text:
\section{Introduction}

Precision studies of the Drell-Yan process are vitally important for
high energy hadronic colliders. This process provides information
about weak interactions and contributes to the background to many
of the searches for physics beyond the Standard Model.
One-loop QED and electroweak (EW) radiative corrections (RC) to the
Drell-Yan process at high energy
hadronic collider were calculated by several groups in the past, see
papers~\cite{Mosolov:1981xk,Soroko:1990ug,Wackeroth:1996hz,Baur:1998kt,Dittmaier:2001ay,Baur:2004ig}
and references therein.
Here we present the results for the corrections to the charged current
Drell-Yan process, obtained within the automatized system
SANC~\cite{Andonov:2004hi,SANCwww} and some comparisons with
earlier calculations. Starting from the construction of helicity amplitudes and
EW form factors, SANC performs calculation of the process cross section
and produces computer codes, which can be further used in the experimental
data analysis.

\section{Preliminaries and Notation}

Let us start with the partonic level, where we will consider interactions of
{\em free} quarks (partons).
The differential Born-level cross section of the process
\begin{eqnarray} \label{udlnu}
\bar{d}(p_1)\ +\ u(p_2)\ \to\ l^+(p_4)\ +\ \nu_l(p_3)
\end{eqnarray}
in the center-of-mass system of the initial quarks reads
\begin{eqnarray}
&& \frac{{\mathrm d}\hat\sigma_0}{{\mathrm d} \hat\Omega} = \frac{1}{4}\frac{1}{N_c}|V_{ud}|^2
\frac{G_F^2M_{\sss W}^2}{2\pi \hat{s}}\;
\frac{\hat{u}^2}{(\hat{s}-M_{\sss W}^2)^2 + \Gamma_{\sss W}^2(\hat{s})M_{\sss W}^2},
\nonumber \\ && \qquad
\hat{s} = (p_1+p_2)^2, \qquad
\hat{u} = (p_1-p_3)^2,
\end{eqnarray}
where $N_C=3$ is the number of quark colors; $V_{ud}$ is the relevant element of
the CKM matrix;
$G_F$ is the Fermi coupling constant; $M_{\sss W}$ and $\Gamma_{\sss W}$ are the mass and the width of
the $W$-boson, respectively.

\section{Radiative Corrections at the Partonic Level}

In order to get a more accurate description of the process we
should go beyond the Born approximation and take into account
different sources of radiative corrections. Here  we
will consider only EW contributions to the corrections, while
effects of higher order QCD contributions (and {\em mixed} effects)
are left beyond the scope of our study.

As usually, we subdivide the EW RC into the virtual (loop) ones,
the ones due to soft photon emission, and the ones due to hard
photon emission. An auxiliary parameter $\bar\omega$ separates
the soft and hard photonic contributions.

In the automatized system~\cite{SANCwww},
the virtual corrections are accessible via menu chain {\bf SANC $\to$ EW
$\to$ Processes $\to$ 4 legs $\to$ 4f $\to$ Charged Current $\to$
f1~f1'~$\to$~f~f'~(FF)}. The module, loaded at the end of this chain computes
on-line the scalar form factors of the partonic sub-process~(\ref{udlnu}). The parallel
module {\bf \dots f1~f1'~$\to$~f~f'~(HA)} provides the relevant helicity amplitudes.
For more details see Section~2.5 of the SANC description~\cite{Andonov:2004hi}
and the book~\cite{Bardin:1999ak}.

The real photon emission process
\begin{eqnarray}
\bar{d}(p_1)\ +\ u(p_2)\ \to\ l^+(p_4)\ +\ \nu_l(p_3)\ +\ \gamma(p_5)
\end{eqnarray}
should be taken into account as well.
Integration over the phase space in this case can be performed either
(semi-)analytically or by means of a Monte Carlo integrator.

The first possibility is realized within the SANC environment.
Now we have there two branches. The first one contains the complete
chain of analytical integrals over the hard photon phase space.
It provides at the partonic level the double-differential distribution
${\mathrm d}^2\hat{\sigma}_{\mathrm{hard}}/({\mathrm d} c\; {\mathrm d} \hat{s}')$ and
the single differential distribution
${\mathrm d}\hat{\sigma}_{\mathrm{hard}}/{\mathrm d} c$, where $c=\cos\angle(\vec{p}_2\vec{p}_4)$
and $\hat{s}'=(p_3+p_4)^2$.
The second branch provides the double-differential distribution
${\mathrm d}^2\hat{\sigma}_{\mathrm{hard}}/({\mathrm d} c\; {\mathrm d} M_x^2)$, where
$M_x^2=2p_3p_5$ which is directly related to the charged lepton
energy in the center-of-mass system of the initial quarks:
\begin{eqnarray}
\hat{E}_\mu=p_4^0=\frac{\hat{s}+m_l^2-M_x^2}{2\sqrt{\hat{s}}}.
\end{eqnarray}

We managed also to obtain analytically the
hard photon contribution as the single differential distribution
${\mathrm d}\hat{\sigma}_{\mathrm{hard}}/{\mathrm d} {\hat s'}$. In this case
we can use a system of reference with the $z$-axis along
the real photon momentum $\vec p_5$.
There the integration over three angular variables
is rather easy and we have a possibility even to keep all the light
masses exactly. Below we give the expression without mass terms
because of its simplicity:
\begin{eqnarray}
&& \frac{{\mathrm d}\hat{\sigma}_{\mathrm{hard}}}{{\mathrm d} {\hat s'}} =
\hat{\sigma}_0\, \frac{ \alpha}{2 \pi}
  ~\frac{1}{\hat{s}^2}~ \frac{1}{{\hat s}-{\hat s}'} \Biggl\{
\left[{\hat s}^2+{\hat s}'^2 \right]\Biggl[ Q^2_l \nonumber\\
&&\ \times \left(\ln\frac{\hat{s}'}{m_l^2} - 1 \right)
+  \frac{\hat{s}'}{\hat{s}}
            ~  \frac{(\hat{s}-M_{\sss W}^2)^2+\Gamma_{\sss W}^2M_{\sss W}^2}
                    {(\hat{s}'-M_{\sss W}^2)^2 + \Gamma_{\sss W}^2M_{\sss W}^2}
\nonumber\\ &&\
\times  \biggl[
             Q^2_u \left(\ln\frac{\hat{s}}{m_u^2} - 1 \right)
           + Q^2_d \left(\ln\frac{\hat{s}}{m_d^2} - 1 \right) \biggr]\Biggr]
\nonumber\\ &&\
- \frac{2}{3} \left({\hat s}^2+{\hat s}{\hat s}'+{\hat s}'^2\right)
       \biggl[ Q^2_l
\nonumber\\ &&\
+  \frac{\hat{s}'}{\hat{s}} \,
   \frac{(\hat{s}-M_{\sss W}^2)^2+\Gamma_{\sss W}^2M_{\sss W}^2}
                {(\hat{s}'-M_{\sss W}^2)^2 + \Gamma_{\sss W}^2M_{\sss W}^2} \biggr]
\nonumber\\ &&\
- \frac{1}{3} \left[{\hat s}'\left({\hat s}+{\hat s}'\right) \right]
        Q_l   \Bigl( 4 Q_u + 5 Q_d \Bigr)
\nonumber\\ &&\
\times  \frac{\left(M_{\sss W}^2- \hat{s}\right)
\left(M_{\sss W}^2- \hat{s}'\right)+\Gamma_{\sss W}^2M_{\sss W}^2}
              {(\hat{s}'-M_{\sss W}^2)^2 + \Gamma_{\sss W}^2M_{\sss W}^2}
  \Biggr\},
\end{eqnarray}
where $Q_l$, $Q_u$, and $Q_d$ are the charges of the charged lepton,
up-quark and down-quark, respectively.

The differential distributions of the tree-level radiative process
$\bar{d}+u \to \mu^+ +\nu_\mu +\gamma$ were compared with the corresponding
distributions obtained by means of the CompHEP package~\cite{Boos:2004kh}.
Cross section distributions in the cosine
of the outgoing muon angle and in the
muon energy are considered. 20 bins are constructed for each of the
distributions. Bins in the muon energy are
\begin{eqnarray}
(n_{\mathrm{bin}}-1)\ \times\ 5~\mathrm{GeV} < E_\mu
< n_{\mathrm{bin}}\ \times\ 5~\mathrm{GeV}.
\end{eqnarray}
The cut on the muon energy ($E_\mu < 95$~GeV) is imposed in both distributions
to avoid the region with soft photons, where CompHEP is not supposed to work well.
The angular bins are
\begin{eqnarray}
-1 + \frac{n_{\mathrm{bin}}-1}{10} < c < -1 +  \frac{n_{\mathrm{bin}}}{10}\, .
\end{eqnarray}
The $\alpha(M_Z)$ electroweak scheme (realized according to the CompHEP conventions)
was used. An agreement was found as can be seen from Table~\ref{Table0}.

For the two choices of variables we have simple
analytical expressions for the corresponding soft photon contributions.
The infrared singularities in them are regularized by the auxiliary photon
mass. The energy of a soft photon is limited from above by a cut
in the integral either over $\hat{s}'$ or over $M_x^2$.

In order to have the possibility to impose experimental cuts and
event selection procedures of any kind, we can use a Monte Carlo
integration routine based on the Vegas algorithm~\cite{Lepage:1977sw}.
In this case we perform a 4(6)-fold numerical integration to get the
hard photon contribution to the partonic (hadronic) cross section.
To get the total EW correction we add also the contributions
of the soft photon
emission and the ones of the virtual loops. The  cancellation of the
dependence on the auxiliary parameter $\bar\omega$
in the sum is observed numerically.

