From a study of the 25℃ isotherm the following factors are evident: Two hydrates of zinc sulphate exist at this temperature, the heptahydrate and the monohydrate. The transition point between the ZnSO₄·7H₂O and ZnSO₄·H₂O is given as 22.25% sulphuric acid and 22.81% zinc sulphate. The transition point between the ZnSO₄·H₂O and anhydrous ZnSO₄ is given as 88.08% sulphuric acid and .22% zinc sulphate. The solubility of the zinc sulphate in the sulphuric acid shows a marked decrease at 46% to 48% sulphuric acid is very low in the 97.25% sulphuric acid having only .03% zinc sulphate. There was no evidence of an acid salt of zinc sulphate being formed at this temperature. / M.S.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder, with extensive evidence implicating the misfolding, aggregation and deposition of the amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide as central to the pathogenesis. Heparan sulfate (HS) is an interactive glycosaminoglycan, attached to core proteins as HS proteoglycans (HSPGs). HSPGs are present on cell surfaces and in the extracellular matrix where they facilitate multiple signaling functions, but HS is also consistently present in all amyloid deposits, including those of AD. In amyloidosis HS has been studied as an aggregation template, promoting fibril formation and serving a scaffold function in the resulting deposits. The objective of this thesis was to assess how cell surface HS is potentially implicated in Aβ amyloidosis and the associated neuroinflammation of AD.   In AD brain we determined that HS predominantly accumulated in Aβ deposits with dense cores and found glial-expressed HSPGs within these deposits. Aβ elevated HSPG levels in primary glial cultures, implicating activated glia as one source of the Aβ-associated HS. Next, we determined that microglial HSPGs are critical for the upregulation of interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α following exposure to lipopolysaccharide, an established inflammatory insult. Together these results raise the possibility that Aβ-induced expression of microglial HSPGs may promote neuroinflammation.   Multiple mechanisms of Aβ toxicity have been proposed and different Aβ assemblies exert their toxicity through alternative routes. We found that three different preparations of Aβ aggregates all exhibited HS-dependent cytotoxicity, which in part correlated with Aβ internalization. Furthermore, heparin treatment attenuated Aβ cytotoxicity and uptake. In Aβ-positive AD microvasculature, HS deposited with Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) and its receptor, the low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1). In cell culture, HS and LRP1 co-operated in Aβ interactions and the addition of ApoE increased the levels of cell-associated Aβ in a HS- and LRP1-dependent manner. This ApoE-mediated increase in cell-associated Aβ may promote toxicity and vascular degeneration, but equally HS-mediated internalization of Aβ could represent a clearance route across the blood-brain-barrier. The findings presented here illustrate multiple roles for cell-surface HSPGs in interactions relevant to the pathogenesis of AD.

High concentrations of sulfate in groundwater, up to ten times the amount recommended by the EPA, in Blanco and Hays Counties, Texas, are of concern as groundwater pumping and population increase. The goals of this study are to characterize the chemistry of groundwaters in Blanco and Hays Counties within the context of Texas Groundwater Management Area-9 and to determine chemically and hydrogeologically the explanation for the spatial distribution of sulfate between the Pedernales River, the Blanco River, and Onion Creek. Insights gained by examining sulfate distribution in Blanco and Hays Counties can be applied to the other counties on the Edwards-Trinity Plateau with similarly high concentrations of sulfate in groundwater. Hydrochemical data from the Cretaceous Edwards and Trinity Groups and water level measurements were used to analyze groundwater chemistry and flow. PHREEQC was used to examine whether phase changes in aquifer minerals could explain the observed geochemical patterns. COMSOL was used to develop a simplified groundwater flow model for a cross-sectional area between the Pedernales River and Onion Creek in Hays County. Water levels indicate that groundwater generally flows southeast in the study area and most streams are gaining. The groundwater flow model indicates a zone of slow-moving groundwater beneath the topographic high between the Pedernales River, the Blanco River, and Onion Creek. Chemical analyses of well data show the presence of four groundwater chemical endmembers in Groundwater Management Area-9; a Ca-Mg-HCO3 fresh endmember, a Ca-Mg-SO4 endmember, a Ca-Mg-SO4-Na-Cl endmember, and a Na-Cl endmember. High sulfate waters generally come from the Upper and Middle Trinity aquifers while fresher waters are from the Edwards aquifer. Physical and chemical analyses indicate that the zone of high sulfate in Blanco and Hays Counties may be the result of gypsum dissolution and dedolomitization in the Upper and Middle Trinity aquifers combined with low rates of groundwater flow beneath the topographic high. Groundwater flow analyses are consistent with those for the Groundwater Availability Models published for the region. Chemical analyses, specifically SO4 distributions and Ca/Mg ratios, are consistent with those found by Nance(2010) on the Edwards Plateau, farther west of the study area. / text

