4 weeks for the placebo arm (HR 0.79, p = 0.0336; Fig. 2a). For patients with IHC-negative disease, PFS was 10.9 weeks versus 7.1 weeks (HR 0.65, p = 0.1146) for erlotinib and placebo, respectively. When assessed by the H-score with magnification rule, PFS for patients with IHC-positive disease (score ≥ 200)

was 12.1 weeks in the erlotinib arm and 6.3 weeks in the placebo arm (HR 0.69, exploratory p = 0.0188; Fig. 2b). PFS for patients with IHC-negative disease (H-score < 200) was 12.0 weeks in the erlotinib arm and 11.3 weeks in the placebo arm (HR 0.84, exploratory p = 0.2166; Fig. 2b). For OS in the EGFR WT population, the patients with protocol-defined IHC-positive disease had a significant benefit with erlotinib versus placebo Epigenetics inhibitor (HR 0.77, p = 0.0402), while assessment by H-score with magnification rule (≥200) resulted in a HR of 0.78 (exploratory p = 0.1563) ( Fig. 3a and b). Protocol-defined assessment of patients with IHC-negative disease resulted in a HR of 0.64 (p = 0.1608) and when assessed by H-score with magnification rule the HR was 0.76 (exploratory p = 0.0964). When the protocol-defined scoring system of ≥10% membrane staining of any intensity to define IHC-positive status was applied to the new readings (meaning the H-score with magnification rule readings were assessed as positive if ≥10% of cells had positive-staining without giving any weighting to the magnification

used to visualize the staining), HR values were similar to both the original protocol-derived values and the H-score with magnification

Epigenetic animal study values (Table 2). Maintenance treatment is now a standard therapeutic strategy in advanced NSCLC, but many challenges still exist, such as identifying the patients who derive the most benefit from continuing anti-cancer treatment until progression. As erlotinib directly targets EGFR and identification of high EGFR protein expression by Teicoplanin IHC was recently shown to be predictive of efficacy with the EGFR inhibitor cetuximab in advanced NSCLC, we aimed to apply this test to the cohort of SATURN patients. Re-scoring of EGFR IHC status in SATURN by H-score with the magnification rule found that erlotinib provided similar benefits in terms of PFS or OS for subsets with high or low EGFR expression, in the overall and EGFR WT populations. This was despite clear differences in the categorization of patients by the two different methods into EGFR IHC-positive or -negative subpopulations, as demonstrated by the number of patients in each category (protocol-defined IHC positive n = 621, negative n = 121; H-score with magnification rule high n = 303, low n = 409). Fig. 4 demonstrates samples that were classed positive by the protocol-defined scoring but were classed negative by the H-score plus magnification rule method. From the evolution chart used in the original IHC analysis ( Fig. 1), markedly different outcomes were not expected; however, the use of the magnification rule may have provided more objective guidance to the reading pathologist.

A thorough analysis of the conflicts reflects the existence of various actors resisting marine finfish aquaculture in Europe. The most relevant actors are small-scale fishermen, local populations, environmental NGOs, tourism sector representatives, local or regional public administrations, researchers, fish consumers,

energy sector representatives, producers of different aquaculture types, representatives of other sectors, and recreational users -including a wide range of activities like sailing, diving or recreational fishing. The most common actors involved in the cases analyzed are small-scale fishermen, local populations and environmental NGOs, as detected Fulvestrant in vitro in 15, 14 and 14 (out of 24) cases respectively. As the most frequently detected actor, small-scale commercial fishermen, appear in eight countries (Table 2). They usually claim that they are highly affected by fish farms since the marine area they use, the wild stocks they catch, or the ecosystem they depend on

are subject to changes as a result of fish farms [27]. Moreover, in some cases they feel that their livelihood and socioeconomic activity is under threat, whenever their fishing areas get restricted or they have to compete with cheaper aquaculture products. Local populations include residents of towns close to a fish farm, local GDC-0199 molecular weight people who use the marine area for recreational purposes such as swimming, diving, angling or navigation, summerhouse Molecular motor owners, as well as young or retired people in villages who desire to enjoy the landscape and water quality. They were found to be active actors in seven countries (Table 2). In these conflicts, inhabitants that are mobilized with their local organizations usually led to a greater visibility of the opposition (e.g. the Norwegian Association of Hunters and Anglers, river owners, fishing cooperatives). Environmental NGOs were detected in eight countries

