Thesis (M.S.)--University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 113-120). / x, 120 leaves, bound col. ill. 29 cm

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The results of Dracaena sub-populations research are submitted in this dissertation. Dragons Blood Tree is an endemic plant species growing on the Socotra Island. The thesis contains four scientific papers published or submitted for review in journals with impact factor and in peer-reviewed journal. The first article predicts sub-population dynamics on Firmihin where the ha sample plot inventory was carried out. Tree growth and mortality simulation has been created using a time horizon of 100 years. The second article is focused on growth dynamics of seedlings growing ex situ under controlled conditions. One hundred plants from Firmihin and Skand have been measured once a week for two years. The differences in growth dynamics and mortality for both groups of young plants in ex situ were evaluated. The third article also relates to Dragons Blood Tree regeneration and deals with a possibility of in-situ regeneration in the fenced area on Shibehon Plateau compared to Oam al-Cora school grounds. The team from Mendel University in Brno planted hundreds of seedlings in 2006, ever since the monitoring of growth dynamics and mortality continues. The fourth article deals with anatomy of secondary thickening plant organs. Xylem, phloem, parenchyma and vessels area of root, stem and branch was determined using 70 permanent microscope slides and processed by image analysis. The results were evaluated, compared and graphically interpreted.

Dracaena cinnabari, the dominant endemic tree of Socotra Island (Yemen), is in serious decline. The effect this will have on the island's plant diversity remains unknown. This dissertation aimed to assess the possible role of Dracaena as a nurse plant by identifying plants associated with Dracaena understorey and by assessing the importance of Dracaena for maintaining plant diversity. In the first part of the dissertation, relevés sampled in Dracaena understorey and in open sites to record the number of individuals of vascular plants were analysed. Species richness and composition were compared between understorey and open sites, and species associated with each of these habitats were identified. Additionally, the effects of shading and leaf litter on species richness and abundance were analysed. The second part of dissertation focused on mature woody species composition of Dracaena stands and investigated spatial relations between Dracaenas and other mature woody plants. The last part of the dissertation aimed to assess the fine scale spatial relationships between stones and plants in Dracaena stands and evaluated the differences of these relationships between understorey and open sites. The results confirmed the Dracaena role as an important nurse plant. The tree enhances the environmental heterogeneity and its presence creates two distinct microhabitats (understorey and open sites). The understorey habitat, compared with open site, harbours higher number of species, including endemics. The species in Dracaena stands can be classified as either understorey specialists, open-site specialists or generalists. The decline of Dracaena will negatively affect plant diversity, will reduce abundance of rare endemic plants and will lead to homogenization of vegetation. As no other tree species exists which could replace the Dracaena, our findings underline the importance of conservation efforts to preserve Dracaena stands on Socotra and identify this species as a key umbrella species whose conservation would ensure also the protection of a number of other associated species.

