Total Ear Research Articles

Kernel position effects of grain morphological characteristics by X-ray micro-computed tomography (μCT)

Grain size and shape are important factors for yield and quality. The difference in grain phenotypic characteristics in the same maize hybrid is related to its position in the ear. This study aimed to clarify the distribution characteristics of grain morphological characteristics in the ear and to provide guidance for research of grain phenotype and kernel position effects. Three maize hybrids were used in the experiment, namely, Denghai 618 (DH618), KX3564, and Xianyu 335 (XY335), and the kernel number per row were 40, 40, and 36, respectively. The X-ray μCT was applied to obtain five kernel morphological indicators, including grain length, width, thickness, volume, surface area. Grain sphericity, length-width ratio, specific surface area, and volume coefficient were further calculated. The results showed that there were three types of maize ear morphological indicators trends: grain length, width, volume, and surface area were parabolic; thickness and sphericity were inverted parabolic; length-to-width ratio and specific surface area were irregular. The volume coefficient of grain at different parts of the ear, namely the relation coefficient between grain volume and grain length, width, and thickness, was determined. The average value of the middle grains morphological indicators of the ear was taken to select kernels representing stable characteristics of the variety. Within the range of 5% deviation from the morphological mean value of the middle grains of the ear, the grains in the middle part accounted for 26.39% of the total ear, about 10 grains extending from the 14th grain at the base of the ear to the top. Within the range of 10% deviation, the middle accounted for 47.22%, about 18 grains extending from the 12th grain at the base of the ear to the top. This study found that grain morphological indicators were greatly different at different positions of the maize ear, and showed different change rules as extend from the base to the top of the ear. Therefore, there were different grain volume coefficients at different positions of maize ear. And the representative sampling range on maize ear was determined based on the comprehensive analysis of different morphological indexes variation of grain. Keywords: grain morphology, X-ray μCT, kernel position effects, maize (Zea Mays L.) DOI: 10.25165/j.ijabe.20211402.6039 Citation: Yin X B, Hou J F, Ming B, Zhang Y, Guo X Y, Gao S, et al. Kernel position effects of grain morphological characteristics by X-ray micro-computed tomography (μCT). Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2021; 14(2): 159–166.

Evaluation of genetic variability and interrelationships among M3 and M4 maize inbred lines in Kenya

The present study was conducted at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Juja to assess the agronomic performance of mutant maize lines of 39 filial generation 3 (M3) and filial generation 4 (M4) maize lines and a check variety among agro-morphological traits with their association with grain yield. Data on various agro-morphological characters were recorded using morphological descriptors for maize and analyzed using Genstat Release 14.1. Data was also subjected to XLSTAT 2014 and DARwin 6.0.12 software for principal and cluster analyses. Results obtained differed significantly in herbicide tolerance days for both M3 and M4 (p≤0.01). However, plant height, maturity days, flag leaf length and width, grains ear-1, ear length, ear diameter and grain yield plant-1 differed significantly in M3 and M4 lines (p≤0.05). Grain yield plant-1 showed a strong significant positive correlation with anthesis days, plant height, grains ear-1 and ear diameter and length but negatively correlated with days to pollen shedding, tasseling, maturity and tolerance in M3 while flag leaf width, harvestable and total ears plant-1 showed positive and significant correlation but negatively correlated with tolerance days in M4. Principal component analysis showed variations among mutated maize lines in M3 and M4 with first seven principal components (PC) indicating that the first six PCs explained 78.69% and first six PCs contributing 71.28% respectively of the total variation. Cluster analysis showed three clusters and seven sub-clusters indicating differences in morphological diversity among the M3 inbred lines and two clusters with cluster one of hybrid 513 and three sub-clusters in cluster two of hybrid 520. Plant height, flowering days and ear length were crucial phenological traits determining grain yield among herbicide tolerant lines showing significant variability that could be considered in hybridization and development of herbicide tolerant hybrid genotypes in future maize breeding programmes.