Midlatitudinal hydrated sulfates on Mars may influence brine pH, atmospheric humidity, and collectively water activity. These factors affect the habitability of the planetary subsurface and the preservation of relict biomolecules. Regolith at grain sizes smaller than gravel, constituting the bulk of the Martian subsurface at regional scales, may be a primary repository of chemical alteration, mechanical alteration, and biosignatures. The Mars Odyssey Gamma Ray Spectrometer with hundreds of kilometers of lateral resolution and compositional sensitivity to decimeter depth provides unique insight into this component of the regolith, which we call soil. Advancing the globally compelling association between H2O and S established by our previous work, we characterize latitudinal variations in the association between H and S, as well as in the hydration state of soil. Represented by H2O:S molar ratios, the hydration state of candidate sulfates increases with latitude in the northern hemisphere. In contrast, hydration states generally decrease with latitude in the south. Furthermore, we observe that H2O concentration may affect the degree of sulfate hydration more than S concentration. Limited H2O availability in soil-atmosphere exchange and in subsurface recharge could explain such control exerted by H2O on salt hydration. Differences in soil thickness, ground ice table depths, atmospheric circulation, and insolation may contribute to hemispheric differences in the progression of hydration with latitude. Our observations support chemical association of H2O with S in the southern hemisphere as suggested by Karunatillake et al. (2014), including the possibility of Fe sulfates as a key mineral group.

Ce travail de recherche s’inscrit dans une volonté de développer des suspensions concentrées à application Génie Civil (chapes anhydrites, bétons cirés). Dans ce contexte industriel, l’étude est focalisée sur l’effet de l’introduction d’adjuvants de type polycarboxylate (PCP) sur les propriétés d’écoulement de suspensions formulées avec une anhydrite fortement réactive. Les travaux expérimentaux sont initiés par le développement de protocoles de caractérisation rhéologique étalonné sur un fluide modèle à seuil. Ceci permet d’évaluer l’effet de la taille de l’entrefer, de la rugosité des plateaux, du précisaillement ainsi que du type et de la durée de sollicitation. Nous avons alors défini un protocole unique, exploitable pour identifier la courbe d’écoulement des suspensions concentrées étudiées.. Les propriétés viscoélastiques des suspensions, évaluées aux faibles déformations, sont également caractérisées sous sollicitations oscillantes. Afin d’affiner la connaissance des structures moléculaires des différents adjuvants sélectionnés pour cette étude, des caractérisations physico-chimiques sont réalisées. Elles permettent de distinguer plusieurs paramètres caractéristiques des adjuvants : masse molaire, indice de polymolécularité et sensibilité à la température en fonction d’un milieu alcalin ou neutre. Des mesures d’adsorptions ont également été réalisées sur deux adjuvants. Nous montrons ainsi que le phénomène d’adsorption semble conditionné par les propriétés du milieu, notamment par la présence de chaux. L’étude rhéologique paramétrique montre que des modifications sensibles de la réponse peuvent apparaître en fonction de l’adjuvant utilisé et de la concentration de la suspension. Les évolutions des indicateurs de consistance et de contrainte seuil de mise en écoulement en fonction de la fraction volumique solide et du dosage en adjuvant sont identifiées. Les résultats sont interprétés en ajustant un modèle de type Krieger-Dougherty. L’évolution du paramètre puissance de ce modèle peut être interprétée comme une modification de la forme et de la rugosité du grain couvert par des molécules de PCP adsorbées. Les paramètres moléculaires conditionnant le plus la rhéologie des suspensions concentrées étudiées sont la masse molaire et l’indice de polymolécularité. L’interprétation des résultats est moins tranchée vis-à-vis du seuil de mise en écoulement que vis-à-vis de la consistance. Dès lors, nous avons mis en évidence la relation seuil-consistance. Sur le plan pratique, se restreindre à l’estimation du seuil de mise en écoulement des suspensions devient pertinent. À cette fin, un modèle analytique permettant d’estimer la contrainte seuil de mise en écoulement à partir d’un test d’écoulement libre sur une surface plane est proposé. L’objectif est d’apporter