Effects of Ultrasound/Dilute H_2 SO_4 Pretreatment on Cellulase Activity of Corn Straw Liquid Fermentation

[ Objective] The aim was to study pretreatment of ultrasound enhancing dilute H2SO4 on cellulase activity of corn straw liquid fermentation and explore the pretretment＇ s optimal conditions. [ Method ] By using orthogonal test, the pretretment of ultrasound enhancing dilute H2SO4 on corn straw was studied, then straw was fermented as the sole carbon source. Finally, the cellulase activity in extracellular fermentation broth was determined. [Result] The results showed that cellulase activity in extracellular broth was greatest under the conditions of acid bath time 3 h, acid concentration 3.5%, ultrasonic power 150 W, and ultrasonic time 5 h. They were FPA 15.82 U/ml, Cx 39.9 U/ml, 13-Giu 55.94 U/ml respectively. [ Conclusion] Under the above conditions, extracellular cellulase production has a high stability.

Effects of Cadmium Stress on Physiological and Biochemical Indexes in Different Maize Cultivars

[Objective] This paper aimed to investigate the effects of cadmium（Cd）stress on physiological and biochemical indexes in different maize cultivars and provide theoretical basis for the study on heavy metal ecotoxicology.[Method] The maize cultivars includeing Tienan 2,Yingdan 11 and Zhengdan 958 which were widely planted in Liaoning Province were selected as the experimental materials.And then the effects of different Cd2＋ concentrations on seed germination,physiological and biochemical indexes of young seedlings were investigated.[Result] The lower Cd2＋ concentration showed some the stimulation effect on seed germination of maize,while the higher concentration had obvious inhibitory effect to some extend.The seed germination of all the maize verities was obviously inhibited when the Cd2＋ concentration was more than 5 mg/L.And with the increasing of the Cd2＋ concentration,the seedling growth,exosmic conductivity and chlorophyll content of the maize varieties with different tolerance to Cd2＋ were distinctly changed.[Conclusion] The resistance of Tienan 2 to Cd2＋ was significantly higher than that of the other two varieties.

Dry Matter Accumulation,Moisture Content in Maize Kernel and Their Influences on Mechanical Harvesting

[Objective] The aim of this study was to investigate the dry matter accumulation,moisture content in maize kernel and their influences on mechanical harvesting.[Methods] Using Zhengdan 958,Xianyu 335,Hongda 8 and Liyu 16 as experimental materials,we preliminarily measured the dynamic changes of dry matter accumulation and moisture content with the days after pollination lasted,and investigated the effect of moisture content in kernels on mechanical harvesting of Zhengdan 958 and Liyu 16.[Results] During summer growing season,Zhengdan 958 and Liyu 16 became physiologically mature and suitable for harvesting at about 51 days after pollination,Xianyu 335 and Hongda 8 required 58 days to become physiologically mature and suitable for harvesting after pollination.At physiologically mature stage,the moisture contents in kernels of Zhengdan 958,Xianyu 335,Hongda 8 and Liyu 16 were respectively 33.74%,28.86%,32.05% and 35.24%,respectively.Adopting mechanical harvesting at physiologically mature stage,the kernel loss rate of Zhengdan 958 and Liyu 16 was consistent with the range of mechanical operation index（kernel loss rate of 0.84%≤2%）,while the percentage of broken kernels did not accord with the range of mechanical operation index（kernel crashing rate of 10.12%≧1%）.The results indicate that Zhengdan 958 and Liyu 16 are not suitable for mechanical harvesting using full feeding combine havester.[Conclusion] This study provided theoretical basis for improving the maize harvest index under delayed harvesting.

