Study examined how to better detect lung cancer that spreads to the brain

PHOENIX, Ariz. – Dec. 2, 2009 – A team of scientists at the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) won a $1,000 prize for best scientific paper presented at BIBM09, a premier bioinformatics and biomedicine conference.

The paper, Identifying MiRNA and Imaging Features Associated with Metastasis of Lung Cancer to the Brain, was selected as the best from among 233 scientific submissions at the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) International Conference on Bioinformatics & Biomedicine, held Nov. 1-4 in Washington, D.C.

The paper was selected because of the amount of work done for the study, including laboratory work, and the novelty of the research approach, conference judges said: “We (computational people) often focus too much on the elegance of computational modeling. This is a good paper to reach out to the computational community with a work by a large, collaborative team with a new idea.”

The study – funded in part by the IBIS Foundation of Arizona, Science Foundation Arizona, and the National Institutes of Health – focused on using microRNAs, small molecules that regulate gene expression in cells, to help understand and predict how malignant lung cancer often spreads to the brain.

MicroRNAs and imaging characteristics on scanning devices – CT (computerized axial tomography), and PET (positron emission tomography) – were used as biomarkers that could indicate the presence of metastatic brain tumors, also known as brain metastases.

In addition, investigators used an in-silico conditioning algorithm, based on a mathematical model for contextual genomic regulation, to further identify biomarkers and validate their findings.

“If such markers could be detected by non-invasive means, such as with PET/CT, it could potentially revolutionize personalized healthcare in this country,’’ the paper said.

Nearly 25 percent of lung cancer patients will develop brain metastases, but there are no good measures to identify those at high risk. In certain situations, radiation treatment can reduce this risk, but this treatment can also have negative side effects. In general, clinicians treat brain metastases when these cause symptoms and are visible on scanning devices. Researchers posited that such treatment and its side effects could be avoided among some cancer patients if clinicians were better able to identify those patients who will develop brain metastasis.

Dr. Seungchan Kim, the paper’s senior author who developed the in-silico conditioning algorithm, said the study could have “high impact’’ in predicting lung cancer spreading to the brain. “The results are promising and warrant further evaluation and additional validation,” said Dr. Kim, an Investigator and Head of the Biocomputing Unit in TGen’s Computational Biology Division and an Assistant Professor at Arizona State University’s School of Computing, Informatics and Decision Systems Engineering.

Other members of the team included: Dr. Sara Nasser, the paper’s lead author and also a member of TGen’s Biocomputing Unit; Dr. Aarati Ranade of TGen’s Cancer and Cell Biology Division; and Dr. Glen Weiss, an Associate Investigator in TGen’s Cancer and Cell Biology Division and the Director of Thoracic Oncology at TGen Clinical Research Services at Scottsdale Healthcare (TCRS).

TCRS is a partnership of TGen and Scottsdale Healthcare. The partnership allows molecular and genomic discoveries made by TGen and others around the world to reach the patient bedside in the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center at Scottsdale Healthcare as quickly as possible through clinical trials with agents directed at specific cancer targets.

“Results of this research once again demonstrate the value of the collaboration between Scottsdale Healthcare, TGen and our community physicians. Advances in medicine are happening right here in Scottsdale that will help clinicians provide more personalized treatment for their patients,” said Tom Sadvary, President & CEO of Scottsdale Healthcare.

Dr. Nasser praised the teamwork of the many researchers involved in the project: “This is truly a multidisciplinary project involving cancer biology, bioinformatics, radiology, nuclear medicine and medical oncology.”

Dr. Weiss said this unique study could eventually benefit patients: “This work will hopefully lead to new treatment paradigms for lung cancer patients, and we are grateful to the vision of the IBIS Foundation to fund such a novel project.”

TGen’s partners in the study also included Scottsdale Medical Imaging.

The annual IEEE International Conference on Bioinformatics & Biomedicine is a multidisciplinary meeting that brings together academic and industrial scientists from computer science, biology, chemistry, medicine, mathematics and statistics. IEEE, which is celebrating 125 years of engineering, is the world’s leading professional association for the advancement of technology.

