Processing of residual gold (III) solutions via ion exchange

The processing of gold (III)-hydrochloric acid solutions by the anionic ion exchange Lewatit MP-64_resin has been investigated. The influence of several variables such as the temperature, the hydrochloric acid and metal concentrations in the aqueous solution and the variation of the amount of resin added has been studied. Moreover, a kinetic study performed in the uptake of gold (III) by Lewatit MP-64_shows that either the film-diffusion and the particle-diffusion models fit the adsorption process on the resin. Results obtained from batch experiments were applied to a continuous system using a vertical column. The loaded resin could be eluted by an acidic thiourea solution at 20°C. Various systems were investigated to precipitate gold from eluants, only the use of sodium borohydride allowed to accomplish the recovery of the metal from the pregnant solutions. Gold was recovered as fine particles, which were characterised by means of optical and scanning electron microscopy.The authors thank Mr. Bascones and Mr. López for technical assistance. Also to the CSIC (Spain) for support.Peer reviewe

Sprachliche Verfahren des Wissensmanagements im Kriminalroman : Ein Beitrag zur dynamischen Texttheorie

Für die Textlinguistik ist der Kriminalroman als Untersuchungsgegenstand ausgesprochen lehrreich, weil darin zwei textlinguistische Parameter besonders markant ausgeprägt sind, nämlich der Wissensaufbau und das darauf bezogene Referieren. Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit ist es, die sprachlichen Verfahren des Wissensmanagements im Kriminalroman aus textlinguistischer Sicht einer pragmatischen und referenzsemantischen Untersuchung zu unterziehen. Dieser Zielsetzung entsprechend werden in der Arbeit unter anderem die folgenden Thesen aufgestellt und anhand ausgewählter Textbeispiele plausibel gemacht: (1) Im Kriminalroman ist ein spezifisches Wissensmanagement nachweisbar, durch welches sich der Kriminalroman von anderen Texttypen unterscheidet, und (2) Die Art und Weise, wie Wissen in Texten typischerweise aufgebaut, strukturiert und vermittelt wird, kann als Spezifikum eines Texttyps gelten. Am Beispiel des Kriminalromans wird gezeigt, dass Formen des krimispezifischen Wissensmanagements und die dafür verwendeten charakteristischen sprachlichen Verfahren zu den konstituierenden Besonderheiten des Texttyps gehören. Als Grundlage für die Untersuchung dient ein Textkorpus mit mehr als 100 deutschsprachigen Krimis, das sowohl Originalwerke als auch Übersetzungen umfasst. Bei der Untersuchung liegt der Fokus vor allem auf Verfahren des systematischen Wissensaufbaus und der Wissensentwicklung sowie dem Zusammenspiel von Wissensvermittlung und Formen des Referierens. Theoretische Grundlage der Arbeit ist eine funktionale und dynamische Texttheorie. Der Ausgangspunkt bildet demnach die Grundidee, dass das Wissensmanagement ein zentraler Aspekt der Textorganisation ist, der eng mit anderen Aspekten zusammenhängt und mit diesen auf vielfältige Weise zusammenwirkt. Ausgehend von den Annahmen, dass die Grundfunktion des Kriminalromans darin besteht, durch die Erzeugung von Spannung den Leser zu unterhalten, und dass Spannungserzeugung im Wesentlichen durch den Wissensaufbau geleistet wird, werden grundlegende Mittel und Strategien des Wissensmanagements im Kriminalroman beschrieben. Zum theoretischen Rahmen der Arbeit gehören auch eine handlungstheoretische Referenztheorie, literaturwissenschaftliche Krimi-Forschung und Erzähltheorien sowie Schreibratgeber für Krimis, in denen erfolgreiche Krimiautoren reflexiv Darstellungsstrategien und Erfolgsrezepte beschreiben. Bei der Untersuchung wird die Ergiebigkeit textlinguistischer Methoden und Ansätze im Zuge einer umfassenden sprachlichen Analyse des Wissensmanagements im Genre Kriminalroman erwiesen. Diese Arbeit stellt insbesondere einen Beitrag zur dynamischen Texttheorie dar. Anhand einer Fallstudie von Andrea Maria Schenkels "Tannöd", bei der das Verfahren der Wissensbuchführung in Form eines Leseprotokolls mit anschließender Mikroanalyse zum Einsatz kommt, werden die Wissensdynamik in "Tannöd" und die jeweils verfügbaren Wissensstände und Wissensressourcen zu unterschiedlichen Text-Zeitpunkten modelliert. Dadurch wird der Grundgedanke einer dynamischen Texttheorie veranschaulicht, nämlich dass sich mit jedem neuen "Zug", jeder neuen Texthandlung, der "Spielstand" bzw. Wissensstand verändert. Diese Fallstudie belegt, dass der Kriminalroman ein besonders markantes Beispiel für den dynamischen Aspekt des Wissensaufbaus in Texten ist. Der Wissensaufbau ist ein Parameter der Textorganisation, der bisher in der Diskussion von Texttypologien noch nicht ausreichend Beachtung gefunden hat. Die Untersuchung von Krimis ist damit auch ein besonders lohnendes Untersuchungsfeld für die Weiterentwicklung der textlinguistischen Theoriebildung