Deciphering the Antitussive, Expectorant, and Anti-Inflammatory Potentials of ShashamKyeongok-Go and Their Phytochemical Attributes: In Vivo Appraisal in ICR Mice

In this paper, we hypothesized that ShashamKyeongok-go (SKOG) is a mixed preparation of Adenophorae Radix powder (AR) and Kyeongok-go (KOG). SKOG may be served as a novel preventive and/or therapeutic agent for various respiratory diseases. SKOG were orally administered to ICR mice at 400, 200, and 100 mg/kg once a day for 11 days to examine antitussive, expectorant, and anti-inflammatory effects. The NH4OH exposure-induced allergic acute inflammation with coughing responses was dose-dependently and significantly (p < 0.01) inhibited by pretreatment with SKOG at doses of 400, 200, and 100 mg/kg. With these concentrations of SKOG, the thickness of intrapulmonary secondary bronchus mucosa and the number of periodic acid Schiff stain-positive mucous-producing cells were significantly (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01) increased, as a result of the increased amount of phenol red secretion. Subsequently, SKOG showed significant (p < 0.01) anti-inflammatory activities as characterized by reducing the effects of xylene-induced increases of ear weight, thickness of total ear and ear dermis, and number of infiltrated inflammatory cells in the ear dermis, in a dose-dependent manner. These results supported that SKOG might have potential therapeutic effects to be used as an antitussive, expectorant, and anti-inflammatory agents in the prevention or treatment of chronic bronchitis and asthma.

A Comparison of the Anthropometrical Measurements of External Ear between Normal persons and Diabetic Patients in Iraq

The human ear is an important distinguishing organ of the human face. Defects on the auricle surface of the ear may allow a person to be identified. Since the auricle's structure is complex, a plastic surgeon needs to know its different auricular dimensions, which will be useful for designing an ear prosthesis that will aid in forensic recognition of the person. Objectives: The objective of the current study to compare the anthropometric measures of Pinna bilateral external ear in normal and diabetic patients in Iraq with sexual differences Subject and Methods: Research performed at the Al-Faiha General Hospital outpatient clinic and the Basra Teaching Hospital. Two groups were obtained from 95 patients with an average age of 40-60 years in normal as well as Type II diabetes mellitus. Vernier caliper measured anthropometric measurements of the outer ear, including total ear length (TEL), total ear width (TEW), total lobules length (TLL) and total lobules width (TLW), to the nearest 0.1mm. Results: Each group in our study consisted of 55 female patients (58%) and 40 male patients (42%) aged 40-60 (50±9.8). In the study, high measurements were found when comparing anthropometric measurements in male and female persons. It was observed, in each group, that the measurements of the right ear for males and females are larger than the left ear and there were significant differences in anthropometric measurements (P<0.05). As for the results of patients with type II diabetes, there were a decrease in all parameters, but there were no significant differences except for the overall width of the ear. Conclusion: In this study, anthropometric measurements between normal persons and diabetics were measured with proposals for the planned surgical correction of congenital ear defects and hearing aids in normal persons and diabetics at increased risk of future hearing loss, so that these anthropometric data enhance the level of hearing.

Experience level as a predictor of entry into the hypotympanum during feline total ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy.

The study hypotheses were as follows: (1) owing to the unique anatomy of the feline middle ear, the hypotympanum would be entered in less than 100% of cats during total ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomies (TECA-LBOs); and (2) incomplete penetration of the septum and subsequent failure to enter the hypotympanum is more likely to occur in surgeries performed by a novice surgeon when compared with an experienced surgeon and may be under-recognized. Head CT was performed in 12 feline cadavers to confirm absence of gross ear disease. A novice surgeon and an experienced surgeon were randomly assigned to perform TECA-LBO on the left or right ear. Surgeons were blinded to each other's surgical technique. CT of cadavers was performed after the procedure. Successful penetration of the septum, entry into the hypotympanic cavity and amount of bone removed in bulla osteotomy, quantified via CT, were compared between the novice surgeon and experienced surgeon. The novice surgeon entered the hypotympanum in 3/12 (25%) procedures, compared with 9/12 (75%) procedures performed by the experienced surgeon. The experienced surgeon performed a larger osteotomy than the novice surgeon (3301 mm vs 1376 mm, P <0.0023). Regardless of surgeon experience, more bone was removed in surgeries in which the hypotympanum was entered. Our results underscore the need for familiarity with feline middle ear anatomy when performing TECA-LBOs. Postoperative CT is recommended for novice surgeons to confirm entry into the hypotympanum.

