Maize stalk rot reduces grain yield and quality.Information about the genetics of resistance to maize stalk rot could help breeders design effective breeding strategies for the trait.Genomic prediction may be a more e...Maize stalk rot reduces grain yield and quality.Information about the genetics of resistance to maize stalk rot could help breeders design effective breeding strategies for the trait.Genomic prediction may be a more effective breeding strategy for stalk-rot resistance than marker-assisted selection.We performed a genome-wide association study(GWAS)and genomic prediction of resistance in testcross hybrids of 677 inbred lines from the Tuxpe?o and non-Tuxpe?o heterotic pools grown in three environments and genotyped with 200,681 single-nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs).Eighteen SNPs associated with stalk rot shared genomic regions with gene families previously associated with plant biotic and abiotic responses.More favorable SNP haplotypes traced to tropical than to temperate progenitors of the inbred lines.Incorporating genotype-by-environment(G×E)interaction increased genomic prediction accuracy.展开更多
Corn stalk hydrothermal wastewater(CSHW)was used as a pretreatment for whole-slurry anaerobic co-digestion instead of conventional acid pretreatment.CSHW pretreatment was conducted at 20℃,35℃and 50℃for 3,6 and 9 h,...Corn stalk hydrothermal wastewater(CSHW)was used as a pretreatment for whole-slurry anaerobic co-digestion instead of conventional acid pretreatment.CSHW pretreatment was conducted at 20℃,35℃and 50℃for 3,6 and 9 h,after which all experimental groups were digested at 35℃for 24 days.This pretreatment method efficiently broke the lignocellulose structure of the corn stalk.Different from the volatile fatty acids(VFAs)content,the pH and RS contents were relatively higher than those of the control during the pretreatment process.Furthermore,the highest methane production[185.03 mL•g-1 VS(volatile solid)]was achieved at 55.46%under 35℃in 6 h,which was higher than that of the normal corn stalk anaerobic digestion.The VFAs contents and pH increased compared to CK upon the addition of NaOH to adjust pH,and the RS content also increased slightly due to the degradability of lignocellulose during the whole-slurry anaerobic co-digestion.This work provided a potential method to sustainably treat wastewater and improve fermentation performance.展开更多
Stalk strength increases resistance to stalk lodging,which causes maize(Zea mays L.)production losses worldwide.The genetic mechanisms regulating stalk strength remain unclear.In this study,three stalk strength-relate...Stalk strength increases resistance to stalk lodging,which causes maize(Zea mays L.)production losses worldwide.The genetic mechanisms regulating stalk strength remain unclear.In this study,three stalk strength-related traits(rind penetrometer resistance,stalk crushing strength,and stalk bending strength)and four plant architecture traits(plant height,ear height,stem diameter,stem length)were measured in three field trials.Substantial phenotypic variation was detected for these traits.A genome-wide association study(GWAS)was conducted using general and mixed linear models and 372,331 single-nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs).A total of 94 quantitative trait loci including 241 SNPs were detected.By combining the GWAS data with public gene expression data,56 candidate genes within 50 kb of the significant SNPs were identified,including genes encoding flavonol synthase(GRMZM2G069298,ZmFLS2),nitrate reductase(GRMZM5G878558,ZmNR2),glucose-1-phosphate adenylyltransferase(GRMZM2G027955),and laccase(GRMZM2G447271).Resequencing GRMZM2G069298 and GRMZM5G878558 in all tested lines revealed respectively 47 and 2 variants associated with RPR.Comparison of the RPR of the zmnr2EMS mutant and the wild-type plant under high-and low-nitrogen conditions verified the GRMZM5G878558 function.These findings may be useful for clarifying the genetic basis of stalk strength.The identified candidate genes and variants may be useful for the genetic improvement of maize lodging resistance.展开更多
In this paper,we used Corn Stalk(CS)as a renewable and economical bio template to fabricate willemite scaffolds with the potential application in skull bone repair.CS was used as a sacrificial template to synthesize t...In this paper,we used Corn Stalk(CS)as a renewable and economical bio template to fabricate willemite scaffolds with the potential application in skull bone repair.CS was used as a sacrificial template to synthesize the scaffolds.Willemite scaffolds with the chemical formula of Zn2SiO4 and pore size in the range of 3 to 10µm could be successfully synthesized by soaking CS in the willemite solution for 24 h and sintering at 950°C for 5 h.The porosity of the samples was controlled by the soaking time(between 12 and 48 h)in the willemite solution from 5 to 35%,respectively.The properties of these scaffolds showed a good approximation with cranial bone tissue.In addition,cytotoxicity assays(MTT)were performed on Human Bone Marrow Stromal cells(HBMSc)and A172 human glioblastoma cell lines by direct and indirect culture methods to estimate their toxicity for bone and nerve cells,respectively.Alkaline Phosphatase(ALP)activity and DAPI/Phalloidin cell staining were also performed to investigate the efficiency of the scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications.The results showed that the scaffolds had good biocompatibility with both HBMSC and A172 cells,noticeable improvement on ALP activity,and great apatite formation ability in Simulated Body Fluid(SBF).All the evidence ascertained that willemite scaffolds made by corn stalks could be a useful candidate for bone tissue engineering applications.展开更多
Glucosinolates(GSLs) and their hydrolytic products contribute to the quality traits of rapeseed flowering stalk tissues, such as taste, flavor and anticarcinogenic properties(Glucoraphanin). However, little is known a...Glucosinolates(GSLs) and their hydrolytic products contribute to the quality traits of rapeseed flowering stalk tissues, such as taste, flavor and anticarcinogenic properties(Glucoraphanin). However, little is known about the genetic mechanisms of GSL accumulation in rapeseed flowering stalks. In this study, the variation and genetic architecture of GSL metabolites in flowering stalk tissues were investigated for the first time among a panel of 107 accessions. All GSL compounds exhibited continuous and wide variations in the present population. Progoitrin,glucobrassicanapin and gluconapin were the most abundant GSL compounds. Five quantitative trait loci(QTL) significantly associated with three GSL compounds were identified by genome-wide association study. GRA_C04 was under selected during modern breeding, in which the ratio of lower GSL haplotype(HAP2) in the accessions bred before 1990(52.56%) was significantly lower than that after 1990(78.95%). Four candidate genes, BnaA01. SOT16, BnaA06. SOT17, Bna A06. MYB51a, and Bna A06. MYB51b, were identified in the GTL_A01 and 4OH_A06 regions.These findings provide new insights into GSL biosynthesis in flowering stalk tissues and facilitate quality improvement in rapeseed flowering stalks.展开更多
