SOLCHIPS—A fast predesign and optimization tool for solar heating with seasonal storage

A new version of the SOLCHIPS predesign and optimization tool for solar heating systems with seasonal storage is described. The tool is based on analytical solution of the energy balance equations describing the system performance. It comprises a user-friendly interface with a minimum input requirement and is intended for preliminary system sizing and optimization purposes. The tool is here applied to the redesign of an existing solar heating installation and to the predesign of a completely new solar plant. The evaluation and dimensioning of one CSHPSS configuration can now be done in 10–20 s thus enabling fast optimization in respect to several parameters. A case study of an existing CSHPSS plant shows a 50% decrease in the annual energy price when the system is redesigned using the SOLCHIPS tool.     

Design, Analysis, and Simulated Testing of a Surrogate Nitinol Fatigue Specimen

Endurance limit analysis and testing require an accurate determination of the strain environment a device experiences in its life cycle (crimp strains, mean strain, and strain amplitudes) as well as the strain capability of the processed device. Surrogate fatigue specimens that represent a critical portion of a device can be designed through finite element analysis to experience the requisite strain life cycle, and in addition, can be efficiently tested to failure in a controlled strain environment. The surrogate should be processed in a similar manner as the parent device to ensure accurate material micro-structural properties as well as surface finish characteristics. In this article, we present the design, analysis, and simulated testing of a fatigue test specimen to determine a fatigue endurance limit to be used in the design assessment of a medical device. The Neyer D-Optimal sensitivity test method was used in a simulation to construct a design envelope.     

A computer scientist's guide to molecular biology

 In this paper, we explain the basic structure and properties of both single- and double-stranded DNA in vivo (in living organisms). We also review the first in vitro (test tube) experiment that solved a mathematical problem, The Directed Hamiltonian Path Problem, by manipulating DNA strands. Lastly, we give a list of bio-operations that have so far been used in DNA computation.     

Dimeric Resorcin[4]arene Capsules in the Solid State

Supramolecular chemistry research is focused on the study of weak non-covalent intermolecular — that is, supramolecular — interactions as the driving force in self-assembly and molecular recognition. Dimeric resorcin[4]arenes capsules have been a focus of our research for the last 15 years. This review describes the solid state complexation studies of unsubstituted phenolic resorcin[4]arenes and pyrogall[4]arenes towards the formation of dimeric capsules and assemblies using ionic and neutral species as guest molecules and templates. The multitude of different crystal structures obtained during these studies demonstrates the versatile nature of resorcin[4]arenes and pyrogall[4]arenes (2-hydroxy-resorcin[4]arenes) as supramolecular hosts in crystal engineering.     

The role of inspiration in the helping professions.

This qualitative research study examined the ways that helping professionals experience inspiration, as defined as divine guidance or influence, in their therapeutic work. It also explored their beliefs about how helping professionals can seek inspiration in their work. Open-ended survey questions from 333 respondents from a diverse range of religious and professional backgrounds were qualitatively analyzed. The themes extracted give insight into the ways that these helping professionals have experienced inspiration in their work and about how helping professionals can facilitate a spiritual space in the therapeutic context. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Kinematic Coagulation of Charged Droplets in an Alternating Electric Field

An analytic-numerical model has been developed to study kinematic coagulation caused by the vibrational motion of charged particles in an alternating electric field. The primary aim of this study was to find out the reduction in the number concentration of fine particles of diameter 0.1 μm-1.0 μm caused by collisions with larger, supermicron particles. Three cases are considered: (1) unipolar charging, (2) fine particles are neutral, and (3) fine particles and large particles have opposite polarity. We find out that in cases 1 and 2 the rate of kinematic coagulation in negligible and in case 3 significant. The results are demonstrated with two sample calculations with total mass loadings of 2 and 20 g/m³. In the former, where the mass median diameter is 3.0 μm, we discover a 20%-50% reduction in number concentration of particles in the range 0.5–1.0 μm and less significant reduction in smaller particles. The latter (MMD = 6.0 μm) represents power plant conditions. In this case the reduction varies from 10% (0.1 μm) to 95% (1.0 μm).     

Well-being and posttraumatic growth in unrelated donor marrow transplant survivors: A nine-year longitudinal study.

Objective: To study posttraumatic growth and psychological and physical well-being among 25 cancer survivors (12 men, 13 women) 9 years after receiving a hematopoietic stem cell transplant from an unrelated donor. Measures: Participants completed measures of well-being (e.g., depression, physical function) and posttraumatic growth at the 9-year follow-up. Prior to treatment, optimism, social support, and well-being had been assessed. Results: Findings reveal high levels of physical and psychological well-being. Survivors reported posttraumatic growth in several domains, including increased personal strengths and enhanced interpersonal relationships. Higher levels of growth were significantly related to gender and age: Women reported more total posttraumatic growth, and older survivors reported more enhanced spirituality, one domain of growth. Posttraumatic growth and well-being after treatment were predicted by 2 psychosocial variables assessed prior to treatment: dispositional optimism and social support. Implications: Although long-term survivors report ongoing physical limitations, they also experience well-being in both physical and psychological domains. Posttraumatic growth is an area of well-being deserving of additional research and clinical attention. In particular, there may be reason to assist survivors to articulate growth as part of ongoing care. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)