Using the splitting of the $W$-boson propagators in the case of real
photon emission off the virtual $W$, we separate the contributions of the
initial state radiation, the final state one, and their interference
in a gauge invariant way~\cite{Berends:1984qa}.
The splitting is introduced by the following formula:
\begin{eqnarray}
&& \frac{1}{\hat{s}-(M_{\sss W}-{\mathrm i}\Gamma_{\sss W})^2}\cdot
\frac{1}{\hat{s}'-(M_{\sss W}-{\mathrm i}\Gamma_{\sss W})^2}
\nonumber \\ && \quad
= \frac{1}{(\hat{s}-\hat{s}')}
\biggl( \frac{1}{\hat{s}'-(M_{\sss W}-{\mathrm i}\Gamma_{\sss W})^2}
\nonumber \\ && \qquad
- \frac{1}{\hat{s}-(M_{\sss W}-{\mathrm i}\Gamma_{\sss W})^2}\biggr).
\end{eqnarray}
In the center-of-mass system $(\hat{s}-\hat{s}')=2p_5^0\sqrt{\hat{s}}$.
The fixed $W$-width scheme is used here and in what follows.

In the course of calculations of the $\order{\alpha}$ corrections we
met the so-called {\em on-shell} singularities, which appear in the
form of $\ln(\hat{s}-M_{\sss W}^2+i\epsilon)$.
As was shown in detail in Ref.~\cite{Wackeroth:1996hz}, they can be
regularized by the $W$-width:
\begin{eqnarray}
\ln(\hat{s}'-M_{\sss W}^2+i\epsilon) \to \ln(\hat{s}'-M_{\sss W}^2+iM_{\sss W}\Gamma_{\sss W}).
\end{eqnarray}

In the analytical formulae for radiative corrections one can find
logarithms with quark and lepton mass singularities:
\begin{eqnarray}
\ln\frac{\hat{s}}{m_l^2}\, , \qquad
\ln\frac{\hat{s}}{m_u^2}\, , \qquad
\ln\frac{\hat{s}}{m_d^2}\, .
\end{eqnarray}
In the experimental set-up with calorimetric registration
of the final state charged particles (typical for electrons),
the lepton mass singularity cancels out in the result for
the correction to an observable cross section in accordance with
the Kinoshita--Lee--Nauenberg theorem~\cite{Kinoshita:1962ur,Lee:1964is}.
But if the experiment is measuring the energy of the charged lepton
without summing it with the energies of accompanying collinear photons
(typical for muons), the logarithms with the lepton mass singularity
remain in the result and give a considerable numerical contribution.
Re-summation of these logs in higher orders was discussed
in Refs.~\cite{Placzek:2003zg,CarloniCalame:2003ux,CarloniCalame:2003ck}.

\subsection{Treatment of Quark Mass Singularities
\label{qms}}

One-loop radiative corrections contain terms proportional to the
logarithms of the quark masses, $\ln(\hat{s}/m_{u,d}^2)$.
They come from the initial state radiation contributions including hard,
soft and virtual photon emission. Such initial state mass singularities
are well known, for instance, in the process of $e^+e^-$ annihilation.
But in the case of hadron collisions these logs have been already
{\em effectively} taken into account in the parton density functions (PDF's).
In fact, in the procedure of PDF's extraction from the experimental data,
QED radiative corrections to the quark line have not been systematically
subtracted. Therefore the present PDF's effectively include
not only the QCD evolution but also the QED one.
Moreover, it is known that the leading log behaviors of
the QED and QCD DGLAP evolution of quark density functions are
similar (proportional to each other). So one gets evolution
of PDF's with an effective coupling constant
\begin{eqnarray}
\alpha^{\mathrm{eff}}_{s} \approx \alpha_{s} + \frac{Q_i^2}{C_F}\alpha,
\end{eqnarray}
where $\alpha_s$ is the strong coupling constant, $\alpha$ is the fine structure
constant, $Q_i$ is the quark charge, and $C_F$ is the QCD color
factor. The nontrivial difference between the QED evolution and the QCD one
starts to appear in higher orders,
and the corresponding numerical effect is small compared to the remaining QCD
uncertainties in PDF's~\cite{Kripfganz:bd,Spiesberger:1994dm,Roth:2004ti,Martin:2004dh}.
The best approach to the whole problem would be to re--analyze  all
the experimental DIS data taking into account QED corrections to the quark line
at least at the next--to--leading order. But for the present moment we can limit
ourselves with an application of a certain subtraction scheme
to the QED part of the radiative corrections for the process under consideration.
We will use here the $\overline{\mathrm{MS}}\ $ scheme~\cite{Bardeen:1978yd}, the DIS scheme can
be used as well.  This allows to avoid the double counting of the
initial quark mass singularities contained in our
result for the corrections to the free quark cross section
and  the ones contained in the corresponding PDF.
The latter should be also taken
in the same scheme with the same factorization scale.

In fact, using the initial condition for the non--singlet NLO QED quark
structure function,
which coincides with the QCD one with the trivial substitution
$C_F\alpha_s\to Q_i^2\alpha$, see Ref.~\cite{Berends:1987ab},
one gets the following expression for the terms to be subtracted from the full
calculation with massive quarks:
\begin{eqnarray}
\delta^{\overline{\tiny \mathrm{MS}}}  &=& \sum\limits_{i=1,2}^{}
Q_i^2 \frac{\alpha}{2\pi} \int\limits_0^1 {\mathrm d} \xi_i\;  \biggl[
\frac{1+\xi_i^2}{1-\xi_i} \biggl( \ln\frac{M^2}{m_i^2}
\nonumber \\
&-& 2\ln(1-\xi_i) - 1 \biggr) \biggr]_+ \hat\sigma_0(\xi_i),
\end{eqnarray}
where $Q_i$ and $m_i$ denote the charge and the mass of the given quark;
$M$ is the factorization scale; $\hat\sigma_0(\xi_i)$ is the
cross section at the partonic level with the reduced value of the quark
momentum: $p_i\to \xi_i p_i$. The subtracted partonic cross
section with $\order{\alpha}$
corrections is given by
\begin{eqnarray} \label{msbarsi}
\hat{\sigma}_1^{\overline{\tiny \mathrm{MS}}} = \hat{\sigma}_1 - \delta^{\overline{\tiny \mathrm{MS}}}.
\end{eqnarray}
Then it can be convoluted with PDF's as shown below in Eq.~(\ref{sigpp}).

But there is an alternative way to perform the subtraction. Really, to
avoid the double counting of the quark mass singularities, we can leave them
in the corrected cross section, but remove from the PDF's:
\begin{eqnarray} \label{msbarq}
&& \bar{q}(x,M^2) = q(x,M^2) -
\int_x^1 \frac{{\mathrm d} z}{z} \, q\biggl(\frac{x}{z},M^2\biggr) \,
\frac{\alpha}{2\pi} \, Q_q^2
\nonumber \\ && \quad \times
\biggl[ \frac{1+z^2}{1-z}
\biggl\{\ln\biggl(\frac{M^2}{m_q^2}\biggr)-2\ln(1-z)-1\biggr\} \biggr]_+
\nonumber \\ && \quad \equiv q(x,M^2) - \Delta q,
\end{eqnarray}
where $q(x,M^2)$ can be taken directly from the existing PDF's in the $\overline{\mathrm{MS}}\ $
scheme (see Ref.~\cite{Wackeroth:1996hz} for the corresponding formula in the
DIS scheme). It can be shown analytically (see i.e. Ref.~\cite{Wackeroth:1996hz}),
that this procedure is equivalent to the subtraction from the cross section,
and that it really removes (hides) the dependence on the quark masses.
The advantage of the last approach is that it can be used regardless
of the way to represent the partonic cross section: it can be kept even
in the completely differential form.

The {\em natural} choices of the factorization scale are $M^2=M_{\sss W}^2$ (when the
returning to the $W$-resonance is allowed by kinematic cuts) and
$M^2=\hat{s} = x_1 x_2 s$. Variations with respect to the choice
should be studied.

In order to avoid the appearance of spurious higher order terms for the case
of subtraction from PDF's, we suggest to apply a procedure of {\em linearization}.
Schematically it can be represented as follows:
\begin{eqnarray} \label{linea}
&& \bar{q}_1(x_1,M^2)\times \bar{q}_2(x_2,M^2)\times \hat{\sigma}_1 =
[q_1(x_1,M^2)-\Delta q_1]
\nonumber \\ && \quad
\times [q_2(x_2,M^2)-\Delta q_2]\times
(\hat{\sigma}_{\mathrm{Born}} + \hat{\sigma}_{\alpha})
\nonumber \\ && \quad
\to q_1(x_1,M^2)\times q_2(x_2,M^2) \times \hat{\sigma}_{\mathrm{Born}}
\nonumber \\ && \quad
+ q_1(x_1,M^2)\times q_2(x_2,M^2)\times \hat{\sigma}_{\alpha}
\\ \nonumber && \quad
- [q_1(x_1,M^2)\times\Delta q_2 + q_2(x_2,M^2) \times\Delta q_1]
\times \hat{\sigma}_{\mathrm{Born}},
\end{eqnarray}
where $\hat{\sigma}_{\mathrm{Born}}$ and $\hat{\sigma}_{\alpha}$ denote the
Born-level partonic cross section and the $\order{\alpha}$ RC
contribution to it, respectively. Without the linearization procedure,
terms with quark mass singularities would remain
in the $\order{\alpha^2}$ contribution to the cross section.

