A wide variety of copper-based semiconducting chalcogenides have been investigated in recent years to address the need for sustainable solar cell materials. An attractive class of materials ...consisting of nontoxic and earth abundant elements is the copper–antimony–sulfides. The copper–antimony–sulfide system consists of four major phases, namely, CuSbS2 (Chalcostibite), Cu12Sb4S13 (Tetrahedrite), Cu3SbS3 (Skinnerite), and Cu3SbS4 (Fematinite). All four phases are p-type semiconductors having energy band gaps between 0.5 and 2 eV, with reported large absorption coefficient values over 105 cm–1. We have for the first time developed facile colloidal hot-injection methods for the phase-pure synthesis of nanocrystals of all four phases. Cu12Sb4S13 and Cu3SbS3 are found to have direct band gaps (1.6 and 1.4 eV, respectively), while the other two phases display indirect band gaps (1.1 and 1.2 eV for CuSbS2 and Cu3SbS4, respectively). The synthesis methods yield nanocrystals with distinct morphology for the different phases. CuSbS2 is synthesized as nanoplates, and Cu12Sb4S13 is isolated as hollow structures, while uniform spherical Cu3SbS3 and oblate spheroid nanocrystals of Cu3SbS4 are obtained. In order to understand the optical and electrical properties, we have calculated the electronic structures of all four phases using the hybrid functional method (HSE 06) and PBE generalized gradient approximation to density functional theory. Consistent with experimental results, the calculations indicate that CuSbS2 and Cu3SbS4 are indirect band gap materials but with somewhat higher band gap values of 1.6 and 2.5 eV, respectively. Similarly, Cu3SbS3 is determined to be a direct band gap material with a gap of 1.5 eV. Interestingly, both PBE and HSE06 methods predict metallic behavior in fully stoichiometric Cu12Sb4S13 phase, with opening up of bands leading to semiconducting or insulating behavior for off-stoichiometric compositions with a varying number of valence electrons. The absorption coefficient values at visible wavelengths for all the phases are estimated to range between 104 and 105 cm–1, confirming their potential for solar energy conversion applications.
Flexible supercapacitors are highly attractive for the large number of emerging portable lightweight consumer devices. The novelty of a flexible supercapacitor is the incorporation of flexible ...electrode or substrate material to combine structural flexibility with the inherently high power density of supercapacitors. Flexible supercapacitors can use non-Faradaic energy storage process as seen in the electric double layer capacitor type or a Faradaic mechanism as seen in the pseudocapacitors (PCs). In this review, we account the current progress in pseudocapacitive electrode materials, fabrication techniques and new materials for electric double layer capacitor, and different flexible substrates. Future directions in developing new materials toward improved energy density and cost-effectiveness of the flexible supercapacitors and their usage in combination with lithium-ion batteries are highlighted.
Network Routing: Algorithms, Protocols, and Architectures, Second Edition explores network routing and how it can be broadly categorized into Internet routing, PSTN routing, and telecommunication ...transport network routing. The book systematically considers these routing paradigms, as well as their interoperability, discussing how algorithms, protocols, analysis, and operational deployment impact these approaches and addressing both macro-state and micro-state in routing. Readers will learn about the evolution of network routing, the role of IP and E.164 addressing and traffic engineering in routing, the impact on router and switching architectures and their design, deployment of network routing protocols, and lessons learned from implementation and operational experience. Numerous real-world examples bring the material alive.
Bridges the gap between theory and practice in network routing, including the fine points of implementation and operational experienceRouting in a multitude of technologies discussed in practical detail, including, IP/MPLS, PSTN, and optical networkingPresents routing protocols such as OSPF, IS-IS, BGP in detailDetails various router and switch architecturesDiscusses algorithms on IP-lookup and packet classificationAccessible to a wide audience with a vendor-neutral approach
Building-integrated sunlight harvesting utilizing laminated glass luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) is proposed. By incorporating high quantum yield (>90%), NIR-emitting CuInS2/ZnS quantum dots ...into the polymer interlayer between two sheets of low-iron float glass, a record optical efficiency of 8.1% is demonstrated for a 10 cm × 10 cm device that transmits ∼44% visible light. After completing prototypes by attaching silicon solar cells along the perimeter of the device, the electrical power conversion efficiency was certified at 2.2% with a black background and at 2.9% using a reflective substrate. This “drop-in” LSC solution is particularly attractive because it fits within the existing glazing industry value chain with only modest changes to typical glazing products. Performance modeling predicts >1 GWh annual electricity production for a typical urban skyscraper in most major U.S. cities, enabling significant energy cost savings and potentially “net-zero” buildings.