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About TGen
The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) is a Phoenix, Arizona-based non-profit organization dedicated to conducting groundbreaking research with life changing results. Research at TGen is focused on helping patients with diseases such as cancer, neurological disorders and diabetes. TGen is on the cutting edge of translational research where investigators are able to unravel the genetic components of common and complex diseases. Working with collaborators in the scientific and medical communities, TGen believes it can make a substantial contribution to the efficiency and effectiveness of the translational process. TGen is affiliated with the Van Andel Research Institute in Grand Rapids, Michigan. For more information, visit: www.tgen.org.

Source: TGen

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GPEC delegation met with top executives from software and solar energy firms

The Greater Phoenix Economic Council, Apache Junction Mayor John Insalaco and leadership from Avondale returned from a job-recruitment trip to California, having met with companies interested in expanding into the Valley.

Source : Greater Phoenix Economic Council

The delegation met with executives from two software companies and a solar energy firm. One of the software companies is looking to expand testing in the U.S. and is considering one of two states for their project.

“They’re looking at Greater Phoenix because of the talent base,” said Brad Smidt, vice president of business development at GPEC. “They’re attracted to this area because of the close proximity to California where their U.S. anchor company is located, and because of the lower cost of operating.”

The solar company, too, is interested in expanding into the Phoenix area, particularly because of the Renewable Energy Tax Incentive program passed this summer. The company is looking to expand its manufacturing operation and may be eligible for the tax credit, Smidt said.

The delegation traveled to California as part of a joint economic partnership with Tucson, Yuma and Flagstaff. The group, which included Avondale Director of Parks, Recreation and Libraries Dan Davis, made the trip to call on opportunities that will advance the Arizona Sun Corridor. This megapolitan stretch uniting Phoenix and Tucson will be one of 10 U.S. markets expected to see most of the nation’s growth in the next 35 years. Insalaco is the eighth mayor to take part in this effort since March.

Insalaco said the meetings with the companies went well and he was glad to represent Greater Phoenix during the Sept. 29 trip. He also said he gained valuable insight into his own city.

“We still have a ways to go to be truly competitive in terms of facility and building availability,” he said. “But having seen the L.A. market and the visual upkeep, or lack thereof, I feel very good about the level of services we are sustaining here in Apache Junction.”

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About the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) A true public/private partnership, GPEC is the regional economic development organization for Greater Phoenix. Working with its 18 member communities, Maricopa County and more than 140 private investors, GPEC attracts quality businesses to this dynamic region. By creating a high-performance economy through capital investments and jobs, Greater Phoenix companies enjoy a business climate where they can compete and thrive in today’s global economy. Since 1989, GPEC has worked to achieve an economically sound and sustainable region. For more information, visit www.gpec.org.

Technorati Tags: Arizona, Phoenix, Phoenix Arizona, Technology

GARY DIRKS JOINS ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY TO LEAD LIGHTWORKS RESEARCH INITIATIVE

TEMPE, Ariz. “ Arizona State University has selected Gary Dirks as director of LightWorks, a new initiative to position ASU as a leader in solar-based energy and other light-inspired research. Dirks is the former president of BP Asia-Pacific and BP China.

LightWorks will capitalize on ASU™s unique strengths in renewable energy fields including artificial photosynthesis, biofuels and next-generation photovoltaics. LightWorks will eventually broaden to include other light-based projects, such as lasers for biomedical applications and energy efficient lighting.

Gary Dirks will help position Arizona nationally and globally as a leader in renewable energy and light-based research, said ASU President Michael Crow. Gary™s broad range of experience will help us meet President Obama™s challenge to lead a green revolution and develop clean sources of energy.

Dirks received a Ph.D. in chemistry from ASU in 1980. He was the first doctoral student to work with Devens Gust, Thomas Moore and Ana Moore in ASU™s Center for the Study of Early Events in Photosynthesis (now the Center for Bioenergy and Photosynthesis).

Dirks went on to work in the energy industry as a researcher, strategic planner and ultimately president of BP China and BP Asia-Pacific. In China, Dirks grew BP from an operation with fewer than 30 employees and no revenue to more than 1,300 employees and revenues of about $4 billion in 2008.

