Comprehensive performance modeling and analysis of multicasting in optical networks

Multicasting is becoming increasingly important in today's networks. In optical networks, optical splitters facilitate the multicasting of optical signals. By eliminating the transmission of redundant traffic over certain links, multicasting can improve network performance. However, in a wavelength-division multiplexed (WDM) optical network, the lack of wavelength conversion necessitates the establishment of a single multicast circuit (light-tree) on a single wavelength. On the other hand, establishing several unicast connections (lightpaths) to satisfy a multicast request, while requiring more capacity, is less constrained in terms of wavelength assignment. The objective of the paper is to evaluate the tradeoff between capacity and wavelength continuity in the context of optical multicasting. To this end, we develop accurate analytical models with moderate complexity for computing the blocking probability of multicast requests realized using light-trees, lightpaths, and combinations of light-trees and lightpaths. Numerical results indicate that a suitable combination of light-trees and lightpaths performs best when no wavelength conversion is present.     

Effects of delayed linear electrical perturbation of the Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction: a case of complex mixed mode oscillations in a batch reactor

Delayed feedbacks are quite common in many physical and biological systems and in particular many physiological systems. Delay can cause a stable system to become unstable and vice versa. One of the well-studied non-biological chemical oscillators is the Belousov-Zhabotinskii (BZ) reaction. This gives relaxation oscillations for a considerable period of time under batch conditions. This paper deals with the effect of perturbing the limit cycle oscillation of BZ reaction by employing a delayed electrical feedback to the system under batch conditions. The parameters chosen to study are external resistance and delay. For various resistances and delays the system was electrically perturbed and found to exhibit various complex mixed mode oscillations. The dynamic features are accounted for by the Oregonator model, with time delay incorporated in one of the variables. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Rhodopsin reconstituted into a planar-supported lipid bilayer retains photoactivity after cross-linking polymerization of lipid monomers

Transmembrane proteins (TMPs), particularly ion channels and receptors, play key roles in transport and signal transduction. Many of these proteins are pharmacologically important and therefore targets for drug discovery. TMPs can be reconstituted in planar-supported lipid bilayers (PSLBs), which has led to development of TMP-based biosensors and biochips. However, PSLBs composed of natural lipids lack the high stability desired for many technological applications. One strategy is to use synthetic lipid monomers that can be polymerized to form robust bilayers. A key question is how lipid polymerization affects TMP structure and activity. In this study, we have examined the effects of UV polymerization of bis-Sorbylphosphatidylcholine (bis-SorbPC) on the photoactivation of reconstituted bovine rhodopsin (Rho), a model G-protein-coupled receptor. Plasmon-waveguide resonance spectroscopy (PWR) was used to compare the degree of Rho incorporation and activation in fluid and poly(lipid) PSLBs. The results show that reconstitution of Rho into a supported lipid bilayer composed only of bis-SorbPC, followed by photoinduced lipid cross-linking, does not measurably diminish protein function.     

A revised structure for hermonionic acid

Hermonionic acid and its decarboxylated product have been isolated from $\text{Garcinia}$$\text{quaesita}$. ¹³C NMR spectral and chemical evidence indicate that hermonionic acid is 2-0-[2-(3-methylbut-2-enyl)-3-methoxy- 4-hydroxy-5-(3,7-dimethylocta-2,6-dienyl]-4-methoxy-5-(3-methylbut-2-enyl-6-hydroxybenzoic acid. The previously assigned dienone structure for this acid is incorrect.     

CO(2)-expanded solvents: unique and versatile media for performing homogeneous catalytic oxidations

The work summarized here demonstrates a new concept for exploiting dense phase CO(2), media considered to be "green" solvents, for homogeneous catalytic oxidation reactions. According to this concept, the conventional organic solvent medium used in catalytic chemical reactions is replaced substantially (up to 80 vol %) by CO(2), at moderate pressures (tens of bars), to create a continuum of CO(2)-expanded solvent media. A particular benefit is found for oxidation catalysis; the presence of CO(2) in the mixed medium increases the O(2) solubility by ca. 100 times compared to that in the neat organic solvent while the retained organic solvent serves an essential role by solubilizing the transition metal catalyst. We show that CO(2)-expanded solvents provide optimal properties for maximizing oxidation rates that are typically 1-2 orders of magnitude greater than those obtained with either the neat organic solvent or supercritical CO(2) as the reaction medium. These advantages are demonstrated with examples of homogeneous oxidations of a substituted phenol and of cyclohexene by molecular O(2) using transition metal catalysts, cobalt Schiff-base and iron porphyrin complexes, respectively, in CO(2)-expanded CH(3)CN.