Showing papers by "University of Nevada, Reno published in 1994"

Mutation of the proto‐oncogene c‐kit blocks development of interstitial cells and electrical rhythmicity in murine intestine.

Abstract: 1. Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICs) have been proposed as pacemakers in the gastrointestinal tract. We studied the characteristics and distribution of ICs and electrical activity of small intestinal muscles from mice with mutations at the dominant-white spotting/c-kit (W) locus because the tyrosine kinase function of c-kit may be important in the development of the IC network. 2. W/WV mutants (days 3-30 postpartum) had few ICs in the myenteric plexus region compared with wild type (+/+) siblings. The few ICs present were associated with neural elements and lay between myenteric ganglia and the longitudinal muscle layer. 3. Electrical recordings from intestinal muscle strips showed that electrical slow waves were always present in muscles of +/+ siblings, but were absent in W/WV mice. 4. Muscles from W/WV mice responded to stimulation of intrinsic nerves. Neural responses, attributed to the release of acetylcholine, nitric oxide and other unidentified transmitters, were recorded. 5. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that ICs are a critical element in the generation of electrical rhythmicity in intestinal muscles. The data also show that neural regulation of gastrointestinal muscles can develop independently of the IC network. 6. W locus mutants provide a powerful new model for studies of the physiological role of ICs and the significance of electrical rhythmicity to normal gastrointestinal motility.

The Interpretation of Shear‐Wave Splitting Parameters In the Presence of Two Anisotropic Layers

Abstract: SUMMARY We consider the behaviour of shear-wave splitting parameters that are made under the assumption of a single layer of anisotropic material when in fact two layers of differing anisotropic properties are present. It is shown that the resulting apparent splitting parameters are still meaningful quantities and in fact can (at fixed frequency) be written as trigonometric functions of the splitting parameters of the individual layers. These expressions reveal many properties of the apparent splitting parameters. For example, the apparent fast polarization 4, and delay time 6t, exhibit systematic variations as a function of incoming polarization with r/2 periodicity. The derived expressions can be used to invert for the individual properties of the two layers in many circumstances. We show that several stations along the San Andreas fault system display the properties of two layers, with the top layer being parallel to the local strike of the San Andreas fault. Finally, the derived expressions for the apparent splitting parameters are shown to be easily generalized to multiple layers.

The Gutenberg-Richter or characteristic earthquake distribution, which is it?

Abstract: Paleoearthquake and fault slip-rate data are combined with the CIT-USGS catalog for the period 1944 to 1992 to examine the shape of the magnitude-frequency distribution along the major strike-slip faults of southern California. The resulting distributions for the Newport-Inglewood, Elsinore, Garlock, and San Andreas faults are in accord with the characteristic earthquake model of fault behavior. The distribution observed along the San Jacinto fault satisfies the Gutenberg-Richter relationship. If attention is limited to segments of the San Jacinto that are marked by the rupture zones of large historical earthquakes or distinct steps in fault trace, the observed distribution along each segment is consistent with the characteristic earthquake model. The Gutenberg-Richter distribution observed for the entirety of the San Jacinto may reflect the sum of seismicity along a number of distinct fault segments, each of which displays a characteristic earthquake distribution. The limited period of instrumental recording is insufficient to disprove the hypothesis that all faults will display a Gutenberg-Richter distribution when averaged over the course of a complete earthquake cycle. But, given that (1) the last 5 decades of seismicity are the best indicators of the expected level of small to moderate-size earthquakes in the next 50 years, and (2) it is generally about this period of time that is of interest in seismic hazard and engineering analysis, the answer to the question posed in the title of the article, at least when concerned with practical implementation of seismic hazard analysis at sites along these major faults, appears to be the “characteristic earthquake distribution.”

Cognition and the visual arts

Abstract: An experienced and prolific writer, Robert Solso has a gift for simplifying sometimes difficult concepts in science. Here he brings a refreshing new approach to the psychology of art, synthesizing research from a vast collection of data on how humans perceive, process, and store information and applying it to the viewing and interpretation of art. In this first systematic study of the connection between the new cognitive psychology and its importance to art, Solso reflects on the long relationship between humankind and art, observing that "mind and art are one." A major theme of this book, in fact, is that the clearest view of the mind comes when we create or experience art, a reverse of the usual view of art and cognition. The illustrations cover a wide range of examples, including African, Asian, and prehistoric art, but focusing primarily on Western art. The treatment of cognition applies a blend of the standard information-processing model, brain function, and neural networks.Cognitive Psychology series

Acceptance and commitment therapy: Altering the verbal support for experiential avoidance.

