Near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy phenomic prediction can perform similarly to genomic prediction of maize agronomic traits across environments.

For nearly two decades, genomic prediction and selection have supported efforts to increase genetic gains in plant and animal improvement programs. However, novel phenomic strategies for predicting complex traits in maize have recently proven beneficial when integrated into across-environment sparse genomic prediction models. One phenomic data modality is whole grain near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), which records reflectance values of biological samples (e.

Evaluating and Predicting the Performance of Sorghum Lines in an Elite by Exotic Backcross-Nested Association Mapping Population.

Maintaining or introducing genetic diversity into plant breeding programs is necessary for continual genetic gain; however, diversity at the cost of reduced performance is not something sought by breeders. To this end, backcross-nested association mapping (BC-NAM) populations, in which the recurrent parent is an elite line, can be employed as a strategy to introgress diversity from unadapted accessions while maintaining agronomic performance. This study evaluates (i) the hybrid performance of sorghum lines from 18 BC-NAM families and (ii) the potential of genomic prediction to screen lines from BC-NAM families for hybrid performance prior to phenotypic evaluation.

Non-Destructive Direct Pericarp Thickness Measurement of Sorghum Kernels Using Extended-Focus Optical Coherence Microscopy.

Non-destructive measurements of internal morphological structures in plant materials such as seeds are of high interest in agricultural research. The estimation of pericarp thickness is important to understand the grain quality and storage stability of seeds and can play a crucial role in improving crop yield. In this study, we demonstrate the applicability of fiber-based Bessel beam Fourier domain (FD) optical coherence microscopy (OCM) with a nearly constant high lateral resolution maintained at over ~400 µm for direct non-invasive measurement of the pericarp thickness of two different sorghum genotypes.

Application of X-ray computed tomography to analyze the structure of sorghum grain.

Background: The structural characteristics of whole sorghum kernels are known to affect end-use quality, but traditional evaluation of this structure is two-dimensional (i.e., cross section of a kernel).

Decade review of mandible fractures and arch bar impact on outcomes of nonsubcondylar fractures.

Objectives/hypothesis: Review trends in mandible fracture management and outcomes in patients treated with and without intraoperative arch bar use.

Study Design: Retrospective chart review.

Methods: All patients with mandible fractures between October 1, 2001, and October 1, 2011, were reviewed.

Institutional and comprehensive review of laryngeal leukoplakia.

Objectives: The nature and interpretation of vocal fold leukoplakia has been limited by small study sizes. The present study reviewed institutional data and the published literature to better characterize vocal fold leukoplakia.

Methods: At our institution, the histopathology, age, and malignant conversion rates of 136 patients (208 biopsies) with vocal fold leukoplakia from 1990 to 2005 were reviewed.