What does that mean for ASU? It means we have somebody who respects and understands the academic enterprise, but also somebody who is very practically grounded in what works in the energy world. We have somebody who knows the energy environment not just nationally, but globally, said R. F. Rick Shangraw, ASU Vice President for Research and Economic Affairs.

I feel privileged to have been selected, said Dirks. As I explored the opportunity to direct LightWorks, I was struck by the depth and breadth of capability at ASU to apply light to big social challenges. When you combine the capability that ASU has, the social need and the very strong support from President Crow and his team, it makes a very attractive opportunity for my next career.

Dirks will provide the enhanced strategic focus needed to pursue major funding opportunities, including those in the competitive arena of federal stimulus grants. He will also facilitate collaborations with other universities, industry and government agencies.
He said his initial focus is to communicate ASU™s strengths and capabilities through the vehicle of LightWorks and to connect ASU with major sponsors and partners.

Dirks already is fully engaged. I am working on two large energy projects now, he said.
The first is a Department of Energy proposal to identify pathways to commercial production of liquid fuels from algae. We have more than 20 partners from across the country, and ASU is leading. The second project is in anticipation of Congressional support for the Department of Energy Hubs program, he said.

It is incredibly important to bring resources into Arizona that will fund jobs and create an environment for growing new companies, said Shangraw.

However, Shangraw added that Dirks will not neglect the importance of basic research.
We do not have all the answers, particularly in terms of renewable energy. We can™t simply take our existing science and convert it magically into commercial products. We still have a lot of basic research to do in this area to be successful in the long run, he said.

In addition to directing LightWorks, Dirks has been appointed the Julie Wrigley Chair of Sustainable Practices and a professor of practice in the School of Sustainability. He is also a member of the Global Institute of Sustainability board of trustees.

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About LightWorks
LightWorks is an ASU initiative that builds on the depth and breadth of research advanced by natural or human-made light. The initiative is a multidisciplinary effort designed to provide solutions to societal challenges, such as providing clean, renewable energy.
LightWorks provides a framework for fostering collaboration, pursuing novel approaches and forming strong partnerships with industry, government agencies and other universities.

About Arizona State University
At once the youngest and the largest of the roughly 150 public and private research-grade universities in the nation, Arizona State University enrolls more than 69,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students on four campuses of equally high aspiration configured across metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, a region negotiating societal and environmental challenges that anticipate coming trends worldwide. For the last seven years, ASU has served as America™s largest effort at institutional transformation in higher education, building a solution-focused institution that combines the highest level of academic excellence, inclusiveness to a broad demographic and maximum societal impact. Although the university is first and foremost committed to educating the students of Arizona, it is equally a discovery organization, focused on contributing to regional economic development through enhanced research and academic programs, including major interdisciplinary research initiatives focused on innovative solutions to the world™s greatest challenges. Through its educational and discovery missions, Arizona State University is producing the nation™s newest national assets.

Source: Arizona State University

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Arizona Department of Education and Greater Phoenix SCORE Host Unique Event

Greater Phoenix SCORE® and the Arizona Department of Education led by Tom Horne, the Superintendent of Public Instruction, are collaborating to host a day of business education on Tuesday, September 22nd from 8am to 5pm in Mesa.

Register for tickets and information on the Greater Phoenix SCORE website www.scorephoenix.org. Click on Special Events on the home page and then find the event on September 22nd.

During this day-long conference, businesses will learn how to integrate social media into their existing marketing systems and to deliver increased revenue and bottom line results.

In addition, as part of Arizona International Week, we will video-stream the PCFR International State of the State address by Governor Jan Brewer into the event.

The Social Media Summit will be held on Tuesday, September 22, 2009, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm at the East Valley Institute of Technology – EVIT — 1601 West Main Street, Mesa, AZ 85201 – conveniently located on the Light Rail.

This is a first-of-its-kind, nation-wide Summit. It is hosted by EVIT and co-created with the students at EVIT as part of their educational program. The Summit will be video-streamed nation-wide to selected regions. Greater Phoenix SCORE is sharing revenues from the Summit with all of the organizations using its content.

