Valence proton-neutron interaction strengths from double binding energy differences

Empirical p-n interaction strengths have been extracted from experimental mass data using double-difference binding energy equations. The especially strong interactions for self-conjugate nuclei will be discussed as well as microstructure found for deformed and in doubly magic regions. Valence correlation Schemes provide a basis to comment on the stability of medium mass near-drip-line nuclei and superheavy elements.