Особливості управлінння персоналом в сучасних організаціях

Головним ресурсом підприємства є люди. Саме від персоналу залежить якість продукції, рівень обслуговування, загальний ріст і розвиток компанії. Система управління персоналом підприємства представляє собою сукупність прийомів, методів, управлінських дій спрямованих на організації роботи з персоналом. При формуванні системи управління персоналом організації необхідно враховувати такі моменти: організація є відкритою системою і на її діяльність впливають фактори зовнішнього середовища, такі, як ринкова кон’юнктура, ринок праці, правові норми, потреби споживачів, конкуренти; внутрішнє середовище організації характеризується такими складовими, як: місія організації, ціль діяльності, задачі, люди, організаційна структура та корпоративна культура; результат діяльності організації залежить від кваліфікації, досвіду, компетенцій персоналу організації; конкурентоздатність організації залежить не лише від конкурентоздатності продукції чи послуг, а і від конкурентоздатності персоналу організації

Transfer of Spectral Weight in Spectroscopies of Correlated Electron Systems

We study the transfer of spectral weight in the photoemission and optical spectra of strongly correlated electron systems. Within the LISA, that becomes exact in the limit of large lattice coordination, we consider and compare two models of correlated electrons, the Hubbard model and the periodic Anderson model. The results are discussed in regard of recent experiments. In the Hubbard model, we predict an anomalous enhancement optical spectral weight as a function of temperature in the correlated metallic state which is in qualitative agreement with optical measurements in $V_2O_3$. We argue that anomalies observed in the spectroscopy of the metal are connected to the proximity to a crossover region in the phase diagram of the model. In the insulating phase, we obtain an excellent agreement with the experimental data and present a detailed discussion on the role of magnetic frustration by studying the $k-$resolved single particle spectra. The results for the periodic Anderson model are discussed in connection to recent experimental data of the Kondo insulators $Ce_3Bi_4Pt_3$ and $FeSi$. The model can successfully explain the different energy scales that are associated to the thermal filling of the optical gap, which we also relate to corresponding changes in the density of states. The temperature dependence of the optical sum rule is obtained and its relevance for the interpretation of the experimental data discussed. Finally, we argue that the large scattering rate measured in Kondo insulators cannot be described by the periodic Anderson model.Comment: 19 pages + 29 figures. Submitted to PR

Composite quasiparticle formation and the low-energy effective Hamiltonians of the one- and two-dimensional Hubbard Model