Abstract: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a behavior-analytically-based psychotherapy approach that attempts to undermine emotional avoidance and increase the capacity for behavior change. An overview of this approach is given, followed by several specific examples of the techniques used within ACT. In each instance the behavioral rationale of these techniques is described. A contemporary view of verbal relations provides the basis for new approaches to adult outpatient psychotherapy.

Does democracy encourage terrorism

Abstract: The question of the linkage of democratic forms of government with the incidence of terrorist violence is explored. Distinguishing between the presence of terrorist groups in a nation and violent terrorist events, and using multiple indicators of democratic development, evidence is presented clearly linking democracy with the presence of terrorist groups. Terrorist groups are less likely to be found in non‐democratic settings than in democratic ones.

A composite source model for computing realistic synthetic strong ground motions

Abstract: A composite source model is presented for convolution with synthetic Green's functions, in order to synthesize strong ground motions due to a complex rupture process of a large earthquake. Subevents with a power-law distribution of sizes are located randomly on the fault. Each subevent radiates a displacement pulse with the shape of a Brune's pulse in the far field, at a time determined by a constant rupture velocity propagating from the hypocenter. Thus, all the input parameters have a physical basis. We simulate strong ground motions for event-station pairs that correspond to records obtained in Mexico by the Guerrero accelerograph network. The synthetic accelerations, velocities, and displacements have realistic amplitudes, durations, and Fourier spectra.

Dual DNA staining assessment of bovine sperm viability using SYBR-14 and propidium iodide.

Abstract: A new membrane-permeant DNA stain, SYBR-14, was used in combination with propidium iodide (PI) to estimate the proportion of living sperm in bovine semen. The SYBR-14 stained living sperm while PI only stained degenerate cells that had lost their membrane integrity. Staining with SYBR-14 resulted in the nuclei of living sperm fluorescing bright green. Aliquots containing nearly all living bovine sperm were prepared using glass wool/Sephadex filtration to remove dead and damaged cells. A portion of this filtered sample was killed by unprotected freeze-thawing and used to provide mixed aliquots containing known ratios of living and dead sperm. Flow cytometry was used to assess the green and red fluorescence of these mixtures. The percentages of living sperm, as determined by the log of green fluorescence, were 85.1, 68.8, 39.8, 20.7, and 1.4 for ratios of 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100 of the filtered, killed mixtures. Also, bovine semen was diluted 1:60 in HEPES-0.1% bovine serum albumin and incubated for 0, 3, 6, and 24 hours at 36 degrees C to assess changes in cell viability. As cell death occurred during this incubation period, a relatively rapid transition of staining from green to red occurred as sperm died. Three replicates of cryopreserved sperm from six bulls were also examined using SYBR-14 and PI to assess the proportion of living and dead cells. Flow cytometric analyses of these samples, which had been processed and stored in homogenized milk, indicated that this stain combination was useful in assessing the quality of cryopreserved sperm. The combination of SYBR-14 and PI was determined to be an effective tool for assessing the viability of fresh or cryopreserved sperm.

Minimum-loss vector PWM strategy for three-phase inverters

Abstract: A novel vector PWM method for three-phase voltage-controlled inverters is described. The so-called minimum-loss vector PWM (MLVPWM) strategy is characterized by the minimum amount of switching losses incurred in the inverter switches. Comparative analysis proving superiority of the MLVPWM technique over the existing regular-sampling PWM methods, and results of experimental investigation of a prototype modulator are presented. >

Shifts in Diversification Rate with the Origin of Angiosperms

Abstract: The evolutionary success of flowering plants has been attributed to key innovations that originated at the base of that clade. Maximum likelihood methods were used to assess whether branching rate increases were correlated with the origin of these traits. Four hypotheses for the basal relationships of angiosperms were examined by methods that are robust to uncertainty about the timing of internal branch points. Recent hypotheses based on molecular evidence, or on a combination of molecular and morphological characters, imply that large increases in branching rate did not occur until after the putative key innovations of angiosperms had evolved.