The Summit is also sharing proceeds with non-profit organizations. For every individual ticket purchased at full price by anyone connected to a non-profit organization, that organization will receive $25.00 from Greater Phoenix SCORE.

More Social Media Summit

Technorati Tags: Social Media, Social Networking

Phoenix, AZ – Ear Candy’s constant crusade to save music education in the valley has brought multi-platinum selling artist Nickelback to their list of supporters.

Continuing on with a wonderful partnership with Live Nation, Ear Candy will be auctioning off the Ultimate Nickelback Fan Package which includes an autographed guitar, a meet and greet with the band and a pair of tickets.  The auction is live on their website, www.earcandycharity.org, until Tuesday, September 8 at 1 pm.

More: http://www.evliving.com/2009/09/03/9009/nickelback-artists-support-ear-candy/

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With the regular flu season fast approaching, we’ve got information on where to get flu shots to protect you against the seasonal flu.

Visit http://flu.cir.org for flu shot clinics near you.

We’re keeping you posted on the latest developments with H1N1 (swine) flu. Visit http://www.cir.org/seasonal-flu-h1n1.html for information. When local providers have inoculations against this strain of influenza available, we’ll let you know as quickly as possible.

Need help with something else? Search our online directory of human services at http://search.cir.org to find the help you need.

Technorati Tags: Arizona, flu, Flu Shots

(PHOENIX, AZ)  – After a national search, Tim Murphy, Ed. D., was selected as the new Dean of Information Technology (IT) at Phoenix College. Murphy begins his new position at PC with extensive knowledge and over 15 years experience in the field.

“We are delighted to have such a talented leader join the Phoenix College family,” said Phoenix College President Dr. Anna Solley. “Dean Murphy’s vision and expertise will enhance the application of technology to support teaching and learning.  Given the innovative PC faculty and staff and Dr. Murphy’s vision, we are developing exciting and flexible programs and services for our college community.”

Murphy held several key positions, most recently Director of IT Learning Centers and Technologies at Montgomery College located in Rockville, Md. The college consists of three separate campuses, a workforce development center, and several satellite locations throughout the county.

Read More >>

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PHOENIX – McCarthy Heart Hats, the community involvement arm of McCarthy Building Companies, Inc., is seeking non-profit applicants to receive the proceeds from its annual golf tournament, which is hosted every December.

This year, in light of the economy, the McCarthy Heart Hats Golf Tournament proceeds will be dedicated to those non-profits that support children and families experiencing dramatic economic need, and more than one organization may be selected as a recipient. Maricopa County 501(c)3 non-profit organizations are invited to apply for the funds now until Sept.1 using the Heart Hats Grant Application found on http://www.mccarthy.com/locations/phoenix/, or at: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=la6HlzF5G0R74pb7mefMYQ_3d_3d

Read More: McCarthy Heart Hats

Technorati Tags: golf, Golf Tournament, McCarthy, McCarthy Heart, McCarthy Heart Hats, Non-Profit, Non-Profit Applicants

Visit http://fourth.cir.org/

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Tempe received a Waste Reduction Initiative Through Education (WRITE) grant from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) to construct the trailer, which is the first of its kind in Arizona.

E.R.I.C. will be transported to schools and events beginning in the fall to increase awareness of and participation in Tempe’s solid waste and recycling programs, and to promote environmental stewardship. The project’s mascot, which will be featured prominently on the unit, is a likeable desert tortoise named “ERIC,” who will help carry the environmental message.

At the event, the city will recognize ADEQ, contractor Quality Vans, and partners Nike and Freelite, for helping in the construction. Singh Organic Farms will provide food for the event, which will be prepared by Chef Wade Simpson of the Paradise Valley Country Club.

The traveling museum will feature eco-friendly materials, and post-consumer and reclaimed interior finishes. The floor surface will feature Training Ground with Nike Grind, a rubberized floor surface made of nearly 100 percent recycled material.

Technorati Tags: Arizona, E.R.I.C., recycling, Tempe, waste, waste reduction