M.Sc. / Ophiopogon planiscapus var. nigrescens belongs to the family Convallariaceae. This plant exhibits unique black pigmented leaves and is, therefore. used in growing arrangements. The natural rate of multiplication. however. is slow and a reversion to green leaves in some plants necessitates the replacement of these plants, which is a time consuming activity. In vitro techniques allow the establishment of black clones and also speed up the multiplication process. A cultivation medium for optimal growth was formulated. The influence of other parameters on growth. multiplication and rooting was investigated and final hardening was done to yield plants suitable for the greenhouse.

O uso telhados verdes oferece benefícios como: moderação dos valores da temperatura no interior de edificações e contenção temporária da água de chuva, limpeza de poluentes atmosféricos, além de favorecer aspectos ecológicos. Poucos estudos científicos foram realizados no sentido de adaptar as técnicas contemporâneas e a indicação de espécies apropriadas ao sistema de telhado verde extensivo, originadas de regiões de clima temperado para as condições dos climas tropicais. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi identificar espécies com potencial de uso em telhado verde em sistema extensivo, quantificando a reação das plantas à variação de diferentes profundidades de substrato, em situações limitadas de manutenção, no aspecto de irrigação e nutrição do solo. Procurou-se também registrar o comportamento térmico do solo, a fim de verificar a influência da vegetação no aquecimento da parte inferior do solo em relação a distintas profundidades de substrato. Os vegetais foram plantados em setembro de 2009 aplicados em 27 plataformas de teste. Foram cultivadas três espécies de plantas das famílias Fabaceae (Arachis repens Handro), Poaceae (Paspalum notatum Flügge) e Ruscacea (Ophiopogon japonicus (L.F. Ker Gawl)), sob três tratamentos de profundidades de substrato, 0.05, 0.075 e 0.10 m. Quantificou-se mensalmente a porcentagem de cobertura vegetal, crescimento vertical e de sobrevivência, com encerramento ao final de um ciclo anual. O comportamento térmico dos solos nos diferentes tratamentos foi registrado automaticamente por meio de sensores. Os resultados indicaram a espécie Ophiopogon japonicus, em solos de 0.10 m, como a que apresentou o melhor desempenho entre as três examinadas, seguida por Paspalum notatum. Todas as espécies cultivadas em solos de 0.10 m apresentaram resultados satisfatórios quanto a cobertura do solo, crescimento vertical e sobrevivência, em relação ao cultivo em profundidades menores de substrato. O cultivo em menor profundidade de solo (0.05 m) revelou baixo valor de sobrevivência para todas as espécies durante o período de poucas chuvas. O crescimento vertical foi satisfatório para todas as espécies analisadas, dispensando manutenção com poda regular. Os resultados de comportamento térmico indicaram melhor desempenho de solos à profundidade de 0.10 m, independente do tipo de planta cultivado. Concluiu-se que solos de menor espessura são mais dependentes de cobertura vegetal para minimizar seu aquecimento e que os solos de maior espessura o fazem com menor dependência da vegetação. O melhor desempenho térmico foi observado em solos de 0.10 m, em relação às profundidades menores, embora não variasse seu comportamento térmico significativamente com o cultivo das três diferentes espécies de plantas, referente aos valores de cobertura atingidos neste experimento. / The uses of green roofs provide benefits such as moderation of the temperature inside buildings, temporary containment of rainwater, cleaning of air pollutants, in addition to promoting ecological aspects. Few scientific studies have been conducted to adapt contemporary techniques and indication of appropriate species for extensive green roof system, originated from temperate regions to the conditions of tropical climates. The objective of this research was to identify species with potential for use in green roof in the extensive system, quantifying the response of plants to variation of different depths of substrate, in limited situations of maintenance in respect of irrigation and soil nutrition. Was searched register the thermal behavior of soil in order to determine the influence of vegetation on the warming of the lower soil depths for different substrates. The plants were planted in september 2009, applied in 27 platforms. There were three species of cultivated plants of the families Fabaceae (Arachis repens Handro), Poaceae (Paspalum notatum Flügge) and Ruscacea (Ophiopogon japonicus (L.F.) Ker Gawl) under three treatments of substrate depths, 0.05, 0.075 and 0.10 m. Was quantified the percentage of monthly vegetation cover, vertical growth and survival, with closing at the end of an annual cycle. The thermal behavior of soils under different treatments was recorded using sensors. The results indicated that Ophiopogon japonicus in 0.10 m soils, showed the best performance among the three examined. All species grown in 0.10 m of soils had been satisfactory results of soil cover, vertical growth and survival in relation to culture in shallower substrate. The species Arachis repens showed the highest sensitivity to the depth and water stress during the autumn and winter, requiring more necessity of maintenance. Cultivation in shallower soil (0.05 m) showed low survival value for all species during the short rains. The vertical growth was satisfactory for all species analyzed, of which the greatest height reached was Ophiopogon japonicus without requiring regular maintenance pruning. The results indicated better performance thermal behavior of soil to a depth of 0.10 m, regardless of the type of plant grown. It was concluded that soils of lesser thickness are dependent on vegetation cover to minimize your heating, and the soils with more thickness are less dependence on the vegetation. The best thermal performance was observed in soils of 0.10 m compared to shallower depths, but did not vary significantly its thermal behavior with the cultivation of three different species of plants, referring to amounts of coverage achieved in this experiment.