\section{Radiative Corrections to Hadronic processes}

The double-differential cross section of the Drell-Yan process can
be obtained from the convolution of the partonic cross section with
the quark density functions:
\begin{eqnarray} \label{sigpp}
&& \frac{{\mathrm d}\sigma_{\mathrm{RC}}^{pp\to\mu^+\nu X}(s)}{{\mathrm d} c\;{\mathrm d} E_\mu}
= \sum\limits_{q_1q_2}\int\limits_{0}^{1} \int\limits_{0}^{1}
{\mathrm d} x_1\; {\mathrm d} x_2\; \bar{q}_1(x_1,M^2)
\nonumber \\ && \quad \times
\bar{q}_2(x_2,M^2)
\frac{{\mathrm d}^2\hat{\sigma}^{q_1q_2\to\mu^+\nu}(\hat{s})}
{{\mathrm d}\hat{c}\;{\mathrm d}\hat{E}_\mu}\;{\mathcal J}\;\Theta(c,E_\mu),
\end{eqnarray}
where the parton densities with {\em bars} mean the ones modified by
the subtraction of the quark mass singularities;
the step function $\Theta(c,E_\mu)$ defines the phase space domain
corresponding to the given event selection procedure.
The partonic cross section is taken in the center-of-mass reference
frame of the initial quarks, where the cosine of the muon scattering
angle, $\hat{c}$, and the muon energy, $\hat{E}_\mu$, are defined.
The transformation into the observable variables $c$ and $E_\mu$
involves the Jacobian:
\begin{eqnarray}
&& {\mathcal J} = \frac{\partial \hat{c}}{\partial c} \cdot
\frac{\partial \hat{E}_\mu}{\partial E_\mu} = \frac{4x_1x_2}{a^2}\cdot
\sqrt{\frac{a^2(1+c)}{x_1[a+x_2(1+c)]}}\,\, ,
\nonumber \\
&& a = x_1 + x_2 - c(x_1 - x_2), \quad \hat{c} = 1 - (1-c)\frac{2x_1}{a},
\nonumber \\ &&
\hat{s} = sx_1x_2,\qquad \hat{E}_\mu = \frac{\sqrt{\hat{s}}}{2}\, ,
\nonumber \\ &&
\hat{E}_\mu = E_\mu\sqrt{\frac{1-c^2}{1-\hat{c}^2}}\,\,  .
\end{eqnarray}
An analogous formula can be written for any other choice of a differential
distribution as well as for the total cross section.

\section{Numerical Results and Conclusions
\label{NumRes}}

For numerical evaluations we take the same set of input parameters as
the one given by Eq.~(4.1) of Ref.~\cite{Dittmaier:2001ay}.
In Table~\ref{Table1} we present the results for the total
cross section\footnote{factor $|V_{ud}|^2$ has been dropped in the sake of comparison
with Ref.~\cite{Dittmaier:2001ay}.}
of the process $u+\bar{d}\to \nu_l+l^+(+\gamma)$.
For the Born-level cross section we completely (in all listed digits) agree with the
numbers given in Ref.~\cite{Dittmaier:2001ay}. The third line shows radiative corrections
in percent before the subtraction of quark mass singularities. These numbers were
received directly from the SANC system for the $G_F$ EW scheme. Starting from the fourth
line we use the treatment of the EW scheme\footnote{In $G_F'$ scheme we assigned
the following one-loop value of the coupling constant standing at the photon vertices:
$\alpha_{QED}\approx 1/132.544$.}, which has been adopted
Ref.~\cite{Dittmaier:2001ay}. The results for the radiative corrections
with $\overline{\mathrm{MS}}\ $ subtraction (with factorizations scale being equal to $M_W$)
are also in a fair agreement. The small deviations there can be due to details in the
treatment of EW scheme with respect induced higher order effects.
Huge positive corrections in the case without subtraction of quark mass singularities
above the $W$-peak are due to the initial state radiation which provides
the radiative return to the $W$-resonance.

The effect of EW scheme dependence is illustrated by Table~\ref{Table2}.
Results for the total partonic cross section at the Born and $\order{\alpha}$
levels are given for two EW schemes. At the Born level the $7.3\%$ difference
appears just due to the difference in the definition of EW constants in the
$G_F$ and in the $\alpha(0)$ schemes. As it should be the difference
between the corrected cross sections is less than the one at the Born level.
But still it is large and comparable with the ordered precision of the calculation.
Certainly, usage of the $\alpha(0)$ is not well motivated for the given energy range.
And the difference $\delta_1$ gives only an upper estimate of
the  uncertainty due to the EW scheme dependence. In any case we are going to
perform further studies of this effect.

Table~\ref{Table3} represents the dependence of the hadronic Drell--Yan cross section
on the values of the quark masses with and without the subtraction procedure.
The conditions are as follows: the center-of-mass energy is 200~GeV, all events with the
invariant mass of the neutrino and charged lepton pair above $\sqrt{40}$~GeV are
accepted. $\sigma_0$ denotes the Born-level cross section obtained using the CTEQ4L
set of PDF's~\cite{Lai:1996mg}. $\sigma_1$, $\sigma_1^{\overline{\tiny \mathrm{MS}}(\sigma)}$,
$\sigma_1^{\overline{\tiny \mathrm{MS}}(q)}$, and $\sigma_1^{\overline{\tiny \mathrm{MS}}(q)}$(lin.)
stand for the cross sections with one-loop EW RC included.
The double counting of the
quark mass singularities in $\sigma_1$ is not removed.
The $\overline{\mathrm{MS}}\ $ procedure~(\ref{msbarsi}) is applied to the partonic cross
section in the computation of $\sigma_1^{\overline{\tiny \mathrm{MS}}(\sigma)}$.
Values of $\sigma_1^{\overline{\tiny \mathrm{MS}}(q)}$ and
$\sigma_1^{\overline{\tiny \mathrm{MS}}(q)}$(lin.) are computed by convolution of the quark (parton)
density function modified according to Eq.~(\ref{msbarq}) with
the full (including quark mass singularities) partonic cross section.
The linearization procedure~(\ref{linea}) was adopted
for $\sigma_1^{\overline{\tiny \mathrm{MS}}(q)}$(lin.) in addition. One can see that the numerical
effect of linearization for the given set--up is small (but visible).
The two approaches to remove the double counting give very close results
as it should be.

For an internal test of our calculations, a comparison of the results
produced by our Monte Carlo (MC) and semi--analytical (SA) codes for the
description of hard photon contributions was performed. The results are
presented in Table~\ref{Table4a}, where the
corresponding contributions to the proton--proton cross section at 14~TeV
center-of-mass energy are given.
The conditions and the input parameters were the taken as the ones used
in Ref.~\cite{tuned}:
\begin{eqnarray} \nonumber
\begin{array}[b]{lcllcllcl}
G_F & = & 1.16637 \times 10^{-5} \unskip\,\mathrm{GeV}^{-2}, & && \\
\alpha(0) &=& 1/137.03599911, &
\alpha_s &=& 0.1187, \\
M_{\sss W} & = & 80.425\unskip\,\mathrm{GeV}, &
\Gamma_{\sss W} & = & 2.124\unskip\,\mathrm{GeV}, \\
M_{\sss Z} & = & 91.1867\unskip\,\mathrm{GeV},&
\Gamma_{\sss Z} & = & 2.4952\unskip\,\mathrm{GeV}, \\
M_{\sss H} & = & 150\unskip\,\mathrm{GeV}, &
m_t & = & 174.17\;\unskip\,\mathrm{GeV}, \\
m_u & = & m_d = 66\;\unskip\,\mathrm{MeV}, &
m_c & = & 1.55\;\unskip\,\mathrm{GeV}, \\
m_s & = & 150\;\unskip\,\mathrm{MeV}, &
m_b & = & 4.5\;\unskip\,\mathrm{GeV}, \\
|V_{ud}| & = & |V_{cs}| = 0.975, &
|V_{us}| & = & |V_{cd}| = 0.222.
\end{array}
\end{eqnarray}
The MRST204QED set~\cite{Martin:2004dh} of PDF's and the $G_{\sss F}$ EW scheme
were used. Six values for the cut on the muon transverse momentum, $P_T$,
are considered. The cut on the muon rapidity is $|\eta_l|< 1.2$.
The cut on the missing momentum was not imposed, since it can't be
realized in the semi-analytical branch.
We also show there the values of the total
one-loop EW correction, $\delta\sigma^{MC,SA}_{tot}$.
The Table~\ref{Table4a} shows results for two values of the soft--hard
photon separator, $\bar\omega$, and justifies the independence of the total correction
on it within the accuracy achieved. The separator is defined in
the center-of-mass reference frame of the colliding quarks (partons).
We stress, that having a semi-analytical
branch of calculations served us as a benchmark and helped a lot to adjust
the Monte Carlo code.

In this way with help of the automatized SANC system we calculated the
complete one-loop radiative corrections to the charged current Drell-Yan
cross section. Our results at the partonic level are in a good agreement
with the ones published earlier in Ref.~\cite{Dittmaier:2001ay}.
The corresponding computer codes in analytical ({\tt FORM}) and numerical
({\tt FORTRAN}) formats are available from SANC~\cite{SANCwww}.
They can be used as a part of a more general computer program (like a
Monte Carlo event generator) to describe the Drell-Yan process in realistic
conditions. Further comparison at the hadronic level with analogous calculations
of other groups is in progress~\cite{tuned}.

\begin{acknowledgement}
We are grateful to C.~Carloni Calame,
S.~Dittmaier, S.~Jadach, M.~Kr\"amer, G.~Montagna,  O.~Nicrosini
W.~Placzek, A.~Vicini, Z.~Was for discussions.
Three of us (D.B., L.K. and G.N.) are indebted to the directorate
of IFJ, (Cracow, Poland) for a hospitality extended to them in
April--May 2005, when a part of this study was completed.
This work was supported by the INTAS grant 03-51-4007.
One of us (A.A.) thanks for support the grant of the Prezident RF
(Scinetific Schols 2027.2003.2) and the RFBR grant 04-02-17192.
\end{acknowledgement}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaArXiv


a stand-alone software product that provides a conceptual design and modeling solution for creating 3D cities and buildings.
City Engine: Align Terrain to Shapes - Purpose?
I am looking to model a downtown area but I want the generation of buildings to only happen on a random percentage of the properties. What code should I be using for this?
Importing IFC file in CityEngine?
Export 3D layers automatically in CityEngine to FBX?
How to automatically export all layers in a scene in CityEngine to corresponding FBX? Is there a batch processing or a programming approach for exporting them to FBX?
Is it possible to divide each floor of a particular building into a different number of apartments?
Giving colors to buildings in CityEngine?
Draping surface on custom data rather than built in elevation data for 3d web scene in CityEngine webviewer app?
Does QGIS data work in Esri CityEngine?
I would like to know the use cases of Esri CityEngine, and what distinguish this tool from the other standard GIS like ArcMap and QGIS? and in which fields could be used ?