Treatment options in multiple myeloma (MM) are increasing with the introduction of complex multi-novel-agent-based regimens investigated in randomized clinical trials. However, application in the ...real-world setting, including feasibility of and adherence to these regimens, may be limited due to varying patient-, treatment-, and disease-related factors. Furthermore, approximately 40% of real-world MM patients do not meet the criteria for phase 3 studies on which approvals are based, resulting in a lack of representative phase 3 data for these patients. Therefore, treatment decisions must be tailored based on additional considerations beyond clinical trial efficacy and safety, such as treatment feasibility (including frequency of clinic/hospital attendance), tolerability, effects on quality of life (QoL), and impact of comorbidities. There are multiple factors of importance to real-world MM patients, including disease symptoms, treatment burden and toxicities, ability to participate in daily activities, financial burden, access to treatment and treatment centers, and convenience of treatment. All of these factors are drivers of QoL and treatment satisfaction/compliance. Importantly, given the heterogeneity of MM, individual patients may have different perspectives regarding the most relevant considerations and goals of their treatment. Patient perspectives/goals may also change as they move through their treatment course. Thus, the 'efficacy' of treatment means different things to different patients, and treatment decision-making in the context of personalized medicine must be guided by an individual's composite definition of what constitutes the best treatment choice. This review summarizes the various factors of importance and practical issues that must be considered when determining real-world treatment choices. It assesses the current instruments, methodologies, and recent initiatives for analyzing the MM patient experience. Finally, it suggests options for enhancing data collection on patients and treatments to provide a more holistic definition of the effectiveness of a regimen in the real-world setting.
Monoclonal gammopathy (MG) is a frequently detected clonal B-cell or plasma-cell disorder. Importantly, every multiple myeloma (MM) case is preceded by MG. Although clinical algorithms now allow ...earlier treatment of patients with biomarkers of malignancy before MM-induced tissue damage (CRAB) occurs, most patients are still diagnosed late. It is important to revisit how MG should be managed in clinical practice and whether screening is required. As the prevalence of MG and other medical co-morbidities both rise with increasing age, the degree of contribution of MG to disease states other than malignant progression is often unclear. This can lead to monitoring lapses and under recognition of the organ dysfunction that can occur with monoclonal gammopathy of clinical significance (MGCS). Therefore, models of progression to MM and/or MGCS require further refinement. While MG is currently detected incidentally, a case for screening has been made with ongoing studies in this area. Screening has the potential benefit of earlier detection and prevention of both MGCS and delayed MM presentations, but important drawbacks include the psychosocial impact on individuals and resource burden on healthcare services. MG terminology should transition alongside our increasing understanding of the condition and genomic characterization that have already begun to revise the MG nomenclature. The biology of MG has been poorly understood and is often inferred from the biology of MM, which is unhelpful. We review the literature and case for MG screening in this paper. In particular, we highlight areas that require focus to establish screening for MG.
