The evolution of the cluster X-ray scaling relations in the WARPS sample at 0.6<z<1.0

The X-ray properties of a sample of 11 high-redshift (0.6<z<1.0) clusters observed with Chandra and/or XMM are used to investigate the evolution of the cluster scaling relations. The observed evolution of the L-T and M-L relations is consistent with simple self-similar predictions, in which the properties of clusters reflect the properties of the universe at their redshift of observation. When the systematic effect of assuming isothermality on the derived masses of the high-redshift clusters is taken into account, the high-redshift M-T and Mgas-T relations are also consistent with self-similar evolution. Under the assumption that the model of self-similar evolution is correct and that the local systems formed via a single spherical collapse, the high-redshift L-T relation is consistent with the high-z clusters having formed at a significantly higher redshift than the local systems. The data are also consistent with the more realistic scenario of clusters forming via the continuous accretion of material. The slope of the L-T relation at high-redshift (B=3.29+/-0.38) is consistent with the local relation, and significantly steeper then the self-similar prediction of B=2. This suggests that the non-gravitational processes causing the steepening occurred at z>1 or in the early stages of the clusters' formation, prior to their observation. The properties of the intra-cluster medium at high-redshift are found to be similar to those in the local universe. The mean surface-brightness profile slope for the sample is 0.66+/-0.05, the mean gas mass fractions within R2500 and R200 are 0.073+/-0.010 and 0.12+/-0.02 respectively, and the mean metallicity of the sample is 0.28+/-0.16 solar.Comment: 23 pages, 17 figures. Accepted for publication in MNRAS. Revised to match accepted version: reanalysed data with latest calibrations, several minor changes. Conclusions unchange

High angular resolution observation of the Sunyaev-Zel'dovich effect in the massive z=0.83 cluster ClJ0152-1357

X-ray observations of galaxy clusters at high redshift (z>0.5) indicate that they are more morphologically complex and less virialized than those at low-redshift. We present the first subarcmin resolution at 18 GHz observations of the Sunyaev-Zel'dovich (SZ) effect for ClJ0152-1357 using the Australia Telescope Compact Array. ClJ0152-1357 is a massive cluster at redshift z=0.83 and has a complex structure including several merging subclumps which have been studied at optical, X-ray, and radio wavelengths. Our high-resolution observations indicate a clear displacement of the maximum SZ effect from the peak of X-ray emission for the most massive sub-clump. This result shows that the cluster gas within the cluster substructures is not virialised in ClJ0152-1357 and we suggest that it is still recovering from a recent merger event. A similar offset of the SZ effect has been recently seen in the `bullet cluster' by Malu et al. This non-equilibrium situation implies that high resolution observations are necessary to investigate galaxy cluster evolution, and to extract cosmological constraints from a comparison of the SZ effect and X-ray signals.Comment: 5 pages, 4 figures, submitted to ApJ

The Development of Equalization and Assessment in Utah with Special Reference to the Assessment of Rural Lands in Cache County

Uniformity of assessments and equity in the taxation of all tangible property within the state has long been the ideal of the people of Utah, yet the history of equalization and assessment is replete with the effective blocking-by pressure groups-of attainment of this ideal. Taxing officials, in general, and students of taxation, in particular, have repeatedly pointed out gross inequalities and rank injustices in our assessing system which should be corrected. but, selfish interest plus ignorance on the part of the taxpayer has permitted these abuses to remain in our taxing system. An accidental, hit-and-miss, guess method of assessing has developed. The taxpayer, not knowing of any system or of the employment of a uniform method, strikes out blindly at the assessor, the tax commission, and the county boards of equalization, seeking avoidance of his tax burden through underassessments, abatements, or remittances. Thus, to achieve equity in taxation, systematic methods should be substituted for the present methods of guess work. The purpose of this study is, first, to determine whether or not there are major tendencies in the present system of assessing really property in the state that have resulted in important departures from the intent of the law and no to point out minor variations from the standard of uniformity in assessment. Second, to determine the extent of these variations from this standard, to point out their probable consequences, and to ascertain what progress has been made in equalization and assessment during the past decade. And third, to develop a plan for assessing land which will fit into the present governmental institutions and which embodies certain fundamental principles for the appraisals of land for taxation purposes

Application of ERTS-1 imagery to the harvest model of the US Menhaden fishery

Preliminary results of an experiment to demonstrate the utility of ERTS-1 imagery for providing significant information to the harvest model of the menhaden industry are reported. Fisheries and related environmental data were obtained discontinuously throughout the 1973 menhaden (a surface schooling, coastal species) fishing season in Mississippi Sound. The unexpected complexity of the physical environment in Mississippi Sound precluded simplistic analysis of fish/environment relationships. Preliminary indications are that an association does exist between fish availability and differences in water transparency (turbidity) within the Sound. A clearer relationship is developing between major turbid features, imaged by ERTS-1 and location of successful fishing attempts. On all occasions where relatively cloudfree ERTS-1 overflight days coincided with fishery activity, overlays of catch location of ERTS-1 images show an association of school position with interfaces between imaged turbid features. Analysis is currently underway to determine persistence of such associations in an attempt to define minimum satellite return time necessary to maintain continuity of associations

Dairy herd recording

Fifty-five percent or 320 of Western Australia\u27s daity farmers participate in the dairy herd recording, the highest percentage of dairy farmers who use herd recording in any Australian State. Herd recording provides the dairy farmer with an accurate measure and record of individual caw and hers performance. Information on milk, fat and protein production, the level of mastitis infection and breeding values assists the dairy farmer with his herd management and selection of cows. The herd recording facility is provided by the Herd Improvement Service and the fees are based on an annual herd fee and a lactation fee for each cow

Urban Garden Soils: Testing and Management

This fact sheet provides step-by-step instructions on selecting appropriate soil tests, sampling, and interpreting results. Soil tests measure plant nutrient needs and soil contamination, both important aspects of sustainable urban gardening. Although many garden centers sell home soil test kits, these tests are not recommended because they were developed outside of the Intermountain West with soils that have nearly opposite conditions. Soil tests conducted in local labs may cost more initially, but will provide results specific to Utah soils and management recommendations that balance long-term soil productivity, human health, and environmental sustainability. The Utah State University Analytical Labs (USUAL) is an excellent resource for the Intermountain West. Deciding which soil test(s) to select depends on your intent. For example, if creating a garden on land with no prior history of fertilizer or amendment (compost or manure) use, then request an Initial Urban Soil Test for soil texture, salinity, and pH. In established gardens with a history of soil amendment additions, a Routine Soil Test for salinity, pH, phosphorus, and potassium is appropriate. Lastly, if heavy metal contamination is a concern, we recommend the Total Elemental Composition (EPA 3050) Soil Test

Using the “ACRL information literacy competency standards for higher education” to assess a university library instruction program

Describes how the Oregon State University library used the recently published ACRL (Association of College and Research Libraries) Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education as a framework for an initial self-study of instructional practices and for promoting the concept of information literacy. The survey used for subject librarians is appended