We investigated the mRNA levels of neurotrophins and neurotrophin receptors in a rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG), after tourniquet application to a hind limb, to identify the nerve-protective molecules that are induced immediately after peripheral nerve crush and play a part in the process leading to secondary events. No significant expression of nerve growth factor (NGF) mRNA or protein was observed in the control or contralateral DRG. NGF mRNA expression started within 2 h and NGF protein expression was observed in Schwann cells at 4 h after application of the tourniquet, due to termination of the neurotrophin supply from peripheral nerves. The levels of neurotrophin 3 mRNA were significantly increased in the DRGs on both sides at 1 and 2 h after tourniquet application, but no significant changes in brain-derived neurotrophic factor and neurotrophin 4/5 expression levels were observed in either the contralateral or ipsilateral DRG. The expression levels of neurotrophin receptors in the DRGs on both the contralateral and ipsilateral sides had decreased at 1 to 2 h after application of the tourniquet and had returned to the control levels at 4 h after tourniquet application.


Add a little green space to your community or park area. Even if it is already naturally verdant or lush, any public area could always use a little more.
Planters are a great way to add some green in a controlled and domesticated way and can be essential in sculpting an attractive environment.
Vista planters are made to withstand the outdoors and will showcase any flora splendidly.


text:
Three Seattle Questions Heading Into The Super Bowl
Filed Under:Denver Broncos, Marshawn Lynch, NFL, Peyton Manning, Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks, Super Bowl 48, Super Bowl XLVIII
(Credit, Elsa/Getty Images)
By Matthew Asher
We still have a dozen days before Super Bowl XLVIII, but here are three factors Seattle needs to worry about if they are to win the Lombardi Trophy this season.
Can the Legion of Boom Limit Denver's passing?
Note that it says limit, not stop. We're all adults here and the thought of shutting down Peyton Manning and his receiving corps, which average 340 passing yards a game, is probably next to impossible.
The key for Seattle should be limiting Manning and company to 250 passing yards or less, but it definitely won't be easy. Including the two postseason games, Manning has thrown for 300 or more yards 14 times in 18 games. Against Jacksonville, Manning was "limited" to 295 yards and against Oakland in Week 17, he sat out the entire second half, still after throwing for 266 yards.
Manning's worst offensive game this season was against New England in Week 12. Thanks in large part to the freezing temperatures, Manning was limited to just 150 yards. However, Denver ran the ball for 280 yards that game, so if Manning can't throw, the running game is still a viable option.
If Seattle wants to limit Manning, they need to take a long look at how San Diego handled Denver. In two out of the three contests this season, the Chargers limited Manning to 289 yards (a Week 15 San Diego win) and 230 yards back in the Divisional Round game. Part of San Diego's success had to do with their offense being on the field a lot, not allowing Manning to even have a chance.
Can Seattle sack Manning?
Denver's offensive line has done a remarkable job of keeping Manning's jersey clean over the course of the season. In the 18 regular and postseason games, Manning has been sacked a total of 18 times and in both playoff games he hasn't been sacked once.
In the regular season, Seattle had the eighth most sacks in the league with 44. But in their two playoff games, Seattle has recorded just three total sacks. Denver has twice as many in the playoffs as Seattle.
How Will Beast Mode Fare Against Denver's D?
This is where the game could be won or lost by Seattle. There's no arguing that Seattle has a great defense, but Denver is no slouch, either. While statistically the Seahawks are head and shoulders above the Broncos, Denver's strength on defense, their run-stopping, is Seattle's primary offensive weapon.
Marshawn Lynch and Russell Wilson are responsible for the majority of Seattle's 136.8 rushing yards a game, but Denver has allowed 101.6 in the regular season. Against New England, Denver shut down the Patriots running game. The week before LeGarrette Blount ran 24 times for 166 yards and four touchdowns against Indianapolis. Against Denver he was limited to six yards on five carries. As a team, New England gained just 64 yards on the ground in 16 attempts.
For more news and updates about the NFL Playoffs, visit NFL Playoffs Central.
Matthew Asher is a freelance journalist. From an early age, sports have played a major role in his life. He graduated from Emory University with a B.A. in Journalism. After college he spent 2 years working with CNN Sports and still occasionally writes sports articles for several publications both in the United States and Canada. His work can be found on Examiner.com.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


So, I'm thinking it could be a close race. Good battle for Pole yesterday!
Impressive start by Vettel, and now a fascinating race has been set up by Ericsson's crash.
Entertaining race. Generally I enjoy watching F1 this season, we've had at lot more boring years in recent times.
Quality last few laps. Loved to see the Mercedes and Ferraris battling so closely!
Brilliant win by Vettel, thoroughly deserved, but great recovery drive by Lewis too.
Yeah, this season is proving to be pretty close. It's not a 1997 or a 2012, but it's much more competitive and entertaining so far than last year was.


Image Title: Pair Of Wrought Iron Ficks Reed Night Stands Or Side Tables At 1stdibs Regarding Decor 16. Post Title: Wrought Iron Night Stands. Filename: pair-of-wrought-iron-ficks-reed-night-stands-or-side-tables-at-1stdibs-regarding-decor-16.jpg. Image Dimension: 768 x 768 pixels. Images Format: jpg/jpeg. Publisher/Author: Darrion Metz. Uploaded Date: Thursday - February 07th. 2019 21:26:22 PM. Category: Architecture. Image Source: homedit.com. Wrought Iron Night Stand Wayfair Ca For Stands Decor 7. Metal Nightstands Wrought Iron Night Stand Medium Size Of Modern Inside Stands Inspirations 9. Wrought Iron Night Stands Steel Expressions Lancaster County PA Pertaining To Ideas 1. Wrought Iron Nightstand Fossil Brewing Design Industrial Style Within Night Stands Decorations 2. Best Wrought Iron Nightstand Stopqatarnow Design Strong And Intended For Night Stands Remodel 12. International Furniture Direct Camelia 2 Drawer Nightstand With Pertaining To Wrought Iron Night Stands Designs 18. Wrought Iron Nightstand Wayfair Inside Night Stands Decorations 13. Perfect Wrought Iron Nightstand Stopqatarnow Design Strong And Inside Night Stands Designs 0. Wrought Iron Night Stands Decoration Nightstands With Regard To Plan 19. European Retro Do The Old Wrought Iron Wood Nightstand Glove Side In Night Stands Inspirations 4.


text:
Q: CakePHP file download corrupted I have a site where users can upload images and then download them. I have moved my project on a live web host but the problem is that when I try to download the file I just uploaded, it downloads it but cant open it afterwards, it says it is corrupted... I had no problems in local though.
heres my download action:
public function getfile($accesskey) {
       $this->autoRender = false;

        if ($accesskey != null) {
     $data = $this->getfileinfo($accesskey);
            if (!empty($data)) {

           $this->response->file(WWW_ROOT.$data['Document']['dlpath'], array('download' => true, $data['Document']['name']));

                return $this->response;
            } else {
                $this->redirect(array('controller' => 'documents', 'action' => 'upload'));
            }
        } else {
            $this->redirect(array('controller' => 'documents', 'action' => 'upload'));
        }

    }

$data['Document']['dlpath']  contains the following:

/home/vol2_2/byethost17.com/b17_15357734/htdocs/app/webroot/uploads/2014/09/26/filekey/imagename.extension

this is the first time i'm doing this so i might have made a mistake.. the path is wrong or something i'm confused
EDIT: It seems that the error i was getting was much deeper than it seemed. I opened the corruted file in a text editor and saw some error concerning set_time_limit() and php safe mode...
here's the error:
Warning (2) : set_time_limit() has been disabled for security reasons [ CORE/Cake/Network/CakeResponse.php , line 1458 ] Code Context
set_time_limit - [internal], line ??
CakeResponse::_sendFile() - CORE/Cake/Network/CakeResponse.php, line 1458
CakeResponse::send() - CORE/Cake/Network/CakeResponse.php, line 429
MediaView::render() - CORE/Cake/View/MediaView.php, line 96
Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 954
Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 198
Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 165
[main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 108

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


On March 18, Senseonics Holdings, Inc. (SENS) shares have been seen trading -51.23% off its 52 week- peak value and changed 20.00% from its 52 week-bottom price value. The "percentage off the 52-week high or low" refers to when a stock current price is relative to where it has traded over the last 52 weeks. This gives investors an idea of how much the security has moved in the last year and whether it is trading near the top, middle or bottom of the range.
Shares of Senseonics Holdings, Inc. (SENS) were valued at $2.58 and moved 0.00% as of a recent closing trade. A total volume of 2.17 million shares were traded versus to average volume of 1.77 million shares.
Senseonics Holdings, Inc. (SENS)'s Relative Strength Index (RSI) is 43.07. RSI is a technical indicator of price momentum, comparing the size of recent gains to the size of recent losses and establishes oversold and overbought positions.
Twenty-day SMA is useful at identifying swing trading trends lasting twenty days. Shorter moving average timeframes are more sensitive to price fluctuations and can pick up on trend changes more quickly than longer-term moving averages. However, these more frequent signals may also result in more "whipsaws", resulting in erroneous trade signals. SENS recently closed with fall of -9.77% to its twenty-Day SMA. This short time frame picture represents a downward movement of current price over average price of last twenty days.
Senseonics Holdings, Inc. (SENS) held 181.67 million outstanding shares currently. The company have shares float of 131.62 million. Now have a look at past performance (weekly performance to year to date performance) how Senseonics Holdings, Inc. (SENS) has been moved; whether it performed well or not. SENS reported a change of -17.31% over the last week and performed 10.73% over the last month while its year to date (YTD) performance revealed an activity trend of -0.39%. The stock's quarterly performance specifies a shift of -11.64%, and its last twelve month performance is stands at -12.24% while moved -42.67% for the past six months.
Average True Range (14) for Senseonics Holdings, Inc. (SENS) is stands at 0.22. ATR is a volatility indicator. Volatility measures the strength of the price action, and is often overlooked for clues on market direction.
Over the past week, the company showed volatility of 8.34%. Moving out to look at the previous month volatility move, the stock is at 8.68%. A stock with a price that fluctuates wildly, hits new highs and lows or moves erratically is considered highly volatile..