(Table 2). They generally base their opposition on environmental conservation objectives. In some cases, they do not work in collaboration with other social actors. These conflicts arose mostly due to the NGOs׳ perception of the incompatibility of fish farms׳ operation with ecologically valuable areas like natural parks and marine protection areas or with the habitat of vulnerable species (e.g. Sado Estuary, Limassol). However, in most cases, environmental NGOs were collaborating with other actors since generally social and environmental demands were intertwined and consistent with environmental protection objectives. In many cases, various alliances consisting of several recreational and professional users take place. Different actors cooperate, although they may be mobilized with different motivations based on a variety of social and environmental concerns (see Section 4.3).

Human recombinant proteins were purchased commercially (see Section 2.1: Supplies and Reagents). For cell-free protein expression, clones from the Human ORFeome Collection were used as the source for the ORFs. Standard Gateway® recombination cloning was performed (Walhout selleck compound et al., 2000) (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, CA) to transfer the ORFs into a custom T7 driven cell-free protein expression

vector containing a C-terminal streptavidin binding affinity tag (SBP-Tag; Keefe et al., 2001) and an N-terminal VSV-G epitope tag. Expression reactions were performed using one of two transcription/translation coupled systems, the Rabbit Reticulocyte Lysate (TNT® T7 Quick for PCR DNA), or the PURExpress® E. coli based reconstituted system, all according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The expression plasmid

used was a derivative of the pETBlue-2 vector containing the aforementioned tags and sequences for Gateway® cloning. Commercial recombinant proteins, which are supplied in a variety of formats, concentrations and buffers, were passed over a PD SpinTrap G-25 Column to remove potentially incompatible buffer components (e.g. Tris buffer or residual glutathione used in purifying GST fusion proteins) and to unify the buffer conditions. In the case where proteins were supplied lyophilized, they were first dissolved to 1 μg/μL in water and then supplemented to 1 × PBS, pH 7.5, from a 5 × stock before column purification. The PD SpinTrap G-25 columns Verteporfin mouse were performed according to the manufacturer’s instructions (equilibration in 300 μL Phospholipase D1 1 × PBS; 70–130 μL loading of the manufacturer supplied or reconstituted protein). Following the desalting (buffer exchange), 1/4th volume of 5 × PBS was added to the eluate to ensure an adequate buffering capacity of the protein for the subsequent bead attachment steps. Note that for optimal results with some proteins (e.g. p53 and MAP4K4), the column buffer exchange step was omitted and the manufacturer supplied proteins were simply supplemented to 1 × PBS (either

from a 5 × stock or as detailed above for lyophilized proteins). Note that while a comprehensive analysis of all possible buffer conditions was not done, some proteins (e.g. antibodies) coupled more efficiently to the VeraCode™ beads using a MES buffering system (0.1 M MES, pH 4.7, 0.9% NaCl) instead of PBS. In this case, MES buffer replaced the PBS in the aforementioned steps. Recombinant protein concentration used for subsequent bead attachment was typically 0.1 μg/μL in the corresponding buffer (if this concentration was not possible based on how the protein was supplied by the manufacturer, concentration was kept as high as reasonably possible). Capture antibodies to be coupled to VeraCode™ beads were not desalted, but were simply supplemented to 1 × concentrated MES Buffer and used at 0.5 μg/μL for subsequent bead attachment.

The results showed that N markedly affected the distribution of SGs in MA. A-type SGs in SVE appeared ellipse-shaped and their size was larger under the N treatment than in the control (Fig. 4A,B). N increased the number of A-type

SGs Selleckchem Cabozantinib in SVE (Table 2). The results were similar to those in SDE. The size of A-type SGs in CVE was increased by N application (Fig. 4C,D). Although N significantly increased the number of B-type SGs, by 39%, it significantly decreased the number of A-type SGs, by 130%, compared to the control (Table 2). The results were similar to those in CDE. All results above corresponded well to observations made with the scanning electron microscope (Fig. 5 and Fig. 6). These observations visually demonstrated the marked influence of N on the size and morphology of SGs and thus have potential implications for determining the structure and texture of wheat grain. Starch is stored in two types of granules, known as A-type and B-type SGs, having different physical, chemical and functional properties [17], [29], [30] and [31].