This paper is concerned with the cooperative target stalking for a multi-unmanned surface vehicle(multi-USV)system.Based on the multi-agent deep deterministic policy gradient(MADDPG)algorithm,a multi-USV target stalki...This paper is concerned with the cooperative target stalking for a multi-unmanned surface vehicle(multi-USV)system.Based on the multi-agent deep deterministic policy gradient(MADDPG)algorithm,a multi-USV target stalking(MUTS)algorithm is proposed.Firstly,a V-type probabilistic data extraction method is proposed for the first time to overcome shortcomings of the MADDPG algorithm.The advantages of the proposed method are twofold:1)it can reduce the amount of data and shorten training time;2)it can filter out more important data in the experience buffer for training.Secondly,in order to avoid the collisions of USVs during the stalking process,an action constraint method called Safe DDPG is introduced.Finally,the MUTS algorithm and some existing algorithms are compared in cooperative target stalking scenarios.In order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed MUTS algorithm in stalking tasks,mission operating scenarios and reward functions are well designed in this paper.The proposed MUTS algorithm can help the multi-USV system avoid internal collisions during the mission execution.Moreover,compared with some existing algorithms,the newly proposed one can provide a higher convergence speed and a narrower convergence domain.展开更多
This research aimed at testing the viability of using Sorghum Stalk Ash (SSA) as a partial replacement of lime in the stabilization of red clay soils for road subgrade construction. Red clay soils have been identified...This research aimed at testing the viability of using Sorghum Stalk Ash (SSA) as a partial replacement of lime in the stabilization of red clay soils for road subgrade construction. Red clay soils have been identified as highly expansive soils, which are affected by both climatic conditions and loading patterns. The consideration of both traffic loading patterns and climatic effects on these soils has been taken into account. A penetration test of 2.5 mm has been used on both pure red soils and stabilized soils at 10% and 15% partial replacement of lime with SSA and showed an improvement in the CBR of stabilized red clay soils up to 11.6%. Again, the PI of stabilized soils at 15% partial replacement of lime reduced up to 11.2%. The results obtained on both CBR and PI of these red clay soils are within the recommended values for the effective subgrade required for laying both permanent and flexible pavements. As a result, a recommendation of making use of SSA to lower the quantities of lime and its costs used in the stabilization of highly expansive soils have been tested through this research. However, further research on a more percentage partial replacement of lime to improve the PI of these soils to below 10% while keeping the CBR levels within the road construction regulations is welcomed.展开更多
The accurate evaluation of maize stalk lodging resistance in different growth periods enables timely management of lodging risks and ensures stable and high maize yields.Here,we established five diferent sowing dates ...The accurate evaluation of maize stalk lodging resistance in different growth periods enables timely management of lodging risks and ensures stable and high maize yields.Here,we established five diferent sowing dates to create diferent conditions for maize growth.We evaluated the effects of the different growth conditions on lodging resistance by determining stalk morphology,moisture content,mechanical strength and dry matter,and the relationship between stalk breaking force and these indicators during the silking stage(R1),milk stage(R3),physiological maturity stage(R6),and 20 days after R6.Plant height at R1 positively affected stalk breaking force.At R3,the cofficient of ear height and the dry weight per unit length of basal internodes were key indicators of stalk lodging resistance.At R6,the key indicators were the coefficient of the center of gravity height and plant fresh weight.After R6,the key indicator was the coefficient of the center of gravity height.The crushing strength of the fourth internode correlated significanty and positively with the stalk breaking force from R1 to R6,which indicates that crushing strength is a reliable indicator of stalk mechanical strength.These results suggest that high stalk strength and low ear height beneft lodging resistance prior to R6.During and after R6,the cofficient of the center of gravity height and the mechanical strength of basal internodes can be used to evaluate plant lodging resistance and the appropriate time for harvesting in fields with a high lodging risk.展开更多
Maize is one of the major crops in China, but maize stalk rot occurs nationwide and has become one of the major challenges in maize production in China. In order to find an environment-friendly and feasible technology...Maize is one of the major crops in China, but maize stalk rot occurs nationwide and has become one of the major challenges in maize production in China. In order to find an environment-friendly and feasible technology to control this disease, a Trichoderma-based biocontrol agent was selected. Forty-eight strains with various inhibition activities to Fusarium graminearum, and Fusarium verticillioides were tested. A group of Trichoderma strains(DLY31, SG3403, DLY1303 and GDFS1009) were found to provide an inhibition rate to pathogen growth in vitro of over 70%. These strains also prevented pathogen infection over 65% and promoted the maize seedling growth for the main root in vivo by over 50%. Due to its advantage in antifungal activity against pathogens and promotion activity to maize, Trichoderma asperellum GDSF1009 was selected as the most promising strain of the biocontrol agent in the Trichoderma spectrum. Pot experiments showed that the Trichoderma agent at 2–3 g/pot could achieve the best control of seedling stalk rot and promotion of maize seedling growth. In the field experiments, 8–10 g/hole was able to achieve over 65% control to stalk rot, and yield increased by 2–11%. In the case of natural morbidity, the control efficiency ranged from 27.23 to 48.84%, and the rate of yield increase reached 11.70%, with a dosage of Trichoderma granules at 75 kg ha^-1. Based on these results, we concluded that the Trichoderma agent is a promising biocontrol approach to stalk rot in maize.展开更多
