Synchronization waves in geometric networks

We report synchronization of networked excitable nodes embedded in a metric space, where the connectivity properties are mostly determined by the distance between units. Such a high clustered structure, combined with the lack of long-range connections, prevents full synchronization and yields instead the emergence of synchronization waves. We show that this regime is optimal for information transmission through the system, as it enhances the options of reconstructing the topology from the dynamics. Measurements of topological and functional centralities reveal that the wave-synchronization state allows detection of the most structurally relevant nodes from a single observation of the dynamics, without any a priori information on the model equations ruling the evolution of the ensemble

Reduced synchronization persistence in neural networks derived from atm-deficient mice

Many neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by malfunction of the DNA damage response. Therefore, it is important to understand the connection between system level neural network behavior and DNA. Neural networks drawn from genetically engineered animals, interfaced with micro-electrode arrays allowed us to unveil connections between networks’ system level activity properties and such genome instability. We discovered that Atm protein deficiency, which in humans leads to progressive motor impairment, leads to a reduced synchronization persistence compared to wild type synchronization, after chemically imposed DNA damage. Not only do these results suggest a role for DNA stability in neural network activity, they also establish an experimental paradigm for empirically determining the role a gene plays on the behavior of a neural network.

Assortative and modular networks are shaped by adaptive synchronization processes

Modular organization and degree-degree correlations are ubiquitous in the connectivity structure of biological, technological, and social interacting systems. So far most studies have concentrated on unveiling both features in real world networks, but a model that succeeds in generating them simultaneously is needed. We consider a network of interacting phase oscillators, and an adaptation mechanism for the coupling that promotes the connection strengths between those elements that are dynamically correlated. We show that, under these circumstances, the dynamical organization of the oscillators shapes the topology of the graph in such a way that modularity and assortativity features emerge spontaneously and simultaneously. In turn, we prove that such an emergent structure is associated with an asymptotic arrangement of the collective dynamical state of the network into cluster synchronization.

Low-complexity timing synchronization scheme for MB-OFDM UWB receiver based on sign-bit

A unified low complexity sign-bit correlation based symbol timing synchronization scheme for Multiband Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (MB-OFDM) Ultra Wideband (UWB) receiver system is proposed. By using the time domain sequence of the packet/frame synchronization preamble, the proposed scheme is in charge of detecting the upcoming MB-OFDM symbol and it estimates the exact boundary of the start of Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) window. The proposed algorithm is implemented by using an efficient Hardware-Software co-simulation methodology. The effectiveness of the proposed synchronization scheme and the optimization criteria is confirmed by hardware implementation results.

Digital chaos synchronization in optical networks

A new method to obtain digital chaos synchronization between two systems is reported. It is based on the use of Optically Programmable Logic Cells as chaos generators. When these cells are feedbacked, periodic and chaotic behaviours are obtained. They depend on the ratio between internal and external delay times. Chaos synchronization is obtained if a common driving signal feeds both systems. A control to impose the same boundary conditions to both systems is added to the emitter. New techniques to analyse digital chaos are presented. The main application of these structures is to obtain secure communications in optical networks.

Chaos synchronization in optically programmable logic cells

A possible approach to the synchronization of chaotic circuits is reported. It is based on an Optically Programmable Logic Cell and the signals are fully digital. A method to study the characteristics of the obtained chaos is reported as well as a new technique to compare the obtained chaos from an emitter and a receiver. This technique allows the synchronization of chaotic signals. The signals received at the receiver, composed by the addition of information and chaotic signals, are compared with the chaos generated there and a pure information signal can be detected. Its application to cryptography in Optical Communications comes directly from these properties. The model here presented is based on a computer simulation.

Wireless measurement system for structural health monitoring with high time synchronization accuracy

Structural health monitoring (SHM) systems have excellent potential to improve the regular operation and maintenance of structures. Wireless networks (WNs) have been used to avoid the high cost of traditional generic wired systems. The most important limitation of SHM wireless systems is time-synchronization accuracy, scalability, and reliability. A complete wireless system for structural identification under environmental load is designed, implemented, deployed, and tested on three different real bridges. Our contribution ranges from the hardware to the graphical front end. System goal is to avoid the main limitations of WNs for SHM particularly in regard to reliability, scalability, and synchronization. We reduce spatial jitter to 125 ns, far below the 120 μs required for high-precision acquisition systems and much better than the 10-μs current solutions, without adding complexity. The system is scalable to a large number of nodes to allow for dense sensor coverage of real-world structures, only limited by a compromise between measurement length and mandatory time to obtain the final result. The system addresses a myriad of problems encountered in a real deployment under difficult conditions, rather than a simulation or laboratory test bed.

Optically programmable logic cells as basic units for transmission and synchronization of chaotic signals

We proposed an optical communications system, based on a digital chaotic signal where the synchronization of chaos was the main objective, in some previous papers. In this paper we will extend this work. A way to add the digital data signal to be transmitted onto the chaotic signal and its correct reception, is the main objective. We report some methods to study the main characteristics of the resulting signal. The main problem with any real system is the presence of some retard between the times than the signal is generated at the emitter at the time when this signal is received. Any system using chaotic signals as a method to encrypt need to have the same characteristics in emitter and receiver. It is because that, this control of time is needed. A method to control, in real time the chaotic signals, is reported.

