Tsunami and storm surge are two of the main destructive and costly natural hazards faced by coastal communities around the world. To enhance coastal resilience and to develop effective risk management strategies, accurate and efficient tsunami and storm surge prediction models are needed. However, existing physics-based numerical models have the disadvantage of being difficult to satisfy both accuracy and efficiency at the same time. In this dissertation, several surrogate models are developed using statistical and machine learning techniques that can rapidly predict a tsunami and storm surge without substantial loss of accuracy, with respect to high-fidelity physics-based models. First, a tsunami run-up response function (TRRF) model is developed that can rapidly predict a tsunami run-up distribution from earthquake fault parameters. This new surrogate modeling approach reduces the number of simulations required to build a surrogate model by separately modeling the leading order contribution and the residual part of the tsunami run-up distribution. Secondly, a TRRF-based inversion (TRRF-INV) model is developed that can infer a tsunami source and its impact from tsunami run-up records. Since this new tsunami inversion model is based on the TRRF model, it can perform a large number of tsunami forward simulations in tsunami inversion modeling, which is impossible with physics-based models. And lastly, a one-dimensional convolutional neural network combined with principal component analysis and k-means clustering (C1PKNet) model is developed that can rapidly predict the peak storm surge from tropical cyclone track time series. Because the C1PKNet model uses the tropical cyclone track time series, it has the advantage of being able to predict more diverse tropical cyclone scenarios than the existing surrogate models that rely on a tropical cyclone condition at one moment (usually at or near landfall). The surrogate models developed in this dissertation have the potential to save lives, mitigate coastal hazard damage, and promote resilient coastal communities. / Doctor of Philosophy / Tsunami and storm surge can cause extensive damage to coastal communities; to reduce this damage, accurate and fast computer models are needed that can predict the water level change caused by these coastal hazards. The problem is that existing physics-based computer models are either accurate but slow or less accurate but fast. In this dissertation, three new computer models are developed using statistical and machine learning techniques that can rapidly predict a tsunami and storm surge without substantial loss of accuracy compared to the accurate physics-based computer models. Three computer models are as follows: (1) A computer model that can rapidly predict the maximum ground elevation wetted by the tsunami along the coastline from earthquake information, (2) A computer model that can reversely predict a tsunami source and its impact from the observations of the maximum ground elevation wetted by the tsunami, (3) A computer model that can rapidly predict peak storm surges across a wide range of coastal areas from the tropical cyclone's track position over time. These new computer models have the potential to improve forecasting capabilities, advance understanding of historical tsunami and storm surge events, and lead to better preparedness plans for possible future tsunamis and storm surges.

[pt] Atrelado à densa ocupação dessas áreas, identifica-se que parte de suas feições naturalmente protetoras da linha de costa são recorrentemente suprimidas da paisagem, dando lugar a obras de engenharia rígidas que passam a ocupar o perfil dinâmico das praias. Com isso, em casos de eventos de tempestades, as praias tornam-se susceptíveis a ação das ondas, bem como a população que habita a beira mar. Nesse sentido, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo caracterizar sazonalmente o comportamento morfodinâmico e sedimentar do arco praial localizado entre o Leblon e Arpoador e sua suspectibilidade aos efeitos das ressacas, fornecendo subsídios para a gestão do litoral. Para a obtenção dos dados foram aquisitados 32 perfis