A Simple Numerical Tool for Dynamic Soil-Structure Interaction Analyses Including Non-Linear Behaviour of Both Structure and Foundation

In this paper a simple model to take into account dynamic non-linear soil-structure interaction is presented: it consists of a 1 degree-of-freedom (dof) superstructure and a 3 dof macro-element foundation. Both the superstructure and the soil-foundation system exhibit a non-linear behaviour. In particular the superstructure is characterized by an elastic perfectly plastic behaviour, while the foundation macro-element encompasses the two sources of non-linearity that arise in the soil-foundation interface: a) the one due to the irreversible elastoplastic soil behaviour (material non-linearity) and b) the one due to possible foundation uplift (geometric non-linearity). The global model thus entails the following features: a) the coupling between the foundation and the superstructure when one or both of them enter into the non-linear range, b) the capability for the foundation and the superstructure to dissipate energy, c) a prediction of peak and residual displacements in both the superstructure and the foundation, d) the possibility to model the isolation effects for the structure due to the foundation non-linear behaviour and e) the possibility for the superstructure to reach a particular level of ductility demand. Therefore, the model can serve as a numerical tool for assessing performance-based design approaches that wish to take into account non-linear soil-structure interaction. This is illustrated through several case studies of bridge piers, in which a comparison between the results obtained by dynamic analyses performed with different base conditions (fixed base, elastic base, elastoplastic base with uplift) emphasizes the role of the non-linear soil-structure interaction in design

Centrifuge modeling of rocking-isolated inelastic RC bridge piers

Experimental proof is provided of an unconventional seismic design concept, which is based on deliberately underdesigning shallow foundations to promote intense rocking oscillations and thereby to dramatically improve the seismic resilience of structures. Termed rocking isolation, this new seismic design philosophy is investigated through a series of dynamic centrifuge experiments on properly scaled models of a modern reinforced concrete (RC) bridge pier. The experimental method reproduces the nonlinear and inelastic response of both the soil-footing interface and the structure. To this end, a novel scale model RC (1:50 scale) that simulates reasonably well the elastic response and the failure of prototype RC elements is utilized, along with realistic representation of the soil behavior in a geotechnical centrifuge. A variety of seismic ground motions are considered as excitations. They result in consistent demonstrably beneficial performance of the rocking-isolated pier in comparison with the one designed conventionally. Seismic demand is reduced in terms of both inertial load and deck drift. Furthermore, foundation uplifting has a self-centering potential, whereas soil yielding is shown to provide a particularly effective energy dissipation mechanism, exhibiting significant resistance to cumulative damage. Thanks to such mechanisms, the rocking pier survived, with no signs of structural distress, a deleterious sequence of seismic motions that caused collapse of the conventionally designed pier. © 2014 The Authors Earthquake Engineering & Structural Dynamics Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd

Planck LFI flight model feed horns

this paper is part of the Prelaunch status LFI papers published on JINST: http://www.iop.org/EJ/journal/-page=extra.proc5/jinst The Low Frequency Instrument is optically interfaced with the ESA Planck telescope through 11 corrugated feed horns each connected to the Radiometer Chain Assembly (RCA). This paper describes the design, the manufacturing and the testing of the flight model feed horns. They have been designed to optimize the LFI optical interfaces taking into account the tight mechanical requirements imposed by the Planck focal plane layout. All the eleven units have been successfully tested and integrated with the Ortho Mode transducers.Comment: This is an author-created, un-copyedited version of an article accepted for publication in JINST. IOP Publishing Ltd is not responsible for any errors or omissions in this version of the manuscript or any version derived from it. The definitive publisher authenticated version is available online at 10.1088/1748-0221/4/12/T1200

