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The Climate Data Records (CDRs) of Essential Climate Variables (ECVs) that are based on satellite observations need to be precisely described. In particular, when these products are delivered to end-users, the error characteristics information and how this information is obtained (e.g., through a validation process) need to be documented. Such validation information is intended to help end-users understanding to what extent the product is suitable for their specific applications. Based on how different European initiatives approached the validation of CDR and ECV products, we reviewed several aspects of the current validation practices. Based on the analysis of current practices, essentials of validation are discussed. A generic validation process is subsequently proposed, together with a quality indicator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction We investigated changes in electrocardiographic spatial QRS and T vectors as markers of electrical remodeling before and after cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) and their association with altered outcome. Methods and results In 41 patients with LBBB, ECG post was recorded during intrinsic rhythm after interrupting CRT pacing and compared to the pre-implant ECG pre and the ECG during CRT (ECG CRT ). Mean spatial angles between QRS and T vectors were determined with the Kors matrix conversion. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was determined with nuclear isotope ventriculography before CRT implantation (LVEF pre ) and at inclusion (LVEF post ). Following CRT, LVEF improved significantly from 26 ± 10 to 36 ± 14% (p = 0.01). Duration of QRS pre (168 ± 15 ms) was not different from QRS post (166 ± 15 ms). A smaller angle between QRS CRT and T post was related to a greater angle between T pre and T post (Pearson’s R − 0.61 — p < 0.001) . During follow-up (30 ± 2 months) 9 patients (22%) died. Univariate Cox regression revealed higher mortality in the patients with lower LVEF post (HR 1.10, p = 0.01), a larger angle QRS CRT T post (HR 1.03, p = 0.03), a smaller angle QRS pre QRS post (HR 0.97, p = 0.03) and smaller angle T pre T post (HR 0.95, p < 0.01). After adjusting for LVEF post, only smaller angle T pre T post was associated with mortality (HR 0.96, p = 0.03). Conclusions Electrical remodeling can be quantified by measuring the angles between spatial QRS and T vectors before, during and after CRT. In absence of QRS duration changes, more extensive electrical remodeling is associated with a significantly better survival. QRS and T vector changes deserve further investigation to better understand the individual response to CRT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Stress can result in highly adaptive responses but is also an important risk factor for disease. [•] Acute stress rapidly enhances excitatory synaptic transmission and promotes learning and memory processes. [•] Chronic stress reduces excitatory synaptic transmission and learning and memory. [•] Early life experience has long-lasting effects on excitatory synaptic transmission and dendritic complexity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant disorder associated with cortical malformations (cortical tubers) and the development of glial tumors (subependymal giant-cell tumors, SGCTs). Expression of metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) subtypes is developmentally regulated and several studies suggest an involvement of mGluR-mediated glutamate signaling in the regulation of proliferation and survival of neural stem-progenitor cells, as well as in the control of tumor growth. In the present study, we have investigated the expression and cell-specific distribution of group I (mGluR1, mGluR5), group II (mGluR2/3) and group III (mGluR4 and mGluR8) mGluR subtypes in human TSC specimens of both cortical tubers and SGCTs, using immunocytochemistry. Strong group I mGluR immunoreactivity (IR) was observed in the large majority of TSC specimens in dysplastic neurons and in giant cells within cortical tubers, as well as in tumor cells within SGCTs. In particular mGluR5 appeared to be most frequently expressed, whereas mGluR1α was detected in a subpopulation of neurons and giant cells. Cells expressing mGluR1α and mGluR5, demonstrate IR for phospho-S6 ribosomal protein (PS6), which is a marker of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway activation. Group II and particularly group III mGluR IR was less frequently observed than group I mGluRs in dysplastic neurons and giant cells of tubers and tumor cells of SGCTs. Reactive astrocytes were mainly stained with mGluR5 and mGluR2/3. These findings expand our knowledge concerning the cellular phenotype in cortical tubers and in SGCTs and highlight the role of group I mGluRs as important mediators of glutamate signaling in TSC brain lesions. Individual mGluR subtypes may represent potential pharmacological targets for the treatment of the neurological manifestations associated with TSC brain lesions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We explore the extent to which inner-city fauna can be enhanced by source areas in peri-urban zones as a response to a decreasing quality and size of green habitats within cities. The objectives were to get a better understanding of the interaction between animal populations of urban and peri-urban areas, and the role of urban green structures within this relationship, and to find out the extent to which peri-urban areas can contribute to urban animal populations. We illustrate the idea of peri-urban support by using a simulation model for individual animal movement, applied in a particular case-study with butterflies as model species. Results show differences in accessibility of inner-city areas between model butterfly species that differ in mobility. The impact of peri-urban individuals on populations of inner-city habitats differed among several peri-urban source-scenarios: the enlargement of the inner-city butterfly population by peri-urban individuals was determined as 7–36% for ‘moderate dispersers’ and 19–56% for ‘good dispersers’. Results also show that well-connected habitat patches within existing urban green structures were more likely to be visited by peri-urban individuals than isolated habitat patches. We conclude that peri-urban nature areas, if large enough, can have a potentially positive influence on the presence of fauna in inner-city neighborhoods. In addition, results suggest that connectivity between inner-city and peri-urban habitat patches enhances contribution of peri-urban migrants to inner-city populations. By providing a range of different habitats, from inner-city up to peri-urban area, moderately mobile habitat specialists could better compete against the small set of successful habitat generalists that are increasing in urban environments all over the world. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Accurate estimation of surface energy fluxes from space at high spatial resolution has the potential to improve prediction of the impact of land-use changes on the local environment and to provide a means to assess local crop conditions. To achieve this goal, a combination of physically based surface flux models and high-quality remote-sensing data are needed. Data from the ASTER sensor are particularly well-suited to the task, as it collects high spatial resolution (15–90 m) images in visible, near-infrared, and thermal infrared bands. Data in these bands yield surface temperature, vegetation cover density, and land-use types, all critical inputs to surface energy balance models for assessing local environmental conditions. ASTER is currently the only satellite sensor collecting multispectral thermal infrared images, a capability allowing unprecedented surface temperature estimation accuracy for a variety of surface cover types. Availability of ASTER data to study surface energy fluxes allows direct comparisons against ground measurements and facilitates detection of modeling limitations, both possible because of ASTER''s higher spatial resolution. Surface energy flux retrieval from ASTER is demonstrated using data collected over an experimental site in central Iowa, USA, in the framework of the Soil Moisture Atmosphere Coupling Experiment (SMACEX). This experiment took place during the summer of 2002 in a study of heterogeneous agricultural croplands. Two different flux estimation approaches, designed to account for the spatial variability, are considered: the Two-Source Energy Balance model (TSEB) and the Surface Energy Balance Algorithm or Land model (SEBAL). ASTER data are shown to have spatial and spectral resolution sufficient to derive surface variables required as inputs for physically based energy balance modeling. Comparison of flux model results against each other and against ground based measurements was promising, with flux values commonly agreeing within ∼50 W m−2. Both TSEB and SEBAL showed systematic agreement and responded to spatially varying surface temperatures and vegetation densities. Direct comparison against ground Eddy Covariance data suggests that the TSEB approach is helpful over sparsely vegetated terrain. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]