Atlanta is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the southeastern United States and is the only area in the region currently listed in “serious” 1-hour ozone nonattainment. Despite its exceedance history, impacts on Atlanta’s urban forests have not been the focus of any major studies. The purpose of this study was to examine air pollution damage to vegetation using a foliar-injury survey on Stone Mountain. The objectives of this project included 1) establishing that pollution transport from Atlanta to Stone Mountain occurs, 2) determining the magnitude of ozone concentrations near Stone Mountain and 3) assessing sensitive plant species on Stone Mountain for foliar injury. Results from this study confirm that Stone Mountain is located downwind from Atlanta. Ozone concentrations were sufficiently high to damage vegetation and these consistently peaked in July. Foliar injury was present on understory species on Stone Mountain, but was not observed on loblolly pine species.

The interactions between the immune and nervous systems play an important role in immune and inflammatory conditions. Substance P (SP), the unidecapeptide RPKPQQFFGLM-NH2, is known to upregulate the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. We report here that 5 (Acetylamino) 4 oxo-6-phenyl-2-hexenoic acid methyl ester (AOPHA-Me) and 4 phenyl 3 butenoic acid (PBA), two anti-inflammatory compounds developed in our laboratory, reduce SP stimulated TNF-α expression in RAW 264.7 macrophages. We also show that AOPHA Me and PBA both inhibit SP stimulated phosphorylation of JNK and p38 MAPK. Furthermore, molecular modeling studies indicate that both AOPHA Me and PBA dock at the ATP binding site of apoptosis signal regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) with predicted docking energies of -7.0 kcal/mol and 5.9 kcal/mol, respectively; this binding overlaps with that of staurosporine, a known inhibitor of ASK1. Taken together, these findings support the conclusion that AOPHA Me and PBA inhibition of TNF-α expression in SP-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages is a consequence of the inhibition JNK and p38 MAPK phosphorylation. We have previously shown that AOPHA-Me and PBA inhibit the amidative bioactivation of SP, which also would be expected to decrease formation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. It is conceivable that this dual action of inhibiting amidation and MAPK phosphorylation may be of some advantage in enhancing the anti-inflammatory activity of a therapeutic molecule. We also encapsulated AOPHA-Me separately in polyketal and poly(lactic co glycolic acid) microparticles. The in-vitro release profiles of AOPHA-Me from these particles were characterized. We have also shown that AOPHA-Me, when encapsulated in PCADK microparticles, is an effective treatment for edema induced by adjuvant arthritis in rats. In separate work, it was determined that myo inositol 1,2,3,4,5,6 hexakisphosphate is an inhibitor to early-stage Loblolly pine somatic embryo growth. In addition, it was determined that muco inositol 1,2,3,4,5,6 hexakisphosphate is not an inhibitor to early-stage Loblolly pine somatic embryo growth. These experiments demonstrate the stereochemical dependence of myo inositol 1,2,3,4,5,6 hexakisphosphates inhibitory activity.

Dendrochronological techniques are currently limited to the identification of visible fire scars. However, through the development of new dendrochemical techniques, the potential exists to provide insight into a broader array of pyric ecosystems. In addition, the ability to identify historic climate-growth responses provides a better understanding of the conditions under which historic fire regimes occurred. This study provides the groundwork for the identification of a dendrochemical nutrient fire signature in xylem and identifies the climate-radial growth responses of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) on five sites in the Piedmont of South Carolina. Changes in N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe, S, and Na concentrations in xylem as a result of a single fire were examined. The influences of monthly mean temperature, monthly total precipitation, Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI), Palmer Hydrological Drought Index (PHDI), and selected ocean-atmospheric oscillations such as El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), and Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) on radial growth using univariate and multivariate techniques were also assessed. Soil and duff analyses indicated sites were similar, but nutrient poor. Xylem mobile and immobile nutrient concentration analyses differed significantly through time for N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu, Mn, and S. No interactions were significant, thus identification of a nutrient fire signature was unsuccessful. The lack of significant interactions is attributed to the methodology used to collect the xylem nutrient samples; however, immobile nutrients indicate the most potential for future research. Climate-tree growth analyses indicate climate plays a role in the growth of mature loblolly pine in the South Carolina Piedmont. Temperature, precipitation, PDSI, positive phase NAO, and positive phase PDO are the primary drivers of loblolly pine radial growth. Temporal consistency results suggest drought sensitivity increases with tree age. Unlike the climate variables, the relationships between ocean-atmospheric oscillations and radial growth appear to be more cyclical in nature and only influence growth in positive phases.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Duke University, 2008.