Effects of Different Nutrient Management Systems and Cultivation Methods on Crop Yield and Soil Fertility

[Objective] The aim was to provide scientific basis for improving the middle and low yielding fields fertility and farmland productivity. [Method] A field experiment was carried out to study the effects of different management practices （including nutrient management systems and cultivation methods） on crop yield and soil fertility in winter wheat/summer maize rotation system. [Result] The crop yield in the treatment of the high yield and high efficiency system was remarkably higher than farmer conventional management practice. After five crop seasons experiment, the contents of soil organic matter for high yield and high efficiency system increased 2.72-3.01 g/kg, and that of soil total nitrogen increased 0.12-0.16 g/kg, the soil Olsen-P increased 5.2 mg/kg and the soil available K （NH4OAC-K） increased about 37.8 mg/kg. [Conclusion] Considering the yield and soil fertility comprehensively, the management system of high yield and high efficiency could effectively increase the crop yield and improve the soil fertility.

Effects of Super Absorbent Polymers on Yield and Water-saving and Drought-escaping Mechanism in Spring Maize

The effects of super absorbent polymers （SAP） on yield as well as water-saving and drought-escaping mechanism in spring maize in the seasonal drought region were studied. As shown by the results, during the seasonal drought in southern China, SAP treatment promoted the soil moisture, improved the capability of absorption and transportation of roots, promoted physiological and biochemical functions, increased the chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rate and intercellular CO2 concentration, and reduced the stomatal conductance and transplre.tion rate. As a result, the economic characters of spring maize were improved, and the yield was increased.

Effects of Pyrene Stress on Growth and Physiological Indexes of Maize(Zea mays L.) Seedling

[Objective]The paper was to explore the effects of pyrene stress on growth and physiological indexes of maize seedling.[Method] The effects of different concentrations of pyrene（0,0.5,1.0,and 2.0 mg/L） on growth and several physiological indexes,such as chlorophyll content,malnodiadehyde（MDA） content of both leaves and roots of maize（Zea Mays L.） seedlings of Shixiang 1（sensitive variety） and Guangtian 3（tolerant variety） were studied by a hydroponic experiment.[Result]As the concentration of prene increasing within the test concentration range,the contents of chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b in Shixiang 1 first increased and then decreased;relative growth yield and absolute growth rate showed the decreasing trend;MDA contents in roots and leaves showed the increasing trend.Relative growth yield,absolute growth rate and chlorophyll a content in Guangtian 3 first increased and then decreased;chlorophyll b and MDA contents in roots showed the increasing trend;MDA contents in leaves showed the decreasing trend.Compared with control,chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b contents of Shixiang 1 significantly increased under pyrene concentration of 0.5-1.0 mg/L,which significantly decreased as the concentration of pyrene ≥2.0 mg/L;MDA contents in roots and leaves significantly increased as the concentration of pyrene ≥1.0 mg/L,while relative growth yield and absolute growth rate significantly decreased.Chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b contents in Guangtian 3 significantly increased as the concentration of pyrene ≥1.0 mg/L.Pyrene concentration had significantly negative correlation with relative growth yield and absolute growth rate of Shixiang 1,while it had significant positive correlation with MDA contents in roots.Pyrene concentration had significant positive correlation with chlorophyll b and MDA contents in roots of tolerant variety Guangtian 3.[Conclusion]The study provided basis for the management measures of maize during its seedling stage.

Effects of Corn Stalk-composted Organic Fertilizer on Physiochemical Properties of Tobacco-growing Soil

In order to explore the method of returning corn stalk into field, the effects of returning corn stalk direcfly into soil and applying corn stalk-composted orgar^c fertilizer into soil on the physiochemical properties of tobacco-growing soil were studied. The results showed that returning corn stalk into soil could reduce soil bulk density and increase soil porosity, so as to improve the water and fertilizer retention capacity of tobacco-growing soil. At the same time, returning corn stalk into soil could also increase the organic matter, available phosphorus and available potassi- um contents in tobacco-growing soil. In the early field growth stage of tobacco, soil alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen content decreased slightly; but in the middle and later field growth stage, the alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen content in tobacco-growing soil increased. The treatment effect of corn stalk＋urea＋fermentation bacteria and corn stalk＋urea＋BM was better than that of the control （returning corn stalk directly into soil）, indicating that the corn stalk-composted organic fertilizer had certain popular- ization value.