L’intérêt des substances d’origine naturelle, potentiellement anti-tumorales nous a amené à nous intéresser aux saponines triterpéniques et stéroïdiques de plantes issues de la biodiversité africaine de la famille des Araliaceae et des Dracaenaceae. En effet, des études antérieures menées sur quelques plantes de ces deux familles ont conduit à l’obtention de molécules complexes et originales possédant d’excellentes propriétés cytotoxiques, immuno-modulatrices, anti-inflammatoires. Au vu de ces résultats nous avons entrepris des investigations pharmaco-chimiques sur Cussonia arborea (Araliaceae), Dracaena deisteliana et Dracaena arborea (Dracaenaceae), plantes médicinales couramment utilisées en pharmacopée traditionnelle africaine pour traiter différentes maladies. Les travaux menés ont conduit à l’isolement de 31 composés purs en utilisant les différentes techniques analytiques du laboratoire notamment les diverses techniques de chromatographie liquide successive à pression atmosphérique, moyenne pression et flash chromatographie sur silice en phase normale et en phase inverse. Les structures ont été déterminées par les méthodes de spectrométrie de masse en source FAB et de spectroscopie de RMN 1D et 2D (COSY, TOCSY, NOESY, HMBC et HSQC). Parmi les 07 composés purs obtenus des écorces de Cussonia arborea, 5 sont des nouvelles saponines triterpéniques dont un dérivé de l’acide ursolique, un dérivé de l’hédéragénine et trois dérivés de l’acide oléanolique, tous disubstitués en position 3 et 28 par des chaînes oligosaccharidiques. 13 composés purs sont obtenus à partir des feuilles de Cussonia arborea, dont 7 nouvelles saponines triterpéniques dérivés de l’acide ursolique, de l’acide 23-hydroxyursolique, de l’hédéragénine et de l’acide oléanolique dont 04 d’entre elles sont obtenues sous forme de mélanges inséparables d’isomères acide oléanolique/acide ursolique et hédéragénine/acide 23-hydroxyursolique. A partir des écorces de Dracaena arborea et des tiges de Dracaena deisteliana, nous avons isolé et caractérisé 10 saponines stéroïdiques dont 4 nouvelles et une sapogénine. Les activités de certains de ces produits purs ont été évaluées sur deux lignées de cellules cancéreuses coliques humaines HCT 116 et HT-29. / The interest of the substances from natural origin, potentially antitumor led us to interest in triterpenoid and steroidal saponins of plants from the African biodiversity belonging to the Araliaceae and Dracaenaceae families of plants. Indeed, of the former studies undertaken on some plants of these two families led to obtaining complex and original molecules having excellent cytotoxic, immuno-modulating, anti-inflammatory properties. Within sight of these results we undertook pharmaco-chemical investigations on Cussonia arborea (Araliaceae), Dracaena deisteliana, and Dracaena arborea (Dracaenaceae), medicinal plants usually used in african traditional pharmacopeia to treat various diseases. The work led to the isolation of 31 pure compounds by using the various analytical techniques in particular the various chromatography techniques (CC, MPLC, TLC, flash) on silica gel, normal and reversed phases. The structures were determined by the methods of mass spectrometry (FAB, ESI, IE) and 1D (1H and 13C) and 2D (COSY, TOCSY, NOESY, HMBC and HSQC) NMR spectroscopy. Among the 07 pure compounds obtained of the barks of Cussonia arborea, 5 are new triterpenoid saponins derivatives of ursolic acid, hederagenin and three derived from the acid oleanolic, all disubstituted in position 3 and 28 by oligosaccharidic chains. 13 pure compounds were obtained from leaves of Cussonia arborea, seven of which are new triterpenoid saponins derivatives of oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, hederagenin and 23-hydroxyursolic acid of which four were obtained as mixtures of isomers oleanolic acid/ursolic acid and hederagenin/23-hydroxyursolic acid. From the bark of Dracaena arborea and stem of Dracaena deisteliana, we isolated and characterized ten steroidal saponins including 4 new and sapogenin. The activities of some of these pure products were evaluated on two cancerous lines human colic cells HCT 116 and HT-29.