O uso telhados verdes oferece benefícios como: moderação dos valores da temperatura no interior de edificações e contenção temporária da água de chuva, limpeza de poluentes atmosféricos, além de favorecer aspectos ecológicos. Poucos estudos científicos foram realizados no sentido de adaptar as técnicas contemporâneas e a indicação de espécies apropriadas ao sistema de telhado verde extensivo, originadas de regiões de clima temperado para as condições dos climas tropicais. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi identificar espécies com potencial de uso em telhado verde em sistema extensivo, quantificando a reação das plantas à variação de diferentes profundidades de substrato, em situações limitadas de manutenção, no aspecto de irrigação e nutrição do solo. Procurou-se também registrar o comportamento térmico do solo, a fim de verificar a influência da vegetação no aquecimento da parte inferior do solo em relação a distintas profundidades de substrato. Os vegetais foram plantados em setembro de 2009 aplicados em 27 plataformas de teste. Foram cultivadas três espécies de plantas das famílias Fabaceae (Arachis repens Handro), Poaceae (Paspalum notatum Flügge) e Ruscacea (Ophiopogon japonicus (L.F. Ker Gawl)), sob três tratamentos de profundidades de substrato, 0.05, 0.075 e 0.10 m. Quantificou-se mensalmente a porcentagem de cobertura vegetal, crescimento vertical e de sobrevivência, com encerramento ao final de um ciclo anual. O comportamento térmico dos solos nos diferentes tratamentos foi registrado automaticamente por meio de sensores. Os resultados indicaram a espécie Ophiopogon japonicus, em solos de 0.10 m, como a que apresentou o melhor desempenho entre as três examinadas, seguida por Paspalum notatum. Todas as espécies cultivadas em solos de 0.10 m apresentaram resultados satisfatórios quanto a cobertura do solo, crescimento vertical e sobrevivência, em relação ao cultivo em profundidades menores de substrato. O cultivo em menor profundidade de solo (0.05 m) revelou baixo valor de sobrevivência para todas as espécies durante o período de poucas chuvas. O crescimento vertical foi satisfatório para todas as espécies analisadas, dispensando manutenção com poda regular. Os resultados de comportamento térmico indicaram melhor desempenho de solos à profundidade de 0.10 m, independente do tipo de planta cultivado. Concluiu-se que solos de menor espessura são mais dependentes de cobertura vegetal para minimizar seu aquecimento e que os solos de maior espessura o fazem com menor dependência da vegetação. O melhor desempenho térmico foi observado em solos de 0.10 m, em relação às profundidades menores, embora não variasse seu comportamento térmico significativamente com o cultivo das três diferentes espécies de plantas, referente aos valores de cobertura atingidos neste experimento. / The uses of green roofs provide benefits such as moderation of the temperature inside buildings, temporary containment of rainwater, cleaning of air pollutants, in addition to promoting ecological aspects. Few scientific studies have been conducted to adapt contemporary techniques and indication of appropriate species for extensive green roof system, originated from temperate regions to the conditions of tropical climates. The objective of this research was to identify species with potential for use in green roof in the extensive system, quantifying the response of plants to variation of different depths of substrate, in limited situations of maintenance in respect of irrigation and soil nutrition. Was searched register the thermal behavior of soil in order to determine the influence of vegetation on the warming of the lower soil depths for different substrates. The plants were planted in september 2009, applied in 27 platforms. There were three species of cultivated plants of the families Fabaceae (Arachis repens Handro), Poaceae (Paspalum notatum Flügge) and Ruscacea (Ophiopogon japonicus (L.F.) Ker Gawl) under three treatments of substrate depths, 0.05, 0.075 and 0.10 m. Was quantified the percentage of monthly vegetation cover, vertical growth and survival, with closing at the end of an annual cycle. The thermal behavior of soils under different treatments was recorded using sensors. The results indicated that Ophiopogon japonicus in 0.10 m soils, showed the best performance among the three examined. All species grown in 0.10 m of soils had been satisfactory results of soil cover, vertical growth and survival in relation to culture in shallower substrate. The species Arachis repens showed the highest sensitivity to the depth and water stress during the autumn and winter, requiring more necessity of maintenance. Cultivation in shallower soil (0.05 m) showed low survival value for all species during the short rains. The vertical growth was satisfactory for all species analyzed, of which the greatest height reached was Ophiopogon japonicus without requiring regular maintenance pruning. The results indicated better performance thermal behavior of soil to a depth of 0.10 m, regardless of the type of plant grown. It was concluded that soils of lesser thickness are dependent on vegetation cover to minimize your heating, and the soils with more thickness are less dependence on the vegetation. The best thermal performance was observed in soils of 0.10 m compared to shallower depths, but did not vary significantly its thermal behavior with the cultivation of three different species of plants, referring to amounts of coverage achieved in this experiment.

