Focusing the Archival Gaze: A Preliminary Definition and Model

Over the past several decades, authors from within and without the archival profession have applied poststructural theories to the Archive and archives. Several authors have used the term archival gaze, but the phrase has been neither defined nor thoroughly interrogated in the published literature. We seek to understand what makes a gaze archival, and what the implications for archival practice are. We will present on research in progress intended to articulate a definition and model of the archival gaze. Drawing on diplomatics, poststructuralism and Gaze theories (including Mulvey and hooks), this research explores the dynamics of power present in the archival gaze. To do so, we propose three layers of gaze analysis: content, documentary and archival. Within these layers, we examine the flow and manifestation of power between four actors (defined in relation to the record: subject, creator, viewer and archivist), and the information activities that this power enables. We will present our definition and model and discuss the results of our research so far

Methods for Cancer Detection

A method is provided for detecting an analyte indicative of a cancer or a metastatic disease condition, which utilizes the ability of the analyte to induce permeability in a barrier. The method includes providing a biosensor having a barrier which is substantially impermeable to an ion, a permeable membrane which is selective for the ion, and a detector capable of detecting the ion. The biosensor is contacted with a sample including at least one of the ion and the analyte, wherein the analyte causes at least a portion of the ion to pass through the barrier and the membrane. Passage of the ion through the barrier and membrane allows detection of the ion, providing indirect detection of the analyte. In one embodiment, the barrier is a cell monolayer, the membrane is selective for potassium, and the analyte is vascular endothelial cell growth factor

Synthesis and Characterization of CREKA-Conjugated Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Hyperthermia Applications

One of the current challenges in the systemic delivery of nanoparticles in cancer therapy applications is the lack of effective tumor localization. Iron oxide nanoparticles coated with crosslinked dextran were functionalized with the tumor homing peptide CREKA, which binds to fibrinogen complexes in the extracellular matrix of tumors. This allows for the homing of these nanoparticles to tumor tissue. The iron oxide nanoparticle core allows for particle heating upon exposure to an alternating magnetic field (AMF) while the dextran coating stabilizes the particles in suspension and decreases the cytotoxicity of the system. Magnetically mediated hyperthermia (MMH) allows for the heating of tumor tissue to increase the efficacy of traditional cancer treatments using the iron oxide nanoparticles. While MMH provides the opportunity for localized heating, this method is currently limited by the lack of particle penetration into tumor tissue, even after effective targeted delivery to the tumor site. The CREKA-conjugated nanoparticles presented were characterized for their size, stability, biocompatibility, and heating capabilities. The particles were stable in PBS and media over at least twelve hours, had a hydrated diameter of 52 nm, and generated enough heat to raise solution temperatures well into the hyperthermia range (41 – 45 °C) when exposed to an AMF. Biocompatibility studies demonstrated that the particles have low cytotoxicity over long exposure times at low concentrations. A fibrinogen clotting assay was used to determine the binding affinity of CREKA-conjugated particles, which was significantly greater than the binding affinity of dextran, only coated iron oxide nanoparticles demonstrating the potential for this particle system to effectively home to a variety of tumor locations. Finally, it was shown that in vitro MMH increased the effects of cisplatin compared to cisplatin or MMH treatments alone

Characterization and Aerosol Dispersion Performance of Spray-Dried Chemotherapeutic PEGylated Phospholipid Particles for Dry Powder Inhalation Delivery in Lung Cancer

Pulmonary inhalation chemotherapeutic drug delivery offers many advantages for lung cancer patients in comparison to conventional systemic chemotherapy. Inhalable particles are advantageous in their ability to deliver drug deep in the lung by utilizing optimally sized particles and higher local drug dose delivery. In this work, spray-dried and co-spray dried inhalable lung surfactant-mimic PEGylated lipopolymers as microparticulate/nanoparticulate dry powders containing paclitaxel were rationally designed via organic solution advanced spray drying (no water) in closed-mode from dilute concentration feed solution. Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and dipalmitoylphosphatidylethanolamine poly(ethylene glycol) (DPPE-PEG) with varying PEG chain length were mixed with varying amounts of paclitaxel in methanol to produce co-spray dried microparticles and nanoparticles. Scanning electron microscopy showed the spherical particle morphology of the inhalable particles. Thermal analysis and X-ray powder diffraction confirmed the retention of the phospholipid bilayer structure in the solid-state following spray drying, the degree of solid-state molecular order, and solid-state phase transition behavior. The residual water content of the particles was very low as quantified analytically Karl Fisher titration. The amount of paclitaxel loaded into the particles was quantified which indicated high encapsulation efficiencies (43-99%). Dry powder aerosol dispersion performance was measure in vitro using the Next Generation Impactor™ (NGI™) coupled with the Handihaler® dry powder inhaler device and showed mass median aerodynamic diameters in the range of 3.4 – 7μm. These results demonstrate that this novel microparticulate/nanoparticulate chemotherapeutic PEGylated phospholipid inhalation aerosol platform has great potential in lung cancer drug delivery

Development of three-dimensional lung multicellular spheroids in air- and liquid-interface culture for the evaluation of anticancer therapeutics

Three-dimensional (3D) lung multicellular spheroids (MCS) in liquid-covered culture (LCC) and air-interface culture (AIC) conditions have both been developed for the evaluation of aerosol anticancer therapeutics in solution and aerosols, respectively. The MCS were formed by seeding lung cancer cells on top of collagen where they formed spheroids due to the prevalence of cell-to-cell interactions. LCC MCS were exposed to paclitaxel (PTX) in media whereas AIC MCS were exposed to dry powder PEGylated phospholipid aerosol microparticles containing paclitaxel. The difference in viability for 2D versus 3D culture for both LCC and AIC was evaluated along with the effects of the particles on lung epithelium via transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) measurements. For LCC and AIC conditions, the 3D spheroids were more resistant to treatment with higher IC50 values for A549 and H358 cell lines. TEER results initially indicated a decrease in resistance upon drug or particle exposure, however, these values increased over the course of several days indicating the ability of the cells to recover. Overall, these studies offer a comprehensive in vitro evaluation of aerosol particles used in the treatment of lung cancer while introducing a new method for culturing lung cancer MCS in both LCC and AIC conditions

