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BackgroundTargeting programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO1) pathways is an appealing option for cancer treatment.MethodsThe open-label, phase 1/2 ECHO-203 study evaluated the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of the IDO1 inhibitor epacadostat in combination with durvalumab, a human anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody in adult patients with advanced solid tumors.ResultsThe most common treatment-related adverse events were fatigue (30.7%), nausea (21.0%), decreased appetite (13.1%), pruritus (12.5%), maculopapular rash (10.8%), and diarrhea (10.2%). Objective response rate (ORR) in the overall phase 2 population was 12.0%. Higher ORR was observed in immune checkpoint inhibitor (CPI)-naïve patients (16.1%) compared with patients who had received previous CPI (4.1%). Epacadostat pharmacodynamics were evaluated by comparing baseline kynurenine levels with those on therapy at various time points. Only the 300-mg epacadostat dose showed evidence of kynurenine modulation, albeit unsustained.ConclusionsEpacadostat plus durvalumab was generally well tolerated in patients with advanced solid tumors. ORR was low, and evaluation of kynurenine concentration from baseline to cycle 2, day 1, and cycle 5, day 1, suggested >300 mg epacadostat twice daily is needed to ensure sufficient drug effect.Clinical trial informationA study of epacadostat (INCB024360) in combination with durvalumab (MEDI4736) in subjects with selected advanced solid tumors (ECHO-203) (NCT02318277).

The role of immune responses to previously seen endemic coronavirus epitopes in severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and disease progression has not yet been determined. Here, we show that a key characteristic of fatal coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outcomes is that the immune response to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein is enriched for antibodies directed against epitopes shared with endemic beta-coronaviruses, and has a lower proportion of antibodies targeting the more protective variable regions of the spike. The magnitude of antibody responses to the SARS-CoV-2 full-length spike protein, its domains and subunits, and the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid also correlated strongly with responses to the endemic beta-coronavirus spike proteins in individuals admitted to intensive care units (ICU) with fatal COVID-19 outcomes, but not in individuals with non-fatal outcomes. This correlation was found to be due to the antibody response directed at the S2 subunit of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, which has the highest degree of conservation between the beta-coronavirus spike proteins. Intriguingly, antibody responses to the less cross-reactive SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid were not significantly different in individuals who were admitted to ICU with fatal and non-fatal outcomes, suggesting an antibody profile in individuals with fatal outcomes consistent with an original antigenic sin type-response.

The role of immune responses to previously seen endemic coronavirus epitopes in severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and disease progression has not yet been determined. Here, we show that a key characteristic of fatal coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outcomes is that the immune response to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein is enriched for antibodies directed against epitopes shared with endemic beta-coronaviruses, and has a lower proportion of antibodies targeting the more protective variable regions of the spike. The magnitude of antibody responses to the SARS-CoV-2 full-length spike protein, its domains and subunits, and the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid also correlated strongly with responses to the endemic beta-coronavirus spike proteins in individuals admitted to intensive care units (ICU) with fatal COVID-19 outcomes, but not in individuals with non-fatal outcomes. This correlation was found to be due to the antibody response directed at the S2 subunit of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, which has the highest degree of conservation between the beta-coronavirus spike proteins. Intriguingly, antibody responses to the less cross-reactive SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid were not significantly different in individuals who were admitted to ICU with fatal and non-fatal outcomes, suggesting an antibody profile in individuals with fatal outcomes consistent with an original antigenic sin type-response.

Viktor V Chirikov,1 Chris Walker,2 Jennifer M Stephens,1 Patricia Schepman,3 Richard Chambers,4 Mahmoud Bakir,5 Gregory W Poorman,1 Seema Haider,6 Mohammed Farghaly7 1OPEN Health, Bethesda, MD, USA; 2Global Medical Affairs, Viatris, Tadworth, UK; 3Global Health Economics and Outcomes Research, Pfizer Inc, New York, NY, USA; 4Biostatistics, Pfizer Inc, Collegeville, PA, USA; 5Upjohn Export B.V., Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; 6Pfizer Inc., Groton, CT, USA; 7Dubai Medical College, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesCorrespondence: Jennifer M StephensOPEN Health, Bethesda, MD, USATel +1 703 625 5943Email jstephens@pharmerit.comObjective: Data on osteoarthritis patients from the PRECISION trial were used to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of celecoxib (100 mg twice daily) versus ibuprofen (600– 800 mg three times daily) and naproxen (375– 500 mg twice daily). The perspective was that of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) healthcare system.Methods: Discrete-state Markov model with monthly cycles, 30-month horizon, and 3% discount rate was constructed to assess incremental costs per quality adjusted life year (QALYs) gained from reduced incidence of three safety domains examined in PRECISION: renal, serious gastrointestinal (GI), and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Costs for managing these toxicities were derived from Dubai Administrative Billing Claims (2018). Median monthly drug costs were derived from UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention’s published prices ($26.98 celecoxib; $20.25 ibuprofen; $20.50 naproxen). Health utility and excess mortality associated with toxicities were sourced from the literature. The willingness-to-pay thresholds used were 1 and 3 GDP per capita ($40,000–$120,000).Results: The total average cost per patient was $812.88 for celecoxib, $775.26 for ibuprofen, and $731.17 for naproxen while cost components attributed to toxicities were lowest with celecoxib ($360.26, $438.31, and $388.60, respectively). Patients on