Tong, Yan. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2011. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 66-78). / Abstracts in English and Chinese; includes Chinese. / Acknowledgements --- p.i / Conferences & Academic Awards --- p.ii / Table of contents --- p.iii / List of figures --- p.vii / List of tables --- p.viii / List of abbreviations --- p.ix / Abstract --- p.x / Abstract (Chinese) / Chapter Chapter I --- Background of diabetes mellitus and DM complicating pregnancy …… --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- Definitions and clinical manifestations of Diabetes Mellitus --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- Diagnostic criteria of DM --- p.1 / Chapter 1.3 --- Classification of DM --- p.1 / Chapter 1.4 --- Prevalence of DM --- p.2 / Chapter 1.5 --- Aetiology and Pathogenesis of DM --- p.3 / Chapter 1.6 --- Treatment of DM --- p.3 / Chapter 1.7 --- Complications of DM --- p.4 / Chapter 1.8 --- DM complicating pregnancy --- p.4 / Chapter 1.8.1 --- Implications of DM complicating pregnancy --- p.4 / Chapter 1.8.2 --- Diabetic Embryopathy --- p.5 / Chapter 1.8.3 --- Incidences of the major congenital anomalies --- p.5 / Chapter 1.8.4 --- Possible pathogenesis of congenital anomalies in DM complicating pregnancy --- p.6 / Chapter 1.8.4.1 --- Apoptosis --- p.6 / Chapter 1.8.4.2 --- Oxidative stress --- p.7 / Chapter 1.8.4.3 --- Arachidonic acid and PGE2 --- p.7 / Chapter 1.8.5 --- Clinical management of DM complicating pregnancy --- p.8 / Chapter 1.8.5.1 --- Pre-pregnancy care --- p.8 / Chapter 1.8.5.2 --- Antenatal management of DM complicating pregnancy --- p.9 / Chapter Chapter II --- Background of Traditional Chinese Medicine in treatment of DM --- p.10 / Chapter 2.1 --- Definition and manifestations of DM in TCM theory --- p.10 / Chapter 2.2 --- Historical context of DM in TCM --- p.10 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- "Spring and Autumn Period and Warring States Period (770 B.C.一8 A.D.): The first nomenclature of ""Wasting Thirst""" --- p.10 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- "Han Dynasty (9 A.D.-280 A.D.)： monograph on ""Wasting Thirst""" --- p.11 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- "Sui and Tang Dynasty (581 A.D.-960 A.D.)： the diagnosing marker of ""Wasting Thirst""" --- p.11 / Chapter 2.2.4 --- Song Dynasty (960 A.D.-1270 A.D.): the Golden Time of developing the treatment on DM --- p.12 / Chapter 2.2.5 --- Ming and Qing Dynasty (1270 A.D. - 1911 A.D.): the integration period of TCM theory on DM --- p.15 / Chapter 2.3 --- Aetiology of DM in TCM theory --- p.15 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Congenital weakness --- p.16 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Improper diet --- p.16 / Chapter 2.3.3 --- Emotional disorders and overstrain --- p.17 / Chapter 2.3.4 --- Excessive sexual activities --- p.17 / Chapter 2.4 --- Pathogenesis of DM in TCM theory --- p.17 / Chapter 2.5 --- Prognosis of DM in TCM theory --- p.19 / Chapter 2.5.1 --- """Dual Qi-Yin Deficiency"" and ""Dual Yin-Yang Deficiency""" --- p.19 / Chapter 2.5.2 --- "Multi-systemic malfunction of ""Zang Fu""" --- p.19 / Chapter 2.6 --- Principle of treatment --- p.20 / Chapter 2.7 --- Commonly used herbal remedies and recent experimental studies --- p.20 / Chapter 2.8 --- TCM on relieving DM complications --- p.21 / Chapter 2.9 --- "Dwarf Lilyturf Tuber (Ophiopogonis