topográficos de praia entre 2018-2021, com o método das balizas de Emery; análises nas areias das praias (granulometria e morfoscopia); análises morfoscópicas; cálculos do volume emerso dos sedimentos e levantamento de alertas de ressacas emitidos pela Marinha do Brasil e demais veículos midiáticos. As extremidades do arco praial (pontos LB01 e AR01) apresentaram maior variabilidade morfológica e na largura da praia variação da largura da praia.; o ponto LB02 (próximo ao canal de Jardim de Alah) apresenta-se como o mais susceptível às ondas de tempestades; e o ponto IP01 (localizado no meio do arco), é considerado o mais estável devido à presença de ilhas em sua frente. Os sedimentos emersos do arco praial exibiram uma sazonalidade marcada por acúmulo no verão e perda subsequente dos mesmos no inverno. O papel das ondas é essencial na dinâmica do arco praial, com incidência predomiante de Sudoeste (tempestade) e Sudeste (tempo bom), o que possibilita a formação de correntes de deriva litorânea importantes na distribuição Leste-Oeste rotacional de sedimentos no arco praial. Conclui-se que o arco praial apresenta certo equilibrio dinâmico, uma vez que os perfis topográficos mostram grande variabilidade de largura e tal dinâmica pode ser corroborada pela relação de ganha e perda do volume de sedimentos do arco. A areia média é predominante porém percebe-se uma distinta distribuição dos grãos no arco praial: observou areias médias a grossas na porção oeste (Leblon) e areias médias a finas na porção leste (Arpoador). A distribuição sedimentar se mostra diferente também em termos de grau de arredondamento (no pós-praia os grãos são subarredondados e na face de praia são subangulares), seleção do grão e maturidade. / [en] Linked to the dense occupation of these areas, it is identified that part of its features that naturally protect the coastline are recurrently suppressed from the landscape, giving way to rigid engineering works that begin to occupy the dynamic profile of the beaches. With that, in cases of storm events, the beaches become susceptible to wave action, as well as the population that inhabits the seaside. In this sense, the present work aims to seasonally characterize the morphodynamic and sedimentary behavior of the coast located between Leblon and Arpoador and its susceptibility to the effects of storm surges, providing subsidies for the management of the coast. To obtain the data, 32 topographic beach profiles were acquired between 2018- 2021, using the Emery method; beach sand analyzes (granulometry and morphoscopy); morphoscopic analysis; calculations of the emerged volume of sediments and survey of storm surge alerts issued by the Brazilian Navy and other media outlets. The ends of the beach (points LB01 and AR01) showed greater morphological variability and variation in beach width in beach width.; point LB02 (close to the Jardim de Alah channel) is the most susceptible to storm waves; and point IP01 (located in the middle of the arc), is considered the most stable due to the presence of islands in front of it. Emerged sediments from the coast exhibited a seasonality marked by accumulation in summer and subsequent loss in winter. The role of waves is essential in the dynamics of the beach arc, with predominant incidence from the Southwest (storm) and Southeast (clear weather), which enables the formation of longshore drift currents that are important in the rotational East-West distribution of sediments in the beach arc. It is concluded that the Leblon-Arpoador coast presents a certain dynamic balance, since the topographic profiles show great variability in width and such dynamics can be corroborated by the relationship between gain and loss in the volume of sediments in the arch. Medium sand is predominant, but a distinct distribution of grains can be seen in the coast: medium to coarse sand was observed in the western portion (Leblon) and medium to fine sand in the eastern portion (Arpoador). The sedimentary distribution is also different in terms of degree of roundness (in the backshore the grains are subrounded and in the beach face they are subangular), grain selection and maturity.

