Where It’s at Really Matters: In Situ In Vivo Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Spatially Correlates with Electron Paramagnetic Resonance pO2 Images in Tumors of Living Mice

Purpose: Tumor microenvironments show remarkable tumor pO_{2} heterogeneity, as seen in prior EPR pO_{2} images (EPROI). pO_{2} correlation with hypoxia response proteins is frustrated by large rapid pO2 changes with position. Procedures: To overcome this limitation, biopsies stereotactically located in the EPROI were used to explore the relationship between vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF) concentrations in living mouse tumors and the local EPROI pO_{2}. Results: Quantitative ELISA VEGF concentrations correlated (p = 0.0068 to 0.019) with mean pO_{2}, median pO_{2}, and the fraction of voxels in the biopsy volume with pO_{2} less than 3, 6, and 10 Torr. Conclusions: This validates EPROI hypoxic fractions at the molecular level and provides a new paradigm for the assessment of the relationship, in vivo, between hypoxia and hypoxia response proteins. When translated to human subjects, this will enhance understanding of human tumor pathophysiology and cancer response to therapy

‘Launching’ a new nation: The unfolding brand of South Sudan

In June 2011 South Sudan joined the United Nations as a new state, marking the final stage of years of struggle for independence. Its secession is witness to the potential of regions with no historic claims of statehood to achieve independence. This unique situation gives researchers the opportunity to explore how the brand of a nation comes into existence. This article traces how the brand of a new nation has unfolded in the case of South Sudan and analyzes how that brand was written into existence by international news media. This exploratory case study approach is based on inductive content analysis research processes founded on grounded theory. The research brings new insights to research of nation brands in their very early stages