Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “NETWORK ANALYSIS”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 307 records · Page 17

A bioinformatics prediction approach towards analyzing the glycosylation, co-expression and interaction patterns of epithelial membrane antigen (EMA/MUC1)

Epithelial membrane antigen (EMA or MUC1) is a heavily glycosylated, type I transmembrane glycoprotein commonly expressed by epithelial cells of duct organs. It has been shown to be aberrantly glycosylated in several diseases including cancer. Protein sequence based annotation and analysis of glycosylation profile of glycoproteins by robust computational and comprehensive algorithms provides possible insights to the mechanism(s) of anomalous glycosylation. In present report, by using a number of bioinformatics applications we studied EMA/MUC1 and explored its trans-membrane structural domain sequence that is widely subjected to glycosylation. Exploration of different extracellular motifs led to prediction of N and O-linked glycosylation target sites. Based on the putative O-linked target sites, glycosylated moieties and pathways were envisaged. Furthermore, Protein network analysis demonstrated physical interaction of EMA with a number of proteins and confirmed its functional involvement in cell growth and proliferation pathways. Gene Ontology analysis suggested an involvement of EMA in a number of functions including signal transduction, protein binding, processing and transport along with glycosylation. Thus, present study explored potential of bioinformatics prediction approach in analyzing glycosylation, co-expression and interaction patterns of EMA/MUC1 glycoprotein.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Parallel replica dynamics method for bistable stochastic reaction networks: Simulation and sensitivity analysis

Stochastic reaction networks that exhibit bistable behavior are common in systems biology, materials science, and catalysis. Sampling of stationary distributions is crucial for understanding and characterizing the long-time dynamics of bistable stochastic dynamical systems. However, simulations are often hindered by the insufficient sampling of rare transitions between the two metastable regions. In this paper, we apply the parallel replica method for a continuous time Markov chain in order to improve sampling of the stationary distribution in bistable stochastic reaction networks. The proposed method uses parallel computing to accelerate the sampling of rare transitions. Furthermore, it can be combined with the path-space information bounds for parametric sensitivity analysis. With the proposed methodology, we study three bistable biological networks: the Schlögl model, the genetic switch network, and the enzymatic futile cycle network. We demonstrate the algorithmic speedup achieved in these numerical benchmarks. More significant acceleration is expected when multi-core or graphics processing unit computer architectures and programming tools such as CUDA are employed

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Transcriptional information revealed differentially expressed circular RNAs in facet joint osteoarthritis

Highlights: • A full recognition of circrna changes in FJOA by RNA-seq analysis. • We initial listed Top 20 enriched signaling pathways associated with FJOA. • Seven circRNAs were arbitrarily selected to confirm their differential expression levels by qRT-PCR. • A group of potential miRNAs that might bind to circular RNAs were identified. Circular RNAs are newly identified RNAs that regulate gene expression and execute various biological activities. Facet joint osteoarthritis (FJOA) is a severe facet joint cartilage degeneration disease that induces chronic low back pain to a larger population. The molecular mechanisms of FJOA, especially the presence and changes of circular RNAs in FJOA have not been investigated. In the current study, we analyzed RNA deep sequencing outcomes from healthy control group and FJOA group, identified and annotated circular RNAs, and determined the expressions of circular RNAs. Differentially expressed circular RNAs in the FJOA group were then screened and the host genes of these differentially expressed circular RNAs were functional analyzed by Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Enrichment of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and protein-protein interaction network analysis. Seven circRNAs were arbitrarily selected to confirm the trustworthiness of these profiles by quantitative qRT-PCR. The potential binding sites of microRNAs (miRNAs) and identified circular RNAs were also predicted. Our current study provided valuable bioinformation regarding circular RNAs in FJOA and expanded our knowledge of FJOA.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Gene regulatory networks for lignin biosynthesis in switchgrass (Panicum virgatum )