Three rain events were sampled from a storm drain at Manassas Mall in Manassas, Virginia. The urban runoff samples obtained were placed into lab-scale Plexiglas~ settling columns to monitor removal of total hydrocarbons (THC) by extended quiescent settling. Samples were collected from the columns at specific depths and times over the 48-hour settling period. The samples were analyzed for total hydrocarbon content on a Horiba oil content analyzer. Hydrocarbon values were averaged at each column depth in order to construct average THC concentration and average THC percent removal profiles over settling time. Maximum average THC removals were 77.8%,32.5%, and 73.6%, respectively, for Storms #1, 2, and 3 after 48 hours of quiescent settling. These average removals corresponded to depths of -2 feet, -1 foot, and -3 feet in the 5-foot tall columns. According to traditional sedimentation theory, pollutants settle out of water to the bottom of the container of interest. This did not appear to be solely the case in this hydrocarbon sedimentation study. It appeared that sedimentation was not the sole removal mechanism at work. Some fractions of oil and grease seemed to reorganize into low-density sub-groups and float to upper regions of the column. Also, the majority of THe removal occurred within the first 18 hours of settling for two of the three storms sampled. / Master of Science

Influenza A virus (IAV) is generally associated with the seasonal malady that causes brief respiratory illness during the winter months, known simply as "the flu." Most otherwise healthy individuals will suffer from mild fever, congestion, headaches and myalgia that are resolved within 5-7 days of onset. However, there are nearly 500,000 influenza-related deaths that occur world-wide every year. Many of these casualties and patients hospitalized with influenza also test positive for bacterial pneumonia, the most common agent being Streptococcus pneumoniae. Although all individuals are subject to this viral:bacterial synergistic disease, the young, elderly, and immunocompromised are the most susceptible. Previous studies have shown that viral infection creates a prolonged hyper-responsive pro-inflammatory state in the lungs, which increases susceptibility to secondary bacterial infection. Lethality is due to detrimental pulmonary damage from a dysregulated host inflammatory response, known as the "cytokine storm." However, the nature of dual infection has not been well-studied in the elderly demographic. Therefore, we aim to better define this disease synergy in an aged mouse model and explore potential therapeutic alternatives that could be beneficial for the aged and other vulnerable populations. Sphingolipid modulation has emerged as a potential target to ameliorate the excessive inflammation (cytokine storm) elicited by highly pathogenic influenza. There is particular emphasis on sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) signaling, as well as control of intracellular S1P levels via sphingosine kinases (SK). Sphingolipids are involved in a multitude of cellular processes, and are tightly regulated by their metabolizing enzymes. We hypothesize that manipulation of sphingolipid signaling and alteration of the internal sphingolipid milieu will diminish the inflammatory response elicited by IAV infection. Using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), real-time PCR and cytometric bead array (CBA) analysis, we evaluated the immunomodulatory effects of systemic sphingosine analog treatment within the lung microenvironment under homeostatic and influenza-infected conditions. FTY720 treatment caused transient, but significant lymphopenia, influx of neutrophils and efflux of macrophages in the lungs, which was enhanced during a mild influenza infectionGene expression in the lungs was generally unaltered, but protein levels showed increases in specific influenza-induced cytokines, suggesting these treatments may have post-transcriptional effects on cytokine expression. To evaluate sphingolipid modulation in specific pulmonary cell types, we next observed the effects of these compounds and sphingosine kinase (SK) inhibitors in epithelial and alveolar macrophage-like cell lines. SK inhibitors and Enigmol demonstrated anti-viral effects in A549 cells, decreasing viral loads by up to 1.5 logs. Real-time PCR and CBA analysis further demonstrated that these effects were associated with alterations in key cytokine expression, including CCL2, CCL5, CXCL10, IL-6, and IL-8. Collectively, these findings indicate that therapeutic sphingolipid modulation has the potential for creating a protective microenvironment in the lungs that could alleviate or even prevent viral:bacterial synergistic disease. / Master of Science