High fecundity rates following in-vitro fertilization and embryo transfer in antiphospholipid antibody seropositive women treated with heparin and aspirin

Abstract: This study was undertaken to explore whether intervention with heparin and aspirin (H/A) in selected patients undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo transfer could improve fecundity rates. Specifically, it explored the possibility that women diagnosed with organic pelvic disease who demonstrated antiphospholipid antibodies (APA) could benefit from H/A administration in a similar manner to that used in patients with recurrent pregnancy loss. We used an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for six different phospholipids to identify patients who expressed APA before they underwent IVF/embryo transfer. This study was confined to the first IVF/embryo transfer cycle that followed assessment of APA status and accordingly, the number of IVF/embryo transfer cycles corresponds with the number of patients treated. APA seropositive patients were treated with aspirin, 81 mg orally q.d., and heparin 5000 IU s.c. b.i.d., beginning on day 1 of controlled ovarian stimulation. The endpoint for success was a live birth or an ultrasound confirming fetal cardiac activity (a viable pregnancy). The prevalence of APA in patients diagnosed with organic pelvic disease (53%) was much higher than in those without female pathology (14%). The administration of H/A to APA seropositive patients significantly (P < 0.05) improved the viable pregnancy rate (49%) compared to the untreated APA seropositive group (16%). The viable pregnancy rate for APA seropositive women treated with H/A was also significantly (P < 0.001) higher than for untreated APA seronegative patients (27%). We conclude that all women undergoing IVF/embryo transfer should be tested for APA prior to initiating ovarian stimulation and those with APA seropositivity should be treated with H/A.

Paleolimnology of the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica.

Abstract: The McMurdo Dry Valleys presently contain more than 20 permanent lakes and ponds, which vary markedly in character. All, with the exception of a hypersaline pond, have a perennial ice-cover. The dry valley lakes, and lakes in other ice-free regions of continental Antarctica, are unique on this planet in that they consistently maintain a thick year-round ice cover (2.8-6.0 m) over liquid water. The persistent ice covers minimize wind-generated currents and reduce light penetration, as well as restricting sediment deposition into a lake and the exchange of atmospheric gases between the water column and the atmosphere. From a paleolimnological perspective, the dry valley lakes offer an important record of catchment and environmental changes. These lakes are also modern-day equivalents of periglacial lakes that were common during glacial periods at temperate latitudes. The present lakes are mostly remnants of larger glacial lakes that occupied the valleys in the past, perhaps up to 4.6 Ma ago. Two of the valleys contain evidence of being filled with large glacial lakes within the last 10000 years. Repeated drying and filling events since then have left a characteristic impression on the salt profiles of some lakes creating a unique paleo-indicator within the water column. These events are also marked in the sediments by the concentration and dilution of certain chemical constituents, particularly salts, and are also corroborated by carbonate speciation and oxygen isotope analysis. Stratigraphic analysis of dry valley lake sediments is made difficult by the occurrence of an 'old carbon' reservoir creating spurious radiocarbon dates, and by the high degree of spatial variability in lake sedimentation. From a biological perspective, the lakes are relatively simple, containing various taxa of planktonic and benthic microorganisms, but no higher forms of life, which is an advantage to paleolimnologists because there is no bioturbation in the sediments. Useful biological paleo-indicators found in the sediments include cyanobacterial filament sheaths, diatom frustules and other eukaryotic algal cells, protozoan cysts, photosynthetic pigments, and minerals (e.g. carbonates) associated with microbial activity. Future work will benefit from fully characterizing the connection between the ice covers, environmental conditions, and paleo-indicators, thereby allowing refinement of inferences made concerning the paleoenvironment. New dating techniques need to be tested in this environment to overcome the problems associated with radiocarbon dating. The establishment of a detailed and focused paleolimnological campaign is proposed.

Purinergic axis in cardiac blood vessels. Agonist-mediated release of ATP from cardiac endothelial cells.

