Process Zone Length and Fracture Energy of Spruce Wood in Mode-I from Size Effect

This article reports on the determination of fracture energy and fracture process zone length in Mode I fracture of European spruce wood loaded in tension perpendicular to the fiber direction based on Bazant's size effect law. Within the size effect model, fracture energy and fracture process zone length are correlated and represent unambiguous limit values for large structures or specimens. The model parameters were derived from an earlier experimental size effect study on specific single-edge notched beam specimens with a scale range of 1:32. The Mode I fracture energy range of 250-290 N/m, derived from the size effect law, is in agreement with fracture energies obtained for the same specimens based on external work to complete specimen failure. The elastically equivalent length of the fully developed fracture process zone ahead of the nominal crack tip was determined to be in the range of about 2 mm. The stated independent proof of the correlated fracture energy confirms the validity of the derived size of the fracture process zone. Furthermore, fracture process zone size obtained is in close agreement with a previous result for eastern Canadian spruce, a finding based on scanning electron microscopy

Idea to Invention Project Report

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) estimates that 1-3% of patented inventions produce profits for the inventor. The cost of filing and examination for a non-provisional patent can range from $2,000 to$10,000 and beyond. ATC Company understands this uncertainty and will undertake a project to invent a new shelter product and determine its marketability, prior to investing in a non-provisional patent. The Idea to Invention project objective is to apply Project Management principles and develop a process for inventing an idea, measuring the idea’s utility and commercial viability as a product, conducting a patent search and producing a thorough Provisional Patent Application. Specifically, the project will deliver both a product line of ATC’s and a process for establishing first to invent rights to patenting the ATC’s function and method of operation. Unlike most recreational tent products available, ATCs do not require a flat or suitable site for setup; rather, ATCs deliver ultralightweight, highly adaptable weather protection and concealment nearly anywhere in the field.Abstract / Literature Review Results / Project Management Approach / Market Identification and Business Need / Scope Management from Idea to Invention / Product Scope Definition / Research, Development, Conditions Use Testing / Active Risk and Opportunity Management / Quality Management in Delivering a Marketable Product / PM Based Patent Search Processes and Strategy / Invention Assessment for All Terrain Cover Concept / Conclusion and Recommendations / Lessons Learned / References / Appendix A, ATC Drawings / Appendix B, Provisional Patent Application (PPA

CD40 ligand inhibits endothelial cell migration by increasing production of endothelial reactive oxygen species

Background— The CD40/CD40 ligand system is involved in atherogenesis. Activated T lymphocytes and platelets, which express high amounts of CD40 ligand (CD40L) on their surface, contribute significantly to plaque instability with ensuing thrombus formation, leading to acute coronary syndromes. Because reendothelialization may play a pivotal role for plaque stabilization, we investigated a potential role of CD40L on endothelial cell (EC) migration

Different approaches to community detection

A precise definition of what constitutes a community in networks has remained elusive. Consequently, network scientists have compared community detection algorithms on benchmark networks with a particular form of community structure and classified them based on the mathematical techniques they employ. However, this comparison can be misleading because apparent similarities in their mathematical machinery can disguise different reasons for why we would want to employ community detection in the first place. Here we provide a focused review of these different motivations that underpin community detection. This problem-driven classification is useful in applied network science, where it is important to select an appropriate algorithm for the given purpose. Moreover, highlighting the different approaches to community detection also delineates the many lines of research and points out open directions and avenues for future research.Comment: 14 pages, 2 figures. Written as a chapter for forthcoming Advances in network clustering and blockmodeling, and based on an extended version of The many facets of community detection in complex networks, Appl. Netw. Sci. 2: 4 (2017) by the same author

Relevance of monocytic features for neovascularization capacity of circulating endothelial progenitor cells

Background— Transplantation of ex vivo expanded circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) from peripheral blood mononuclear cells improves the neovascularization after critical ischemia. However, the origin of the endothelial progenitor lineage and its characteristics have not yet been clearly defined. Therefore, we investigated whether the phenotype and functional capacity of EPCs to improve neovascularization depend on their monocytic origin