A simple stress test of experimenter demand effects

As a stress test of experimenter demand effects, we run an experiment where subjects can physically destroy coupons awarded to them. About one subject out of three does. Giving money back to the experimenter is possible in a separate task but is more consistent with an experimenter demand effect than an explanation based on altruism towards the experimenter. A measure of sensitivity to social pressure helps predict destruction when social information is provided

How release of phosphate from mammalian F1-ATPase generates a rotary substep.

The rotation of the central stalk of F1-ATPase is driven by energy derived from the sequential binding of an ATP molecule to its three catalytic sites and the release of the products of hydrolysis. In human F1-ATPase, each 360° rotation consists of three 120° steps composed of substeps of about 65°, 25°, and 30°, with intervening ATP binding, phosphate release, and catalytic dwells, respectively. The F1-ATPase inhibitor protein, IF1, halts the rotary cycle at the catalytic dwell. The human and bovine enzymes are essentially identical, and the structure of bovine F1-ATPase inhibited by IF1 represents the catalytic dwell state. Another structure, described here, of bovine F1-ATPase inhibited by an ATP analog and the phosphate analog, thiophosphate, represents the phosphate binding dwell. Thiophosphate is bound to a site in the α(E)β(E)-catalytic interface, whereas in F1-ATPase inhibited with IF1, the equivalent site is changed subtly and the enzyme is incapable of binding thiophosphate. These two structures provide a molecular mechanism of how phosphate release generates a rotary substep as follows. In the active enzyme, phosphate release from the β(E)-subunit is accompanied by a rearrangement of the structure of its binding site that prevents released phosphate from rebinding. The associated extrusion of a loop in the β(E)-subunit disrupts interactions in the α(E)β(E-)catalytic interface and opens it to its fullest extent. Other rearrangements disrupt interactions between the γ-subunit and the C-terminal domain of the α(E)-subunit. To restore most of these interactions, and to make compensatory new ones, the γ-subunit rotates through 25°-30°

ATP synthase from Trypanosoma brucei has an elaborated canonical F1-domain and conventional catalytic sites.

The structures and functions of the components of ATP synthases, especially those subunits involved directly in the catalytic formation of ATP, are widely conserved in metazoans, fungi, eubacteria, and plant chloroplasts. On the basis of a map at 32.5-Å resolution determined in situ in the mitochondria of Trypanosoma brucei by electron cryotomography, it has been proposed that the ATP synthase in this species has a noncanonical structure and different catalytic sites in which the catalytically essential arginine finger is provided not by the α-subunit adjacent to the catalytic nucleotide-binding site as in all species investigated to date, but rather by a protein, p18, found only in the euglenozoa. A crystal structure at 3.2-Å resolution of the catalytic domain of the same enzyme demonstrates that this proposal is incorrect. In many respects, the structure is similar to the structures of F1-ATPases determined previously. The α3β3-spherical portion of the catalytic domain in which the three catalytic sites are found, plus the central stalk, are highly conserved, and the arginine finger is provided conventionally by the α-subunits adjacent to each of the three catalytic sites found in the β-subunits. Thus, the enzyme has a conventional catalytic mechanism. The structure differs from previous described structures by the presence of a p18 subunit, identified only in the euglenozoa, associated with the external surface of each of the three α-subunits, thereby elaborating the F1-domain. Subunit p18 is a pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) protein with three PPRs and appears to have no function in the catalytic mechanism of the enzyme

The structure of F₁-ATPase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae inhibited by its regulatory protein IF₁.

The structure of F₁-ATPase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae inhibited by the yeast IF₁ has been determined at 2.5 Å resolution. The inhibitory region of IF₁ from residues 1 to 36 is entrapped between the C-terminal domains of the α(DP)- and β(DP)-subunits in one of the three catalytic interfaces of the enzyme. Although the structure of the inhibited complex is similar to that of the bovine-inhibited complex, there are significant differences between the structures of the inhibitors and their detailed interactions with F₁-ATPase. However, the most significant difference is in the nucleotide occupancy of the catalytic β(E)-subunits. The nucleotide binding site in β(E)-subunit in the yeast complex contains an ADP molecule without an accompanying magnesium ion, whereas it is unoccupied in the bovine complex. Thus, the structure provides further evidence of sequential product release, with the phosphate and the magnesium ion released before the ADP molecule.Support for this work was provided by the Medical Research Council, UK, including a PhD studentship (to G.C.R.) and a Career Training Fellowship (to J.V.B.), by the European Drug Initiative in Channels and Transporters (EDICT; to J.E.W.), and by a grant from NIH no. R01GM66223 to D.M.M

Key exploited species as surrogates for coastal conservation in an oceanic archipelago: insights from topshells and limpets from Madeira (NE Atlantic Ocean)

