Intracavity ionization and pulse formation in femtosecond enhancement cavities.

We experimentally and numerically investigate the intracavity ionization of a dilute gas target by an ultrashort pulse inside a femtosecond enhancement cavity. Numerical simulations detail how the dynamic ionization of the gas target limits the achievable peak intensity of the evolving intracavity pulse beyond that of linear cavity losses, setting a constraint on the strength of the nonlinear interaction that can be sustained in such optical cavities. Experimental measurements combined with numerical simulations predict ionization levels in a femtosecond enhancement cavity for the first time.

Co-expression of Fas (APO-1, CD95)/Fas ligand by BeWo and NJG choriocarcinoma cell lines.

Objective: Fas (CD95) is a transmembrane protein of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily that induces apoptosis in susceptible cells on crosslinking by its ligand (FasL). The Fas loss of function and concurrent expression of its ligand (FasL) have been associated with malignant phenotype. In this study, we sought to investigate the hitherto undescribed expression of Fas and FasL on the immortalized human choriocarcinoma cell lines BeWo and NJG.

Resistance to Fas-mediated cell death in BeWo and NJG choriocarcinoma cell lines: implications in immune privilege.

Objective: An immune privileged site occurs when the allogenic tissue grafts have the propensity for prolonged survival in the host tissue. In this context, the survival and proliferation of malignant trophoblasts in the gravid uterus are currently unclear. In a previous study, we documented that Fas and FasL are coexpressed in choriocarcinoma [Gynecol.

Sonographic fetal weight estimation in a south-east Asian population.

Objectives: To determine the optimal sonographic fetal weight estimation formula for a mixed south-east Asian population near term.

Methods: Seventy-eight uncomplicated pregnancies were monitored between January 1996 and January 1997. Biparietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference and femur length were measured and the following formulae were tested: Campbell, Shepherds and Hadlock.

Threatened abortion: prediction of viability based on signs and symptoms.

Objective: To examine the relationship between signs and symptoms associated with threatened abortion and viability of the pregnancy.

Design: A prospective observational study

Setting: A university teaching hospital

Participants: One thousand consecutive women presenting with a threatened abortion.

Intervention: A structured history and an examination were performed as initial clinical assessment.