text:
Home » Mind & Body » Nutrition » Fast Track Your Vitamins: The Nutritional IV Drip Solution
Fast Track Your Vitamins: The Nutritional IV Drip Solution
By Paul Fassa
Everyone from athletes to those suffering chronic diseases may benefit from vitamin IV drip therapy
Think of a vitamin IV drip as a shotgun approach to a nutrient fix when you feel like you're slip slidin' away, stressed, or fatigued. Hitting the drip has become a convenient therapy for fast, dramatic results to improve mood, or to help remedy chronic poor health and acute diseases.
Vitamin IV drip has also become popular lately for minor episodes, chronic fatigue, stress, surgical recoveries, and even hangovers. IV drips have a history. They are a spinoff of earlier IV drip therapies for serious ailments and diseases.
In the beginning, health practitioners focused on oral applications of vitamins and minerals in high quantities. Then they went to IV drip for better, faster results, thanks mostly to John Myers, M.D., who developed and used the IV drip known as the Myers' cocktail, containing magnesium, calcium, various B vitamins, and vitamin C in 1970.
The Mostly Unknown Evolution of IV Drip Medicine
Dr. Jonathan Wright, M.D., founder of the holistic Tahoma Clinic in Washington state, has been a pioneer of vitamin and mineral therapy since the late 1970s. He explains when using oral supplements alone, it routinely takes considerably longer to recover from ailments ranging from pneumonia to cancer. With the IV drips, however, improvement is always more substantial and much quicker.
Vitamins and minerals applied in large doses with IV drips were clinically explored during the 1970s after the Myer's cocktail caught on with some doctors.
After his vitamin C discoveries, two-time Nobel Laureate, Linus Pauling, Ph.D., coined the term "Orthomolecular medicine" in 1968, which is defined as "the theory that illness can be treated and health maximized by creating the optimal molecular environment for the cells of the body through the introduction of natural substances."
In other words, vitamin and mineral supplements correctly selected and administered at the right doses can reverse conditions for which pharmaceutical drugs are purportedly developed, with less expense and without adverse side effects.
Using high dose supplementation for curing instead of pharmaceuticals was known as far back as 1938 when it was realized that niacin (vitamin B3) was useful for treating schizophrenia. During the 1950s, psychiatrist Dr. Abram Hoffer developed niacin and other supplements further for treatments of many other mental disorders.
Despite Dr. Hoffers scientific studies, published journals, and clinical results, the medical establishment mostly ignored or attacked his findings. Dr. Hoffer then published several books on natural vitamin/mineral therapies eschew pharmaceutical drugs from 1960 through 2008.
Orthomolecular patients that stick with the program no longer require them, and that's bad for the American Medical Association (AMA) and its major influence: the pharmaceutical business. Trillions of dollars are involved.
Even before orthomolecular medicine was established for psychiatry in the 1950s, North Carolina small town family doctor, Frederick Klenner, M.D., was using high doses of ascorbate vitamin C with intramuscular injections and IVs for young polio victims and patients with several other diseases at very high recovery rates.
Dr. Klenner took his case reports for polio to an Annual Session of the AMA on June 10, 1949 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. His clinical case reports were ignored. Dr. Klenner asserted, "Ascorbic acid is the safest and most valuable substance available to the physician" and that patients should be given "large doses of vitamin C in all pathological conditions while the physician ponders the diagnosis."
That didn't go very far. The practitioners of orthomolecular medicine had to circle the wagons and administer IV drip vitamin C under the guise of boosting patients' nutrition and immune systems. Curing anything with vitamin C, however administered, is not allowed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) simply because it's not a patentable synthetic drug made by a pharmaceutical company. The FDA is an agency many consider the pharmaceutical industry's best friend.
The mega-dose IV approach started originally with vitamin C administered at amounts ranging from 25 to 100 grams daily. That translates to 25 to 100 thousand milligrams (mg) in one sitting, a half-hour to an hour. Bowel tolerance for vitamin C ranges from five to 10 grams taken orally, which means about 10 times the amount of vitamin C that can be administered orally can be taken through IV!
In addition to bypassing bowel tolerance issues, the vitamins are directly taken into the bloodstream, paving the way for rapid cellular absorption.
Radiation Rescue With Nutritional IV Drips
An Orthomolecular group in Japan pulled off an amazing experiment among Fukushima cleanup workers, proving how mega-doses of IV vitamin C could prevent and even reverse extreme radiation poisoning. They took 17 workers and administered 25 grams (25,000 mg) of vitamin C by nutritional IV drips to one group before they were exposed to intense radiation in their clean up mission, while another group was exposed without this protection.
The protected workers had no DNA damage markers and low cancer risk scores, while those unprotected demonstrated DNA damage and high cancer risk scores. Not to worry, those who suffered radiation damage were treated with IV mega-dose vitamin C therapy later, which included some B vitamins, and their DNA damage was reversed along with their cancer risk scores.
This Japanese study, which was performed on existing Fukushima cleanup workers, was published by the Orthomolecular Foundation but suppressed and ignored by TEMCO, the company that ran Fukushima's melted down power plant.
Miraculous Results with High Doses of Vitamins B and C
Dr. Joseph Chandy, an M.D. from India who practices in the UK, was featured on BBC TV as a bit of a hero. Harassed by British medical authorities, Chandy was rescuing patients diagnosed with MS and fibromyalgia with high doses of injected vitamin B12. As the BBC TV presentation showed, the therapy was working well for patients who had given up hope, but the authorities claimed he was out of line for using such high doses.
The British Medical Board insisted on further testing despite case records and patient testimonies. Dr. Chandy refused on the grounds that double-blind placebo testing would exclude people who needed his treatments, which he knew from years of clinical experience worked and were safe.
Vitamin B12 shots are often necessary because of digestive issues collectively known as the "intrinsic factor" needed to absorb B12. Insufficient intrinsic factor is high even among those who eat the most common source of B12: meat. Insufficient intrinsic value blocks the B12 from being absorbed into the blood from the small intestines in the gastrointestinal tract.
In 2010, New Zealand's version of CBS's "60 Minutes" presented a 17 minute segment on mega-dose IV drip vitamin C intervention that brought patient Alan Smith out of a coma and toward a rapid recovery from Swine Flu induced double pneumonia.
The "60 Minutes" episode immediately went viral on the internet and featured the Smith family's struggles to get the doctors to use the IV drip vitamin C therapy, which the hospital later asserted had nothing to do with Alan's recovery.
Restore Balance And Health With The World's Most Prominent Supplement Kit
IV Drips Relegated To The Shadows
IV drips delivering extremely high doses of vitamin C have proven effective and safe, over and over again, in areas where conventional pharmaceutical drugs fail. However, regardless of the clinical proof, M.D.s practicing Orthomolecular medicine have been confined to their operations in the shadows of mainstream medicine.
They could deliver IV nutrients in large doses for general well-being as long as they didn't say they were treating a disease or as an adjunct to an existing treatment in progress. News of cancers cured by IV mega-dose vitamin C was suppressed.
Using mega-dose IV vitamin C to treat cancer or any other disease was not and has not been accepted by the pharmaceutical industry-dominated mainstream medical establishment.
Vitamin Infusion Via IV Drips Today
The vitamin IV drip or infusion centers today offer a wide variety of mega-dose IV cocktails, combining multiple vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. They don't claim to cure disease, but they do claim to help detox and rejuvenate nutritionally on a cellular level. Some IV drips are very plain salines combined with very little extra to simply rehydrate patients.
Most infusions include vitamins and minerals that the practitioners determine would best fit the client's needs by way of blood testing. For example, the Myer's cocktail contains a mixture of vitamin C, magnesium, calcium, and B vitamins. Other infusions can include the usual vitamin C, D, B6, and B12 along with other nutrients like Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), and glutathione, a molecule which is extremely beneficial for patients with autoimmune diseases.
Vitamin infusion IV drip therapy has caught on among athletes and stage performers whose acts involve intense physical activity. They use them for an energy boost before or after events. "It's about bathing the cells in a high dose of nutrients with the goal of keeping you functioning optimally," says Alexander Kulick, M.D.
Yet there are more people with chronic conditions who seek vitamin infusions to help their bodies to recover from whatever ails them. Some patients require regular injections for indefinite periods of time to control their chronic medical problems.
Dr. Alan Gaby, M.D. and author of the textbook Nutritional Medicine, has administered over 10,000 nutritional IVs. "Patients who receive a series of IV injections become progressively healthier. In these patients, the interval between treatments can be gradually increased, and eventually the injections are no longer necessary."
Dr. John Salerno has an upper East Side Manhattan Salerno Center for Complementary Medicine. He and his staff take in 90 clients monthly and each session costs between $325 to $500. Other locations have lower rates. Dr. Salerno added, "Around 30 percent of them have relatively normal health and come in (just) for a boost."
What types of conditions are IV nutrient treatments used for? Dr. Dooley of Advanced Natural Medicine in Florida offers a list of vitamin drip therapies including for pain, depression, asthma, heart disease, poor immunity, and chronic fatigue.
Paul Fassa started writing articles in 2009 for Natural News and soon he was contributing articles to several other sites. As he went down the rabbit hole of research beyond current health dogma, he was astonished at the amount of confusion, disinformation, and corruption with food, agriculture, pharmaceutical medicine, and the suppression of natural healing. He focuses on presenting the truth that mainstream media mostly denies because of corporate ties to the fields that affect our health. His blog is Health Maven: Escape from the Medical Mafia Matrix. '
PrevPreviousThe Wonderful World Of Phytosterols
NextEat Your Heart Out: From Unhealthy Foods To Fit And FreeNext


