A cascade of bHLH-regulated pathways programs maize anther development.

The spatiotemporal development of somatic tissues of the anther lobe is necessary for successful fertile pollen production. This process is mediated by many transcription factors acting through complex, multi-layered networks. Here, our analysis of functional knockout mutants of interacting basic helix-loop-helix genes Ms23, Ms32, basic helix-loop-helix 122 (bHLH122), and bHLH51 in maize (Zea mays) established that male fertility requires all four genes, expressed sequentially in the tapetum (TP). Not only do they regulate each other, but also they encode proteins that form heterodimers that act collaboratively to guide many cellular processes at specific developmental stages. MS23 is confirmed to be the master factor, as the ms23 mutant showed the earliest developmental defect, cytologically visible in the TP, with the most drastic alterations in premeiotic gene expression observed in ms23 anthers. Notably, the male-sterile ms23, ms32, and bhlh122-1 mutants lack 24-nt phased secondary small interfering RNAs (phasiRNAs) and the precursor transcripts from the corresponding 24-PHAS loci, while the bhlh51-1 mutant has wild-type levels of both precursors and small RNA products. Multiple lines of evidence suggest that 24-nt phasiRNA biogenesis primarily occurs downstream of MS23 and MS32, both of which directly activate Dcl5 and are required for most 24-PHAS transcription, with bHLH122 playing a distinct role in 24-PHAS transcription.

Ultrafast-laser-inscribed multiscan type-I mid-infrared waveguides and beamsplitters in IG2.

This study reports the fabrication and characterization of various configurations of mid-infrared waveguides and beamsplitters within the chalcogenide glass IG2 using ultrafast laser inscription (ULI). Our investigation reveals two distinct regimes of ULI modification: weak and strong. The strong regime, marked by higher pulse energies, presents darker and prominent waveguide morphology, enabling efficient light guiding at 4.55 µm, but with higher scattering losses at shorter wavelengths. In the weak regime, we observed a significant enhancement in the mode confinement and a reduction in the propagation loss within the multilayer structures. We have investigated key geometric and inscription parameters such as inscription pulse energy and number of layers, as well as arm separation and splitting angles for beamsplitters. We have successfully fabricated beamsplitters with configurations ranging from 1 × 2 to 1 × 8, achieving a uniform splitting ratio over 96% and a splitting loss as low as 0.4 dB at 4.55 µm. These findings highlight the significant potential of ULI-based IG2 waveguides and beamsplitters for mid-infrared photonics.

Youths Are Less Susceptible to Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage Than Adults: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: This meta-analysis aimed to (1) provide a comparison of peak changes in indirect markers of exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) in youths versus adults and (2) determine if the involved limb moderated this effect. METHOD: Studies were eligible for inclusion if they (1) provided a human youth versus adult comparison; (2) provided data on muscle strength, soreness, or creatine kinase markers beyond ≥24 hours; and (3) did not provide a recovery treatment. Effect sizes (ES) were presented alongside 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: EIMD exhibited larger effects on adults than in youths for muscle strength (ES = -2.01; P < .001), muscle soreness (ES = -1.52; P < .001), and creatine kinase (ES = -1.98; P < .001). The random effects meta-regression indicated that the effects of upper- and lower-limb exercise in youths and adults were significant for muscle soreness (coefficient estimate = 1.11; P < .001) but not for muscle strength or creatine kinase (P > .05). As such, the between-group effects for muscle soreness (ES = -2.10 vs -1.03; P < .05) were greater in the upper than lower limbs. CONCLUSION: The magnitude of EIMD in youths is substantially less than in their adult counterparts, and this effect is greater in upper than lower limbs for muscle soreness. These findings help guide practitioners who may be concerned about the potential impact of EIMD when training youth athletes.

Biological maturation, contextual factors, and future career in basketball: A possible interrelationship?