Although numerous researchers have reported on the size distribution and development of SGs in wheat endosperm, most of them have focused on the whole grain; little information is available about the distribution of GSK-3 beta pathway SGs in different regions of the endosperm under N treatment. This is the first cytological study on the effect of N on distribution of SGs in different regions of the endosperm. In the study we found

that the number of SGs in SDE and SVE was higher than that in CDE and CVE, and that MA had the fewest SGs. The different distribution patterns of SGs based on their locations within the endosperm were probably caused by the different paths of development in endosperm [9] and ID-8 the pathways that assimilate follow when transferred into SGs [11]. Based on the location of SGs within the endosperm, cells followed several different paths of development. For example, starch formation was different in the subaleurone and central endosperm during endosperm development. The nutrient transport tissues in wheat caryopses include the main vascular bundle, chalaza, nucellar projection, modified aleurone, and aleurone cells [32]. Nutrients from vascular bundles are unloaded into the endosperm cavity. The tissues involved in nutrient transfer are the chalaza and nucellar projection. Following uptake from the cavity, there are two pathways into the endosperm (Fig. 7): 1) via modified aleurone and starchy endosperm tissue, and 2) via aleurone around the endosperm [11]. In the present study, we inferred that the sucrose from modified aleuronic cells first accumulated in the outer cells of endosperm, then in the inner cells of endosperm, and finally in modified cells. At the same time, the aleuronic cells also absorbed sucrose from the apoplast and the sucrose was transported from the ventral to the dorsal region.

It is recommended that the patient be clinically assessed for surgical complications before source delivery. Immediate postoperative complications, such as hemorrhage, seroma,

wound breakdown, dehiscence, or infection, may delay loading of radiation and necessitate repeat treatment planning. Typically, 5 days is allowed to elapse for wound healing before treatment starts depending on the extent and location Nutlin-3a manufacturer of the surgery and the relationship of the implant to the wound closure. 192Ir source loading (LDR or HDR) has been described in the literature between postoperative Day 2–4 (33) and Day 5–8 (7). MSKCC found decreased toxicity with loading Day 5 or more (34). The surgical wound and implant catheters should be kept as clean and dry as possible. This objective may be accomplished

by the application of sterile dressing between cleansings. The patient should avoid showering, bathing, or wetting the implant catheters except during wound care. Antibiotic ointment may be applied sparingly at the catheter entrance and exit sites. Catheter removal should be in as clean a fashion as possible. In the removal of double leader implants, the catheters should be sterile prepared on the side that will be cut at the skin surface. The skin Dabrafenib should then be depressed slightly so the catheter can be cut in a way to avoid pulling the external aspect of the catheter through the wound. Dose rate is an important consideration in BT. Interstitial catheter BT for STS has used LDR iridium wires or seeds in ribbons that are loaded manually in the catheters. A randomized study (7) and a number of prospective and retrospective oxyclozanide reports have evaluated LDR BT either as monotherapy or in combination with EBRT [9], [22], [35], [36], [37], [38], [39], [40], [41], [42] and [43]. LC after LDR monotherapy is reported between 66% and 96% and LDR BT and EBRT between 78 and 100%. The complication

rates are also comparable with reoperation rates of 10–12% for monotherapy and 2.3–13.8% for BT and EBRT (Table 1). Alekhteyar et al. (9) evaluated 105 patients who underwent WLE followed by LDR BT vs. LDR BT and EBRT. They did not find a significant difference in 2-year LC between the cohorts (90% vs. 82%) but a trend for improved LC in patients with positive margins who had BT and EBRT compared with BT alone (90% vs. 59%, p = 0.08). There was no difference in wound complication rate (26% vs. 38%). Laskar et al. (44) reported 50 pediatric patients who underwent WLE and then either BT or BT and EBRT. They found LC to be comparable (78% vs. 84%, p = 0.89). Andrews et al. (22) reported on 86 patients treated with EBRT alone (61 patients) or in combination with BT (25 patients). The decision to use BT was based on a perceived risk of microscopically positive margins. There was no difference in 5-year overall survival (OS) (82% vs. 72%, p = 0.

