Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

The Tirac™ Development Toolkit: Technical Description, Russell Leighton, Lakshmi Vempati, Alan Davis, Mark Porczak, Jens G. Pohl

Collaborative Agent Design (CAD) Research Center

This report provides a technical description of the Toolkit for Information Representation and Agent Collaboration (TIRAC^™) software framework for the development of intelligent decision-support applications. An overview of the transformational forces that have precipitated the need for a development toolkit capable of supporting a distributed, information-centric software environment, and the objectives of TIRAC™ are contained in a companion CDM Technical Report (CDM-17-04) entitled: “The TIRAC^™ Development Toolkit: Purpose and Overview.”

TIRAC™ is an application development framework and toolkit for distributed decision-support systems incorporating software agents that collaborate with each other and human users to monitor changes (i.e., …

Software Architecture Improvement Through Test-Driven Development: An Empirical Study, David S. Janzen

Computer Science and Software Engineering

Despite a half century of advances, the software construction industry still shows signs of immaturity. Professional software development organizations continue to struggle to produce reliable software in a predictable and repeatable manner. While a variety of development practices are advocated that might improve the situation, developers are often reluctant to adopt new, potentially better practices based on anecdotal evidence alone. As a result, empirical software engineering has gained credibility as a discipline that provides scientific data about practice efficacy on which developers can make critical decisions. This research proposes to apply empirical software engineering techniques to evaluate a new approach …

Clean, High-Yield Preparation Of S,S- And R,S- Amino Acid Isosteres, Aslam A. Malik, Todd E. Clement, Hasan Palandoken, James Robinson Iii, Joy A. Stringer

Chemistry and Biochemistry

The present invention provides compounds and methods that can be used to convert the intermediate halomethyl ketones (HMKs), e.g., chloromethyl ketones, to the corresponding S,S- and R,S-diastereomers. More particularly, the present invention provides: (1) reduction methods; (2) inversion methods; and (3) methods involving the epoxidation of alkenes. Using the various methods of the present invention, the R,S-epoxide and the intermediary compounds can be prepared reliably, in high yields and in high purity.

Instrument Cross-Comparisons And Automated Quality Control Of Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Data, S. Moore, Gary B. Hughes

Statistics

Within the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) instrument network, several different systems often measure the same quantity at the same site. For example, several ARM instruments measure time-series profiles of the atmosphere that were previously available only from balloon-borne radiosonde systems. These instruments include the Radar Wind Profilers (RWP) with Radio-Acoustic Sounding Systems (RASS), the Atmospheric Emitted Radiance Interferometer (AERI), the Microwave Radiometer Profiler (MWRP), and the Raman Lidar (RL). ARM researchers have described methods for direct cross-comparison of time-series profiles (Coulter and Lesht 1996; Turner et al. 1996) and we have extended this concept to the development of methods for …

Improvements To And Status Of The Data Quality Health And Status System, K. Kehoe, K. Sonntag, R. Peppler, B. Burkholder, C. Shafer, M. Zaman, T. Thompson, S. Moore, Gary B. Hughes, K. Doty

Statistics

The Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Data Quality Office (DQO) has made a number of improvements and additions over the past year to its main tool for inspecting and assessing ARM data quality—the Data Quality Health and Status (DQ HandS) system (http://dq.arm.gov/). Among the improvements and additions, some of which are shown below, are the inclusion of ARM Mobile Facility (AMF) data; a new plot browser to facilitate the viewing of DQ HandS diagnostic plots; an improved method for writing and databasing weekly data quality assessment reports; a new automated daily alert, an improved method for searching ARM report databases (see …

Transverse-Momentum Dependent Modification Of Dynamic Texture In Central Au + Au Collisions At √SNn=200 Gev, Star Collaboration, T.D. Gutierrez

Physics

Correlations in the hadron distributions produced in relativistic Au+Au collisions are studied in the discrete wavelet expansion method. The analysis is performed in the space of pseudorapidity (|η|≤1)and azimuth(full 2π) in bins of transverse momentum (p_t) from 0.14≤pt≤2.1GeV/c. In peripheral Au+Au collisions a correlation structure ascribed to minijet fragmentation is observed. It evolves with collision centrality and pt in a way not seen before, which suggests strong dissipation of minijet fragmentation in the longitudinally expanding medium.

