Bayesian methodology for probabilistic description of mechanical parameters of masonry walls

In consideration of the high vulnerability of the built environment, the assessment of seismic behavior of existing masonry buildings is a key topic in view of their retrofitting and reuse. Because masonry's behavior depends on complex nonhomogeneous, anisotropic, asymmetric, and nonlinear properties, the definition of suitable mechanical models is still a critical issue, especially for stone masonry. Structural analyses of existing masonry buildings in seismic-prone areas are thus significantly influenced by the adopted mechanical models and assumptions about their relevant masonry properties, which are characterized by large uncertainty. In this study, a procedure for the definition of masonry classes and probability density functions of relevant mechanical parameters, such as elastic modulus and shear modulus, is proposed. The general procedure is illustrated referring to a significant number of in situ double-flat-jack test results on stone masonry obtained by the authors during an ad hoc experimental campaign. Finally, combining information on masonry quality obtained by visual inspection with results of in situ tests, a Bayesian methodology is proposed for the updating of masonry mechanical parameters, thereby providing the basis for a more refined probabilistic assessment of the seismic risk index. DOI: 10.1061/AJRUA6.0001110. This work is made available under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Regulatory T-cells from pancreatic lymphnodes of patients with type-1 diabetes express increased levels of microRNA miR-125a-5p that limits CCR2 expression

Autoimmune type 1 diabetes (T1D) is thought to be caused by a defective immune regulation with regulatory T (Treg) cells playing a fundamental role in this process. Tolerance mechanisms depend on tunable responses that are sensitive to minor perturbations in the expression of molecules that can be carried out by multiple epigenetic mechanisms, including regulation by microRNAs. In this study, microRNA expression profile was investigated in Treg cells isolated from peripheral blood (PB) and from pancreatic draining lymph nodes (PLN) of T1D patients and non-diabetic subjects. Among 72 microRNAs analyzed, miR-125a-5p resulted specifically hyper-expressed in Treg cells purified from PLN of T1D patients. TNFR2 and CCR2 were identified as miR-125a-5p target genes. Elevated miR-125a-5p was detected in Treg cells isolated from PLN but not from PB of donors with T1D and was associated with reduced CCR2 expression. A specific beta-cell expression of the CCR2-ligand (CCL2) was observed in the pancreata of cadaveric donors, suggesting that beta-cells are prone to attract CCR2+ Treg cells. These novel data propose a mechanism, occurring in PLNs of T1D patients, involving increased expression of miR-125a-5p on Treg cells which results into reduced expression of CCR2, thus limiting their migration and eventual function in the pancreas

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension : possible causes

Am. Rev. Resp. Di

Clinical profile related to origin and early diagnosis of thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension

Eur. Resp.