Abstract: Purified endothelial cells isolated from guinea pig hearts by enzymatic perfusion were grown in monolayer culture and used to test the ability of a variety of vasoactive agents to stimulate ATP release from these cells. Stimulation of endothelial cells with the peptide agonist bradykinin (1 nmol/L), acetylcholine (1 mumol/L), serotonin (1 mumol/L), or adenosine 5'-diphosphate (10 mumol/L) resulted in the rapid appearance of ATP in the incubation medium determined with the firefly luciferase assay for ATP. Addition of antagonists for muscarinic (atropine, 0.1 mumol/L) and purinergic (suramin, 100 mumol/L; reactive blue-2, 100 mumol/L) receptors suggested that ATP release from these cells was receptor-mediated. Bradykinin-induced release of ATP was rapid (peak < 30 seconds at 3 nmol/L bradykinin), dose-dependent (EC50, 0.18 nmol/L), and diminished with repeated administration of agonist. Desensitization to bradykinin also affected the ability of acetylcholine to induce release and was reversible when cells were returned to growth conditions for short periods. Measurement of released adenyl purines as their fluorescent N6-ethenopurine derivatives by high-performance liquid chromatography revealed the origin of the purine released to be ATP and confirmed its rapid dephosphorylation. Addition of the purine nucleotide analogues 2-methylthio-ATP (2-methyl-S-ATP), ADP, and beta gamma-methylene ATP to endothelial cell cultures resulted in a dose-dependent increase in the appearance of ATP measured in the medium bathing the cells at 30 seconds, suggesting the presence of ATP-induced ATP release.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Long-term repopulating ability of xenogeneic transplanted human fetal liver hematopoietic stem cells in sheep.

Abstract: We previously reported on the successful engraftment and long-term multilineage expression (erythroid, myeloid, lymphoid) of human fetal liver hematopoietic stem cells in sheep after transplantation in utero. That the engraftment of long-term repopulating pluripotent stem cells occurred in these animals was shown here by the fact that transplantation of human CD45+ cells isolated from bone marrow of these chimeric animals into preimmune fetal sheep resulted in engraftment and expression of human cells. Marrow cells were obtained from three chimeric sheep at 3.2-3.6 yr after transplant. The relative percentage of human CD45+ cells present in these marrows was 3.3 +/- 0.32%. A total of 29 x 10(6) CD45+ cells were isolated by panning, pooled, and transplanted into six preimmune sheep fetuses (4.8 x 10(6) cells/fetus). All six recipients were born alive. Hematopoietic progenitors exhibiting human karyotype were detected in marrows of two lambs soon after birth. Cells expressing human CD45 antigen were also detected in blood and marrow of both lambs. Human cell expression has been multilineage and has persisted for > 1 yr. These results demonstrate that the expression of human cells in this large animal model resulted from engraftment of long-term repopulating pluripotent human stem cells.

Patterns of speciation and limits to phylogenetic resolution.

Abstract: The practice of phylogenetic systematics frequently Includes the assumption that cladogenesis occurs by a series of bifurcations. Consequently, a phylogenetic tree that includes one or more polytomous nodes is generally viewed as unresolved. However, while some polytomles surely represent a failure of resolution, others may be real or the best resolution that can be achieved. Therefore, polytomies should be considered as phylogenetic hypotheses in the same way as bifurcating topologies.

The rare earth element geochemistry of Mono Lake water and the importance of carbonate complexing

Abstract: Rare earth element (REE) concentrations for the alkaline, saline waters of Mono Lake in eastern California are reported The total REE concentrations of the lake water ranged from 4,68 1 to 7,979 pmol kg- I Shale-normalized REE profiles for the lake water indicate that the heavy REEs (HREE) are enriched 20-200 times over the light REEs (LREE) compared to shale The speciation of the REEs in Mono Lake was modeled with a combined specific ion interaction and ion-pairing model which allowed activity coefficients for the major solutes (yM, rX), the REEs (TV), and the REE ion pairs (rMX) to be determined in the high ionic strength lake waters (Z = 184 m) The speciation model suggests that essentially all the REEs in solution are complexed with carbonate ions and that >99% of each REE is complexed as Ln(CO,),- species The carbonate ion concentration of Mono Lake water is 027 m Stability constants for these complexes increase with atomic number; consequently, these complexes are responsible for the HREE enrichments Activity product calculations for REE phosphate coprecipitates in the high phosphate waters of Mono Lake (ie 800-l ,000 pm01 kg-r) indicate that the lake water is close to saturation with respect to these precipitates and suggest that the coprecipitates may effectively limit the maximum dissolved REE concentrations in the lake

Cloning and characterization of a kv1.5 delayed rectifier k+ channel from vascular and visceral smooth muscles

