Life Sciences Commons^™

Maximizing Lignin Yield Using Experimental Design Analyzing The Impact Of Solvent Composition And Feedstock Particle Size On The Organosolv Process In The Presence Of Feedstock Contamination, Hagen Maraun

Masters Theses

The depletion of fossil feedstock and the unfavorable environmental effects accompanying by its exploitation are the driving forces in the process of transitioning to renewable feedstock as the primary resource. Similar to petrorefineries, a new modern biorefinery would use biomass to produce a variety of different chemical products and transportation fuels. Lignin, a potential low-cost, high volume output process stream derived from lignocellulosic biomass is currently being researched to better support the economics of the future biorefinery. In this study, experimental design was used to determine the optimal level for each process factor in an organosolv fractionation process that targets …

Development And Application Of Mass Spectrometry-Based Proteomics To Generate And Navigate The Proteomes Of The Genus Populus, Paul Edward Abraham

Doctoral Dissertations

Historically, there has been tremendous synergy between biology and analytical technology, such that one drives the development of the other. Over the past two decades, their interrelatedness has catalyzed entirely new experimental approaches and unlocked new types of biological questions, as exemplified by the advancements of the field of mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics. MS-based proteomics, which provides a more complete measurement of all the proteins in a cell, has revolutionized a variety of scientific fields, ranging from characterizing proteins expressed by a microorganism to tracking cancer-related biomarkers. Though MS technology has advanced significantly, the analysis of complicated proteomes, such as …

Distribution And Growth Of Autumn Olive In A Managed Landscape, Matthew Ruddick Moore

Masters Theses

Invasions by exotic plant species result in significant challenges for forest managers. Disturbance and increased light have been shown to facilitate the successful establishment and invasion of exotic, invasive plant species. Several studies have sought to determine which key factors lead to greater abundance of exotic, invasive plants on certain sites and this information is important for determining the likelihood for exotic plant invasions at broad scales. Site characteristics that may promote autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata) were studied. Our goal was to identify variables associated with forest road edges most important in explaining autumn olive abundance and growth. …

The Life History And Control Of Pityophthorus Juglandis Blackman On Juglans Nigra L. In Eastern Tennessee, Katheryne Avery Nix

Masters Theses

In the last decade, western states have experienced an increasing mortality rate in Juglans nigra L., black walnut, as a result of the fungal species Geosmithia morbida Kolařík et al. that results in numerous cankers that girdle the branches, resulting in dieback and tree mortality. The only known vector of G. morbida is the walnut twig beetle (WTB), Pityophthorus juglandis Blackman. This newly recognized disease/insect complex has been named Thousand Cankers Disease (TCD) due to the quantity of cankers produced by G. morbida.

Recently, TCD was discovered in the eastern U.S. To limit the spread of TCD in eastern …

Vegetation Response To Oak Savanna And Woodland Restoration In The Mid-South Usa, Andrew Lee Vander Yacht

Masters Theses

The decline and degradation of oak savanna and woodland communities throughout the Mid-South underscores the need to develop management techniques capable of their efficient and successful restoration. Therefore, my objectives for this work were to document plant community response to variations in canopy disturbance level, fire seasonality, and herbicide control of hardwood midstories. In Chapter One, I provide a thorough review of the current body of knowledge concerning open-oak communities and their restoration, with specific focus on herbaceous and woody plant response to canopy disturbance, fire, and herbicide midstory management. Chapter Two details the response of herbaceous and woody vegetation …