Towards Automatic Support of Software Model Evolution with Large Language~Models

Modeling structure and behavior of software systems plays a crucial role, in various areas of software engineering. As with other software engineering artifacts, software models are subject to evolution. Supporting modelers in evolving models by model completion facilities and providing high-level edit operations such as frequently occurring editing patterns is still an open problem. Recently, large language models (i.e., generative neural networks) have garnered significant attention in various research areas, including software engineering. In this paper, we explore the potential of large language models in supporting the evolution of software models in software engineering. We propose an approach that utilizes large language models for model completion and discovering editing patterns in model histories of software systems. Through controlled experiments using simulated model repositories, we conduct an evaluation of the potential of large language models for these two tasks. We have found that large language models are indeed a promising technology for supporting software model evolution, and that it is worth investigating further in the area of software model evolution

Introducing an Evaluation Method for Taxonomies

Background: Taxonomies are crucial for the development of a research field, as they play a major role in structuring a complex body of knowledge and help to classify processes, approaches, and solutions. While there is an increasing interest in taxonomies in the software engineering (SE) research field, we observe that SE taxonomies are rarely evaluated. Aim: To raise awareness and provide operational guidance on how to evaluate a taxonomy, this paper presents a three step evaluation method evaluating its structure, applicability, and purpose. Method: To show the feasibility and applicability of our approach, we provide a running example and additionally illustrate our approach to a practical case study in SE research. Results and Conclusion: Our method with operational guidance enables SE researchers to systematically evaluate and improve the quality of their taxonomies and support reviewers to systematically assess a taxonomy\u27s quality

Translating E/R-diagrams into Consistent Database Specifications

In this report we present the results of a case study with the KIV system (Karlsruhe Interactive Verifier). This case study deals with consistency proofs for entity relationship database specifications. In comparison to other case studies done with the KIV system (e.g. [Sch89, Ste93]) a completely different task was tackled by the KIV approach. Not the development of correct programs were to the fore, but the examination of the suitability of the module concept as a basis for consistency proofs of specifications. The realization of this task consists of the development of a modular system as the target of the translation and a realistic example for testing the method

Integrating Processes in Temporal Logic

. In this paper we propose a technique to integrate process models in classical structures for quantified temporal (modal) logic. The idea is that in a temporal logic processes are ordinary syntactical objects with a specific semantical representation. Thus the structural information of processes can be captured and exploited to guide proofs. As an instance of this technique we present a quantified metric linear temporal logic of processes. We describe syntax and semantic of this logic especially with a focus on the process part. Finally we sketch a calculus, give some examples and discuss our experiences in doing proofs. Keywords: temporal logic, modal logic, program logic, semantics, specification, verification, real-time. 1 Introduction The growing complexity of todays soft- and hardware systems enforces more and more improved methodological support during the phases of development and maintenance. The unambiguity of formal description languages based on fixed semantics ensures hi..

Three Selected Case Studies in Verification

In this paper we highlight three verification case studies with the Kiv system (Karlsruhe Interactive Verifier, [HRS90]). The case studies pursue different aims and illustrate different aspects of verification. The paper reports on our experiences, presents a detailed productivity analysis of the Kiv system, and gives an impression of the typical verification problems that show up in practical applications. Furthermore, these case studies can serve as a challenge for other verification systems

Introducing an Evaluation Method for Taxonomies

Background: Taxonomies are crucial for the development of a research field, as they play a major role in structuring a complex body of knowledge and help to classify processes, approaches, and solutions. While there is an increasing interest in taxonomies in the software engineering (SE) research field, we observe that SE taxonomies are rarely evaluated. Aim: To raise awareness and provide operational guidance on how to evaluate a taxonomy, this paper presents a three step evaluation method evaluating its structure, applicability, and purpose. Method: To show the feasibility and applicability of our approach, we provide a running example and additionally illustrate our approach to a practical case study in SE research. Results and Conclusion: Our method with operational guidance enables SE researchers to systematically evaluate and improve the quality of their taxonomies and support reviewers to systematically assess a taxonomy\u27s quality

Novel nanomolar imidazo[4,5-b]pyridines as selective nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inhibitors : SAR and structural insights

Inducible arginine oxidation and subsequent NO production by correspondent synthase (iNOS) are important cellular answers to proinflammatory signals. Prolonged NO production has been proved in higher organisms to cause stroke or septic shock. Several classes of potent NOS inhibitors have been reported, most of them targeting the arginine binding site of the oxygenase domain. Here we disclose the SAR and the rational design of potent and selective iNOS inhibitors which may be useful as anti-inflammatory drugs

An Automated Electrochemical Flow Platform to Accelerate Library Synthesis and Reaction Optimization

Automated batch and flow reactors are well-established for high throughput experimentation in both thermal chemistry and photochemistry. However, the development of automated electrochemical platforms is hindered by cell miniaturization challenges in batch and difficulties in designing effective single-pass flow systems. In order to address these issues, we have designed and implemented a new, slug-based automated electrochemical flow platform. This platform was successfully demonstrated for electrochemical C-N cross-couplings of E3 ligase binders with diverse amines (44 examples), which were subsequently transferred to a continuous-flow mode for confirmation and isolation. To further validate the versatility of the platform, Design of Experiments (DoE) optimization was performed for an unsuccessful library target. This optimization process, fully automated by the platform, resulted in a remarkable 5-fold increase in reaction yield

Inhibition of Colonic Tumor Growth by the Selective SGK Inhibitor EMD638683

Background: The serum and glucocorticoid inducible kinase SGK1, which was originally cloned from mammary tumor cells, is highly expressed in some but not all tumors. SGK1 confers survival to several tumor cells. Along those lines, the number of colonic tumors following chemical carcinogenesis was decreased in SGK1 knockout mice. Recently, a highly selective SGK inhibitor (EMD638683) has been developed. The present study explored whether EMD638683 affects survival of colon carcinoma cells in vitro and impacts on development of colonic tumors in vivo. Methods: Colon carcinoma (Caco-2) cells were exposed to EMD638683 with or without exposure to radiation (3 Gray) and cell volume was estimated from forward scatter, phosphatidylserine exposure from annexin V binding, mitochondrial potential from JC-9 fluorescence, caspase 3 activity from CaspGlow Fluorescein staining, DNA degradation from propidium iodide staining as well as late apoptosis from annexin-V FITC and propidium iodide double staining. In vivo tumor growth was determined in wild type mice subjected to chemical carcinogenesis (intraperitoneal injection of 20 mg/kg 1,2-dimethylhydrazine followed by three cycles of 30 g/L synthetic dextran sulfate sodium in drinking water for 7 days). Results: EMD638683 treatment significantly augmented the radiation-induced decrease of forward scatter, increase of phosphatidylserine exposure, decrease of mitochondrial potential, increase of caspase 3 activity, increase of DNA fragmentation and increase of late apoptosis. The in vivo development of tumors following chemical carcinogenesis was significantly blunted by treatment with EMD638683. Conclusions: EMD638683 promotes radiation-induced suicidal death of colon tumor cells in vitro and decreases the number of colonic tumors following chemical carcinogenesis in vivo