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The EU crystalline silicon (c-Si) PV manufacturing industry has faced strong foreign competition in the last decade. To strive in this competitive environment and differentiate itself from the competition, the EU c-Si PV manufacturing industry needs to (1) focus on highly performing c-Si PV technologies, (2) include sustainability by design, and (3) develop differentiated PV module designs for a broad range of PV applications to tap into rapidly growing existing and new markets. This is precisely the aim of the 3.5 years long H2020 funded HighLite project, which started in October 2019 under the work program LC-SC3-RES-15-2019: Increase the competitiveness of the EU PV manufacturing industry. To achieve this goal, the HighLite project focuses on bringing two advanced PV module designs and the related manufacturing solutions to higher technology readiness levels (TRL). The first module design aims to combine the benefits of n-type silicon heterojunction (SHJ) cells (high efficiency and bifaciality potential, improved sustainability, rapidly growing supply chain in the EU) with the ones of shingle assembly (higher packing density, improved modularity, and excellent aesthetics). The second module design is based on the assembly of low-cost industrial interdigitated back-contact (IBC) cells cut in half or smaller, which is interesting to improve module efficiencies and increase modularity (key for application in buildings, vehicles, etc.). This contribution provides an overview of the key results achieved so far by the HighLite project partners and discusses their relevance to help raise the EU PV industries' competitiveness. We report on promising high-efficiency industrial cell results (24.1% SHJ cell with a shingle layout and 23.9% IBC cell with passivated contacts), novel approaches for high-throughput laser cutting and edge re-passivation, module designs for BAPV, BIPV, and VIPV applications passing extended testing, and first 1-year outdoor monitoring results compared with benchmark products. This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 Programme for research, technological development, and demonstration under Grant Agreement no. 857793.

Background Malaria infection during pregnancy can cause significant morbidity and mortality to a pregnant woman, her fetus and newborn. In areas of high endemic transmission, gravidity is an important risk factor for infection, but there is a complex relationship with other exposure-related factors, and use of protective measures. This study investigated the association between gravidity and placental malaria (PM), among pregnant women aged 14–49 in Kintampo, a high transmission area of Ghana. Methods Between 2008 and 2011, as part of a study investigating the association between PM and malaria in infancy, pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) clinics in the study area were enrolled and followed up until delivery. The outcome of PM was assessed at delivery by placental histopathology. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the association between gravidity and PM, identify other key risk factors, and control for potential confounders. Pre-specified effect modifiers including area of residence, socio-economic score (SES), ITN use and IPTp-SP use were explored. Results The prevalence of PM was 65.9% in primigravidae, and 26.5% in multigravidae. After adjusting for age, SES and relationship status, primigravidae were shown to have over three times the odds of PM compared to multigravidae, defined as women with 2 or more previous pregnancies [adjusted OR = 3.36 (95% CI 2.39–4.71), N = 1808, P Conclusions The burden of PM is most heavily focused on primigravidae of low SES living in rural areas of high transmission. Programmes should prioritize primigravidae and young women of child-bearing age for interventions such as LLIN distribution, educational initiatives and treatment to reduce the burden of malaria in first pregnancy.

Funder: Janssen Pharmaceuticals; Id: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/100008897, Ibrutinib is an established treatment for relapsed/refractory (R/R) mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) and clinical trial data supports use at second line compared to later relapse. We aimed to investigate outcomes and tolerability for ibrutinib when given second line in a real-world setting. Our multicentre retrospective analysis included 211 R/R MCL patients, median age 73 years, receiving ibrutinib second-line within the United Kingdom's National Health Service. Overall response to ibrutinib was 69% (complete response 27%). The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 17·8 months (95% CI 13·1-22·2) and median overall survival (OS) 23·9 months (95% CI 15·0-32·8). Drug-related adverse event led to dose reduction in 10% of patients and discontinuation in 5%. In patients with progressive disease, accounting for 100 of 152 patients stopping ibrutinib, 43% received further systemic therapy. Post-ibrutinib rituximab, bendamustine and cytarabine (R-BAC) showed a trend toward improved survival compared to alternative systemic treatments (post-ibrutinib median OS 14·0 months, 95% CI 8·1-19·8, vs. 3·6 months, 95% CI 2·6-4·5, P = 0·06). Our study confirms the clinical benefit and good tolerability of ibrutinib at first relapse in a real-world population. Patients progressing on ibrutinib had limited survival but outcomes with R-BAC in select patients were promising.