Peaks in TPH and other classes of compounds consistently occurred near Mobile, Alabama and Pensacola, Florida. The specific mechanisms of transport of these

compounds could have been the western boundary current or smaller eddies providing counter-currents from the spill to the Pensacola region. Prevailing southwesterly seasonal winds could also have influenced transport resulting in the spatial distribution of the compounds observed. The concentrations of the compounds considered in seawater in this study were higher than those reported in others (USNOAA, 2010 and Sammarco, 2010), and particularly higher than data published by Ylitalo et al. (2012), who reported that all of their measurements were within acceptable limits for human exposure and consumption. NOAA collected water samples in a region several km down-current from the spill site using Niskin Bottles (discrete, depth-specific water-sampling selleck kinase inhibitor RG7422 order containers; n > 800). This was done while the spill was still active in May 2010. The range of concentrations reported for all compounds in one representative transect

was 1.24 ppb–4.49 ppt. Water samples in this study were collected from the general spill site as well as from sites hundreds of kms away, after the well was capped. The range of all compounds was bdl to 530 ppm. We believe that the discrepancy between our data set and NOAA’s may be attributable to spatio-temporal variation in sampling. More importantly, we believe that Niskin bottle sampling may be an inappropriate tool by which to sample freshly released, patchily distributed oil which has been treated with a dispersant such as Corexit®. Firstly, the sampling is being done at too fine a scale and could easily miss high sub-surface oil concentrations, distributed in the water column in a disparate and patchy manner at the meso-scale. In addition, PVC, the material out of which Niskin bottles are constructed, is lipophilic in nature and may adsorb petroleum hydrocarbons during the sampling process, clonidine which, if present in low concentrations, could affect results. Although the bottles are washed with

soap and solvent between samples, bottles holding the small amount of water sampled presents a high lipophilic surface-to-volume ratio to the medium. The HMW TPHs are deposited into sediments, and, consequently, both the sediment and sediment-associated biota exhibit substantially higher concentrations than in the water column. They are most likely transported into the sediments with other settling matter, organic or inorganic. Due to their physico-chemical properties, it is not surprising that TPH concentrations in the sediments and organisms examined in this study were substantially greater than those observed in the water column. Sixty percent of the sediment samples from the Atchafalya wetlands had concentrations of up to 18 PAHs which exceeded Marine Sediment Screening Levels (Swartz, 1999, U.S.

Our results support our hypothesis that

high Se intake or status negatively impacts basal blood glucose management. Contrary to our hypothesis and previous reports demonstrating a positive effect of an HIF diet on glucose management, we found that HIF intake did not attenuate the increased fasting blood glucose that resulted from SMSC supplementation. Interestingly, although not statistically significant, there was a tendency for improved glucose tolerance in animals that were given both elevated SMSC and HIF compared with SMSC alone. Furthermore, both Se and IF have been reported to affect AMPK activation and thus cause changes in glucose management. Contrary to our original hypothesis, we did not observe a change in basal AMPK activation with SMSC supplementation, but we did observe a reduction with increased dietary IF. Selenium is an essential component of enzymes selleck products critical to antioxidant defense. Although the precise mechanisms are not completely understood, high Se intake or status has been reported to reduce the risk of developing prostate and other cancers. However, in contrast to its chemopreventive

effects, high Se intake or status may also have a negative impact on blood glucose management. The effect that supplemental Se has on blood glucose is clearly dependent on the chemical form of Se administered [10], [13] and [22]. We supplemented mice with SMSC, an organic form of Se that selleck kinase inhibitor is abundant in foods high in Se and has a high bioavailability. Although our results contrast with those seen from increased intake of sodium selenate [10] and [11],

our findings are consistent with observational studies that have found a correlation between increased serum Se and increased incidence of type 2 diabetes [23] and [24]. HSP90 A small increase in the risk of developing type 2 diabetes was also found after supplementation of selenomethionine in the large, randomized, controlled SELECT [14]. In addition to the results of the SELECT trial, the randomized, controlled trial reported by Stranges et al showed a significant increase in the incidence of type 2 diabetes resulting from supplementation of 200 μg Se daily in a high-Se brewer’s yeast tablet, which provides Se in multiple chemical forms [24]. However, in that study, the increased risk from Se supplementation was confined to those in the highest tertile of baseline plasma Se (>121.6 ng/mL). Those who began the study with lower plasma Se concentration experienced no increase in risk for T2D from consuming high-Se yeast. The mechanisms by which increased dietary IF improve glucose management are not clear. Cederroth et al [17] have reported that increased IF cause increased activation of AMPK in peripheral tissues. As noted above, one of the proposed mechanisms by which elevated Se negatively impacts insulin sensitivity is by reducing AMPK activation [15].