text:
USCIS Filing Fees to Rise
USCIS filing fees were scheduled to go up dramatically on October 2, 2020. However, the filing fee increase is currently blocked in Federal Court.
For persons who are applying for naturalization to become U.S. citizens, the filing fee will be raised over 80% from $640 to $1,170. This will, no doubt, make it too expensive for many lawful permanent residents to become U.S. citizens.
For the first time, USCIS filing fees will be required for persons applying for asylum. Only 3 other countries in the world charge fees for asylum seekers: Australia, Fiji and Iran.
Shame on us!
Very Efficient and Professional!
"I would like to thank the team of Carl Shusterman's Office who took care of my application for naturalization. Everything went well and very fast! Very efficient and professional!"
- Jennie Kil, San Francisco, California
Why are USCIS Filing Fees Increasing?
"USCIS is required to examine incoming and outgoing expenditures and make adjustments based on that analysis," said Joseph Edlow, USCIS deputy director for policy. "These overdue adjustments in fees are necessary to efficiently and fairly administer our nation's lawful immigration system, secure the homeland and protect Americans."
USCIS is an agency which is almost totally funded by filing fees paid by persons seeking immigration benefits. They are running out of money and have given furlough notices to over 10,000 of their employees. For the first time in history, the agency has requested a bailout (over $1 billion) from the federal government in order to continue to operate.
Yet, back in the 1970s when I worked an INS (precursor to the USCIS) Naturalization Attorney, the filing fee was only $15 for a naturalization application and we interviewed 14 applicants and 28 witnesses per day. And not a single one of my colleagues was ever furloughed.
What I have observed over the past few years is that the USCIS has morphed from a benefits agency into an enforcement agency.
It is all too common for an applicant for a temporary immigration status, a green card or naturalization to receive a Request for Evidence (RFE) or even a Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID). While some of these RFEs and NOIDs are warranted, many are not.
The current administration is attempting to restrict immigration to our country not by changing the law, but by interpreting existing laws and regulations more restrictively.
For example, employers sponsoring persons with university degrees in computer science for H-1B professional visas are being asked for proof that such a degree is required to work as a computer professional. Even after employers do so, many of these petitions have been denied.
Fortunately, some employers have gone to Federal Court to challenge such actions by the USCIS, and Judges have ruled that the agency is acting unlawfully.
However, these restrictive policies compel USCIS employees to spend countless hours issuing RFEs and NOIDs, and then to reject the responses and deny the applications and petitions. This extra work comes at a cost. USCIS filing fees have to be increased to fund these restrictive policies.
What Can Be Done to Prevent USCIS Filing Fees from Increasing?
I expect that lawsuits will be brought attempting to stop the proposed increases in USCIS filing fees. However, even if these lawsuits are successful, they would not prevent the Administration from furloughing thousands of employees, effectively shutting down the USCIS.
Instead, we should be encouraging more immigrants to become U.S. citizens. This will enable them to vote in elections, apply for government jobs, serve on juries and achieve the American Dream.
If the administration wants to tighten U.S. immigration laws, they need Congress to pass a bill that the President can sign into law. It is not only improper to have the USCIS reinterpret existing laws and regulations, it is creating many thousands of hours of unfunded work for government employees.
Don't get me wrong. As a former INS prosecutor, I represented the government in hundreds of deportation proceedings, sometimes in Federal Prisons across the country. Persons who commit serious crimes should be deported. Persons who attempt to get immigration benefits by fraud should have their applications denied.
ICE is the immigration enforcement agency. CBP vets persons coming to the United States at land borders and airports.
USCIS is primarily a benefits agency. Many applications and petitions are approved, and some are denied. However, turning USCIS in an enforcement agency is not only improper, it is bankrupting the agency.
Immigrants should not be required to fund the anti-immigration policies of the administration.
Immigration Blog
3 Recent Supreme Court Immigration Decisions
How to Select an Immigration Attorney
Green Cards for Caregivers


Jeffrey Kahane can be an American pianist and conductor. Being a pianist, Kahane in popular as an accompanist, and is most beneficial known for his use the LA Chamber Orchestra. Kahane was raised in West LA and began research the piano at age five. Kahane fell deeply in love with rock & move at age ten, got a electric guitar, taught himself to try out the device and joined many bands of children his own age group, playing at college dances and composing his own music. At 15, Kahane was presented to a fresh instructor, pianist/composer Jakob Gimpel, who reignited Kahane's like for traditional music. Kahane examined piano and performing at the SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA Conservatory and got into the Truck Cliburn International Piano Competition in 1981. He completed a respectable 4th place, but as this specific competition was nationally televised by PBS, the looks also amounted to his network broadcast debut, and resulted in his concert profession. In 1983, Kahane earned the Artur Rubinstein Competition in Israel, and produced his Carnegie Hall debut inside a Rubinstein Tribute Concert. Kahane quickly became a preferred accompanist for Yo-Yo Ma, Dawn Upshaw, and Joshua Bell. In 1987, Kahane was granted the first Andrew Wolf Chamber Music Honor. In the past due 1980s, Kahane was asked to execute a Mozart piano concerto also to conduct the task from the key pad in the Oregon Bach Event. The success of the appearance opened the entranceway to Kahane's second profession like a conductor. In 1991, Kahane founded the Gardner Chamber Orchestra in Boston, several young experts and college students in Boston, and led it for four years. In 1995 Kahane was called music director from the Santa Rosa (California) Symphony Orchestra, a well-respected local orchestra, largely composed of professional music artists from the close by greater SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA area. Kahane kept this placement until 2006. Kahane and his family members continue to reside in Santa Rosa and locally he continues to be the director from the Green Music Event of Sonoma Region. In 1996, Kahane was produced music director from the LA Chamber Orchestra (LACO) and helped to create the already founded body right into a fresh era, acquiring them on globe tours also to Carnegie Hall, and in 2006, leading them through the first-ever full Mozart piano concerto routine carried out by an American orchestra. Kahane was also music movie director from the Colorado Symphony until June 2010. In 2005 he was granted an honorary doctorate from Sonoma Condition University in reputation of his efforts to education as well as the arts, and in 2011 he received a master's level in Classics to increase his accomplishments.


text:
Tamil Nadu CM rejects GST Compensation Options suggested by Center, addressed letter to PM Shri Narendra Modi
Text of the D.O. letter dated 31.8.2020 of Thiru. Edappadi K. Palaniswami, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, addressed to Shri. Narendra Modi, Hon'ble Prime Minister of India
As you are aware one of the most crucial fiscal issues facing the nation currently is the payment of compensation on account of the short fall in revenue post implementation of GST. Most States, and in particular Tamil Nadu, agreed to the implementation of GST and to support the legislation on the basis of the unequivocal commitment given by the Government of India to compensate the States for any revenue loss. Such compensation is clearly assured in the 101st Constitution Amendment Act and in the GST (Compensation to States) Act, 2017.
So far, no compensation has been released for the shortfalls in revenue collection since April 1, 2020. As on date, a total sum of Rs 12,250.50 crores is due to Tamil Nadu as compensation for shortfall in GST collections, of which Rs 11,459.37 crores has accrued from April to July, 2020. As you are aware, the States have suffered a severe loss in revenue in the wake of the COVID 19 pandemic and have also been at the forefront of the battle to prevent the spread of the disease. Considerable additional expenditure of nearly Rs.7,000 crore has already been incurred towards upgrading health facilities, providing medical supplies and towards relief measures for the most affected. For the economy to restart effectively, State Governments also need to ensure that regular budgetary expenditure on on-going schemes and programmers picks up. Hence, State Governments are in immediate need of resources.
I had already requested the Honorable Prime Minister that one-third additional borrowing may be permitted to States over the 2019-20 level and an untied special grant of Rs 1 lakh crore be released to all States as budgetary support, in addition to other specific grants. This support was sought, anticipating shortfall in State tax revenues, but after assuming that the States would receive the entire GST compensation. As part of the Atma Nirbhar Bharat programme, the Government of India, States were permitted an additional borrowing of 2 per cent of GSDP of which 1.5 per cent was permissible based on implementation of certain reform measures identified by the Government of India. This additional borrowing has been fully factored into our fiscal projections for 2020-21 and is essentially required, in addition to the full compensation for GST shortfall.
Our stance has consistently been that the Government of India has a moral and legal obligation to pay the compensation for the shortfall in GST collections. We had also indicated that it was for the Government of India to find the necessary funds to compensate the States, including from the Consolidated Fund of India, if there was a shortfall in the cess collections. As a via media in the 41st GST Council meeting held on 27th August, 2020,, our representative Thiru D.Jayakumar, Hon'ble Minister for Fisheries and Personnel and Administrative Reforms, had suggested that the Government of India could mobilise resources and lend the funds required to the GST Compensation Fund and that loan could be serviced through an extension of the GST Cess for a few years beyond 2021-22. This was a very reasonable and practical suggestion and was agreed to by almost all States.
In this context, I am very concerned about the two options that have been offered to States after the GST Council Meeting held on 27th August, 2020. My first concern is that in both the options suggested by the Government of India, the States are being required to borrow from the market to make good the shortfall in compensation due. This is administratively difficult to implement and more expensive. Further, the reasons being cited for such an arrangement are not persuasive. Whether the Government of India borrows or the State Governments borrow, for rating agencies and others who monitor the macro-economic indicators, it is the overall General Government deficit and borrowing that is relevant. The argument that States borrowing for what is essentially a Government of India obligation is a seemingly better optical arrangement does not appear to be a strong or valid reason. Hence, I reiterate Government of Tamil Nadu's stance that the Government of India should advance funds to the GST Compensation Cess fund, if need be by borrowing in the market and service the debt by an extension of the compensation cess.
Further, in an effort to reduce the total amount of borrowing in 2020-21, an artificial distinction is being drawn between GST implementation based losses and COVID-induced losses. I am heartened by the clear and explicit statement in the note which has been circulated that under the operative sections of the GST (Compensation to States) Act, 2017, compensation is payable for the entire shortfall in revenue collection, even if it is not on account of GST implementation, and further that this position has been clarified by the Attorney General and is accepted by the Central Government.
It is important that this position is explicitly reiterated in a formal communication to the States.
What causes concern is that after having made such a categorical statement on the payability of the entire shortfall, in Option I, only Rs 97,000 crores, assessed to be the shortfall on account of GST implementation alone which is proposed to be borrowed by the State Governments with a special dispensation from GOI and RBI. For the remainder of the shortfall, which is estimated to be Rs 1.38 lakh crores (Rs 2.35 lakh crores (-) Rs 97,000 crores), States do not get any assurance of receiving funds in 2020-21. They would have to wait for 2-3 years or more, to receive the compensation, out of the cess fund provided GST cess is extended beyond 2021-2022.
In Option II, while the entire Rs 2.35 lakh crores are to be borrowed by the States, the terms of contracting such loans are much less attractive. More importantly, borrowing of upto 1 per cent of the GSDP already permitted under the Atma Nirbhar Bharat Scheme is being withdrawn. This makes Option II an unattractive proposition and appears to be aimed at penalizing States for legitimately urging the Government of India to devise a scheme to compensate the States for the shortfall in the current year itself, as per the provisions of the Act.
The net impact of the Government of India's proposed two options is to reduce the overall resources available to States in 2020-21 quite substantially to the extent of about 1 per cent of GDP amounting to nearly Rs.2 Lakh Crore. This will really hurt spending by States on many crucial COVID 19 and non-COVID 19 related expenditure. Welfare programmes and infrastructure creating capital expenditure will suffer greatly. This will impede early resumption of growth momentum in the economy and hurt economic revival.
In these circumstances, I earnestly request the Hon'ble Prime Minister to intervene in this matter, direct the Ministry of Finance to revisit their stance in the matter, and to:
Agree to a mechanism in which the Government of India raises the required funds as a loan and lends it to the GST Compensation Fund against future cess receipts, so that the GST compensation can be paid in full to the States in 2020-2021.
Ensure that the States get their full dues of the compensation in the current year itself, and reduce neither the compensation payable nor the already announced and committed additional borrowing permissible to States of 2 per cent of GSDP under the Atma Nirbhar Bharat stimulus package in any circumstances.
Provide a formal and categorical assurance that any spillover of the compensation due will be paid in the period after 31st March, 2022.
Relax the conditionalities attached to the permission to be accorded by the Government of India to States to borrow under the Atma Nirbhar Bharat scheme.
These measures will ensure that not only are States treated justly and fairly in matter of being provided the due compensation for the revenue shortfall post implementation of GST, but will also have adequate funds in 2020-21 to meet their essential expenditure commitments, and can thus effectively contribute to the revival of the economy.


