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New high surface area carbon materials were prepared at low temperature (600 °C) using zeolite (Y, Beta, and ZSM-5) and montmorillonite clay (K10) templates. Acrylonitrile, furfuryl alcohol, pyrene, and vinyl acetate precursors were polymerized and carbonized in each of the inorganic matrixes without the addition of a polymerizing agent. The templates were removed by acid demineralization and the resulting carbon materials were physically characterized by infrared spectroscopy, BET (N 2 ) surface area analysis, energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and elemental analyses. Electrochemical characterizations were also conducted. Cyclic voltammetry was employed to examine the synthesized carbons in the oxidation of catechol to hydroquinone and quinone, a model reaction that is known to be surface dependent. The identities of both the template and the substrate affected the electrochemical response. Additionally, the ability of the new carbons to intercalate and deintercalate lithium was investigated. While all of the synthesized carbons displayed high irreversible capacities consistent with other low-temperature carbons, the carbons prepared from zeolite Y displayed unique voltage curves, suggesting template effects on the carbon. In addition, all of the carbons prepared for this study displayed significant voltage hysteresis on charge/discharge.

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Our objective was to determine if a correlation exists between endometrial thickness measured on the day of ovulation trigger during an in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle and pregnancy outcomes among non-cancelled cycles. We performed a retrospective cohort study looking at 6331 women undergoing their first, fresh autologous IVF cycle from 1 May 2004 to 31 December 2012 at Boston IVF (Waltham, MA). Our primary outcome was the risk ratio (RR) of live birth and positive β-hCG. We found that thicker endometrial linings were associated with positive β-hCG and live birth rates. For each additional millimetre of endometrial thickness, we found a statistically significant increased risk of positive β-hCG (adjusted RR: 1.14; 95% CI: 1.09–1.18) and live birth (RR: 1.08; 95% CI: 1.05–1.11). There was no association between endometrial thickness and miscarriage (RR: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.91–1.07). Similar results were seen when categorizing endometrial thickness. Compared with an endometrial thickness >7 to <11 mm, the likelihood of a live birth was significantly higher for an endometrial thickness ≥11 mm (adjusted RR: 1.23; 95% CI: 1.11–1.37) and significantly lower for the ≤7 mm group (adjusted RR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.45–0.90). In conclusion, thicker endometrial linings were associated with increased pregnancy and live birth rates.

Aims: In this study, we identify components of the complement system present in human follicular fluid that affect oocyte development and maturation. Material and Methods: Using bottom-up liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry, we identified complement factors as consistently present in human follicular fluid from 15 different subjects. Results: According to our gene-chip data, these complement factors are actively produced by granulosa cells. Conclusions: By applying the computational Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software and database we have identified complement pathways that play a role in oocyte maturation and follicular development.

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