O quadro álgico apresentava cerca Alectinib de 8 meses de evolução, agravamento progressivo, com predomínio pós-prandial, localizando-se na região epigástrica e irradiando para a região periumbilical. O doente referia igualmente perda de peso (6 kg em 3 semanas), eructações frequentes e vómitos alimentares diários, pós-prandiais, com cerca de 2 meses de evolução. Ao exame objetivo registava-se a presença de dor à palpação profunda do hipocôndrio direito, localização onde parecia existir um certo «empastamento». Tinha recorrido ao seu médico assistente, tendo realizado diversos exames complementares de diagnóstico. Analiticamente apresentava anemia (Hb 9,9 g/dl, microcítica), com marcadores tumorais (CEA e CA19,9)

normais. A endoscopia alta (EDA) foi de difícil execução devido à presença de abundante conteúdo alimentar no estômago e duodeno (tinha realizado uma endoscopia digestiva alta há cerca de 8 meses que apenas demonstrava erosões antrais), não sendo identificadas alterações major. A ecografia apresentava alterações estruturais da parede gástrica, sendo, no entanto, muito prejudicada por interposição gasosa. A repetição da EDA em contexto hospitalar, com recurso a endoscópio terapêutico, permitiu a progressão até à terceira porção duodenal,

demonstrando a este nível a presença de lesão vegetante, friável, congestiva, circunferencial, condicionando estenose do lúmen e não franqueável pelo endoscópio, tendo sido realizadas múltiplas biopsias – figura 1. A referida lesão condicionava U0126 concentration abundante estase alimentar a montante. As biopsias demonstraram tratar-se de um adenocarcinoma desenvolvido em adenoma com displasia de alto grau. A tomografia computorizada (TC) identificou a referida lesão expansiva, circunferencial, na transição da terceira e quarta porções do duodeno,

associada a densificação da gordura mesentérica e um gânglio perilesional compatível com adenopatia – figura 2 a e b. O doente foi laparotomizado, tendo realizado duodenopancreatectomia cefálica e enterectomia segmentar por identificação de lesão nodular tumoral na dependência Phosphatidylinositol diacylglycerol-lyase de ansa de intestino delgado proximal. O período pós-operatório precoce foi complicado por fístula pancreática, resolvida apenas com tratamento médico (pausa alimentar, fluído e antibioterapia). O exame histopatológico identificou um tumor com 6,5 cm de comprimento máximo, histologicamente classificado como adenocarcinoma invasor de baixo grau, com infiltração do mesentério, invasão venolinfática e metástases em um dos 18 gânglios excisados – figura 3. O estadiamento da lesão foi estabelecido em pT3N1M0, estádio IIIA (American Joint Committe on Cancer Classification)6. A lesão identificada e excisada a nível do intestino delgado proximal foi classificada como tumor do estroma do intestino delgado (GIST), grupo um de Miettinen, caracterizada pela presença de células fusiformes, com coexpressão de CD34 e CD117 (c-kit) e negativas para P-S100 e AML – figura 4a e b.

115360), resources of which are composed of financial contribution from the European Union’s

Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013) and EFPIA BIBF 1120 cell line companies’ in kind contribution. “
“Lynne S. Steinbach Karen G. Ordovas David Saloner, Jing Liu, and Henrik Haraldsson The quality of the medical imaging is a key component for accurate disease diagnosis. Optimizing image quality while maintaining scan time efficiency and patient comfort is important for routine clinical MRIs. In this article, we review both practical and advanced techniques for achieving high image quality, especially focusing on optimizing the trade-offs between the image quality (such as signal-to-noise and spatial resolution) and acquisition time. We provide practical examples for optimizing the image quality and scan time. Maria Clara N. Lorca, Henrik Haraldsson, and Karen G. Ordovas Magnetic resonance assessment of regional myocardial function is a novel potentially important tool for early identification of cardiac pathology. Many cardiac magnetic resonance techniques have been developed for detection and quantification of regional strain abnormalities including steady-state free-precession CINE, tagging, displacement encoding with stimulated echoes, strain encoding imaging, www.selleckchem.com/products/FK-506-(Tacrolimus).html and

feature tracking. Potential clinical applications of magnetic resonance strain imaging include early detection of systolic dysfunction in heart failure patients with both ischemic and nonischemic etiologies. Nicholas S. Burris and Michael D. Hope Aortic disease is routinely monitored with anatomic imaging, but until the recent advent of 3-directional phase contrast