Clinical, ultrasonographic and histopathological diagnosis of ceruminous gland tumors in cats.

Ceruminous gland tumor is the most common tumor of the ear canal in cats. Otoscopic examination of the ear tumor is so difficult due to narrowing of the external ear canal. The present study aimed to investigate clinical, ultrasonographic and histopathological characteristics of feline ceruminous gland neoplasm in cats. Ten cats with unilateral ear canal swelling were subjected to thorough physical and clinical investigations. Ultrasound of the ear canal and parotid gland was performed using 8.00 MHz linear probe. Tissue specimens were collected after surgical excision (total ear canal ablation) for histopathological examination. Clinical examination of the ceruminous tumors revealed firm pinkish mass obliterated the ear canal with purulent or bloody aural discharge. Ultrasound examination of the ear tumor was helpful in detecting the size, shape, echogenicity and extension of the tumors to the surrounding structures as well as the nature of the feline ceruminous tumor. Histopathological examination was the main diagnostic tool for detecting the nature of the ceruminous neoplasms.

Kernel position effects of grain morphological characteristics by X-ray micro-computed tomography (μCT)

Grain size and shape are important factors for yield and quality. The difference in grain phenotypic characteristics in the same maize hybrid is related to its position in the ear. This study aimed to clarify the distribution characteristics of grain morphological characteristics in the ear and to provide guidance for research of grain phenotype and kernel position effects. Three maize hybrids were used in the experiment, namely, Denghai 618 (DH618), KX3564, and Xianyu 335 (XY335), and the kernel number per row were 40, 40, and 36, respectively. The X-ray μCT was applied to obtain five kernel morphological indicators, including grain length, width, thickness, volume, surface area. Grain sphericity, length-width ratio, specific surface area, and volume coefficient were further calculated. The results showed that there were three types of maize ear morphological indicators trends: grain length, width, volume, and surface area were parabolic; thickness and sphericity were inverted parabolic; length-to-width ratio and specific surface area were irregular. The volume coefficient of grain at different parts of the ear, namely the relation coefficient between grain volume and grain length, width, and thickness, was determined. The average value of the middle grains morphological indicators of the ear was taken to select kernels representing stable characteristics of the variety. Within the range of 5% deviation from the morphological mean value of the middle grains of the ear, the grains in the middle part accounted for 26.39% of the total ear, about 10 grains extending from the 14th grain at the base of the ear to the top. Within the range of 10% deviation, the middle accounted for 47.22%, about 18 grains extending from the 12th grain at the base of the ear to the top. This study found that grain morphological indicators were greatly different at different positions of the maize ear, and showed different change rules as extend from the base to the top of the ear. Therefore, there were different grain volume coefficients at different positions of maize ear. And the representative sampling range on maize ear was determined based on the comprehensive analysis of different morphological indexes variation of grain. Keywords: grain morphology, X-ray μCT, kernel position effects, maize (Zea Mays L.) DOI: 10.25165/j.ijabe.20211402.6039 Citation: Yin X B, Hou J F, Ming B, Zhang Y, Guo X Y, Gao S, et al. Kernel position effects of grain morphological characteristics by X-ray micro-computed tomography (μCT). Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2021; 14(2): 159–166.

The Effect of Long-Term Unilateral Deafness on Auditory Performance

Background and Objectives We investigated whether there are differences in auditory performance between the healthy ears of subjects with unilateral deafness (UD) and the control ears of subjects with normal hearing (NH) in both ears.Subjects and Method Sixteen subjects with acquired UD and 16 subjects with NH thresholds for both ears were enrolled. We compared the auditory performance of UD group and control group with NH in both ears.Results We found no meaningful differences in the three measures of psychoacoustic performance between the total healthy ears of subjects with UD and the ears of the control group. However, in the subgroup comparison, the left ears of subjects with right UD showed significantly poorer spectral-ripple discrimination (SRD) than the right ears of the subjects with left UD (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;=0.006) and the ears of control subjects with NH (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;=0.004).Conclusion Our findings indicate that after unilateral auditory deprivation, auditory processing is differentially affected by the side involved. In the subjects with acquired UD, the longterm hearing deprivation on the right side induced the down-regulation of central auditory process for SRD, but hearing deprivation on the left side did not affect SRD.