The copper(II) complex Cu(tdp)(ClO4)·0.5H2O (1), where H(tdp) is the tetradentate ligand 2-(2-(2-hydroxyethylamino)ethylimino)methylphenol, and the mixed ligand complexes Cu(tdp)(diimine)+ (2−5), ...where diimine is 2,2‘-bipyridine (bpy) (2), 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) (3), 3,4,7,8-tetramethyl-1,10-phenanthroline (tmp) (4), and dipyrido-3,2-d:2‘,3‘-f-quinoxaline (dpq) (5), have been isolated and characterized by analytical and spectral methods. Complexes 1 and Cu(tdp)(phen)ClO4 (3) have been structurally characterized, and their coordination geometries around copper(II) are described as distorted octahedral. The equatorially coordinated ethanolic oxygen in 1 is displaced to an axial position upon incorporating the strongly chelating phen, as in 3. The solution structures of all the complexes have been assessed to be square-based using electronic absorption and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The interaction of the complexes with calf thymus DNA (CT DNA) has been explored by using absorption, emission, and circular dichroic spectral and viscometric studies, and modes of DNA binding for the complexes have been proposed. Absorption spectral (K b = 0.071 ± 0.005 (2), 0.90 ± 0.03 (3), 7.0 ± 0.2 (4), 9.0 ± 0.1 × 105 M-1 (5)), emission spectral (K app = 4.6 (1), 7.8 (2), 10.0 (3), 12.5 (4), 25.0 × 105 M-1 (5)), and viscosity measurements reveal that 5 interacts with DNA more strongly than the other complexes through partial intercalation of the extended planar ring of the coordinated dpq with the DNA base stack. Interestingly, only complex 4 causes a B to A conformational change upon binding DNA. All the complexes hydrolytically cleave pBR322 supercoiled DNA in 10% DMF/5 mM Tris-HCl/50 mM NaCl buffer at pH 7.1 in the absence of an activating agent, and the cleavage efficiency varies in the order 5 > 3 > 2 > 4 > 1 with 5 displaying the highest K cat value (5.47 ± 0.10 h-1). The same order of cleavage is observed for the oxidative cleavage of DNA in the presence of ascorbic acid as a reducing agent. Interestingly, of all the complexes, only 5 displays efficient photonuclease activity through double-strand DNA breaks upon irradiation with 365 nm light through a mechanistic pathway involving hydroxyl radicals. The protein binding ability of 1−5 has been also monitored by using the plasma protein bovine serum albumin (BSA), and 4 exhibits a protein binding higher than that of the other complexes. Further, the anticancer activity of the complexes on human cervical epidermoid carcinoma cell line (ME180) has been examined. Interestingly, the observed IC50 values reveal that complex 4, which effects conformational change on DNA and binds to BSA more strongly, exhibits a cytotoxicity higher than the other complexes. It also exhibits approximately 100 and 6 times more potency than cisplatin and mitomycin C for 24 and 48 h incubation times, respectively, suggesting that 4 can be explored further as a potential anticancer drug. Complexes 4 and 5 mediate the arrest of S and G2/M phases in the cell cycle progression at 24 h harvesting time, which progress into apoptosis.
Bioregenerative life-support systems (BLSS) involving plants will be required to realize self-sustaining human settlements beyond Earth. To improve plant productivity in BLSS, the quality of the ...solar spectrum can be modified by lightweight, luminescent films. CuInS
/ZnS quantum dot (QD) films were used to down-convert ultraviolet/blue photons to red emissions centered at 600 and 660 nm, resulting in increased biomass accumulation in red romaine lettuce. All plant growth parameters, except for spectral quality, were uniform across three production environments. Lettuce grown under the 600 and 660 nm-emitting QD films respectively increased edible dry mass (13 and 9%), edible fresh mass (11% each), and total leaf area (8 and 13%) compared with under a control film containing no QDs. Spectral modifications by the luminescent QD films improved photosynthetic efficiency in lettuce and could enhance productivity in greenhouses on Earth, or in space where, further conversion is expected from greater availability of ultraviolet photons.
Real-world data on regimens for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) represent an important component of therapeutic decision-making. This multi-centric, retrospective, observational study ...conducted by the treating physicians evaluated the effectiveness and safety of ixazomib-lenalidomide-dexamethasone (IRd) in 155 patients who received ixazomib via early access programs in Greece, the UK, and the Czech Republic. Median age was 68 years; 17% had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≥ 2; median number of prior therapies was 1 (range 1–7); 91%, 47%, and 17% had received prior bortezomib, thalidomide, and lenalidomide, respectively. Median duration of exposure to ixazomib was 9.6 months. Overall response rate was 74%, including 35% very good partial response or better (16% complete response). Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 27.6 months (27.6 and 19.9 months in patients with 1 or > 1 prior lines, respectively). IRd treatment for ≥ 6 months was associated with longer PFS (hazard ratio 0.06). Fourteen patients (9%) discontinued IRd due to adverse events/toxicity in the absence of disease progression. Peripheral neuropathy was reported in 35% of patients (3% grades 3–4). These findings support the results of the phase III TOURMALINE-MM1 trial in a broader real-world RRMM population.
PDF