une amélioration aux modèles existants lorsque l’écoulement est à la frontière entre régime d’affaissement et régime d’étalement. L’analyse, qui peut être généralisée à l’étude de tous types de fluides complexes à seuil, conduit à une meilleure évaluation de la contrainte seuil. En croisant l’information de tests d’étalement et de vidange au cône de Marsh, nous montrons ainsi qu’une rhéométrie rustique est tout à fait pertinente pour un usage industriel. La notion d’enrobage de grain est proposée pour modéliser, à l’échelle microscopique, le rôle de l’adjuvant sur l’interaction entre particules. L’ordre de grandeur de la distance interparticulaire estalors estimé entre 1 et 5 nm en exploitant des données de rhéométrie oscillante. Cette approche phénoménologique permet de mettre en évidence l’effet de la fraction volumique solide sur la distance interparticulaire. Finalement, l’étude de la rhéologie des suspensions concentrées est étendue à la transition liquide solide liée aux réactions d’hydratation. Le suivi de l’effort normal exercé sur une géométrie en contact avec la suspension peut s’interpréter comme un indicateur alternatif de prise. / This work has been initiated to improve the development of mineral suspension used for building construction. In this industrial field, the rheological evolution needs to be controlled from the mixing to the setting up. The study is herein focused on the influence of polycarboxylates superplasticizers as additives on the rheological properties of suspensions made with a reactive anhydrite. Firstly, we develop some protocols of rheological characterization which have been calibrated using a model yield stress fluid. Then, we evaluated the effect of several experimental parameters: the sample gap, the roughness of the plates, pre-shearing as well as the testing time. We finally used a unique protocol to identify the flow curves of the mineral suspensions. In addition, dynamic rheometry was used to study the viscoelastic properties of the suspensions at low strain with two rheometers equipped with different geometries. We assessed the physico-chemical characterization of thevarious additives selected for this study In order to provide the knowledge on their molecular shape. We distinguished several parameters such as: molecular weight and the thermorheologicalbehavior in alkaline or neutral conditions. Moreover, we performed adsorption measurements on tow additives. We showed that the adsorption phenomenon is mainly governed by a weak amount of calcium hydroxide within the suspensions. We observed significant differences on the rheological responses according to the solid volume fraction and the superplasticizers used into the mineral suspension. We identified the evolution of the consistency and the yield stress, derivedwith the Herschel-Bulkley model, against the solid volume fraction and the quantity of the additive. Then, we adjust a Krieger-Dougherty type model on the results. It was shown that the power parameter of this model may be linked to the roughness of the particles covered by the adsorbed layer of superplasticizers. The parameters affecting the rheology were the molecular weight and the polymolecularity index of the polycarboxylates. Nevertheless, these results are more obvious with the evolution of the consistency than the yield stress. As the relation between consistency and yield stress was highlighted, it could be possible to only measure the yield stress of the suspensions. This is here performed from the release of finite volume of material onto a horizontal surface. We experimentally observed that following its yield stress, the material may show a typical shape at the flow stoppage, between slump and spread. Based on these observations, we propose a new analytical model to evaluate the yield stress of the suspensions. Results showed the relevance of the proposed model, in comparison to previous models. The model developed here may be used for different sample sizes and for a wide range of yield stress fluids. The relationship between viscosity and yield stress of the mineral suspensions is discussed by evaluating the viscosity from Marsh cone tests. We finally showed that a hand-made rheometry is relevant for an industrial application. In order to improve the understanding of the adsorbed layer around the particles, a phenomenological approach at a microscopic scale is proposed. From oscillatory measurements, the interparticle distance within the suspensions is evaluated and ranges from 1 to 5 nm. This henomenological approach allowed us to highlight the influence or the solid volume fraction on the interparticle distance. Finally, we investigated from rheological measurements the liquid-solid transition of the suspensions caused by the hydratation reactions. Static and dynamic measurements were also performed to follow the structural evolution at rest of the suspensions versus time. A characteristic evolution of the normal force during the setting time of the suspensions is shown.