by Tang Wing Chi = 碳-碳化鈦生物陶器之合成與表徵 / 鄧詠芝. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2006. / Includes bibliographical references. / Text in English; abstracts in English and Chinese. / by Tang Wing Chi = Tan-tan hua tai sheng wu tao qi zhi he cheng yu biao zheng / Deng Yongzhi. / Acknowledgement --- p.i / Abstract --- p.ii / 摘要 --- p.iv / Table of contents --- p.vi / List of figures --- p.xi / Chapter Chapter 1 --- Introduction / Chapter 1.1 --- Biomorphic materials --- p.1-1 / Chapter 1.2 --- Synthesis of biomorphic ceramics --- p.1-1 / Chapter 1.2.1 --- Pyrolysis --- p.1-2 / Chapter 1.2.1.1 --- Pyrolysis conditions --- p.1-3 / Chapter 1.2.2 --- Infiltration --- p.1-4 / Chapter 1.2.2.1 --- Vapor or gas infiltration --- p.1-4 / Chapter 1.2.2.2 --- Liquid infiltration --- p.1-4 / Chapter 1.2.2.3 --- Chemical vapor infiltration (CVI) --- p.1-5 / Chapter 1.2.2.4 --- Sol-gel processing --- p.1-5 / Chapter 1.2.3 --- Sintering --- p.1-6 / Chapter 1.3 --- Potential applications of biomorphic ceramics --- p.1-7 / Chapter 1.3.1 --- Homogenous porosity structures --- p.1-7 / Chapter 1.3.2 --- Heterogeneous porosity structures --- p.1-7 / Chapter 1.4 --- Methods and raw materials --- p.1-8 / Chapter 1.4.1 --- Infiltration --- p.1-8 / Chapter 1.4.2 --- Starting materials --- p.1-8 / Chapter 1.4.2.1 --- Ti source --- p.1-8 / Chapter 1.4.2.2 --- Biotemplates --- p.1-9 / Chapter 1.5 --- Objectives and approaches --- p.1-9 / Chapter 1.6 --- Thesis layout --- p.1-10 / References --- p.1-11 / Figures --- p.1-13 / Chapter Chapter 2 --- Methodology and Instrumentation / Chapter 2.1 --- Introduction --- p.2-1 / Chapter 2.2 --- Synthesis --- p.2-1 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Biomorphic C-TiC ceramics from dragon tree --- p.2-1 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Biomorphic C-TiC ceramics from wool sponge --- p.2-2 / Chapter 2.3 --- Characterization methods --- p.2-3 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Differential thermal analyzer (DTA) --- p.2-3 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) --- p.2-4 / Chapter 2.3.3 --- X-Ray powder diffractometry (XRD) --- p.2-4 / Chapter 2.3.4 --- Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) --- p.2-4 / Chapter 2.3.5 --- X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) --- p.2-6 / Chapter 2.3.6 --- Compression tests --- p.2-6 / References --- p.2-9 / Figures --- p.2-8 / Chapter Chapter 3 --- The starting materials / Chapter 3.1 --- Introduction --- p.3-1 / Chapter 3.2 --- Fresh dragon tree --- p.3-1 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- SEM results --- p.3-1 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Discussions --- p.3-2 / Chapter 3.3 --- Fresh sea wool sponge --- p.3-2 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- SEM results --- p.3-3 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- Discussions --- p.3-3 / Chapter 3.4 --- Tyzor-LA solution --- p.3-3 / Chapter 3.4.1 --- Physical properties --- p.3-4 / Chapter 3.4.2 --- DTA results --- p.3-4 / Chapter 3.4.3 --- XRD results --- p.3-5 / Chapter 3.4.4 --- Discussions --- p.3-5 / Chapter 3.5 --- Conclusions --- p.3-6 / References --- p.3-7 / Figures --- p.3-8 / Chapter Chapter 4 --- Results and discussions of biomorphic products fabricated from dragon tree / Chapter 4.1 --- Introduction --- p.4-1 / Chapter 4.2 --- Fabrication of biomorphic C-TiC ceramics --- p.4-1 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- Biotemplates from dragon tree --- p.4-1 / Chapter 4.2.1.1 --- XRD results --- p.4-1 / Chapter 4.2.1.2 --- SEM results --- p.4-2 / Chapter 4.2.1.3 --- Discussions --- p.4-2 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- Biomorphic C-TiC ceramics --- p.4-3 / Chapter 4.2.2.1 --- XRD results --- p.4-3 / Chapter 4.2.2.1.1 --- Effects of sintering temperature --- p.4-3 / Chapter 4.2.2.1.2 --- Effects of time duration --- p.4-3 / Chapter 4.2.2.2 --- SEM results --- p.4-4 / Chapter 4.2.2.3 --- TEM results --- p.4-4 / Chapter 4.2.2.3.1 --- Sample sintered at 1400。C for 6 hours --- p.4-4 / Chapter 4.2.2.3.2 --- Sample sintered at 1200°C for 6 hours --- p.4-5 / Chapter 4.2.2.3.3 --- Sample sintered at 1100。