Nonlinear Information Bottleneck

Information bottleneck (IB) is a technique for extracting information in one random variable $X$ that is relevant for predicting another random variable $Y$. IB works by encoding $X$ in a compressed "bottleneck" random variable $M$ from which $Y$ can be accurately decoded. However, finding the optimal bottleneck variable involves a difficult optimization problem, which until recently has been considered for only two limited cases: discrete $X$ and $Y$ with small state spaces, and continuous $X$ and $Y$ with a Gaussian joint distribution (in which case optimal encoding and decoding maps are linear). We propose a method for performing IB on arbitrarily-distributed discrete and/or continuous $X$ and $Y$, while allowing for nonlinear encoding and decoding maps. Our approach relies on a novel non-parametric upper bound for mutual information. We describe how to implement our method using neural networks. We then show that it achieves better performance than the recently-proposed "variational IB" method on several real-world datasets

First Report of the Neoephemeridae (Ephemeroptera) in Wisconsin

The mayfly family Neoephemeridae was discovered in Wisconsin for the first time and is represented by the species Neoephemera bicolor. Nymphs were collected from three sites in two rivers in northern Wisconsin. Adults were reared from nymphs. Some physical and chemical characteristics of the sample locations are discussed

A Computer-Automated Laboratory System In A University Environment

A computer-automated laboratory system at the University of Missouri-Rolla, Rolla, which serves a wide variety of instruction and research disciplines including Geophysics, Cloud Physics, and Computer Graphics, is described. The system serves as an example for campuses which are relatively small in geographic area and with budget limitations which dictate a step-by-step evolution. The paper describes 1) the constraints and economics realized in the development of the system, 2) the characteristics of the minicomputer network, and 3) an evaluation of the system philosophy and performance. Also included is a description of diverse laboratory projects supported by the computer-automated system. © 1975, IEEE. All rights reserved

Optimal classical-communication-assisted local model of n-qubit Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger correlations

We present a model, motivated by the criterion of reality put forward by Einstein, Podolsky, and Rosen and supplemented by classical communication, which correctly reproduces the quantum-mechanical predictions for measurements of all products of Pauli operators on an n-qubit GHZ state (or ``cat state''). The n-2 bits employed by our model are shown to be optimal for the allowed set of measurements, demonstrating that the required communication overhead scales linearly with n. We formulate a connection between the generation of the local values utilized by our model and the stabilizer formalism, which leads us to conjecture that a generalization of this method will shed light on the content of the Gottesman-Knill theorem.Comment: New version - expanded and revised to address referee comment

Inverted Echo Sounder Telemetry System Report

From August 1989 until August 1990, a simple acoustic telemetry system was used for obtaining real-time data from 5 Inverted Echo Sounders (IESs) deployed in the SYNOP inlet array in the Gulf Stream east of Cape Hatteras. Every 24 hours, each IES calculated a representative travel time from a set of 48 measurements (τ), and telemetered that value to a listening station on Bermuda. From the received data, a daily time series of the depth of the 12oC isotherm (our proxy for main thermocline depth) over each IES was calculated. The position of the Gulf Stream North Wall through the IES array was calculated on a daily basis from the thermocline depth information at each IES site. The telemetry system is based on encoding data as a time delayed broadcast acoustic signal: the delay of the time of broadcast of the signal, with with respect to a reference time, is proportional to the data value. The changes in delay time, from one broadcast signal to the next, are recorded at a remote receiving station. The IESs were recovered in August 1990, with the exception of the one at site B2. The telemetered data from the IES at site B2 was, however received at Bermuda. The RMS agreement between thermocline depths, as calculated from the data on tape from the recovered IESs and as calculated from the received telemetry data, is 20 m. This compares favorably with the 19 m uncertainty in calibrating the τs as a measure of the thermocline depth. The RMS agreement between the position of the Gulf Stream path through the IESs as calculated from the tape data and the telemetry data is 5 km. This telemetry system is not IES specific. It could be used with other appropriately modified oceanographic instruments, such as current meters and pressure sensors

First Report of the Neoephemeridae (Ephemeroptera) in Wisconsin

The mayfly family Neoephemeridae was discovered in Wisconsin for the first time and is represented by the species Neoephemera bicolor. Nymphs were collected from three sites in two rivers in northern Wisconsin. Adults were reared from nymphs. Some physical and chemical characteristics of the sample locations are discussed

Comparison of nursing home residents admitted from home or hospital.

A growing elderly population coupled with a reduction in hospital long term care has led to an increase in the independent nursing home sector. This is an expensive resource. Proper placement is therefore essential to ensure its efficient use. Prior to the introduction of care management there was no standard assessment procedure for admission to nursing home care from different sources. A nursing home population (n = 624) in North and West Belfast was studied and mental scores, levels of disability, and the source of admission to the nursing home recorded. Residents admitted from geriatric medical units (n = 132) were compared with those from general medical and surgical wards (n = 168) and those from home (n = 243). Residents who were admitted from a geriatric unit were the most disabled, those admitted from home were the least and those from general wards had intermediate levels of disability (p < 0.005). This is likely to be the result of different assessment procedures for prospective nursing home residents. With the introduction of care management, it is hoped that standardised assessment will follow. The roles of different medical specialists in this process is not yet clear. Further study is needed to assess the appropriateness of placement in nursing homes under care management

A Systematic Nomenclature for the Redox States of High Mobility Group Box (HMGB) Proteins

High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a central mediator in inflammation and immunity. Recently, it was shown that different redox states of the three cysteines of HMGB1 endow it with mutually exclusive activities, such as inducing chemotaxis or the transcription of cytokines and chemokines, via the interaction with different receptors. The different HMGB1 redox forms can be identified by mass spectrometry in body fluids of patients and may hold promise as biomarkers. We propose here a systematic nomenclature of the different redox forms of HMGB1 and related proteins, to replace the conflicting names used so far by different laboratories