This paper describes ARLO, a representation language loosely modelled after Greiner and Lenant's RLL-1. ARLO is a structure-based representation language for describing structure-based representation languages, including itself. A given representation language is specified in ARLO by a collection of structures describing how its descriptions are interpreted, defaulted, and verified. This high level description is compiles into lisp code and ARLO structures whose interpretation fulfills the specified semantics of the representation. In addition, ARLO itself- as a representation language for expressing and compiling partial and complete language specifications- is described and interpreted in the same manner as the language it describes and implements. This self-description can be extended of modified to expand or alter the expressive power of ARLO's initial configuration. Languages which describe themselves like ARLO- provide powerful mediums for systems which perform automatic self-modification, optimization, debugging, or documentation. AI systems implemented in such a self-descriptive language can reflect on their own capabilities and limitations, applying general learning and problem solving strategies to enlarge or alleviate them.

Run-Length-Limited (RLL) channels are found in digital recording systems like the Hard Disk Drive (HDD), Compact Disc (CD), and Digital Versatile Disc (DVD). This thesis presents novel encoding algorithms for RLL channels based on a simple technique called bit stuffing. First, two new capacity-achieving variable-rate code constructions are proposed for (d,k) constraints. The variable-rate encoding ideas are then extended to (0,G/I) and other RLL constraints. Since variable-rate codes are of limited practical value, the second half of this thesis focuses on fixed-rate codes. The fixed-rate bit stuff (FRB) algorithm is proposed for the design of simple, high-rate (0,k) codes. The key to achieving high encoding rates with the FRB algorithm lies in a novel, iterative pre-processing of the fixed-length input sequence prior to bit stuffing. Detailed rate analysis for the proposed FRB algorithm is presented, and upper and lower bounds on the asymptotic (in input block length) encoding rate are derived. Several system-level issues of the proposed FRB codes are addressed, and FRB code parameters required to design rate 100/101 and rate 200/201 (0,k) codes are tabulated. Finally, the proposed fixed-rate encoding is extended to (0,G/I) constraints.

Die vorliegende Studie befasste sich mit zwei Fragestellungen. Im ersten Teil wurde die Projektionsabhängigkeit von radiologischen Landmarken im konventionellen Röntgenbild der Schulter und damit deren klinische Anwendbarkeit untersucht. Im zweiten Teil wurde das Auftreten von sog. röntgenhellen Linien (RLL) bei Glenoidersatz im konventionellen Röntgen und im CT untersucht. Beide Fragestelllungen sind in der Beurteilung von Landmarken von Glenoidkomponenten in der Endoprothetik der Schulter von Bedeutung. Zur Beantwortung der ersten Frage wurden 6 mit Markierungen versehene humane Scapula-Leichenpräparate in 25 Projektionen geröntgt und der Einfluss der Projektionen auf gängige Landmarken gemessen. Die Landmarken wurden an der Margo lateralis, Margo medialis, knöchernen Glenoid, Coracoidbasis, Fossa supraspinata und oberen Linie der Spina scapulae festgelegt. Zur Beantwortung der zweiten Frage wurden 10 humane Glenoid-Leichenpräparate mit einzementierter Glenoidkomponente im konventionellen Röntgen und im CT untersucht. Alle gewonnenen radiologischen Bilder wurden von zwei Untersuchern vermessen und die Interobserverreliabilität errechnet. Die Ergebnisse des ersten Teiles sowohl der Messwerte der Landmarken als auch der Interobserverreliabilität zeigten, dass die Margo medialis des Schulterblattes die zuverlässigsten Ergebnisse bei der Robustheit gegen Verkippung zur Beurteilung des Kunststoff Glenoids aufwiesen. Im klinischen Alltag ist diese Landmarke jedoch auf vielen Röntgenbildern der Schulter nicht mit abgebildet. Es zeigte sich, dass die am wenigsten projektionsabhängige Landmarke, die regelmässig auf Schulteraufnahmen abgebildet ist, die Margo lateralis scapulae ist. Als Ergebnis des zweiten Teiles zeigte sich, dass im konventionellen Röntgen sichtbare RLL im CT nicht alle zur Darstellung kamen und somit als Artefakte zu werten waren. Aufgrund der klinisch schwierig durchzuführenden Röntgentechnik kann nicht immer eine exakte AP Aufnahme im konventionellen Röntgen gewonnen werden, wodurch auch projektionsbedingt Doppellinien erscheinen können. Diese wurden vermutlich durch die konvexe Form des PE Glenoids und Zementfehlern verursacht. Zur Beurteilung einer Lockerung sollte also eine Computertomografie angefertigt werden. Weiterhin zeigte sich aber auch im CT, dass frisch implantierte Glenoidkomponenten trotz optimaler Bedingungen RLL aufweisen. Dies zeigte deutlich, dass die Zementiertechnik auch in ihrer modernen Form noch nicht voll ausgereift war und deshalb weiterhin nach Verbesserungsmöglichkeiten gesucht werden sollte. / The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of different bony landmarks on radiographs after implantation of a total shoulder arthroplasty when the scapula is tilted compared with the ideal ap view. To assess loosening of the glenoid component, serial evaluation of ap radiographs of the scapula has been established as the 'gold standard. This study also verified the incidence of radiolucent lines (RLL) in radiographs and on CTscans to show different measurements of localization and appearance of the RLL. For the first aim of this study glenoid components were implanted into 6 human cadaveric scapulae. Radiographs were taken exactly anterior-posterior in the frontal plane, as well as craniocaudal tilted (±15° and ±30°) and mediolateral tilted (±10° and ±20°). The following landmarks were evaluated: lateral margin of the scapula, medial margin of the scapula, floor of the fossa supraspinatus line, spine of the scapula line, glenoid fossa line, and coracoid base line. In the second part of this study, 10 glenoid components were implanted into human cadaveric glenoids and a CT-scan as well as radiographs were made in an exact anteriorposterior view. The images were compared to evaluate the localization, incidence and form of the RLL. Every X-ray was measured by two different examiners to show the interobserver reliability. Regarding robustness against glenoid tilt, the medial margin of the scapula had the best intraobserver and interobserver reliability, whereas the lateral margin of the scapula had an acceptable intraobserver and interobserver reliability. In measuring medial migration, the glenoid fossa line had a significantly lower intraobserver and interobserver reliability than the coracoid base line. Because conventional radiographs were hardly done in exact ap direction despite the laboratory within, RLL were seen on X-ray although no RLL actually existed. The CT-scans highlighted the existence of artefacts, which looked like RLL on conventional radiography. The curved form of the glenoid component can cause double lines, which look like RLL on X-rays. However, the conventional radiography can still be used to detect an increase of RLL in postoperativ control X-rays. To be absolutely sure whether RLL do exist a CT-scan has to be done. This study shows that, even under best conditions for an implantation of glenoid components RLL can be viewed due to false cementation technique. The results underline that the cement implantation can still be improved to minimize the incidence of RLL.