by Paul, Liu Po Lung. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1994. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 86-94). / ACKNOWLEDGMENT --- p.i / TABLE OF CONTENT --- p.ii / "LIST OF TABLE, FIGURE & PHOTO" --- p.viii / ABSTRACT --- p.x / Chapter CHAPTER ONE : --- INTRODUCTION --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE / Chapter 1.1.1 --- Alkaline Phosphatase Isoenzyme --- p.2 / Chapter 1.1.2 --- The Properties of Alkaline Phosphatases --- p.4 / Chapter 1.1.3 --- Serum Alkaline Phosphatases --- p.6 / Chapter 1.1.3.1 --- Placental Alkaline Phosphatase --- p.7 / Chapter 1.1.3.2 --- Intestinal Alkaline Phosphatase --- p.7 / Chapter 1.1.3.4 --- Skeletal Alkalne Phosphatase --- p.8 / Chapter 1.1.3.5 --- Hepatic Alkaline Phosphatase --- p.8 / Chapter 1.1.3.3 --- Renal Alkaline Phosphatase --- p.9 / Chapter 1.1.3.6 --- Miscellaneous Alkaline Phosphatase --- p.9 / Chapter 1.1.4 --- Problems in Discriminating the Skeletal and Hepatic Alkaline Phosphatase in Serum --- p.11 / Chapter 1.1.5 --- Quantitative measure of the Bone-Specific Alkaline Phosphatase --- p.12 / Chapter 1.1.6 --- Qualitative Detection of ALP isoenzymes --- p.14 / Chapter 1.2 --- OSTEOSARCOMA --- p.17 / Chapter 1.2.1 --- Definition --- p.17 / Chapter 1.2.2 --- Epidemiology and Statistics --- p.17 / Chapter 1.2.3 --- Clinical Presentation --- p.18 / Chapter 1.2.4 --- Radiographic finding --- p.19 / Chapter 1.2.5 --- Staging of Musculoskeletal Neoplasms --- p.20 / Chapter 1.2.6 --- Treatment of osteosarcoma --- p.21 / Chapter 1.2.6.1. --- Chemotherapy in Prince of Wales Hospital --- p.21 / Chapter 1.3 --- PLASMA AND TISSUE ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE IN NORMAL AND NEOPLASTIC CONDITION --- p.23 / Chapter 1.3.1 --- Normal values of plasma alkaline phosphatase --- p.23 / Chapter 1.3.2 --- Clinical use of elevated plasma & tissue alkaline phosphatase level in neoplastic conditions --- p.25 / Chapter 1.3.2.1 --- Helping the Diagnosis of the Osteosarcoma --- p.25 / Chapter 1.3.2.2 --- Monitoring the effect of chemotherapy --- p.26 / Chapter 1.3.2.3 --- Predicting the clinical course --- p.26 / Chapter 1.3.3 --- Qualitative measurement of ALP in plasma and tissue extract of osteosarcoma patient --- p.29 / Chapter 1.4 --- AIM AND SCOPE OF THE PRESENT DISSERATION --- p.30 / Chapter CHAPTER TWO : --- MATERIALS AND METHODS --- p.32 / Chapter 2.1 --- DIFERENT GROUPS OF PATIENTS --- p.33 / Chapter 2.1.1 --- Monitering the plasma bone specific ALP --- p.33 / Chapter 2.1.1.1 --- Osteosarcoma group --- p.33 / Chapter 2.1.1.2 --- Benign bone tumour group --- p.34 / Chapter 2.1.1.3 --- Metastasis group --- p.34 / Chapter 2.1.2 --- Collection of plasma samples preserve of tumor tissue --- p.34 / Chapter 2.2 --- QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE PLASMA AND TISSUE BONE SPECIFIC ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE --- p.36 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Extraction of tissue ALP --- p.36 / Chapter 2.2.1.1. --- Reagent --- p.36 / Chapter 2.2.1.2. --- Homogenization of the bone tissue --- p.36 / Chapter 2.2.1.3. --- Extraction of ALP --- p.37 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Assay for Bone-specific ALP --- p.38 / Chapter 2.2.2.1. --- Reagents --- p.38 / Chapter 2.2.2.2. --- Procedures --- p.38 / Chapter 2.3 --- QUALITATIVE MEASUREMENT OF ALP ISOENZYME --- p.40 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Equipment required --- p.40 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Practical procedure --- p.40 / Chapter 2.3.3.1 --- Gel casting --- p.40 / Chapter 2.3.3.2 --- Sample preparation and application --- p.42 / Chapter 2.3.3.3 --- Electrofocusing --- p.42 / Chapter 2.3.3.4 --- Western blotting of the protein --- p.43 / Chapter 2.3.3.5 --- Detection methods --- p.45 / Chapter 2.4 --- METHOD OF STATISTICAL