Analysis of defect structure in silicon. Characterization of samples from UCP ingot 5848-13C

Statistically significant quantitative structural imperfection measurements were made on samples from ubiquitous crystalline process (UCP) Ingot 5848 - 13 C. Important trends were noticed between the measured data, cell efficiency, and diffusion length. Grain boundary substructure appears to have an important effect on the conversion efficiency of solar cells from Semix material. Quantitative microscopy measurements give statistically significant information compared to other microanalytical techniques. A surface preparation technique to obtain proper contrast of structural defects suitable for QTM analysis was perfected

Analysis of defect structure in silicon. Characterization of SEMIX material. Silicon sheet growth development for the large area silicon sheet task of the low-cost solar array project

Statistically significant quantitative structural imperfection measurements were made on samples from ubiquitous crystalline process (UCP) Ingot 5848 - 13C. Important correlation was obtained between defect densities, cell efficiency, and diffusion length. Grain boundary substructure displayed a strong influence on the conversion efficiency of solar cells from Semix material. Quantitative microscopy measurements gave statistically significant information compared to other microanalytical techniques. A surface preparation technique to obtain proper contrast of structural defects suitable for quantimet quantitative image analyzer (QTM) analysis was perfected and is used routinely. The relationships between hole mobility and grain boundary density was determined. Mobility was measured using the van der Pauw technique, and grain boundary density was measured using quantitative microscopy technique. Mobility was found to decrease with increasing grain boundary density

Overexpression of the oncostatin-M receptor in cervical squamous cell carcinoma is associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition and poor overall survival.

BACKGROUND: Copy-number gain of the oncostatin-M receptor (OSMR) occurs frequently in cervical squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and is associated with adverse clinical outcome. We previously showed that OSMR overexpression renders cervical SCC cells more sensitive to the major ligand oncostatin-M (OSM), which increases migration and invasion in vitro. We hypothesised that a major contribution to this phenotype would come from epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). METHODS: We performed a comprehensive integrated study, involving in vitro cell line studies, in vivo animal models and numerous clinical samples from a variety of anatomical sites. RESULTS: In independent sets of cervical, head/neck and lung SCC tissues, OSMR expression levels correlated with multiple EMT-associated phenotypic markers and transcription factors. OSM treatment of OSMR overexpressing cervical SCC cells produced consistent EMT changes and increased tumour sphere formation in suspension culture. In a mouse model, OSMR overexpressing SCC cells treated with OSM showed significant increases in lung colonisation. The biological effects of exogenous OSM were mirrored by highly significant adverse overall survival in cervical SCCs with OSMR overexpression (N=251). CONCLUSIONS: OSM:OSMR interactions are able to induce EMT, increased cancer stem cell-like properties and enhanced lung colonisation in SCC cells. These changes are likely to contribute to the highly significant adverse outcome associated with OSMR overexpression in cervical SCCs.This work was supported by Cancer Research UK (Programme Grant A13080).This is the author accepted manuscript. It is currently under an indefinite embargo pending publication by Nature Publishing Group

Idiopathic Oesophageal Dysmotility Disorder: Stridor Secondary to Megaesophagus

We present an interesting case of an elderly lady who presented with stridor caused by megaesophagus secondary to an acquired idiopathic dysmotility disorder. We discuss the aetiology and management of megaesophagus secondary to this condition and how it differs from megaesophagus secondary to achalasia

Clinical study of external dysmorphism in congenital heart disease

Background: To study the clinical profile and dysmorphism associated in patients presenting to tertiary referral hospital withcongenital heart disease (CHD). Materials and Methods: This prospective study was conducted in the Pediatric Cardiology Unitof Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Bengaluru, between March 2013 and February 2015. Study subjects includechildren referred for investigation of suspected heart disease to the Pediatric Cardiology OPD during the study period. Children foundto have some type of CHDs were included in the study. All recruited subjects were examined and worked up at outpatient follow-upclinics. Results: A total of 450 subjects were found to have CHDs; out of these, 183 (40.6%) were male and 267 (59.4%) were female.Mean age was 3.34 years (range - 4 days to 24 years) and mean weight was 11.15 kg (range - 2-60 kg). History of maternal diseases andintake of drugs during pregnancy was present in 99 (22%) cases (Odds ratio [OR]=7.4, p=0.0090) and maternal fever in 59 (15%) cases(OR=6.5, p<0.0001). Distribution of CHD cases includes cyanotic CHD in 162 (36%) cases, obstructive lesions in 111 (24.6%), andleft to right shunt lesions in 288 (64%) cases. 79.4% cases have shown external dysmorphic features, and main dysmorphic featuresassociated with CHDs were eye anomalies, ear anomalies, upturned nose, clinodactyly, and chest deformity. Conclusion: Eye and earanomalies, clinodactyly, and chest deformity were the dysmorphic features significantly associated with CHDs. Consanguinity wasfound to be linked to CHD. Maternal drug intakes and maternal fever during pregnancy also have bearing on CHDs