Rapid Delivery Of Massive Geospatial Data Over Internet2, Rollin Strohman, Michael Haungs

Computer Science and Software Engineering

We study the feasibility of the on-demand delivery of a massive geospatial dataset over Internet2 for educational use. The dataset (20TB uncompressed, 2.5TB compressed), generously made available for this study by AirphotoUSA, provides a seamless, one-meter resolution aerial orthophotograph covering over three million square miles of the continental United States. We identify factors that limit the scalability, availability and user-perceived performance of serving such a dataset. To do this, we conduct experiments that measure response times for various levels of network congestion, bandwidth, and load. We also provide a proof-of-concept experiment by serving the dataset over Internet2 to students at …

Integrating And Delivering Massive Geospatial Datasets For Educational Use, Michael Haungs, Rollin Strohman

Computer Science and Software Engineering

No abstract provided.

A Translational Web Services Bridge Solution For Meaningful Interoperability Between Potentially Disparate Systems, Kym J. Pohl, Lakshmi Vempati, Jens G. Pohl

Collaborative Agent Design (CAD) Research Center

An emerging issue in the world of context-centric software-based decision-support is the need for potentially disparate systems to interoperate in meaningful and useful ways. Such interoperability must go beyond the elementary communication of data and endeavor to support a more powerful context-oriented inter-system relationship. A key issue in such functionality is the support, moreover the promotion, of meaningful interoperability while still retaining individual system representations, or perspectives. In other words, the meaningful integration of potentially disparate systems in a manner that allows each collaborating system to retain its potentially unique means of representing, or perceiving, the domain over which it …

The Impact Of California's Changing Environmental Regulations On Timber Harvest Planning Costs, Richard P. Thompson, Christopher Dicus

Natural Resources Management and Environmental Sciences

The primary purpose of this study is to establish basic and supportable information on the impact of environmental regulations on California’s forest products industry. More specifically, the study focused on the effects of changing forest practice regulations on timber harvest planning and preparation costs. A survey of wood-processing and forestry consulting firms was conducted in the Summer and early Fall, 2004 seeking data on Timber Harvest Plan (THP) preparation costs, a major component of the transactions cost in California’s timber market. Despite the short data collection period, 607 sample observations were obtained. Analysis of the sample data clearly indicate significant …

Adaptive Decision Support For Planning Under Hard And Soft Constraints, Alex Dekhtyar, Raphael Finkel, Judy Goldsmith, Beth Goldstein, Cynthia Isenhour

Computer Science and Software Engineering

We describe the “Welfare to Work” scenario, and the software we are designing to support case managers’ planning for their clients.

Open Charm Yields In D+Au Collisions At √SNn = 200 Gev, Star Collaboration, T.D. Gutierrez

Physics

Midrapidity open charm spectra from direct reconstruction of D⁰(D⁰)→K^∓π^± in d+Au collisions and indirect electron-positron measurements via charm semileptonic decays in p+p and d+Au collisions at √s_NN=200  GeV are reported. The D⁰(D⁰) spectrum covers a transverse momentum (p_T) range of 0.1T<3  GeV/c, whereas the electron spectra cover a range of 1T<4  GeV/c. The electron spectra show approximate binary collision scaling between p+p and d+Au collisions. From these two independent analyses, the differential cross section per nucleon-nucleon binary interaction at midrapidity for open charm production from d+Au collisions at BNL RHIC is dσ^NN_c¯c/dy=0.30±0.04(stat)±0.09(syst)   mb. The results are compared to theoretical calculations. Implications for charmonium results in A+A collisions are discussed.

