We propose a simple modification of the famous Bahl-Cocke-Jelinek-Raviv (BCJR) algorithm for linear block codes. The modified algorithm requires one forward and two backward recursions in the code trellis, but eliminates the need to store the whole trellis. Compared with the BCJR algorithm, the computational complexity is slightly increased, but the storage requirement is reduced.

A method is described in which light gradients and spectral regime can be measured within plant tissue using fiber optics. A fiber optic probe was made by modifying a single optical fiber (200 μm diameter) so that it had a light harvesting end that was a truncated tip 20–70 μm in diameter. The probe was a directional sensor with a half-band acceptance angle of 17–20°. Light measurements were made

A reply to Thomas Roth, on the interpretation of photographs as historical sources.

Abstract not available

Introduction: Physical inactivity, low aerobic fitness and obesity are all associated with an increased risk of a wide range of diseases in adults. Promotion of physical activity, improvement of aerobic fitness and regulation of body weight in children may be of importance, as low physical activity, low aerobic fitness and obesity early in life have been known to track into adulthood. However, rel

The phosphatase inhibitor okadaic acid (OA) was used to study the relationship between [Ca2+], rates of phosphorylation/dephosphorylation and the mechanical properties of smooth muscle fibres. Force/velocity relationships were determined with the isotonic quick release technique in chemically skinned guinea-pig taenia coli muscles at 22 degrees C. In the maximally thiophosphorylated muscle neither

Various aspects of the lichen genus Xanthoparmelia have been investigated using ITS rDNA sequences. The delimitation of the genus and phylogeographic trends within the genus are reviewed. Three south African genera, Almbornia, Namakwa and Xanthomaculina, are synonymized with Xanthoparmelia. The transfer of Xanthoparmelia peruviensis to Psiloparmelia is strongly supported by a bootstrap analysis. T

During development, information about the three-dimensional shape and mechanical properties of the body is laid down in the synaptic connectivity of sensorimotor systems through adaptive mechanisms. This functional adaptation occurs through alteration of connection properties. Here, we characterize the differences between strong and weak connections in the nociceptive withdrawal reflex in adult de

Prenatal diagnosis in the third pregnancy of a mother who already had one healthy son and one son with Fanconi anaemia (FA), revealed that her fetus was also affected with FA. At 22 weeks a maternal complaint about excessive fetal kicking starting at 15 weeks, focused our attention on the behaviour of the fetus, which was observed by means of real-time ultrasound for 30 min. The differentiation of

The partitioning of five well-characterised model proteins, bovine serum albumin (BSA), lysozyme, [beta ]-lactoglobulin A, myoglobin and cytochrome c, in aqueous two-phase systems has been studied. As top phase polymers PEG (polyethylene glycol, 100% EO) and the thermoseparating ethylene oxide (EO)-propylene oxide (PO) random copolymers, Ucon 50-HB-5100 (50% EO, 50% PO) and EO30PO70 (30% EO, 70% P

This paper proposes that industrial waste be regarded, in a business economic sense, as having the same basic status as regular products. A basic mathematical expression for assigning industrial costs to waste is presented. The expression can be employed in conjunction with cost-benefit analysis for estimating the "true" internal costs of industrial waste. In two case studies presented, industrial

One of the obstacles to effective pain management in the Post-Anaesthesia Care Unit (PACU) is the lack of systematic and comprehensive methods for assessing and treating postoperative pain. Nurses' intuitive knowledge of pain were verbalized and divided into four categories of pain behaviours in the PACU-Behavioural Pain Rating Scale. The aim of the present study was to test the reliability of the

Changes in vascular tone brought about by electrical field stimulation were studied in isolated guinea-pig and monkey pial arteries, using stimulus intensities similar to, or weaker than, those usually utilized by other investigators. In the guinea-pig, excitation of the smooth muscle cells was easily induced, even at low intensity stimulus parameters. This contraction faded upon repeated stimulat

We study the reflection and transmission phase properties of two-terminal quantum structures coupled to a third lead. The systems are effectively three-terminal and current conservation is broken with regard to the original two-terminal systems. Two structures, a waveguide with an attached stub quantum dot and a waveguide with an inline, double-barrier confined quantum dot, are considered. The tra