Evaluation of an automated karyotyping system for chromosome aberration analysis

Chromosome aberration analysis is a promising complement to conventional radiation dosimetry, particularly in the complex radiation fields encountered in the space environment. The capabilities of a recently developed automated karyotyping system were evaluated both to determine current capabilities and limitations and to suggest areas where future development should be emphasized. Cells exposed to radiometric chemicals and to photon and particulate radiation were evaluated by manual inspection and by automated karyotyping. It was demonstrated that the evaluated programs were appropriate for image digitization, storage, and transmission. However, automated and semi-automated scoring techniques must be advanced significantly if in-flight chromosome aberration analysis is to be practical. A degree of artificial intelligence may be necessary to realize this goal

Circular 116

Free-range reindeer in western Alaska are managed for both velvet antler and meat production. Optimal management should maximize the income generated from both meat and antler production while managing the herd at levels below the carrying capacity of the range. Meat production precludes future antler production from harvested animals, therefore harvest decisions should reflect antler and body growth rates, current antler and meat prices, natural survival rates, and population demographics. We present a user-friendly computer model to generate estimates of net income under different harvest levels and market conditions. Input variables include sex- and agespecific survival rates, harvest levels, castration rates, antler weights, body weights, and recapture rates, as well as reproductive rates, fixed and variable costs, antler price, and meat price. Mark—Recapture analysis was used to estimate survival rates. The model was calibrated using reindeer herd records from 1984-1997. Output includes changes in herd size and composition over a thirty-year period, meat production, antler production, female: male ratio, and predicted net income. The model illustrates the sensitivity of herd size to female adult survival rates

Generating surrogate data for time series with several simultaneously measured variables

We propose an extension to multivariate time series of the phase-randomized Fourier-transform algorithm for generating surrogate data. Such surrogate data sets must mimic not only the autocorrelations of each of the variables in the original data set, they must mimic the cross-correlations {\em between} all the variables as well. The method is applied both to a simulated example (the three components of the Lorenz equations) and to data from a multichannel electroencephalogram.Comment: 4 pages, uuencoded compressed postscript fil

Cavitation Number as a Function of Disk Cavitator Radius: a Numerical Analysis of Natural Supercavitation

Due to the greater viscosity and density of water compared to air, the maximum speed of underwater travel is severely limited compared to other methods of transportation. However, a technology called supercavitation – which uses a disk-shaped cavitator to envelop a vehicle in a bubble of steam – promises to greatly decrease skin friction drag. While a large cavitator enables the occurrence of supercavitation at low velocities, it adds substantial unnecessary drag at higher speeds. Based on CFD results, a relationship between cavitator diameter and cavitation number is developed, and it is substituted into an existing equation relating drag coefficient to cavitation number. The final relationship predicts drag from cavitator radius fairly well, with an absolute error less than 5.4% at a cavitator radius above 14.14mm and as low as 1.3% at the maximum tested radius of 22.5mm

The effects of team-skills training on transactive memory and performance

The existence of effective Transactive Memory Systems (TMS) in teams has been found to enhance task performance. Methods of developing Transactive Memory (TM) are therefore an important focus of research. This study aimed to explore one such method, the use of a generic team-skills training programme to develop TM and subsequent task performance. Sixteen three-member teams were all trained to complete a complex collaborative task, prior to which half the teams (n=8), completed a team-skills training programme. Results confirmed that those teams who had been trained to develop a range of team skills such as problem-solving, interpersonal relationships, goal setting and role allocation, evidenced significantly higher team skill, TM and performance than those who were not trained in such skills. Results are discussed with reference to the wider TM literature and the mechanisms through which team-skills training could facilitate the more rapid development of TM

Neil Bottle exhibition catalogue

Neil Bottle exhibition catalogue with a critical review by Sue Prichard, Curator of Fashion and Textiles at The Victoria and Albert Museum in London. The text is in Welsh and English. The exhibition took place during September 2010 at the Ruthin Craft Centre, Denbighshire, Wales