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Measurements of QSO clustering in the SDSS show that $\mathrm{z}>4$ QSOs are some of the most highly biased objects in the universe. Their large correlation lengths of $r_0 \sim 20h^{-1}$Mpc are comparable to the most massive clusters of galaxies in the universe today and suggest that these QSOs may mark the locations of massive cluster progenitors at high redshift. We report the discovery of an overdensity of LBGs around QSO SDSSJ114514.18+394715.9 as part of our survey to identify Lyman-Break galaxies (LBGs) around luminous $\mathrm{z}\sim4$ QSOs. In this field three of the eight LBGs with secure redshifts are consistent with the redshift of the QSO. We find that the likelihood that this is merely an apparent overdensity due to the chance selection of field galaxies is only 0.02%, based on comparisons to simulations and our modeled selection efficiency. Overall, our survey finds four of the 15 LBGs with secure redshifts are consistent with the redshifts of their respective QSOs, which is consistent with luminous QSOs residing in larger haloes., Comment: Accepted for publication in MNRAS (12 pages, 7 figures, 4 tables). For a brief video explaining this paper, see http://youtu.be/rRgsIV1q674

The observed Galactic rate of stellar mergers or the initiation of common envelope phases brighter than M_V=-3 (M_I=-4) is of order 0.5 (0.3)/year with 90% confidence statistical uncertainties of 0.24-1.1 (0.14-0.65) and factor of 2 systematic uncertainties. The (peak) luminosity function is roughly dN/dL L^(-1.4+/-0.3), so the rates for events more luminous than V1309 Sco (M_V=-7 mag) or V838Mon (M_V=-10 mag) are lower at r~0.1/year and 0.03/year, respectively. The peak luminosity is a steep function of progenitor mass, L M^(2-3). This very roughly parallels the scaling of luminosity with mass on the main sequence, but the transients are ~2000-4000 times more luminous at peak. Combining these, the mass function of the progenitors, dN/dM M^(-2.0+/-0.8), is consistent with the initial mass function, albeit with broad uncertainties. These observational results are also broadly consistent with the estimates of binary population synthesis models. While extragalactic variability surveys can better define the rates and properties of the high luminosity events, systematic, moderate depth (I>16 mag) surveys of the Galactic plane are needed to characterize the low luminosity events. The existing Galactic samples are only ~20% complete and Galactic surveys are (at best) reaching a typical magnitude limit of <13 mag., Comment: Submitted to MNRAS (13 pages, 6 figures, 3 tables)

We model the distance, extinction, and magnitude probability distributions of a successful Galactic core-collapse supernova (ccSN), its shock breakout radiation, and its massive star progenitor. We find, at very high probability (~100%), that the next Galactic SN will easily be detectable in the near-IR and that near-IR photometry of the progenitor star very likely (~92%) already exists in the 2MASS survey. Most ccSNe (~98%) will be easily observed in the optical, but a significant fraction (~43%) will lack observations of the progenitor due to a combination of survey sensitivity and confusion. If neutrino detection experiments can quickly disseminate a likely position (~3 deg), we show that a modestly priced IR camera system can probably detect the shock breakout radiation pulse even in daytime (~64% for the cheapest design). Neutrino experiments should seriously consider adding such systems, both for their scientific return and as an added and internal layer of protection against false triggers. We find that shock breakouts from failed ccSNe of red supergiants may be more observable than those of successful SNe. We review the process by which neutrinos from a Galactic ccSN would be detected and announced. We provide new information on the EGADS system and its potential for providing instant neutrino alerts. We also discuss the distance, extinction, and magnitude probability distributions for the next Galactic Type Ia SN. Based on our modeled observability, we find a Galactic ccSN rate of 3.2 (+7.3/-2.6) per century and a Galactic Type Ia SN rate of 1.4 (+1.4/-0.8) per century for a total Galactic SN rate of 4.6 (+7.4/-2.7) per century is needed to account for the SNe observed over the last millennium., Comment: 15 pages, 9 figures. Accepted by ApJ. For a brief video summarizing the paper see: http://youtu.be/tzuzFivr8ng

In a sample of 54 galaxy clusters (0.04

This document provides a comprehensive overview and annotated bibliography, and is focused upon the period of 1994-2005. Beyond the challenges, the opportunities captured and unique solutions are also reported. This third edition of "Mental Health and Rural America: 1994-2005" seeks to concisely present a comprehensive summary of the current knowledge base around mental health issues in rural and frontier America. Rural America is a diverse environment in every way, including its cultures, landscapes, and economies. There is "no one rural", but there are many rural myths. This book will provide the reader with an array of information to begin to help understand the facts of rural mental health today at the beginning of the 21st Century. "Mental Health and Rural America: 1994-2005", provides a solid resource to assist Federal, State, and local efforts to improve quality mental health and substance use policy and services for rural America.

A study examined the message features that influence an innovation's acceptance by a mass audience. The study looked at three strategies of innovational rhetoric (denial of controversy, subtle criticism of existing institutions, and projection of a rhetorical vision) used by a commercial broadcasting company, called Whittle Communications in 1989, in an attempt to gain acceptance for the "Channel One" programming which Whittle was attempting to place into the New York State school system. Corporate discourse of Whittle Communications immediately prior to the June 1989 meeting of the New York State Board of Regents was examined to illuminate the use of innovative rhetoric as a response to a social institution's actions. Advertisements sponsored by Whittle Communications that appeared in "The New York Times" from June 7-15, 1989, were also analyzed. Results indicated that although the use of innovational strategies was not a total success for Whittle Communications, Whittle did, however, shape much of the public debate surrounding the issue of commercially sponsored news broadcasts in the nation's public schools, and says that it has persuaded 5,761 schools in 45 states to use Channel One. (Copies of the advertisements analysed and 63 references are attached.) (PRA)

Scholars can learn much from analyzing discourse within a statewide political debate. A study used W. R. Fisher's theory of narrative rationality to analyze the first intra-party debate (April 16, 1990) between Republican candidates for Governor of Arkansas, Sheffield Nelson and Tommy Robinson, to ascertain the narrative rationality employed by each and the roles portrayed by each. A detailed examination of the question, answers, and closing statements of the debate, using R. P. Hart's method of role analysis, revealed that of Nelson's 188 statements referring to himself, the largest number fell into the category of performative action, followed by narrative action, then behavioral action and lastly emotional/moral action. Results further showed that of Robinson's 92 self-references, the largest number were in the category of narrative action, followed by performative action, then emotional/moral action, with behavioral action as the smallest category. Findings suggest that Nelson was able to play the successful chief executive officer, and by concentrating his self references in the behavioral category, was able to provide Arkansas voters a consistent picture of his plans for the future of the state. Findings further suggest that Robinson, with the bulk of his statements in the category of narrative action, was not able to promote his vision of the future of the state. (One table is included and 93 references are attached.) (PRA)