Active carbons(ACs) were prepared through chemical activation of biochar from whole corn stalk(WCS)and corn stalk pith(CSP) at varying temperatures using potassium hydroxide as the activating agent. ACs were character...Active carbons(ACs) were prepared through chemical activation of biochar from whole corn stalk(WCS)and corn stalk pith(CSP) at varying temperatures using potassium hydroxide as the activating agent. ACs were characterized via pore structural analysis and scanning electron microscopy(SEM). These adsorbents were then assessed for their adsorption capacity for butanol vapor. It was found that WCS activated at900 °C for 1 h(WCS-900) had optimal butanol adsorption characteristics. The BET surface area and total pore volume of the WCS-900 were 2330 m2/g and 1.29 cm3/g, respectively. The dynamic adsorption capacity of butanol vapor was 410.0 mg/g, a 185.1% increase compared to charcoal-based commercial AC(143.8 mg/g).展开更多
Sodium-ion batteries(SIBs) have been considered to be potential candidates for next-generation low-cost energy storage systems due to the low-cost and abundance of Na resources. However, it is a big challenge to find ...Sodium-ion batteries(SIBs) have been considered to be potential candidates for next-generation low-cost energy storage systems due to the low-cost and abundance of Na resources. However, it is a big challenge to find suitable anode materials with low-cost and good performance for the application of SIBs. Hard carbon could be a promising anode material due to high capacity and expectable low-cost if originating from biomass. Herein, we report a hard carbon material derived from abundant and abandoned biomass of sorghum stalk through a simple carbonization method. The effects of carbonization temperature on microstructure and electrochemical performance are investigated. The hard carbon carbonized at 1300 ℃ delivers the best rate capability(172 mAh g^(-1) at 200 mA g^(-1)) and good cycling performance(245 mAh g^(-1) after 50 cycles at 20 mA g^(-1),96% capacity retention). This contribution provides a green route for transforming sorghum stalk waste into "treasure"of promising low-cost anode material for SIBs.展开更多
The 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic has attracted worldwide attention. The new virus first emerged in Mexico in April, 2009 was identified as a unique combination of a triple- reassortant swine influenza A virus, compose...The 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic has attracted worldwide attention. The new virus first emerged in Mexico in April, 2009 was identified as a unique combination of a triple- reassortant swine influenza A virus, composed of genetic information from pigs, hu- mans, birds, and a Eurasian swine influenza virus. Several recent studies on the 2009 H1N1 virus util-ized small datasets to conduct analysis. With new sequences available up to date, we were able to extend the previous research in three areas. The first was finding two networks of co-mutations that may po-tentially affect the current flu-drug binding sites on neuraminidase (NA), one of the two surface proteins of flu virus. The second was discovering a special stalk motif, which was dominant in the H5N1 strains in the past, in the 2009 H1N1 strains for the first time. Due to the high virulence of this motif, the second finding is significant in our current research on 2009 H1N1. The third was updating the phylogenetic an- alysis of current NA sequences of 2009 H1N1 and H5N1, which demonstrated that, in clear contrast to previous findings, the N1 sequences in 2009 are di-verse enough to cover different major branches of the phylogenetic tree of those in previous years. As the novel influenza A H1N1 virus continues to spread globally, our results highlighted the importance of performing timely analysis on the 2009 H1N1 virus.展开更多
Pituitary stalk interruption syndrome(PSIS)is a rare congenital abnormality characterized by thinning or disappearance of the pituitary stalk,hypoplasia of the anterior pituitary and an ectopic posterior pituitary.Alt...Pituitary stalk interruption syndrome(PSIS)is a rare congenital abnormality characterized by thinning or disappearance of the pituitary stalk,hypoplasia of the anterior pituitary and an ectopic posterior pituitary.Although the etiology of PSIS is still unclear,gene changes and perinatal adverse events such as breech delivery may play important roles in the pathogenesis of PSIS.PSIS can cause multiple hormone deficiencies,such as growth hormone,which then cause a series of changes in the human body.On the one hand,hormone changes affect growth and development,and on the other hand,they could affect human metabolism and subsequently the liver resulting in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD).Under the synergistic effect of multiple mechanisms,the progression of NAFLD caused by PSIS is faster than that due to other causes.Therefore,in addition to early identification of PSIS,timely hormone replacement therapy and monitoring of relevant hormone levels,clinicians should routinely assess the liver function while managing PSIS.展开更多
It is very difficult to directly spin the lignocellulose without pretreatment.Ionic liquids(ILs)are promising solvent to dissolve lignocellulose to prepare cellulose fiber.However,the degree of cellulose polymerizatio...It is very difficult to directly spin the lignocellulose without pretreatment.Ionic liquids(ILs)are promising solvent to dissolve lignocellulose to prepare cellulose fiber.However,the degree of cellulose polymerization(DP)is reduced when lignocellulose is dissolved in ILs,and the lignin removal rate is low.The elongation at break and tensile strength of the fibers obtained by spinning the lignocellulose dissolved in ILs are poor.In this paper,preparing cellulose fiber directly from lignocellulose based on dissolving corn stalk via[C4mim]Cl-L-arginine binary system is achieved.It shows that the removal rate of lignin can reach 92.35%and the purity of cellulose can reach 85.32%after corn stalk was dissolved at 150℃C for 11.5 h when the mass fraction of arginine is 2.5%.The elongation at break of fiber reached 10.12%and the tensile strength reached 420 MPa.It is mainly due to the fact that L-arginine not only inhibits the degradation of cellulose but also promotes the delignination.Without any pulping or pretreatment,preparing cellulose fibers via direct dissolution and extrusion may provide a simple and effective way to prepare many novel cellulose materials.展开更多