ANALYSIS --- p.48 / Chapter CHAPTER THREE : --- RESULTS --- p.49 / Chapter 3.1 --- QUANTITATIVE MEASUREMENT OF PLASMA AND TISSUE BONE SPECIFIC ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE --- p.50 / Chapter 3.1.1 --- General Information of the patients monitoring --- p.50 / Chapter 3.1.2 --- Pretreatment evaluation --- p.52 / Chapter 3.1.3 --- Correlation between the pretreatment plasma ALP levels and prognosis in the osteosarcoma patient group --- p.57 / Chapter 3.1.4 --- "Correlation between the pre-operational, post- operational plasma ALP levels and the prognosis of osteosarcoma" --- p.59 / Chapter 3.1.5 --- Analysis of plasma ALP levels at the time of relapse in osteosarcoma patients --- p.61 / Chapter 3.1.6 --- Usefulness of the plasma ALP levels for monitoring the effectiveness of chemotherapy --- p.62 / Chapter 3.1.7 --- Correlation between the ALP levels in the tumor extract and the prognosis of the osteosarcoma --- p.64 / Chapter 3.2 --- QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE PLASMA AND TISSUE ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE LEVEL --- p.67 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Comparison of the result of Isoelectric focusing of the plasma ALP of the osteosarcoma patients and the normal subjects --- p.67 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Result of Isoelectric focusing of the ALP isoenzymes in the tissue extract of the osteosarcoma and normal bone --- p.70 / Chapter CHAPTER FOUR : --- DISCUSSION --- p.72 / Chapter 4.1 --- USE OF QUANTITATIVE MONITORING OF PLASMA ALP AND MEASURING TISSUE ALP IN OSTEOSARCOMA PATIENTS --- p.73 / Chapter 4.2 --- ISOELECTRIC FORCUSING AS A TECNIQUE FOR QUALITATIVE MEASUREMENT OF PLASMA AND TISSUE ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE --- p.80 / Chapter CHAPTER FIVE : --- CONCLUSION --- p.83 / Chapter CHAPTER SIX : --- BIBILOGRAPHY --- p.85

by Au Sze Ki. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1997. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves xii-xix). / Acknowledgement --- p.i / Table of Content --- p.ii / List of Abbreviation --- p.vi / Abstract --- p.viii / Chapter Chapter One : --- Introduction / Chapter 1.1. --- Osteosarcoma --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.1. --- Definition --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.2 --- "Incidence, geographic patterns of distribution and epidemiological consideration" --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.3 --- "Age, sex and sites" --- p.3 / Chapter 1.1.4 --- Type and grade --- p.5 / Chapter 1.1.4.1. --- Grade --- p.5 / Chapter 1.1.4.2. --- Site --- p.5 / Chapter 1.1.4.3. --- Metastasis --- p.5 / Chapter 1.1.5 --- Histological features --- p.9 / Chapter 1.1.6 --- Clinical features --- p.9 / Chapter 1.1.7 --- Radiological features --- p.11 / Chapter 1.1.8. --- Molecuar genetics --- p.13 / Chapter 1.1.9 --- Treatment --- p.13 / Chapter 1.2 --- Biochemical Markers of Osteosarcoma --- p.14 / Chapter 1.2.1 --- Tumor marker --- p.14 / Chapter 1.2.2 --- Biochemical markers of bone turnover --- p.15 / Chapter 1.2.3 --- Change of biochemical marker in osteosarcoma --- p.17 / Chapter 1.3 --- Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) --- p.17 / Chapter 1.3.1 --- ALPs Family --- p.20 / Chapter 1.3.2 --- Membrane binding --- p.22 / Chapter 1.3.3 --- Biochemical function and physiological role of ALP --- p.24 / Chapter 1.4 --- Normal values of serum ALP --- p.28 / Chapter 1.5 --- Clinical applications of ALP --- p.28 / Chapter 1.6 --- "Separation, identification and quantification of ALP isozymes" --- p.31 / Chapter 1.6.1 --- Themostability --- p.31 / Chapter 1.6.2 --- Inhibition studies --- p.31 / Chapter 1.6.3 --- Electrophoresis --- p.33 / Chapter 1.6.4 --- Isoelectric focusing --- p.34 / Chapter 1.6.5 --- Affinity precipitation --- p.34 / Chapter 