University of Naples Federico II

About: University of Naples Federico II is a education organization based out in Naples, Campania, Italy. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Cancer. The organization has 29291 authors who have published 68803 publications receiving 1920149 citations. The organization is also known as: Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II & Naples University.

Record selection for nonlinear seismic analysis of structures

Abstract: This study addresses the question of selection and amplitude scaling of accelerograms for predicting the nonlinear seismic response of structures. Despite the current practices of record selection according to a specific magnitude-distance scenario and scaling to a common level, neither aspect of this process has received significant research attention to ascertain the benefits or effects of these practices on the conclusions. This paper hypothesizes that neither these usual principal seismological characteristics nor scaling of records matters to the nonlinear response of structures. It then investigates under what conditions this hypothesis may not be sustainable. Two classes of records sets are compared in several case studies: one class is carefully chosen to represent a specific magnitude and distance scenario, the other is chosen randomly from a large catalog. Results of time-history analyses are formally compared by a simple statistical hypothesis test to assess the difference, if any, between nonlinear demands of the two classes of records. The effect of the degree of scaling by first-mode spectral acceleration level is investigated in the same way. Results here show 1 little evidence to support the need for a careful site-specific process of record selection by magnitude and distance, and 2 that concern over scenario-to-scenario record scaling, at least within the limits tested, may not be justified. DOI: 10.1193/1.1990199

Measurement of the proton-air cross section at √s=57 TeV with the Pierre Auger Observatory.

Abstract: We report a measurement of the proton-air cross section for particle production at the center-of-mass energy per nucleon of 57 TeV. This is derived from the distribution of the depths of shower maxima observed with the Pierre Auger Observatory: systematic uncertainties are studied in detail. Analyzing the tail of the distribution of the shower maxima, a proton-air cross section of [505 +/- 22(stat)(-36)(+28)(syst)] mb is found.

Sources of cortical rhythms in adults during physiological aging: A multicentric EEG study

Abstract: This electroencephalographic (EEG) study tested whether cortical EEG rhythms (especially delta and alpha) show a progressive increasing or decreasing trend across physiological aging. To this aim, we analyzed the type of correlation (linear and nonlinear) between cortical EEG rhythms and age. Resting eyes-closed EEG data were recorded in 108 young (Nyoung; age range: 18-50 years, mean age 27.3+/-7.3 SD) and 107 elderly (Nold; age range: 51-85 years, mean age 67.3+/-9.2 SD) subjects. The EEG rhythms of interest were delta (2-4 Hz), theta (4-8 Hz), alpha 1 (8-10.5 Hz), alpha 2 (10.5-13 Hz), beta 1 (13-20 Hz), and beta 2 (20-30 Hz). EEG cortical sources were estimated by low-resolution brain electromagnetic tomography (LORETA). Statistical results showed that delta sources in the occipital area had significantly less magnitude in Nold compared to Nyoung subjects. Similarly, alpha 1 and alpha 2 sources in the parietal, occipital, temporal, and limbic areas had significantly less magnitude in Nold compared to Nyoung subjects. These nine EEG sources were given as input for evaluating the type (linear, exponential, logarithmic, and power) of correlation with age. When subjects were considered as a single group there was a significant linear correlation of age with the magnitude of delta sources in the occipital area and of alpha 1 sources in occipital and limbic areas. The same was true for alpha 2 sources in the parietal, occipital, temporal, and limbic areas. In general, the EEG sources showing significant linear correlation with age also supported a nonlinear correlation with age. These results suggest that the occipital delta and posterior cortical alpha rhythms decrease in magnitude during physiological aging with both linear and nonlinear trends. In conclusion, this new methodological approach holds promise for the prediction of dementia in mild cognitive impairment by regional source rather than surface EEG data and by both linear and nonlinear predictors.

Mutations in STAT3 and diagnostic guidelines for hyper-IgE syndrome

Abstract: Background The hyper-IgE syndrome (HIES) is a primary immunodeficiency characterized by infections of the lung and skin, elevated serum IgE, and involvement of the soft and bony tissues. Recently, HIES has been associated with heterozygous dominant-negative mutations in the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and severe reductions of T H 17 cells. Objective To determine whether there is a correlation between the genotype and the phenotype of patients with HIES and to establish diagnostic criteria to distinguish between STAT3 mutated and STAT3 wild-type patients. Methods We collected clinical data, determined T H 17 cell numbers, and sequenced STAT3 in 100 patients with a strong clinical suspicion of HIES and serum IgE >1000 IU/mL. We explored diagnostic criteria by using a machine-learning approach to identify which features best predict a STAT3 mutation. Results In 64 patients, we identified 31 different STAT3 mutations, 18 of which were novel. These included mutations at splice sites and outside the previously implicated DNA-binding and Src homology 2 domains. A combination of 5 clinical features predicted STAT3 mutations with 85% accuracy. T H 17 cells were profoundly reduced in patients harboring STAT3 mutations, whereas 10 of 13 patients without mutations had low ( H 17 cells but were distinct by markedly reduced IFN-γ–producing CD4 + T cells. Conclusion We propose the following diagnostic guidelines for STAT3-deficient HIES. Possible: IgE >1000IU/mL plus a weighted score of clinical features >30 based on recurrent pneumonia, newborn rash, pathologic bone fractures, characteristic face, and high palate. Probable: These characteristics plus lack of T H 17 cells or a family history for definitive HIES. Definitive: These characteristics plus a dominant-negative heterozygous mutation in STAT3 .