This study aimed to analyse the relationship between the maturational state and contextual factors with future basketball career success in Under-16 (U16) Portuguese youth preparing for the U16 European Basketball Championships. Eighty-five Under-15 (U15) and U16 male basketball players (height: 189.7 ± 6.53 cm; body mass: 81.1 ± 9.96 kg; the age of peak height velocity: 13.3 ± 0.7 y) were selected by the Portuguese national coaching staff to participate in a national team training camp in 2016, 2017, and 2018 years. A binary logistic regression was employed to identify the influence of maturation, born quartile, demographic, geographic and economic characteristics, and sport career (i.e., drop out during first season and chance of playing professionally). Early maturing players were typically classified as inside players. Training experience and predicted adult height, and type of first club were able to predict players who dropped out during their first season at senior level (both p < 0.01). No variables were able to predict who played in a professional league during their first season at senior level. Practitioners should use these data to consider how national level basketball players are identified and developed, but also keep in mind of their specific contextual factors.

Kinetic and Kinematic Assessment of the Band-Assisted Countermovement Jump.

ABSTRACT: Fernandes, JFT, Arede, J, Clarke, H, Garcia-Ramos, A, Perez-Castilla, A, Norris, JP, Wilkins, CA, and Dingley, AF. Kinetic and kinematic assessment of the band-assisted countermovement jump. J Strength Cond Res 37(8): 1588-1593, 2023-This study sought to elucidate kinetic and kinematic differences between unloaded and band-assisted countermovement jumps (CMJs). In a randomized order, 20 healthy subjects (mass 84.5 ± 18.6 kg) completed 3 repetitions of CMJs across 3 conditions: unloaded (at body mass), low, and moderate band (8.4 ± 1.9 and 13.3 ± 3.3 kg body mass reduction, respectively). For all repetitions, a force platform and linear position transducer were used to record and calculate kinetic and kinematic data. Body mass was significantly different between the unloaded, low, and moderate band conditions ( p < 0.05). Peak velocity, absolute peak, and mean force and movement duration displayed a trend that was mostly related to the condition (i.e., unloaded > low > moderate) ( p < 0.05). The opposing trend (i.e., moderate > low > unloaded) was generally observed for relative peak and mean force, reactive strength index modified, and flight time ( p < 0.05). No differences were observed for mean velocity, movement duration, and absolute and relative landing forces ( p > 0.05). The use of band assistance during CMJs can alter force, time, and velocity variables. Practitioners should be aware of the potential positive and negative effects of band assistance during CMJs.

Aging and Recovery After Resistance-Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage: Current Evidence and Implications for Future Research.

Aging is anecdotally associated with a prolonged recovery from resistance training, though current literature remains equivocal. This brief review considers the effects of resistance training on indirect markers of muscle damage and recovery (i.e., muscle soreness, blood markers, and muscle strength) in older males. With no date restrictions, four databases were searched for articles relating to aging, muscle damage, and recovery. Data from 11 studies were extracted for review. Of these, four reported worse symptoms in older compared with younger populations, while two have observed the opposite, and the remaining studies (n = 6) proposed no differences between age groups. It appears that resistance training can be practiced in older populations without concern for impaired recovery. To improve current knowledge, researchers are urged to utilize more ecologically valid muscle-damaging bouts and investigate the mechanisms which underpin the recovery of muscle soreness and strength after exercise in older populations.

Validity of Different Velocity-Based Methods and Repetitions-to-Failure Equations for Predicting the 1 Repetition Maximum During 2 Upper-Body Pulling Exercises.

ABSTRACT: Pérez-Castilla, A, Suzovic, D, Domanovic, A, Fernandes, JFT, and García-Ramos, A. Validity of different velocity-based methods and repetitions-to-failure equations for predicting the 1 repetition maximum during 2 upper-body pulling exercises. J Strength Cond Res 35(7): 1800-1808, 2021-This study aimed to compare the accuracy of different velocity-based methods and repetitions-to-failure equations for predicting the 1 repetition maximum (i.e., maximum load that can be lifted once; 1RM) during 2 upper-body pulling exercises. Twenty-three healthy subjects (twelve men and eleven women) were tested in 2 sessions during the lat pull-down and seated cable row exercises. Each session consisted of an incremental loading test until reaching the 1RM followed by a set of repetitions-to-failure against the 80% 1RM load. The 1RM was estimated from the individual load-velocity relationships modeled through 4 (∼40, 55, 70, and 85% 1RM; multiple-point method) or 2 loads (∼40 and 85% 1RM; 2-point method). Mean velocity was recorded with a linear position transducer and a Smartphone application. Therefore, 4 velocity-based methods were used as a result of combining the 2 devices and the 2 methods. Two repetitions-to-failure equations (Mayhew and Wathen) were also used to predict the 1RM from the load and number of repetitions completed. The absolute differences with respect to the actual 1RM were higher for the repetitions-to-failure equations than velocity-based methods during the seated cable row exercise (p = 0.004), but not for the lat pull-down exercise (p = 0.200). The repetitions-to-failure equations significantly underestimated the actual 1RM (p < 0.05; range: -6.65 to -2.14 kg), whereas no systematic differences were observed for the velocity-based methods (range: -1.75 to 1.65 kg). All predicted 1RMs were highly correlated with the actual 1RM (r ≥ 0.96). The velocity-based methods provide a more accurate estimate of the 1RM than the Mayhew and Wathen repetitions-to-failure equations during the lat pull-down and seated cable row exercises.