We present observations of the Trumpler 14/Carina I region carried out using the Stratospheric Terahertz Observatory 2 (STO2). The Trumpler 14/Carina I region is in the west part of the Carina Nebula Complex, which is one of the most extreme star-forming regions in the Milky Way. We observed Trumpler 14/Carina I in the 158 $\mu$m transition of [C\,{\sc ii}] with a spatial resolution of 48$''$ and a velocity resolution of 0.17 km s$^{-1}$. The observations cover a 0.25$^\circ$ by 0.28$^\circ$ area with central position {\it l} = 297.34$^\circ$, {\it b} = -0.60$^\circ$. The kinematics show that bright [C\,{\sc ii}] structures are spatially and spectrally correlated with the surfaces of CO clouds, tracing the photodissociation region and ionization front of each molecular cloud. Along 7 lines of sight that traverse Tr 14 into the dark ridge to the southwest, we find that the [C\,{\sc ii}] luminosity from the HII region is 3.7 times that from the PDR. In same los we find in the PDRs an average ratio of 1:4.1:5.6 for the mass in atomic gas:dark-CO gas: molecular gas traced by CO. Comparing multiple gas tracers including HI 21cm, [C\,{\sc ii}], CO, and radio recombination lines, we find that the HII regions of the Carina Nebula Complex are well-described as HII regions with one-side freely expanding towards us, consistent with the champagne model of ionized gas evolution. The dispersal of the GMC in this region is dominated by EUV photoevaporation; the dispersal timescale is 20-30 Myr., Comment: ApJ accepted

We present observations of the Trumpler 14/Carina I region carried out using the Stratospheric Terahertz Observatory 2 (STO2). The Trumpler 14/Carina I region is in the west part of the Carina Nebula Complex, which is one of the most extreme star-forming regions in the Milky Way. We observed Trumpler 14/Carina I in the 158 $\mu$m transition of [C\,{\sc ii}] with a spatial resolution of 48$''$ and a velocity resolution of 0.17 km s$^{-1}$. The observations cover a 0.25$^\circ$ by 0.28$^\circ$ area with central position {\it l} = 297.34$^\circ$, {\it b} = -0.60$^\circ$. The kinematics show that bright [C\,{\sc ii}] structures are spatially and spectrally correlated with the surfaces of CO clouds, tracing the photodissociation region and ionization front of each molecular cloud. Along 7 lines of sight that traverse Tr 14 into the dark ridge to the southwest, we find that the [C\,{\sc ii}] luminosity from the HII region is 3.7 times that from the PDR. In same los we find in the PDRs an average ratio of 1:4.1:5.6 for the mass in atomic gas:dark-CO gas: molecular gas traced by CO. Comparing multiple gas tracers including HI 21cm, [C\,{\sc ii}], CO, and radio recombination lines, we find that the HII regions of the Carina Nebula Complex are well-described as HII regions with one-side freely expanding towards us, consistent with the champagne model of ionized gas evolution. The dispersal of the GMC in this region is dominated by EUV photoevaporation; the dispersal timescale is 20-30 Myr., Comment: ApJ accepted

Ahmed Shelbaya,1,2 Caitlyn T Solem,3 Chris Walker,4 Yin Wan,3 Courtney Johnson,3 Joseph C Cappelleri1 1Pfizer Inc., New York, NY, 2Columbia School of Public Health, New York, NY, 3Pharmerit International, Bethesda, MD, USA; 4Pfizer Ltd., Tadworth, Surrey, UK Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics associated with early versus late initiation of celecoxib treatment after osteoarthritis (OA) diagnosis and whether economic and safety outcomes differ between patients with early versus late initiation of celecoxib.Methods: Adults (≥18 years) with a confirmed OA diagnosis (International Classification of Diseases, 9th Edition, Clinical Modifications code: 715.XX), ≥12 months of continuous pre- and post-index enrollment, and ≥1 post-index claim for celecoxib were included from the MarketScan® Commercial Claims and Encounter Database (2009–2013). Index date was defined as initial OA diagnosis. Patients were categorized as initiating celecoxib early (within 6 months of index date) or late (≥6 months after index date). Logistic regressions were used to assess characteristics associated with early versus late celecoxib initiation. Key outcomes included health care resource utilization (HCRU) and costs post-index, and adverse event incidence post-celecoxib initiation. Unadjusted and adjusted comparisons (using generalized linear models with a gamma distribution for costs and Poisson distribution for event and resource utilization) were made between early and late celecoxib initiators.Results: Of the 62,434 OA patients identified, 27,402 were early and 35,032 were late initiators. Post-index hospital admissions and length of stay did not differ statistically between early versus late initiators after controlling for pre-index event rates and covariates, but early patients had significantly fewer outpatient (incidence rate ratio [IRR]: 0.96; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.95, 0.97) and emergency room visits (IRR

We report on a 4.7 THz heterodyne receiver designed for high resolution spectroscopy of the astronomically important neutral oxygen (OI) line at 4.745 THz. The receiver is based around a hot electron bolometer (HEB) mixer and quantum cascade laser (QCL) local oscillator. This receiver has been developed to fly on the Stratospheric Terahertz Observatory (STO-2), a balloon-borne 0.8 m telescope observing from an altitude of 44 km for 14 days or more. We measure a double sideband receiver noise temperature of 815 K (~ 7 times quantum noise) with a noise temperature IF bandwidth of 3.5 GHz. We describe the receiver performance expected in flight and outline novel approaches to QCL amplitude and frequency stabilization., QN/Gao Lab