This paper examines relative stock market performance following the onset of the coronavirus pandemic for a sample of 80 stock markets. Weekly data on coronavirus cases and deaths are employed alongside Oxford indices on each nation’s stringency and government support intensity. The results are broken down both by month and by geographical region. The full sample results show that increased coronavirus cases exert the expected overall effect of worsening relative stock market performance, but with little consistent impact of rising deaths. There is some evidence of significantly negative stock market effects arising from lockdowns as reflected in the Oxford stringency index. There are also positive reactions to government support in March and December in the overall sample—combined with some additional pervasive effects seen in mid-2020 in Latin America.

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is a common therapy for patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). The initial response rate for IVIg is 80%[1][1] and is typically rapid, with some patients responding in 24 hours, although usually in 2–4 days.[2][2] When IVIg is used alone, the response is

Sewage sludge contains Ag

Silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells, the transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layers used are designed to balance resistive losses and parasitic light absorption. This paper aims to determine the rear TCO optimization that can be made in the case of bifacial SHJ cells, taking into account both optical and electrical aspects. First, internal reflectance in bifacial cells is simulated and characterized for more or less transparent TCO layers, and compared to monofacial cells, in order to establish if the use of a more transparent TCO layer stays beneficial for bifacial cells as well. Then, the internal reflectance is further optimized by tuning the TCO thickness. In this work, we thus show that using a more transparent ITO layer remains an important path of improvement for the internal reflectance in bifacial cells, and that TCO thickness should be optimized differently than for monofacial cells. These results have been confirmed at cell level with a gain in short-circuit current without significant resistive losses observed, resulting in a final efficiency gain. Moreover, this optimization is proved to be also beneficial for the cell’s bifaciality behavior.