1.6.6 --- Immunological studies --- p.35 / Chapter 1.7 --- Plasma BALP level as biochemical marker of osteosarcoma --- p.35 / Chapter 1.8 --- ALP in malignancies --- p.37 / Aim of study --- p.x / Chapter Chapter Two : --- Methods and Materials / Chapter 2.1 --- Plasma BALP measurement as a biochemical markerin osteosarcoma --- p.40 / Chapter 2.1.1 --- Patient groups --- p.40 / Chapter a) --- Normal subjects --- p.40 / Chapter b) --- Osteosarcoma patients --- p.40 / Chapter 2.1.2 --- Collection and preparation of patient bloods samples of patients --- p.40 / Chapter 2.1.3 --- Plasma total ALP measurement --- p.41 / Chapter a) --- Reagent --- p.41 / Chapter b) --- Procedure --- p.43 / Chapter 2.1.4 --- Plasma BALP measurements --- p.43 / Chapter a) --- Wheat germ lectin precipitation of BALP --- p.44 / Chapter i) --- Reagent / Chapter ii) --- Procedure / Chapter b) --- ABBOTT methods for plasma BALP activity measurement --- p.45 / Chapter c) --- COBAS MIRA methods for BALP measurement --- p.45 / Chapter d) --- ALKPHASE-B method of BALP measurement --- p.46 / Chapter 2.1.5 --- Inter-conversion of plasma BALP activity measurement in different methods --- p.47 / Chapter 2.1.6 --- Statistical analysis --- p.48 / Chapter 2.2 --- Alkaline phosphatase isozymes expression in human osteosarcoma --- p.48 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- In Vitro cultures of human SaOS-2 and U-2 OS osteosarcoma cell line --- p.48 / Chapter a) --- Reagent --- p.49 / Chapter b) --- Procedure --- p.50 / Chapter i) --- Storage of U-2 OS and SaOS-2 / Chapter ii) --- Subculture of confluent monolayer / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Protein assay --- p.51 / Chapter a) --- Standard Assay --- p.51 / Chapter i) --- Reagent / Chapter ii) --- Procedure / Chapter b) --- Mircoassay --- p.51 / Chapter i) --- Reagent / Chapter ii) --- Procedure / Chapter 2.2.3 --- Extraction of ALP from the cultured osteosarcoma cells --- p.52 / Chapter a) --- Reagent --- p.52 / Chapter b) --- Procedure --- p.52 / Chapter 2.2.4 --- "ALP extraction from human liver, placenta and osteosarcoma tissue" --- p.53 / Chapter a) --- Reagent --- p.53 / Chapter b) --- Procedure --- p.54 / Chapter 2.2.5 --- Isoelectric focusing of ALP --- p.55 / Chapter a) --- Preparation of the agarose IEF gel --- p.55 / Chapter b) --- Samples preparation --- p.56 / Chapter c) --- Isoelectric focusing --- p.57 / Chapter d) --- Protein detection --- p.59 / Chapter i) --- Reagent / Chapter ii) --- Procedure / Chapter e) --- Visualization of ALP isozyme --- p.60 / Chapter 2.2.6 --- Biochemical differentiation of ALP expressed in human osteosarcoma --- p.61 / Chapter a) --- Thermodenaturation of ALP --- p.61 / Chapter b) --- Ammino acid inhibition of ALP --- p.61 / Chapter 2.2.7 --- Immunohistostaining of placental ALP in human Osteosarcoma --- p.62 / Chapter a) --- Reagent --- p.62 / Chapter b) --- Preparation of human osteosarcoma cell line --- p.63 / Chapter c) --- Preparation of human osteosarcoma tissue --- p.63 / Chapter d) --- Immunohistostaining --- p.64 / Chapter Chapter Three : --- Results / Chapter 3.1 --- General information of the patients --- p.65 / Chapter 3.1.1 --- Age and sex distribution --- p.65 / Chapter 3.1.2 --- Sites --- p.65 / Chapter 3.1.3 --- Treatment and survival rate --- p.66 / Chapter 3.2 --- Clinical significance of plasma bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP) activity measurementin osteosarcoma patients --- p.71 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Plasma BALP activity measurement --- p.71 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Normal reference of plasma BALP determination --- p.72 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- Diagnostic value of plasma BALP measurement in osteosarcoma --- p.75 / Chapter a) --- Plasma BALP level at admission --- p.75 / Chapter