Comparison of the FitroDyne and GymAware Rotary Encoders for Quantifying Peak and Mean Velocity During Traditional Multijointed Exercises.

ABSTRACT: Fernandes, JFT, Lamb, KL, Clark, CCT, Moran, J, Drury, B, Garcia-Ramos, A, and Twist, C. Comparison of the FitroDyne and GymAware rotary encoders for quantifying peak and mean velocity during traditional multijointed exercises. J Strength Cond Res 35(6): 1760-1765, 2021-The FitroDyne and GymAware rotary encoders are being increasingly used in resistance training to monitor movement velocity, but how closely their velocity outcomes agree is unknown. Consequently, this study aimed to determine the level of agreement between the FitroDyne and GymAware for the assessment of movement velocity in 3 resistance training exercises. Fifteen men performed 3 repetitions of bench press, back squat, and bent-over-row exercises at 10% 1 repetition maximum increments (from 20 to 80%). For each repetition, the FitroDyne and GymAware recorded peak and mean barbell velocity (cm·s-1). Although strongly correlated (r = 0.79-1.00), peak velocity values for the GymAware were significantly lower than the FitroDyne for all exercises and loads. Importantly, the random errors between the devices, quantified through Bland and Altman's 95% limits of agreement, were unacceptable, ranging from ±3.8 to 25.9 cm·s-1. Differences in mean velocity were smaller (and nonsignificant for most comparisons) and highly correlated (r = 0.86-1.00) between devices. Notwithstanding smaller random errors than for the peak values, mean values still reflected poor agreement (random errors between ±2.1 and 12.0 cm·s-1). These findings suggest that the FitroDyne and GymAware cannot record peak or mean velocity with acceptable agreement and should neither be used interchangeably nor their data compared.

MS23, a master basic helix-loop-helix factor, regulates the specification and development of the tapetum in maize.

Successful male gametogenesis involves orchestration of sequential gene regulation for somatic differentiation in pre-meiotic anthers. We report here the cloning of Male Sterile23 (Ms23), encoding an anther-specific predicted basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor required for tapetal differentiation; transcripts localize initially to the precursor secondary parietal cells then predominantly to daughter tapetal cells. In knockout ms23-ref mutant anthers, five instead of the normal four wall layers are observed. Microarray transcript profiling demonstrates a more severe developmental disruption in ms23-ref than in ms32 anthers, which possess a different bHLH defect. RNA-seq and proteomics data together with yeast two-hybrid assays suggest that MS23 along with MS32, bHLH122 and bHLH51 act sequentially as either homo- or heterodimers to choreograph tapetal development. Among them, MS23 is the earliest-acting factor, upstream of bHLH51 and bHLH122, controlling tapetal specification and maturation. By contrast, MS32 is constitutive and independently regulated and is required later than MS23 in tapetal differentiation.

Embedding Psychiatric Risk Flags Within an Electronic Health Record: Initial Findings and Lessons Learned.

In an effort to improve safety in psychiatric settings, health professionals need to be aware of patients at risk for aggression and violent behaviour. To do so, a risk-flagging functionality can be built into an electronic health record system to alert health professionals of potentially aggressive or violent patients. This paper describes a risk-flagging system at Canada's largest psychiatric hospital and presents initial findings and lessons learned. Risk flags embedded in an electronic health record system are one way of communicating patient risks to health professionals but should be complemented with other forms of risk communication.

Delayed inflammatory leukoencephalopathy after gastric bypass surgery.