Two separate experiments were carried out: the first one involved a study of the chemical and some intrinsic feed characteristics of raw cotton stalk( CS) and the efficiency of chemical,biological treatments on the im...Two separate experiments were carried out: the first one involved a study of the chemical and some intrinsic feed characteristics of raw cotton stalk( CS) and the efficiency of chemical,biological treatments on the improvement of the feed value of CS. CS was treated with chemical treatment by mixing 3% Ca( OH)2( CS + Ca),3% urea( CS + U),3% urea +3% Ca( OH)2( CS + Ca + U). Moreover,CS was treated with biological treatment by inoculation of either Lentinus edodes( CS + Po) or Pleurotus ostreatus( CS + Pl) or crushing CS by adding minor ingredient processed into pellet feed,samples from all treatment were analyzed for the nutrients,In vitro dry matter digestibility( INDMD) and free gossypol detoxification rate. The second investigated was the use of crushed or granulation CS as a test feed followed by voluntary feed intake and preference test with sheep. CS + Ca + U treatment can reach up the CP and IVDMD to 9% and 36%,respectively. CS + Po decreased the fiber component and improved CP content and IVDMD. The free gossypol content declined and the free gossypol detoxification rate reached more than 50%. By feeding sheep under the same level of concentrate and corn silage,the voluntary feed intake and daily weight gain in granulation group is higher than in crushing group( P < 0. 05). Crushing CS by adding minor ingredient processed into a pellet feed was best in terms of improved nutritional quality,feed intake and preference,and it was safe and practical method that can be widely used in sheep production systems,to promote the CS feed utilization in similar areas.展开更多
This study investigated the effects of torrefaction with Mg(OH)2 on the properties of bio-oil formed from the microwave-assisted catalytic fast co-pyrolysis of straw stalk and soapstock.The effects of torrefaction tem...This study investigated the effects of torrefaction with Mg(OH)2 on the properties of bio-oil formed from the microwave-assisted catalytic fast co-pyrolysis of straw stalk and soapstock.The effects of torrefaction temperature and residence time on the yield and composition of bio-oil were discussed.Results showed that the torrefaction temperature and residence time remarkably influenced the yield and composition of bio-oil.With the increase in temperature and time,the bio-oil yield and the proportion of oxygen-containing compounds decreased,while the proportion of aromatic compounds increased.When the feedstocks were subject to torrefaction reaction for 20 min at 260°C,the proportion of oxygen-containing compounds decreased from 29.89%to 16.49%.Meanwhile,Mg(OH)2 could render the deoxidization function of torrefaction process increasingly noticeable.The proportion of the oxygen-containing compounds reached a minimum(14.41%),when the biomass-to-Mg(OH)2 ratio was 1:1.展开更多
In order to deeply study the leaf-stripping principle for corn stalk, the hexagon-enveloping leaf-stripping experimental device was designed. To achieve higher leaf-stripping percent and provide important references f...In order to deeply study the leaf-stripping principle for corn stalk, the hexagon-enveloping leaf-stripping experimental device was designed. To achieve higher leaf-stripping percent and provide important references for the separation equipment for corn stalk, it is necessary to find out the laws of leaf-stripping of such mechanism and to select the main infl uencing factors of separation performance from a number of factors. Through the study on hexagon-enveloping leaf-stripping mechanism for corn stalks, the leafstripping principle of such mechanism was more clear, and the optimization of structural and kinematic parameters achieved by the experiment whose infl uencing factors were the four selected ones(feeding speed, rotary speed of leaf-stripping roll, clearance and included angle between two leaf-stripping plates) could be directly applied to the development of efficient rind-pith or leaf-stripping separation for corn stalks.展开更多
Raw Banana Stalk (RBS), Acid Activated Banana Stalk (AABS) and Base Activated Banana Stalk (BABS) prepared from banana stalk were used as biosorbents to remove Lead(II) from aqueous solution. The biosorbents were char...Raw Banana Stalk (RBS), Acid Activated Banana Stalk (AABS) and Base Activated Banana Stalk (BABS) prepared from banana stalk were used as biosorbents to remove Lead(II) from aqueous solution. The biosorbents were characterised using proximate analysis and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Pb(II) of 1000 mg/L concentration was prepared from Pb(NO3)2 salt and other concentrations were obtained from this stock through serial dilution. Effects of adsorbent dose, temperature, initial metal concentration, contact time and pH on the percentage Pb(II) removal were evaluated. The Pb(II) concentrations in the solutions were analysed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Kinetic, isotherm and thermodynamic parameters were determined. FTIR spectroscopy showed that RBS, AABS and BABS are rich in carboxyl, hydroxyl and phenolic functional groups. At an equilibrium time of 180 minutes, the percentage Pb(II) removal was 63.97%, 96.13% and 66.90% for RBS, AABS and BABS, respectively. Pseudo-second order kinetics best described the process with R2 (0.95, 0.98, 0.97) for RBS, AABS and BABS, respectively. Langmuir isotherm (AABS) has the maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) of 13.53 mg/g and R2 (0.99). Thermodynamic parameters obtained were △G0 (?18.75 kJ/mol), △H0 (12.63 kJ/mol), △S0 (0.05 kJ/mol·K) and Ea (4.37 kJ/mol). Banana stalk has viable characteristics for preparing biosorbents. Acid activated banana biosorbent is more efficient for removal of lead ions from its aqueous solution.展开更多
基金funded by the CGIAR Research Program(CRP)on MAIZEthe USAID through the Accelerating Genetic Gains Supplemental Project(Amend.No.9 MTO 069033),and the One CGIAR Initiative on Accelerated Breeding+1 种基金funding from the governments of Australia,Belgium,Canada,China,France,India,Japan,the Republic of Korea,Mexico,the Netherlands,New Zealand,Norway,Sweden,Switzerland,the United Kingdom,the United States,and the World Banksupported by the China Scholarship Council。
文摘Maize stalk rot reduces grain yield and quality.Information about the genetics of resistance to maize stalk rot could help breeders design effective breeding strategies for the trait.Genomic prediction may be a more effective breeding strategy for stalk-rot resistance than marker-assisted selection.We performed a genome-wide association study(GWAS)and genomic prediction of resistance in testcross hybrids of 677 inbred lines from the Tuxpe?o and non-Tuxpe?o heterotic pools grown in three environments and genotyped with 200,681 single-nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs).Eighteen SNPs associated with stalk rot shared genomic regions with gene families previously associated with plant biotic and abiotic responses.More favorable SNP haplotypes traced to tropical than to temperate progenitors of the inbred lines.Incorporating genotype-by-environment(G×E)interaction increased genomic prediction accuracy.