b) --- Plasma Total ALP level at admission --- p.78 / Chapter 3.2.4 --- Prognosis value of plasma BALP measurement in osteosarcoma Patients --- p.78 / Chapter a) --- Correlation of plasma BALP-Adm with the local relapse of the disease --- p.78 / Chapter b) --- Correlation of plasma BALP-Adm with survival rate of the patients --- p.90 / Chapter i) --- One year survival Rate / Chapter ii) --- two-year survival Rate / Chapter iii) --- Three-year survival rate / Chapter c) --- Correlation of the plasma BALP-Adm with the tumor volume --- p.90 / Chapter 3.2.5 --- Using plasma BALP measurement for monitoring of the disease --- p.91 / Chapter a) --- Effectiveness of pre-operative chemotherapy --- p.91 / Chapter b) --- Change of plasma BALP level during the treatment --- p.92 / Chapter i) --- Monitoring of pre-operative chemotherapy / Chapter ii) --- Detection of local recurrence and secondary metastasis / Chapter 3.3 --- Alkaline phosphatase isozyme expressionin osteosarcoma --- p.103 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- Isoelectric point (pI) gradient in isoelectric focusing (IEF)gel --- p.10? / Chapter 3.3.2 --- ALP isozyme standard --- p.103 / Chapter 3.3.3 --- Ectopic expression of ALP in human osteosarcoma cell line: U-2 OS and SaOS-2 --- p.104 / Chapter a) --- Isoelectric focusing separation --- p.104 / Chapter b) --- Biochemical differentiation of ALP extracts --- p.110 / Chapter 3.3.4 --- Alkaline phosphatase expression in osteosarcoma patient plasma sample --- p.110 / Chapter 3.3.5 --- Alkaline phosphatase isozyme expression in human osteosarcoma biopsy tissue --- p.111 / Chapter 3.3.6 --- Ectopic expression of placental ALP in human osteosarcoma by immunohistochemistry --- p.111 / Chapter a) --- Ectopic expression of placental ALP in human osteosarcoma cell line U-2 OS --- p.111 / Chapter b) --- Ectopic expression of placental ALP in human osteosarcoma tissue sections --- p.112 / Chapter Chapter Four : --- Discussion --- p.128 / Chapter Chapter Five : --- Conclusion --- p.142 / Bibliography --- p.xii / Appendix --- p.xx

O maciço alcalino da Serra da Baixa Verde abrange uma área de exposição de aproximadamente 4O0 km² e localiza-se na divisa entre os Estados de Paraíba e Pernambuco, no Nordeste brasileiro. Do ponto de vista geológico encontra-se incluído na chamada \"zona transversal\" de EBERT (1958), constituída por rochas predominantemente pré-cambrianas, delimitada ao Sul pelo lineamento de Pernambuco e ao Norte pelo de Patos ou Paraíba. Petrográficamente, trata-se de uma intrusiva ígnea classificada como quartzo augita sienito, podendo ser considerada como uma diferenciação menos ácida de um magma granítico encontrado na região e localmente situado na parte leste da área estudada. Suas relações de contato são geralmente concordantes e parcialmente discordantes com as estruturas encaixantes e, tal fato, ligado a outras evidências, levou-nos a supor uma origem tarditectônica para o maciço. Do ponto de vista estratigráfico, as rochas encaixantes são metamórficas pertencentes aos Grupos Uauá e Cachoeirinha (BARBOSA et al, I970), de idades pré--cambriano inferior e superior, respectivamente. Estes dois Grupos são constituídos localmente por micaxistos gnaissificados e fenitizados nas bordas da intrusão e dobrados aproximadamente na direção EW-NE. O maciço apresenta-se cortado por falhas de natureza transcorrente, chegando algumas a medir mais de 25 km de comprimento. Estas feições disruptivas estão associadas na sua maioria aos lineamentos de Patos e Pernambuco. A idade do sienito supõe-se que seja de aproximadamente 500 milhões de anos, em analogia com datações K-Ar efetuadas em corpos similares. O autor acredita que esta ígnea constitui parte de um conjunto de corpos sienito-graníticos introduzidos tarditectonicamente durante o Eo Cambriano. / Não existente na dissertação.