Cette recherche visait à aborder l’effet des caractéristiques des eaux usées (c’est-à-dire les Co-contaminants, métaux lourds et pH) sur la réduction biologique du Séléniate (SeO42-), et évaluer l'intégration des processus et des configurations pour le traitement des eaux usées chargé de sélénium et de Co-contaminants.La première partie de l’étude portait sur l’effet des accepteurs de Co-électrons et le faible pH sur la bioremédiation du SeO42-, les études expérimentales a montré que le rapport molaire NO3- et SO42- à SeO42- a un facteur de contrôle en augmentant ou en diminuant l'efficacité de l'élimination du sélénium (Se). De plus, l'étude sur les interactions biofilm-Se a révélé la présence de NO3 ou de SO42- influence la spéciation Se, les niveaux de Se (Se0) biogénique et l'activité de la biomasse. Le fonctionnement du réacteur UASB (upflow anaerobic sludge blanket) avec une diminution progressive du pH influent de 7,0 à 5,5 a montré une performance d'élimination stable de NO3-, SO42 et SeO42- ,avant une diminution de 20% de l'élimination de tous ces composants à pH 5,0 En plus, le fonctionnement à long terme du réacteur UASB à pH 5.0 a l'enrichissement des familles Geobacteraceae et Spirochaetaceae, qui n'ont pas été détectés à pH> 5,0.La deuxième partie de l'étude a exploré l'efficacité de différentes techniques d'élimination pour le traitement de SeO42- avec des Co-contaminants. La comparaison des performances d’élimination SeO42- en présence de SO4-2 dans un filtre biotrickling (BTF) et un réacteur UASB a révélé que SO42- a largement influencé la croissance du biofilm attaché et l'élimination de SeO42-a augmentée de> 200%. D'autre part, l'élimination de SeO42- était similaire dans le réacteur UASB indépendamment de la présence ou de l'absence de SO42-. La caractérisation de la biomasse a révélé la formation de Se0 sphérique et de sulfure de poly-sélénium dans la biomasse des deux bioréacteurs. L'addition de Ni dans les deux bioréacteurs a entraîné une diminution des performances de suppression de SO42- et SeO42- de ~ 20-30%. L'élimination du Ni était> 80% dans les deux bioréacteurs. Ni a été éliminé par précipitation sous la forme de sulfure de nickel. L’évaluation du flux de processus pour l'élimination de SeO42- et SO42- a été effectuée en couplant la colonne d'échange d'ions (IX) et le bioréacteur UASB en utilisant soit un prétraitement (IX  UASB), soit un post-traitement (UASB  IX) pour le bioréacteur. Le schéma du processus de prétraitement a montré une meilleure efficacité d'élimination globale de 99% de SO42- et 94% de S totale atteignant <100 mg L-1 de SO42-, <0,3 mg L-1 de Se total et <0,02 mg L-1 de Se dissous dans l'effluent pendant 42 jours de fonctionnement continu / This research aimed at addressing the effect of wastewater characteristics (i.e. co-contaminants, heavy metals and pH) on the biological reduction of selenate (SeO42-) and evaluating process integration and configurations for selenium-laden wastewater treatment with co-contaminants. The first part of the study focused on the effect of co-electron acceptors and low pH on the bioremediation of SeO42-. Experiments showed that the molar ratio of NO3- and SO42- to SeO42- has a controlling factor in either increasing or decreasing the selenium (Se) removal efficiency. Additionally, study on biofilm-Se interactions revealed the presence of either NO3- or SO42- influences the Se speciation, biogenic Se (Se0) levels and biomass activity. Upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor operation with a gradual decrease in the influent pH from 7.0 to 5.5 showed a stable removal performance of NO3-, SO42- and SeO42-, before a 20% decrease in removal of all these components was observed at pH 5.0. Furthermore, long-term operation of the UASB reactor at pH 5.0 showed the enrichment of Geobacteraceae and Spirochaetaceae families, which were not detected at pH > 5.0.The second part of the study explored the effectiveness of different removal techniques for the treatment of