Preparation Of 2s,3s-N-Isobutyl-N-(2-Hydroxy-3-Amino-4-Phenylbutyl)-P-Nitrobenzenesulfonylamide Hydrochloride And Other Derivatives Of 2-Hydroxy-1,3-Diamines, Aslam A. Malik, Hasan Palandoken, Joy A. Stringer, Roland P. Carlson, John Leach, Thomas G. Archibald, Robert G. Miotke

Chemistry and Biochemistry

The present invention provides a new process for the preparation of 2S,3S-N-isobutyl-N-(2-hydroxy-3-amino-4phenylbutyl)- p-nitrobenzenesulfonylamide hydrochloride, wherein this compound is prepared directly from the chloromethylalcohol. Importantly, the process of the present invention results in higher yields of 2S,3S-N-isobutyl-N-(2hydroxy -3 -amino -4-phenylbutyl) -pnitrobenzenesulfonylamide hydrochloride without sacrificing its purity. The processes of the present invention can be used to prepare not only the 2S,3S-derivative, but also the 2R,3S-, 2S,2R- and the 2R,3R-derivatives.

A Framework For Management Of Concurrent Xml Markup, Alex Dekhtyar, Ionut E. Iacob

Computer Science and Software Engineering

The problem of concurrent markup hierarchies in XML encodings of documents has attracted attention of a number of humanities researchers in recent years. The key problem with using concurrent hierarchies to encode documents is that markup in one hierarchy is not necessarily well-formed with respect to the markup in another hierarchy. Previously proposed solutions to this problem rely on the XML expertise of the editors and their ability to maintain correct DTDs for complex markup languages. In this paper, we approach the problem of maintenance of concurrent XML markup from the Computer Science perspective. We propose a framework that allows …

Forest Structure And Mortality In An Old-Growth Jeffrey Pine-Mixed Conifer Forest In North-Western Mexico, Scott L. Stephens, Samantha J. Gill

Natural Resources Management and Environmental Sciences

Over 10 million hectares of forests in the western United States are in need of restoration. Restoration targets benefit from quantitative descriptions but many old-growth definitions are qualitative. Quantification of live forest structure and mortality in Jeffrey pine-mixed conifer forests in the Sierra San Pedro Martir (SSPM), Mexico, was done to assist in the development of restoration goals and to increase our understanding of old-growth forests. Conifer forests in the SSPM have not experienced systematic fire suppression or harvesting making them unusual in western North America. Tree and soil data were collected from a systematic design of plots. High variability …

Use Of Michelson And Fabry–Perot Interferometry For Independent Determination Of The Refractive Index And Physical Thickness Of Wafers, Glen D. Gillen, Shekhar Guha

Physics

We present a method to independently measure the refractive index and the thickness of materials having flat and parallel sides by using a combination of Michelson and Fabry-Perot interferometry techniques. The method has been used to determine refractive-index values in the infrared with uncertainties in the third decimal place and thicknesses accurate to within ± 5 µm for materials at room and cryogenic temperatures.

Student Usability Project Recommendations Define Information Architecture For Library Technology, Erika Rogers

Computer Science and Software Engineering

This paper demonstrates how interaction and usability evaluation techniques (e.g., Preece 2002) support the restructuring of information in a number of functional library areas. Senior level computer science students studying human-computer interaction principles worked with library leaders on three different projects: i) a prototype of an interactive data visualization application for more effective collections management; ii) usability recommendations for improving access to the electronic database systems; and iii) design and development of a technology-mediated, Web accessible digital research portal. All three cases started out as quarter-long (8-week) class projects with teams of three to four computer science students whose goals …

A User-Centered Content Architecture For An Academic Digital Research Portal, Erika Rogers, Mary M. Somerville, Alissa Randles

Computer Science and Software Engineering

As part of the digital evolution of libraries, librarians are now expected to serve in new roles as knowledge mediators, and to provide much more technologically based support and assistance for students’ progress towards information literacy. This paper describes an ongoing collaborative project between students and library personnel to incorporate usability evaluation, interaction design techniques, and instructional design theories in the design and development of a flexible web-based Research Portal.

The Expected Variation Of Random Bounded Integer Sequences Of Finite Length, Rudolfo Angeles, Don Rawlings, Lawrence Sze, Mark Tiefenbruck

Mathematics

From the enumerative generating function of an abstract adjacency statistic, we deduce the mean and variance of the variation on random permutations, rearrangements, compositions, and bounded integer sequences of finite length.