Vane-type in-stream structures and step pool storm conveyance (SPSC) are more ecologically friendly alternatives to traditional stream channel stabilization and stormwater conveyance techniques. Vane-type structures have been widely accepted as elements of stream restoration projects and are regularly implemented in streams throughout the United States. However, these structures commonly experience partial or total failures of function or stability, often due either to improper installation or misapplication. This study undertook a thorough review of the available design guidance for the single-arm vane, j-hook vane, cross vane, and w-weir, which revealed that the existing guidance is composed of non-standardized recommendations largely based on practitioner experience and rules of thumb. Existing guidance was synthesized with current structure research and practitioner surveys to create factsheets for each of the four structures and the SPSC, with the intent of improving structure application and offering concise general guidance. This study also endeavored to improve the design of the SPSC by determining the most accurate of several common prediction methods for Manning's roughness coefficient n, used in SPSC design velocity calculations. This was done by using Rhodamine WT dye tracer experiments to determine n values during storm flows in two SPSC structures in Annapolis, MD, which were then compared to predicted n values. Values of Manning's n determined in the SPSCs at low flows (0.28-12) often exceeded the predicted n values (-0.17-3.9) by several orders of magnitude. Though the applicability of these results is limited, an increase in design n to 0.1-0.2 is still recommended. / Master of Science / Vane-type in-stream structures are stone or wood structures installed within a stream channel for purposes such as streambank stabilization or aquatic habitat creation. Step pool storm conveyance (SPSC) is a technique which converts an existing steep stream or gully into a step-pool channel. Both of these techniques are more ecologically friendly than many traditional stream channel stabilization or stormwater conveyance techniques such as riprap or concrete storm drains. Vane-type structures in particular have been widely accepted as elements of stream restoration projects and are regularly implemented in streams throughout the United States. However, these structures commonly experience partial or total failures, either through structural collapse or failure to function properly. This is often either because they were improperly installed or because they were installed at a stream site where they were inappropriate or unnecessary. A review of the available guidance for the design of these structures revealed that the existing guidance is composed of non-standardized and sometimes contradictory recommendations which are largely based on designer trial and error and rules of thumb, rather than on the results of scientific experiments or modeling. The goal of this study was to improve the success of vane-type in-stream structures and the SPSC by providing factsheets offering clear and concise general design guidelines and sound recommendations for structure application. Flow studies of two SPSC structures in Annapolis, MD were also conducted to improve the design of that structure by measuring its flow characteristics in the field.

With the evolving geopolitical situation and Sweden´s recent NATO integration, the understanding of Host nation supports multifaceted role is increasingly vital. Previous research lacks a theory regarding host nation support. The purpose of this thesis is to seek a better understanding on host nation support and to initiate a theoretical framework on the subject. By employing a method of hypothetical deductive approach, the study analyzes identified factors such as deterrence, planning, transit, infrastructure, and civil support. The factors were identified from previous research and motivated with theories from military science and the authors reasoning. The theoretical framework has it´s grounds in the authors reasoning that deterrence is the purpose of host nation support and the other factors are contributory to it. The analysis centers on the cases Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm during the Gulf war. The result confirms various of the factors contribution to the deterrence in host nation support in the specific cases and that there are complementary factors involved also.