SeO42- with co-contaminants. Comparing the SeO42- removal performance in the presence of SO42- in a biotrickling filter (BTF) and UASB reactor revealed that SO42- largely influenced the attached biofilm growth and increased SeO42- removal by > 200%. On the other hand, SeO42- removal was similar in the UASB reactor irrespective of the presence or absence of SO42-. Biomass characterization revealed the formation of spherical Se0 and poly-selenium sulfide in the biomass of both bioreactors. Addition of Ni in both bioreactors led to a decrease in SO42- and SeO42- removal performance by ~20-30%. Ni removal was > 80% in both bioreactors. Ni was removed via nickel sulfide precipitation. Evaluation of integrated process system for SeO42- and SO42- removal was conducted by coupling an ion exchange column (IX) and UASB bioreactor, using IX as either a pre-treatment (IX  UASB) or post-treatment (UASB  IX) unit for the bioreactor. The pre-treatment process scheme showed a better overall removal efficiency of 99% SO42- and 94% total Se reaching < 100 mg L-1 SO42-, < 0.3 mg Se L-1 total Se and < 0.02 mg Se L-1 dissolved Se in the effluent over 42 days of continuous operation

Aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) accounts for only 3-5% of all strokes but has the highest morbidity and mortality rates among all types of stroke. Experimental studies have confirmed that magnesium inhibits excitatory amino acid (EAA) release, blocks N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors and prevents calcium from entering cells. These changes may minimise neuronal injury during episodes of cerebral vasospasm. / Based on the aforementioned biological evidence, a pilot study of magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) infusion for aneurysmal SAH was conducted. This pilot study indicated that MgSO4 infusion for aneurysmal SAH is safe and has the potential to improve clinical outcomes. The pilot study results are supported by the findings of other research groups. / In summary, our results do not support a clinical benefit of intravenous magnesium sulphate infusion in patients with acute aneurysmal SAN. / Studies were carried out to investigate the distribution of magnesium in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and the brain after intravenous magnesium sulphate infusion. We found that magnesium sulphate infusion resulted in an 11% to 21% increase in CSF magnesium, which was sustained for at least nine days. We further investigated intracellular free magnesium using 31 P-MRS, in aneurysmal SAH patients receiving and not receiving intravenous magnesium sulphate infusion. Intravenous magnesium sulphate infusion was found to produce a significant increase (15.6%) in the level of intracellular free magnesium during the first week, which covered the time frame required for neuroprotection, to improve outcomes in patients with aneurysmal SAH. / Three hundred and twenty-seven patients with aneurysmal SAH were recruited and randomly assigned to receive magnesium sulphate infusion or a saline placebo for 10 to 14 days. In the primary outcome analysis, the proportions of patients with a favourable outcome at six months (Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale [GOSE] score of 5-8) were similar, 64% in the MgSO4 group and 63% in the saline group (OR 1.0, 0.7-1.6). In the secondary outcome analyses, there were also no significant differences between the two groups. Analysis of the plasma magnesium concentration levels did not suggest that higher levels of plasma magnesium concentration result in better clinical outcomes. / Wong Kwok Chu. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 73-02, Section: B, page: . / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2010. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 132-152). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Electronic reproduction. [Ann Arbor, MI] : ProQuest Information and Learning, [201-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web.