Background: Ibrutinib has transformed the clinical approach to relapsed mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) with those receiving ibrutinib at first relapse obtaining the greatest benefit encouraging use earlier in the treatment algorithm (Rule et al, 2019). However, the general applicability of clinical trial findings is not established and concerns regarding ibrutinib tolerability persist, especially in non-trial populations enriched for frailer patients with multiple co-morbidities. In the United Kingdom, ibrutinib is funded as standard of care at first relapse. This study has analysed the clinical effectiveness and tolerability of this approach in a non-clinical trial real world population. Method: 23 centres across the United Kingdom contributed data from consecutive patients treated with ibrutinib for MCL at first relapse. Patients received standard dose 560 mg OD, unless documented, and commenced treatment between August 2014 and April 2019. Response to therapy was defined as per Lugano classification (Cheson et al, 2014), although CR assessment by bone marrow biopsy was not always undertaken. Data was collected on baseline characteristics, including response to prior therapy, and MIPI at time of relapse. The study primary outcome was PFS. Predictors of progression were determined using univariate Cox regression. Results: 169 patients were included in the study. Median age at start of ibrutinib was 72 years (range 33 to 97) and 122 (72.2%) were male. At diagnosis 13.5% had blastoid histology; 59.3% Ki67 ≥30%; 32.0% received cytarabine based induction and 27.8% HSCT consolidation; 11.2% received low intensity frontline therapy (i.e. not fit for R-CHOP) due to frailty. Median PFS following frontline therapy was 21.4 months (95% CI 14.6 to 28.3) and 52.1% progressed within 2 years. At start of ibrutinib 52.2% were MIPI high risk; 23.9% were ECOG 2 or higher and 2.4% had CNS involvement. Overall response rate (ORR) to ibrutinib was 71.6% with 30.4% achieving CR/CRu. Estimated median PFS from start of ibrutinib was 16.5 months (95% CI 11.5 to 21.5) and estimated OS 23.9 months (95% CI 13.0 to 34.8), with median follow up 26 months. Median PFS for patients with early relapse to frontline therapy (progression of disease 1 were also negative predictors of PFS (see table 1 for univariate analysis). 10 patients (5.9%) received attenuated dose from start of therapy due to frailty and 20 patients (11.8%) underwent dose reductions while on therapy due to drug toxicity. Of 109 patients to discontinue ibrutinib 72 (66.1%) were due to progressive disease, 15 for consolidation alloHSCT (13.8%), 13 due to medical co-morbidities and unrelated death (11.9%), and 9 due to drug toxicity (8.3%), including 1 bleed. Only 5.3% of all patients stopped therapy due to drug toxicity. Patients ≥80 yrs were more likely to stop therapy early for reasons other than progressive disease or alloHSCT (OR 2.92, p=0.02), but frailer patients who received low intensity frontline therapy also showed a trend for more durable response with second-line ibrutinib (PFS 10.0 months versus 4.0 months, p=0.36) justifying use in this patient group. Conclusion: This study population is enriched for several recognised adverse prognostic markers, including older age and poor performance status, which is likely to explain differences in PFS relative to clinical trial data. Despite these features response rates were similar, and it is notable that 46.7% of evaluable pts achieved longer PFS with ibrutinib than preceding front-line therapy. It is reassuring that the proportion of patients stopping ibrutinib due to toxicity was similar to trial data and bleeding events that required alterations to therapy were rare (3 cases, 1.8%). Although ibrutinib represents a significant breakthrough with clear benefit to most patients the results also highlight that outcome for many remains poor. 40% of patients progressed within 1 year of starting ibrutinib and median OS post ibrutinib was only 3.6 months. 35.2% of patients died within 1 month of documented relapse suggesting many, predominantly older patients, were not fit for further therapy. Of the 53 pts surviving beyond 1 month median OS was 7.5 months and 21.9% lived beyond 1 year. Improved treatment strategies in the post-ibrutinib setting remains a priority. Disclosures Rule: Pharmacyclics: Consultancy, Honoraria; Gilead: Consultancy, Honoraria; Sunesis: Consultancy, Honoraria; TG Therapeutics: Consultancy, Honoraria; Napp: Consultancy; Roche: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Astra-Zeneca: Consultancy, Honoraria; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria; Kite: Consultancy. Eyre:Gilead: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: commercial research support; Abbvie: Honoraria; Janssen: Honoraria; Roche: Honoraria. Furtado:Abbvie: Honoraria. Shah:ABBVIE: Consultancy. Campbell:Novartis: Consultancy, Other: Educational support; Takeda: Consultancy, Other: Educational support; Bristol Myers-Squibb: Other: Educational support; Roche: Other: Educational support; Celgene: Other: Educational support. McCarthy:Janssen: Honoraria, Other: Educational grant to attend meetings . Lambert:Takeda Pharmaceuticals: Other: Funding to attend a scientific conference in 2018. McKay:Epizyme: Consultancy, Honoraria. Osborne:Roche: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel, Speakers Bureau; Gilead: Consultancy; MSD: Consultancy; Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Other: Travel; Pfizer: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Servier: Consultancy. Bishton:Takeda: Other: Travel support, Research Funding; AbbVie: Research Funding; Celltrion: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: travel support; Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Research Funding; Roche: Other: Travel support, Research Funding. Crosbie:Janssen: Honoraria.

CEA-INES and THALES ALENIA SPACE are working on the integration of PV modules on a stratospheric solar powered telecommunication balloon. Lightweight and flexible PV modules $(\lt800\,\,\mathrm{g}/\mathrm{m}^{2})$ with high efficiency $(\gt180\,\,\mathrm{W}/\mathrm{m}^{2})$, integrating one or more by-pass diodes per cell were developed, characterized and tested in harsh conditions. The interest of both IBC and HJT module technologies was clearly shown for the StratobusTM application.