We describe an unusual leukoencephalopathy in a female who developed global language and memory difficulties as well as diffuse FLAIR lesions in the cerebral white matter (WM) ~ 30 months after bariatric surgery. She had no detectable nutritional deficiency. She died suddenly due to cardiovascular disease. The cerebral WM revealed perivascular T-cell infiltrations and strong immunoreactivity for the amyloid precursor protein limited to axons, without signs of myelin or neuronal injury. Unexplained WM lesions have been reported in post-bariatric-surgery patients. Our findings suggest that altered immunity and axonal dysfunction could be responsible for leukoencephalopathy in some patients undergoing bariatric procedures.
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Coronary Artery Abnormalities as the Cause of Sudden Cardiac Death: A 20-Year Review.

In this case series, we delve into the database of medicolegal cases of the Forensic Pathology Department at Hamilton Health Sciences in Hamilton Ontario from the last 20 years (1996-2017), and review cases of sudden cardiac death due to coronary artery abnormalities. We found 17 cases that fit the criteria, which gave us an incidence of 1.34 per 1000 cases. These cases were further audited for age, sex, type of coronary artery abnormality, symptoms before demise, circumstances of death, presence of significant atherosclerotic disease, and toxicology. Two more recent cases underwent postmortem genetic testing, and we reported on the result of one of these molecular studies. In our case series, the most commonly affected coronary artery was the right coronary artery, with the most common anomaly being abnormal origin from the left sinus of Valsalva. Although the literature maintains that left coronary artery from the opposite sinus is associated with higher incidence of SCD, our study shows that RCAs from the opposite aortic sinus, including those deemed to be low risk by classification, can be causes of SCD.

A Comparison of Load-Velocity and Load-Power Relationships Between Well-Trained Young and Middle-Aged Males During Three Popular Resistance Exercises.

Fernandes, JFT, Lamb, KL, and Twist, C. A comparison of load-velocity and load-power relationships between well-trained young and middle-aged males during 3 popular resistance exercises. J Strength Cond Res 32(5): 1440-1447, 2018-This study examined the load-velocity and load-power relationships among 20 young (age 21.0 ± 1.6 years) and 20 middle-aged (age 42.6 ± 6.7 years) resistance-trained males. Participants performed 3 repetitions of bench press, squat, and bent-over-row across a range of loads corresponding to 20-80% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM). Analysis revealed effects (p < 0.05) of group and load × group on barbell velocity for all 3 exercises, and interaction effects on power for squat and bent-over-row (p < 0.05). For bench press and bent-over-row, the young group produced higher barbell velocities, with the magnitude of the differences decreasing as load increased (ES; effect size 0.0-1.7 and 1.0-2.0, respectively). Squat velocity was higher in the young group than the middle-aged group (ES 1.0-1.7) across all loads, as was power for each exercise (ES 1.0-2.3). For all 3 exercises, both velocity and 1RM were correlated with optimal power in the middle-aged group (r = 0.613-0.825, p < 0.05), but only 1RM was correlated with optimal power (r = 0.708-0.867, p < 0.05) in the young group. These findings indicate that despite their resistance training, middle-aged males were unable to achieve velocities at low external loads and power outputs as high as the young males across a range of external resistances. Moreover, the strong correlations between 1RM and velocity with optimal power suggest that middle-aged males would benefit from training methods which maximize these adaptations.

Effects of Variable Resistance Using Chains on Bench Throw Performance in Trained Rugby Players.

Godwin, MS, Fernandes, JFT, and Twist, C. Effects of variable resistance using chains on bench throw performance in trained rugby players. J Strength Cond Res 32(4): 950-954, 2018-This study sought to determine the effects of variable resistance using chain resistance on bench throw performance. Eight male rugby union players (19.4 ± 2.3 years, 88.8 ± 6.0 kg, 1RM 105.6 ± 17.0 kg) were recruited from a national league team. In a randomized crossover design, participant's performed 3 bench throws at 45% one repetition maximum (1RM) at a constant load (no chains) or a variable load (30% 1RM constant load and 15% 1RM variable load; chains) with 7 days between conditions. For each repetition, the peak and mean velocity, peak power, peak acceleration, and time to peak velocity were recorded. Differences in peak and mean power were very likely trivial and unclear between the chain and no chain conditions, respectively. Possibly greater peak and likely greater mean bar velocity were accompanied by likely to most likely greater bar velocity between 50 and 400 ms from initiation of bench press in the chain condition compared with the no chain condition. Accordingly, bar acceleration was very likely greater in the chain condition compared with the no chain condition. In conclusion, these results show that the inclusion of chain resistance can acutely enhance several variables in the bench press throw and gives support to this type of training.