Summary Cell wall recalcitrance is the major challenge to improving saccharification efficiency in converting lignocellulose into biofuels. However, information regarding the transcriptional regulation of secondary cell wall biogenesis remains poor in switchgrass ( Panicum virgatum ), which has been selected as a biofuel crop in the United States. In this study, we present a combination of computational and experimental approaches to develop gene regulatory networks for lignin formation in switchgrass. To screen transcription factors ( TF s) involved in lignin biosynthesis, we developed a modified method to perform co‐expression network analysis using 14 lignin biosynthesis genes as bait (target) genes. The switchgrass lignin co‐expression network was further extended by adding 14 TF s identified in this study, and seven TF s identified in previous studies, as bait genes. Six TF s (Pv MYB 58/63, Pv MYB 42/85, Pv MYB 4, Pv WRKY 12, Pv SND 2 and Pv SWN 2) were targeted to generate overexpressing and/or down‐regulated transgenic switchgrass lines. The alteration of lignin content, cell wall composition and/or plant growth in the transgenic plants supported the role of the TF s in controlling secondary wall formation. RNA ‐seq analysis of four of the transgenic switchgrass lines revealed downstream target genes of the secondary wall‐related TF s and crosstalk with other biological pathways. In vitro transactivation assays further confirmed the regulation of specific lignin pathway genes by four of the TF s. Our meta‐analysis provides a hierarchical network of TF s and their potential target genes for future manipulation of secondary cell wall formation for lignin modification in switchgrass.

transcription factors↗

New Insights Into Lignification via Network and Multi-Omics Analyses of Arogenate Dehydratase Knock-Out Mutants in Arabidopsis thaliana

Multiple Arabidopsis arogenate dehydratase (ADT) knock-out (KO) mutants, with phenotypes having variable lignin levels (up to circa 70% reduction), were studied to investigate how differential reductions in ADTs perturb its overall plant systems biology. Integrated "omics" analyses (metabolome, transcriptome, and proteome) of wild type (WT), single and multiple ADT KO lines were conducted. Transcriptome and proteome data were collapsed into gene ortholog (GO) data, with this allowing for enzymatic reaction and metabolome cross-comparisons to uncover dominant or likely metabolic biosynthesis reactions affected. Network analysis of enzymes-highly correlated to stem lignin levels-deduced the involvement of novel putative lignin related proteins or processes. These included those associated with ribosomes, the spliceosome, mRNA transport, aminoacyl tRNA biosynthesis, and phosphorylation. While prior work helped explain lignin biosynthesis regulation at the transcriptional level, our data here provide support for a new hypothesis that there are additional post-transcriptional and translational level processes that need to be considered. These findings are anticipated to lead to development of more accurate depictions of lignin/phenylpropanoid biosynthesis models in situ, with new protein targets identified for further biochemical analysis and/or plant bioengineering. Additionally, using KEGG defined functional categorization of proteomics and transcriptomics analyses, we detected significant changes to glucosinolate, a-linolenic acid, nitrogen, carotenoid, aromatic amino acid, phenylpropanoid, and photosynthesis-related metabolic pathways in ADT KO mutants. Metabolomics results also revealed that putative carotenoid and galactolipid levels were generally increased in amount, whereas many glucosinolates and phenylpropanoids (including flavonoids and lignans) were decreased in the KO mutants.

Arabidopsis, arogenate dehydratases, lignin, multi↗

Organizational and psychological measures for data center energy efficiency: barriers and mitigation strategies

Abstract It was last estimated that in 2020, data centers comprised approximately 2% of total US electricity consumption, with an estimated annual growth rate of 4%. As our country increasingly relies on information technology (IT), our data centers (DCs) will need to increase their energy efficiency (EE) to stabilize their energy consumption. The task of studying EE in DCs is complicated by the interconnected nature of humans and mission-critical technical systems. Moreover, the literature tends to focus on technology solutions such as improvements to IT equipment, cooling infrastructure, and software, without addressing organizational and psychological drivers. Our research demystifies the complex interactions between humans and DCs, by asking What non-technical barriers impede EE investment decision-making and/or implementing energy management strategies? To begin to answer this question, we perform a literature review of 86 resources, ranging from peer-reviewed journal publications to handbooks. We also consider related fields such as organizational behavioral management and energy intensive buildings. We develop a public Zotero library, perform content coding, and complete a rudimentary network analysis. Our findings from the literature review suggest that (1) technological solutions are abundant in the literature but fall short of providing practical guidance on the pitfalls of implementation, (2) making energy efficiency a priority at the executive level of organizations will be largely ineffective if the IT and facilities staff are not directly incentivized to increase EE, and (3) there is minimal current understanding of how the individual psychologies of IT and facilities staff affect EE implementation in DCs. In the next phase of our research, we plan to interview data center operators/experts to ground-truth our literature findings and collaboratively design decarbonization policy solutions that target organizational structure, empower individual staff, and foster a supportive external market.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Span graphics display utilities handbook, first edition