Comparative Physical Localization of Rice Pib Gene and Its Linked RFLP Markers in Oryza sativa, O. officinalis and Zea mays

Comparative genetic studies have shown that there are widespread synteny and colinearity of the genes among different species within grass family. Rice ( Oryza sativa L.) is a model plant, and analysis of its genome allows us to reveal the common features and the evolutionary rules of the gramineous genomes and accumulate the data for establishment of a common genetic system in the Poaceae. In this study, a rice gene Pib ( 10.3 kb), a map-based cloned gene, and RFLP markers linked with it are used as the tested probes to investigate their homology and physical location among the tested species. Southern blotting analysis showed that there were sequences homologous to Pib in maize genome. Further, Pib was localized onto the chromosomes of O. sativa ssp. indica cv. Guangluai 4, O. officinalis Wall ex Watt and the inbred line of Zea mays cv. Huangzao 4. The results of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and double-color FISH indicated that a synteny of Pib and RFLP markers linked with Pib existed among the genomes of the three tested species.

Pretreatment of Corn Stover Using Supercritical CO2 with Water-Ethanol as Co-solvent

Supercritical carbon dioxide,with water-ethanol as co-solvent,was applied to pretreat corn stover to enhance its enzymatic hydrolysis.The efficiency of pretreatment was evaluated by the final reducing sugar yield obtained from the enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose.Under the operation conditions of pretreatment pressure 15 MPa,temperature 180 ℃ and time 1 h,the optimal sugar yield of 77.8℅ was obtained.Scanning electron microscopy(SEM) and chemical composition analysis were applied to the pretreated corn stover.The results showed that the surface morphology and microscopic structure of pretreated corn stover were greatly changed.After the pretreatment,the contents of hemicellulose and lignin were reduced obviously.Thus more cellulose was exposed,increasing the sugar yield.

Use of Sewage Sludge After Liming as Fertilizer for Maize Growth

The use of sewage sludge on agricultural land provides an alternative for its disposal. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility of using industrial sewage sludge produced in Pakistan, as an agricultural fertilizer. The agricultural soil amended with 250 g kg^-1 sewage sludge with or without lime treatment was used for the growth of the common local grain crop, maize （Zea maize）. The mobility of the trace and toxic metals in the sludge samples was assessed by applying a modified BCR sequential extraction procedure. The single extraction procedure was comprised of the application of a mild extractant （CaCl2） and water, for the estimation of the proportion of easily soluble metal fractions. To check the precision of the analytical results, the concentrations of trace and toxic metals in every step of the sequential extraction procedure were summed up and compared with total metal concentrations. The plant-available metal contents, as indicated by the deionized water and 0.01 mol L^-1 CaCl2 solution extraction fractions and the exchangeable fraction of the sequential extraction, decreased significantly （P 〈 0.05） with lime application because of the reduced metal availability at a higher pH, except in the cases of Cd and Cu, whose mobility was slightly increased. Sludge amendment enhanced the dry weight yield of maize and the increase was more obvious for the soil with lime treatment. Liming the sewage sludge reduced the trace and toxic metal contents in the grain tissues, except Cu and Cd, which were below the permissible limits of these metals. The present experiment demonstrates that liming was an important factor in facilitating the growth of maize in sludge-amended soil.

Ignition and Emission Characteristics of Ignition-assisting Agents for Densified Corn Stover Briquette Fuel

Ignition-assisting agents for densified corn stover briquette fuel(DCBF) were developed,and their ignition and emission characteristics were investigated using type LLA-6 household cooking stove.Three waste liquid fuels,waste engine oil(E) ,diesel oil(D) ,and industrial alcohol(A) ,were used as raw materials to make 25 ignitionassisting agents by mixing at different ratios.Their ignition performance was evaluated in terms of ignition time and cost.It was found that ignition-assisting agents ED15(a mix of E and D at volume ratio of 1︰5) and DA51(a mix of D and A at volume ratio of 5︰1) presented better ignition results with shorter ignition time(40-53 s) and lower cost(6.1 and 5.3 cents) at the dosages of 9 ml and 8 ml,respectively.The emission of O2,CO,CO2,NOx,and SO2,the temperature in fume gas,and combustion efficiency were investigated for ED15 and DA51.The results show that the emission of ED15 with the dosage of 9 ml is lower than that of DA51 with the dosage of 8 ml in the ignition process.ED15 at the dosage of 9 ml achieves satisfactory combustion efficiency and emits less pollutant,so it is recommended for practical application.The study will provide a cost-effective and environmentally friendly approach to fast ignite DCBF and break the barrier to the practical application of DCBF.