This church in Castletownbere in West Cork looks like it may have seen better days but by the looks of the mowed grass it's probably still in use.
The Canon 40D was delivered today. I could have posted a sample picture but I didn't have time to shoot anything interesting besides a few snaps of family. Loving the 3″ LCD on the back of the camera, it's so quiet compared to the Canon 20D, hardly any noise at ISO 400, and experimenting with the auto ISO mode. That should help with street photography where light conditions change so rapidly.
→ What! The Canon EOS 50D announced already?


Today's Secret Harbour sea temperature is 20.0 °C.
Sunny with pleasantly warm air temperatures (feeling like 24 °C once we account for wind), and similar sea temperatures (20 °C). Wear boardshorts or a shorty, or better still a thin summer wetsuit to keep the UV off.
Below is a graph of Historical Sea Surface Temperature for Secret Harbour. This has been derived from analysis of two decades of oceanographic satellite measurements of nearby open water. We have calculated the average water temperature variation around the year as well as the extremes that have been observed on each date.
Secret Harbour sea temperatures peak in the range 22 to 23°C (72 to 73°F) on around the 1st of March and are at their minimum on about the 10th of September, in the range 17 to 20°C (63 to 68°F). Secret Harbour sea temperatures are always warm reach their warmest at the beginning of March. You'll need a 2mm neoprene top or a shorty at dawn/dusk or if it's windy. The minimum Secret Harbour sea temperatures in early to mid September require something like a 3/2mm fully sealed wetsuit.
Actual sea surface water temperatures close to shore at Secret Harbour can vary by several degrees compared with these open water averages. This is especially true after heavy rain, close to river mouths or after long periods of strong offshore winds. Offshore winds cause colder deep water to replace surface water that has been warmed by the sun. Air temperature, wind-chill and sunshine should also be considered before deciding on the kind of wetsuit needed to stay warm when surfing at Secret Harbour. Refer to our detailed weather forecasts for this information.


Browse listings of Member singles that have joined Online Maine Personals that are associated with Cougar. Dating others who have like minded interests is a great way to come up with ideas to do once you are dating. Create a Free Account to Meet Someone Tonight!
To talk to any member on Online Maine Personals, you need to create a Totally Free Account to verify you are not a fraud. After you have proven you are scammer, you can start messaging to find out if they like your profile. It's super simple to find just about anyone. All you have to do is send a wink or quick message and patiently wait for a response. Once there is a common interest, you can meet up to find out if there is a genuine connection. So what are you waiting for? Create a free account right now!


text:
She's the Worst
By Lauren Spieller
Rave and Reviews
"Pitch-perfect…a surefire hit." —The Children's Book Review
"A sparkling homage to LA and a love letter to the difficult, mercurial, rewarding relationship between sisters." —Booklist
Ferris Bueller's Day Off meets 10 Things I Hate About You in this fun, contemporary novel about two sisters who have twenty-four hours to fulfill a pact and overcome the secret that threatens to tear them apart.
Sisters April and Jenn haven't been close in years. Jenn's too busy with school, the family antique shop, and her boyfriend, and April would rather play soccer and hang out with the boy next door.
But when April notices her older sister is sad about staying home for college, she decides to do something about it. The girls set off to revive a pact they made as kids: spend an epic day exploring the greatest hits of their childhood and all that Los Angeles has to offer.
Then April learns that Jenn has been keeping a secret that could rip their family—and their parents—apart. With only one day to set things right, the sisters must decide if their relationship is worth saving, or if the truth will tear them apart for good.
Photograph by Dave Cross
Lauren Spieller
Lauren Spieller is an author and literary agent who lives in New York City with her husband. When she isn't writing, she can be found drinking lattes, pining for every dog she sees, or visiting her native California. She is the author of Your Destination Is on the Left and She's the Worst. Visit her at LaurenSpieller.com and follow her on Twitter at @LaurenSpieller.
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (November 17, 2020)
Grades: 9 and up
Lexile ® HL680L
Lexile ® 591 - 690
Teen Fiction > Coming of Age
Teen Fiction > Family > Stepfamilies
Teen Fiction > Social Themes > Dating & Sex
"With pitch-perfect dialog, a beautiful and fleshed-out Los Angeles background and completely likable protagonists, this is a surefire hit. Highly recommended."
– The Children's Book Review
"A vibrant and heartfelt story that effortlessly captures sisterhood, first love, and coming-of-age. Perfect for fans of Jenny Han and Morgan Matson, She's the Worst is just the best."
– Katie Henry, author of HERETICS ANONYMOUS
"Part sister story, part romantic comedy, She's the Worst spotlights two bold, ambitious girls trying to rebuild their fractured relationship. I devoured this love letter to summer, sisterhood, and Los Angeles."
– Rachel Lynn Solomon, author of YOU'LL MISS ME WHEN I'M GONE
"She's the Worst is an unforgettable trip through the sun-soaked streets of Los Angeles, and through the ups and downs of sibling strife, college pressures, and unexpected romance. We loved every minute and mile of Jenn and April's joyous and heartrending journey."
– Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka, co-authors of IF I'M BEING HONEST
"This is a sparkling homage to L.A. and a love letter to the difficult, mercurial, rewarding relationship between sisters."
– Booklist
"For readers looking for a solidly constructed family drama, April and Jenn's story is sure to satisfy."
Book Cover Image (jpg): She's the Worst
Author Photo (jpg): Lauren Spieller
More books from this author: Lauren Spieller


Another breakout from our NYC Conference, from the one and only Sam Bush.
Saturday Night Law: How Humor Convicts the Sinner – Sam Bush from Mockingbird on Vimeo.
LET A GOOD THING GROW from Charlotte Hornsby on Vimeo.
The rest of the EP is just as breath-taking and exquisitely crafted, packed with beautiful harmonies and gorgeously unwinding melodies. Even after 100-plus listens, "Oil Spill" still gives goose bumps. And the second half of "The First Time" may be the most rapturous music these two have committed to tape (which is saying something).
Full disclosure: The Hill and Wood is led by the ueber-talented Sam Bush, a name you may have seen on here before. Fortunately for us, Sam has also just recorded a side project with bluegrass singer Kathryn Caine, A Very Love and Mercy Christmas. I know it's too early to bust out the carols, but when you do, this is our pick of the season.
Faulkner as a Father: Do Great Novelists Make Bad Parents?