The Space Physics Analysis Network (SPAN) is a computer network connecting scientific institutions throughout the United States. This network provides an avenue for timely, correlative research between investigators, in a multidisciplinary approach to space physics studies. An objective in the development of SPAN is to make available direct and simplified procedures that scientists can use, without specialized training, to exchange information over the network. Information exchanges include raw and processes data, analysis programs, correspondence, documents, and graphite images. This handbook details procedures that can be used to exchange graphic images over SPAN. The intent is to periodically update this handbook to reflect the constantly changing facilities available on SPAN. The utilities described within reflect an earnest attempt to provide useful descriptions of working utilities that can be used to transfer graphic images across the network. Whether graphic images are representative of satellite servations or theoretical modeling and whether graphics images are of device dependent or independent type, the SPAN graphics display utilities handbook will be the users guide to graphic image exchange.

Gallagher, D. L.↗

Evaluating Direct and Indirect Influence on EV Charging Stations Across the US

The adoption of new technology for electric vehicles (EV) and mobility applications can bring underappreciated vulnerabilities to the power grid. One area of potential fraud and adversarial influence is through the business ecosystem of startups that own and deploy EV technology. Yet, there are no models or analyses that map the network of organizations and people that have direct and indirect influence over technologies currently deployed in the grid. To fill this gap, we develop a multilayer network model to measure direct and indirect influence on EV charging stations. First, we create and adversarial socio-technical network (ASTN) model via a data fusion pipeline for different US regions of interest (ROI). Then, we develop an integrated ASTN for Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and Philadelphia. We rank EV charging companies direct influence within each geographic region as well as indirect influence via social network analysis. While some companies have strong direct and indirect influence (i.e., ChargePoint) others show a mismatch between their influence over charging stations and their position within the social network. For example, Tesla has strong direct influence on stations and weak indirect influence over competitors. In contrast, 7Charge has weak direct influence over stations, but strong indirect influence over competitors.

29 - ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY AND ECONOMY↗

Comparison between Flownex and Corona thermal-hydraulic models for a single HTR prismatic fuel assembly - 18544

Computational tools and methodologies that can perform thermal-hydraulic analyses to reasonably predict the temperature distribution for the whole core of HTRs are useful for operational and safety analyses. In this paper, Flownex (a system code based on a one-dimensional thermal-fluid network methodology) and CORONA (Core Reliable Optimization and thermo-fluid Network Analysis) thermal-hydraulic models and results for a vertically stacked single fuel assembly will be compared. In Flownex, a basic unit cell containing part of the graphite and the associated fuel elements and coolant channels was developed. CORONA uses a basic unit cell concept for generating computational grids using several types of basic unit cells to model the heat transfer through the hexagonal blocks and a 1-D formulation to model the flow through the coolant channels. In CORONA, computational grids are generated using a combination of pre-generated mesh cells. The coolant channels and fuel rods are modelled explicitly. Flownex in contrast, models fuel and coolant channels implicitly by defining representative coolant channels, fuel rods and coated particle layers associated with each unit cell. Flownex can therefore model temperatures at coated particle level and also through each graphite block. The computational mesh employed by Flownex is much coarser than the mesh employed by CORONA. In both models, the helium gap between the fuel compact and the graphite block is modelled as stagnant. Flownex results were found to be of the same order of magnitude as those obtained using CORONA. (authors)

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

The interconnected rhizosphere: High network complexity dominates rhizosphere assemblages

