in RGCs from early developmental stages, and are restricted in adults to distinct, partially overlapping populations of RGC types.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIn the vertebrate retina, neurites from distinct neuronal cell types are constrained within the plexiform layers, allowing for establishment of retinal lamination. However, the mechanisms by which retinal neurites are segregated within the inner or outer plexiform layers are not known. We find that the transmembrane semaphorins Sema5A and Sema5B constrain neurites from multiple retinal neuron subtypes within the inner plexiform layer (IPL).
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