A composite functional equation from algebraic aspect

In this paper we discuss the composite functional equation f(x+2f(y))=f(x)+y+f(y) on an Abelian group. This equation originates from Problem 10854 of the American Mathematical Monthly. We give an algebraic description of the solutions on uniquely 3-divisible Abelian groups, and then we construct all solutions f of this equation on finite Abelian groups without elements of order 3 and on divisible Abelian groups without elements of order 3 including the additive group of real numbers

Processor for high-density digital tape-recorded signals

Linear filter and detection theory can bear on problem of reconstructing recorded bit stream. Problem can be taken from realm of nonlinear problems even though basic record process is still recognized as highly nonlinear. Digital tape recorder can be modeled as particular type of linear communication channel with intersymbol interference

Identification of Brucella by MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry. Fast and Reliable Identification from Agar Plates and Blood Cultures

BACKGROUND: MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry (MS) is a reliable method for bacteria identification. Some databases used for this purpose lack reference profiles for Brucella species, which is still an important pathogen in wide areas around the world. We report the creation of profiles for MALDI-TOF Biotyper 2.0 database (Bruker Daltonics, Germany) and their usefulness for identifying brucellae from culture plates and blood cultures. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We created MALDI Biotyper 2.0 profiles for type strains belonging to B. melitensis biotypes 1, 2 and 3; B. abortus biotypes 1, 2, 5 and 9; B. suis, B. canis, B ceti and B. pinnipedialis. Then, 131 clinical isolates grown on plate cultures were used in triplicate to check identification. Identification at genus level was always correct, although in most cases the three replicates reported different identification at species level. Simulated blood cultures were performed with type strains belonging to the main human pathogenic species (B. melitensis, B. abortus, B. suis and B. canis), and studied by MALDI-TOF MS in triplicate. Identification at genus level was always correct. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: MALDI-TOF MS is reliable for Brucella identification to the genus level from culture plates and directly from blood culture bottles

Modeling of Public Health: Call for Interdisciplinary Actions

Health care systems today confront a range of diseases for which preventive measures lie outside traditional therapeutic medicine. The variety and multicausality of illness forms are closely related to the differences among people, especially social, economical and other conditions of their lives. The activities of many institutions which are not directly involved in health regulation, influence public health today. These facts apply also to the scale of possible control actions. Joint effects of population heterogeneity and the hierarchical nature of public health regulation seem to have led naturally to the current mix of problems and also seem to indicate that only more holistic approaches will improve the situation. One of the problems, how to overcome interdisciplinary barriers and organize effective preventive measures, may be solved only by joined efforts of social and economical institutions directly or indirectly responsible for the modern pattern of diseases. Workshops with computer modeling seem to be an appropriate instrument for developing interdisciplinary collaboration. The results of an experiment with the Slovakian Ministry of Health suggest that intensive modeling workshops involving health care planners, physicians, and other experts lead to better problem formulation and policy analysis

Folded stick module

Integrated circuit modules can be compactly assembled into short-run complex electronic assemblies by mounting them on a Stick module. This module provides a method of high-density packaging for industrial operations that require the fabrication of compact circuitry configurations

Nucleon-nucleon elastic scattering analysis to 2.5 GeV

A partial-wave analysis of NN elastic scattering data has been completed. This analysis covers an expanded energy range, from threshold to a laboratory kinetic energy of 2.5 GeV, in order to include recent elastic pp scattering data from the EDDA collaboration. The results of both single-energy and energy-dependent analyses are described.Comment: 23 pages of text. Postscript files for the figures are available from ftp://clsaid.phys.vt.edu/pub/said/n

1998 BUSINESS ANALYSIS SUMMARY FOR GENERAL LIVESTOCK FARMS

This report has three purposes: 1)to provide statistical information about the financial results on dairy farms during 1998; 2)to provide production costs for comparative analysis and forward planning; and 3)to provide information on the trends in resource use, income and costs during the last few years.Livestock Production/Industries,

Relativistic model of hidden bottom tetraquarks

The relativistic model of the ground state and excited heavy tetraquarks with hidden bottom is formulated within the diquark-antidiquark picture. The diquark structure is taken into account by calculating the diquark-gluon vertex in terms of the diquark wave functions. Predictions for the masses of bottom counterparts to the charm tetraquark candidates are given.Comment: 6 page