We report on a 4.7 THz heterodyne receiver designed for high resolution spectroscopy of the astronomically important neutral oxygen (OI) line at 4.745 THz. The receiver is based around a hot electron bolometer (HEB) mixer and quantum cascade laser (QCL) local oscillator. This receiver has been developed to fly on the Stratospheric Terahertz Observatory (STO-2), a balloon-borne 0.8 m telescope observing from an altitude of 44 km for 14 days or more. We measure a double sideband receiver noise temperature of 815 K (~ 7 times quantum noise) with a noise temperature IF bandwidth of 3.5 GHz. We describe the receiver performance expected in flight and outline novel approaches to QCL amplitude and frequency stabilization., QN/Gao Lab

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate gastrointestinal risk profiles in patients with osteoarthritis who are currently being treated, or who are candidates for treatment, with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. METHODS: Patients with osteoarthritis treated by primary care physicians or physical and rehabilitation medicine (PRM) specialists in Belgium and Luxembourg were scored for gastrointestinal risk profile, low, moderate or high, based on the presence of gastrointestinal risk factors. These included advanced age, gastrointestinal history, comorbidities, medication use, smoking, and alcohol consumption. Use of gastro-protective agents (proton pump inhibitors) was also assessed. RESULTS: A total of 190 primary care physicians and PRM specialists provided data on 885 patients. A large majority of patients were rated high-risk gastrointestinal (77.8%), with fewer moderate (19.4%) or low (2.8%) risk. The proportion of high-risk patients treated by PRM specialists was significantly lower than that treated by primary care physicians (64.7% vs 79.9%; p < 0.0001). Only 37.0% of high-risk patients received proton pump inhibitors co-prescription with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. CONCLUSION: A high prevalence of elevated gastrointestinal risk was found in this survey of patients with osteoarthritis who were current or candidate users of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. This appears to be insufficiently recognized, as preventative gastro-protective co-treatment was infrequently prescribed. Careful assessment of gastrointestinal risk factors should be made before prescribing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, with treatment tailored to the patient's gastrointestinal risk profile.

My dissertation focuses on a relatively new field of study: the region immediately around galaxies known as the circumgalactic medium (CGM). The CGM holds vast quantities of mass and metals, yet its connection to galaxies is not well understood. My work uses cosmological hydrodynamic simulations and comparisons to data from Hubble's Cosmic Origins Spectrograph (COS) to understand the CGM's connection to galaxy evolution, gas accretion, outflows, star formation, and baryon cycling. This includes studies of the CGM's extent and physical conditions; the cause and nature of outflows; gas dynamics, including the first comprehensive study of tracers of inflowing and outflowing gas at low redshift (z=0.25); and direct comparison of theoretical results to observational data. Chapter 1 introduces my research and show its connection to galaxy evolution. Chapter 2 investigates hydrogen and metal line absorption around low-redshift galaxies in cosmological hydrodynamic simulations. This chapter studies different models for stellar outflows, physical conditions, and dependencies on halo mass. Chapter 3 examines the flow of gas into, out of, and around galaxies using a novel particle tracking technique. This chapter examines the baryon cycle in detail for our preferred model of stellar outflows. Chapter 4 compares our model results, including two separate prescriptions for outflows, with data from COS. We contrast these wind models, showing how they cycle baryons differently, and show degeneracies in observational diagnostics. In Chapter 5, I summarize and discuss plans for future research in this field, and how it can be more fully leveraged to understand galaxy evolution.

We present a novel "Lab-on-DVD" system and demonstrate its capability for rapid and low-cost HIV diagnostics by counting CD4+ cells isolated from whole blood. We show that a commercial DVD drive can, with certain modifications, be turned into an improved DVD-based laser scanning microscope (DVD-LSM). The system consists of a multi-layered disposable polymer disc and a modified commercial DVD reader with rotational control for sample handling, temperature control for optimized bioassay, a photodiode array for detection, and software for signal processing and user interface - all the necessary components required for a truly integrated lab-on-a-chip system, with the capability to deliver high-resolution images down to 1 mm in size. Using discs modified with antibodies, we specifically captured CD4+ cells from whole blood, demonstrating single cell resolution imaging. The novel integrated DVD platform with sub-micron image resolution brings, for the first time, affordable cellular diagnostic testing to the point-of-care and should be readily applicable at resource-limited settings., QC 20130412

We present the first results from a new carbon monoxide (CO) survey of the southern Galactic plane being conducted with the Mopra radio telescope in Australia. The 12CO, 13CO and C18O J=1-0 lines are being mapped over the l = 305-345 deg, b = +/- 0.5 deg portion of the 4th quadrant of the Galaxy, at 35" spatial and 0.1 km/s spectral resolution. The survey is being undertaken with two principal science objectives: (i) to determine where and how molecular clouds are forming in the Galaxy and (ii) to probe the connection between molecular clouds and the "missing" gas inferred from gamma-ray observations. We describe the motivation for the survey, the instrumentation and observing techniques being applied, and the data reduction and analysis methodology. In this paper we present the data from the first degree surveyed, l = 323-324 deg, b = +/- 0.5 deg. We compare the data to the previous CO survey of this region and present metrics quantifying the performance being achieved; the rms sensitivity per 0.1 km/s velocity channel is ~1.5K for 12CO and ~0.7K for the other lines. We also present some results from the region surveyed, including line fluxes, column densities, molecular masses, 12CO/13CO line ratios and 12CO optical depths. We also examine how these quantities vary as a function of distance from the Sun when averaged over the 1 square degree survey area. Approximately 2 x 10E6 MSun of molecular gas is found along the G323 sightline, with an average H2 number density of nH2 ~ 1 cm-3 within the Solar circle. The CO data cubes will be made publicly available as they are published., Comment: Accepted for publication in PASA (Publications of the Astronomical Society of Australia), 03 July 2013. 35 pages, including 18 Figures and 7 Tables