Abstract: We have cloned and characterized the expression of a Kv1.5 K+ channel (cKv1.5) from canine colonic smooth muscle. The amino acid sequence displayed a high level of identity to other K+ channels of the Kv1.5 class in the core region between transmembrane segments S1-S6; however, identity decreased to between 74 and 82% in the NH2 and COOH terminal segments, suggesting that cKv1.5 is a distinct isoform of the Kv1.5 class. Functional expression of cKv1.5 in oocytes demonstrated a channel highly selective for K+, which activates in a voltage-dependent manner on depolarization to membrane potentials positive to -40 mV. At room temperature the channel showed fast activation (time to half of peak current, 5.5 ms) and slow inactivation that was incomplete after 20-s depolarizations. Single channel analysis of the channel expressed in oocytes displayed a linear current-voltage curve and had a slope conductance of 9.8 +/- 1.1 pS. Northern blot analysis demonstrated differential expression of cKv1.5 in smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract and abundant expression in several vascular smooth muscles. We propose that cKv1.5 represents a component of the delayed rectifier current in both vascular and visceral smooth muscles.

Cooperative games: a way to modify aggressive and cooperative behaviors in young children.

Abstract: We investigated the effects of competitive and cooperative games on aggressive and cooperative behaviors of 70 children (4 to 5 years old) from four classes in three preschools. The experimental design included both multiple baseline and reversal components. Behaviors were measured during game conditions and in subsequent free-play periods. Results showed that cooperative behavior increased and aggression decreased during cooperative games; conversely, competitive games were followed by increases in aggressive behavior and decreases in cooperative behavior. Similar effects were also found during free-play periods.

Fault slip rates and earthquake histories for active faults in southern California

Abstract: Within the context of the historical record of seismicity, we review the geological data bearing on the Quaternary slip rates and paleoearthquake histories of active faults in southern California.

Unusual mechanism of hydrocarbon formation in the housefly : cytochrome p450 converts aldehyde to the sex pheromone component (z)-9-tricosene and co2

Abstract: An unusual mechanism for hydrocarbon biosynthesis is proposed from work examining the formation of (Z)-9-tricosene (Z9-23:Hy), the major sex pheromone component of the female housefly, Musca domestica. Incubation of (Z)-15-[1-14C]- and (Z)-15-[15,16-3H2]tetracosenoic acid (24:1 fatty acid) with microsomes from houseflies gave equal amounts of [3H]Z9-23:Hy and 14CO2. The formation of CO2 and not CO, as reported for hydrocarbon formation in plants, animals, and microorganisms [Dennis, M. & Kolattukudy, P. E. (1992) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89, 5306-5310], was verified by trapping agents and by radio-GLC analysis. Incubation of (Z)-15-[15,16-3H2]tetracosenoyl-CoA with microsomal preparations in the presence of NADPH and O2 gave almost equal amounts of (Z)-15-3H2]tetrasosenal (24:1 aldehyde) and Z9-23:Hy. Addition of increasing amounts of hydroxylamine (aldehyde trapping agent) caused a decrease in hydrocarbon formation with a concomitant increase in oxime (aldehyde derivative) formation. The 24:1 aldehyde was efficiently converted to (Z)-9-tricosene only in the presence of both NADPH and O2. Bubbling carbon monoxide (20:80 CO/O2) or including an antibody against housefly cytochrome P450 reductase inhibited the formation Z9-23:Hy from 24:1 aldehyde. These data demonstrate an unusual mechanism for hydrocarbon formation in insects in which the acyl-CoA is reduced to the corresponding aldehyde and then carbon-1 is removed as CO2. The requirement for NADPH and O2 and the inhibition by CO and the antibody to cytochrome P450 reductase strongly implicate the participation of a cytochrome P450 in this reaction.

Soil pCO 2 , soil respiration, and root activity in CO 2 - fumigated and nitrogen-fertilized ponderosa pine

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to describe the effects of CO2 and N treatments on soil pCO2, calculated CO2 efflux, root biomass and soil carbon in open-top chambers planted with Pinus ponderosa seedlings. Based upon the literature, it was hypothesized that both elevated CO2 and N would cause increased root biomass which would in turn cause increases in both total soil CO2 efflux and microbial respiration. This hypothesis was only supported in part: both CO2 and N treatments caused significant increases in root biomass, soil pCO2, and calculated CO2 efflux, but there were no differences in soil microbial respiration measured in the laboratory. Both correlative and quantitative comparisons of CO2 efflux rates indicated that microbial respiration contributes little to total soil CO2 efflux in the field. Measurements of soil pCO2 and calculated CO2 efflux provided inexpensive, non-invasive, and relatively sensitive indices of belowground response to CO2 and N treatments.

