Network survivability analysis

Advances in fiber optic and local area network (LAN) technologies are providing system designers with many new options for interconnecting computer equipment. A recurring problem for military system designers, who are end-users of a LAN standard, is implementing LANs so that the survivability, reliability, maintainability, and availability (SRMA) of a system is maximized. LAN standards working groups are currently making design decisions about topologies, components, and protocols that directly affect the SRMA of the end-user's system. This article focuses on a new analytic technique, called “network survivability analysis,” that provides the mathematical tools needed to compare the survivability of arbitrary network topologies. For background, several network metrics are described and their limitations for LAN standards development identified. Network survivability is defined, and several token-passing ring case examples are analyzed. The primary strength of network survivability analysis is that it can be used to provide a quantitative comparison among LAN topologies without knowledge of the end-user's equipment, systems, or environments.     

Feed forward rings

Military and other critical (life-threatening/life-saving) systems require performance evaluations from a survivability, reliability, maintainability, and availability (SRMA) perspective. Applying SRMA concepts to commercial token passing ring local area networks (LANs) (e.g., IEEE-802.5, FDDI, SAE-9B) has uncovered several design issues that could impact the utility of these networks in a critical system. This article discloses a new architecture for token passing rings, called “feed forward rings” (FFR), which provides a significant improvement in system survivability, can eliminate “jabber mode” induced ring failures, and provides for passive optical bridging between rings.

The basic “feed forward” concept is that LANs, based on token passing protocols and utilizing multiple, physically separated, fiber optic rings, should have the serial data stream on each ring flowing in the same direction of rotation. This article provides qualitative observations on the performance of current commercial rings and discusses the advantages of several FFR topologies. Implementation issues related to FFRs are also discussed. It is recommended that FFR alternatives to counterrotating rings (CRR) with separated cables be considered for inclusion in LAN standards.     

Feed forward rings

Military and other critical (life-threatening/life-saving) systems require performance evaluations from a survivability, reliability, maintainability, and availability (SRMA) perspective. Applying SRMA concepts to commercial token passing ring local area networks (LANs) (e.g., IEEE-802.5, FDDI, SAE-9B) has uncovered several design issues that could impact the utility of these networks in a critical system. This article discloses a new architecture for token passing rings, called “feed forward rings” (FFR), which provides a significant improvement in system survivability, can eliminate “jabber mode” induced ring failures, and provides for passive optical bridging between rings.

The basic “feed forward” concept is that LANs, based on token passing protocols and utilizing multiple, physically separated, fiber optic rings, should have the serial data stream on each ring flowing in the same direction of rotation. This article provides qualitative observations on the performance of current commercial rings and discusses the advantages of several FFR topologies. Implementation issues related to FFRs are also discussed. It is recommended that FFR alternatives to counterrotating rings (CRR) with separated cables be considered for inclusion in LAN standards.     

Stroboscopic variation measurement

A new procedure of the linear position measurement which allows to obtain sensitivity better than the Standard Quantum Limit and close to the Energetic Quantum Limit is proposed and analyzed in detail. Proposed method is based on the principles of stroboscopic quantum measurement and variation quantum measurement and allows to avoid main disadvantages of both these procedures. This method can be considered as a good candidate for use as a local position meter in the “intracavity” topologies of the laser gravitational-wave antennae.     

The signal from a galactic supernova: measuring the tau-neutrino mass

We have developed a comprehensive Monte Carlo analysis in order to simulate the neutrino signal from a galactic supernova in a large water Cerenkov detector. This allows us to demonstrate that, by exploiting the various features of the signal in a way which is largely independent of the supernova model, assuming only that the late-time behaviour of the signal is flavor independent, a sensitivity to a tau-neutrino mass down to the cosmologically interesting range of ≈ 25 eV for a medium luminosity burst is possible. This is the case even though the tau signal involves ≈ 50 out of ≈ 10 000 total events in a detector of the size of that proposed for “Super Kamiokande”. In addition, our results allow us to elucidate several aspects of a supernova neutrino signal in water detectors which had not been previously explored, including new results on the observability of the neutrinization burst.     