Government action is essential to increase the healthiness of food environments and reduce obesity, diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and their related inequalities. This paper proposes a monitoring framework to assess government policies and actions for creating healthy food environments. Recommendations from relevant authoritative organizations and expert advisory groups for reducing obesity and NCDs were examined, and pertinent components were incorporated into a comprehensive framework for monitoring government policies and actions. A Government Healthy Food Environment Policy Index (Food-EPI) was developed, which comprises a ‘policy’ component with seven domains on specific aspects of food environments, and an ‘infrastructure support’ component with seven domains to strengthen systems to prevent obesity and NCDs. These were revised through a week-long consultation process with international experts. Examples of good practice statements are proposed within each domain, and these will evolve into benchmarks established by governments at the forefront of creating and implementing food policies for good health. A rating process is proposed to assess a government's level of policy implementation towards good practice. The Food-EPI will be pre-tested and piloted in countries of varying size and income levels. The benchmarking of government policy implementation has the potential to catalyse greater action to reduce obesity and NCDs.

The International Network for Food and Obesity/non-communicable diseases Research, Monitoring and Action Support (INFORMAS) proposes to collect performance indicators on food policies, actions and environments related to obesity and non-communicable diseases. This paper reviews existing communications strategies used for performance indicators and proposes the approach to be taken for INFORMAS. Twenty-seven scoring and rating tools were identified in various fields of public health including alcohol, tobacco, physical activity, infant feeding and food environments. These were compared based on the types of indicators used and how they were quantified, scoring methods, presentation and the communication and reporting strategies used. There are several implications of these analyses for INFORMAS: the ratings/benchmarking approach is very commonly used, presumably because it is an effective way to communicate progress and stimulate action, although this has not been formally evaluated; the tools used must be trustworthy, pragmatic and policy-relevant; multiple channels of communication will be needed; communications need to be tailored and targeted to decision-makers; data and methods should be freely accessible. The proposed communications strategy for INFORMAS has been built around these lessons to ensure that INFORMAS's outputs have the greatest chance of being used to improve food environments.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) dominate disease burdens globally and poor nutrition increasingly contributes to this global burden. Comprehensive monitoring of food environments, and evaluation of the impact of public and private sector policies on food environments is needed to strengthen accountability systems to reduce NCDs. The International Network for Food and Obesity/NCDs Research, Monitoring and Action Support (INFORMAS) is a global network of public-interest organizations and researchers that aims to monitor, benchmark and support public and private sector actions to create healthy food environments and reduce obesity, NCDs and their related inequalities. The INFORMAS framework includes two ‘process’ modules, that monitor the policies and actions of the public and private sectors, seven ‘impact’ modules that monitor the key characteristics of food environments and three ‘outcome’ modules that monitor dietary quality, risk factors and NCD morbidity and mortality. Monitoring frameworks and indicators have been developed for 10 modules to provide consistency, but allowing for stepwise approaches (‘minimal’, ‘expanded’, ‘optimal’) to data collection and analysis. INFORMAS data will enable benchmarking of food environments between countries, and monitoring of progress over time within countries. Through monitoring and benchmarking, INFORMAS will strengthen the accountability systems needed to help reduce the burden of obesity, NCDs and their related inequalities.

The liberalization of international trade and foreign direct investment through multilateral, regional and bilateral agreements has had profound implications for the structure and nature of food systems, and therefore, for the availability, nutritional quality, accessibility, price and promotion of foods in different locations. Public health attention has only relatively recently turned to the links between trade and investment agreements, diets and health, and there is currently no systematic monitoring of this area. This paper reviews the available evidence on the links between trade agreements, food environments and diets from an obesity and non-communicable disease (NCD) perspective. Based on the key issues identified through the review, the paper outlines an approach for monitoring the potential impact of trade agreements on food environments and obesity/NCD risks. The proposed monitoring approach encompasses a set of guiding principles, recommended procedures for data collection and analysis, and quantifiable ‘minimal’, ‘expanded’ and ‘optimal’ measurement indicators to be tailored to national priorities, capacity and resources. Formal risk assessment processes of existing and evolving trade and investment agreements, which focus on their impacts on food environments will help inform the development of healthy trade policy, strengthen domestic nutrition and health policy space and ultimately protect population nutrition.

A food supply that delivers energy-dense products with high levels of salt, saturated fats and trans fats, in large portion sizes, is a major cause of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The highly processed foods produced by large food corporations are primary drivers of increases in consumption of these adverse nutrients. The objective of this paper is to present an approach to monitoring food composition that can both document the extent of the problem and underpin novel actions to address it. The monitoring approach seeks to systematically collect information on high-level contextual factors influencing food composition and assess the energy density, salt, saturated fat, trans fats and portion sizes of highly processed foods for sale in retail outlets (with a focus on supermarkets and quick-service restaurants). Regular surveys of food composition are proposed across geographies and over time using a pragmatic, standardized methodology. Surveys have already been undertaken in several high- and middle-income countries, and the trends have been valuable in informing policy approaches. The purpose of collecting data is not to exhaustively document the composition of all foods in the food supply in each country, but rather to provide information to support governments, industry and communities to develop and enact strategies to curb food-related NCDs.

