Embryo shape was quantitatively calculated after digitizing embryo images using MATLAB, where a score of 1.0 represented a perfectly circular embryo.\n\nThe SET data did not reveal a significant impact of embryo shape on embryo developmental fate. The DET data revealed a trend toward the best outcomes in cycles where both embryos exhibited “roundness” scores in the highest tertiles (T3) for embryo shape. However only one subgroup (T2/T1-one embryo

in the middle shape tertile (T2) and one in the lowest shape tertile (T1)) was associated with significantly lower odds of live-birth as compared to the referent group (T3/T3). When SET and DET data were combined, embryo shape was not found to be a predictor of IVF outcome.\n\nBased on this retrospective analysis, Semaxanib in vitro the weak association of day 3 embryo shape with implantation potential suggests that this morphological VX-809 cost characteristic is unlikely to be a useful additional marker for embryo selection after cell number, fragmentation, and blastomere

symmetry. Further studies are planned to assess applicability of these conclusions to embryos of varying stages and grades.”
“In the present work, we studied the applicability of laser induced plasma/breakdown spectrometry (LIPS/LIBS) to speleothem analysis. Problems related to the use of time- and spatially integrating compact LIBS instrumentation, speleothem sample preparation, spectral line assignation and signal intensity correction have been addressed. A novel signal correction scheme, based on the total integrated spectral background, was developed and employed for the qualitative study of the lateral distribution profiles of major (Ca, Mg, C, O) and minor (Al, Si, Fe, Mn) elements detected in horizontally cut slices of stalagmite samples from Baradla Cave (Aggtelek, Hungary). Several new computer program modules were also developed to aid the spectral data evaluation. Correlations and trends found in the lateral

distribution profiles were discussed, and based on their relations, tentative suggestions for the chemical compounds present in the samples were made. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. Selleckchem DAPT All rights reserved.”
“A methodology for the evaluation and characterization of contact edge roughness using top-down images from scanning electron microscope is presented. Emphasis is given on the frequency and spatial aspects of CER and the estimation of the power spectrum and height-height correlation function. We also estimate the contribution of local and global process variations on the CER metrics of real contact holes with nominal critical dimension 50 nm as well as the effects of image magnification and noise smoothing filter. We find that local process variations have stronger contribution to the uncertainty of CD and CER parameters than image magnification and noise smoothing with the latter having the smallest impact.