Radix, Mai Dong,麥冬）" --- p.21 / Chapter 2.10 --- Objectives and hypothesis --- p.22 / Chapter 2.10.1 --- Objectives --- p.22 / Chapter 2.10.2 --- Hypotheses --- p.23 / Chapter Chapter III --- Methodology and Results --- p.24 / Chapter 3.1 --- Set up of mouse embryos --- p.24 / Chapter 3.1.1 --- Mouse strain --- p.24 / Chapter 3.1.2 --- Research animal ethnics and care guidelines --- p.24 / Chapter 3.1.3 --- Mouse sacrifice and embryo dissection --- p.24 / Chapter 3.1.4 --- Grouping of embryos --- p.25 / Chapter 3.2 --- Preparations of D-glucose --- p.25 / Chapter 3.3 --- Chinese medicine quality controls and preparations --- p.25 / Chapter 3.4 --- Whole mouse embryo culture --- p.26 / Chapter 3.5 --- Morphological scoring on mouse embryos and statistical analysis --- p.27 / Chapter 3.6 --- Establishment of cranial NTD by D-glucose --- p.28 / Chapter 3.6.1 --- Dosage of D-glucose to induce cranial NTD --- p.29 / Chapter 3.6.2 --- Result --- p.30 / Chapter 3.7 --- Experimental designs --- p.31 / Chapter 3.8 --- Part I: Efficacy and dose-response effects of Maidong extract --- p.32 / Chapter 3.8.1 --- Safety dose of Maidong extract on non-diabetic mouse embryos --- p.32 / Chapter 3.8.1.1 --- Dosage --- p.32 / Chapter 3.8.1.2 --- Result --- p.35 / Chapter 3.8.2 --- Efficacy and dose-effect response of Maidong extract on non-diabetic mouse embryos --- p.36 / Chapter 3.8.2.1 --- Dosage and grouping --- p.37 / Chapter 3.8.2.2 --- Result --- p.38 / Chapter 3.9 --- Part II: Efficacy and dose-response effects of serum from Maidong extract-treated rat serum --- p.40 / Chapter 3.9.1 --- Preparation of Maidong treated non-diabetic full rat serum --- p.41 / Chapter 3.9.1.1 --- Rats --- p.41 / Chapter 3.9.1.2 --- Dosage for feeding --- p.41 / Chapter 3.9.1.3 --- Administration --- p.42 / Chapter 3.9.1.4 --- Termination of rats and preparation of rat serum --- p.42 / Chapter 3.9.2 --- Safety dose of Maidong treated non-diabetic full rat serum non-diabetic mouse embryos --- p.43 / Chapter 3.9.2.1 --- Dosage --- p.43 / Chapter 3.9.2.2 --- Result --- p.44 / Chapter 3.9.3 --- Protective Effect of Maidong extract-treated full rat serum --- p.46 / Chapter 3.9.3.1 --- Dosage and grouping --- p.46 / Chapter 3.9.3.2 --- Result --- p.47 / Chapter 3.10 --- "Part III: Efficacy and dose-response effects of Ophiopogonin D, a major chemical component of Maidong in preventing hyperglycemia-induced cranial neural tube defect" --- p.49 / Chapter 3.10.1 --- Safety dose of Ophiopogonin D --- p.50 / Chapter 3.10.1.1 --- Preparation of Ophiopogonin D --- p.50 / Chapter 3.10.1.2 --- Dosage --- p.50 / Chapter 3.10.1.3 --- Results --- p.52 / Chapter 3.10.2 --- Efficacy and dose-response effects of Ophiopogonin D --- p.53 / Chapter 3.10.2.1 --- Dosage and grouping --- p.53 / Chapter 3.10.2.2 --- Results --- p.55 / Chapter Chapter IV --- Discussion --- p.58 / Chapter 4.1 --- Whole embryo culture system --- p.58 / Chapter 4.2 --- Quality control of Maidong extract --- p.58 / Chapter 4.3 --- "Therapeutic effect of single herb, formula and chemical components" --- p.59 / Chapter 4.4 --- Dosage of D-glucose to induce cranial NTD --- p.60 / Chapter 4.5 --- Dosage and efficacy of Maidong extract and Ophiopogonin D --- p.60 / Chapter 4.6 --- Administration of Maidong extract to non-diabetic female rats --- p.61 / Chapter Chapter V --- Conclusions --- p.63 / Chapter Chapter VI --- Future Study --- p.64 / References --- p.66