C for 6 hours --- p.4-5 / Chapter 4.2.2.3.4 --- Sample sintered at 900°C for 32 hours --- p.4-6 / Chapter 4.2.2.4 --- XPS results --- p.4-6 / Chapter 4.2.2.5 --- Results of compression tests --- p.4-7 / Chapter 4.2.2.6 --- Discussions --- p.4-7 / Chapter 4.3 --- Biomorphic C-TiC ceramics by repeated infiltration --- p.4-10 / Chapter 4.3.1 --- XRD results --- p.4-10 / Chapter 4.3.2 --- Discussions --- p.4-10 / Chapter 4.4 --- Conclusions --- p.4-11 / References --- p.4-12 / Figures --- p.4-13 / Chapter Chapter 5 --- Results and discussions of biomorphic products fabricated from sea wool sponges / Chapter 5.1 --- Introduction --- p.5-1 / Chapter 5.2 --- Fabrication of C-TiC biomorphic ceramics with sea wool sponges --- p.5-1 / Chapter 5.2.1 --- XRD results --- p.5-1 / Chapter 5.2.2 --- SEM results --- p.5-2 / Chapter 5.2.3 --- TEM results --- p.5-3 / Chapter 5.2.4 --- Discussions --- p.5-3 / Chapter 5.3 --- Dilution of Tyzor-LA solution --- p.5-5 / Chapter 5.3.1 --- XRD results --- p.5-5 / Chapter 5.3.2 --- SEM results --- p.4-5 / Chapter 5.3.3 --- Discussions --- p.5-6 / Chapter 5.4 --- Further annealing of biomorphic C-TiC ceramics in air --- p.5-6 / Chapter 5.4.1 --- XRD results --- p.5-7 / Chapter 5.4.2 --- SEM results --- p.5-7 / Chapter 5.4.3 --- TEM results --- p.5-8 / Chapter 5.4.4 --- Discussions --- p.5-9 / Chapter 5.5 --- Conclusions --- p.5-11 / References --- p.5-12 / Figures --- p.5-13 / Chapter Chapter 6 --- Conclusions and future works / Chapter 6.1 --- Conclusions --- p.6-1 / Chapter 6.2 --- Future works --- p.6-2 / References --- p.6-4

Dracaena draco is native to subtropical arid area of Macaronesia. Horizontal precipitation is an important component of water balance in such arid and semiarid areas. Morphological, anatomical and physiological adaptations to drought stress and demonstrated ability to absorb condensed water on the leaves into the stem tissues were discovered at D. draco. The aim of performed measurements was to quantify the importance of horizontal precipitation as an additional source of moisture during the critical period of juvenile stages of D. draco in Anaga (Tenerife). Measuring sets based on lysimeters measured the weight changes of seedlings placed in flowerpots hanging on the weights. The results of measurement proved that the seedlings can partly replace loss of water from evaporation by the water uptake from the atmosphere. Water uptake from the atmosphere took place mainly at night and the water output by transpiration predominated during the day. Horizontal precipitation replaced the evaporation by 6 to 10 % in the first period measured from October and did not replace the evaporation in the second period of measurements that started in January

Variability in the genetic information DNA tracking individuals carry is easy to detect using molecular markers. In the thesis we examined related Dracaena species. For the study of genetic diversity in the genus Dracaena are used mainly noncoding regions of cpDNA, spacer trnH -- psbA, regions trnL -- trnF and trnS -- trnG -- trnG, which are more variable than coding regions. Also used in this work were coding regions of matK and rbcL. In the genus Dracaena belongs xerophytic species that are characterized by typical shaped treetop. 14 representatives of species were used in thesis growing in tropical regions of the African continent and adjacent islands and the southeastern part of the Arabian peninsula. They are monocotyledonous trees with atypical abilities of secondary thickness of trunk, which I find interesting. The massive trunk is very strong and there is potencial to used it for wood. Trees are very significant for their red plant sap which flowing from demaged trunk. The sap is very precious resource which is used in many areas of industry, for example pharmacy, traditional medicine, dye making etc. Determination of genetic affinity was based on an amplification of cpDNA template of individual Dracaena samples with primers for the studied regions. Data was obtained and evaluated by Multiple alignment program ClustalX and BioEdit after their sequencing. Evalueted data was used to create dendograms affinity. According the resulting phylogenetic tree we find out similarities and identified relationship of the monitored species of the genus Dracaena. The main purpose of research was to get answers to understand phylogenetic relationship between group of Dracaena forestry used trees. The thesis was made in cooperation of Department of Forest Botany, Dendrology and Geobiocoenology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology of Mendel University in Brno.