As lapas e os caramujos estão entre os herbívoros mais bem adaptados ao intertidal do Atlântico Nordeste. Estas espécies-chave fornecem serviços ecossistémicos valiosos, desempenhando um papel fundamental no equilíbrio ecológico do intertidal e têm um elevado valor económico, estando sujeitas a altos níveis de exploração e representando uma das atividades económicas mais rentáveis na pesca de pequena escala no arquipélago da Madeira. Esta dissertação visa preencher as lacunas existentes na história de vida e dinâmica populacional destas espécies, e aferir os efeitos da regulamentação da apanha nos mananciais explorados. A abordagem conservacionista implícita ao longo desta tese pretende promover: (i) a regulamentação adequada da apanha de caramujos (Phorcus sauciatus) e (ii) a avaliação dos efeitos da regulamentação da apanha de lapas nas populações exploradas (Patella aspera, Patella candei). Atualmente, os mananciais de lapas e caramujos são explorados perto do rendimento máximo sustentável, e a monitorização e fiscalização são fundamentais para evitar a futura sobre-exploração. A regulamentação da apanha de lapas produziu um efeito positivo nas espécies de lapas exploradas, com um aumento no tamanho, na proporção de indivíduos reprodutores, no tamanho de maturação e num maior equilíbrio na proporção de sexos. A apanha de caramujos não está regulamentada e com o atual nível de exploração ocorrem alterações na estrutura de tamanhos, abundância e potencial reprodutivo das populações exploradas, pelo que urge implementar a regulamentação da apanha desta espécie, por forma a mitigar os efeitos negativos desta atividade. O efeito da proximidade das populações humanas e acessibilidade costeira na estrutura de tamanhos e abundância de gastrópodes explorados mostrou que a proporção de reprodutores e a abundância eram geralmente menores em áreas mais próximas das populações humanas e em áreas mais acessíveis. Os efeitos das Áreas Marinhas Protegidas na proteção das populações de lapas resultaram num aumento diferencial do tamanho, da maturidade sexual e da captura por unidade de esforço de acordo com o grau de proteção. O esclarecimento e envolvimento das comunidades locais, reguladores, decisores políticos e partes interessadas, baseados em informação e educação, são cruciais para uma gestão eficaz e sustentável destes gastrópodes marinhos e ecossistemas a médio e longo prazo.Limpets and topshells are among the most successful intertidal grazers in the North-eastern Atlantic. These keystone species play a pivotal role in structuring rocky shores communities, and provoding valuable ecosystem services. Than have an important economic value, being subject to high levels of exploitation and representing one of the most profitable economic activities in small-scale fisheries in the archipelago of Madeira. This thesis aims to fill the gaps on the life-traits and population dynamics of these species, and assess the effects of harvesting regulations on the exploited stocks. A focus on conservation is implicit throughout this thesis since it addresses the promotion of: (i) proper regulation of the unregulated harvesting of topshells (Phorcus sauciatus) and (ii) provide additional information on the effects of harvesting regulations on limpets (Patella aspera, Patella candei). Currently, limpets and topshells stocks are being exploited near the maximum sustainable yield and monitoring and enforcement must be accomplished to avoid future overexploitation. Conservation measures prompted a positive effect on both exploited limpet species with an increase in length, reproductive individuals, size-at-first maturity and a more balanced sex-ratio after harvesting regulations. The harvesting of topshells is not regulated and with the current level of exploitation there are changes in the size structure, abundance and reproductive potential of the exploited populations, so it is imperative to implement the harvesting regulations for this species, in order to mitigate the negative effects of harvesting. The effect of proximity to human settlements and coastal accessibility on the size-structure and abundance of exploited gastropods showed that the mean-size, proportion of reproductive individuals and abundance were generally smaller in areas closer to human settlements and in more accessible areas. The effects of protection from the Marine Protected Areas on limpet populations resulted in a differential increase on size, size-at-first maturity and catch-per-unit-effort according to the degree of protection. The understanding and commitment of local communities, regulators, policymakers and stakeholders, based on information and education are crucial to the effective management and to ensure the sustainability of these marine gastropods and ecosystems at medium and long term

Aesthetic response to color combinations: preference, harmony, and similarity

Previous studies of preference for and harmony of color combinations have produced confusing results. For example, some claim that harmony increases with hue similarity, whereas others claim that it decreases. We argue that such confusions are resolved by distinguishing among three types of judgments about color pairs: (1) preference for the pair as a whole, (2) harmony of the pair as a whole, and (3) preference for its figural color when viewed against its colored background. Empirical support for this distinction shows that pair preference and harmony both increase as hue similarity increases, but preference relies more strongly on component color preference and lightness contrast. Although pairs with highly contrastive hues are generally judged to be neither preferable nor harmonious, figural color preference ratings increase as hue contrast with the background increases. The present results thus refine and clarify some of the best-known and most contentious claims of color theorists

