Variance and skewness in the FIRST survey

We investigate the large-scale clustering of radio sources in the FIRST 1.4-GHz survey by analysing the distribution function ( counts in cells ). We select a reliable sample from the the FIRST catalogue, paying particular attention to the problem of how to define single radio sources from the multiple components listed. We also consider the incompleteness of the catalogue. We estimate the angular two-point correlation function w (θ), the variance Ψ₂ and skewness Ψ₃ of the distribution for the various subsamples chosen on different criteria. Both w (θ) and Ψ₂ show power-law behaviour with an amplitude corresponding to a spatial correlation length of r ₀ ∼ 10  h ⁻¹Mpc. We detect significant skewness in the distribution, the first such detection in radio surveys. This skewness is found to be related to the variance through Ψ₃ =  S ₃(Ψ₂)^α, with α = 1.9 ± 0.1, consistent with the non-linear gravitational growth of perturbations from primordial Gaussian initial conditions. We show that the amplitude of variance and the skewness are consistent with realistic models of galaxy clustering.     

Interactive analysis of the spatial distribution of disease using a geographic information systems

Geographic information systems (GIS) provide a variety of tools for the manipulation and display of public health data. Few, however, enable users to interactively evaluate hypotheses on spatial trends in disease risk that may be suggested by maps of measures of disease impact. We addressed this limitation by developing a seamless interface between a commercial GIS and a suite of spatial analysis algorithms. Users of the system can utilize the GIS's capability to interactively select and manipulate geographically referenced data and, through a series of pull-down menus, apply a variety of exploratory analysis methods to this information. In the presented application, we illustrate this capability by including algorithms for the reduction of random noise in observed incidence rates, for the detection of unusual aggregations of disease events, and for the statistical evaluation of inferences drawn from spatial trends. We demonstrate this application by examining lung cancer mortality in the state of Ohio. Received: 22 September 1999 / Accepted: 8 March 2000     

Tube-like schlieren structures in the Fürstenstein Intrusive Complex (Bavarian Forest,Germany): Evidence for melt segregation and magma flow at intraplutonic contacts

Tube-like schlieren structures occur at the boundary between two units of the Fürstenstein Intrusive Complex, the Tittling and the Saldenburg granites. We have analysed the magnetic fabrics, petrographic variation and geochemistry of key examples of these structures in order to test the hypothesis that they originated as granitic microdiapirs. The rims of the schlieren structures have high magnetic susceptibility compared to their interiors and surrounding granite due to the enrichment of biotite ± opaques. The low anisotropy that characterizes the AMS fabric is probably caused by magmatic flow. Hypersolidus microfabrics support this interpretation. Magnetic fabric orientation within the schlieren structures differs significantly from the NE–SW-trending magnetic foliation generally observed within the hosting Tittling granite. A steeply plunging magnetic lineation and a NNE–SSW girdle distribution of the magnetic foliation poles within the schlieren structures are consistent with the conical geometry of the schlieren structures evolved during the rise of the magma. Based on geochemistry, granite in the schlieren structures is interpreted to be differentiated melt expelled from the Tittling granite mush that formed after early crystallization of plagioclase. We suggest that the schlieren structures are pockets of residual melt of the Tittling granite that were mobilized buoyantly due to a thermal input from the neighbouring Saldenburg granite. The mafic rims of the schlieren structures formed as a result of early crystallization and subsequent accumulation due of the Bagnold effect. The results of the magnetic and geochemical investigations allow us to interpret the schlieren structures as diapiric in nature and consequently as “within-chamber diapirs” (sensu Weinberg et al., 2001).     

The heat-capacity of ilmenite and phase equilibria in the system Fe-T-O

Low temperature adiabatic calorimetry and high temperature differential scanning calorimetry have been used to measure the heat-capacity of ilmenite (FeTiO₃) from 5 to 1000 K. These measurements yield S₂₉₈⁰ = 108.9 J/(mol · K). Calculations from published experimental data on the reduction of ilmenite yield Δ₂₉₈⁰(I1) = ?1153.9 kJ/(mol · K). These new data, combined with available experimental and thermodynamic data for other phases, have been used to calculate phase equilibria in the system Fe-Ti-O. Calculations for the subsystem Ti-O show that extremely low values of $\text{?O}{}_2$ are necessary to stabilize TiO, the mineral hongquiite reported from the Tao district in China. This mineral may not be TiO, and it should be re-examined for substitution of other elements such as N or C. Consideration of solid-solution models for phases in the system Fe-Ti-O allows derivation of a new thermometer/oxybarometer for assemblages of ferropseudobrookite-pseudobrookite_ss and hematite-ilmenite_ss. Preliminary application of this new thermometer/oxybarometer to lunar and terrestrial lavas gives reasonable estimates of oxygen fugacities, but generally yields subsolidus temperatures, suggesting re-equilibration of one or more phases during cooling.     

CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE BATHURST CARIBOU HERD IN THE NORTHWEST TERRITORIES, CANADA

The Bathurst barren-ground caribou herd was chosen as the focus of a study of the possible effects of a changed climate on hunting of a caribou herd in the Northwest Territories. Four climate change scenarios representing conditions under a doubling of atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations were used in the study. The locations of the Bathurst herd throughout the year were determined, and the 1951 to 1980 average monthly temperatures and total monthly precipitation amounts were ascertained at those locations. The four climate change scenarios were applied, with changes in average monthly temperatures and in total monthly precipitation amounts noted. Analyses indicate a possible increase in winter snowfall, and increased insect harassment of caribou in the summer, due to an increase in average monthly temperatures. The reduced accessibility and health of caribou in the Bathurst herd suggest a reduced hunting potential. Management options are briefly discussed.     

Searching for large-scale structure in deep radio surveys

We calculate the expected amplitude of the dipole and higher spherical harmonics in the angular distribution of radio galaxies. The median redshift of radio sources in existing catalogues is z  ∼ 1, which allows us to study large-scale structure on scales between those accessible to present optical and infrared surveys, and that of the cosmic microwave background (CMB). The dipole is a result of two effects which turn out to be of comparable magnitude: (i) our motion with respect to the CMB, and (ii) large-scale structure, parametrized here by a family of cold dark matter power-spectra. We make specific predictions for the Green Bank 1987 (87GB) and Parkes–MIT–NRAO (PMN) catalogues, which in our combined catalogue include ∼ 40 000 sources brighter than 50 mJy at 4.85 GHz, over about 70 per cent of the sky. For these relatively sparse catalogues both the motion and large-scale structure dipole effects are expected to be smaller than the Poisson shot noise. However, we detect dipole and higher harmonics in the combined 87GB–PMN_raw catalogue which are far larger than expected. We attribute this to a 2 per cent flux mismatch between the two catalogues. Ad hoc corrections made in an effort to match the catalogues may suggest a marginal detection of a dipole. To detect a dipole and higher harmonics unambiguously, a catalogue with full sky coverage and ∼ 10⁶ sources is required. We also investigate the existence and extent of the supergalactic plane in the above catalogues. In a strip of ± 10° of the standard supergalactic equator, we find a 3 σ detection in PMN_raw, but only 1 σ in 87 GB_raw. We briefly discuss the implications of ongoing surveys such as FIRST and NVSS and follow-up redshift surveys.     

The Use of Field Dependence of Magnetic Susceptibility for Monitoring Variations in Titanomagnetite Composition - A Case Study on Basanites from the Vogelsberg 1996 Drillhole,Germany

In high Ti basanites from the Vogelsberg 1996 drillhole distinct variations in the field dependence of AC magnetic susceptibility correlate with compositional variations of titanomagnetite, as determined by temperature dependence of magnetic susceptibility. Curie temperatures for the basanites are in the range of 240 to 525°C. The field dependence reaches up to 20% for measurements in 30 A/m and 300 A/m AC field amplitude. It is demonstrated that two-field magnetic susceptibility measurements can prevail information about compositional changes of titanomagnetite and therefore support the interpretation of magnetic susceptibility logs from drillcores of basaltic rock suites.     

Reflections Upon the State of Asian Tourism

This paper addresses the implications of the Asian economic crisis for tourism. The nature of the crisis is discussed briefly and its occurrence at a time of previously rapid regional growth in tourism is pointed out. It is argued that effective demand diminished at a time when supply was increasing. In the short term, reductions in regional travel and spending have been widespread and not confined to Southeast Asia. In the longer term, reduced real prices will make Asian destinations highly competitive in long-haul markets provided that the quality of products is maintained. The crisis emphasises the need to examine tourism planning initiatives, to acknowledge that the tourism product consists of more than the provision of quality accommodation, and to give greater attention to product differentiation.     

Analysis of condensates formed at the viking 2 lander site: The first winter

A thin light-colored ground covering appeared on the surface of Mars near the Viking 2 lander from L_s = 230° to L_s = 16°, a total of 249 Mars days, during the lander's first winter on the surface. This paper presents a reduction of applicable lander imagery during the period. Imaging sequences, relative surface albedo, spectral reflectance estimates, and limited photometric data are presented and compared with previous laboratory measurements. Photometric data are best fit by an average Minnaert k = 1.1 (blue), k = 1.0 (green), and k = 0.95 (red). Appearance and disappearance rates, spectral reflectance, and photometric data all tend to confirm an earlier proposal that the covering was a combination of H₂O and CO₂, which fell already condensed onto dust particles brought northward by the season's first major dust storm. Under this assumption, the covering thickness is estimated to be between 0.5 and a few millimeters.