While interactions between roots and microorganisms have been intensively studied, we know little about interactions among root-associated microbes. We used random matrix theory-based network analysis of 16S rRNA genes to identify bacterial networks associated with wild oat (Avena fatua) over two seasons in greenhouse microcosms. Rhizosphere networks were substantially more complex than those in surrounding soils, indicating the rhizosphere has a greater potential for interactions and niche-sharing. Network complexity increased as plants grew, even as diversity decreased, highlighting that community organisation is not captured by univariate diversity. Covariations were predominantly positive (> 80%), suggesting that extensive mutualistic interactions may occur among rhizosphere bacteria; we identified quorum-based signalling as one potential strategy. Putative keystone taxa often had low relative abundances, suggesting low-abundance taxa may significantly contribute to rhizosphere function. Network complexity, a previously undescribed property of the rhizosphere microbiome, appears to be a defining characteristic of this habitat.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Near-Optimal and Practical Algorithms for Graph Scan Statistics with Connectivity Constraints

One fundamental task in network analysis is detecting “hotspots” or “anomalies” in the network; that is, detecting subgraphs where there is significantly more activity than one would expect given historical data or some baseline process. Scan statistics is one popular approach used for anomalous subgraph detection. This methodology involves maximizing a score function over all connected subgraphs, which is a challenging computational problem. A number of heuristics have been proposed for these problems, but they do not provide any quality guarantees. Here, we propose a framework for designing algorithms for optimizing a large class of scan statistics for networks, subject to connectivity constraints. Our algorithms run in time that scales linearly on the size of the graph and depends on a parameter we call the “effective solution size,” while providing rigorous approximation guarantees. In contrast, most prior methods have super-linear running times in terms of graph size. Extensive empirical evidence demonstrates the effectiveness and efficiency of our proposed algorithms in comparison with state-of-the-art methods. Our approach improves on the performance relative to all prior methods, giving up to over 25% increase in the score. Further, our algorithms scale to networks with up to a million nodes, which is 1–2 orders of magnitude larger than all prior applications.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

CRCNS21 Computational Models of Multisensory Integration by Upper Limb in Humanoids and Amputees

This international collaborative research project between Johns Hopkins University (JHU) and the Technical University of Munich (TUM) investigated how the human brain processes and integrates multiple types of sensory information, such as touch and force, with the goal of improving prosthetic limbs for amputees and advancing sensory capabilities in humanoid robots. The research advanced our understanding of how the brain responds to sensory feedback in upper-limb amputees. Through experiments in which amputees received electrical stimulation while performing phantom hand movements, we demonstrated that sensory feedback activates the cortical sensorimotor and multisensory regions, and that these regions communicate dynamically during stimulation. Experiments with intact-limb participants explored the integration of visual, haptic, and force feedback, as well as in virtual reality motor training, further showing how the brain processes multimodal sensory information. In addition, this research inspired work on examining the reliability of where amputees perceive sensations over time, which contributed to a successful doctoral fellowship for continued investigation. Our collaborators at TUM improved multimodal sensor technology combining tactile and thermal feedback for humanoid robots, demonstrating the feasibility of integrating multiple sensor types into a unified system for detecting and responding to environmental stimuli. The experimental methods and analysis techniques developed across both teams, including functional network analysis and multimodal sensor integration, provide a foundation for future research in prosthetics and robotics. This research benefits the public by generating knowledge about how amputees process restored sensory information. Advances in humanoid sensing contribute to safer human-robot interaction. The project also fostered international collaboration and cross-disciplinary training: one TUM doctoral student spent a summer at JHU working on multimodal sensor integration, while two JHU students traveled to TUM to host workshops on neuromorphic sensory encoding and sensory integration.

42 ENGINEERING↗

National law enforcement telecommunications network

Alternative approaches are analyzed to a National Law Enforcement Telecommunications Network (NALECOM) designed to service all state-to-state and state-to-national criminal justice communications traffic needs in the United States. Network topology options were analyzed, and equipment and personnel requirements for each option were defined in accordance with NALECOM functional specifications and design guidelines. Evaluation criteria were developed and applied to each of the options leading to specific conclusions. Detailed treatments of methods for determining traffic requirements, communication line costs, switcher configurations and costs, microwave costs, satellite system configurations and costs, facilities, operations and engineering costs, network delay analysis and network availability analysis are presented. It is concluded that a single regional switcher configuration is the optimum choice based on cost and technical factors. A two-region configuration is competitive. Multiple-region configurations are less competitive due to increasing costs without attending benefits.