The influence of personal and organizational values on marketing professionals' ethical behavior

Abstract: The authors examine empirically the influence of personal and organizational values on marketing professionals' ethical behavior. The results indicate that personal and organizational values underlie differences in marketing professionals' ethical behavior, albeit “small” terms of the proportion of explained variance. The results also suggest the relationship between organizational values and ethical behavior to be significant. However, the same is not the case for the relationship between personal values and ethical behavior.

Specificity of the thioester-containing reactive site of human C3 and its significance to complement activation.

Abstract: The specificity of the thioester-containing site in three plasma proteins is regulated by elements of their protein structures other than the thioester bond itself. Human C4A and alpha 2-macroglobulin preferentially form amide linkages while human C3 primarily forms ester linkages with hydroxyl groups. We have examined the thioester in C3 and found evidence of strong preferences for certain carbohydrates, indications of selectivity for specific positions on those carbohydrates and a preference for terminal sugars in polysaccharides. A testable set of rules are derived from these findings which predict preferred attachment sites on polysaccharides. A computer model of the effect of different reactivities on activation of the alternative pathway of complement suggested that organisms might greatly alter their susceptibility to complement with small changes in carbohydrate structure. While a random selection of 20 biological particles showed no correlation between activation and C3b attachment efficiency, subsets of related organisms differing primarily in their surface polysaccharide exhibited stronger correlations. The strongest correlation occurred in a series of the yeasts (Cryptococcus neoformans) possessing capsular polysaccharides with one, two, three or four branching xylose sugars per repeating unit. These organisms exhibited capture efficiencies for metastable C3b from 12% (one-xylose strain) to 41% (four-xylose strain).

Correlation between self‐reported rigidity and rule‐governed insensitivity to operant contingencies

Abstract: Adults were selected on the basis of their scores on the Scale for Personality Rigidity (Rehfisch, 1958a). Their scores served as a measure of hypothesized rule governance in the natural environment. Experiment 1 studied the effects of accurate versus minimal instructions and high versus low rigidity on performance on a multiple differential-reinforcement-of-low-rate (DRL) 4-s fixed-ratio (FR) 18 schedule. When the schedule was switched to extinction, accurate instructions and high rigidity were associated with greater perseveration in the response pattern subjects developed during the reinforcement phase. In Experiment 2, the effects of rigidity and of accurate versus inaccurate instructions were studied. Initially, all subjects received accurate instructions about an FR schedule. The schedule was then switched to DRL, but only half of the subjects received instructions about the DRL contingency, and the other half received FR instructions as before. Accurate instructions minimized individual differences because both high and low scorers on the rigidity scale earned points in DRL. However, when inaccurate instructions were provided, all high-rigidity subjects followed them although they did not earn points on the schedule, whereas most low-rigidity subjects abandoned them and responded appropriately to DRL. The experiments demonstrate a correlation between performances observed in the human operant laboratory and a paper-and-pencil test of rigidity that purportedly reflects important response styles that differentiate individuals in the natural environment. Implications for applied research and intervention are discussed.

Women's Underrepresentation and Electoral Systems

Abstract: Women's parliamentary representation in the 27 long-established but “unfinished democracies” (Haavio-Mannila et al. 1985) of the world varies between 2.3% in Japan's lower house to 39.0% in unicameral Finland. Women state legislators in the United States range from 4% in Kentucky to 39% in Washington in the lower house. Women are 11% of the members of the U.S. House of Representatives. The causes of this variation are primarily the electoral arrangements by which legislators are chosen and, secondarily, the political, economic, and social context.Favorable societal conditions will not substitute for unfavorable electoral systems for women to reach their optimal representation in parliament and local legislatures. But unfavorable contextual conditions—including cultural biases and discriminatory practices—can be overcome to a great extent by alternate electoral systems. Electoral arrangements are not neutral; they are the means used to exclude or include groups. The arrangements are amenable to change faster than social biases and other barriers to women's election opportunity and fair representation.Democracy falls short when women of whatever color or ethnic group cannot cast an effective vote to elect representatives of their choice or to enact laws they believe are critically needed. When there are higher proportions of women in parliament, for example, more laws are enacted that benefit children (Lijphart 1991).

Recommended guidelines for the management of autologous and allogeneic bone marrow transplantation : a report from the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG)

Abstract: Objective: To define the basic state-of-the-art medical care of the patients after bone marrow transplantation as practiced by the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Data Identification: Studies e