The Planck-LFI flight model composite waveguides

The Low Frequency Instrument on board the PLANCK satellite is designed to give the most accurate map ever of the CMB anisotropy of the whole sky over a broad frequency band spanning 27 to 77 GHz. It is made of an array of 22 pseudo-correlation radiometers, composed of 11 actively cooled (20 K) Front End Modules (FEMs), and 11 Back End Modules (BEMs) at 300K. The connection between the two parts is made with rectangular Wave Guides. Considerations of different nature (thermal, electromagnetic and mechanical), imposed stringent requirements on the WGs characteristics and drove their design. From the thermal point of view, the WG should guarantee good insulation between the FEM and the BEM sections to avoid overloading the cryocooler. On the other hand it is essential that the signals do not undergo excessive attenuation through the WG. Finally, given the different positions of the FEM modules behind the focal surface and the mechanical constraints given by the surrounding structures, different mechanical designs were necessary. A composite configuration of Stainless Steel and Copper was selected to satisfy all the requirements. Given the complex shape and the considerable length (about 1.5-2 m), manufacturing and testing the WGs was a challenge. This work deals with the development of the LFI WGs, including the choice of the final configuration and of the fabrication process. It also describes the testing procedure adopted to fully characterize these components from the electromagnetic point of view and the space qualification process they underwent. Results obtained during the test campaign are reported and compared with the stringent requirements. The performance of the LFI WGs is in line with requirements, and the WGs were successfully space qualified.Comment: this paper is part of the Prelaunch status LFI papers published on JINST: http://www.iop.org/EJ/journal/-page=extra.proc5/jins

Improving strain diagnosis of prion disease by diffusion MRI and biophysical modelling

Sporadic Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (sCJD) is the most common form of prion disease, characterized by five different strains, presenting intracellular vacuoles with different diameter/distribution. Unfortunately, no reliable non-invasive method for strain identification currently exists. Here we provide the first quantitative maps of MR-measured vacuolar diameter/density in five sCJD patients, using multishell diffusion MRI and biophysical modelling. Results show distribution of small and larger vacuoles in the brain lesions of each patient, presumably corresponding to different sCJD strains, and absence of vacuoles in five age-matched healthy controls. If validated, this method would be extremely valuable for non-invasive diagnosis of sCJD strain

Rapid conjugation of antibodies to toxins to select candidates for the development of anticancer Antibody-Drug conjugates (ADcs)

Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs) developed as a targeted treatment approach to deliver toxins directly to cancer cells are one of the fastest growing classes of oncology therapeutics, with eight ADCs and two immunotoxins approved for clinical use. However, selection of an optimum target and payload combination, to achieve maximal therapeutic efficacy without excessive toxicity, presents a significant challenge. We have developed a platform to facilitate rapid and cost-effective screening of antibody and toxin combinations for activity and safety, based on streptavidin-biotin conjugation. For antibody selection, we evaluated internalization by target cells using streptavidin-linked antibodies conjugated to biotinylated saporin, a toxin unable to cross cell membranes. For payload selection, we biotinylated toxins and conjugated them to antibodies linked to streptavidin to evaluate antitumour activity and pre-clinical safety. As proof of principle, we compared trastuzumab conjugated to emtansine via streptavidin-biotin (Trastuzumab-SB-DM1) to the clinically approved trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1). We showed comparable potency in reduction of breast cancer cell survival in vitro and in growth restriction of orthotopic breast cancer xenografts in vivo. Our findings indicate efficient generation of functionally active ADCs. This approach can facilitate the study of antibody and payload combinations for selection of promising candidates for future ADC development

Core integrated simulations for the Divertor Tokamak Test facility scenarios towards consistent core-pedestal-SOL modelling

Deuterium plasma discharges of the Divertor Tokamak Test facility (DTT) in different operational scenarios have been predicted by a comprehensive first-principle based integrated modelling activity using state-of-art quasi-linear transport models. The results of this work refer to the updated DTT configuration, which includes a device size optimisation (enlargement to R-0=2.19 a = 0.70 m) and upgrades in the heating systems. The focus of this paper is on the core modelling, but special attention was paid to the consistency with the scrape-off layer parameters required to achieve divertor plasma detachment. The compatibility of these physics-based predicted scenarios with the electromagnetic coil system capabilities was then verified. In addition, first estimates of DTT sawteeth and of DTT edge localised modes were achieved