基金Supported by the Technological Project of Heilongjiang Province"the Open Competition Mechanism to Select the Best Candidates"(2022ZXJ05C01-03)。
文摘Corn stalk hydrothermal wastewater(CSHW)was used as a pretreatment for whole-slurry anaerobic co-digestion instead of conventional acid pretreatment.CSHW pretreatment was conducted at 20℃,35℃and 50℃for 3,6 and 9 h,after which all experimental groups were digested at 35℃for 24 days.This pretreatment method efficiently broke the lignocellulose structure of the corn stalk.Different from the volatile fatty acids(VFAs)content,the pH and RS contents were relatively higher than those of the control during the pretreatment process.Furthermore,the highest methane production[185.03 mL•g-1 VS(volatile solid)]was achieved at 55.46%under 35℃in 6 h,which was higher than that of the normal corn stalk anaerobic digestion.The VFAs contents and pH increased compared to CK upon the addition of NaOH to adjust pH,and the RS content also increased slightly due to the degradability of lignocellulose during the whole-slurry anaerobic co-digestion.This work provided a potential method to sustainably treat wastewater and improve fermentation performance.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31972487,31902101,32172009 and 32061143030)the Innovative Research Team of Universities in Jiangsu Province,the Science and Technology Development Plan Project of Henan Province(212102110152)+1 种基金the High-end Talent Project of Yangzhou Universitythe Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions(PAPD)。
文摘Stalk strength increases resistance to stalk lodging,which causes maize(Zea mays L.)production losses worldwide.The genetic mechanisms regulating stalk strength remain unclear.In this study,three stalk strength-related traits(rind penetrometer resistance,stalk crushing strength,and stalk bending strength)and four plant architecture traits(plant height,ear height,stem diameter,stem length)were measured in three field trials.Substantial phenotypic variation was detected for these traits.A genome-wide association study(GWAS)was conducted using general and mixed linear models and 372,331 single-nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs).A total of 94 quantitative trait loci including 241 SNPs were detected.By combining the GWAS data with public gene expression data,56 candidate genes within 50 kb of the significant SNPs were identified,including genes encoding flavonol synthase(GRMZM2G069298,ZmFLS2),nitrate reductase(GRMZM5G878558,ZmNR2),glucose-1-phosphate adenylyltransferase(GRMZM2G027955),and laccase(GRMZM2G447271).Resequencing GRMZM2G069298 and GRMZM5G878558 in all tested lines revealed respectively 47 and 2 variants associated with RPR.Comparison of the RPR of the zmnr2EMS mutant and the wild-type plant under high-and low-nitrogen conditions verified the GRMZM5G878558 function.These findings may be useful for clarifying the genetic basis of stalk strength.The identified candidate genes and variants may be useful for the genetic improvement of maize lodging resistance.
文摘In this paper,we used Corn Stalk(CS)as a renewable and economical bio template to fabricate willemite scaffolds with the potential application in skull bone repair.CS was used as a sacrificial template to synthesize the scaffolds.Willemite scaffolds with the chemical formula of Zn2SiO4 and pore size in the range of 3 to 10µm could be successfully synthesized by soaking CS in the willemite solution for 24 h and sintering at 950°C for 5 h.The porosity of the samples was controlled by the soaking time(between 12 and 48 h)in the willemite solution from 5 to 35%,respectively.The properties of these scaffolds showed a good approximation with cranial bone tissue.In addition,cytotoxicity assays(MTT)were performed on Human Bone Marrow Stromal cells(HBMSc)and A172 human glioblastoma cell lines by direct and indirect culture methods to estimate their toxicity for bone and nerve cells,respectively.Alkaline Phosphatase(ALP)activity and DAPI/Phalloidin cell staining were also performed to investigate the efficiency of the scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications.The results showed that the scaffolds had good biocompatibility with both HBMSC and A172 cells,noticeable improvement on ALP activity,and great apatite formation ability in Simulated Body Fluid(SBF).All the evidence ascertained that willemite scaffolds made by corn stalks could be a useful candidate for bone tissue engineering applications.
