Correlating the structures and photovoltaic properties in phase-separated blends of conjugated donor polymers and acceptors

The power conversion efficiency of polymer solar cells strongly depends on the microscale morphology of the interpenetrating network structures between the polymer donor and acceptor materials. Therefore, it is essential to understand the relationship between photovoltaic properties and phase-separated structures in the blend active layer. Here, we discuss the relationship between charge generation and collection and phase-separated structures, which was analyzed by a ternary phase diagram for polymer solar cells based on blends of a thiophene-based conjugated polymer donors and the following different acceptors: a fullerene derivative, a nonfullerene acceptor, and a conjugated polymer acceptor. By considering the ternary phase diagram based on the Flory–Huggins interaction parameters, we discuss the binodal point and acceptor volume fraction in the mixed phase in each material combination. Furthermore, we suggest strategies for improving the efficiency of polymer solar cells according to the molecular weight of acceptor materials. These findings will provide a guideline for developing highly efficient polymer solar cells

The Impact of Intergovernmental Transfers in the Japanese Local Government Fiscal System

Since the 1990s, a decline in local revenue caused by sluggish economic growth and an increased tendency for local governments to implement expansionary fiscal policies on behalf of Japan's central government have given rise to a growing gap between autonomous revenue and total expenditure. This has caused a rapid increase in various intergovernmental transfers, particularly to lowincome local governments, leading to excessive and unproductive spending. Within a cash-based settlement accounting system, the fiscal positions of low-income prefectures have become superior to those of high-income ones, giving the impression that the former are fiscally sounder than the latter. Decentralization initiatives should take these problems of the existing system into account. Copyright (c) 2006 The Earth Institute at Columbia University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Phase I dose‐escalation study of capmatinib ( INC

Capmatinib is a highly specific, potent and selective MET inhibitor. This was an open-label, multicenter, dose-escalation, phase I study conducted in Japanese patients with advanced solid tumors (not selected based on their MET status). Primary objective was to determine maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and/or highest studied dose being safe. Secondary objectives included safety, pharmacokinetics, and preliminary anti-tumor activity. Dose-escalation was guided by a Bayesian logistic regression model dependent on dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) in cycle 1. Forty-four adult Japanese patients with confirmed advanced solid tumors were enrolled; 29 patients received capmatinib capsules (doses ranging from 100 mg once daily [qd] to 600 mg twice daily [bid]), and 15 patients received tablets (200 mg bid and 400 mg bid). DLTs occurred in 2 patients: grade 2 suicidal ideation (600 mg bid capsule) and grade 3 depression (400 mg bid tablet). MTD was not reached. The highest studied dose determined to be safe in tablets was 400 mg bid, while it was not yet determined with capsules. Most common adverse events suspected to be drug related were blood creatinine increased, nausea, decreased appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. Following repeated daily dosing up to day 15 by qd or bid regimen using capsules, median Tmax ranged from 1.0 to 4.0 hours, while absorption was more rapid after dosing using tablet, with median Tmax of 1.0 hour on both day 1 and day 15. Eight patients had a best overall response of stable disease. These data support further clinical development of capmatinib. (Trial registration no. NCT01546428

Phase I dose-escalation study of capmatinib (INC280) in Japanese patients with advanced solid tumors.

Capmatinib is a highly specific, potent and selective MET inhibitor. This was an open-label, multicenter, dose-escalation, phase I study conducted in Japanese patients with advanced solid tumors (not selected based on their MET status). Primary objective was to determine maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and/or highest studied dose being safe. Secondary objectives included safety, pharmacokinetics, and preliminary anti-tumor activity. Dose-escalation was guided by a Bayesian logistic regression model dependent on dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) in cycle 1. Forty-four adult Japanese patients with confirmed advanced solid tumors were enrolled; 29 patients received capmatinib capsules (doses ranging from 100 mg once daily [qd] to 600 mg twice daily [bid]), and 15 patients received tablets (200 mg bid and 400 mg bid). DLTs occurred in 2 patients: grade 2 suicidal ideation (600 mg bid capsule) and grade 3 depression (400 mg bid tablet). MTD was not reached. The highest studied dose determined to be safe in tablets was 400 mg bid, while it was not yet determined with capsules. Most common adverse events suspected to be drug related were blood creatinine increased, nausea, decreased appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. Following repeated daily dosing up to day 15 by qd or bid regimen using capsules, median Tmax ranged from 1.0 to 4.0 hours, while absorption was more rapid after dosing using tablet, with median Tmax of 1.0 hour on both day 1 and day 15. Eight patients had a best overall response of stable disease. These data support further clinical development of capmatinib. (Trial registration no. NCT01546428