Generalized synchronization in relay systems with instantaneous coupling

We demonstrate the existence of generalized synchronization in systems that act as mediators between two dynamical units that, in turn, show complete synchronization with each other. These are the so-called relay systems. Specifically, we analyze the Lyapunov spectrum of the full system to elucidate when complete and generalized synchronization appear. We show that once a critical coupling strength is achieved, complete synchronization emerges between the systems to be synchronized, and at the same point, generalized synchronization with the relay system also arises. Next, we use two nonlinear measures based on the distance between phase-space neighbors to quantify the generalized synchronization in discretized time series. Finally, we experimentally show the robustness of the phenomenon and of the theoretical tools here proposed to characterize it.

Temporal task allocation in periodic environments. An approach based on synchronization

In this paper, we study a robot swarm that has to perform task allocation in an environment that features periodic properties. In this environment, tasks appear in different areas following periodic temporal patterns. The swarm has to reallocate its workforce periodically, performing a temporal task allocation that must be synchronized with the environment to be effective. We tackle temporal task allocation using methods and concepts that we borrow from the signal processing literature. In particular, we propose a distributed temporal task allocation algorithm that synchronizes robots of the swarm with the environment and with each other. In this algorithm, robots use only local information and a simple visual communication protocol based on light blinking. Our results show that a robot swarm that uses the proposed temporal task allocation algorithm performs considerably more tasks than a swarm that uses a greedy algorithm.

Digital chaos synchronization in optical networks

A possible approach to the synchronization of chaotic circuits is reported. It is based on an Optically Programmable Logic Cell and as a consequence its output is digital, its application to cryptography in Optical Communications comes directly from its properties. The model here presented is based on a computer simulation.

Induction of ovulation in rabbits by adding Lecirelin to the seminal dose: In vitro and in vivo effects of different excipients.

This study evaluates the effect of Lecirelin (Dalmarelin®, Fatro, Italy) diluted in different excipients (benzilic alcohol, benzoic acid and paraben) added to a seminal dose on LH concentrations, progesterone concentrations and ovarian status in rabbits. The in vitro effect on spermatozoa was also tested. A total of 100 multiparous female rabbits were divided into 5 groups, which at the moment of AI, received 0.2 mL (5 μg/dose) intramuscular (im) inoculation of Lecirelin (control) or the same Lecirelin dose administered intravaginally (iv) with the seminal dose alone (Lecirelin group) or with benzilic alcohol (Lecirelin BA group), benzoic acid (Lecirelin BAc group) or parabens (Lecirelin PA group) as an excipient. After 7 days, 10 rabbits per group were euthanized to analyze their ovarian status. In the control group, a high LH peak was detected 30 min post AI, while in the iv groups a slight increase in LH occurred after 120 min. The ovulation and fertility rate was similar in control and Lecirelin groups, while the lowest fertility rate was detected in the Lecirelin BA group. In a second experiment, the semen samples collected from male rabbits were diluted in TALP (control) or mixed with the 5 μg of Lecirelin solutions used in the first experiment. The highest percentage of capacitated sperm (68.3%) was recorded in the Lecirelin PA. The lowest percentages were observed in the Lecirelin BA and BAc groups. In conclusion, the iv administration of Lecirelin represents an alternative method for simplifying rabbit insemination procedures.

Grouped sparsity algorithm for multichannel intracardiac ECG synchronization

In this paper, a new method is presented to ensure automatic synchronization of intracardiac ECG data, yielding a three-stage algorithm. We first compute a robust estimate of the derivative of the data to remove low-frequency perturbations. Then we provide a grouped-sparse representation of the data, by means of the Group LASSO, to ensure that all the electrical spikes are simultaneously detected. Finally, a post-processing step, based on a variance analysis, is performed to discard false alarms. Preliminary results on real data for sinus rhythm and atrial fibrillation show the potential of this approach.

Induction of ovulation in rabbit does using purified nerve growth factor and camel seminal plasma

The presence of an ovulation-inducing factor (OIF) in the seminal plasma (SP) of several species with spontaneous and induced ovulation, including the rabbit, has been documented. Recent studies have demonstrated that the OIF in the SP of camels (SPCAM) is a nerve growth factor (β-NGF). The aim of this study was to determine if purified β-NGF from mouse submandibular glands or SPCAM could provoke ovulation induction in the rabbit doe. A total of 35 females were synchronized with 25 IU of equine chorionic gonadotropin (Serigan, Laboratorios Ovejero, Spain) and allocated into 4 groups. Forty-eight hours later (Day 0), does were given a single dose (IM) of 1 mL of saline solution (SS; n = 8); 1 mL of gonadorelin (GnRH; Inducel, Laboratorios Ovejero, Spain; n = 9); 24 µg of β-NGF (2.5S-NGF; Promega, USA; n = 10); or 1 mL of centrifuged raw camel SP (SPCAM; 127 pg mL–1 NGF; n = 8). After treatment, an empty catheter was introduced through the vagina to simulate the nervous/mechanical stimulus of coitus (4 animals per group). Plasma LH concentrations were determined in blood samples taken 30 min before treatment and at 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min after injection. Progesterone concentrations were assessed at 0 and 120 min and every 2 days until Day 6 after treatment. Concentrations of β-NGF in camel SP and hormone determinations were made by enzyme immunoassay. Ovulation rate (OR) was determined after euthanasia on Day 7.