基金supported by the Key Research and Development project of Hubei Province (Grant Nos. 2020BBB083, 2021BBA097 and 2021BBA102)the National Key Research and Development Program of China (Grant No. 2016YFD0100202)。
文摘Glucosinolates(GSLs) and their hydrolytic products contribute to the quality traits of rapeseed flowering stalk tissues, such as taste, flavor and anticarcinogenic properties(Glucoraphanin). However, little is known about the genetic mechanisms of GSL accumulation in rapeseed flowering stalks. In this study, the variation and genetic architecture of GSL metabolites in flowering stalk tissues were investigated for the first time among a panel of 107 accessions. All GSL compounds exhibited continuous and wide variations in the present population. Progoitrin,glucobrassicanapin and gluconapin were the most abundant GSL compounds. Five quantitative trait loci(QTL) significantly associated with three GSL compounds were identified by genome-wide association study. GRA_C04 was under selected during modern breeding, in which the ratio of lower GSL haplotype(HAP2) in the accessions bred before 1990(52.56%) was significantly lower than that after 1990(78.95%). Four candidate genes, BnaA01. SOT16, BnaA06. SOT17, Bna A06. MYB51a, and Bna A06. MYB51b, were identified in the GTL_A01 and 4OH_A06 regions.These findings provide new insights into GSL biosynthesis in flowering stalk tissues and facilitate quality improvement in rapeseed flowering stalks.
基金supported in part by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(61873335,61833011,62173164)the Project of Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality,China(20ZR1420200,21SQBS01600,22JC1401400,19510750300,21190780300)the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province of China(BK20201451)。
文摘This paper is concerned with the cooperative target stalking for a multi-unmanned surface vehicle(multi-USV)system.Based on the multi-agent deep deterministic policy gradient(MADDPG)algorithm,a multi-USV target stalking(MUTS)algorithm is proposed.Firstly,a V-type probabilistic data extraction method is proposed for the first time to overcome shortcomings of the MADDPG algorithm.The advantages of the proposed method are twofold:1)it can reduce the amount of data and shorten training time;2)it can filter out more important data in the experience buffer for training.Secondly,in order to avoid the collisions of USVs during the stalking process,an action constraint method called Safe DDPG is introduced.Finally,the MUTS algorithm and some existing algorithms are compared in cooperative target stalking scenarios.In order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed MUTS algorithm in stalking tasks,mission operating scenarios and reward functions are well designed in this paper.The proposed MUTS algorithm can help the multi-USV system avoid internal collisions during the mission execution.Moreover,compared with some existing algorithms,the newly proposed one can provide a higher convergence speed and a narrower convergence domain.
文摘This research aimed at testing the viability of using Sorghum Stalk Ash (SSA) as a partial replacement of lime in the stabilization of red clay soils for road subgrade construction. Red clay soils have been identified as highly expansive soils, which are affected by both climatic conditions and loading patterns. The consideration of both traffic loading patterns and climatic effects on these soils has been taken into account. A penetration test of 2.5 mm has been used on both pure red soils and stabilized soils at 10% and 15% partial replacement of lime with SSA and showed an improvement in the CBR of stabilized red clay soils up to 11.6%. Again, the PI of stabilized soils at 15% partial replacement of lime reduced up to 11.2%. The results obtained on both CBR and PI of these red clay soils are within the recommended values for the effective subgrade required for laying both permanent and flexible pavements. As a result, a recommendation of making use of SSA to lower the quantities of lime and its costs used in the stabilization of highly expansive soils have been tested through this research. However, further research on a more percentage partial replacement of lime to improve the PI of these soils to below 10% while keeping the CBR levels within the road construction regulations is welcomed.
基金Supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2017YFD0300302)the earmarked fund for China Agriculture Research System(CARS-02-25)+1 种基金the Science and Technology Program of the Sixth Division of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps in China(1703)the Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Project of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences.
文摘The accurate evaluation of maize stalk lodging resistance in different growth periods enables timely management of lodging risks and ensures stable and high maize yields.Here,we established five diferent sowing dates to create diferent conditions for maize growth.We evaluated the effects of the different growth conditions on lodging resistance by determining stalk morphology,moisture content,mechanical strength and dry matter,and the relationship between stalk breaking force and these indicators during the silking stage(R1),milk stage(R3),physiological maturity stage(R6),and 20 days after R6.Plant height at R1 positively affected stalk breaking force.At R3,the cofficient of ear height and the dry weight per unit length of basal internodes were key indicators of stalk lodging resistance.At R6,the key indicators were the coefficient of the center of gravity height and plant fresh weight.After R6,the key indicator was the coefficient of the center of gravity height.The crushing strength of the fourth internode correlated significanty and positively with the stalk breaking force from R1 to R6,which indicates that crushing strength is a reliable indicator of stalk mechanical strength.These results suggest that high stalk strength and low ear height beneft lodging resistance prior to R6.During and after R6,the cofficient of the center of gravity height and the mechanical strength of basal internodes can be used to evaluate plant lodging resistance and the appropriate time for harvesting in fields with a high lodging risk.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2017YFD0200403)the Key International Intergove rnmental Scientific and Technological Innovation Cooperation Project, China (2017YFE0104900)+2 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31750110455, 31672072)the Agriculture Research System of Shanghai, China (201710)the earmarked fund for the China Agriculture Research System (CARS-02)
文摘Maize is one of the major crops in China, but maize stalk rot occurs nationwide and has become one of the major challenges in maize production in China. In order to find an environment-friendly and feasible technology to control this disease, a Trichoderma-based biocontrol agent was selected. Forty-eight strains with various inhibition activities to Fusarium graminearum, and Fusarium verticillioides were tested. A group of Trichoderma strains(DLY31, SG3403, DLY1303 and GDFS1009) were found to provide an inhibition rate to pathogen growth in vitro of over 70%. These strains also prevented pathogen infection over 65% and promoted the maize seedling growth for the main root in vivo by over 50%. Due to its advantage in antifungal activity against pathogens and promotion activity to maize, Trichoderma asperellum GDSF1009 was selected as the most promising strain of the biocontrol agent in the Trichoderma spectrum. Pot experiments showed that the Trichoderma agent at 2–3 g/pot could achieve the best control of seedling stalk rot and promotion of maize seedling growth. In the field experiments, 8–10 g/hole was able to achieve over 65% control to stalk rot, and yield increased by 2–11%. In the case of natural morbidity, the control efficiency ranged from 27.23 to 48.84%, and the rate of yield increase reached 11.70%, with a dosage of Trichoderma granules at 75 kg ha^-1. Based on these results, we concluded that the Trichoderma agent is a promising biocontrol approach to stalk rot in maize.
