| ATF4, A Novel Mediator of the Anabolic Actions of PTH on Bone |
Jul-2009 |
21 pages |
| Authors:
Guozhi Xiao; PITTSBURGH UNIV PA
|
 | During the last year of support (from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009), our studies have made significant progresses in all aspects of the study: i) we demonstrate that ATF4 increases the expression of cyclin D1, a key factor for cell cycle progression, and osteoblast proliferation; ii) we show that ATF4 prevents osteoblasts from apoptosis in cultured osteoblasts and bone; iii) we also show that PTH stimulation of osteoblast ... |
|
| Targeting the Tumor Extracellular Matrix of Prostate Cancer with the Clot-binding Peptides CLT1 and CLT2 |
Jul-2009 |
10 pages |
| Authors:
Jan Pilch; PITTSBURGH UNIV PA
|
| Hormone refractory prostate cancer is virtually incurable as it responds only poorly to conventional chemo- and radiation therapy. It is our goal to improve the overall outcome of prostate cancer through targeted delivery of drugs which are conjugated to homing peptides with high affinity for specific binding sites expressed in prostate tumors. We recently identified two peptides, CLT1 (CGLIIQKNEC) and CLT2 (CNAGESSKNC), that accumulate in tumor interstitial spaces where they ... |
|
| Inhibition of Prostate Cancer Skeletal Metastases by Targeting Cathepsin K |
May-2009 |
47 pages |
| Authors:
Jian Zhang; PITTSBURGH UNIV PA
|
| We have previously shown that CatK is expressed not only by osteoclasts but also by prostate cancer (PCa) cells and stromal cells. Zoledronic acid (ZA), a bisphosphonate which exerts beneficial effects in PCa patients with bone metastases, reduces both pain and skeletal related events. We hypothesized that combination of a bisphosphonate with the CatK inhibitor, through different inhibitory mechanisms, could diminish PCa progression in vivo. Accordingly, PCa C4-2B cells were ... |
|
| The Cadherin Interaction as a Rate Limiting Step in Breast Cancer Metastasis to the Liver |
Mar-2009 |
13 pages |
| Authors:
Yvonne Chao; PITTSBURGH UNIV PA
|
| Our overall objective is to identify molecular elements that enable breast cancer cells to establish metastases. Finding targeted approaches to inhibit rate-limiting events of metastatic growth is preferable to using therapeutics that are cytotoxic on a systemic level. Cadherins make up a family of adhesion molecules that mediate Ca2+-dependent cell-cell adhesion at points of cell-cell adhesion (Goodwin and Yap, 2004). Epithelial-cadherin (E-cadherin), the prototype classical cadherin present on the surface ... |
|
| Neuroprosthetics and Solutions for Restoring Sensorimotor Functions |
Jan-2009 |
15 pages |
| Authors:
Douglas Weber; PITTSBURGH UNIV PA
|
| This project is focused on the development of a radically new class of prosthetic devices that will mimic more closely the full range of sensory and motor capabilities of natural limbs. To this end, we have made initial progress on four integrated projects to advance the development of neuroprosthetic limbs including: 1) creation of a sensory neural interface to provide amputees with tactile and kinesthetic feedback from their prosthetic limb, ... |
|
| Nanoscale Transport Optimization |
04-Dec-2008 |
33 pages |
| Authors:
Lisa M Weiland; PITTSBURGH UNIV PA
|
| A generalized modeling tool has been created that facilitates virtual design of active material systems utilizing nanoscale transport. The construct is bio-mimetic in that the stochastic nature of biological transport proteins is utilized as the basis for transport phenomena. The transport response is then coupled to host response (for instance, elastic deformation of the supporting membrane) via finite element analysis. The advantages of this construct are (1) biological transport phenomena ... |
|
| Epigenetic Regulation of Chermokine Expression in Prostate Cancer |
Dec-2008 |
17 pages |
| Authors:
Michael R Shurin; PITTSBURGH UNIV PA
|