Beim Kolikpferd stellt der Einsatz von Laxantien den wesentlichen Teil der konservativen Behandlung primärer Obstipationen des Zäkums und großen Kolons dar. Um die Obstipation zu erreichen muss das über eine Nasenschlundsonde eingegebene Abführmittel den Magen verlassen und den Dünndarm passieren. Dabei soll das Flüssigkeitsvolumen möglichst vollständig im Intestinaltrakt verbleiben, um effektiv die Ingesta zu durchfeuchten und so die Obstipation zu lösen. Je nach Art und Konzentration des gewählten Laxans werden Resorptions- und Sekretionsvorgänge an der Darmschleimhaut ausgelöst, die sich als Elektrolytverschiebungen oder Alterationen des Wasserhaushaltes im Blut zeigen können. Ziel dieser Studie war es, beim gesunden Pferd einen Einfluss der am häufigsten eingesetzten Laxantien auf die Magenentleerungszeit zu ermitteln. Zudem sollten Auswirkungen auf den Elektrolyt- und Wasserhaushalte untersucht werden. Für die vorliegende Studie wurde sechs gesunden, nüchternen, adulten Warmblutpferden abwechselnd je eines von 5 Laxantien über eine Nasenschlundsonde in den nüchternen Magen eingegeben: 1,8% Natriumsulfatlösung (Protokoll 1); 4,2% Magnesiumsulfatlösung (Protokoll 2); Paraffinöl (Protokoll 3); 25% Natriumsulfatlösung (Protokoll 4); 25% Magnesiumsulfatlösung (Protokoll 5). Als Kontrolle wurde Wasser verabreicht: 10 L Wasser (Protokoll 6); 2 L Wasser (Protokoll 7). Zur indirekten Messung der Magenentleerung wurde der flüssige Passagemarker D-(+)-xylose (0,5 g/kg KG als 10% Lösung) jedem Protokoll zugefügt mit mindestens einer Woche Auswaschzeit zwischen den einzelnen Protokollen. Zu festgelegten Zeitpunkten wurden EDTA-Blut- und Serumproben aus der Jugularvene entnommen. Die Serumkonzentration von D-Xylose wurde colorimetrisch untersucht. Die Zeit bis zum Erreichen der maximalen Serumkonzentration von D-Xylose (Tmax) wurde als Magenentleerungszeit angesehen. Zur Einschätzung des Wasserhaushaltes wurden Totalprotein, Albumin und Hämatokrit bestimmt. Der Elektrolythaushalt wurde anhand der Serumkonzentrationen von Natrium, Kalium, Chlorid, Magnesium und Gesamtkalzium beurteilt. Zudem wurde der Einfluss auf die Wasseraufnahme und die Kotkonsistenz grobsinnlich untersucht. Ergebnisse dieser Studie zeigen, dass weder isotone Natriumsulfatlösung noch Paraffinöl die Magenentleerungszeit im Vergleich zu Wasser beeinträchtigen. Isotone Magnesiumsulfatlösung als auch hypertone Lösungen salinischer Laxantien führen zu einer signifikanten Verzögerung der Magenentleerung im Vergleich zu Wasser. Nach 10-stündiger Nahrungskarenz führte die Applikation von Wasser bei gesunden Pferden zum Abfall der Serumkonzentrationen von Natrium, Kalium, Magnesium, Gesamtkalzium und Chlorid. Isotone Lösungen von Natriumsulfat (1,8%) und Magnesiumsulfat (4,2%) führten nach einmaliger Applikation zum signifikanten Anstieg der Serumkonzentrationen von Natrium bzw. Magnesium innerhalb der Referenzbereiche. Paraffinum liquidum hatte keine starke Alterationen des Elektrolythaushaltes zur Folge. Hypertone Natriumsulfatlösung (25%) verursachte Hypernatriämie sowie einen signifikanten Abfall der Kalium- und signifikanten Anstieg der Chloridkonzentration. Hypertone Magnesiumsulfatlösung (25%) verursachte Hypermagnesämie sowie eine signifikante Abnahme der Kalium- und Gesamtkalziumkonzentration. Keines der verabreichten Laxantien führte zur Dehydratation. Alterationen der Wasseraufnahme oder der Kotkonsistenz wurden ausschließlich durch hypertone Natriumsulfatlösung verursacht, die die Wasseraufnahme deutlich steigerte und vorübergehend dünnbreiigen Kotabsatz induzierte. Bei primären Obstipationen des großen Kolons muss bis zur Lösung der Obstipation meist eine mehrmalige Applikation von Abführmitteln erfolgen. Hypertone Natrium- bzw. Magnesiumsulfatlösung erhöht die Serumkonzentration von Natrium bzw. Magnesium signifikant und könnte eine klinische Hypernatriämie bzw. Hypermagnesiämie erzeugen. Aus diesem Grund sind isotone Lösungen zu bevorzugen. Außerdem ist Kolikpferden mit primärer Dickdarmobstipation, die mit salinischen Laxantien behandelt werden, freier Zugang zu Wasser zu gewähren, um den entstehenden Durst der Pferde zu