External auditory canal reconstruction with inferior pedicled square screw flap from the preauricular area after resection of external auditory canal cancer.

BackgroundThe postoperative reconstruction of ear canal cancer with a local flap such as the snail flap technique has been reported for cases with few tissue defects. The snail flap technique requires a large skin incision and is at risk of facial neuropathy. We have devised a new flap that addresses these problems.MethodsAn 80‐year‐old woman underwent total right ear canal resection for cancer of the right ear canal, and the defect of the ear canal was reconstructed using a local flap. The local flap was used by making a rectangular incision in front of the auricle and rolling it into a cylindrical shape. We named this flap a square screw flap.ResultsThe patient was discharged 1 week after surgery without complications.ConclusionsThis method is considered to be useful for reconstruction of the ear canal with a small defect.

Performance of maize seedlings for baby corn production

ABSTRACT Using maize seedlings for baby corn production can benefit farmers who have small areas under cultivation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the possibility of using maize seedlings for the production of baby corn. The experiment was carried out in field with four treatments (direct sowing in field; transplanting seedlings 10 days after sowing (DAS); 20 DAS and 30 DAS) in randomized blocks with eight replications. Plants from seedlings 30 DAS were higher than sowing direct in field. Direct sowing in field and seedlings 30 DAS resulted in the largest stands. Sowing direct in field and transplanting seedlings at 20 and 10 DAS presented the highest number of total and commercial ears, while crops obtained from direct sowing in field yielded higher compared to the crops in which seedlings were used. Crops from maize seedlings transplanted at 10, 20 and 30 DAS reduced the period of maize plants in field by 14, 22 and 28 days, respectively, compared to maize sown directly in field. However, baby corn from direct sowing yielded 37% more than those in which seedlings were used. We concluded that the use of maize seedlings caused reduction in baby corn productivity however, it presents the advantage of reducing the permanence of the maize plants in field.

Variability in Prolificacy, Total Carotenoids, Lutein, and Zeaxanthin of Yellow Small-Ear Waxy Corn Germplasm

Waxy corn is a popular, alternative staple food in most Asian countries including Thailand. The availability of small-ear waxy corn genotypes with prolific ears and a high level of carotenoids is expected to benefit growers and consumers. Integrated evaluation among source germplasm is essential before performing further breeding efforts for enhancing prolific ears and high-carotenoid content. Thus, the present study explored the variability of ear prolificacy, total carotenoids, lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene among yellow small-ear waxy corn accessions. About 44 corn accessions and 4 check varieties were evaluated for agronomic traits and yield components under multienvironment trials in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). The immature seed sample of these genotypes was analyzed to quantify the content of total carotenoids and some carotenoid fractions. All traits showed that low GXE interaction and significant genotypic diversity existed among all tested accessions with the predominant contribution of genotype to total phenotypic variation and beta-carotene. Accessions were clustered into four major groups based on the similarity of multiple carotenoids profiles. Three selected accessions (UT121001, KKU-WX112087, and KKU-WX212001) had higher values of total carotenoids, lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene than those of all check varieties. High and positive correlations among second-emerged ears, marketable second-emerged ears, and total ear number indicate that a higher chance of secondary ears becomes marketable ears with an increase of total ears per plant per hectare. Lutein and zeaxanthin had positive, strong correlations with total carotenoids. The implications and breeding strategies are discussed prior to promoting yellow small-ear waxy corn as a biofortified crop.

Burned Ear Reconstruction Using the Combination of an Expanded Postauricular Scar Skin Flap and a Postauricular Fascial Flap.

