Soil-Structure Interaction Effects on the Response of Meloland Bridge

A study related to the experimental data obtained from the full-scale tests of Meloland Road overcrossing is presented. The major objective of this study is to demonstrate that the soil structure interaction effects play a significant role in the dynamic response of the structure. Initially, the results from the static deformation of the bridge under the quick-release loads are presented. These results were obtained by applying a special integration technique on the experimental acceleration records. Then a preliminary analytical model of the bridge is fitted to the experimental data in order to evaluate the values of the soil-structure springs along with other parameters of the bridge. Finally, a Finite Element model for the foundation of the pier was developed in order to obtain the load- (or strain-) dependent values of the pier foundation stiffnesses. These values are compared to those obtained from the bridge model

Epistatic interactions associated with fatty acid concentrations of beef from angus sired beef cattle

Consumers are becoming increasingly conscientious about the nutritional value of their food. Consumption of some fatty acids has been associated with human health traits such as blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Therefore, it is important to investigate genetic variation in content of fatty acids present in meat. Previously publications reported regions of the cattle genome that are additively associated with variation in fatty acid content. This study evaluated epistatic interactions, which could account for additional genetic variation in fatty acid content. Epistatic interactions for 44 fatty acid traits in a population of Angus beef cattle were evaluated with EpiSNPmpi. False discovery rate (FDR) was controlled at 5 % and was limited to well-represented genotypic combinations. Epistatic interactions were detected for 37 triacylglyceride (TAG), 36 phospholipid (PL) fatty acid traits, and three weight traits. A total of 6,181, 7,168, and 0 significant epistatic interactions (FDR < 0.05, 50-animals per genotype combination) were associated with Triacylglyceride fatty acids, Phospholipid fatty acids, and weight traits respectively and most were additive-by-additive interactions. A large number of interactions occurred in potential regions of regulatory control along the chromosomes where genes related to fatty acid metabolism reside. Many fatty acids were associated with epistatic interactions. Despite a large number of significant interactions, there are a limited number of genomic locations that harbored these interactions. While larger population sizes are needed to accurately validate and quantify these epistatic interactions, the current findings point towards additional genetic variance that can be accounted for within these fatty acid traits.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12864-016-3235-

The Cockayne Syndrome Natural History (CoSyNH) study:clinical findings in 102 individuals and recommendations for care

Purpose: Cockayne syndrome (CS) is a rare, autosomal-recessive disorder characterized by microcephaly, impaired postnatal growth, and premature pathological aging. It has historically been considered a DNA repair disorder; fibroblasts from classic patients often exhibit impaired transcription-coupled nucleotide excision repair. Previous studies have largely been restricted to case reports and small series, and no guidelines for care have been established. Methods: One hundred two study participants were identified through a network of collaborating clinicians and the Amy and Friends CS support groups. Families with a diagnosis of CS could also self-recruit. Comprehensive clinical information for analysis was obtained directly from families and their clinicians. Results and Conclusion: We present the most complete evaluation of Cockayne syndrome to date, including detailed information on the prevalence and onset of clinical features, achievement of neurodevelopmental milestones, and patient management. We confirm that the most valuable prognostic factor in CS is the presence of early cataracts. Using this evidence, we have created simple guidelines for the care of individuals with CS. We aim to assist clinicians in the recognition, diagnosis, and management of this condition and to enable families to understand what problems they may encounter as CS progresses

Post-failure analysis for steel structures

In this study, practical methods for second-order inelastic analysis of steel structures in the pre- and post-collapse ranges are developed. A new finite element formulation is presented for an elastic-plastic beam column that allows the plastic hinge to form anywhere along the member length without the need to divide the transversely loaded members into several elements. An error estimate and step size control technique is also proposed to improve the current nonlinear solution algorithms. Two models are introduced for the nonlinear behavior of bracing members. The first applies only for compact members with no local or torsional buckling. The second model though needs parametric study for calibration, can be applied for all kinds of truss members. The post-failure analysis of steel trusses and braced frames is studied allowing for the post-buckling strength to be taken into consideration