This paper outlines a step-wise framework for monitoring foods and beverages provided or sold in publicly funded institutions. The focus is on foods in schools, but the framework can also be applied to foods provided or sold in other publicly funded institutions. Data collection and evaluation within this monitoring framework will consist of two components. In component I, information on existing food or nutrition policies and/or programmes within settings would be compiled. Currently, nutrition standards and voluntary guidelines associated with such policies/programmes vary widely globally. This paper, which provides a comprehensive review of such standards and guidelines, will facilitate institutional learnings for those jurisdictions that have not yet established them or are undergoing review of existing ones. In component II, the quality of foods provided or sold in public sector settings is evaluated relative to existing national or sub-national nutrition standards or voluntary guidelines. Where there are no (or only poor) standards or guidelines available, the nutritional quality of foods can be evaluated relative to standards of a similar jurisdiction or other appropriate standards. Measurement indicators are proposed (within ‘minimal’, ‘expanded’ and ‘optimal’ approaches) that can be used to monitor progress over time in meeting policy objectives, and facilitate comparisons between countries.

Food and non-alcoholic beverage marketing is recognized as an important factor influencing food choices related to non-communicable diseases. The monitoring of populations' exposure to food and non-alcoholic beverage promotions, and the content of these promotions, is necessary to generate evidence to understand the extent of the problem, and to determine appropriate and effective policy responses. A review of studies measuring the nature and extent of exposure to food promotions was conducted to identify approaches to monitoring food promotions via dominant media platforms. A step-wise approach, comprising ‘minimal’, ‘expanded’ and ‘optimal’ monitoring activities, was designed. This approach can be used to assess the frequency and level of exposure of population groups (especially children) to food promotions, the persuasive power of techniques used in promotional communications (power of promotions) and the nutritional composition of promoted food products. Detailed procedures for data sampling, data collection and data analysis for a range of media types are presented, as well as quantifiable measurement indicators for assessing exposure to and power of food and non-alcoholic beverage promotions. The proposed framework supports the development of a consistent system for monitoring food and non-alcoholic beverage promotions for comparison between countries and over time.

Food labelling on food packaging has the potential to have both positive and negative effects on diets. Monitoring different aspects of food labelling would help to identify priority policy options to help people make healthier food choices. A taxonomy of the elements of health-related food labelling is proposed. A systematic review of studies that assessed the nature and extent of health-related food labelling has been conducted to identify approaches to monitoring food labelling. A step-wise approach has been developed for independently assessing the nature and extent of health-related food labelling in different countries and over time. Procedures for sampling the food supply, and collecting and analysing data are proposed, as well as quantifiable measurement indicators and benchmarks for health-related food labelling.

Food prices and food affordability are important determinants of food choices, obesity and non-communicable diseases. As governments around the world consider policies to promote the consumption of healthier foods, data on the relative price and affordability of foods, with a particular focus on the difference between ‘less healthy’ and ‘healthy’ foods and diets, are urgently needed. This paper briefly reviews past and current approaches to monitoring food prices, and identifies key issues affecting the development of practical tools and methods for food price data collection, analysis and reporting. A step-wise monitoring framework, including measurement indicators, is proposed. ‘Minimal’ data collection will assess the differential price of ‘healthy’ and ‘less healthy’ foods; ‘expanded’ monitoring will assess the differential price of ‘healthy’ and ‘less healthy’ diets; and the ‘optimal’ approach will also monitor food affordability, by taking into account household income. The monitoring of the price and affordability of ‘healthy’ and ‘less healthy’ foods and diets globally will provide robust data and benchmarks to inform economic and fiscal policy responses. Given the range of methodological, cultural and logistical challenges in this area, it is imperative that all aspects of the proposed monitoring framework are tested rigorously before implementation.

Private-sector organizations play a critical role in shaping the food environments of individuals and populations. However, there is currently very limited independent monitoring of private-sector actions related to food environments. This paper reviews previous efforts to monitor the private sector in this area, and outlines a proposed approach to monitor private-sector policies and practices related to food environments, and their influence on obesity and non-communicable disease (NCD) prevention. A step-wise approach to data collection is recommended, in which the first (‘minimal’) step is the collation of publicly available food and nutrition-related policies of selected private-sector organizations. The second (‘expanded’) step assesses the nutritional composition of each organization's products, their promotions to children, their labelling practices, and the accessibility, availability and affordability of their products. The third (‘optimal’) step includes data on other commercial activities that may influence food environments, such as political lobbying and corporate philanthropy. The proposed approach will be further developed and piloted in countries of varying size and income levels. There is potential for this approach to enable national and international benchmarking of private-sector policies and practices, and to inform efforts to hold the private sector to account for their role in obesity and NCD prevention.

We present the first results from a new carbon monoxide (CO) survey of the southern Galactic plane being conducted with the Mopra radio telescope in Australia. The 12CO, 13CO and C18O J=1-0 lines are being mapped over the l = 305-345 deg, b = +/- 0.5 deg portion of the 4th quadrant of the Galaxy, at 35" spatial and 0.1 km/s spectral resolution. The survey is being undertaken with two principal science objectives: (i) to determine where and how molecular clouds are forming in the Galaxy and (ii) to probe the connection between molecular clouds and the "missing" gas inferred from gamma-ray observations. We describe the motivation for the survey, the instrumentation and observing techniques being applied, and the data reduction and analysis methodology. In this paper we present the data from the first degree surveyed, l = 323-324 deg, b = +/- 0.5 deg. We compare the data to the previous CO survey of this region and present metrics quantifying the performance being achieved; the rms sensitivity per 0.1 km/s velocity channel is ~1.5K for 12CO and ~0.7K for the other lines. We also present some results from the region surveyed, including line fluxes, column densities, molecular masses, 12CO/13CO line ratios and 12CO optical depths. We also examine how these quantities vary as a function of distance from the Sun when averaged over the 1 square degree survey area. Approximately 2 x 10E6 MSun of molecular gas is found along the G323 sightline, with an average H2 number density of nH2 ~ 1 cm-3 within the Solar circle. The CO data cubes will be made publicly available as they are published., Comment: Accepted for publication in PASA (Publications of the Astronomical Society of Australia), 03 July 2013. 35 pages, including 18 Figures and 7 Tables