| Specific active immunotherapy is based on the principle that malignant cells contain immunogenic sites against which an antitumor immune response can be induced. Dendritic cells (DC) that acquire antigens from tumor cells are able to induce and regulate specific antitumor immunity. However, it is still unclear why the circulating DC do not induce efficient antitumor immunity in cancer patients. While successful immunotherapy requires a functional immune system, a defect in ... |
|
| Development and Evaluation of Sterographic Display for Lung Cancer Screening |
Dec-2008 |
58 pages |
| Authors:
David Gur; Xiao H Wang; Walter F Good; Carl R Fuhrman; Howard E Rockett; PITTSBURGH UNIV PA
|
| The main purpose of this project is to investigate the feasibility and efficacy of using a stereo display workstation for lung cancer screening on CT images. The tasks included in this project are development and evaluation of stereo image projection and display for chest CT images, observer performance evaluation for the stereo display, and stereo feature analysis and comparison to the conventionally used display methods for lung cancer detection. During ... |
|
| The Dialogue of Metastasis-Uncovering Juxtacrine Genetic Cascades with a Toxoplasma Gondii Enzyme |
Aug-2008 |
9 pages |
| Authors:
Richard A Steinman; PITTSBURGH UNIV PA
|
| The purpose of this project is to develop and test a system that identifies in real time the effects of breast cancer cells on gene transcription by cells in their microenvironment. The accomplishment of this goal will identify messages induced in normal cells adjacent to cancer cells that support cancer cell growth and survival. In this Concept award project, we are testing whether breast cancer cells that make lysyl oxidase ... |
|
| ATF4, A Novel Mediator of the Anabolic Actions of PTH on Bone |
Jul-2008 |
33 pages |
| Authors:
Guozhi Xiao; PITTSBURGH UNIV PA
|
| During the last year of support (from July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008), our studies have made significant progresses in all aspects of the study: i) we demonstrate that PTH increases ATF4 expression and activity and ATF4 is required for PTH induction of Ocn expression in osteoblasts. ATF4 is a novel downstream target of PTH signaling in osteoblasts; ii) we show that ATF4 is required for the anabolic actions ... |
|
| The Impact of Exercise on the Vulnerability of Dopamine Neurons to Cell Death in Animal Models of Parkinson's Disease |
Jul-2008 |
80 pages |
| Authors:
Amanda Smith; Anthony Liou; Michael J Zigmond; PITTSBURGH UNIV PA
|
| Parkinson's disease results in part from the loss of dopamine neurons. We hypothesize that exercise reduces the vulnerability of dopamine neurons to neurotoxin exposure, which is modulated by stress. We have outlined experiments to test this hypothesis in rats treated with one of several neurotoxins, beginning with 6-hydroxydopamine. Over the past year, we increased the size and training of our research team and made a number of observations of direct ... |
|
| Enzyme, Antibody, and Photocatalytically Active Nanoscale Scavengers and Sensors for CW and Biological Agents |
10-Jun-2008 |
9 pages |
| Authors:
Yates; John T Jr; Alan Russell; PITTSBURGH UNIV PA
|
| Thin films consisting of photoactive TiO2 and enzyme-functionalized polymer were studied for their activity against chemical agent simulants. The photochemistry of TiO2 was quantitatively studied for several molecules, including the activation of molecular oxygen which then oxidizes organic molecules. An important discovery is that the rate of the photoprocess is proportional to the square root of the ultraviolet light flux. The enzyme functionalized polymer films were produced to incorporate an ... |
|
| Inhibition of Prostate Cancer Skeletal Metastases by Targeting Cathepsin K |
01-May-2008 |
8 pages |
| Authors:
Jian Zhang; PITTSBURGH UNIV PA
|
| The prostate cancer (PCa) metastasis processes are facilitated by proteolytic cascade involving cathepsin K (CatK). CatK expression level is higher in PCa bone metastatic sites than primary tumor or normal prostate tissues. The role of CatK in PCa skeletal metastasis, however, is not known. We first confirmed the expression of CatK in LNCaP, C4-2B, and PC3 PCa cell lines. Then, we observed the inhibitory effect of CatK inhibitor on the ... |
