An imaging K-band survey - I: The catalogue, star and galaxy counts

We present results from a large area (552\,\sqamin) imaging $K$-band survey to a 5$\sigma$ limit of $K\simeq 17.3$. We have optical-infrared colours of almost all the objects in the sample. Star-galaxy discrimination is performed and the results used to derive the infrared star and galaxy counts. $K$-band ``no-evolution'' galaxy-count models are constructed and compared with the observed data. In the infrared, there is no counterpart for the large excess of faint galaxies over the no-evolution model seen in optical counts. However, we show that the $K$ counts can be remarkably insensitive to evolution under certain reasonable assumptions. Finally, model predictions for $K$-selected redshift surveys are derived.Comment: MNRAS in press. 21 pages plain TeX; figs plus table 4 available via anonymous ftp from /pub/kgb/paper1/sissa.uu at ftp.ast.cam.ac.u

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Sounds of the Past #2

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Multiple osteochondromas of the antlers and cranium in a free-ranging white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus)

This paper reports a case of multiple osteochondromas affecting the antlers and the left zygomatic bone of a free-ranging adult white-tailed buck (Odocoileus virginianus) from Georgia, USA. Along with a few postcranial bones, the antlered cranium of the individual was found in a severely weathered condition and devoid of any soft tissue. The antlers exhibited five pedunculated exostoses that were composed of cancellous bone and, in their peripheral portions, also mineralized cartilage. The largest of the exostoses, located on the right antler, had a maximum circumference of 55 cm. The exostosis arising from the zygomatic bone was broad-based and much smaller than the exophytic outgrowths on the antlers. Diagnosis of the exostoses as osteochondromas was based on their overall morphology, the normal bone structure in their stalk regions, and the continuity of their spongiosa and cortex with the respective components of the parent bones. Antleromas, i.e., pathological outgrowths developing on antlers as a result of insufficient androgen production, were excluded in the differential diagnosis, based on (1) the apparent maturity and, except for the tumors, normal shape of the antlers and (2) the fact that exostosis formation had also affected the zygomatic bone. Previously only a single case of solitary osteochondroma of an antler has been described in the scientific literature. The case presented here is the first report of multiple osteochondromas in a deer. As antlers are regularly collected as trophies, and huge numbers of them are critically inspected each year, the fact that thus far only two cases of antler osteochondromas have been reported suggests that these tumors are very rare

Hedonistic Differences Between Mechanical Game Players And Table Game Players: An Exploratory Investigation On The Road To A Comprehensive Theory For Gambling

This exploratory research examined relationships between casino play and hedonic factors. The hedonic factors examined were emotion, sensation seeking and impulsivity, absorbing experiences, and analytical characteristics. Differences between slot players and table game players were measured. The subjects were a convenience sampling of 1,010 casino gamblers at a Las Vegas Strip casino catering to out of town visitors. All participants completed a 45- item survey. The constructs were measured using the Mehrabian and Russell (1974) pleasure, arousal, and dominance scale; the Zuckerman Kuhlman sensation seeking and impulsivity scale; the Swanson (1978) absorbing experience scale; and an analytical scale developed by the researchers. Both table game players and slot players derive pleasure from the pursuit of gambling. Table game players are more deeply involved and tend to be more aware of the intricacies of the games than slot players. Table game players are not as impulsive and tend to be more controlled than slot players. The overwhelming majority of table game players and slot players demonstrate discipline in terms of their gambling spending

Laboratory studies of the glass furnace refractory structure

The control of contact refractory life and therefore furnace life is dependent to a considerable degree on the structural commitment of the refractory as well as on its physical and chemical nature. The nature and rate of refractory degradation can be controlled to a degree by the design of the furnace structure and by the complimentary assemblage of the refractory components of a structure. This latter is particularly true in the bottom lay-up of the tank melter. Principles of refractory behavior under stress of environment are basic. They are, however, sometimes compromised in practice with negative effects on furnace life. It is the purpose of this paper to present laboratory demonstrations supporting the above thesis. Some of the specific subjects discussed include the dynamics of melter-bottom wear and approaches to the stabilization of this zonal problem. The use of mortars and sub-paving ramming mixture to control joint attack in the furnace bottom has merit. Consideration must be given to metal attack as well as to reaction between refractory and glass. Since thermal factors are of importance in control of corrosive and erosive attack, consideration must be given to thermal profiles through refractory structures