Interfacial waves with free-surface boundary conditions: an approach via a model equation

In a two-fluid system where the lower fluid is bounded below by a rigid bottom and the upper fluid is bounded above by a free surface, two kinds of solitary waves can propagate along the interface and the free surface: classical solitary waves characterized by a solitary pulse or generalized solitary waves with nondecaying oscillations in their tails in addition to the solitary pulse. The classical solitary waves move faster than the generalized solitary waves. The origin of the nonlocal solitary waves can be understood from a physical point of view. The dispersion relation for the above system shows that short waves can propagate at the same speed as a “slow” solitary wave. The interaction between the solitary wave and the short waves creates a nonlocal solitary wave. In this paper, the interfacial-wave problem is reduced to a system of ordinary differential equations by using a classical perturbation method, which takes into consideration the possible resonance between short waves and “slow” solitary waves. In the past, classical Korteweg–de Vries type models have been derived but cannot deal with the resonance. All solutions of the new system of model equations, including classical as well as generalized solitary waves, are constructed. The domain of validity of the model is discussed as well. It is also shown that fronts connecting two conjugate states cannot occur for “fast” waves. For “slow” waves, fronts exist but they have ripples in their tails.     

Investigating directed cortical interactions in time-resolved fMRI data using vector autoregressive modeling and Granger causality mapping

We present a framework aimed to reveal directed interactions of activated brain areas using time-resolved fMRI and vector autoregressive (VAR) modeling in the context of Granger causality. After describing the underlying mathematical concepts, we present simulations helping to characterize the conditions under which VAR modeling and Granger causality can reveal directed interactions from fluctuations in BOLD-like signal time courses. We apply the proposed approach to a dynamic sensorimotor mapping paradigm. In an event-related fMRI experiment, subjects performed a visuomotor mapping task for which the mapping of two stimuli (“faces” vs “houses”) to two responses (“left” or “right”) alternated periodically between the two possible mappings. Besides expected activity in sensory and motor areas, a fronto-parietal network was found to be active during presentation of a cue indicating a change in the stimulus-response (S-R) mapping. The observed network includes the superior parietal lobule and premotor areas. These areas might be involved in setting up and maintaining stimulus-response associations. The Granger causality analysis revealed a directed influence exerted by the left lateral prefrontal cortex and premotor areas on the left posterior parietal cortex.     

激光局域网络的混沌控制及并行队列同步

本文提出并研究了"单队列-双参数"光电延时反馈控制条件下的激光局域网络的混沌控制及串联的动力学行为的并行队列"交叉驱动-反馈"网络同步实现,建立了该光学局域网络的数学物理控制模型.通过含时延超越方程理论的分析,预言了该光学局域网络是可以实现混沌控制的,且网络两路结点队列是可以实现实时引导控制到多个类周期状态上的,并通过并行队列同步方程理论证明并行串联队列同步是可以获得的.结果发现在可控的激光局域网络两个并行串联队列光路上,分别实现了网络队列结点的混沌控制并能够实现多个类周期的网络结点的并行串联队列同步,实现了络网结点激光器的2周期、3周期、4周期等状态的并行队列同步,以及其他多个类周期的队列并行同步和动态同步.还发现了两个类周期并行队列网络同步控制区域.本文还给出了激光局域网络"并行多点混沌载波同步发射及其在光学超宽带通信中应用"的一个案例并成功实现.这是一种新型的激光混沌局域网络控制系统,具有光局域网络光传送与光联接核心控制技术要素,具有复杂动力学系统与网络的多变量、多空间维度及并行两路不同队列混沌控制技术特点,还具有光网络超宽带通信功能等.其研究结果对局域网络、光网络的控制与同步、激光技术以及混沌的研究具有重要的参考价值.     

Methane activation over Ag-exchanged ZSM-5 zeolites: A theoretical study

Methane activation catalyzed over Ag-exchanged ZSM-5 zeolites was investigated by using the density functional theory (DFT) with a cluster model. Two different pathways were taken into account in this work: the “alkyl” and the “carbenium” pathways. The activation barriers obtained are 34.09 and 66.63 kcal/mol for the “alkyl” and the “carbenium” pathway, respectively. The calculated results show that the activation barrier of the “alkyl” pathway is smaller than that of “carbenium” pathway. Consequently, the “alkyl” pathway is the preferential reaction pathway. A new mechanism of methane conversion in the presence of ethene was proposed. In the catalytic cycle, the initial step of methane activation proceeds with the “alkyl” pathway and the Ag⁺ cation acts as an acceptor of the methyl group, then ethene reacts with the Ag⁺CH₃⁻ group to form propene. In addition, it is found that the Ag⁺ cations play an important role in the methane activation, compared with the reaction of methane activation over H-ZSM-5.     