Reilly, N. B.↗

Computer network environment planning and analysis

The GSFC Computer Network Environment provides a broadband RF cable between campus buildings and ethernet spines in buildings for the interlinking of Local Area Networks (LANs). This system provides terminal and computer linkage among host and user systems thereby providing E-mail services, file exchange capability, and certain distributed computing opportunities. The Environment is designed to be transparent and supports multiple protocols. Networking at Goddard has a short history and has been under coordinated control of a Network Steering Committee for slightly more than two years; network growth has been rapid with more than 1500 nodes currently addressed and greater expansion expected. A new RF cable system with a different topology is being installed during summer 1989; consideration of a fiber optics system for the future will begin soon. Summmer study was directed toward Network Steering Committee operation and planning plus consideration of Center Network Environment analysis and modeling. Biweekly Steering Committee meetings were attended to learn the background of the network and the concerns of those managing it. Suggestions for historical data gathering have been made to support future planning and modeling. Data Systems Dynamic Simulator, a simulation package developed at NASA and maintained at GSFC was studied as a possible modeling tool for the network environment. A modeling concept based on a hierarchical model was hypothesized for further development. Such a model would allow input of newly updated parameters and would provide an estimation of the behavior of the network.

Dalphin, John F.↗

Design and architecture of the Mars relay network planning and analysis framework

In this paper we describe the design and architecture of the Mars Network planning and analysis framework that supports generation and validation of efficient planning and scheduling strategy. The goals are to minimize the transmitting time, minimize the delaying time, and/or maximize the network throughputs. The proposed framework would require (1) a client-server architecture to support interactive, batch, WEB, and distributed analysis and planning applications for the relay network analysis scheme, (2) a high-fidelity modeling and simulation environment that expresses link capabilities between spacecraft to spacecraft and spacecraft to Earth stations as time-varying resources, and spacecraft activities, link priority, Solar System dynamic events, the laws of orbital mechanics, and other limiting factors as spacecraft power and thermal constraints, (3) an optimization methodology that casts the resource and constraint models into a standard linear and nonlinear constrained optimization problem that lends itself to commercial off-the-shelf (COTS)planning and scheduling algorithms.

Mars relay network planning analysis↗

Determining the Most Influencing Medical Conditions in MEDPRAT’s SIN Directed Graph

INTRODUCTION: The Susceptibility Inference Network (SIN) is a network of medical conditions, part of the Medical Extensible Probabilistic Risk Assessment Tool (MEDPRAT) developed by NASA to assess human health and medical risk to space exploration missions. The SIN is subject matter expert informed and acts as a prototype that provides relationships and dependencies between events modeled by MEDPRAT. Each vertex in the SIN has a weight which evaluates the severity of having the condition regardless of the progression from or to that condition. In this presentation, we consider two statistics to measure that stand alone risk: Quality Time Lost (QTL) and Loss of Crew Life (LOCL). Our goal is to identify the medical conditions that contribute the most to crew members QTL and LOCL risks due to progression of conditions in the network. We investigate how different computation parameters result in different condition rankings and address the choice of parameters that allows appropriate interventions to ensure space mission success. METHODS: The Katz score, one of many centrality measures created for ranking purposes in network analysis, takes into account all possible walks through the network, penalizing each additional step in a walk by a factor α called the Katz parameter. The literature does not provide specific values for the choice of α. We derive an analytical relationship between α and the maximum path length which has influence on the Katz score and ranking. Based on the probability of progression of each condition in the SIN, we identify that maximum path length of interest and calculate α that is then used in the Katz formula to rank the conditions in the SIN. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The effective probabilities of the SIN matrix generally fall below 10−6, which is below the level of the least influencing condition in the set. This corresponds to the probability of at most six consecutive progressions of a condition. Consequently, we calculate the Katz Parameter α and get 0.32. We rank the medical conditions and find that Acute Radiation Symptom is the condition the most prone to contribute to quality time loss due to progression.

risk analysis↗