stillen. Zusammenfassend ist die Verabreichung isotoner Natriumsulfatlösung zu empfehlen, weil dieses effektive Laxans weder die Magenentleerungszeit verzögert, noch starke Elektrolytimbalanzen verursacht. / The use of laxatives is crucial in the treatment of horses with cecal or large colon impaction. To reach the impacted mass, the laxative must leave the stomach and pass through the small intestine. The fluid volume should stay inside the gastro-intestinal tract to soften the intestinal contents and resolve the impaction. Depending on the type and concentration of the laxative, absorption and secretion can be triggered in the intestinal mucosa which might be shown as electrolyte abnormalities, or as alterations in the water balance in the blood. The aim of this study was to determine an influence of the most frequently used saline and lubricant laxatives on gastric emptying time in healthy horses. Furthermore the effect on electrolyte and water balance was to be investigated. Six healthy adult fasted Warmblood horses were used for this study which was performed with 5 laxatives, administered via nasogastric tube: 1.8% sodium sulfate (trial 1), 4.2% magnesium sulfate (trial 2), mineral oil (trial 3), 25% sodium sulfate (trial 4), 25% magnesium sulfate (trial 5). Water was used as control: 10 L water (trial 6), 2 L water (trial 7). For indirect measurement of gastric emptying the liquid passage marker D-(+)-xylose (0.5 g/kg bwt as 10% solution) was added to each trial with a minimum washout period of at least one week between the individual trials. EDTA blood and serum samples were taken from the jugular vein at predetermined time points. The serum concentration of D-xylose was analyzed colorimetrically. The time to reach peak serum concentration of D-xylose (Tmax) was considered as gastric emptying time. Total protein, albumin and PCV were chosen to evaluate water balance. Electrolyte balance was evaluated on the basis of the serum concentrations of sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium and total calcium. Furthermore the impact on water uptake and fecal consistency was roughly examined. Isotonic solutions of sodium sulfate as well as mineral oil do not delay gastric emptying time compared to water. Isotonic solutions of magnesium sulfate as well as hypertonic solutions of saline cathartics significantly delay gastric emptying time in comparison to water. After ten hours of food restriction the administration of water decreased the serum concentrations of sodium, potassium, magnesium, total calcium and chloride in healthy horses. A single administration of isotonic solution of sodium sulfate (1.8%) or magnesium sulfate (4.2%) significantly increased serum sodium, respectively serum magnesium concentrations, within the reference range. Mineral oil did not alter electrolyte balance. Hypertonic solution of sodium sulfate (25%) caused hypernatremia, a significant decrease in potassium concentration and a significant increase in chloride concentration. Hypertonic solution of magnesium sulfate (25%) caused hypermagnesemia and a significant decrease in potassium and total calcium concentrations. None of the administered laxatives caused dehydration. Altered water uptake or fecal consistency was caused by hypertonic solution of sodium sulphate only, which considerably increased water consumption and transitionally induced runny feces. For treatment of simple large colon impactions, administration of laxatives usually has to be repeated, until the obstruction has resolved. Hypertonic solutions of sodium and magnesium sulfate significantly increase serum sodium or magnesium concentrations, respectively and may cause clinically hypernatremia or hypermagnesemia. Therefore isotonic solutions are preferable. Furthermore horses with simple large colon impaction, which are treated with saline cathartics need to have free access to water in order to satisfy their arising thirst. In summary it can be stated that the administration of isotonic solution of sodium sulfate is to be recommended, since this effective laxative does neither delay gastric emptying time nor leads to severe electrolyte alterations.

