BackgroundSoybean Knowledge Base (SoyKB) is a comprehensive all-inclusive web resource for soybean translational genomics. SoyKB is designed to handle the management and integration of soybean genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics data along with annotation of gene function and biological pathway. It contains information on four entities, namely genes, microRNAs, metabolites and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).MethodsSoyKB has many useful tools such as Affymetrix probe ID search, gene family search, multiple gene/metabolite search supporting co-expression analysis, and protein 3D structure viewer as well as download and upload capacity for experimental data and annotations. It has four tiers of registration, which control different levels of access to public and private data. It allows users of certain levels to share their expertise by adding comments to the data. It has a user-friendly web interface together with genome browser and pathway viewer, which display data in an intuitive manner to the soybean researchers, producers and consumers.ConclusionsSoyKB addresses the increasing need of the soybean research community to have a one-stop-shop functional and translational omics web resource for information retrieval and analysis in a user-friendly way. SoyKB can be publicly accessed at http://soykb.org/.

Soybean Knowledge Base (http://soykb.org) is a comprehensive web resource developed for bridging soybean translational genomics and molecular breeding research. It provides information for six entities including genes/proteins, microRNAs/sRNAs, metabolites, single nucleotide polymorphisms, plant introduction lines and traits. It also incorporates many multi-omics datasets including transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics and molecular breeding data, such as quantitative trait loci, traits and germplasm information. Soybean Knowledge Base has a new suite of tools such as In Silico Breeding Program for soybean breeding, which includes a graphical chromosome visualizer for ease of navigation. It integrates quantitative trait loci, traits and germplasm information along with genomic variation data, such as single nucleotide polymorphisms, insertions, deletions and genome-wide association studies data, from multiple soybean cultivars and Glycine soja.

This web-based tool is available at http://tinyurl.com/oasispro ;source codes are available at http://tinyurl.com/oasisproSourceCode .

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This paper compares results of a deepwater geotechnical investigation using a seafloor drilling system, large-diameter core samples, and cone penetration tests performed from a coring vessel with results of a geotechnical investigation performed from a conventional drillship. The paper reports the first use of a seafloor drilling unit in the Gulf of Mexico to conduct a geotechnical site investigation for the mooring design of a floating platform.Common practice in the Gulf of Mexico for geotechnical investigations of anchor spreads for moored production facilities has been to perform seafloor cone penetration tests and to drill and sample one or more soil borings. "Soil borings" are prescribed but not defined by 30 CFR 250. 19 API RP 2SK 1 recognizes currently available site investigation tools, such as large-diameter core samples, that could be used in lieu of rotary soil borings; however, some certified verification authorities/agents (CVAs) have been reluctant to accept the use of API-accepted methods of site investigations in the Gulf of Mexico. Seafloor drilling units have been used successfully in various parts of the world, and cone penetration tests from a coring vessel have been performed and studied at numerous sites, both in the Gulf of Mexico and worldwide. This paper demonstrates that a seafloor drilling unit, large-diameter cores, and coring-vesseldeployed cone penetration tests integrated with AUV subbottom profile data can be used in the Gulf of Mexico without reliance on samples obtained from a drillship.Cone penetration resistance is compared using different cone systems and deployment methods at nearby locations. Results are essentially identical. Representative soil sample data are compared, and geotechnical laboratory test results are very similar. The paper confirms that when ASTM standards for cone testing and thin-walled-tube sampling are used, consistent results can be obtained from site investigations performed from seafloor drilling units and coring vessels or purpose-built geotechnical drillships. Integrated site investigation programs using technologies such as seafloor drilling units, large diameter coring, and cone penetration testing from a coring vessel should be acceptable for site investigations without special regulatory approvals beyond those that would apply to a site investigation program performed from a purpose-built geotechnical drillship.