Removal Of P-Cresol Sulfate By Hemodialysis, Andres W. Martinez, Natalie S. Recht, Thomas H. Hostetter, Timothy W. Meyer

Chemistry and Biochemistry

Protein-bound solutes are poorly cleared by dialysis. Among the most extensively studied of these solutes is p-cresol, which has been shown to be toxic in vitro. This study examined the form in which p-cresol circulates and quantified its removal by hemodialysis. HPLC analysis of plasma from hemodialysis patients contained a peak whose mobility corresponded to synthetic p-cresol sulfate (PCS) but no detectable unconjugated p-cresol. Treatment with sulfatase resulted in recovery of this peak as p-cresol, confirming its identity. Subsequent studies compared the removal of PCS and another protein-bound solute, indican, to the removal of urea during clinical hemodialysis treatments. …

Intelligent Software Systems In Historical Context, Jens G. Pohl

Collaborative Agent Design (CAD) Research Center

The purpose of this chapter is to trace the evolution of intelligent software from data-centric applications that essentially encapsulate their data environment to ontology-based applications with automated reasoning capabilities. It is argued that a distinction may be drawn between human intelligence and component capabilities within a more general definition of intelligence, and that such component capabilities can be embedded in computer software. The primary vehicle in the quest for intelligent software has been the gradual recognition of the central role played by data and information, rather than the logic and functionality of the application. The three milestones in this evolution …

Vector Diffraction Theory Of Light Propagation Through Nanostructures, Glen D. Gillen, Shekhar Guha

Physics

It is well known that “vector” diffraction theory needs to be invoked to describe the propagation of light through apertures having dimensions on the order of the wavelength of light. For regions close to the aperture, use of Kirchhoff boundary conditions in the aperture plane is invalid. The Hertz vector formalism provides a way to describe the diffraction of light beams through apertures having sizes ranging from half the wavelength of light to larger values. Here we will present a summary of the method used to calculate the distribution of all of the electromagnetic field components and a Poynting vector …

Variable Stars In The Field Of Open Cluster Ngc 6819 – Ii, R. A. Street, Keith Horne, T. A. Lister, A. Penny, Y. Tsapras, A. Quirrenbach, N. Safizadeh, J. Cooke, David Mitchell, A. Collier Cameron

Physics

We report on the discovery of 141 further variable stars found in the field of the open cluster NGC 6819. The stars were identified from time-series photometric data obtained on the Isaac Newton Telescope, La Palma, during two observing runs covering the 19 nights between 1999 June 22–30 and 1999 July 22–31. The variables found include 53 eclipsing binaries, of which eight stars appear to be RS CVns, in addition to 70 stars showing spot activity, 13 showing long-period variability and five variables of other types.

One-Dimensional Dynamical Systems And Benford's Law, Arno Berger, Leonid A. Bunimovich, Theodore P. Hill

Research Scholars in Residence

Near a stable fixed point at 0 or ∞, many real-valued dynamical systems follow Benford's law: under iteration of a map T the proportion of values in {x, T(x), T²(x), ... , Tⁿ(x)} with mantissa (base b) less than t tends to log_bt for all t in [1,b) as n→ ∞, for all integer bases b>1. In particular, the orbits under most power, exponential, and rational functions (or any successive combination thereof), follow Benford's law for almost all sufficiently large initial values. For linearly-dominated systems, convergence to Benford's distribution …

A Survey For Planetary Transits In The Field Of Ngc 7789, D. M. Bramich, Keith Horne, I. A. Bond, R. A. Street, A. Collier Cameron, B. Hood, J. Cooke, D. James, T. A. Lister, David Mitchell, K. Pearson, A. Penny, A. Quirrenbach, N. Safizadeh, Y. Tsapras