CSLC Staffing Inc. is an entity registered at California with company number C3658734. Company is incorporated on 26th March 2014. Current status of the company is Active. Registered agent is Joey Sanchez, 1455 S Auto Center Dr. Ste 125 Ontario CA 91761.
Do you know this company? Do you have positive or negative experience with CSLC Staffing Inc.? Rate the company and help other users.
Won & Sun Enterprise, Inc.
Thespa Sante And Salon, Inc.


text:
Orange the World: UvA says no to violence
21 November 2019 6 January 2020 ~ Agathe Cherbit-Langer
The University of Amsterdam is participating in the international Orange the World campaign. Our university supports the fight of ending violence against girls and women. The Chief Diversity Officer team is the proud initiator of UvA's participation in the campaign, and we are hosting multiple events during the campaign.
Orange the World is a UN led campaign called UNiTe to End Violence against women campaign. The theme for this year's 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (25 November – 10 December 2019) is, Orange the World: #HearMeToo. Read more about our activities at the University of Amsterdam and register for our events.
In this blog, we will share statistics and information about violence against women, to underline how important it is to stand up and unite to end violence against women
Content Warning: This article will discuss statistics about intimate partner violence, sexual violence, human trafficking, child marriage and female genital mutilation.
What is Orange the World?
It's a UN led campaign called UNiTe to End Violence against women campaign. The theme for this year's 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (25 November – 10 December) is, Orange the World: #HearMeToo.
What constitutes violence against women?
Violence against women: intimate partner violence, sexual violence,human trafficking, female genitale mutilation and child marriage
"Whether at home, on the streets or during war, violence against women and girls is a human rights violation of pandemic proportions that takes place in public and private spaces." Source: Un Women
How prevalent is violence against women?
One in three women experience violence in their lifetime, across all social status, class, race, country or age group. Source: Un Women
Worldwide, 1 in 2 women killed were killed by their partners or family in 2012. In contrast, 1 out of 20 of all men killed were killed in such circumstances. Source: Global and regional estimates of violence against women, WHO, 2013; Global Study on Homicide 2013, UNODC, 2014
71% of all trafficking victims worldwide are women and girls. Source: Global Report on Trafficking in Persons, UNODC, 2016
650 million women and girls alive today were married before their 18th birthday. Source : Child Marriage: Latest Trends and Future Prospects, UNICEF, 2018
45% to 55% of women have experienced sexual harassment since the age of 15 in the European Union.. Source Violence against women: An EU-wide survey, European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, 2014
In The Netherlands, within marginalized groups:
15% of homosexual men and 23% of lesbian women, and 21% of transwomen and 35% of transmen, have experienced sexual violence (penetration or forced masturbation) at least once.
72% of women and 44% of men with intellectual disability have experienced sexual violence, and 49% of women and 22% of men with physical disability have experienced sexual violence
Source : From Sexual violence, Rutgers 2018
What is rape culture?
Source available here.
What is the UvA doing during OTW?
Launch event, Monday November 25 from 16:30 to 19:00(including borrel and mini exhibition) at the bridge in Roeterseiland . Lighting ceremony & opening speeches.
Monday December 2nd, workshop for staff ; Wednesday December 4th, workshop for students.Workshops around social safety, both from 3-5 pm at Roeterseiland.
Closing panel discussion lunch, Monday December 9,from 11:30- 13:00 (lunch included). 'Beyond Awareness: Opening steps and concrete suggestions towards a world without violence against women and girls".
Look at the overview of all events, including student organizations hosting very interesting panel discussions ! Overview of events available here. Register here.
What does this mean for social safety at the UvA ?
By taking part in Orange the World, the UvA is furthering its commitment to social safety and taking both symbolic and concrete steps towards strengthening social safety. Symbolic steps are taken by lighting 'The Bridge (De Brug, part of the UvA-building) at Roeterseiland Campus orange for one evening, and concrete steps by normalizing conversations on this topic through a series of events. In terms of policy work, the UvA is revising its code of conduct, carrying out investigative work with the social safety taskforce and creating stable grounds for a long term Ombudsperson position. The CDO team is actively consulting and supporting these encouraging processes.
Posted in Geen categorie
Published by Agathe Cherbit-Langer
View all posts by Agathe Cherbit-Langer
‹ PreviousSpeak out against racism
Next ›Retrospective on Orange the World at the UvA


text:
Could a tiny fish hold the key to curing blindness?
The zebrafish is a minnow; but in the lab, it's a whale of a model system
Glaucoma Optic Nerve Disorders Regenerative Medicine Retina Stem Cells
Audacious Goals Initiative
Image courtesy of Beth Harvey, University of Pennsylvania
Imagine this: A patient learns that they are losing their sight because an eye disease has damaged crucial cells in their retina. Then, under the care of their doctor, they simply grow some new retinal cells, restoring their vision.
Although science hasn't yet delivered this happy ending, researchers are working on it – with help from the humble zebrafish. When a zebrafish loses its retinal cells, it grows new ones. This observation has encouraged scientists to try hacking the zebrafish's innate regenerative capacity to learn how to treat human disease. That is why among the National Eye Institute's 1,200 active research projects, nearly 80 incorporate zebrafish.
How the Zebrafish Could Help Us Treat Eye Disease or Injury
Skip video
Switch to video with audio description
The retina is a layer of tissue in the back of the eye that responds to light. But many scientists think of the retina as part of the brain. Like other neurons of the central nervous system, retinal neurons typically don't replicate in adult humans. Loss of retinal neurons typically results in irreversible vision loss.
Image credit: National Eye Institute
However, zebrafish, like newts, frogs, and a strange fish-like salamander called the axolotl, can regrow a variety of body parts – not only retinal neurons, but also the heart, fins, pancreas, brain, spinal cord, and kidney.
Zebrafish have a variety of traits that make them a great model for studying tissue regeneration: They're capable of reproducting hundreds of offspring at a time. They're cheap to maintain and express about 70% of the same genes that humans do. Unlike mice, which develop in a womb, zebrafish develop externally where scientists can easily observe them. And their flesh is nearly transparent during development, enabling researchers to observe their internal organs.
Scientists have long known that when zebrafish retinas are damaged, neuronal support cells called Müller glia start dividing to create neuronal precursor cells, which go on to become replacement retinal neurons. More recently, scientists have been trying to unravel the biological factors that initiate this process. Progress in that effort is detailed in several NEI-supported research projects over the past three years.
Studying zebrafish, James Patton of Vanderbilt University and colleagues found that when levels of the neurotransmitter GABA decrease, neural stem cells activate, these cells then migrate to damaged retina and develop (differentiate) into whatever cell type is needed for repair. Patton's findings help identify cues that stimulate zebrafish regeneration.
Jeff Mumm, Johns Hopkins University, reported that immune cells in the retina called microglia are necessary for zebrafish Müller glia to initiate regeneration after injury. After selectively knocking out microglia with a toxic enzyme, Mumm found that the Müller glia showed almost no regenerative activity after three days of recovery, compared with approximately 75 percent regeneration in control zebrafish. However, when an immunosuppressant was applied to inhibit microglia reactivity a day after retinal cell loss had begun, the pace of retinal neuron replacement accelerated. This observation suggests that microglia play different roles at different stages of injury/regeneration.
Jeff Mumm, Johns Hopkins, and collaborators, fluorescently labeled immune cells in zebrafish larvae to track immune system activity in a model of retinal degeneration. Image credit: Credit: David White, Mumm Lab, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Findings in zebrafish by these other groups led Tom Reh at the University of Washington to unlock the regenerative potential of cells in the mouse retina. In newborn mice, the gene regulatory factor Ascl1 can direct Muller glia to become retinal neurons. This gene goes dormant when mice mature. By artificially expressing the Ascl1 gene in adult mouse Muller glia, Reh's team turned the gene program back on, showing for the first time that Müller glia in the adult mouse can give rise to new functional neurons after injury. These neurons have the gene expression pattern, the morphology, the electrophysiology, and the epigenetic program to look like interneurons instead of glia, according to the report, and connect with the existing retinal circuitry and respond to light.
A second major challenge of regenerating the visual system is figuring out how replacement neurons in zebrafish find their way back to visual centers of the brain. The light-sensing photoreceptors connect to retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). RGC cell fibers called axons coalesce within the optic nerve where they exit the eye and disperse throughout the brain.
Beth Harvey, a postdoctoral researcher working with Michael Granato at the University of Pennsylvania, has developed a model for studying this process.1 She uses zebrafish at the late larval stage so that she can observe RGC axons navigate to their appropriate brain target after injury, using a technique called confocal microscopy. Interestingly, she found that axons are more likely to innervate appropriate targets when the optic nerve is only partially cut—like leaving a trail of breadcrumbs for regenerating axons to follow.
Illustration of zebrafish head showing optic nerve, eye, and brain. Image courtesy of Beth Harvey, University of Pennsylvania.
To accelerate progress, the NEI funded a consortium of scientists as part of its Audacious Goals Initiative to identify biological factors that affect the restoration of functional connections within the retina and between the eye and brain. Projects within the consortium have used various models to evaluate hundreds of genes for their role in regeneration as well as compounds that modify their activity. In partnership with Michael Dyer from St. Jude's Children's Hospital, the NEI is uploading consortium data to an online database to help future investigations.
1. Harvey, B. M., Baxter, M. & Granato, M. Optic nerve regeneration in larval zebrafish exhibits spontaneous capacity for retinotopic but not tectum specific axon targeting. PLoS One 14, e0218667, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0218667 (2019). Pubmed
This press release describes a basic research finding. Basic research increases our understanding of human behavior and biology, which is foundational to advancing new and better ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease. Science is an unpredictable and incremental process— each research advance builds on past discoveries, often in unexpected ways. Most clinical advances would not be possible without the knowledge of fundamental basic research.
NEI leads the federal government's research on the visual system and eye diseases. NEI supports basic and clinical science programs to develop sight-saving treatments and address special needs of people with vision loss. For more information, visit https://www.nei.nih.gov.
About the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH, the nation's medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit https://www.nih.gov/.
Dustin Hays
Chief, NEI science communications


The Writers' Group at West Shore investigates the what, how and why of being our authentic selves by exploring spiritual teachings of Jesus, the Buddha and modern wisdom and song. Instead of confining ourselves and others into boxes, find your true nature and live with it. This service includes water communion and a sharing of how our experiences create our being. Bring a sample of water that is meaningful to you from the experience of your summer.
A service about appreciating that even experiences with those who were not kind to us or made us feel bullied can sometimes lead you in great places and to a new understanding of what it really means to accept all people.