Örebro flygplats är en central knutpunkt för luftfarten inom regionen. I och med att flygplatsen har Sveriges fjärde största fraktflygplansanläggning, ställs höga krav på flygsäkerheten. Därför används det varje vinter stora mängder avisningsvätska för att hålla flygplanen fria från is och snö. Senaste säsongen användes över 74 000 kg avisningsvätska som är främst bestående av propylenglykol. Men hur effektivt är reningssystemet på flygplatsen för att minimera den förbrukade vätskans miljöpåverkan? Denna studie undersöker flygplatsens rening av förbrukad avisningsvätska i deras dagvattensystem. Främsta fokus är att undersöka markbädden som är den huvudsakliga reningsmetoden för förbrukad avisningsvätska, men även dagvattendammen som ska rena övrigt dagvatten utan avisningsvätska. Tidigare har det uppdagats att höga värden av kemisk syreförbrukning (COD mg/l) förekommer i både markbädden och dagvattendammen. Det har konstaterats att propylenglykol är lätt nedbrytbart och kräver mycket syre för att brytas ned. Denna höga syreförbrukning leder till höga COD-värden samt kan leda till syrebrist i vattnet.Studien består av provtagningar och analyser av dagvatten från olika delar av dagvattensystemet, inklusive markbädden och dagvattendammen. Samtliga prover har analyserats för COD-värden, mer ingående analyser har gjorts för metaller och pH-värden i markbädden. Analyserna visar att markbäddens förmåga att rena avisningsvätska är otillfredsställande och att det fortfarande finns höga COD-värden i utloppet av bädden. Det konstateras också att dagvattendammen tar emot avisningsvätska via oavsiktliga spridningsvägar, vilket påverkar vattenkvaliteten negativt. Förbättringsåtgärder krävs för att hantera avisningsvätska mer effektivt för att minimera dess negativa miljöpåverkan. Det rekommenderas att markbädden syresätts och att mikroorganismer tillförs. Vidare är det också viktigt med en effektiv uppehållstid för det tillkommande vattnet, för att uppnå ett kontinuerligt flöde. Dagvattendammen är i behov av en längre uppehållstid för vattnet innan det når utloppet för att minimera höga COD-värden i utgående vatten mot recipient. Dessa åtgärder bidrar till att säkerhetsställa en bättre vattenkvalité för det utgående dagvattnet till recipient. / Örebro Airport is a central hub for aviation in the region. With the airport being Sweden's fourth-largest cargo aircraft facility, high demands are placed on flight safety. Therefore, large amounts of deicing fluid are used every winter to keep the aircraft free from ice and snow. Last season, over 74,000 kg of deicing fluid, primarily consisting of propylene glycol, was used. But how effective is the airport's treatment system in minimizing the environmental impact of the used fluid?This study investigates the airport's treatment of spent deicing fluid in their stormwater system. The main focus is on examining the constructed wetland, which is the primary treatment method for used deicing fluid, but also the stormwater pond, which is supposed to treat other stormwater without deicing fluid. Previously, high values of chemical oxygen demand (COD mg/l) have been found in both the constructed wetland and the stormwater pond.It has been established that propylene glycol is readily biodegradable and requires a lot of oxygen to break down. This high oxygen demand leads to high COD values and can cause oxygen depletion in the water.The study consists of sampling and analyzing stormwater from different parts of the stormwater system, including the constructed wetland and the stormwater pond. All samples have been analyzed for COD values, with more detailed analyses conducted for metals and pH levels in the constructed wetland. The analyses show that the constructed wetland's ability to treat deicing fluid is unsatisfactory and that high COD values still exist in the outflow of the wetland. It is also noted that the stormwater pond receives deicing fluid through unintended pathways, which negatively affects water quality.Improvement measures are required to handle deicing fluid more effectively to minimize its negative environmental impact. It is recommended that the constructed wetland be aerated and that microorganisms be introduced. Furthermore, an effective retention time for the incoming water is crucial to achieve a continuous flow. The stormwater pond needs a longer retention time for the water before it reaches the outflow to minimize high COD values in the outgoing water to the recipient. These measures will help ensure better water quality for the outgoing stormwater to the recipient.