Design, Physicochemical Characterization, and Optimization of Organic Solution Advanced Spray-Dried Inhalable Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and Dipalmitoylphosphatidylethanolamine Poly(Ethylene Glycol) (DPPE-PEG) Microparticles and Nanoparticles for Targeted Respiratory Nanomedicine Delivery as Dry Powder Inhalation Aerosols

Novel advanced spray-dried and co-spray-dried inhalable lung surfactant-mimic phospholipid and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)ylated lipopolymers as microparticulate/nanoparticulate dry powders of biodegradable biocompatible lipopolymers were rationally formulated via an organic solution advanced spray-drying process in closed mode using various phospholipid formulations and rationally chosen spray-drying pump rates. Ratios of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and dipalmitoylphosphatidylethanolamine PEG (DPPE-PEG) with varying PEG lengths were mixed in a dilute methanol solution. Scanning electron microscopy images showed the smooth, spherical particle morphology of the inhalable particles. The size of the particles was statistically analyzed using the scanning electron micrographs and SigmaScan® software and were determined to be 600 nm to 1.2 μm in diameter, which is optimal for deep-lung alveolar penetration. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) were performed to analyze solid-state transitions and long-range molecular order, respectively, and allowed for the confirmation of the presence of phospholipid bilayers in the solid state of the particles. The residual water content of the particles was very low, as quantified analytically via Karl Fischer titration. The composition of the particles was confirmed using attenuated total-reflectance Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy and confocal Raman microscopy (CRM), and chemical imaging confirmed the chemical homogeneity of the particles. The dry powder aerosol dispersion properties were evaluated using the Next Generation Impactor™ (NGI™) coupled with the HandiHaler® dry powder inhaler device, where the mass median aerodynamic diameter from 2.6 to 4.3 μm with excellent aerosol dispersion performance, as exemplified by high values of emitted dose, fine particle fraction, and respirable fraction. Overall, it was determined that the pump rates defined in the spray-drying process had a significant effect on the solid-state particle properties and that a higher pump rate produced the most optimal system. Advanced dry powder inhalers of inhalable lipopolymers for targeted dry powder inhalation delivery were successfully achieved

Effects of personal characteristics on serum CA125, mesothelin, and HE4 levels in healthy postmenopausal women at high-risk for ovarian cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if serum levels of candidate ovarian cancer biomarkers vary with individual characteristics of healthy women who are likely candidates for an ovarian cancer screening program. METHODS: We analyzed serum CA125, mesothelin, and HE4 levels in a sample of 155 healthy postmenopausal women at increased risk for developing ovarian cancer based on personal and family cancer history. Information on reproductive, family and medical histories, lifestyle factors, and anthropometry was collected by self-report. Twenty-two factors were examined using univariate and multiple linear regression models for the three biomarker levels. RESULTS: In the multivariate models, CA125 levels were significantly higher in women who had used talcum powder (P = 0.02) and were lower in women who were parous (P = 0.05). Mesothelin levels were significantly higher in older women (P = 0.01) and lower in heavier women (P = 0.03). HE4 levels were higher in older women (P = 0.001) and in women who began menstruating at an older age (P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: CA125, mesothelin, and HE4 levels in healthy, postmenopausal women at increased risk for ovarian cancer are significantly associated with a few ovarian cancer risk factors. Since the effects of these personal characteristics on these serum markers are not large, their incorporation in screening algorithms may be unnecessary. This is true especially if a longitudinal algorithm is used because the marker level at the previous screen reflects personal characteristics such as age, body mass index, and age of menarche. Understanding the influence of personal factors on levels of novel early detection markers in healthy, unaffected women may have clinical utility in interpreting biomarker levels

Explorations, Vol. 3, No. 3

Cover: Artwork by Marcia Spencer, University of Maine art student. Articles include: Characterization of Normal and Carcinogen Induced Neoplastic Cells of Teleost Origin, by Tim Lyden Attitutdes and Opinions of Maine Dairy Farmers, by John Muth and James Leiby Background: the quest for the eighteen month oyster, by Kevin Scully The Quest for the Eighteen Month Oyster, by Kevin Scully Measurement of Surface Tension of Kraft Black Liquor, by Jayalakshmi Jaya Krishnagopalan From the former student, by Jayalakshmi Krishnagopalan From the faculty advisor, by Ivar H. Stockel Aquatic Fungal Decomposers in Two Adjacent Maine Lakes of Different Acidity, by Peter Wagner Studies on a New Mouse Mutation, by Luanne L. Peters Opportunities for Students: Maine Agricultural Experiment Station Research Programs, by Mark W. Anderson Experimental Embryogenesis in Red Pine, by Judy C. Gates The V-Notched Lobster in Maine, by Cheryl Waltz Undernutrition in a Pediatric Population, by Paula Quatromoni From the Advisor Archaeology of the Central Maine Coast, by Douglas Kellogg Marketing Strategies for Computer Consultants in Small Business, by Kimberly Dagher Our Cover Artist From the Advisor, by James Lineha

Atypical Q Fever in US Soldiers

Q fever is an emerging infectious disease among US soldiers serving in Iraq. Three patients have had atypical manifestations, including 2 patients with acute cholecystitis and 1 patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome. Providers must be aware of Q fever’s signs and symptoms to avoid delays in treatment