A prospective evaluation of the safety and efficacy of the TAXUS Element paclitaxel-eluting coronary stent system for the treatment of de novo coronary artery lesions: Design and statistical methods of the PERSEUS clinical program

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Paclitaxel-eluting stents decrease angiographic and clinical restenosis following percutaneous coronary intervention compared to bare metal stents. TAXUS Element is a third-generation paclitaxel-eluting stent which incorporates a novel, thinner-strut, platinum-enriched metal alloy platform. The stent is intended to have enhanced radiopacity and improved deliverability compared to other paclitaxel-eluting stents. The safety and efficacy of the TAXUS Element stent are being evaluated in the pivotal PERSEUS clinical trials.</p> <p>Methods/Design</p> <p>The PERSEUS trials include two parallel studies of the TAXUS Element stent in single, de novo coronary atherosclerotic lesions. The PERSEUS Workhorse study is a prospective, randomized (3:1), single-blind, non-inferiority trial in subjects with lesion length ≤28 mm and vessel diameter ≥2.75 mm to ≤4.0 mm which compares TAXUS Element to the TAXUS Express²paclitaxel-eluting stent system. The Workhorse study employs a novel Bayesian statistical approach that uses prior information to limit the number of study subjects exposed to the investigational device and thus provide a safer and more efficient analysis of the TAXUS Element stent. PERSEUS Small Vessel is a prospective, single-arm, superiority trial in subjects with lesion length ≤20 mm and vessel diameter ≥2.25 mm to <2.75 mm that compares TAXUS Element with a matched historical bare metal Express stent control.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>The TAXUS PERSEUS clinical trial program uses a novel statistical approach to evaluate whether design and metal alloy iterations in the TAXUS Element stent platform provide comparable safety and improved procedural performance compared to the previous generation Express stent. PERSEUS trial enrollment is complete and primary endpoint data are expected in 2010. PERSEUS Workhorse and Small Vessel are registered at <url>http://www.clinicaltrials.gov</url>, identification numbers NCT00484315 and NCT00489541.</p

Parental smoking and child poverty in the UK: an analysis of national survey data

BACKGROUND: In 2011/12 approximately 2.3 million children, 17% of children in the UK, were estimated to be in relative poverty. Cigarette smoking is expensive and places an additional burden on household budgets, and is strongly associated with socioeconomic deprivation. The aim of this study was to provide an illustrative first estimate of the extent to which parental smoking exacerbates child poverty in the UK. METHODS: Findings from the 2012 Households Below Average Income report and the 2012 Opinions and Lifestyle Survey were combined to estimate the number of children living in poor households containing smokers; the expenditure of typical smokers in these households on tobacco; and the numbers of children drawn into poverty if expenditure on smoking is subtracted from household income. RESULTS: 1.1 million children - almost half of all children in poverty - were estimated to be living in poverty with at least one parent who smokes; and a further 400,000 would be classed as being in poverty if parental tobacco expenditure were subtracted from household income. CONCLUSIONS: Smoking exacerbates poverty for a large proportion of children in the UK. Tobacco control interventions which effectively enable low income smokers to quit can play an important role in reducing the financial burden of child poverty

Historical Comparison of Perfluorooctanesulfonate, Perfluorooctanoate, and Other Fluorochemicals in Human Blood

The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether there has been a change in the human blood concentration of perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), and five other fluorochemicals since 1974. Blood samples were collected in 1974 (serum) and 1989 (plasma) from volunteer participants of a large community health study. The study included a total of 356 samples (178 from each time period). These samples were analyzed by high-pressure liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry methods. The median 1974 and 1989 fluorochemical concentrations, respectively, were as follows: PFOS, 29.5 ng/mL vs. 34.7 ng/mL; PFOA, 2.3 ng/mL vs. 5.6 ng/mL; perfluorohexanesulfonate (PFHS), 1.6 ng/mL vs. 2.4 ng/mL; and N-ethyl perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetate (PFOSAA), less than the lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ; 1.6 ng/mL, vs. 3.4 ng/mL). For N-methyl perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetate (M570), perfluorooctanesulfonamide, and perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetate, median serum concentrations in both years were less than the LLOQ values (1.0, 1.0, and 2.5 ng/mL, respectively). Statistical analysis of 58 paired samples indicated that serum concentrations of PFOS, PFOSAA, PFOA, PFHS, and M570 were significantly (p < 0.001) higher in 1989 than in 1974. The data from 1989 were then compared with geometric mean fluorochemical concentrations of serum samples collected in 2001 from 108 American Red Cross adult blood donors from the same region. Except for M570, there were no statistically significant (p < 0.05) geometric mean fluorochemical concentration differences between the 1989 and 2001 samples. In conclusion, based on this study population, PFOS and other serum fluorochemical concentrations have increased between 1974 and 1989. Comparison with other regional data collected in 2001 did not suggest a continued increase in concentrations since 1989