The external ear is highly vulnerable to burn injury due to its location and thin integument. Reconstruction of the external ear after burns is a major challenge to undertake, and surgeons face many problems, including excessive scar tissue, poor blood supply, a paucity of available skin, and a high infection rate, when designing an operative plan for patients with postburn auricular deformity. In this article, the authors describe their experience of using an expanded postauricular scar flap combined with a postauricular fascial flap as the coverage for the framework for subtotal and total ear reconstruction in 27 burned patients. Four patients developed expander exposure and two developed framework exposure, which were resolved with good results after further repair. After an average follow-up time of 6 months, all of the patients experienced very good cosmetic outcomes, high satisfaction, and low morbidity.

Role of mometasone furoate nasal spray in children with adenoid hypertrophy: impact on life style changes

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; Adenoid hypertrophy (AH) is a common cause of upper airway obstruction and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in children having major impact on child’s growth and development. Symptoms like nasal congestion, mouth breathing, nasal discharge, snoring, day time sleepiness, hyponasal voice, ear popping, and craniofacial abnormalities are observed. Adenoidectomy is considered the treatment of choice for symptomatic children. Co-existing medical illnesses and choice of surgical treatment is governed by the paediatricians and apprehensive parents. Need for conservative treatments in alleviating symptoms have been tried. Topical, intranasal administered, steroid preparations have been proven effective in the literature.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; In this prospective study, 35 symptomatic children (3-12 years) with adenoid hypertrophy were included. Each of the symptoms was scored from 0 (absent) to 4 (severe) over Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Nasal obstruction index was calculated. Results of mometasone furoate nasal spray 100 microgram/day used once daily at the interval of 8 weeks and 12 weeks were analysed using statistical tests. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; A statistically significant reduction in nasal obstruction index and other symptoms were noted at the end of third month follow up.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; Mometasone furoate nasal spray caused improvements in outcomes of nasal obstruction, snoring, total nasal symptoms, ear symptoms and overall quality of life.&lt;/p&gt;

PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF MAIZE CROP IRRIGATED WITH AND WITHOUT WATER DEFICIT IN DIFFERENT PLANT ARRANGEMENTS

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of row spacing and planting density, under different water regimes, on dry grain production of the maize hybrid AG -1051, in Teresina, Piauí. Two experiments were conducted with the use of a conventional sprinkler system for irrigation, being one with 100% and the other with 50% crop evapotranspiration (ETc) replacement. A randomized block experimental design was used, in a 5x2 factorial scheme, combining five planting densities (PD) (20,000; 40,000; 60,000; 80,000; and 100,000 plants ha-1) and two spacings between rows (RS) (0.5 and 1.0 m), with four replications. The weight of 100 grains, cob percentage, grain yield, and water use efficiency were evaluated. The increment of planting density caused a linear decrease in the 100-grain weight and increment of the cob percentage in relation to the total ear weight. Under full irrigation regime, the combination of the 0.5 m row spacing and planting density of 72,000 plants ha-1 provided maximum yield of 7.2 Mg ha-1. Under water deficit condition, the maximum yield of 4.8 Mg ha-1 was reached in the combination of the 0.5 m row spacing and planting density of 67,000 plants ha-1..The total water depth of 419 mm provided maximum WUE of 1.70 kg m-3. The total water depth of 268 mm caused a reduction in WUE with maximum point of 1.54 kg m-3.

Otoscopic evaluation of epithelial remnants in the tympanic cavity after total ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy.

To determine the ability to detect the presence of epithelial remnants after total ear canal ablation (TECA) and lateral bulla osteotomy (LBO) with endoscopy and to identify the most common locations of epithelial remnants after tympanic curettage. Experimental study. Five fresh canine cadavers with no gross evidence of middle ear disease. Ten TECA-LBO were performed by four surgeons. After tympanic curettage, a 1.9-mm rigid 30° endoscope was inserted into the rostral, caudal, dorsal, ventral, and medial sections of the tympanic cavity. Three observers evaluated otoscopic images for epithelial remnants in each compartment. The median distribution of epithelial remnants was calculated for each section of the tympanic cavity with a three-dimensional tympanic cavity model. Epithelial remnants were identified in at least one of the five areas of the tympanic cavity after each TECA-LBO. The rostral section contained the most epithelial remnants (35.6%), while the medial section contained the least amount (1.8%). Use of a 1.9-mm rigid endoscope was an effective method to evaluate all sections of the tympanic cavity after curettage in TECA-LBO. Epithelial remnants were consistently found after TECA-LBO, especially in the rostral compartment. Intraoperative endoscopy should be considered to improve removal of epithelium after initial TECA-LBO or revision surgeries.