The first chapter begins with the observations of 1,882 sources from the Bolocam Galactic Plane Survey (BGPS) at 1.1 mm in HCO⁺ J = 3 − 2 and N₂H⁺ J = 3 − 2. We determine kinematic distances for 529 sources and derive the size, mass, and average density for this subset of clumps. The median size of BGPS clumps is 0.75 pc with a median mass of 330 M⊙ (assuming T(Dust) = 20 K). The median HCO⁺ linewidth is 2.9 km s⁻¹ indicating the clumps are not thermally supported and provide no evidence for a size-linewidth relationship. This collection of objects is a less-biased sample of star-forming regions in the Milky Way that likely span a wide range of evolutionary states. We study in detail the G111 Infrared Dark Cloud northwest of NGC 7538 with the K-band Focal Plane Array. We map NH₃ (1,1) and (2,2), H₂O maser, and CCS emission simultaneously with the GBT. We find the NH₃ gas traces the 1.1 mm BGPS structure very well with gas kinetic temperatures consistently close to 15 K. Typical column densities are 2.5 × 10¹⁴ cm⁻² with a median abundance of NH₃ to H₂ of 5.94 × 10⁻⁸. The median linewidth of the NH₃ emission is 0.64 km s⁻¹ indicating the filament is not thermally supported. The NH₃ is subthermally populated along the entire filament. Individual NH3 peaks have a median size of 0.61 pc, mass of 188M⊙, and density of 3.4×10³ cm⁻³. An activity analysis shows the most active star forming regions are found at the junctions of the subfilaments that make up the larger G111 IRDC. The last chapter describes our systematic examination of individual student responses to the Light and Spectroscopy Concept Inventory national dataset. We use classical test theory to form a framework of results that is used to evaluate item difficulties, item discriminations, and the overall reliability of the LSCI. We perform an analysis of individual student’s normalized gains, providing further insight into the prior results from this data set. This investigation allows us to better understand the

The authors present a case of a 44 year old healthy pregnant (with twins) female diagnosed with Mycobacterium xenopi in her lung. A mass was incidentally noted in the right upper apex on an MRI ordered to evaluate a subluxation seen in her cervical spine appreciated on plain radiography. Mycobacterium xenopi is uncommon, especially in immunocompetent patients. The patient did have a fractured ankle while pregnant. This case highlights importance of recognition of findings included in the field of view of an exam, even if not directly related to the study region of interest; in this case a cervical spine MRI with a positive finding within the lung apex., Published in Military Medicine, Radiology Corner, v175, 2010.

Millimeter wave studies of molecules in circumstellar envelopes and a planetary nebula have been conducted. Using the Submillimeter Telescope (SMT) of the Arizona Radio Observatory (ARO) on Mt. Graham, a comparative spectral survey from 215-285 GHz was carried out of the carbon-rich asymptotic giant branch star IRC +10216 and the oxygen-rich supergiant VY Canis Majoris. A total of 858 emission lines were observed in both objects, arising from 40 different molecules. In VY Canis Majoris, AlO, AlOH, and PO were detected for the first time in interstellar space. In IRC +10216, PH3 was detected for the first time beyond the solar system, and C3O, and CH2NH were found for the first time in a circumstellar envelope. Additionally, in the evolved planetary nebula, the Helix, H2CO, C2H, and cyclic-C3H2 were observed using the SMT and the Kitt Peak 12 m telescopes. The presence of these three molecules in the Helix suggests that relatively complex chemistry occurs in planetary nebulae, despite the harsh ultraviolet field. Overall, the research on molecules in circumstellar and planetary nebulae furthers our understanding of the nature of the material that is fed back into the interstellar medium from evolved stars. Besides telescope work, laboratory research was also conducted - the rotational spectrum of ZnCl was measured and its bond length and rotational constants were determined. Lastly, in partial fulfillment of a graduate certificate in entrepreneurial chemistry, the commercial applications of terahertz spectroscopy were explored through literature research.

We present first results of Hertz/VPM, the first submillimeter polarimeter employing the dual Variable-delay Polarization Modulator (dual-VPM). This device differs from previously used polarization modulators in that it operates in translation rather than mechanical rotation. We discuss the basic theory behind this device, and its potential advantages over the commonly used half wave plate (HWP). The dual-VPM was tested both at the Submillimeter Telescope Observatory (SMTO) and in the lab. In each case we present a detailed description of the setup. We discovered nonideal behavior in the system. This is at least in part due to properties of the VPM wire grids (diameter, spacing) employed in our experiment. Despite this, we found that the dual-VPM system is robust, operating with high efficiency and low instrumental polarization. This device is well suited for air and space-borne applications., Comment: 31 pages, 11 figures, 2 tables

We present first results of Hertz/VPM, the first submillimeter polarimeter employing the dual Variable-delay Polarization Modulator (dual-VPM). This device differs from previously used polarization modulators in that it operates in translation rather than mechanical rotation. We discuss the basic theory behind this device, and its potential advantages over the commonly used half wave plate (HWP). The dual-VPM was tested both at the Submillimeter Telescope Observatory (SMTO) and in the lab. In each case we present a detailed description of the setup. We discovered nonideal behavior in the system. This is at least in part due to properties of the VPM wire grids (diameter, spacing) employed in our experiment. Despite this, we found that the dual-VPM system is robust, operating with high efficiency and low instrumental polarization. This device is well suited for air and space-borne applications., Comment: 31 pages, 11 figures, 2 tables