Spatial Variability of Soil Organic Carbon Under Maize Monoculture in the Song-Nen Plain, Northeast China

Soil organic carbon (SOC) and its relationship with landscape attributes are important for evaluating current regional, continental, and global carbon stores. Data of SOC in surface soils (0–20 cm) of four main soils, Cambisol, Arenosol, Phaeozem, and Chernozem, were collected at 451 locations in Nongan County under maize monoculture in the Song-Nen Plain, Northeast China. The spatial characteristics of soil organic carbon were studied, using geographic information systems (GIS) and geostatistics. Effects of other soil physical and chemical properties, elevation, slope, and soil type on SOC were explored. SOC concentrations followed a normal distribution, with an arithmetic mean of 14.91 g kg-1 . The experimental variogram of SOC was fitted with a spherical model. There were significant correlations between soil organic carbon and bulk density (r =-0.374**), pH (r = 0.549**), total nitrogen (r = 0.781**), extractable phosphorus (r =-0.109*), exchangeable potassium (r = 0.565**), and cation exchange capacity (r = 0.313**). Generally, lower SOC concentrations were significantly associated with high elevation (r =-0.429**). Soil organic carbon was significantly negatively correlated with slope gradient (r =-0.195**). Samples of the Cambisol statistically had the highest SOC concentrations, and samples of the Arenosol had the lowest SOC value.

Characterization of Lignins Isolated from Alkali Treated Prehydrolysate of Corn Stover

Lignins were isolated and purified from alkali treated prehydrolysate of corn stover. The paper presents the structural features of lignins in a series purification processes. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet-vis spectroscopy and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy were used to analyze the chemical structure. Thermogravimetric analysis was applied to follow the thermal degradation, and wet chemical method was used to determine the sugar content. The results showed that the crude lignin from the prehydrolysate of corn stover was a heterogeneous material of syringyl, guaiacyl and p-hydroxyphenyl units, containing associated polysaccharides, lipids, and melted salts. Some of the crude lignin was chemically linked to hemicelluloses （mainly xylan）. The lipids in crude lignin were probably composed of saturated and/or unsaturated long carbon chains, fatty acids, tdterpenols, waxes, and derivatives of aromatic. The sugar content of purified lignin was less than 2.11%, mainly composed of guaiacyl units. DTGmax of purified lignin was 359 ℃. The majority of the hydroxyl groups were phenolic hydroxyl groups. The main type of linkages in purified lignin was β-O-4. Other types of linkages included β-5, β-β and α-O-4.

Exploration on the Regularity of Nitrogen Requirement of Zhoumai 22 in the Condition of Yield Increase of Wheat-maize Integration

[Objective] In this study, the aim was to explore the annual dosage and allocation proportion of nitrogenous fertilizer for Zhoumai 22 in the condition of wheat-maize integration. [Method] The rules of growth and yield variation of Zhoumai 22 under different dosages of nitrogenous fertilizer and different distribution ratios were studied. [Result] With the increase of nitrogenous fertilizer application and distribution rate from maize to wheat, the physiological indexes of Zhoumai 22 population showed an increasing trend, while the yield presented the variation trend of increasing firstly and decreasing then. [Conclusion] Annual amount of nitrogenous fertilizer of 600 kg/hm2 and the distribution ratio of 5：5 in the condition of wheat- maize integration was beneficial to the high yield of the whole year＇s crops and Zhoumai 22.

