Fourier transform infrared observation and density functional theory study of the AlC3 and AlC3Al linear chains trapped in solid Ar.

The vibrational spectra of linear AlC(3) and AlC(3)Al, formed by trapping the products of the dual laser evaporation of aluminum and carbon rods in solid Ar at approximately 10 K, were observed. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) measurements of (13)C isotopic shifts are in good agreement with the predictions of density functional theory (DFT) B3LYP6-311+G(3df) calculations, enabling the first assignments of the nu(3)(sigma(u)) and nu(4)(sigma(u)) fundamentals of ((3)Sigma(g) (+)) linear AlC(3)Al at 1624.0 and 528.3 cm(-1), respectively, and the nu(2)(sigma) vibrational fundamental of ((2)Pi) linear AlC(3) at 1210.9 cm(-1).

Fourier transform infrared observation of the nu1(sigma) mode of linear CoC3 trapped in solid Ar.

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and density functional theory (DFT) isotopic studies on cobalt-carbon species have resulted in the detection of linear CoC3. Dual laser ablation of carbon and cobalt rods, followed by trapping the products in solid Ar at approximately 10 K, produced the CoC3 chain. FTIR measurements of 13C isotopic shifts are in good agreement with the predictions of DFT calculations using the B3LYP and BPW91 functionals and the 6-311+G(3df) basis set, confirming the assignment of the nu1(sigma) fundamental of linear CoC3 at 1918.2 cm(-1).

Fourier transform infrared isotopic study of linear CrC3: Identification of the nu1(sigma) mode.

A vibrational fundamental of linear CrC3 has been detected in the products from the laser ablation of chromium and carbon rods trapped in solid Ar at approximately 10 K. Fourier transform infrared measurements of frequencies and 13C isotopic shifts are in very good agreement with the predictions of density functional theory calculations at the B3LYP6-311G+(3df) level, resulting in the identification of the nu1(sigma) stretching mode at 1789.5 cm(-1). This is the first optical detection of the linear isomer of the transition-metal carbide CrC3 for which previous photoelectron spectroscopic studies have reported evidence of both linear and cyclic isomers.

The plasminogen activator system in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the plasminogen activator system in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). DESIGN: Case-control study. SETTING: A district general hospital in the United Kingdom. PATIENT(S): Eleven women with PCOS and 12 controls. INTERVENTION(S): Venipunctures for assays of the plasminogen activator system. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Euglobulin clot lysis times, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) activity, fibrinogen, plasminogen, and alpha-2 antiplasmin concentrations in plasma. RESULT(S): Women with PCOS may had a significantly longer euglobulin clot lysis time (mean +/- SD, 389 +/- 164 minutes vs. 220 +/- 110 minutes), a higher PAI-1 activity (mean +/- SD, 19.7 +/- 12 arbitrary units (AU) per mL vs. 10.9 +/- 7.9 AU/mL), and a higher fibrinogen level (mean +/- SD, 4.02 +/- 0.64 g/L vs. 3.15 +/- 0.6 g/L) compared to controls. CONCLUSION(S): Women with the PCOS may have an imbalance in the plasminogen activator system that is tilted toward a reduced production of the proteolytic enzyme plasmin. Systemically, this may increase their risk of cardiovascular disease, but at cellular level in the ovaries, it may result in impaired follicular rupture and anovulation.

Programming in vitro fertilization for a 5- or 3-day week.

OBJECTIVE: To schedule oocyte retrievals on either 5 or 3 days per week in in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. DESIGN: Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration was delayed by at least 24 hours in patients undergoing superovulation to avoid egg collections on weekends (group 1). Encouraged by the results, a further prospective study in which oocyte retrievals were programmed for only 3 days a week was undertaken (group 2). SETTING: Hammersmith Hospital, a tertiary referral unit. PATIENTS: All patients undergoing IVF treatment were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: To schedule oocyte retrievals on either 5 or 3 days per week. RESULTS: Only 4.0% of egg collections (12/303) occurred on weekends compared with 12.6% (22/175) before delaying hCG. In group 2 (n = 215), only four egg collections (2.1%) had to be performed out of schedule. Delaying administration of hCG had no detrimental effects. CONCLUSIONS: Delayed administration of hCG allows scheduling oocyte retrievals on either 5 or 3 days per week, leading to a substantial decrease in out-of-hours oocyte retrievals, reducing cycle costs, and facilitating efficiency. The method is applicable to assisted reproduction specialized units as well as district general hospitals that use gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs in their superovulation regimens before IVF, gamete intrafallopian transfer, or intrauterine insemination.

Meconium aspiration syndrome: a 6-year retrospective study.

The incidence and outcome of babies suffering from meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) has been analysed in a 6-year review of 38,395 births at Guy's Hospital and Queen Charlotte's Maternity Hospital. One in 533 births (0.2%) was complicated by MAS, the mortality rate for which was 1 in 12. There was also a number of babies identified as possibly suffering from 'subclinical MAS' but no deaths occurred in this group. Males were more affected than females.

An evaluation of pelvic tissue concentrations after oral administration of enoxacin.

Twenty-seven patients received a single dose or three divided doses of enoxacin before total abdominal hysterectomy. Enoxacin levels were measured in biopsies from myometrium, fallopian tube and cervix as well as serum taken at the same time. The results showed good penetration of enoxacin into all three tissues.