Approved for public release; distribution in unlimited. / On day five of combat operations during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, advances by coalition forces were nearly halted by a dust storm, initiated by the passage of a synoptically driven cold front. This storm impacted ground and air operations across the entire Area of Responsibility, and delayed an impending ground attack on the Iraqi capital. Military meteorologists were able to assist military planners in mitigating at least some of the effects of this storm. This thesis examines the synoptic conditions leading to the severe dust storm, evaluates the numerical weather prediction model performance in predicting the event, and reviews metrics pertaining to the overall impacts on the Operation IRAQI FREEDOM combined air campaign. In general, the numerical model guidance correctly predicted the location and onset of the dust storms on 25 March, 2003. As a result of this forecast guidance, mission planners were able to front load Air Tasking Orders with extra sorties prior to the onset of the dust storm, and were able to make changes to planned weapons loads, favoring GPS-guided munitions. / Captain, United States Air Force

Il est bien admis que la compréhension de la structuration moléculaire à l’intérieur des cellules neuronales est essentielle pour appréhender le fonctionnement du cerveau. Pour cette raison, l’étude de l’organisation des molécules clés neuronales et synaptiques contribue grandement à comprendre le mystère du cerveau. AMPA sont des récepteurs ionotropiques du glutamate jouent le rôle central dans la plasticité synaptique et la transmission synaptique basale dans le système nerveux central. Distribution des récepteurs AMPA sur la membrane neuronale est remarquablement hétérogène. Ils sont organisés en agrégats fonctionnels distincts, appelés nanodomaines. Des travaux antérieurs ont montré que Neuroligin, la molécule d’adhésion post-synaptique, ancres récepteurs AMPA par PSD95 dans la membrane post-synaptique et constitue en même temps un complexe d’adhésion trans-synaptique avec présynaptique Neurexin, impliqué dans le recrutement de machines de libération vésiculaire sur le site présynaptique. De cette façon, NRLG fonctionnellement organise synapses par la poste de recrutement de molécules présynaptiques essentielles pour réponse synaptique. Ici, nous avons étudié l’effet de la modulation de NRLG1 (modification du niveau d’expression ou de l’activité) sur le dynamique et nano-organisation des récepteurs AMPA au niveau des synapses individuelles. Notre hypothèse est que le complexe NRX-NRG pourrait être impliquée dans la localisation précise des récepteurs post-synaptiques et son apposition avec zone active présynaptique, jouant ainsi le rôle important dans la transduction du signal approprié. Taille de la densité post-synaptique (PSD) est de l’ordre de 500 nm, alors que diamètre moyen des nanodomaines AMPAR 100 nm. Une telle petite dimension nécessitait l’application de techniques de microscopie de super-résolution, dont la résolution de l’ordre de 20-40 nm est presque un ordre de grandeur mieux que microscopie fluorescence limitée par la diffraction. Nanoscopie fluorescence permettent visualiser des cellules jusqu’au niveau presque moléculaire. Pour atteindre mes objectifs, j’ai mis en place différents nanoscopies de localisation d’une seule molécule, qui s’appuient sur séparés dans l’espace et le temps de détection de population choisi de sondes de fluorescence. Il a été proposé que le trafic membranaire des récepteurs de neurotransmetteurs peut contribuer à la modulation de l’efficacité synaptique. J’ai sondé propriétés diffusionnelles des récepteurs AMPA avec suivi de particules unique, qui a été pendant longtemps appliqué pour sonder l’hétérogénéité de la membrane cellulaire. Localisation relative des biomolécules à la base de la compréhension de leur relation fonctionnelle. Il est bien admis que la juxtaposition de deux objets, ainsi que leur colocalisation, peuvent témoigner de leur association. Avec les récents développements dans l’acquisition multi couleur de la molécule unique et images de super-résolution à base d’ensemble, il est maintenant possible d’explorer la colocalisation à l’échelle nanométrique entre biomolécules dans des cellules vivantes et fixe. Malgré l’ la popularité et l’application très répandue, il n’existe que quelques paradigmes d’analyse quantitative pour la colocalisation des images multicolores super-résolution. Ici, avec l’aide de paradigmes conventionnels de mesure de la colocalisation et statistiques multivariées, nous analysons et présentons en isolement l’échelle du détail et proximité des macromolécules au sein de zones fonctionnelles de synapses. En outre, nous utilisons ces paradigmes pour évaluer marqueurs fluorescents impliqués dans la production de routine de la molécule unique fondée images super-résolution. Nous étendons notre analyse élucider en profondeur le co-agrégation des molécules clés synaptiques, PSD95 et récepteurs AMPA, qui sont impliqués dans l’organisation synaptique et transmission