|
| The Impact of the 6:3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Ratio on Intermediate Markers of Breast Cancer |
01-May-2008 |
45 pages |
| Authors:
Alana Hudson; PITTSBURGH UNIV PA
|
| Evidence suggests omega-6 (n-6) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) promote breast cancer whereas omega-3 (n-3) PUFAs inhibit breast cancer growth. These fatty acids may influence breast cancer development by impacting prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) formation and consequently estradiol synthesis. We sought to establish the relationship between erythrocyte n-6 and n-3 PUFAs with serum estradiol and breast density, two hormonally-related breast cancer risk factors. We hypothesized the n-6 PUFA's and the 6:3 PUFA ... |
|
| Role of Hsp90 in Androgen-Refractory Prostate Cancer |
01-Mar-2008 |
8 pages |
| Authors:
Zhou Wang; PITTSBURGH UNIV PA
|
| A major challenge in prostate cancer research is to develop novel therapies that can delay or prevent the progression of androgen-sensitive prostate cancer to androgen-independence. Androgen receptor (AR) is often overexpressed and plays an essential role in androgen-refractory prostate tumors. Our preliminary studies suggest that heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) is required for androgen-independent AR nuclear localization in androgen-refractory prostate cancer cells. This project will test our research hypothesis that ... |
|
| A New Animal Model for Developing a Somatosensory Neural Interface for Prosthetic Limbs |
12-Feb-2008 |
15 pages |
| Authors:
Douglas J Weber; PITTSBURGH UNIV PA
|
| During the 12-month funding period, we completed a total of 7 acute experiments, with the goal of developing a technique for using multichannel microstimulation to activate several distinct groups of primary afferent neurons in the dorsal root ganglia (aim 1). The utility of multichannel microstimulation is for the encoding of information in the spatiotemporal patter of stimulation applied to the afferents (aim 2). To the effectiveness of afferent microstimulation, we ... |
|
| Chemoprevention of Prostate Cancer Initiation in a Novel Transgenic Mouse Model by Targeting 15-Lipoxygenase-1 |
FEB 2008 |
7 pages |
| Authors:
Uddhav P. Kelavkar; PITTSBURGH UNIV PA
|
| To gain better mechanistic insight of the role of Fifteen lipoxygenase-1 (15-LO-1) in prostate cancer (PCa), we recently developed a novel C57BL/6 transgenic mouse called 15-LO-1 in the Mouse Prostate (FLiMP). These mice, which conditionally express prostatic human 15-LO-1, display mouse prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (mPIN) by week 20, but do not progress to cancer when on normal diet. Therefore, FLiMP mice provide an excellent model to study the experimental paradigm ... |
|
| Combinational Targeting of Prostate Carcinoma Cells and Tumors Associated Pericytes with Antibody Based Immunotherapy and Metronomic Chemotherapy |
FEB 2008 |
7 pages |
| Authors:
Soldano Ferrone; Barbara Foster; Michael Moser; PITTSBURGH UNIV PA
|
| The hybridoma secreting the HMW-MAA-specific mAb 225.28 which is used for immuno prevention of prostate carcinoma and the hybridoma secreting the isotype matched mAb F3C25 have been tested for activity. Ascitis has been prepared and monoclonal antibodies have been purified and monitored for purity and activity. The colony of TRAMP mice has been expanded to test the efficacy of mAb 225.28 plus cyclophosphamide metronomic therapy in the inhibition of progression ... |
|
| Epigenetic Regulation of Chemokine Expression in Prostate Cancer |
DEC 2007 |
8 pages |
| Authors:
Michael R. Shurin; PITTSBURGH UNIV PA
|