O biodiesel substituto renovável do diesel convencional é quimicamente definido como ésteres monoalquílicos de ácidos graxos derivados de óleos vegetais e gorduras animais. O processo mais empregado para a sua produção é a transesterificação em meio alcalino. Este processo consiste em uma reação química na qual óleos vegetais e/ou gorduras animais reagem com um álcool de cadeia curta utilizando catalisador alcalino (usualmente hidróxido de potássio e metilato de sódio) resultando na mistura de ésteres monoalquílicos (biodiesel) e glicerina. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o desempenho dos catalisadores alcalinos: metilato de sódio e hidróxido de potássio na produção de biodiesel pela rota metílica utilizando óleo de soja como fonte de triglicerídeo. A avaliação foi dividida em 3 partes: 1- Técnica: Qualidade do biodiesel, da glicerina gerada e a eficiência da conversão de óleo de soja em biodiesel. 2- Econômica: Custo de produção global do biodiesel. 3- Ambiental: Geração de resíduo quantitativa e qualitativa. A metodologia consistiu em realizar 3 bateladas com cada catalisador em um reator de vidro tipo batelada de 2.000 mL com circulação externa de água. Foi utilizado o mesmo óleo de soja refinado, metanol, procedimento experimental e metodologia analítica. Os resultados demonstraram que o catalisador metilato de sódio apresentou eficiência 4,8% superior ao hidróxido de potássio na conversão de óleo de soja em biodiesel, o custo de produção global teve redução de 3,2% (R$ 0,080/Kg de biodiesel produzido) e a geração de resíduo em volume foi reduzida em 9,8%. Ambos catalisadores apresentaram resultados dentro da especificação da resolução ANP no42. Estes resultados demonstram a grande vantagem do metilato de sódio frente ao hidróxido de sódio e exalta a importância da escolha do catalisador que oferece o melhor desempenho que é fundamental para a viabilidade técnica, financeira e ambiental do Programa Nacional de Produção de Biodiesel (PNPB). / Biodiesel is a renewable alternative to petroleum diesel fuel and is chemically defined as mono-alkyl esters of fatty acid derived of vegetable oils and animal fat. The most commonly used process in its production is alkaline transesterification. This process consists in a chemical reaction in which vegetable oil and/or animal fats react with a short chain alcohol, using an alkaline catalyst (usually potassium hydroxide and sodium methylate), resulting in a mixture of mono- alkyl esters (biodiesel) and glycerin. The objective of the present research is to evaluate the performance of alkaline catalysts: sodium methylate and potassium hydroxide in the production of biodiesel by the methylic route, using soybean as a triglyceride source. The evaluation was divided in 3 parts: 1 - Technical: biodiesel quality, generated glycerin quality and the soybean oil to biodiesel conversion efficiency. 2 - Economical: Biodiesel\'s global production cost. 3 - Environmental: Quantitative and qualitative waste generation. The methodology consisted in carrying through 3 (three) batches with each catalyst in a 2.000 mL batch type glass reactor with external water circulation. The same refined soybean, methanol, experimental procedure and analytical methodology were used. The results demonstrated that the sodium methylate catalyst presented an efficiency 4,8% higher than potassium hydroxide in the conversion of soybean into biodiesel, that the global production cost had a 3,2% reduction (R$ 0.08/Kg of produced biodiesel) and that waste generation in volume was reduced in 9,8%. Both catalysts presented results, within the specification of ANP no42 Ordinance. These results demonstrate the great advantage of sodium methylate in comparison to potassium hydroxide and exalts the importance of chossing the catalyst that offers the best performance that is necessary for the technical, financial and environmental viability of the National Biodiesel Production Program.