We investigate the effect of hole doping on the strong-coupling Hubbard model at half-filling in spatial dimensions $D\ge 1$. We start with an antiferromagnetic mean-field description of the insulating state, and show that doping creates solitons in the antiferromagnetic background. In one dimension, the soliton is topological, spinless, and decoupled from the background antiferromagnetic fluctuations at low energies. In two dimensions and above, the soliton is non-topological, has spin quantum number 1/2, and is strongly coupled to the antiferromagnetic fluctuations. We derive the effective action governing the quasiparticle motion, study the properties of a single carrier, and comment on a possible description at finite concentration.Comment: REVTEX 3.0, 22 pages with 14 figures in the PostScript format compressed using uufile. Submitted to Phys. Rev. B. The complete PostScript file including figures can be obtained via ftp at ftp://serval.berkeley.edu/hubbard.ps . It is also available via www at http://roemer.fys.ku.dk/recent.ht

Tutorials at PPSN 2016

PPSN 2016 hosts a total number of 16 tutorials covering a broad range of current research in evolutionary computation. The tutorials range from introductory to advanced and specialized but can all be attended without prior requirements. All PPSN attendees are cordially invited to take this opportunity to learn about ongoing research activities in our field

Hundreds of variants clustered in genomic loci and biological pathways affect human height

Most common human traits and diseases have a polygenic pattern of inheritance: DNA sequence variants at many genetic loci influence the phenotype. Genome-wide association (GWA) studies have identified more than 600 variants associated with human traits, but these typically explain small fractions of phenotypic variation, raising questions about the use of further studies. Here, using 183,727 individuals, we show that hundreds of genetic variants, in at least 180 loci, influence adult height, a highly heritable and classic polygenic trait. The large number of loci reveals patterns with important implications for genetic studies of common human diseases and traits. First, the 180 loci are not random, but instead are enriched for genes that are connected in biological pathways (P = 0.016) and that underlie skeletal growth defects (P < 0.001). Second, the likely causal gene is often located near the most strongly associated variant: in 13 of 21 loci containing a known skeletal growth gene, that gene was closest to the associated variant. Third, at least 19 loci have multiple independently associated variants, suggesting that allelic heterogeneity is a frequent feature of polygenic traits, that comprehensive explorations of already-discovered loci should discover additional variants and that an appreciable fraction of associated loci may have been identified. Fourth, associated variants are enriched for likely functional effects on genes, being over-represented among variants that alter amino-acid structure of proteins and expression levels of nearby genes. Our data explain approximately 10% of the phenotypic variation in height, and we estimate that unidentified common variants of similar effect sizes would increase this figure to approximately 16% of phenotypic variation (approximately 20% of heritable variation). Although additional approaches are needed to dissect the genetic architecture of polygenic human traits fully, our findings indicate that GWA studies can identify large numbers of loci that implicate biologically relevant genes and pathways.

Effects of phlebotomy-induced reduction of body iron stores on metabolic syndrome: results from a randomized clinical trial

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Metabolic syndrome (METS) is an increasingly prevalent but poorly understood clinical condition characterized by insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and obesity. Increased oxidative stress catalyzed by accumulation of iron in excess of physiologic requirements has been implicated in the pathogenesis of METS, but the relationships between cause and effect remain uncertain. We tested the hypothesis that phlebotomy-induced reduction of body iron stores would alter the clinical presentation of METS, using a randomized trial.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>In a randomized, controlled, single-blind clinical trial, 64 patients with METS were randomly assigned to iron reduction by phlebotomy (n = 33) or to a control group (n = 31), which was offered phlebotomy at the end of the study (waiting-list design). The iron-reduction patients had 300 ml of blood removed at entry and between 250 and 500 ml removed after 4 weeks, depending on ferritin levels at study entry. Primary outcomes were change in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and insulin sensitivity as measured by Homeostatic Model Assessment (HOMA) index after 6 weeks. Secondary outcomes included HbA1c, plasma glucose, blood lipids, and heart rate (HR).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>SBP decreased from 148.5 ± 12.3 mmHg to 130.5 ± 11.8 mmHg in the phlebotomy group, and from 144.7 ± 14.4 mmHg to 143.8 ± 11.9 mmHg in the control group (difference -16.6 mmHg; 95% CI -20.7 to -12.5; <it>P </it>< 0.001). No significant effect on HOMA index was seen. With regard to secondary outcomes, blood glucose, HbA1c, low-density lipoprotein/high-density lipoprotein ratio, and HR were significantly decreased by phlebotomy. Changes in BP and HOMA index correlated with ferritin reduction.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>In patients with METS, phlebotomy, with consecutive reduction of body iron stores, lowered BP and resulted in improvements in markers of cardiovascular risk and glycemic control. Blood donation may have beneficial effects for blood donors with METS.</p> <p>Trial registration</p> <p>ClinicalTrials.gov: <a href="http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01328210">NCT01328210</a></p> <p>Please see related article: <url>http://www.biomedcentral.com/1741-7015/10/53</url></p

