Architectural issues related to the optical implementation of an EGS network based on embedded control

Free-space optical implementations of switching networks have been proposed to circumvent many of the system-level problems that may be encountered in systems that require many high-density, high-bandwidth connections. The details of a new class of switching network (the EGS network), that is well-suited to free-space implementations, is described. The common control injection problem that plagues most free-space photonic networks, i.e. how can control information from an electronic source be injected into the network for applications that require relatively high network reconfiguration rates, is examined. A new technique for control injection, called embedded control, which permits network operation even with relatively high network reconfiguration rates is also proposed.     

Selection of windows, attractors and self-similar patterns in a coupled map lattice

It is shown that a lattice of diffusively coupled logistic maps displays self-similar period-doubling cascades to chaos with all the known stages of pattern formation. The location of the self-similar patterns is determined. The basins of attraction yielding window structures, so far believed to be negligibly small, are shown to cover virtually all initial conditions given a certain maximum amplitude to the random initial conditions. As a consequence a means for selecting attractors in a CML is obtained. A new pattern selection regime at high nonlinearity is reported and the basins of attraction of some attractors of small lattices are investigated.     

Torsors and Stacks

It is shown that the groupoid of G-torsors, suitably defined, can be used to construct a model for the stack associated to G, for arbitrary sheaves of groupoids G. This research was supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.     

High-performance liquid chromatography and thin-layer chromatography assays for Devil's Club (Oplopanax horridus)

Devil's root, Oplopanax horridus, is a widely used folk medicine in Alaska and British Columbia. The inner bark of the root and stem has been used to treat colds, cough, fever, and diabetes. The present study involves the development of high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) and thin-layer chromatography (TLC) methods to detect the presence of trans-nerolidol and sterols in the root bark. The HPLC and TLC analytical methods presented are suitable for the characterization and identification of Oplopanax horridus.