Electrostatic influence on ion transport through the alphaHL channel.

The current-voltage relationship of a single Staphylococcus aureus alpha-hemolysin (alphaHL) channel is nonlinear, rectifying, and depends on the bulk pH and the ionic strength. The data are described qualitatively by a simple one-dimensional Nernst-Planck analysis in which the fixed charges inside and near the pore's entrances affect the transport of ions through the channel. The distances of these fixed charges from one of the channel's entrances are obtained from the channel's crystal structure. The model demonstrates that rectification of monovalent ion flow through the alphaHL channel can be related to the asymmetry in the location of the ionizable amino acid side chains.

Frequency response of alternating currents through the Staphylococcus aureus alpha-hemolysin ion channel.

Alternating currents were measured through transmembrane ion channels formed by Staphylococcus aureus alpha-hemolysin proteins in planar bilayer membranes as part of an investigation to determine the channel's frequency response and the appropriateness of an equivalent circuit commonly used to model electrical interactions at the surface of cells. The experimental approach includes a novel method for separating the alternating current through one or more channels, which is conductive in nature, from the capacitively coupled current through the membrane. Separation of the conductive and capacitive alternating currents made it possible to measure the frequency response of the alpha-hemolysin channels. The results of the study are consistent with an equivalent circuit of a membrane capacitor in parallel with one or more channel resistors over the frequency range 30-120 Hz. The possible usefulness of frequency response data for ion channels in cell membranes during investigations of biological effects of time-varying magnetic fields is briefly discussed.

Driven DNA transport into an asymmetric nanometer-scale pore.

To understand the mechanism by which individual DNA molecules enter nanometer-scale pores, we studied the concentration and voltage dependence of polynucleotide-induced ionic-current blockades of a single alpha-hemolysin ion channel. We find that the blockade frequency is proportional to the polymer concentration, that it increases exponentially with the applied potential, and that DNA enters the pore more readily through the entrance that has the larger vestibule. We also measure the minimum value of the electrical potential that confines a modified polymer inside the pore against random diffusion and repulsive forces.

Extremely low-frequency magnetic fields and childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: an exploratory analysis of alternative exposure metrics.

Data collected by the National Cancer Institute-Children's Cancer Group were utilized to explore various metrics of magnetic field levels and risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in children. Cases were aged 0-14 years, were diagnosed with ALL during 1989-1993, were registered with the Children's Cancer Group, and resided in one home for at least 70 percent of the 5 years immediately prior to diagnosis. Controls were identified by using random digit dialing and met the same residential requirements. With 30-second ("spot") measurements and components of the 24-hour measurement obtained in the subject's bedroom, metrics evaluated included measures of central tendency, peak exposures, threshold values, and measures of short-term temporal variability. Measures of central tendency and the threshold measures showed good-to-high correlation, but these metrics correlated less well with the others. Small increases in risk (ranging from 1.02 to 1.69 for subjects in the highest exposure category) were associated with some measures of central tendency, but peak exposures, threshold values, measures of short-term variability, and spot measurements demonstrated little association with risk of childhood ALL. In general, risk estimates were slightly higher for the nighttime (10 p.m.-6 a.m.) interval than for the corresponding 24-hour period.

Equations for the Magnetic Field Produced by One or More Rectangular Loops of Wire in the Same Plane.

Beginning with expressions for the vector potential, the equations for calculating the magnetic flux density from up to three rectangular loops of wire in the same plane are derived. The geometry considered is the same as that found in some walk-through metal detectors and electronic article surveillance systems. Equations for more or fewer loops can be determined by inspection. A computer program for performing the magnetic field calculation is provided in an appendix.

Vertical circularly polarized ELF magnetic fields and induced electric fields in culture media.

Some properties of induced electric fields in cell culture media produced by vertical circularly polarized magnetic fields are examined. The described geometry is not advantageous for determining effects that may be attributable to induced electric fields or currents.

Distributions of measurement errors for single-axis magnetic field meters during measurements near appliances.

Comparisons are made between the average magnetic flux density as it would be measured with a single-axis coil probe and the flux density at the center of the probe, assuming that the probe is oriented to measure the maximum field at that point. Probability distributions of the differences between the two quantities are calculated assuming a dipole magnetic field and are found to be asymmetric. The distributions are used to estimate the uncertainty for maximum magnetic field measurements at distances that are large compared with the dimensions of the field source.

Biological, physical, and electrical parameters for in vitro studies with ELF magnetic and electric fields: a primer.

This paper presents material which is intended to assist researchers in identifying and controlling a range of biological, electrical, and other physical parameters that can affect the outcome of in vitro studies with extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic and electric fields. Brief descriptions of power line magnetic and electric fields are provided and methods for the generation of 60 Hz as well as other ELF fields in the laboratory are surveyed. Methods for calculating and measuring exposure parameters in culture medium are also described. Relating in vitro and internal in vivo exposure conditions across different animal species is discussed to aid researchers in selecting levels of field exposure. The text is purposely elementary, and sometimes brief, with references provided to aid the interested reader in obtaining a fuller understanding of the many topics. Because the range of experimental parameters that can influence the outcome of in vitro studies with ELF fields is so broad, a multidisciplinary approach is normally required to carry out the research.

Optimal experimental design for in vitro studies with ELF magnetic fields.

An experimental arrangement is described that maximized the dosimetric information that can be obtained during in vitro studies with ELF magnetic fields. The arrangement enables researchers to distinguish between a purely magnetic-field effect and one that also involves the electric fields and currents induced by the magnetic field.

Calibration of flat 60-Hz electric field probes.

The influence of nearby ground planes, perturbation of surface charge distributions, and fringing fields on the electric field between parallel plates are characterized to define a parallel plate system that can be used to calibrate flat 60-Hz electric field probes.

Miniature ELF electric field probe.

A miniature ac electric field probe having direct electrical connections with its battery-operated electronics is described. Because its small size introduces little field perturbation, fields generated by relatively small electrode structures in laboratory environments can readily be characterized.