Alternative procedure for LR 115 chemical etching and alpha tracks counting

An improved procedure for etching and analysis of alpha tracks induced in LR-115 detectors is proposed with the advantages of simplicity and its relatively low cost. A new type of detector holder was designed to etch and rinse efficiently up to 100 detectors. We develop a simple and reliable methodology with a semiautomatic track count using a Nikon digital camera coupled to a PC and employing software “SCION” freely available on the Internet. Track images are binarized prior the application of software “SCION” so that original track shapes are not distorted, space resolution is improved and track counting has low dependence on focus and illumination level. High discrimination for tracks is achieved when marks and rips perturb the detector surface. An image generator of nuclear tracks is included to study the effect of track overlapping effect on counting.     

Network ecology: topological constraints on ecosystem dynamics

Ecological systems are complex assemblages of various species with interactions between them. The interactions can be even more important than the species themselves for understanding how the whole system is functioning and organized. For the representation of the topological space of interspecific relationships, graph theory is a suitable mathematical tool: the network perspective and the various techniques of network analysis are more and more elaborated and invading ecology. Beyond a static view on networks, fundamental questions can only be answered if dynamical analyses are also made, and now it is clear that structural and dynamical studies must not “compete” but strongly complement each other. Our aim is to give a menu of classical and more recently suggested network indices and to discuss what do we know about their relations to ecosystem dynamics. Since ecologists have very diverse problems, they need diverse techniques and a good insight in matching the adequate method to a particular problem. The main question is how to link certain graph properties to understanding and predicting the behaviour of an ecosystem. We wish to contribute to bridging the gap between extreme structural and extreme dynamical views.     

An availability requirement for fiber optic transport systems in distribution feeder applications

This paper contains a discussion of Bellcore's proposed channel availability requirement for fiber optic transport systems used in distribution feeder applications. A representative model of the distribution network is first constructed which includes a high capacity fiber optic system running to a distribution hub. An overall availability requirement, consistent with present availability requirements, is applied to this model. The allocation to the fiber system is determined by truncation of the current interoffice channel availability requirement which is prorated with distance. Further allocation of downtime to the electronic hardware reliability failures yields an objective that can be directly compared with the results of electronic hardware reliability models. This requirement is now included in Bellcore's proposed “Generic Reliability Assurance Requirements for Fiber Optic Transport Systems.”     

基于SOPC的嵌入式网络化测控网关设计

为了实现测控设备的网络化远程访问控制,必须设计用于IEEE 488等测控接口总线协议与网络协议转换的网关设备,给出了一种基于SOPC技术的嵌入式网络化测控网关设计方法,其中借鉴了基于组件的模块化设计思想,采用固件分层设计和多语言混合编程模式,能够融合多种测控协议,将LAN、GPIB、USB、RS232等接口集成到了一个系统上,实现了嵌入式web服务器功能,客户端能够基于IE等浏览器实现测控设备的远程访问控制;最后给出了系统综合验证方法,结论表明:系统功能完善,符合网络化、模块化、通用化和智能化的发展方向。     

An upgradeable WDM-PON for broadcast and LAN services

We present a novel Wavelength-division-multiplexed passive optical network (WDM-PON) architecture for broadcast and local area network (LAN) services. The virtual ring LAN in the system can be utilized to not only realize LAN services but also provide broadcast services and extra point-to-point (P2P) bandwidth for optical network units (ONUs). A simulation study is performed to demonstrate this scheme. Its result indicates the LAN signals achieve optimum performance when extinction ratio (ER) is 4 dB.     

