Precipitation Estimation: From the RAO to EURAINSAT and Beyond

The key objective of the project “Use of the MSG SEVIRI channels in a combined SSM/I, TRMM and geostationary IR method for rapid updates of rainfall” is the development of algorithms for rapid-update of satellite rainfall estimations at the geostationary (GEO) scale. The new channels available with the Spinning Enhanced Visible and Infrared Imager (SEVIRI) radiometer in the visible (VIS), near infrared (NIR) and infrared (IR) portions of the spectrum provide new insights into the microphysical and dynamic structure of precipitating clouds thus allowing for a more precise identification of precipitation intensities. Passive microwave (PMW) radiometers on board low Earth orbiting (LEO) satellites are used to determine information on the vertical cloud structure. Key features of the new method(s) are: 1. Microphysical characterization of precipitating clouds with VIS/IR sensors; 2. Creation of cloud microphysical and radiative databases from cloud model outputs and aircraft penetrations; 3. Tuning of PMW algorithms for different cloud systems (maritime, continental, convective, stratiform,...); 4. Combination of data from different algorithms and application to a rapid update cycle at the GEO scale. The project provided the background for EURAINSAT “European Satellite Rainfall Estimation and Monitoring at the Geostationary Scale”, a research project co-funded by the Energy, Environment and Sustainable Development Programme of the European Commission within the topic “Development of generic Earth observation technologies”. The project web site is accessible at http://www.isac.cnr.it/~eurainsat/. Moreover, it has represented the European framework for the launch of the International Precipitation Working Group (IPWG)

Astrocytic β2-adrenergic receptors mediate hippocampal long-term memory consolidation.

Emotionally relevant experiences form strong and long-lasting memories by critically engaging the stress hormone/neurotransmitter noradrenaline, which mediates and modulates the consolidation of these memories. Noradrenaline acts through adrenergic receptors (ARs), of which β2-adrenergic receptors (βARs) are of particular importance. The differential anatomical and cellular distribution of βAR subtypes in the brain suggests that they play distinct roles in memory processing, although much about their specific contributions and mechanisms of action remains to be understood. Here we show that astrocytic rather than neuronal β2ARs in the hippocampus play a key role in the consolidation of a fear-based contextual memory. These hippocampal β2ARs, but not β1ARs, are coupled to the training-dependent release of lactate from astrocytes, which is necessary for long-term memory formation and for underlying molecular changes. This key metabolic role of astrocytic β2ARs may represent a novel target mechanism for stress-related psychopathologies and neurodegeneration