基金supported by following projects:“Development of high value carbon based adsorbents from thermochemically produced biochar”USDA-NIFA2011-67009-20030 through the USDA-NIFA Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Sustainable Bioenergy Program which funded the Micropore analyzer and instruments for modifying AC+1 种基金NSF EPSCoR TrackⅡDakota Bio Con center(National Science Foundation/EPSCo R Award No.1330842)supported Mr.Cao Yuhe for his PhD study and GC–MS instrumentDOE Sun Grant Concept Project“Developing Gas Stripping-Adsorption/Desorption Separation Processes based on Porous Carbon Adsorbents for Biofuel Purification from Bioreactors”(North Central Sun Grant Award No.1300478)supported upgrading the Chemical Adsorption Analyzer
文摘Active carbons(ACs) were prepared through chemical activation of biochar from whole corn stalk(WCS)and corn stalk pith(CSP) at varying temperatures using potassium hydroxide as the activating agent. ACs were characterized via pore structural analysis and scanning electron microscopy(SEM). These adsorbents were then assessed for their adsorption capacity for butanol vapor. It was found that WCS activated at900 °C for 1 h(WCS-900) had optimal butanol adsorption characteristics. The BET surface area and total pore volume of the WCS-900 were 2330 m2/g and 1.29 cm3/g, respectively. The dynamic adsorption capacity of butanol vapor was 410.0 mg/g, a 185.1% increase compared to charcoal-based commercial AC(143.8 mg/g).
基金financial support by the 2011 Program of Hubei ProvinceNational Key R&D Program of China (No.2015CB251100)+3 种基金National Science Foundation of China (No. 21673165, 21373155 and 21333007)Natural Science Foundation of Hubei Province, China (Grant No. 2015CFC774)Program for New Century Excellent Talents in University (NCET-12-0419)Hubei National Funds for Distinguished Young Scholars (2014CFA038)
文摘Sodium-ion batteries(SIBs) have been considered to be potential candidates for next-generation low-cost energy storage systems due to the low-cost and abundance of Na resources. However, it is a big challenge to find suitable anode materials with low-cost and good performance for the application of SIBs. Hard carbon could be a promising anode material due to high capacity and expectable low-cost if originating from biomass. Herein, we report a hard carbon material derived from abundant and abandoned biomass of sorghum stalk through a simple carbonization method. The effects of carbonization temperature on microstructure and electrochemical performance are investigated. The hard carbon carbonized at 1300 ℃ delivers the best rate capability(172 mAh g^(-1) at 200 mA g^(-1)) and good cycling performance(245 mAh g^(-1) after 50 cycles at 20 mA g^(-1),96% capacity retention). This contribution provides a green route for transforming sorghum stalk waste into "treasure"of promising low-cost anode material for SIBs.
文摘The 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic has attracted worldwide attention. The new virus first emerged in Mexico in April, 2009 was identified as a unique combination of a triple- reassortant swine influenza A virus, composed of genetic information from pigs, hu- mans, birds, and a Eurasian swine influenza virus. Several recent studies on the 2009 H1N1 virus util-ized small datasets to conduct analysis. With new sequences available up to date, we were able to extend the previous research in three areas. The first was finding two networks of co-mutations that may po-tentially affect the current flu-drug binding sites on neuraminidase (NA), one of the two surface proteins of flu virus. The second was discovering a special stalk motif, which was dominant in the H5N1 strains in the past, in the 2009 H1N1 strains for the first time. Due to the high virulence of this motif, the second finding is significant in our current research on 2009 H1N1. The third was updating the phylogenetic an- alysis of current NA sequences of 2009 H1N1 and H5N1, which demonstrated that, in clear contrast to previous findings, the N1 sequences in 2009 are di-verse enough to cover different major branches of the phylogenetic tree of those in previous years. As the novel influenza A H1N1 virus continues to spread globally, our results highlighted the importance of performing timely analysis on the 2009 H1N1 virus.
基金Supported by The Innovative Talent Support Program of The Institution of Higher Learning in Liaoning Province,No.2018-478The Innovative Talents of Science and Technology Support Program of Young and Middle People of Shenyang,No.RC170446.
文摘Pituitary stalk interruption syndrome(PSIS)is a rare congenital abnormality characterized by thinning or disappearance of the pituitary stalk,hypoplasia of the anterior pituitary and an ectopic posterior pituitary.Although the etiology of PSIS is still unclear,gene changes and perinatal adverse events such as breech delivery may play important roles in the pathogenesis of PSIS.PSIS can cause multiple hormone deficiencies,such as growth hormone,which then cause a series of changes in the human body.On the one hand,hormone changes affect growth and development,and on the other hand,they could affect human metabolism and subsequently the liver resulting in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD).Under the synergistic effect of multiple mechanisms,the progression of NAFLD caused by PSIS is faster than that due to other causes.Therefore,in addition to early identification of PSIS,timely hormone replacement therapy and monitoring of relevant hormone levels,clinicians should routinely assess the liver function while managing PSIS.
基金This research was financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.21878292,No.21606240,No.21878314)K.C.Wong Education Foundation(No.GJTD-2018-04)the Strategic Priority Research Program of Chinese Academy of Science(No.XDA21060300).