MRI (4D) flow, blood flow abnormalities have gone undetected. 4D flow measures aortic hemodynamic markers quickly. Qualitative flow visualization has spurred the investigation of new quantitative markers. Flow displacement and wall shear stress can quantify the effects of valve-related aortic Acetophenone flow abnormalities. Markers of turbulent and viscous energy loss approximate the increased energetic burden on the ventricle in disease states. This article discusses magnetic resonance flow imaging and highlights new flow-related markers in the context of aortic valve disease, valve-related aortic disease, and aortic wall disease. Juliano Lara Fernandes and Carlos Eduardo Rochitte T1 mapping, one form of tissue characterization performed with a parametric approach, has been gaining rapid popularity, as different sequences have been developed to integrate image acquisition into a clinical routine. This technique allows fast progression from the basics of sequence development to its application in normal individuals and distinct diseases, sometimes overriding the more gradual steps taken with other cardiovascular magnetic resonance advances.

, Oakville, ON, Canada) was dissolved at 1 mg/ml in

serum-free M199 culture medium at 60 °C as described previously (Nadeau et al., 1996). A solution of the electron-coupling reagent phenazine methosulfate (PMS, Sigma–Aldrich) was also prepared at 100 mM in culture medium. Immediately before the assay, the reagents were combined to produce a final concentration of 200 μg/ml XTT and 25 μM PMS. The culture medium was aspirated from the wells and replaced with 200 μl of XTT/PMS mix, and the plates were returned to the incubator for 2 h. An aliquot of the supernatants (175 μl) absent of particles (to prevent potential interference with the reading) was transferred to a new 96-well plate (Costar, Cambridge, MA, USA) and the absorbance was measured at 450 nm (Thermomax multiplate spectrophotometer, Molecular Devices, Sunnyvale, CA, USA). Decrease of XTT reduction by the macrophages PD0325901 ic50 was attributed to cytotoxicity of the particle preparations resulting in a loss of cell viability. The viability of cells exposed to particles was expressed relative to control cells without particles. The concentration of nitrite, a marker of nitric oxide production, was measured 22 h after the macrophages were stimulated with LPS/IFN-γ (24 h post particle

exposure). Culture supernatant aliquots (100 μl) were mixed with 100 μl of Griess reagent (Green et al., 1982) and the absorbance at 562 nm was read against a sodium nitrite standard curve (0–50 μM)

in a Thermomax multiplate spectrophotometer (Molecular Devices, Menlo Park, CA, USA). Chemiluminescence signal captured during the Panobinostat concentration 2 h incubation of alveolar macrophages with particulate matter (particle-induced respiratory burst) and after challenge with stimulants (stimulant-induced respiratory burst) was integrated (area under curve, AUC) as: equation(1) AUC=(t2-t1)×l1+[(t2-t1)×(l2-l1)]/2AUC=(t2-t1)×l1+[(t2-t1)×(l2-l1)]/2where t1 and t2 represent the start and end, respectively, of the time interval and l1 and l2 represent the raw luminescence value at t1 and t2, respectively. The AUC was summated over 2 h for particle effects, 40 min for PMA, and 5 h for Zymosan and Tau-protein kinase LPS/IFN-γ, and was used to express the effect of the particulate matter on the respiratory burst of the stimulated cells. Cell Viability (XTT reduction) and respiratory burst luminescence data were normalized relative to the relevant control mean values (0 μg dose of particles without stimulant for the particle-induced respiratory burst, and with stimulant for the stimulant-induced respiratory burst) to obtain fold effect for each particle dose. Potency (β) is derived from the following equation: equation(2) Fold Effect=(Dose+1)βFold Effect=(Dose+1)βwhere β is the slope of the dose response curve ( Vincent et al., 1997), as determined from the fit of dose–response data derived for each particle preparation using CurveExpert v1.3 (D. Hyams, Hixson, TN, USA).