Laminated Turbo Codes: A New Class of Block-Convolutional Codes

In this paper, a new class of codes is presented that features a block-convolutional structure-namely, laminated turbo codes. It allows combining the advantages of both a convolutional encoder memory and a block permutor, thus allowing a block-oriented decoding method. Structural properties of laminated turbo codes are analyzed and upper and lower bounds on free distance are obtained. It is then shown that the performance of laminated turbo codes compares favorably with that of turbo codes. Finally, we show that laminated turbo codes provide high rate flexibility without suffering any significant performance degradation.     

Procoagulant Extracellular Vesicles Alter Trophoblast Differentiation in Mice by a Thrombo-Inflammatory Mechanism

Procoagulant extracellular vesicles (EV) and platelet activation have been associated with gestational vascular complications. EV-induced platelet-mediated placental inflammasome activation has been shown to cause preeclampsia-like symptoms in mice. However, the effect of EV-mediated placental thrombo-inflammation on trophoblast differentiation remains unknown. Here, we identify that the EV-induced thrombo-inflammatory pathway modulates trophoblast morphology and differentiation. EVs and platelets reduce syncytiotrophoblast differentiation while increasing giant trophoblast and spongiotrophoblast including the glycogen-rich cells. These effects are platelet-dependent and mediated by the NLRP3 inflammasome. In humans, inflammasome activation was negatively correlated with trophoblast differentiation marker GCM1 and positively correlated with blood pressure. These data identify a crucial role of EV-induced placental thrombo-inflammation on altering trophoblast differentiation and suggest platelet activation or inflammasome activation as a therapeutic target in order to achieve successful placentation.     

NMR-investigations on thallium-samples of high spin-polarization

The big indirect exchange interaction and the huge nuclear magnetic moments of the two Tl-isotopes makes Tl useful at low temperatures for non linear pulsed NMR studies of inter- and intra-spin interactions mediated by the conduction electrons. We extended earlier experiments to higher fields (0.1 T < B_o < 1 T) on a cylindrically shaped sample of 6N purity and found the proposed spin waves trapped in the skin depth of the sample which manifest themselves in line splitting with increasing tipping angles. We also found frequency shifts in partial agreement with the expectations. However, the spin susceptibility was enhanced above the paramagnetic value at temperatures below 2 mK, whereas the line width decreased by a factor of two between 5 and 1 mK. Thus, while solving the high spin-polarization puzzle of Tl (line splitting of already merged lines) we were left with two other unexplained observations.     

Psychoeducational decision making: Reason for referral versus test data.

60 school and clinical psychologists (mean age 37.6 yrs) participated in a diagnostic simulation designed to investigate the effects of reason for referral (learning vs behavioral problem) and assessment data (learning disabled vs normal) on special education decision making. The type of referral problem did not influence the Ss' decisions; however, the nature of the assessment data had a significant impact. School psychologists who received data from normal children were less likely to hold low future academic expectations, to diagnose the child as handicapped, or to recommend a special education program. Psychologists in both groups were reluctant to label the case study child as handicapped and to recommend special class placement. Ss made decisions reflecting a least restrictive environment perspective, one that is consistent with the intent of current special education legislation. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Development and characterization of a carbon-based composite material for reducing patulin levels in apple juice

Patulin, a heterocyclic lactone produced by various species of Penicillium and Aspergillus fungi, is often detected in apple juices and ciders. Previous research has shown the effectiveness of granular activated carbon for reducing patulin levels in aqueous solutions, apple juices, and ciders. In this study, ultrafine activated carbon was bonded onto granular quartz to produce a composite carbon adsorbent (CCA) with a high carbonaceous surface area, good bed porosity, and increased bulk density. CCA in fixed-bed adsorption columns was evaluated for efficacy in reducing patulin levels from aqueous solutions and apple juice. Columns containing 1.0, 0.5, and 0.25 g of CCA were continuously loaded with a patulin solution (10 microg/ml) and eluted at a flow rate of 1 ml/min. Results indicated that 50% breakthrough capacities for patulin on 1.0-, 0.5-, and 0.25-g CCA columns were 137.5, 38.5, and 19.9 microg, respectively. The effectiveness of CCA to adsorb patulin and prevent toxic effects was confirmed in vitro using adult hydra in culture. Hydra were sensitive to the effects of patulin, with a minimal affective concentration equal to 0.7 microg/ml; CCA adsorption prevented patulin toxicity until 76% breakthrough capacity was achieved. Fixed-bed adsorption with 1.0 g of CCA was also effective in reducing patulin concentrations (20 microg/liter) in a naturally contaminated apple juice, and breakthrough capacities were shown to increase with temperature. Additionally, CCA offered a higher initial breakthrough capacity than pelleted activated carbon when compared in parallel experiments. This study suggests that CCA used in fixed-bed adsorption systems effectively reduced patulin levels in both aqueous solutions and naturally contaminated apple juice; however, the appearance and taste of apple juice may be affected by the treatment process.     

Sorting through chickens and eggs: A longitudinal examination of the associations between attitudes, norms, and sexual risk behavior.

Objective: Health behavior theories posit that health-relevant attitudes, beliefs, and behavioral skills drive subsequent actions people take to protect themselves from health threats. Within the realm of HIV-related sexual risk behavior, much of the research in support of this notion is cross-sectional, rather than longitudinal, particularly in studies of gay and bisexual men. Other psychological theories (e.g., self-perception or cognitive dissonance theories) suggest that the opposite could be true—that health-relevant attitudes and beliefs might change as a function of previous risk or precautionary behavior. Appreciating the complex nature of these associations is essential for modifying theory and developing appropriate interventions. Design: Using longitudinal data from gay and bisexual men (n = 1465), we used structural equation modeling to examine three possibilities—that perceived norms and attitudes about sexual risk would be (a) related to unprotected anal intercourse cross-sectionally, (b) related to unprotected anal intercourse at a subsequent time point, and/or (c) predicted from previous instances of unprotected anal intercourse. Results: Safe-sex norms and attitudes were related to unprotected anal intercourse cross-sectionally, but did not predict unprotected sex longitudinally. Rather, perceived norms and attitudes changed as a function of previous risk behavior. Conclusions: These results raise the possibility that modified theoretical models might be necessary to adequately describe sexual risk behavior among gay and bisexual men. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)