The cell surface is an active area where extracellular molecules meet their receptors and affect the cellular fate by inducing for example cell proliferation and adhesion. Syndecans and integrins are two transmembrane molecules that have been suggested to fine-tune these activities, possibly in cooperation. Syndecans are proteoglycans, i.e. proteins with specific types of carbohydrate chains attached. These chains are glycosaminoglycans and either heparan sulfate (HS) or chondroitin sulfate (CS). Syndecans are known to influence cell adhesion and signaling. Integrins in turn, are important adhesion molecules that connect the extracellular matrix with the cytoskeleton, and hence can regulate cell motility. In an attempt to study how the two types of glycosaminoglycans attached to syndecan-1 can interact with integrins, a cell based model system was used and functional motility assays were performed. The results showed that HS, but not CS, on the cell surface was capable of regulating integrin-mediated cell motility. Regulation of intracellular signaling is crucial to prevent abnormal cellular behavior. In the second part of this thesis, the aim was to see how the presentation of glycosaminoglycan chains to the FGF signaling complex could affect the cellular response. When attached to the plasma membrane via syndecan-1, CS chains could support the intracellular signaling, although not promoting as strong signals as HS. When glycosaminoglycans were attached to free ectodomains of syndecan-1, both types of chains sequestered FGF2 from the receptors to the same extent, pointing towards functional overlap between CS and HS. To further study the interplay between HS and CS, their roles in the formation of pharyngeal cartilage in zebrafish were established. HS was important during chondrocyte intercalation and CS in the formation of the surrounding extracellular matrix. Further, the balance between the biosynthetic enzymes determined the ratio of HS and CS, and HS biosynthesis was prioritized over CS biosynthesis. The results presented in this thesis provide further insight into the regulation of HS biosynthesis, as well as the roles of both HS and CS on the cell surface. It is evident, that in certain situations there is a strict requirement for a certain HS structure, albeit in other situations there is a functional overlap between HS and CS.

The purpose of this study is to use vertical-flow constructed wetlands (VFCW) microcosm systems to investragte the removal efficiencies of sulfate. The system was located on the campus sewage treatment plant. nn National Sun Yat-sen University. In this study, two media, gravel and peat, were installed in four different systems. The two system with same media were separated into vegetated and non-vegetated (control) ones respectively. In the test runs, the operation methods included batch type filled with water, continuous flow and integrated vertical flow constructed wetland (IVCW) with continuous flow. In batch type test, it was run under an initial concentrations of SO42--S about 500 mg/L. The experimental results showed that the removal efficiencies were increased with increasing COD concentrations. Under the same conditions but with continuous flow operation, the removal efficiencies of SO42--S were lower than the batch type one, which 80% could be reached. The best system for operation was P1 (peat with vegetated), in which the removal effciency reached 90%. The experimental results also showed that the vegetated systems presented higher removal efficiencies of sulfate than the non-vegetated ones. In addition, this research were increased the concentrations of SO42--S and COD to about 1200 mg/L and 4000 mg/L respectively. The experimental results showed that the IVCW treatment system could achived greater efficiency than VFCW treatment system. The experimental in depth research test run indicated that the anaerobic condition did not affect the removal efficiencies of ammonia by using batch type. However, nitrification was the main reaction of ammonia to nitrate in the continuous flow type systems. When ORP values were found below the -300 mV, the sulfate began to be drcreased. It was believed that if the anaerobic condition were well be established, while the organic carbon could be contented in this system, the sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) might live, and then sulfate could be removed. The effect of temperature on sulfate removal was generally established in this study. According to the experimental results, it was found that the activity of SRB motility was higher in higher temperature (35¢J) than that in lower temperature (25¢J).