Este trabalho teve como objetivo, estudar a ciclagem de nutrientes via serrapilheira em plantios de Pinus taeda em sistema silvipastoril, através da quantificação do aporte de serrapilheira, da velocidade de decomposição desta e do retorno de nutrientes (N, P, K, Ca e Mg), em função do espaçamento e da posição de amostragem. A deposição de serrapilheira na densidade de plantio florestal convencional é maior em relação a baixas densidades de plantio, utilizadas em sistemas integrados de produção. Muito embora a deposição unitária seja menor, quanto maior for a densidade do plantio. O período do ano em que houve maiores deposições de serrapilheira foi o mês de abril, com exceção da linha de plantio na densidade de 1.111 árv. ha-1, que foi no mês de maio. Houve interação entre densidade de plantio, distância da linha de plantio e período para a liberação de todos os macronutrientes no sistema, bem como para a relação C/N. / This work aimed to study the cycling of nutrients via litterfall in Pinus taeda in silvopastoral system, by quantifying the contribution of litter, the decomposition rate and this the return of nutrients (N, P, K, Ca and Mg ) as a function of spacing and sampling position. The deposition of litter in conventional forest planting density is higher than at low planting densities, used in integrated production systems. Although the deposition unit is smaller, the greater the density of planting. The period of the year in which there was greater deposition of leaf litter was the month of April, with the exception of the plant row at a density of 1,111 trees ha-1, which was in May. There was an interaction between plant density, distance from the plant line and time for the release of all macronutrients in the system, as well as for the C / N.

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo estudar o potencial aproveitamento das cascas da espécie Pinus taeda como fonte de extração de taninos para a produção de adesivos aplicados na indústria madeireira, devido à sua especificação fenólica, o que o torna possível sua reação com formaldeído em detrimento do uso de substâncias derivadas do petróleo. Cascas da espécie P. taeda, localizadas em plantações na Fazenda Experimental da Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, no município de Curitibanos-SC foram coletadas, e os índices gravimétricos de sólidos totais, porcentagem de taninos e não taninos bem como a reatividade destes com formaldeído pelo índice de Stiasny foram analisados. Preliminarmente, extrações com sulfito de sódio utilizando 0, 2, 4, 6 e 8% em relação ao peso da casca em refluxo (92 ºC) e autoclave (120 ºC) durante 3 horas foram verificadas. Melhores rendimentos foram observados na extração por autoclave. Uma nova extração foi avaliada com sulfito de sódio, hidróxido de sódio e ureia com porcentagens de 2, 4, 6, 8 e 10%, utilizando somente autoclave com o cálculo dos mesmos índices preliminares: sólidos totais, porcentagem de taninos e não taninos e a reatividade destes com formaldeído, tendo o hidróxido de sódio como melhor extrator em rendimento para a porcentagem de taninos. Na identificação das extrações com melhores rendimentos totais, foi realizado a caracterização pelas técnicas de IV-Espectroscopia no Infravermelho, MEV-Microscopia eletrônica de varredura, DRX-Difratometria de Raios X e EDS-Espectrometria de energia dispersiva. Em outra etapa foi avaliado o tempo de formação em gel do adesivo produzido na adição de 10% e 20% de formaldeído na formulação, comparado com o tanino comercial. Os resultados demonstraram que é possível extrair os taninos da casca da espécie P. taeda utilizando hidróxido de sódio com média superior a 35% como também efetuar a extração utilizando ureia e sulfito de sódio em porcentagens menores. Na avaliação da produção da melhor porcentagem entre teores de taninos e não taninos, o sulfito de sódio a 8% é o mais indicado. Pela caracterização por Difratometria de Raios X, as amostras apresentaram características amorfas e na análise por microscopia eletrônica de varredura os taninos extraídos apontaram uniformidade superficial e maior densidade interna sem a presença de poros. Na reação com o formaldeído, os taninos produziram superfícies lisa e interior poroso devido ao entrecruzamento das moléculas através da ligação por pontes metilênicas. O tempo de formação em gel demonstrou ter menor tempo de reação comparado ao tanino comercial. / This work aimed to study the potential use of the bark of Pine taeda species as a source of extraction of tannins for the adhesives production applied in the timber industry due to its phenolic specification, which makes possible their reaction with formaldehyde at the expense of oil-derived substances usage. Barks of the species P. taeda, located in plantations in the Federal University of Santa Catarina Experimental Farm, in the city of Curitibanos-SC were collected and gravimetric index of total solids, percentage of tannin and non tannins as well as the reactivity of these with formaldehyde by Stiasny index were analyzed. Preliminarily, extractions with sodium sulfite using 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8% relative to the weight of the bark at reflux (92 °C) and autoclaved (120 °C) for 3 hours were analyzed. Best results were obtained in the autoclave extraction. A new extraction was evaluated with sodium sulphite, sodium hydroxide and urea percentages of 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10% using only autoclave as calculating of the same primary contents: total solids percentage of tannin and non-tannin and the reactivity of them with formaldehyde, setting sodium hydroxide as best performance extraction to the percentage of tannin. At the extractions identification with best total revenues, was conducted to characterize by IR - Spectroscopy Infrared techniques, Scanning Electron Microscopy - SEM , XRD - X-Ray Diffraction and EDS - Energy Dispersive Spectrometry. In another step, was evaluated the formation tie for adhesive gel produced in the addition of 10% formaldehyde and 20% of the formulation compared to commercial tannin. The results demonstrated that it is possible to extract tannins from the bark of Pine taeda species using sodium hydroxide with an average greater than 35% as well as perform the extraction using urea and sodium sulphite in smaller percentages. When measuring the output of the best percentage among levels of tannins and non-tannins, 8% sodium sulfite is the most suitable. By the x -ray diffraction characterization, the samples showed amorphous characteristics and scanning electron microscopy analysis showed the tannins extracted surface uniformity and greater internal density without the presence of pores. In reaction with formaldehyde, tannins produced smooth surfaces and porous inside due to the intersection of the molecules by methylenic bridges linking. The gel formation time has demonstrated faster reaction time compared to the commercial tannin.