Improve the appearance of auriculocephalic angle in reconstructed auricular with skin flap of residual ear in patients with microtia of concha cavity

To explore the reasonable utilization of residual ear tissue after total ear reconstruction with total expansion method in patients with microtia of concha cavity, in order to obtain the best appearance. The clinical data of 150 patients with microtia of concha cavity between January 2012 and January 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 92 males and 58 females, with an average age of 11.1 years (range, 6.5-35.0 years). The shallow upper auriculocephalic angle was found after the first stage expander embedding and the second stage total expansion, and the third stage auricular reconstruction was carried out 6-12 months later. The residual earlobe was transferred through Z-plasty to reconstruct the lobe. An arc incision was made to release and deepen the upper auriculocephalic angle. And then a skin flap pedicled on the upper part of the residual ear was formed and then transferred to cover the wound on the auriculocephalic angle. The residual ear cartilage tissue flaps with subcutaneous tissue pedicle were inserted into the lacuna under the framework to increase the height of the scaffold. The remaining residual ear skin flaps were sutured to cover the wound of concha. A epidermis blister in diameter of 0.5 cm was found in 1 patient's flap at 7 days after operation, and healed after 2 weeks of dressing change. The other patients' flaps survived well. All the patients were followed up 6-12 months, with an average of 9.6 months. The auriculocephalic angle in the upper part of the reconstructed ear was obviously deepened, the height of the reconstructed ear was increased. The symmetry of the ears was better than before. The concha was not obviously contracted and the appearance of the reconstructed ear was satisfactory. The hair on the upper surface of the reconstructed ear decreased obviously, and the hairline around the ear moved up. The transfer of the upper residual auricular skin flap and residual auricular cartilage in patients with microtia of concha cavity can not only deepen the auriculocephalic angle, but also increase the height of the upper framework. The symmetry between the reconstructed auricle and the normal auricle is better than before.

Maize hybrids response to high plant density in the Guinea savannah of Nigeria

ABSTRACT Several maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids have been developed and commercialized in the Nigeria savannas, but limited informationis available on how they perform at plant densities higher than the recommended density of 53,333 plants ha-1. Therefore, field trials were conducted in northern Nigeria in 2015 and 2016 at two locations with contrasting rainfall amount to evaluate the performance of selected maize hybrids at plant densities of 53,333 and 88,888 plants ha-1. All maize hybrids had higher grain yields, total dry matter, ears m-2, and number of grains m-2 at 88,888 than at 53,333 plants ha-1 at both locations. The magnitude ofincreases in yield when plant density was increased to 88,888 plants ha-1 was, however, higher for the new hybrids than for the old commercial hybrids. In Tudun Wada, five hybrids produced significantly higher mean grain yields than the remaining hybrid sat both plant densities. One of the hybrids (M1227-12) produced the highest grain yield at both planting densities at this location. In Samaru Zaria, the hybrid M1227-12 produced the highest grain yield only at 53,333 plants ha-1 at this location, whereas M0926-8 produced the highest yield at 88,888 plants ha-1. The 500-grain weight was 7-8% lower at 88,888 plants ha-1 than at 53,333 plantsha-1, which was offset by a significant increase in grain number. Our results showed that farmers in the Nigeria savannas can increase planting density of hybrid maize to 88,888 plants ha-1 and significantly increase their yields.

Maize BIG GRAIN1 homolog overexpression increases maize grain yield.