Physics

We present results from 30 nights of observations of the open cluster NGC 7789 with the Wide Field Camera on the Isaac Newton Telescope, La Palma. From ∼900 epochs, we obtained light curves and Sloan r'− i' colours for ∼33000 stars, with ∼2400 stars having better than 1 percent precision. We expected to detect ∼2 transiting hot Jupiter planets if 1 percent of stars host such a companion and a typical hot Jupiter radius is ∼1.2 R_J. We find 24 transit candidates, 14 of which we can assign a period. We rule out the transiting planet model …

Description Of Light Propagation Through A Circular Aperture Using Nonparaxial Vector Diffraction Theory, Glen D. Gillen, Shekhar Guha

Physics

Using nonparaxial vector diffraction theory derived using the Hertz vector formalism, integral expressions for the electric and magnetic field components of light within and beyond an apertured plane are obtained for an incident plane wave. For linearly polarized light incident on a circular aperture, the integrals for the field components and for the Poynting vector are numerically evaluated. By further two-dimensional integration of a Poynting vector component, the total transmission of a circular aperture is determined as a function of the aperture radius to wavelength ratio. The validity of using Kirchhoff boundary conditions in the aperture plane is also examined …

The Icdm Development Toolkit: Technical Description, Russell Leighton, Lakshmi Vempati, Alan Davis, Mark Porczak, Jens G. Pohl

Collaborative Agent Design (CAD) Research Center

This report provides a technical description of the Integrated Cooperative Decision-Making (ICDM) software toolkit for the development of intelligent decision-support applications. An overview of the transformational forces that have precipitated the need for a development toolkit capable of supporting a distributed, information-centric software environment, and the objectives of ICDM are contained in a companion CDM Technical Report (CDM-16-04) entitled: “The ICDM Development Toolkit: Purpose and Overview”.

ICDM is an application development framework and toolkit for distributed decision-support systems incorporating software agents that collaborate with each other and human users to monitor changes (i.e., events) in the state of problem situations, …

Pseudorapidity Asymmetry And Centrality Dependence Of Charged Hadron Spectra In D+Au Collisions At √SNn=200 Gev, Star Collaboration, T.D. Gutierrez

Physics

The pseudorapidity asymmetry and centrality dependence of charged hadron spectra in d+Au collisions at √s_NN=200 GeV are presented. The charged particle density at midrapidity, its pseudorapidity asymmetry, and centrality dependence are reasonably reproduced by a multiphase transport model, by HIJING, and by the latest calculations in a saturation model. Ratios of transverse momentum spectra between backward and forward pseudorapidity are above unity for p_T below 5GeV ∕ c. The ratio of central to peripheral spectra in d+Au collisions shows enhancement at 2 < p_T < 6GeV ∕ c, with a larger effect at backward rapidity than forward rapidity. Our measurements are in qualitative agreement with gluon saturation and in contrast to calculations based on incoherent multiple partonic scatterings.

Azimuthal Anisotropy And Correlations At Large Transverse Momenta In P+P And Au+Au Collisions At √SNn=200 Gev, Star Collaboration, T.D. Gutierrez

Physics

Results on high transverse momentum charged particle emission with respect to the reaction plane are presented for Au+Au collisions at √s_NN=200  GeV. Two- and four-particle correlations results are presented as well as a comparison of azimuthal correlations in Au+Au collisions to those in p+p at the same energy. The elliptic anisotropy v₂ is found to reach its maximum at pt∼3  GeV/c, then decrease slowly and remain significant up to p_t≈7–10  GeV/c. Stronger suppression is found in the back-to-back high-p_t particle correlations for particles emitted out of plane compared to those emitted in plane. The …

Measurements Of Transverse Energy Distributions In Au+Au Collisions At √SNn=200 Gev, Star Collaboration, T.D. Gutierrez

Physics

Transverse energy (E_T) distributions have been measured for Au+Au collisions at √s_NN=200GeV by the STAR Collaboration at RHIC. E_T is constructed from its hadronic and electromagnetic components, which have been measured separately. E_T production for the most central collisions is well described by several theoretical models whose common feature is large energy density achieved early in the fireball evolution. The magnitude and centrality dependence of E_T per charged particle agrees well with measurements at lower collision energy, indicating that the growth in E_T for larger collision energy results from the growth in …