Association of Waist-Hip Ratio to Sudden Cardiac Death and Severe Coronary Atherosclerosis in Medicolegal Autopsies.

Various modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors, such as abdominal obesity, are known to affect the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and subsequent sudden cardiac death (SCD). The waist-hip ratio is a surrogate marker of visceral obesity that has been shown in various studies to be a better predictor of cardiovascular risk than the body mass index (BMI), a measurement of generalized obesity. Waist-hip ratio was measured prospectively on medicolegal autopsies performed for 1 year, in addition to standard measurements of BMI and heart weight, and histologic determination of severe coronary atherosclerosis (SCA, coronary artery diameter stenosis >75%). Logistic modeling was performed to determine any association between WHR, BMI, cardiovascular disease risk factors, heart weight, and SCD or SCA. Waist-hip ratio was not shown to be statistically significantly associated with either SCD (P = 0.68) or SCA (P = 0.14). Body mass index was shown to be significantly associated with SCA (P < 0.001), and heart weight was shown to be significantly associated with both SCD and SCA (P < 0.001, both). Waist-hip ratio, as a surrogate marker of central obesity and increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, is shown not to be statistically significantly associated with either SCD or SCA in postmortem cases.

Kawasaki Disease: An Autopsy Case Series and Review of the Literature.

INTRODUCTION: Kawasaki disease (KD) is a major cause of acquired heart disease in children, and there is limited information on postmortem findings in the pediatric population in Canada. CASES: For a 15-year time span (January 2000-March 2015), we had 2 cases of KD presented to the Department of Forensic Pathology at Hamilton General Hospital. DISCUSSION: There were common cardiac findings including presence of giant coronary artery aneurysms and microscopic changes occurring within the coronary arteries and the myocardium. Evidence of old infarction was present in both heart specimens, but acute infarction was noted in one of the specimens. CONCLUSIONS: This case series documents postmortem findings that outline cardiac complications of KD including aneurysms, thrombotic events, and infarcts. In addition to addressing the medical complications of KD, it is also important to address the psychosocial effect due to its impact on quality of life.

Inclusion of Game-Based Stimulus During Flywheel Resistance Training Positively Influences Physical Performance in Handball Players.

Handball is a body-contact Olympic ball sport that is characterized by fast-paced defensive and offensive actions. Players must coordinate explosive movements (e.g. changing of direction) and handball-specific skills (e.g. passing). Maximizing performance requires a systematic approach to training that includes physical, psychological, technical, and tactical preparation. Purpose: The aim of this study is to determine the effects of movement-based (MOV; unspecific sport stimulus) or game-based (GAM; sport-specific stimulus) flywheel resistance training intervention in highly trained youth handball players. Method:Twenty-five highly trained youth male handball players completed two sessions per week of flywheel resistance training (MOV, n = 12; GAM, n = 13) over the 7-week intervention period. Change-of-direction tests (180º change-of-direction speed test of both legs and test) and handball-throwing test were conducted before and after the intervention. Results: Both groups significantly improved V-cut, and 180º Change-of-direction speed test performance (p < .05; d = 0.79-2.05). Notwithstanding, the GAM group demonstrated greater improvements in V-cut and COD180ASY compared with the MOV group (p < .05) with small effect. Handball throwing speed performance remained unchanged independently of training condition (p > .05). Conclusions: These findings provide further support for the training principle of "specificity" and highlight the importance of including a game-based training stimulus during resistance training. This is a key consideration for coaches wanting to enhance physical performance in youth handball players.