Multi-objective regulation in autohydrolysis process of corn stover by liquid hot water pretreatment

Increasing reducing sugars(xylose and glucose) yield for bioethanol from corn stover depends strongly on optimization of pretreatment conditions. The optimum reaction conditions of two-stage liquid hot water(LHW) pretreatment based on total sugars yield were investigated. Under optimal conditions, the recovery of glucose of corn stover after two-stage LHW pretreatment and 72 h enzymatic digestion, reached 89.55%. In addition, acetic acid-rich spent liquor pretreatment and one-stage LHW pretreatment have been carried out to make comparisons with two-stage LHW treatment. Glucose yield 89.55% is superior to the recovery 83.38% using acetic acidrich spent liquor pretreatment or 80.58% using one-stage LHW pretreatment. The production of total sugars was increased by 7.8% when compared with one-stage pretreatment. Moreover, the structural features of the treated corn stover solid residues were also investigated by XRD and SEM technology in order to clarify the effects of the reaction on corn stover. The results indicated that the two-stage LHW pretreatment was an effective pretreatment method of corn stover to get most massive resource utilization, and it could be successfully applied to corn stover.

Research on Hydrolysis and Saccharification of Corn Stover

In this paper three methods(dilute acid pretreatment, aqueous ammonia/dilute acid pretreatment and alkaline pretreatment) were used to study the hydrolysis of corn stover and characteristics of each method were compared. The results showed that the lignin removal rate was 71.8% when the corn stover was treated with a caustic soda solution containing 1.5% of NaOH, at a temperature of 75 ℃ for 90 min with an initial solid-liquid ratio of 1:8(w/v). Hydrolysis yield of the NaOH pretreated sample reached 78.5%, which was much higher than other control groups. These results are useful for evaluation of pretreatment technologies, and identification of key factors that limit cellulose hydrolysis, and can also serve as a basis for designing and screening appropriate pretreatment technologies.

Mythoform and the Misovire Consciousness： A Gender Conceptual Renewal Strategy in Werewere Liking＇s It Shall Be of Jasper and Coral

This paper underscores the need for new plausible myths that redefine gender relations in an attempt to revalue female assertion, ethical values, and human development. This creative process presents a different perspective from the views of some feminist theorists who have seen myth as a regressive and oppressive structure. The focus, in this paper, is to illustrate how in her chant-novel It Shah Be of Jasper and Coral Liking appropriates the productive force of myths through the misovire consciousness and ritual structure for her gender politics and for promoting ethical values and the culture of human development. In this regard, she decodes existing negative myths and reconstructs new gender myths that redefine gender relations, celebrate what she calls women＇s ＂cosmic force＂ and through ritual cleansing, reinvents a new language of beauty and a new race of Jasper and Coral. Thus, guided by the tenets of deconstruetion and the gender relations frameworks, this paper defends the thesis that Liking＇s chant-novel through myth invention and revision combines and fuses traditional and modem aesthetics, thematic and structural elements that she uses to deconstruct social and gender relations. The contention is that in negotiating plausible gender relations for men and women in Africa, Liking＇s story and structure incorporate the cleansing, cathartic effect of Bassa ritual performance into the narrative.

Maize （Zea mays L.） Growth and Grain Yield under Conventional and Site-Specific Nitrogen Management in a Dryland Farming System