Coherent noise, scale invariance and intermittency in large systems

We introduce a new class of models in which a large number of “agents” organize under the influence of an externally imposed coherent noise. The model shows reorganization events whose size distribution closely follows a power law over many decades, even in the case where the agents do not interact with each other. In addition, the system displays “aftershock” events in which large disturbances are followed by a string of others at times which are distributed according to a t⁻¹ law. We also find that the lifetimes of the agents in the system possess a power-law distribution. We explain all these results using an approximate analytic treatment of the dynamics and discuss a number of variations on the basic model relevant to the study of particular physical systems.     

Completeness of “good” Bethe ansatz solutions of a quantum-group-invariant Heisenberg model

The sl_q(2) quantum-group-invariant Heisenberg model with open boundary conditions is investigated by means of the Bethe ansatz. As is well known, quantum groups for q equal to a root of unity possess a finite number of “good” representations with non-zero q-dimension and “bad” ones with vanishing q-dimension. Correspondingly, the state space of an invariant Heisenberg chain decomposes into “good” and “bad” states. A “good” state may be described by a path of only “good” representations. It is shown that the “good” states are given by all “good” Bethe ansatz solutions with roots restricted to the first periodicity strip, i.e. only positive-parity strings (in the language of Takahashi) are allowed. Applying Bethe's string-counting technique completeness of the “good” Bethe states is proven, i.e. the same number of states is found as the number of all restricted paths on the sl_q(2) Bratteli diagram. It is the first time that a “completeness” proof for an anisotropic quantum-invariant reduced Heisenberg model is performed.     

Hydrodynamic model for particle size segregation in granular media

We present a hydrodynamic theoretical model for “Brazil nut” size segregation in granular materials. We give analytical solutions for the rise velocity of a large intruder particle immersed in a medium of monodisperse fluidized small particles. We propose a new mechanism for this particle size-segregation due to buoyant forces caused by density variations which come from differences in the local “granular temperature”. The mobility of the particles is modified by the energy dissipation due to inelastic collisions and this leads to a different behavior from what one would expect for an elastic system. Using our model we can explain the size ratio dependence of the upward velocity.     

Order parameters and boundary effects in U(1) lattice gauge theory

We show that, independently of the boundary conditions, the two phases of the 4-dimensional compact U(1) lattice gauge theory can be characterized by the presence or absence of an “infinite” current network, with an appropriate definition of “infinite” network takes values 0 or 1 in the cold and hot phase, respectively. It thus constitutes a very efficient order parameter, which allows one to determine the transition region at low computational cost. In addition, for open and fixed boundary conditions we address the question of the impact of inhomogeneities and give examples of the reappearance of an energy gap already at moderate lattice sizes.     

Real-time MR artifacts filtering during continuous EEG/fMRI acquisition

The purpose of this study was the development of a real-time filtering procedure of MRI artifacts in order to monitor the EEG activity during continuous EEG/fMRI acquisition. The development of a combined EEG and fMRI technique has increased in the past few years. Preliminary “spike-triggered” applications have been possible because in this method, EEG knowledge was only necessary to identify a trigger signal to start a delayed fMRI acquisition. In this way, the two methods were used together but in an interleaved manner. In real simultaneous applications, like event-related fMRI study, artifacts induced by MRI events on EEG traces represent a substantial obstacle for a right analysis. Up until now, the methods proposed to solve this problem are mainly based on procedures to remove post-processing artifacts without the possibility to control electrophysiological behavior of the patient during fMRI scan. Moreover, these methods are not characterized by a strong “prior knowledge” of the artifact, which is an imperative condition to avoid any loss of information on the physiological signals recovered after filtering. In this work, we present a new method to perform simultaneous EEG/fMRI study with real-time artifacts filtering characterized by a procedure based on a preliminary analytical study of EPI sequence parameters-related EEG-artifact shapes. Standard EEG equipment was modified in order to work properly during ultra-fast MRI acquisitions. Changes included: high-performance acquisition device; electrodes/cap/wires/cables materials and geometric design; shielding box for EEG signal receiver; optical fiber link; and software. The effects of the RF pulse and time-varying magnetic fields were minimized by using a correct head cap wires-locked environment montage and then removed during EEG/fMRI acquisition with a subtraction algorithm that takes in account the most significant EPI sequence parameters. The on-line method also allows a further post-processing utilization.