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Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is an essential tool for genetic diagnosis in daily pathological work. Almost full automation of FISH can be achieved with the recently released automated SureFISH platform (Dako Omnis, Agilent Technologies, Santa Clara, CA, USA). Its utility has been reported in HER2 amplification of breast and gastric carcinoma and ALK-rearranged lung cancer. Here, we examined the utility of automated SureFISH for the identification of rearrangement signals in translocation-related sarcomas (TRSs), including 11 EWSR1-rearranged and 10 synovial sarcoma cases, compared with non-automated conventional FISH using the same specimens. The percentages of EWSR1 or SS18 split signals were higher in automated SureFISH than in conventional FISH in 13 of the 21 cases. On the other hand, 8 of the 21 cases showed the same or lower percentage of split signals in automated SureFISH. Both FISH approaches detected EWSR1 and SS18 split signals in more than 10% of tumor cells in all cases. The strongest advantage of automated SureFISH is its ability to reduce running time without sacrificing quality. Other advantages include improved signal sharpness with oligo probes and reduced ecological toxicity by avoiding formamide use. Automated SureFISH is an excellent tool for the genetic diagnosis of TRSs and contributes to their rapid definitive diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method of measuring the rate of blood flow (circulation rate) with the use of a split signals is considered. The correlation characteristics of a split signal that consists of an unmodulated radio pulse and pulses with linear frequency modulation are presented. An estimate of the minimum values of the speed of objects that may be measured when reflected from a static background is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Metalloradical EPR signals have been found in intact Photosystem II at cryogenic temperatures. They reflect the light-driven formation of the tyrosine Z radical (YZ etic interaction with the CaMn4 cluster in a particular S state. These so-called split EPR signals, induced at cryogenic temperatures, provide means to study the otherwise transient YZ robe the S states with EPR spectroscopy. In the S0 and S1 states, the respective split signals are induced by illumination of the sample in the visible light range only. In the S3 state the split EPR signal is induced irrespective of illumination wavelength within the entire 415–900nm range (visible and near-IR region) [Su, J. H., Havelius, K. G. V., Ho, F. M., Han, G., Mamedov, F., and Styring, S. (2007) Biochemistry 46, 10703–10712]. An important question is whether a single mechanism can explain the induction of the Split S3 signal across the entire wavelength range or whether wavelength-dependent mechanisms are required. In this paper we confirm that the YZ formation in the S1 state, reflected in the Split S1 signal, is driven by P680-centered charge separation. The situation in the S3 state is different. In Photosystem II centers with pre-reduced quinone A (QA), where the P680-centered charge separation is blocked, the Split S3 EPR signal could still be induced in the majority of the Photosystem II centers using both visible and NIR (830nm) light. This shows that P680-centered charge separation is not involved. The amount of oxidized electron donors and reduced electron acceptors (QA −) was well correlated after visible light illumination at cryogenic temperatures in the S1 state. This was not the case in the S3 state, where the Split S3 EPR signal was formed in the majority of the centers in a pathway other than P680-centered charge separation. Instead, we propose that one mechanism exists over the entire wavelength interval to drive the formation of the Split S3 signal. The origin for this, probably involving excitation of one of the Mn ions in the CaMn4 cluster in Photosystem II, is discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]