Incorporation of magnetic microparticles (~ 1 um) at electrode structures increases electron transfer e¢ ciency, observed as increased current, for multiple electrochemical systems. Current increases occur with magnetic field. Inclusion of magnetic materials into the cathode matrix of alkaline MnO2 batteries requires the materials to be stable in the strong base electrolyte, typically 6 to 9 M KOH. Samarium cobalt magnetic particles sustain strong permanent magnetic fields and are stable in base without surface modification. Studies were undertaken at fast (C/2), moderate (C/3), and slow (C/5) constant current discharges. Here, alkaline MnO2 batteries generated increased power and energy when magnetic microparticles are incorporated into the cathode of the battery. Because of anode limitations in the battery, total coulombic output is not increased for the first electron discharge, but the available power and energy is significantly higher compared to nonmagnetic batteries at voltages above 0.9V. Constant current discharge curves of magnetic batteries demonstrate higher voltages than nonmagnetic batteries at a given time, which translates to greater power output. This effect is also observed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, where charge transfer resistance is less for magnetically modified cells. This work also developed voltammetric measurement protocols for acetone concentration collected in the liquid and vapor phase and measured in solution. Acetone on the breath is an indicator for physiological dysregulation. Measurements are demonstrated for acetone concentrations across the human physiological range, 1 uM to 10 mM at platinum electrodes in 0.5 M H2SO4. Effects arise through adsorption of acetone from the gas phase onto a platinum surface and hydrogen in acidic solution within the voltammetric butterfly region. The protocol is demonstrated to yield breath acetone concentration on a human subject within the physiological range and consistent with ketone urine test strip.

<p>The Alnö complex on the central Swedish east coast is composed of a main composite intrusion (the main intrusion) and four smaller satellite intrusions (Söråker, Sälskär, Långharsholmen and Båräng) distributed around the main intrusion on Alnö Island and on the mainland north of the island. The major rock types exposed within the complex are melilitolite, pyroxenite, ijolite series (melteigite-ijolite-urtite), nepheline syenite, carbonatite and alnöite dykes. Melilitolite is only exposed within the Söråker intrusion. The intrusive sequence is melilitolite → pyroxenite → ijolite series → nepheline syenite → carbonatite → alnöite.</p><p>Mineralogical, whole rock geochemical and radiogenic isotope (Nd-Sr-Pb) studies of exposed rocks from the Alnö alkaline complex, east central Sweden, were performed in order to investigate the genetic relationships between the diverse rock-types, and to evaluate the contributions from mantle and crustal components in the genesis of the complex. Most analysed samples fall within the depleted quadrant in a eNd-eSr diagram, similar to carbonatites and alkaline silicate rocks from other complexes, indicating derivation of parental magma(s) from a source that had experienced time-integrated depletion in LIL elements. Contamination by local crust is indicated by Sr and Pb isotope data, but is geographically restricted to samples collected from the outer parts of the main intrusion and from satellite intrusions. This localized contamination is attributed to selective hydrothermal element leaching of surrounding bedrock during fenitization. Nd- and Sr-isotope data separates the carbonatites into two groups (group I and II), each related to a specific set of silicate rock types. The overlap of group II carbonatites with ijolite and nepheline syenite could indicate a common origin through liquid immiscibility but this hypothesis cannot be confirmed by trace element data because initial concentrations are obscured by fractionation processes. Interestingly, results from AFC-modelling suggest that production of ijolite residual magma requires addition of a small volume (2.4 %) of carbonatite component to the parental magma, whereas formation of nepheline syenite residuals requires removal of an almost equal amount of carbonatite (1.5 %) to yield a statistically significant result. AFC-modelling further suggests that the various silicate rock types exposed within the complex are related to the same parental olivine-melilitite magma through crystal fractionation of olivine, melilite, clinopyroxene, nepheline, Ti-andradite and minor phases. These results agree with compositional trends exhibited by clinopyroxene and Ti-andradite from the silicate rocks of the main intrusion, which suggests co-genesis of pyroxenite, ijolite series rocks and nepheline syenite. Production of ijolite-like residual liquids can be achieved by <40% fractionation whereas production of nepheline syenite residuals requires >80% fractionation.