FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 30, 2009
CONTACT: Sharon Myers, Director of Public Relations 585.567.9559

Houghton College Professor Publishes Research

Dr. Wei HuHOUGHTON, N.Y. – Dr. Wei Hu, Professor of Math and Computer Science at Houghton College, has written three papers that will be published in noted journals during the upcoming months. One article will appear in the Journal of Software Engineering and Applications, while the other two articles will be published in the Journal of Biomedical Science and Engineering.

The three papers for publication are as follows:
 
1.  Accepted for publication January 2010 in the
     Journal of Software Engineering and
     Applications
: “Cryptanalysis of TEA Using
     Quantum-inspired Genetic Algorithms”
2.  Accepted for publication December 2009 in the
     Journal of Biomedical Science and Engineering:
     “Identifying Predictive Markers of
     Chemosensitivity of Breast Cancer with
     Random Forests”
3.  Published November 2009 in the Journal of
     Biomedical Science and Engineering
:
     “Correlation of Selected Molecular Markers in Chemosensitivity Prediction”

Of particular note is his article on “Identifying Predictive Markers of Chemosensitivity of Breast Cancer with Random Forests.” Dr. Hu conducted this research during the past year with the goal to predict chemotherapy output based on patients’ gene signature. His research contributes to existing knowledge on breast cancer research – specifically identifying a group of genes that are good for chemosensitivity prediction.

“Houghton is a liberal arts college that values integrative studies for our students and faculty. In my teaching and research, I have employed a three-in-one (trinity model) approach where math, computer science and biology work together to demonstrate that this is a powerful and effective methodology in teaching and in research. Having these three works published indicates the effectiveness of this approach and is a powerful teaching moment to our own students,” Dr. Hu stated.

Breast cancer is a clinically heterogeneous disease that demonstrates a wide variation in its clinical courses and response to chemotherapy. This complexity is a reflection of the molecular oncogenic aberration in DNA repair, cell cycle control, cell survival, and signal transduction in breast tumors. The heterogeneity of breast cancer characterized by identified subtypes brings great challenge to its research. In a significant proportion of breast cancer patients, chemotherapy does not result in response, but can induce significant side effects and financial costs. The ability to identify predictors of response or resistance to cancer drugs will provide better treatment to the individual patient.

Houghton College congratulates Dr. Wei Hu on the publication of his research.