We present results from three infrared observational studies investigating different aspects of stellar evolution. The first survey, conducted in the near-infrared with adaptive optics, measures for the first time the stellar multiplicity properties of field M6-M7.5 dwarf stars. We report that their binary fraction, separation distribution, and mass ratio distribution are very similar to those of later spectral type stars and brown dwarfs while distinct from more massive stellar binaries. These differences, when coupled with age, shed light on possibly different formation mechanisms and kinematic evolution between binary systems of different primary masses. I incorporate these results with those from all known very-lowmass binary systems (M(tot) ≤ 0.2 M⊙) and present their statistical properties. We also present the discovery of a very tight (66 mas) brown dwarf companion to a mid-L dwarf demonstrating the capabilities of laser guide star adaptive optics. In the second study we present mid-infrared Spitzer observations of members of the ∼ 50 Myr open stellar cluster IC 2391 where, using photometric techniques, we report that about a third of the solar-like stars (spectral types FGK) likely possess debris disks. With respect to several other stellar groups of known age, we show for the first time the evolution of the debris disk fraction of solar-like stars. We conclude that, along with more massive late-B and A stars, the formation of planetesimals around solar-like stars appears to be a universal process of star formation. Lastly, we present preliminary near- and mid-infrared Spitzer observations of stars in the direction of the ∼ 6 Myr open cluster IC 2395. Using photometric techniques, we identify upper main sequence cluster members and lower-mass candidate members with evidence of circumstellar disks at different stages of disk evolution - primordial, transition, and debris. We present for the first time the evolution of the median IRAC flux ratios emitted from

An examination of the stationary power sector is performed using The Natural Step framework and Sustainability Principles (SP), in order to aid decision makers in developing policy to balance energy needs while reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in order to address climate change. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is evaluated for its sustainability aspects, and is found to be a potentially sustainable approach which can be a bridging technology to a more sustainable energy mix, as well as a remediation technology which can remove CO2 from the atmosphere when utilized in combination with biomass fuel. Initial actions for restructuring the stationary power sector should emphasise demand reduction and efficiency efforts, followed by switching to renewable energy sources. If the first two strategies can not provide sufficient CO2 reductions, then investments in CCS technology may be an appropriate choice. CCS with coal-fired power can be a means to decouple CO2 emissions from fossil fuel use, but other SP violations associated with coal use must also be fully addressed before this strategy can be considered a truly sustainable option.

An examination of the stationary power sector is performed using The Natural Step framework and Sustainability Principles (SP), in order to aid decision makers in developing policy to balance energy needs while reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in order to address climate change. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is evaluated for its sustainability aspects, and is found to be a potentially sustainable approach which can be a bridging technology to a more sustainable energy mix, as well as a remediation technology which can remove CO2 from the atmosphere when utilized in combination with biomass fuel. Initial actions for restructuring the stationary power sector should emphasise demand reduction and efficiency efforts, followed by switching to renewable energy sources. If the first two strategies can not provide sufficient CO2 reductions, then investments in CCS technology may be an appropriate choice. CCS with coal-fired power can be a means to decouple CO2 emissions from fossil fuel use, but other SP violations associated with coal use must also be fully addressed before this strategy can be considered a truly sustainable option.

An examination of the stationary power sector is performed using The Natural Step framework and Sustainability Principles (SP), in order to aid decision makers in developing policy to balance energy needs while reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in order to address climate change. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is evaluated for its sustainability aspects, and is found to be a potentially sustainable approach which can be a bridging technology to a more sustainable energy mix, as well as a remediation technology which can remove CO2 from the atmosphere when utilized in combination with biomass fuel. Initial actions for restructuring the stationary power sector should emphasise demand reduction and efficiency efforts, followed by switching to renewable energy sources. If the first two strategies can not provide sufficient CO2 reductions, then investments in CCS technology may be an appropriate choice. CCS with coal-fired power can be a means to decouple CO2 emissions from fossil fuel use, but other SP violations associated with coal use must also be fully addressed before this strategy can be considered a truly sustainable option.

An examination of the stationary power sector is performed using The Natural Step framework and Sustainability Principles (SP), in order to aid decision makers in developing policy to balance energy needs while reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in order to address climate change. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is evaluated for its sustainability aspects, and is found to be a potentially sustainable approach which can be a bridging technology to a more sustainable energy mix, as well as a remediation technology which can remove CO2 from the atmosphere when utilized in combination with biomass fuel. Initial actions for restructuring the stationary power sector should emphasise demand reduction and efficiency efforts, followed by switching to renewable energy sources. If the first two strategies can not provide sufficient CO2 reductions, then investments in CCS technology may be an appropriate choice. CCS with coal-fired power can be a means to decouple CO2 emissions from fossil fuel use, but other SP violations associated with coal use must also be fully addressed before this strategy can be considered a truly sustainable option.

An examination of the stationary power sector is performed using The Natural Step framework and Sustainability Principles (SP), in order to aid decision makers in developing policy to balance energy needs while reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in order to address climate change. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is evaluated for its sustainability aspects, and is found to be a potentially sustainable approach which can be a bridging technology to a more sustainable energy mix, as well as a remediation technology which can remove CO2 from the atmosphere when utilized in combination with biomass fuel. Initial actions for restructuring the stationary power sector should emphasise demand reduction and efficiency efforts, followed by switching to renewable energy sources. If the first two strategies can not provide sufficient CO2 reductions, then investments in CCS technology may be an appropriate choice. CCS with coal-fired power can be a means to decouple CO2 emissions from fossil fuel use, but other SP violations associated with coal use must also be fully addressed before this strategy can be considered a truly sustainable option.