| Chemokines play an important role in initiating immune responses by regulating attraction and homing of immune cells to the lymphoid tissues. Breast and kidney-expressed chemokine (BRAK; CXCL14) is known to be selective for monocytes and dendritic cells (DC). CXCL14 is expressed ubiquitously in normal tissues, but, as has been recently shown, absent in a variety of cancer tissues and tumor cell lines. However, the mechanisms responsible for CXCL14 loss in ... |
|
| The Impact of Exercise on the Vulnerability of Dopamine Neurons to Cell Death in Animal Models of Parkinson's Disease |
01 JUL 2007 |
12 pages |
| Authors:
Michael J. Zpgmond; Amanda Smith; Anthony Liou; PITTSBURGH UNIV PA
|
| Parkinson's disease results in part from the loss of dopamine neurons. We hypothesize that exercise reduces the vulnerability of dopamine neurons to neurotoxin exposure, which is modulated by stress. We have outlined experiments to test this hypothesis in rats treated with one of several neurotoxins, beginning with 6-hydroxydopamine. Over the past year, we increased the size and training of our research team and made a number of observations of direct ... |
|
| Effect of HER-2/Neu Signaling on Sensitivity to TRAIL in Prostate Cancer |
JUN 2007 |
11 pages |
| Authors:
Yong J. Lee; PITTSBURGH UNIV PA
|
| The long-term goal of our research project is to develop a novel therapy for HER-2/neu overexpressing prostate cancer. Previous studies have shown that the HER-2/neu homodimer constitutively activates the PI(3)K-Akt-NF- B signal transduction pathway. During the research period, we examined whether the PI(3)K-Akt-NF- B signal transduction pathways are involved in tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)-induced apoptosis. As a first step we investigated whether modulation of the PI3K-Akt - NF- ... |
|
| The Impact of the 6:3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Ratio on Intermediate Markers of Breast Cancer |
01 MAY 2007 |
11 pages |
| Authors:
Alana Hudson; PITTSBURGH UNIV PA
|
| Extensive experimental evidence has shown the intake of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) promotes breast cancer (1), while consumption of omega-3 PUFAs inhibits this disease. (2) Furthermore, it appears that the cancer promoting activity of the omega-6 fatty acids is abrogated by the competitive inhibition of omega-3 fatty acids (3,4). Although the mechanism by which the 6:3 PUFA ratio may promote breast cancer is unknown, it is suggested that a ... |
|
| Fourth Annual Safar Symposium |
APR 2007 |
11 pages |
| Authors:
Patrick M. Kochanek; PITTSBURGH UNIV PA
|
| This grant funded expenses related to the fourth Safar Symposium held at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine on June 28, 2006. This symposium is held each year in honor of the late Dr. Peter Safar, pioneer of CPR, resuscitation, critical care, and disaster medicine. The symposium focused on two aspects of medical research of importance to the field of resuscitation medicine in its broadest scope, namely, a morning ... |
|
| An Organotypic Liver System for Tumor Progression |
APR 2007 |
18 pages |
| Authors:
Alan Wells; Linda Griffith; Donna Stolz; Douglas Lauffenburger; PITTSBURGH UNIV PA
|
| Our overall objective is to understand which tumor cell behaviors contribute to invasion and metastasis. This would allow rationale approaches to limit these aspects of tumor progression. While great strides have defined critical molecular determinants, the current experimental models of tumor invasion limit the dissection of complex cellular responses. In vitro assays do not capture tumor/host relations or relevant tissue architecture and physiology. In vivo model systems provide the relevant ... |
|
| Development and Evaluation of Stereographic Display for Lung Cancer Screening |
DEC 2006 |
34 pages |
| Authors:
Xiao H. Wang; Walter F. Good; Carl R. Fuhrman; Howard E. Rockett; David Gur; PITTSBURGH UNIV PA
|
| The main purpose of this project is to investigate the feasibility and efficacy of using a stereo display workstation for lung cancer screening on CT images. The tasks included in this project are development and evaluation of stereo image projection and display for chest CT images observer performance evaluation for the stereo display and stereo feature analysis and comparison to the conventionally used display methods for lung cancer detection. In ... |