Double trouble at high density::Cross-level test of ressource-related adaptive plasticity and crowding-related fitness.

Population size is often regulated by negative feedback between population density and individual fitness. At high population densities, animals run into double trouble: they might concurrently suffer from overexploitation of resources and also from negative interference among individuals regardless of resource availability, referred to as crowding. Animals are able to adapt to resource shortages by exhibiting a repertoire of life history and physiological plasticities. In addition to resource-related plasticity, crowding might lead to reduced fitness, with consequences for individual life history. We explored how different mechanisms behind resource-related plasticity and crowding-related fitness act independently or together, using the water flea Daphnia magna as a case study. For testing hypotheses related to mechanisms of plasticity and crowding stress across different biological levels, we used an individual-based population model that is based on dynamic energy budget theory. Each of the hypotheses, represented by a sub-model, is based on specific assumptions on how the uptake and allocation of energy are altered under conditions of resource shortage or crowding. For cross-level testing of different hypotheses, we explored how well the sub-models fit individual level data and also how well they predict population dynamics under different conditions of resource availability. Only operating resource-related and crowding-related hypotheses together enabled accurate model predictions of D. magna population dynamics and size structure. Whereas this study showed that various mechanisms might play a role in the negative feedback between population density and individual life history, it also indicated that different density levels might instigate the onset of the different mechanisms. This study provides an example of how the integration of dynamic energy budget theory and individual-based modelling can facilitate the exploration of mechanisms behind the regulation of population size. Such understanding is important for assessment, management and the conservation of populations and thereby biodiversity in ecosystems

Expression of the Arabidopsis thaliana BBX32 Gene in Soybean Increases Grain Yield

Crop yield is a highly complex quantitative trait. Historically, successful breeding for improved grain yield has led to crop plants with improved source capacity, altered plant architecture, and increased resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses. To date, transgenic approaches towards improving crop grain yield have primarily focused on protecting plants from herbicide, insects, or disease. In contrast, we have focused on identifying genes that, when expressed in soybean, improve the intrinsic ability of the plant to yield more. Through the large scale screening of candidate genes in transgenic soybean, we identified an Arabidopsis thaliana B-box domain gene (AtBBX32) that significantly increases soybean grain yield year after year in multiple transgenic events in multi-location field trials. In order to understand the underlying physiological changes that are associated with increased yield in transgenic soybean, we examined phenotypic differences in two AtBBX32-expressing lines and found increases in plant height and node, flower, pod, and seed number. We propose that these phenotypic changes are likely the result of changes in the timing of reproductive development in transgenic soybean that lead to the increased duration of the pod and seed development period. Consistent with the role of BBX32 in A. thaliana in regulating light signaling, we show that the constitutive expression of AtBBX32 in soybean alters the abundance of a subset of gene transcripts in the early morning hours. In particular, AtBBX32 alters transcript levels of the soybean clock genes GmTOC1 and LHY-CCA1-like2 (GmLCL2). We propose that through the expression of AtBBX32 and modulation of the abundance of circadian clock genes during the transition from dark to light, the timing of critical phases of reproductive development are altered. These findings demonstrate a specific role for AtBBX32 in modulating soybean development, and demonstrate the validity of expressing single genes in crops to deliver increased agricultural productivity