</p><p>An investigation of the origin of silicate minerals in carbonatites suggest that most silicate minerals observed in the carbonatites on Alnö Island are derived from surrounding wall-rock and/or produced through corrosive interaction between carbonatite liquid and assimilated phases. This leads to ambiguities when addressing the possible genetic link between carbonatites and associated silicate rocks as occurrences of identical “liquidus” phases in inferred immiscible liquids may not actually be such.</p>

<p>Two species of emergent macrophytes, Typha latifolia (common cattail) and Phalaris arundinacea (reed canary grass) were evaluated as substrates for biogas production. The specific methane yield for each plant was obtained by batch wise anaerobic digestion in 300-mL bottles. Three different pretreatments were evaluated for increased biogas production; mechanical milling, alkaline treatment with lime and fungal degradation with Pleurotus ostreatus (oyseter mushroom).The methane yield for Typha latifolia and Phalaris arundinacea was determined to 300 and 323mL methane per g VS, respectively. There was no statistical difference in methane yield between the two species. Milling pretreatment increased the biogas yield with 16 % by average compared to untreated plant. Alkaline pretreatment with lime increased the biogas yield with 27 % at roomtemp. and 22 % at 55 °C. The fungal pretreatment decreased the biogas production by 20 % and is probably not suitable for this kind of substrate.The results showed that emergent macrophytes have a biogas yield similar to other plants already tested (grasses) and commonly used (pasture crops) in large scale reactors. However, emergent macrophytes and grasses cause mechanical problems in a reactor due to their structure. Probably some kind of milling must be done to decrease the fiber length of the emergent macrophytes. The costs for harvest, transport, handling and possible pretreatment of the emergent macrophytes have to be estimated and included in the overall cost calculations. This can tell if emergent macrophytes should be used as a substrate for biogas production.</p>

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme present in intestinal mucosa, bile, bone and renal tubule cells. Bile acids have been shown to decrease ALP activity from bone and kidney but not those from intestinal origin. This action can be mimicked in serum and peritoneal fluid samples by the use of an L-phenylalanine buffer which specifically measures intestinal ALP activity only; while the standard buffer measures total ALP activity. We sought to assess the diagnostic and prognostic relationship of intestinal and total ALP activity between serum and peritoneal fluid in 126 horses with acute colic. Blood and peritoneal fluid samples were analyzed for ALP activity using both the standard and L-phenylalanine based buffers. Neither total nor intestinal serum ALP activity was useful in classifying type or severity of intestinal damage. Total and intestinal peritoneal fluid ALP activity were lowest in horses suffering simple medical colic and non-strangulated surgical lesions, and highest in surgical cases with suspected ulceration, strangulation, peritonitis and intestinal rupture. High total and intestinal peritoneal fluid ALP activity was associated with greater intestinal damage, increased probability of surgical intervention and a worse prognosis while low total and intestinal peritoneal fluid ALP activity was unable to accurately differentiate between simple medical colics and surgical colics. The use of L-phenylalanine buffer in both serum and peritoneal fluid did not improve the sensitivity of the test. Based on these results, determination of total ALP activity in peritoneal fluid may be helpful in identifying ischemic or inflammatory bowel lesions in horses with acute colic. A portable clinical analyzer (PCA) was used for the determination of venous blood and peritoneal fluid pH value, glucose, lactate and electrolyte concentrations in a hospital setting. Blood and peritoneal fluid glucose, lactate, sodium, chloride and potassium concentrations, and pH value were determined using both a portable clinical analyzer with test cartridges and an in-house analyzer in 56 horses with acute abdominal disease. Results were compared by the Bland-Altman method of comparison and linear regression. The PCA yielded higher blood and peritoneal pH values, with greater variability in the alkaline range and lower pH values in the acidic range. The PCA glucose