|
| Epigenetic Regulation of Chemokine Expression in Prostate Cancer |
DEC 2006 |
7 pages |
| Authors:
Michael R. Shurin; PITTSBURGH UNIV PA
|
| During the first year of support, we developed a marked progress toward the main goal of our proposal - understanding the mechanisms of chemokine regulation in prostate cancer. Specifically, we revealed that prostate cancer cell lines and tissues obtained from cancer patients express low or no CSCL14 chemokine protein and mRNA, which might results in low infiltration of the tumor mass by dendritic cells. Importantly, if dendritic cells are not ... |
|
| E-Design Environmental for Robotic Medic Assistant |
DEC 2006 |
9 pages |
| Authors:
Bartholomew O. Nnaji; Wang Yan; PITTSBURGH UNIV PA
|
| This status report summarizes the research work of e-design environment for Robot Medic Assistant (RMA) conducted at the National Science Foundation Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for e-Design from Nov. 2005 to Nov. 2006. The major tasks performed include identification of stakeholders and technical challenges in collaborative RMA design, research extension and collaboration with Army Research Laboratory, identification and implementation of collaborative technologies for e-design environment. |
|
| Platform Technologies for Minimally Invasive Physiological Monitoring |
01 NOV 2006 |
9 pages |
| Authors:
Mingui Sun; Steven A. Hackworth; Zhide Tang; Jun Zhao; Daliang L. Li; Sharon E. Enos; Brian Errigo; Gary Gilbert; Ronald Marchessault; Sylvain Cardin; PITTSBURGH UNIV PA
|
| Two critical problems exist in the engineering design of minimally invasive implantable devices: power supply and communication. Without solving these two problems, implantable devices will not be able to exchange information with the outside world and operate for extended periods of time. Currently, there exist only limited approaches to these problems. Inspired by the power delivery mechanisms of electric fish, we have developed a bio-mimetic approach using the volume conduction ... |
|
| Modulation of TRAIL Cytotoxicity by Amiloride in Prostate Cancer |
NOV 2006 |
17 pages |
| Authors:
Ki Mo Kim; Young-Ho Kim; PITTSBURGH UNIV PA
|
| The challenge today is to develop a cytotoxic agent that selectively induces cytotoxicity in prostate cancer cells but avoids significant toxicity to the normal tissues. In this study, we will develop a novel strategy by using TRAIL in combination with amiloride. |
|
| Measles Virus Nucleocapsid (MVNP) Gene Expression and RANK Receptor Signaling in Osteoclast Precursors, Osteoclast Inhibitors Peptide Therapy for Pagets Disease |
OCT 2006 |
36 pages |
| Authors:
Sakamuri V. Reddy; PITTSBURGH UNIV PA
|
| Paget's disease (PD) of bone occurs in 3-4% of population over the age of 50. We have identified expression of measles virus nucleocapsid transcripts in osteoclast (OCL) precursors and that MVNP expression induces pagetic phenotype in osteoclasts with increased bone resorption activity as seen in patients with Paget's disease. We previously cloned and identified osteoclast inhibitory peptide-I (OIP-1/hSca) which inhibits osteoclast formation and bone resorption. We hypothesize that MVNP expression ... |
|
| Bone Mineral Density, Sex Steroid Genes, Race and Prostate Cancer Risk |
SEP 2006 |
13 pages |
| Authors:
Francesmary Modugno; PITTSBURGH UNIV PA
|
| The goal of this project is to determine whether bone mineral density (assumed to be an integrated marker of sex steroid hormone exposure) is a risk factor for prostate cancer; and (2) to identify prostate cancer susceptibility alleles among genes in the sex steroid pathway. To address these aims, we undertook a case-control study of African American and Caucasian men in Pittsburgh, PA and Birmingham, AL. As of 6131106, 234 ... |
|
