Instrumentation for electrochemical performance characterization of neural electrodes.

In an effort to determine the chronic stability, sensitivity, and thus the potential viability of various neurochemical recording electrode designs and compositions, we have developed a custom device called the Voltammetry Instrument for Neurochemical Applications (VINA). Here, we describe the design of the VINA and initial testing of its functionality for prototype neurochemical sensing electrodes. The VINA consists of multiple electrode fixtures, a flowing electrolyte bath, associated reservoirs, peristaltic pump, voltage waveform generator, data acquisition hardware, and system software written in National Instrument's LabVIEW.

Multifocal choroiditis with panuveitis incidence of ocular complications and of loss of visual acuity.

Purpose: To estimate the incidences of ocular complications and vision loss in patients with multifocal choroiditis with panuveitis (MFCPU) and to describe the association between therapy and the incidences thereof.

Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Participants: Sixty-six patients (122 eyes) with MFCPU evaluated from January 1984 through June 2005 at a single-center academic practice.

A cost-effective and versatile xenon gas dispenser.

Objective: To modify a commercial xenon gas dispenser so that two xenon unit-dose vials could be combined with a modified dispenser to deliver a recommended dose.

Method: To maintain the same operating mechanism, changes were made only to the vial shield and the needle port of the original gas dispenser. The modified gas dispenser consisted of two puncture needles and two vial holders shielded with the same thickness of lead as the commercial dispenser.