Diploma thesis is focused on establishment of forest nurseries and seedling production on Socotra Island where a natural regeneration of many endemic species is limited by overgrazing and has been moreover affected by cyclone that hit the island in 2015. Planting stock of Dracaena cinnabari, Boswellia elongata, Boswellia ameero, Boswellia dioscorides, Punica protopunica, Aloe perryi and mangrove Avicennia marina was planned to be propagated in nurseries located in three areas of interest – Firmihin, Homhil and Niyt. Therefore data about the species seed germination or growth rate were gathered and mentioned in the literature section. The species selection was always firstly preceded by dendrological survey of the area. Individual pilot areas were also described together with climatic data and moreover, soil samples were analysed as the substrate for the seedling production comes from local sources. Finally, the projects for forest nurseries establishment were created and according to them were individual nurseries established.

L'intérêt des substances d'origine naturelle, potentiellement anti-tumorales nous a amené à nous intéresser aux saponines triterpéniques et stéroïdiques de plantes issues de la biodiversité africaine de la famille des Araliaceae et des Dracaenaceae. En effet, des études antérieures menées sur quelques plantes de ces deux familles ont conduit à l'obtention de molécules complexes et originales possédant d'excellentes propriétés cytotoxiques, immuno-modulatrices, anti-inflammatoires. Au vu de ces résultats nous avons entrepris des investigations pharmaco-chimiques sur Cussonia arborea (Araliaceae), Dracaena deisteliana et Dracaena arborea (Dracaenaceae), plantes médicinales couramment utilisées en pharmacopée traditionnelle africaine pour traiter différentes maladies. Les travaux menés ont conduit à l'isolement de 31 composés purs en utilisant les différentes techniques analytiques du laboratoire notamment les diverses techniques de chromatographie liquide successive à pression atmosphérique, moyenne pression et flash chromatographie sur silice en phase normale et en phase inverse. Les structures ont été déterminées par les méthodes de spectrométrie de masse en source FAB et de spectroscopie de RMN 1D et 2D (COSY, TOCSY, NOESY, HMBC et HSQC). Parmi les 07 composés purs obtenus des écorces de Cussonia arborea, 5 sont des nouvelles saponines triterpéniques dont un dérivé de l'acide ursolique, un dérivé de l'hédéragénine et trois dérivés de l'acide oléanolique, tous disubstitués en position 3 et 28 par des chaînes oligosaccharidiques. 13 composés purs sont obtenus à partir des feuilles de Cussonia arborea, dont 7 nouvelles saponines triterpéniques dérivés de l'acide ursolique, de l'acide 23-hydroxyursolique, de l'hédéragénine et de l'acide oléanolique dont 04 d'entre elles sont obtenues sous forme de mélanges inséparables d'isomères acide oléanolique/acide ursolique et hédéragénine/acide 23-hydroxyursolique. A partir des écorces de Dracaena arborea et des tiges de Dracaena deisteliana, nous avons isolé et caractérisé 10 saponines stéroïdiques dont 4 nouvelles et une sapogénine. Les activités de certains de ces produits purs ont été évaluées sur deux lignées de cellules cancéreuses coliques humaines HCT 116 et HT-29.