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo estudar o potencial aproveitamento das cascas da espécie Pinus taeda como fonte de extração de taninos para a produção de adesivos aplicados na indústria madeireira, devido à sua especificação fenólica, o que o torna possível sua reação com formaldeído em detrimento do uso de substâncias derivadas do petróleo. Cascas da espécie P. taeda, localizadas em plantações na Fazenda Experimental da Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, no município de Curitibanos-SC foram coletadas, e os índices gravimétricos de sólidos totais, porcentagem de taninos e não taninos bem como a reatividade destes com formaldeído pelo índice de Stiasny foram analisados. Preliminarmente, extrações com sulfito de sódio utilizando 0, 2, 4, 6 e 8% em relação ao peso da casca em refluxo (92 ºC) e autoclave (120 ºC) durante 3 horas foram verificadas. Melhores rendimentos foram observados na extração por autoclave. Uma nova extração foi avaliada com sulfito de sódio, hidróxido de sódio e ureia com porcentagens de 2, 4, 6, 8 e 10%, utilizando somente autoclave com o cálculo dos mesmos índices preliminares: sólidos totais, porcentagem de taninos e não taninos e a reatividade destes com formaldeído, tendo o hidróxido de sódio como melhor extrator em rendimento para a porcentagem de taninos. Na identificação das extrações com melhores rendimentos totais, foi realizado a caracterização pelas técnicas de IV-Espectroscopia no Infravermelho, MEV-Microscopia eletrônica de varredura, DRX-Difratometria de Raios X e EDS-Espectrometria de energia dispersiva. Em outra etapa foi avaliado o tempo de formação em gel do adesivo produzido na adição de 10% e 20% de formaldeído na formulação, comparado com o tanino comercial. Os resultados demonstraram que é possível extrair os taninos da casca da espécie P. taeda utilizando hidróxido de sódio com média superior a 35% como também efetuar a extração utilizando ureia e sulfito de sódio em porcentagens menores. Na avaliação da produção da melhor porcentagem entre teores de taninos e não taninos, o sulfito de sódio a 8% é o mais indicado. Pela caracterização por Difratometria de Raios X, as amostras apresentaram características amorfas e na análise por microscopia eletrônica de varredura os taninos extraídos apontaram uniformidade superficial e maior densidade interna sem a presença de poros. Na reação com o formaldeído, os taninos produziram superfícies lisa e interior poroso devido ao entrecruzamento das moléculas através da ligação por pontes metilênicas. O tempo de formação em gel demonstrou ter menor tempo de reação comparado ao tanino comercial. / This work aimed to study the potential use of the bark of Pine taeda species as a source of extraction of tannins for the adhesives production applied in the timber industry due to its phenolic specification, which makes possible their reaction with formaldehyde at the expense of oil-derived substances usage. Barks of the species P. taeda, located in plantations in the Federal University of Santa Catarina Experimental Farm, in the city of Curitibanos-SC were collected and gravimetric index of total solids, percentage of tannin and non tannins as well as the reactivity of these with formaldehyde by Stiasny index were analyzed. Preliminarily, extractions with sodium sulfite using 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8% relative to the weight of the bark at reflux (92 °C) and autoclaved (120 °C) for 3 hours were analyzed. Best results were obtained in the autoclave extraction. A new extraction was evaluated with sodium sulphite, sodium hydroxide and urea percentages of 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10% using only autoclave as calculating of the same primary contents: total solids percentage of tannin and non-tannin and the reactivity of them with formaldehyde, setting sodium hydroxide as best performance extraction to the percentage of tannin. At the extractions identification with best total revenues, was conducted to characterize by IR - Spectroscopy Infrared techniques, Scanning Electron Microscopy - SEM , XRD - X-Ray Diffraction and EDS - Energy Dispersive Spectrometry. In another step, was evaluated the formation tie for adhesive gel produced in the addition of 10% formaldehyde and 20% of the formulation compared to commercial tannin. The results demonstrated that it is possible to extract tannins from the bark of Pine taeda species using sodium hydroxide with an average greater than 35% as well as perform the extraction using urea and sodium sulphite in smaller percentages. When measuring the output of the best percentage among levels of tannins and non-tannins, 8% sodium sulfite is the most suitable. By the x -ray diffraction characterization, the samples showed amorphous characteristics and scanning electron microscopy analysis showed the tannins extracted surface uniformity and greater internal density without the presence of pores. In reaction with formaldehyde, tannins produced smooth surfaces and porous inside due to the intersection of the molecules by methylenic bridges linking. The gel formation time has demonstrated faster reaction time compared to the commercial tannin.