An examination of the stationary power sector is performed using The Natural Step framework and Sustainability Principles (SP), in order to aid decision makers in developing policy to balance energy needs while reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in order to address climate change. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is evaluated for its sustainability aspects, and is found to be a potentially sustainable approach which can be a bridging technology to a more sustainable energy mix, as well as a remediation technology which can remove CO2 from the atmosphere when utilized in combination with biomass fuel. Initial actions for restructuring the stationary power sector should emphasise demand reduction and efficiency efforts, followed by switching to renewable energy sources. If the first two strategies can not provide sufficient CO2 reductions, then investments in CCS technology may be an appropriate choice. CCS with coal-fired power can be a means to decouple CO2 emissions from fossil fuel use, but other SP violations associated with coal use must also be fully addressed before this strategy can be considered a truly sustainable option.

High-quality-factor optical ring resonators have recently been fabricated in thin silicon-on-insulator (SOI). Practical applications of such devices will require careful tuning of the precise location of the resonance peaks. In particular, one often wants to maximize the resonance shift due to the presence of an active component and minimize the resonance shift due to temperature changes. This paper presents a semianalytic formalism that allows the prediction of such resonance shifts from the waveguide geometry. This paper also presents the results of experiments that show the tuning behavior of several ring resonators and find that the proposed semianalytic formalism agrees with the observed behavior.

This letter describes the design, fabrication and characterization of high-Q oval resonators based on slot waveguide geometries in thin silicon-on-insulator material. Optical quality factors of up to 27 000 were measured in such filters, and we estimate losses of –10 dB/cm in the slotted waveguides on the basis of our resonator measurements. Such waveguides enable the concentration of light to very high optical fields within nanoscale dimensions, and show promise for the confinement of light in low-index material with potential applications for optical modulation, nonlinear optics and optical sensing.

We have developed new silicon-on-insulator waveguide designs for simultaneously achieving both low-loss optical confinement and electrical contacts, and we present a design methodology based on calculating the Bloch modes of such segmented waveguides. With this formalism, waveguides are designed in a single thin layer of silicon-on-insulator to achieve both optical confinement and minimal insertion loss. Waveguides were also fabricated and tested, and the measured data were found to closely agree with theoretical predictions, demonstrating input insertion loss and propagation loss better than 0.1 dB and -16 dB/cm, respectively.

This letter describes the design, fabrication and characterization of high-Q oval resonators based on slot waveguide geometries in thin silicon-on-insulator material. Optical quality factors of up to 27 000 were measured in such filters, and we estimate losses of –10 dB/cm in the slotted waveguides on the basis of our resonator measurements. Such waveguides enable the concentration of light to very high optical fields within nanoscale dimensions, and show promise for the confinement of light in low-index material with potential applications for optical modulation, nonlinear optics and optical sensing.

We have developed new silicon-on-insulator waveguide designs for simultaneously achieving both low-loss optical confinement and electrical contacts, and we present a design methodology based on calculating the Bloch modes of such segmented waveguides. With this formalism, waveguides are designed in a single thin layer of silicon-on-insulator to achieve both optical confinement and minimal insertion loss. Waveguides were also fabricated and tested, and the measured data were found to closely agree with theoretical predictions, demonstrating input insertion loss and propagation loss better than 0.1 dB and -16 dB/cm, respectively.

High-quality-factor optical ring resonators have recently been fabricated in thin silicon-on-insulator (SOI). Practical applications of such devices will require careful tuning of the precise location of the resonance peaks. In particular, one often wants to maximize the resonance shift due to the presence of an active component and minimize the resonance shift due to temperature changes. This paper presents a semianalytic formalism that allows the prediction of such resonance shifts from the waveguide geometry. This paper also presents the results of experiments that show the tuning behavior of several ring resonators and find that the proposed semianalytic formalism agrees with the observed behavior.

We have fabricated high-Q microrings from thin silicon-on-insulater SOI layers and measured Q values of 45 000 in these rings, which were then improved to 57 000 by adding a PMMA cladding. The optimal waveguide designs were calculated, and the waveguide losses were analyzed. These high-Q resonators are expected to lead to interesting devices for telecommunication filters and sources as well as optical refractive index sensing.

We have fabricated high-Q microrings from thin silicon-on-insulater SOI layers and measured Q values of 45 000 in these rings, which were then improved to 57 000 by adding a PMMA cladding. The optimal waveguide designs were calculated, and the waveguide losses were analyzed. These high-Q resonators are expected to lead to interesting devices for telecommunication filters and sources as well as optical refractive index sensing.

The primary limitation to ground based astronomy is the Earth's atmosphere. The atmosphere above the Antarctic plateau is different in many regards compared to the atmosphere at temperate sites. The extreme altitude, cold and low humidity offer a uniquely transparent atmosphere at many wavelengths. Studies at the South Pole have shown additionally that the turbulence properties of the night time polar atmosphere are fundamentally different to mid latitudes. Despite relatively strong ground layer turbulence, the lack of high altitude turbulence combined with low wind speeds presents favorable conditions for interferometry. The unique properties of the polar atmosphere can be exploited for Extrasolar Planet studies with differential astrometry, differential phase and nulling intereferometers. This paper combines the available data on the properties of the atmosphere at the South Pole and other Antarctic plateau sites for Extrasolar Planet science with interferometry.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Chris Walker. He discusses working as a carpenter in the Marines at Camp Pendleton and on Tinian and Saipan and being on Okinawa and in Nagasaki after Japan surrendered. He also ancedotes on Generals and his Colonel, rations, friendly fire and describes some of the memoriabilia he kept.