SummaryThe Zea Mays BIG GRAIN 1 HOMOLOG 1 (ZM‐BG1H1) was ectopically expressed in maize. Elite commercial hybrid germplasm was yield tested in diverse field environment locations representing commercial models. Yield was measured in 101 tests across all 4 events, 26 locations over 2 years, for an average yield gain of 355 kg/ha (5.65 bu/ac) above control, with 83% tests broadly showing yield gains (range +2272 kg/ha to −1240 kg/ha), with seven tests gaining more than one metric ton per hectare. Plant and ear height were slightly elevated, and ear and tassel flowering time were delayed one day, but ASI was unchanged, and these traits did not correlate to yield gain. ZM‐BG1H1 overexpression is associated with increased ear kernel row number and total ear kernel number and mass, but individual kernels trended slightly smaller and less dense. The ZM‐BG1H1 protein is detected in the plasma membrane like rice OS‐BG1. Five predominant native ZM‐BG1H1 alleles exhibit little structural and expression variation compared to the large increased expression conferred by these ectopic alleles.

Morphological variations and Ear Biometrics as an aid in identification among populations of Punjab, Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir – A Comparative Study.

Introduction: The human ear is the most defining feature of the face. The anatomical structure of the external ear is utilized for personal identification of living subjects in relation to criminal activity. Aim: To evaluate and compare the uniqueness of morphological and biometric variations of both ears for individualization among subpopulations of India in states of Punjab, Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir. To determine the Morphology and Biometrics of both ears in both male and female populations of Punjab, Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir. To study and compare the Ear Prints of population of three states and find a correlation between them. Materials and Methods: The present study was carried out randomly selected 120 students; 40 from Punjab (P), 40 from Haryana (H) and 40 from Jammu and Kashmir (J and K) population zones of India out of which 20 subjects were males and 20 were females from each population group of age between 18 to 25 years. Nine ear parameters were recorded twice using digital vernier calipers by single investigator and two indices (Ear Index and Lobule Index) were calculated for both the ears. Morphological ear shapes and lobule attachment were also noted.Chi-square test and one way ANOVA tests were performed on cross tabulations followed by turkey HSD test to evaluate significant relationship between both genders in three populations. Results: The highest total ear length in both ears (left and right) was noted in females of Haryana; followed by Punjab and J and K. Out of the total sample size, 60.41% ear lobes were free and 39.59% were attached. 100% Ear symmetry was seen in both ears among both genders of Haryana population and Oval ear shape was observed mostly followed by round, rectangular and triangular in Punjab and Haryana populations and no triangular morphology was observed in J and K population. The highest Ear Index in left ear was seen in both genders in population of Punjab whereas in that of right ear, highest ear index was seen in females of Haryana and males of Punjab population. The highest lobule index was noted in both the ears of females as well as males in Haryana population. Conclusion: The present study results of morphological examination and morpholometric variations of human ears can be used as supportive evidence as having a role in forensic sciences by the identification of landmarks variations in different ethnic groups.

T-tubes Through Cartilage Tympanoplasty: Is It Worth the Perforation Risk?

To review a single surgeon's experience with T-tube placement through cartilage tympanoplasty versus native tympanic membrane for long-term ventilation of the chronic ear and residual perforation rates following tube removal. Retrospective chart review. Two tertiary referral centers. One hundred sixteen patients (4-71 yr of age) who underwent either total island cartilage tympanoplasty or posterior palisade cartilage tympanoplasty with T-tube placement primarily or secondarily from 1998 to 2016. Long-term outcome of each T-tube was recorded with respect to retention and patency, and tympanic membrane status following either tube removal or extrusion. Audiometric data, age, sex, diagnosis, and procedure(s) performed were considered. There were 116 patients (122 total ears and 139 total T-tubes) included: 57 ears underwent total island cartilage tympanoplasty with tube placed through cartilage and 65 ears underwent posterior island graft with tube placed through native tympanic membrane. Sixty-eight T-tubes were placed in the total island cartilage group with three (4.4%) residual perforations following removal. Seventy-one T-tubes were placed in the posterior palisade graft group with six residual perforations (8.5%) following removal or extrusion. The mean retention rate for the T-tubes was 3.93 years for the total island tympanoplasty group and 3.58 years for the posterior palisade tympanoplasty group. The mean follow-up for total island tympanoplasty and posterior palisade tympanoplasty was 5.36 and 5.66 years, respectively. Our data suggest that T-tube placement through cartilage tympanoplasty is worthwhile providing long-term ventilation to the middle ear and portends no higher risk for residual perforation than T-tube placement through native tympanic membrane.