Family forests comprise a significant portion of total forest lands in the southern United States and their owners frequently have multiple, competing objectives. This research evaluated the effectiveness of functional zoning based on site index on forest sizes relevant to family forest owners. A total of fifty family forests were randomly selected from counties in the East Texas Pineywoods region. Timber production and quail habitat were used as proxies for competing objectives. It was found that 80% of family forest parcels had sufficient site index heterogeneity to benefit from functional zoning. For forest parcels that could benefit from functional zoning, the benefit in terms of increased land expectation value was not found to be dependent on parcel size. At a 5% discount rate, the average benefit of land expectation value (LEV) was $15.61 per acre. This zoning approach provides multiple objectives while minimizing the economic impact of the non-revenue objectives.

From the end of Reconstruction to the beginning of World War II, no other ecological change affected as great a part of the southern landscape as the loss of the longleaf pine from the southeastern coastal plain. This dissertation examines the causes and consequences of the species’ disappearance. In the span of just decades, lumber operations and naval stores producers descended upon longleaf pine woodlands with a voracious appetite that greatly contributed to the demise of the pine. However, as this dissertation argues, exploitation by the hands of the timber and turpentine industries was not the only agent that transformed the ecoregion. The development of American conservation and forestry, ironically, played a significant role in this process and contributed to the rise of a new southern forest, now stocked with another pine – the loblolly. By looking at the biologists, chemists, and foresters who studied the longleaf for the United States Department of Agriculture and various state agencies from the late nineteenth to the early twentieth century, this dissertation traces how forest sciences in the Gilded Age and Progressive Era shaped the modern ecology of the South. These sciences, too, were entangled in the social and political realities of Jim Crow. Researchers had to ensure that their measures conformed to a segregated society if conservation was to take root in southern woodlands. The conservation practices that federal and state agents put into place as forestry developed into an important and profitable science had profound impacts on not only the land but also those at the bottom of a racial caste system.

No description available.