Immune deficiencies in patients with glioblastoma (GBM) are not a new discovery. Researchers have been perplexed and challenged by impairments to immunity in the context of GBM dating back to the 1970s. As immunotherapy has become both more studied and more developed, increasing evidence has highlighted factors ranging from lymphopenia to innate and cellular immune dysfunction. Much work has been done to uncover a variety of tumor-inducible mechanisms for limiting the antitumor immune response. In this chapter, we will explore the evolution of our understanding of these immune-restricting mechanisms, as well as strategies for their reversal.

Objectives Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) affects 40% of patients following spine surgery with estimated costs of $20 billion to the US health care system. The aim of this study was to assess the cost differences across the different insurance providers for FBSS patients. Methods A retrospective longitudinal study was performed using the Truven MarketScan® database to identify FBSS patients from 2001 to 2012. Patients were grouped into Commercial, Medicaid, or Medicare cohorts. We collected one-year prior to FBSS diagnosis (baseline), then at year of spinal cord stimulation (SCS)-implantation and nine-year post-SCS implantation cost outcomes. Results We identified 122,827 FBSS patients, with 117,499 patients who did not undergo an SCS-implantation (Commercial: n = 49,075, Medicaid: n = 23,180, Medicare: n = 45,244) and 5328 who did undergo an SCS implantation (Commercial: n = 2279, Medicaid: n = 1003, Medicare: n = 2046). Baseline characteristics were similar between the cohorts, with the Medicare-cohort being significantly older. Over the study period, there were significant differences in overall cost metrics between the cohorts who did not undergo SCS implantation with the Medicaid-cohort had the lowest annual median (interquartile range) total cost (Medicaid: $4530.4 [$1440.6, $11,973.5], Medicare: $7292.0 [$3371.4, $13,989.4], Commercial: $4944.3 [$363.8, $13,294.0], p Conclusions Our study demonstrates a significant difference in overall costs between various insurance providers in the management of FBSS, with Medicaid-insured patients having lower overall costs compared to Commercial- and Medicare-patients. SCS is cost-effective across all insurance groups (Commercial > Medicaid > Medicare) beginning at two years and continuing through nine-year follow-up. Further studies are necessary to understand the cost differences between these insurance providers, in hopes of reducing unnecessary health care expenditures for patients with FBSS.

We obtain two-weighted $L^2$ norm inequalities for oscillatory integral operators of convolution type on the line whose phases are of finite type. The conditions imposed on the weights involve geometrically-defined maximal functions, and the inequalities are best-possible in the sense that they imply the full $L^p(\mathbb{R})\rightarrow L^q(\mathbb{R})$ mapping properties of the oscillatory integrals. Our results build on work of Carbery, Soria, Vargas and the first author., Comment: 22 pages

INTRODUCTION:Adoptive transfer of T cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) is an effective immunotherapy for hematological cancers but requires a rethinking for clinical efficacy against solid tumors, where CARs have largely failed. Lymphodepletive preconditioning regimens can enhance CA

Samuel Harrison Smith (1772–1845) was born to a Philadelphia merchant family and educated in Philadelphia schools, earning a BA (1787) and MA (1790) from the University of Pennsylvania. Ambitious and financially secure, Smith launched a printing business at the age of 19, which included the American Universal Magazine, the New World, and the Independent Gazetteer, which he renamed the Universal Gazette. In recognition of his accomplishments in publishing, the APS elected Smith to membership in 1797 before the announcement of his victory in the essay contest. After the contest, Smith donated his prize winnings to the APS to fund a second contest and became an active member in the organization. In 1800, Smith married his cousin, Margaret Bayard, and moved to Washington, DC at the invitation of Thomas Jefferson to found what would become the mouthpiece of Jefferson’s Democratic-Republican Party: the triweekly National Intelligencer and Washington Advisor.1

Thomson Samuel Harrison. An unnoticed ninth century Beneventan fragment. In: Scriptorium, Tome 9 n°2, 1955. pp. 200-207.