| Integrated Development of Serum Molecular Markers for Early Diagnosis of Breast Cancer |
SEP 2006 |
65 pages |
| Authors:
Anna Lokshin; PITTSBURGH UNIV PA
|
| We have identified two panels of SEREX antigens associated with breast cancer in pre- and post-menopausal women. Suspended bead arrays were generated using Luminex microspheres. Serum samples from patients with breast cancer, patients with benign breast lesions and healthy volunteers were collected and concentrations of serum breast cancer biomarkers samples were determined. Novel ADEPT bioinformatics algorithm was utilized to analyze the results. In the postmenopausal group, a 23-biomarker panel was ... |
|
| Elevated Levels of Somatic Mutation as a Biomarker of Environmental Effects Contributing to Breast Carcinogenesis |
JUL 2006 |
78 pages |
| Authors:
Stephen G. Grant; PITTSBURGH UNIV PA
|
| Environmental exposures undoubtedly play a role in the development of breast cancer, but few individual agents have been unequivocally identified as risk factors. Rather than seek out individual agents, the authors hypothesize that the cumulative effect of environmental exposures on an individual can be quantified through a blood-based assay, and further, that such a "biomarker" might distinguish breast cancer patients from age-matched controls. These biomarker data can then be added ... |
|
| The Impact of Exercise on the Vulnerability of Dopamine Neurons to Cell Death in Animal Models of Parkinson's Disease |
JUL 2006 |
10 pages |
| Authors:
Michael J. Zigmond; Amanda Smith; Anthony Liou; PITTSBURGH UNIV PA
|
| Parkinson's disease results in part from the loss of dopamine neurons. We hypothesize that exercise reduces the vulnerability of dopamine neurons to neurotoxin exposure, whereas stress increases vulnerability. We have outlined experiments to test this hypothesis in rats treated with one of several neurotoxins, beginning with 6-hydroxydopamine. Over the past year, we increased the size and training of our research team and made a number of observations of direct relevance ... |
|
| Automated Analysis and Display of Temporal Sequences of Mammograms |
JUL 2006 |
23 pages |
| Authors:
Walter F. Good; PITTSBURGH UNIV PA
|
| Although screening for breast cancer has been effective in detecting cancers, it is not clear that the diagnostic information present in sequences of screening exams is currently being utilized. This project has integrated several novel technologies into a system for providing mammographers with information about changing tissue patterns derived from temporal sequences of images. Our hypotheses are: 1) Sequences of screening mammograms contain information about tissue changes that is not ... |
|
| Protein Transduction Based Therapies for Breast Cancer |
JUL 2006 |
12 pages |
| Authors:
Paul D. Robbins; PITTSBURGH UNIV PA
|
| We have demonstrated that certain transduction peptides such as 12 lysines and 12 arginines can facilitateinternalization into breast tumor lines with higher efficiency than smaller polymers of cationic amino acids. Inaddition we have demonstrated that PTD-Sma34 worked in conjunction with Ad=TRAlL gene transfer to inducebreast tumor apoptosis. We also have demonstrated that membrane bound TRAIL worked more effectively thansoluble (secreted) TRAIL to induce breast cancer apoptosis. Moreover we have demonstrated ... |
|
| Safar Symposium (3rd) Held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on June 23, 2005 |
JUL 2006 |
11 pages |
| Authors:
Patrick M. Kochanek; PITTSBURGH UNIV PA
|
| This grant funded expenses related to the third Safar Symposium held at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine on June 23, 2005. This symposium is held each year in honor of the late Dr. Peter Safar, pioneer of CPR, resuscitation, critical care, and disaster medicine. The symposium focused on two aspects of medical research of importance to the field of resuscitation medicine in its broadest scope, namely, a morning ... |
|
| Effect of HER-2/NEU Signaling on Sensitivity to Trail in Prostate Cancer |