Large amount of pre-plant nitrogen （N） fertilizer results in low N use efficiency due to poor synchrony between soil N supply and maize N demand, especially during N sensitive growth stages. The objectives of the study were to compare growth and yield of maize （Zea rnays L.） under conventional and site-specific N management in a dryland farming system. The study, which was designed as randomized complete block design was conducted over three site-years under continuous maize cropping system in the semi-arid regions of the Limpopo Province in South Africa. Treatments of the study consisted of three N management strategies on a maize field planted to drought resistant SNK 2147 hybrid maize cultivar. Treatments were： （i） no N application （NO）, （ii） site-specific N at variable rates ranging between 18 kg N/ha and 33 kg N/ha based on soil analysis results （N l） and （iii） conventional and uniform N application broadcasted during planting at 58 kg N/ha （N2）. Sufficiency index as indication of N deficiency was determined using CCM-200 on maize leaves based on leaf numbers during maize vegetative growth stages V6, V10 and Vl4, and thereafter N was applied only when needed. The highest maize grain yield of 5.2 Mg/ha for N 1 was significantly higher （P 〈 0.05） than 3.2 Mg/ha and 4.0 Mg/ha of N0 and N2 in site-year I, respectively. Maize grain yield of 2.2 Mg/ha （Nl） at site-year ll was significantly higher （P _〈 0.05） than 1.7 Mg/ha of the NO. The maize growth and yield under N2 and N1 was compared, N1 required between 43% and 69% lesser N fertilizer as compared to N2 over site-years, and resulted in higher maize height, number of leaves per plant, leaf length, and leaf area than that of conventional N management strategy. Therefore, site-specific N management strategy sustains and improves growth and yield of maize using minimal N fertilizer as compared to conventional approach in low fertility soils of semi-arid regions in dryland farming systems. In examining the results of this study, there was a consistent benefit of site-specific N management strategy on improving growth and yield of maize while saving fertilizer use in small-scale dryland maize farming system.

Management Options and Soil Types Differentially Affect Weeds in Maize Fields of Kakamega, Western Kenya

Maize production in Kenya is constrained by weed infestation and nutrient deficiencies. Field studies were conducted during the 2008/2009 cropping seasons to investigate weeds in maize fields on three dominant soil types in Western Kenya. Weeds were inventoried and their composition was compared using Jaccard＇s index. The economic importance of weed species （potential to reduce yields and the difficulty to control them by manual weeding） was assessed through participatory surveys. Finally, field trials assessed the effects of management options （farmer＇s practice, clean weeding, green manure, zero-tillage ＋ cover crop and zero-tillage） on weed biomass and species composition. Across the three soil types, 55 weed species in 21 families were identified. Soil types influenced species composition as confirmed by Jaccard＇s similarity indices of 0.50, 0.58 and 0.62 for Nitisol vs. Acrisol, Ferralsol vs. Acrisol and Nitisol vs. Ferralsol, respectively. The economically important weeds were Commelina benghalensis, Cynodon nlemfuensis, Bidens pilosa, Galinsoga parviflora and Leonotis nepetifolia. Management options significantly （P 〈 0.05） reduced weed biomass, irrespective of soil type and seasons. Maize biomass response was highest （7-16 Mg ha1） in zero-tillage and zero-tillage ＋ cover crop and lowest （2-8 Mg ha1） in farmer＇s practice. Significantly negative relationships （P 〈 0.01, r2 = 0.37 - 0.51） were established between leaf area index of maize and weed biomass across the soils. Zero-tillage combined with the use of a cover crop had the lowest weed biomass （〈 30% of the farmer practice） and thus appears to be a promising strategy combining soil fertility improvement with weed suppression in smallholder maize farming systems of Western Kenya.

Corncobs as Substrate for Oleaginous Yeast-Pretreatment via Steam Explosion and Hydrolysis

Corn cobs are a promising lignocellulosic substrate for the production of biofuels like bioethanol via conventional yeast or biodiesel via oleaginous yeast. Pretreatment of the substrate is essential for further hydrolysis and fermentation steps. This study focused on the steam explosion method as pretreatment. Therefore, different steam explosion severities were evaluated. The content of glucan, xylan and Klason lignin was examined. Xylan degraded with increasing severity from 412.7 g·kg-1 （untreated） to a minimum of 127.3 g-kg1 dry matter （190 ℃/30 min）. Glucan concentrations increased from 315.1 g·kg1 （untreated） to a maximum of 371.6 g·kg-1 dry matter （200 ℃/20 min）. For soluble lignin, an increase could be observed at rising severity, from 145.3 g·kg-l （untreated） to a maximum of 214.9 g·kg-1 dry matter （190 ℃/30 min）. Furthermore, the mass recovery was calculated. At harsher pretreatment conditions, a significant mass loss was observed, estimated by the ash content in the recovered dry matter. The lowest recovery rate was observed for SF = 4.13 （190 ℃/30 min） with 68.39%. The produced inhibitors were evaluated.