We compared three types of catheter fixation application for their ability to minimize the incidence and magnitude of epidural catheter movement during labour. Patients were randomized to have their epidural catheter secured by a Tegaderm dressing (group T; n = 35), a Tegaderm dressing plus filter-shoulder fixation (group F; n = 39), or a Niko Epi-Fix dressing (group N; n = 37). The length of c...

Precise surgical excision of brain tumors depends on the surgeon’s ability to accurately differentiate from healthy tissues. We have developed an automated system integrated with biochips, actuation unit, and electronics measure electrical resistivity ex vivo human tissues for differentiating normal tumor. The fresh (n = 48), formalin-fixed one week long-term (six months) 27) samp...

An apparatus was designed for simultaneous measurement of rates of N(2) fixation estimated by C(2)H(2)-C(2)H(4) assay (N(2)[C(2)H(2)] fixation) and NO(3) (-) absorption by roots of intact, nodulated soybeans (Glycine max [L.] Merr.). The principal design features include: (a) a gas-tight mist chamber in which nodulated roots can be exposed simultaneously to C(2)H(2) in the gas phase and to a li...

We report the results of an investigation into the ability of transitional probability (word-to-word contingency statistics) to account for reading behaviour. Using a corpus of eye movements recorded during the reading of newspaper text, we demonstrate both the forward [P(n/n-1)] and backward [P(n/n+1)] transitional probability measures to be predictive of first fixation and gaze durations: the...

Primary production in freshwater ecosystems is often limited by the availability of phosphorus (P), nitrogen (N), or a combination of both (NP co-limitation). While N fixation via heterocystous cyanobacteria can supply additional N, no comparable mechanism for P exists; hence P is commonly considered to be the predominant and ultimate limiting nutrient in freshwater ecosystems. However, N limit...

Agricultural yields are often limited by nitrogen (N) availability, especially in countries of the developing world, whereas industrialized nations application chemical N fertilizers has reached unsustainable levels that have resulted severe environmental consequences. Finding alternatives to inorganic is critical for sustainable and secure food production. Although gaseous (N2) abundant atmosp...

Background: Thoracolumbar burst fracture is one of the most common spinal traumas. It was still indeterminate whether short-segment (SS) fixation was more effective and preferable than long-segment (LS) fixation. We therefore conducted this meta-analysis to assess the comparative safety and efficacy of SS and LS fixation for the treatment of thoracolumbar burst fracture. Methods: A literature s...

 Abstract Background: Unstable Pelvic fracture, a result of high energy antero-posterior compression injury, has been managed based on internal fixation and open reduction. The mode of fixation in Unstable Pelvic fracture has, however, been a subject of controversy and some authors have proposed a need to address the issue of partial breach of the pelvic ring elements in these injuries. This st...

The predominant input of available nitrogen (N) in boreal forest ecosystems originates from moss-associated cyanobacteria, which fix unavailable atmospheric N2, contribute to the soil N pool, and thereby support forest productivity. Alongside climate warming, increases in atmospheric CO2 concentrations are expected in Canada’s boreal region over the next century, yet little is known about the c...