JUN 2006 |
11 pages |
| Authors:
Yong J. Lee; PITTSBURGH UNIV PA
|
| The long-term goal of our research project is to develop a novel therapy for HER-2/neu overexpressing prostate cancer. Previous studies have shown that the HER-2/neu homodimer constitutively activates the PI(3)K-Akt-NF-kB single transduction pathway. In this budget period, we examined whether quercetin, a P13K inhibitor, promotes TRAIL cytotoxicity by inhibiting Akt activity. As DU-145 cells were treated with quercetin, we observed that TRAIL-induced cytotoxicity was promoted. |
|
| Differential MDR in Breast Cancer Stem Cells |
MAY 2006 |
44 pages |
| Authors:
Albert D. Donnenberg; PITTSBURGH UNIV PA
|
| A new paradigm for the proliferation and metastasis of breast cancer posits a rare tumor stem cell with low proliferative index and high self-renewing potential. Like its normal counterpart, the tumorigenic stem cell gives rise to transit-amplifying daughters of high clonogenic potential. These in turn lose clonogenic potential as they follow a dysregulated differentiation program into bulk tumor. The principal hypothesis which this proposal addressed is that the bulk of ... |
|
| An Organotypic Liver System for Tumor Progression |
APR 2006 |
10 pages |
| Authors:
Alan Wells; PITTSBURGH UNIV PA
|
| Our overall objective is to understand which tumor cell behaviors contribute to invasion and metastasis. This would allow rationale approaches to limit these aspects of tumor progression. While great strides have defined critical molecular determinants, the current experimental models of tumor invasion limit the dissection of complex cellular responses. In vitro assays do not capture tumor/host relations or relevant tissue architecture and physiology. In vivo model systems provide the relevant ... |
|
| Development and Evaluation of Sterographic Display for Lung Cancer Screening |
DEC 2005 |
28 pages |
| Authors:
Xiao H. Wang; Walter F. Good; Carl R. Fuhrman; Howard E. Rockett; David Gur; PITTSBURGH UNIV PA
|
| The main purpose of this project is to investigate the feasibility and efficacy of using a stereo display workstation for lung cancer screening on CT images. The tasks included in this project are development and evaluation of stereo image projection and display for chest CT images, observer performance evaluation for the stereo display, and stereo feature analysis and comparison to the conventionally used display methods for lung cancer detection. During ... |
|
| Biocatalytic Buffering System for Detoxification of Nerve Agents |
30 NOV 2005 |
25 pages |
| Authors:
Joel L. Kaar; Richard Koepsel; Alan J. Russell; PITTSBURGH UNIV PA
|
| A major obstacle in the utility of enzymes for decontamination purposes is their sensitivity to their surrounding environment. Enzymes are only catalytically active within a narrow range of conditions including pH and temperature. Sensitivity to pH is of particular importance in hydrolysis reactions due to the generation of acidic products. In the enzymatic hydrolysis of nerve agents, to prevent inaction of the enzyme prior to complete conversion of the toxin, ... |
|
| Second Annual Safar Symposium |
OCT 2005 |
86 pages |
| Authors:
Patrick M. Kochanek; PITTSBURGH UNIV PA
|
| Proceedings of the Annual Safar Symposium (2nd) held in Pittsburgh, PA on 30 October 2003. |
|
| The Evolution of Spatial Representation During Complex Visual Data Analysis: Knowing When and How to be Exact |
30 SEP 2005 |
27 pages |
| Authors:
Christian D. Schunn; Lelyn D. Saner; J. G. Trafton; Susan B. Trickett; Susan K. Kirschenbaum; Michael Knepp; Melanie Shoup; PITTSBURGH UNIV PA
|
| How do problem solvers represent visual-spatial information in complex problem solving tasks? This paper explores the predictions of embodied problem solving and a neurocomputational theory for what factors influence internal representation choices. Data are collected from experts and novices in three different, complex visual-spatial problem-solving domains (weather forecasting, submarine target motion analysis, and fMRI data analysis). Internal spatial representations are coded from spontaneous gestures made during cued-recall summaries of problem ... |