basale. / The brain is made of complex networks of interconnected neuronal cells. All our mental activities are underlain by electrochemical signals passing through dedicated neuronal circuits. Climbing further up on the complexity ladder, information processing by neurons is performed by multiple molecules assembling and interacting together. It is well accepted that the understanding of the molecular structuring inside neuronal cells is essential to apprehend functioning of the brain. For this reason, study of the organization of the key neuronal and synaptic molecules greatly contributes to understand the mystery of the brain. AMPA receptors (AMPARs) are ionotropic glutamate receptors that play a central role in synaptic plasticity and basal synaptic transmission in the central nervous system. The distribution of AMPARs on the neuronal membrane is remarkably heterogeneous. They are organized in distinct functional aggregates, called nanodomains. Previous work demonstrate that the postsynaptic adhesion molecule Neuroligin (NRLG) anchors AMPARs through PSD-95 in the postsynaptic membrane while simultaneously forming a trans-synaptic adhesion complex with presynaptic Neurexin (NRX), and recruiting vesicular release machinery at the presynaptic site. In this way, NRLG functionally organizes synapses by recruiting post and pre-synaptic molecules essential for regulation of synaptic responses. Here we studied the effect of NRLG modulation (modification of expression level or activity) on AMPAR nano-dynamics and nano-organization at individual synapses. Our hypothesis is that the NRX-NRLG complex could be involved in the precise localization of postsynaptic receptors and their apposition with the neurotransmitter release sites in the presynaptic active zone, thus playing important role in proper signal transduction. The size of the postsynaptic density (PSD) is in the order of 500 nm, whereas the average diameter of AMPAR nanodomains 100 nm. Such small dimension necessitated the application of super-resolution microscopy techniques, whose resolution in the range of 20-40 nm is almost an order of magnitude better than diffraction limited fluorescence microscopy. Probe-based far-field fluorescence nanoscopies allow visualizing cells down to almost molecular level. To achieve my goals, I implemented different single-molecule localization nanoscopies which rely on the detection of selected populations of fluorescence probes that are separated in space and time. It was proposed that membrane trafficking of neurotransmitter receptors may contribute to modulation of synaptic efficacy. I have probed diffusional properties of AMPARs with single particle tracking, which has long been applied to probe heterogeneity of the cell membrane. Relative localization of biomolecules provides the basis for understanding their functional relationship. It is well accepted that the juxtaposition of two objects, as well as their colocalization, may give evidence of their association. With the recent developments in multi-color acquisition of single molecule and ensemble based super resolution images, it is now possible to explore the colocalization at the nanoscale between biomolecules in live and fixed cells. Despite the popularity and wide spread application of super resolution imaging, there exist only a few quantitative analysis paradigms for the colocalization of multicolor super-resolution images. Here, with the aid of conventional colocalization measurement paradigms and multivariate statistics, we analyze and report in detail the scale segregation and proximity of macromolecules within functional zones of synapses. Furthermore, we use these paradigms to evaluate fluorescent tags involved in the routine generation of single molecule based super-resolution images. We extend our analysis to elucidate in depth the co-aggregation and clustering of two key synaptic molecules, PSD95 and AMPARs, which are involved in basal synaptic organization and transmission.

A hydrodynamic-based storm severity scale that ranks the damage potential of a storm at a given coastal area is developed. Seventeen tropical and extratropical storm events at 113 different locations on the Atlantic coast and the Gulf of Mexico are examined in order to create and verify a Storm Severity Index Model (SSIM). The results from the SSIM are then used to create a location-based storm severity scale titled the Twenty-Four Point Storm Severity Scale. The Twenty-Four Point Scale is based on three subsets of factors. The first is the energy flux above the normal mean high water line that the storm produces, the second is the amount of overwash due to wave-induced runup, and the third is the inundation due to surge-induced flooding that occurs during the event. The advantage of this methodology is that it enables the level of risk associated with a storm to be examined for a specific region, rather than having a single broad value define the entire event. Although, the index is intended for use on sandy beaches with or without dunes, the general methodology could be extended to armored beaches.