Feasibility of the 2-point method to determine the load-velocity relationship variables during the countermovement jump exercise.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine the reliability and validity of load-velocity (L-V) relationship variables obtained through the 2-point method using different load combinations and velocity variables. METHODS: Twenty men performed 2 identical sessions consisting of 2 countermovement jumps against 4 external loads (20 kg, 40 kg, 60 kg, and 80 kg) and a heavy squat against a load linked to a mean velocity (MV) of 0.55 m/s (load0.55). The L-V relationship variables (load-axis intercept (L0), velocity-axis intercept (v0), and area under the L-V relationship line (Aline)) were obtained using 3 velocity variables (MV, mean propulsive velocity (MPV), and peak velocity) by the multiple-point method including (20-40-60-80-load0.55) and excluding (20-40-60-80) the heavy squat, as well as from their respective 2-point methods (20-load0.55 and 20-80). RESULTS: The L-V relationship variables were obtained with an acceptable reliability (coefficient of variation (CV) ≤ 7.30%; intra-class correlation coefficient ≥ 0.63). The reliability of L0 and v0 was comparable for both methods (CVratio (calculated as higher value/lower value): 1.11-1.12), but the multiple-point method provided Aline with a greater reliability (CVratio = 1.26). The use of a heavy squat provided the L-V relationship variables with a comparable or higher reliability than the use of a heavy countermovement jump load (CVratio: 1.06-1.19). The peak velocity provided the load-velocity relationship variables with the greatest reliability (CVratio: 1.15-1.86) followed by the MV (CVratio: 1.07-1.18), and finally the MPV. The 2-point methods only revealed an acceptable validity for the MV and MPV (effect size ≤ 0.19; Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficient ≥ 0.96; Lin's concordance correlation coefficient ≥ 0.94). CONCLUSION: The 2-point method obtained from a heavy squat load and MV or MPV is a quick, safe, and reliable procedure to evaluate the lower-body maximal neuromuscular capacities through the L-V relationship.

Knowledge of results during vertical jump testing: an effective method to increase the performance but not the consistency of vertical jumps.

This study aimed to determine whether the provision of jump height feedback (knowledge of result; KR) can increase the performance and the consistency of output variables. In a randomised order, sixteen participants performed six squat or countermovement jumps (three from a 90º knee angle and three from a self-preferred knee angle) with or without KR over four sessions. The provision of KR significantly increased peak force (p = 0.046, 1.83%), mean force (p = 0.037, 1.45%), peak velocity (p < 0.001, 3.71%), mean velocity (p = 0.004, 3.44%), peak power (p < 0.001, 4.22%) and mean power (p = 0.001, 4.69%). A high within-session reliability was observed for all variables (coefficient of variation [CV] ≤ 5.62%, intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] ≥ 0.95). No systematic differences in reliability were detected between the jumps performed without KR (CV = 3.00 ± 1.38%, ICC = 0.97 ± 0.03) and with KR (CV = 3.04 ± 1.49%, ICC = 0.97 ± 0.04). These results suggest that the provision of jump height feedback during vertical jump testing is effective to enhance vertical jump performance but it does not reduce the variability between jumps.

A low molecular weight proteome comparison of fertile and male sterile 8 anthers of Zea mays.

During maize anther development, somatic locular cells differentiate to support meiosis in the pollen mother cells. Meiosis is an important event during anther growth and is essential for plant fertility as pollen contains the haploid sperm. A subset of maize male sterile mutants exhibit meiotic failure, including ms8 (male sterile 8) in which meiocytes arrest as dyads and the locular somatic cells exhibit multiple defects. Systematic proteomic profiles were analysed in biological triplicates plus technical triplicates comparing ms8 anthers with fertile sibling samples at both the premeiotic and meiotic stages; proteins from 3.5 to 20 kDa were fractionated by 1-D PAGE, cleaved with Lys-C and then sequenced using a LTQ Orbitrap Velos MS paradigm. Three hundred and 59 proteins were identified with two or more assigned peptides in which each of those peptides were counted at least two or more times (0.4% peptide false discovery rate (FDR) and 0.2% protein FDR); 2761 proteins were identified with one or more assigned peptides (0.4% peptide FDR and 7.6% protein FDR). Stage-specific protein expression provides candidate stage markers for early anther development, and proteins specifically expressed in fertile compared to sterile anthers provide important clues about the regulation of meiosis. 49% of the proteins detected by this study are new to an independent whole anther proteome, and many small proteins missed by automated maize genome annotation were validated; these outcomes indicate the value of focusing on low molecular weight proteins. The roles of distinctive expressed proteins and methods for mass spectrometry of low molecular weight proteins are discussed.