|
| Center for Behavioral Research: Individual Interventions for Breast Cancer Patients |
01 SEP 2005 |
6 pages |
| Authors:
Andrew Baum; PITTSBURGH UNIV PA
|
| This is an annual report for the Center for Biobehavioral Research in Breast Cancer, a center of excellence that was initially funded in September 2001. The Center was designed to support, stimulate, conduct, and disseminate research and research reports on the biological and behavioral interactions characterizing the development and progression of breast cancer as well as treatment and survivor effects. Behavioral variables, particularly those directly related to activity in biological ... |
|
| Bone Mineral Density, Sex Steroid Genes, Race, and Prostate Cancer Risk |
SEP 2005 |
16 pages |
| Authors:
Francesmary Modugno; PITTSBURGH UNIV PA
|
| The goal of this project is to determine whether bone mineral density (assumed to be an integrated marker of sex steroid hormone exposure) is a risk factor for prostate cancer; and (2) to identify prostate cancer susceptibility alleles among genes in the sex steroid pathway. To address these aims, we are undertaking a case-control study of African American and Caucasian men in Pittsburgh, PA and Birmingham, AL. As of 7/31/04, ... |
|
| Dendritic Cell-Based Immunotherapy of Breast Cancer: Modulation by CpG DNA |
SEP 2005 |
16 pages |
| Authors:
Joseph Baar; PITTSBURGH UNIV PA
|
| Breast cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in women and the American Cancer Society estimates that there will be 215,990 new cases of invasive breast cancer and 40,110 deaths from MBC in the United States in 2004. Thus, patients with MBC who fail conventional therapies are candidates for clinical trials using novel therapeutic approaches, including immunotherapy. Dendritic cells (DC) are potent antigen-presenting cells that prime antitumor cytotoxic T lymphocytes ... |
|
| Ovarian Cancer Risk and Survival in BRCA 1/2 Carriers |
SEP 2005 |
37 pages |
| Authors:
Francesmary Modugno; PITTSBURGH UNIV PA
|
| Our research efforts to date suggest that both OC use and childbearing are protective in BRCA1/2 carriers and non-carriers. Our findings also suggest that there are unknown genetic and/or environmental factors that alter the risk of ovarian cancer, especially among BRCA1/2 carriers. It is possible that genetic variations in the inflammation pathway may be one such genetic factor and that exposure to inflammation-associated factors may be one such environmental factor. ... |
|
| Remote Patient Management in a Mammographic Screening Environment in Underserved Areas |
SEP 2005 |
131 pages |
| Authors:
David Gur; PITTSBURGH UNIV PA
|
| Early detection of breast cancer is of significant interest to our society. Mammographic screening is gradually moving toward a "distributed acquisition - centralized review" approach. Unfortunately, a relatively high recall rate using this approach increases patient anxiety as well as the cost and complexity of the diagnostic process. The purpose of this project is to evaluate in a multi-phase approach the possible impact of a unique tele-mammography system that utilizes ... |
|
| Hormonal Determinants of Mammographic Density |
AUG 2005 |
13 pages |
| Authors:
Jennifer K. Simpson; Francemary Modugno; Joel L. Weissfeld; Lewis Kuller; Victor Vogel; Joseph P. Constantino; PITTSBURGH UNIV PA
|
| Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) has been shown to increase breast cancer risk as well as to increase breast density. Breast density, a reflection of the histologic composition of the breast, is one factor shown to affect mammographic sensitivity and specificity, and it is predictive of breast cancer risk. Thus, the use of HRT, through its effect on breast density, may compromise the well-established reduction in mortality gained by mammographic screening. ... |
|
Reports by Corporate Author