文摘It is very difficult to directly spin the lignocellulose without pretreatment.Ionic liquids(ILs)are promising solvent to dissolve lignocellulose to prepare cellulose fiber.However,the degree of cellulose polymerization(DP)is reduced when lignocellulose is dissolved in ILs,and the lignin removal rate is low.The elongation at break and tensile strength of the fibers obtained by spinning the lignocellulose dissolved in ILs are poor.In this paper,preparing cellulose fiber directly from lignocellulose based on dissolving corn stalk via[C4mim]Cl-L-arginine binary system is achieved.It shows that the removal rate of lignin can reach 92.35%and the purity of cellulose can reach 85.32%after corn stalk was dissolved at 150℃C for 11.5 h when the mass fraction of arginine is 2.5%.The elongation at break of fiber reached 10.12%and the tensile strength reached 420 MPa.It is mainly due to the fact that L-arginine not only inhibits the degradation of cellulose but also promotes the delignination.Without any pulping or pretreatment,preparing cellulose fibers via direct dissolution and extrusion may provide a simple and effective way to prepare many novel cellulose materials.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(31360565)
文摘Two separate experiments were carried out: the first one involved a study of the chemical and some intrinsic feed characteristics of raw cotton stalk( CS) and the efficiency of chemical,biological treatments on the improvement of the feed value of CS. CS was treated with chemical treatment by mixing 3% Ca( OH)2( CS + Ca),3% urea( CS + U),3% urea +3% Ca( OH)2( CS + Ca + U). Moreover,CS was treated with biological treatment by inoculation of either Lentinus edodes( CS + Po) or Pleurotus ostreatus( CS + Pl) or crushing CS by adding minor ingredient processed into pellet feed,samples from all treatment were analyzed for the nutrients,In vitro dry matter digestibility( INDMD) and free gossypol detoxification rate. The second investigated was the use of crushed or granulation CS as a test feed followed by voluntary feed intake and preference test with sheep. CS + Ca + U treatment can reach up the CP and IVDMD to 9% and 36%,respectively. CS + Po decreased the fiber component and improved CP content and IVDMD. The free gossypol content declined and the free gossypol detoxification rate reached more than 50%. By feeding sheep under the same level of concentrate and corn silage,the voluntary feed intake and daily weight gain in granulation group is higher than in crushing group( P < 0. 05). Crushing CS by adding minor ingredient processed into a pellet feed was best in terms of improved nutritional quality,feed intake and preference,and it was safe and practical method that can be widely used in sheep production systems,to promote the CS feed utilization in similar areas.
基金financial support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 21766019)the Key Research and Development Program of Jiangxi Province (20171BBF60023)+2 种基金the International Science & Technology Cooperation Project of China (2015DFA60170-4)the Science and Technology Research Project of Jiangxi Province Education Department (No. GJJ150213)the Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New and Renewable Energy Research and Development Program (No. Y707sb1001)
文摘This study investigated the effects of torrefaction with Mg(OH)2 on the properties of bio-oil formed from the microwave-assisted catalytic fast co-pyrolysis of straw stalk and soapstock.The effects of torrefaction temperature and residence time on the yield and composition of bio-oil were discussed.Results showed that the torrefaction temperature and residence time remarkably influenced the yield and composition of bio-oil.With the increase in temperature and time,the bio-oil yield and the proportion of oxygen-containing compounds decreased,while the proportion of aromatic compounds increased.When the feedstocks were subject to torrefaction reaction for 20 min at 260°C,the proportion of oxygen-containing compounds decreased from 29.89%to 16.49%.Meanwhile,Mg(OH)2 could render the deoxidization function of torrefaction process increasingly noticeable.The proportion of the oxygen-containing compounds reached a minimum(14.41%),when the biomass-to-Mg(OH)2 ratio was 1:1.
基金Supported by the National Science and Technology Support Funded Project(2011BAD20B08)
文摘In order to deeply study the leaf-stripping principle for corn stalk, the hexagon-enveloping leaf-stripping experimental device was designed. To achieve higher leaf-stripping percent and provide important references for the separation equipment for corn stalk, it is necessary to find out the laws of leaf-stripping of such mechanism and to select the main infl uencing factors of separation performance from a number of factors. Through the study on hexagon-enveloping leaf-stripping mechanism for corn stalks, the leafstripping principle of such mechanism was more clear, and the optimization of structural and kinematic parameters achieved by the experiment whose infl uencing factors were the four selected ones(feeding speed, rotary speed of leaf-stripping roll, clearance and included angle between two leaf-stripping plates) could be directly applied to the development of efficient rind-pith or leaf-stripping separation for corn stalks.
文摘Raw Banana Stalk (RBS), Acid Activated Banana Stalk (AABS) and Base Activated Banana Stalk (BABS) prepared from banana stalk were used as biosorbents to remove Lead(II) from aqueous solution. The biosorbents were characterised using proximate analysis and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Pb(II) of 1000 mg/L concentration was prepared from Pb(NO3)2 salt and other concentrations were obtained from this stock through serial dilution. Effects of adsorbent dose, temperature, initial metal concentration, contact time and pH on the percentage Pb(II) removal were evaluated. The Pb(II) concentrations in the solutions were analysed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Kinetic, isotherm and thermodynamic parameters were determined. FTIR spectroscopy showed that RBS, AABS and BABS are rich in carboxyl, hydroxyl and phenolic functional groups. At an equilibrium time of 180 minutes, the percentage Pb(II) removal was 63.97%, 96.13% and 66.90% for RBS, AABS and BABS, respectively. Pseudo-second order kinetics best described the process with R2 (0.95, 0.98, 0.97) for RBS, AABS and BABS, respectively. Langmuir isotherm (AABS) has the maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) of 13.53 mg/g and R2 (0.99). Thermodynamic parameters obtained were △G0 (?18.75 kJ/mol), △H0 (12.63 kJ/mol), △S0 (0.05 kJ/mol·K) and Ea (4.37 kJ/mol). Banana stalk has viable characteristics for preparing biosorbents. Acid activated banana biosorbent is more efficient for removal of lead ions from its aqueous solution.