concentrations (<150 mg/dL) were significantly lower, and were higher in the high range (>150 mg/dL). Venous lactate concentration (<5 mmol/dL) arid peritoneal fluid lactate concentration (<2 mmol/dL) had the smallest variability. On average, the PCA underestimated peritoneal lactate and glucose concentration. Peritoneal fluid sodium and chloride concentration had higher bias and variability than venous sodium and chloride concentration. Venous and peritoneal fluid potassium concentration was closely clustered around the mean with a low bias and variability. Correlation coefficients were >0.80 for all values except venous and peritoneal sodium concentration; venous chloride concentration and venous pH value. The PCA may be suitable for point-of-care biochemical analysis of blood and peritoneal fluid for horses suffering colic and may provide further diagnostic and prognostic information. The PCA may be of help in diagnosing metabolic acidosis, uroperitoneum, septic and non-septic peritonitis and intestinal ischemia. This may be of benefit to ambulatory equine clinicians. / Graduation date: 2004

<p>The current work focuses on the synthesis and characterization of nano-devices with potential application in alkaline electrolysis and secondary polymer lithium ion batteries.</p>

The Alnö complex on the central Swedish east coast is composed of a main composite intrusion (the main intrusion) and four smaller satellite intrusions (Söråker, Sälskär, Långharsholmen and Båräng) distributed around the main intrusion on Alnö Island and on the mainland north of the island. The major rock types exposed within the complex are melilitolite, pyroxenite, ijolite series (melteigite-ijolite-urtite), nepheline syenite, carbonatite and alnöite dykes. Melilitolite is only exposed within the Söråker intrusion. The intrusive sequence is melilitolite → pyroxenite → ijolite series → nepheline syenite → carbonatite → alnöite. Mineralogical, whole rock geochemical and radiogenic isotope (Nd-Sr-Pb) studies of exposed rocks from the Alnö alkaline complex, east central Sweden, were performed in order to investigate the genetic relationships between the diverse rock-types, and to evaluate the contributions from mantle and crustal components in the genesis of the complex. Most analysed samples fall within the depleted quadrant in a eNd-eSr diagram, similar to carbonatites and alkaline silicate rocks from other complexes, indicating derivation of parental magma(s) from a source that had experienced time-integrated depletion in LIL elements. Contamination by local crust is indicated by Sr and Pb isotope data, but is geographically restricted to samples collected from the outer parts of the main intrusion and from satellite intrusions. This localized contamination is attributed to selective hydrothermal element leaching of surrounding bedrock during fenitization. Nd- and Sr-isotope data separates the carbonatites into two groups (group I and II), each related to a specific set of silicate rock types. The overlap of group II carbonatites with ijolite and nepheline syenite could indicate a common origin through liquid immiscibility but this hypothesis cannot be confirmed by trace element data because initial concentrations are obscured by fractionation processes. Interestingly, results from AFC-modelling suggest that production of ijolite residual magma requires addition of a small volume (2.4 %) of carbonatite component to the parental magma, whereas formation of nepheline syenite residuals requires removal of an almost equal amount of carbonatite (1.5 %) to yield a statistically significant result. AFC-modelling further suggests that the various silicate rock types exposed within the complex are related to the same parental olivine-melilitite magma through crystal fractionation of olivine, melilite, clinopyroxene, nepheline, Ti-andradite and minor phases. These results agree with compositional trends exhibited by clinopyroxene and Ti-andradite from the silicate rocks of the main intrusion, which suggests co-genesis of pyroxenite, ijolite series rocks and nepheline syenite. Production of ijolite-like residual liquids can be achieved by &lt;40% fractionation whereas production of nepheline syenite residuals requires &gt;80% fractionation. An investigation of the origin of silicate minerals in carbonatites suggest that most silicate minerals observed in the carbonatites on Alnö Island are derived from surrounding wall-rock and/or produced through corrosive interaction between carbonatite liquid and assimilated phases. This leads to ambiguities when addressing the possible genetic link between carbonatites and associated silicate rocks as occurrences of identical “liquidus” phases in inferred immiscible liquids may not actually be such.