arXiv subjects

B. Li

Publications and source records attributed to B. Li.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources

arXiv2014

Kinetic Alfvén solitary and rogue waves in superthermal plasmas

We investigate the small but finite amplitude solitary Kinetic Alfvén waves (KAWs) in low $β$ plasmas with superthermal electrons modeled by a kappa-type distribution. A nonlinear Korteweg-de Vries (KdV) equation describing the evolution of KAWs is derived by using the standard reductive perturbation method. Examining the dependence of the nonlinear and dispersion coefficients of the KdV equation on the superthermal parameter $κ$, plasma $β$ and obliqueness of propagation, we show that these parameters may change substantially the shape and size of solitary KAW pulses. Only sub-Alfvénic, compressive solitons are supported. We then extend the study to examine kinetic Alfvén rogue waves by deriving a nonlinear Schrödinger equation from {the KdV} equation. Rational solutions that form rogue wave envelopes are obtained. We examine how the behavior of rogue waves depends on the plasma parameters in question, finding that the rogue envelopes are lowered with increasing electron superthermality whereas the opposite is true when the plasma $β$ increases. The findings of this study may find applications to low $β$ plasmas in astrophysical environments where particles are superthermally distributed.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2014

Network Risk and Forecasting Power in Phase-Flipping Dynamical Networks

In order to model volatile real-world network behavior, we analyze phase-flipping dynamical scale-free network in which nodes and links fail and recover. We investigate how stochasticity in a parameter governing the recovery process affects phase-flipping dynamics, and find the probability that no more than q% of nodes and links fail. We derive higher moments of the fractions of active nodes and active links, $f_n(t)$ and $f_{\ell}(t)$, and define two estimators to quantify the level of risk in a network. We find hysteresis in the correlations of $f_n(t)$ due to failures at the node level, and derive conditional probabilities for phase-flipping in networks. We apply our model to economic and traffic networks.

physics.soc-ph↗

arXiv2014

Rank-frequency relation for Chinese characters

We show that the Zipf's law for Chinese characters perfectly holds for sufficiently short texts (few thousand different characters). The scenario of its validity is similar to the Zipf's law for words in short English texts. For long Chinese texts (or for mixtures of short Chinese texts), rank-frequency relations for Chinese characters display a two-layer, hierarchic structure that combines a Zipfian power-law regime for frequent characters (first layer) with an exponential-like regime for less frequent characters (second layer). For these two layers we provide different (though related) theoretical descriptions that include the range of low-frequency characters (hapax legomena). The comparative analysis of rank-frequency relations for Chinese characters versus English words illustrates the extent to which the characters play for Chinese writers the same role as the words for those writing within alphabetical systems.

cs.CL↗

arXiv2013

Exploration and Research on the New Mixed-Mechanism of Superconductors

We propose a new mixed-mechanism for superconductors, which addresses not only low- but also high-, and even possible room-temperature superconductivity. We use this mixed-mechanism to explain superconductivity in different temperature regions. This new mixed-mechanism is further explored and studied by investigating the possible interactions that may form Cooper pairs.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2013

Effects of field-aligned flows on standing kink and sausage modes supported by coronal loops

Fundamental standing modes and their overtones play an important role in coronal seismology. We examine how a significant field-aligned flow affects standing modes supported by coronal loops, modeled here as cold magnetic slabs. Of particular interest are the period ratios of the fundamental to its $(n-1)$-th overtone ($P_1/nP_n$) for both kink and sausage modes, and the threshold half-width-to-length ratio for sausage modes. For standing kink modes, the flow significantly reduces $P_1/nP_n$ in general, the effect being particularly strong for larger $n$ and when the density contrast $ρ_0/ρ_e$ between loops and their surroundings is weak. That said, even when $ρ_0/ρ_e$ approaches infinity, this effect is still substantial, reducing the minimal $P_1/nP_n$ by up to 13.7% (24.5%) for $n=2$ ($n=4$) relative to the static case, when the Alfvén Mach number $M_A$ reaches 0.8 where $M_A$ measures the loop flow speed in units of the internal Alfvén speed. For standing sausage modes, though not negligible, the flow effect in reducing $P_1/nP_n$ is not as strong. However, the threshold half-width-to-length ratio is considerably larger in the flowing case than its static counterpart. For $ρ_0/ρ_e$ in the range $[9, 1024]$ and $M_A$ in the range $[0, 0.5]$, an exhaustive parameter study yields that this threshold is well fitted by our Equation (23) which involves the two parameters in a simple way. This allows one to analytically constrain the combination $(ρ_0/ρ_e, M_A)$ for a loop with known width-to-length ratio when a standing sausage oscillation is identified therein. It also allows one to further examine the idea of partial sausage modes, and the flow is found to reduce significantly the spatial extent where partial modes are allowed.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2013

Envelope excitations in electronegative plasmas with electrons featuring the Tsallis distribution

We examine the modulational instability (MI) of ion-acoustic waves (IAWs) in an electronegative plasma containing positive and negative ions as well as electrons that follow the nonextensive statistics proposed by Tsallis [J. Stat. Phys. 52, 479 (1988)]. Using the reductive perturbation method (RPM), the nonlinear Schrödinger equation (NLSE) that governs the modulational instability of the IAWs is obtained. Inspired by the experimental work of Ichiki \emph{et al.} [Phys. Plasmas 8, 4275 (2001)], three types of electronegative plasmas are investigated. The effects of various parameters on the propagation of IAWs are discussed in detail numerically. We find that the plasma supports both bright and dark solutions. The presence of the non-extensively distributed electrons is found to play a crucial role in the formation of envelope excitations. The region in the parameter space where the MI exists depends sensitively on the positive to negative ion mass ratio (M) and negative to positive ion density ratio ($ν$). An extensive range of the nonextensive $q$-parameters {$(-1<q<3)$} is considered and in each case the MI sets in under different conditions. The finding of this investigation is useful for understanding stable wave propagation of envelope ion-acoustic solitary waves in space and laboratory plasmas comprising ions with both positive and negative charges as well as non-Maxwellian electrons.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2012

Celerity: A Low-Delay Multi-Party Conferencing Solution

In this paper, we attempt to revisit the problem of multi-party conferencing from a practical perspective, and to rethink the design space involved in this problem. We believe that an emphasis on low end-to-end delays between any two parties in the conference is a must, and the source sending rate in a session should adapt to bandwidth availability and congestion. We present Celerity, a multi-party conferencing solution specifically designed to achieve our objectives. It is entirely Peer-to-Peer (P2P), and as such eliminating the cost of maintaining centrally administered servers. It is designed to deliver video with low end-to-end delays, at quality levels commensurate with available network resources over arbitrary network topologies where bottlenecks can be anywhere in the network. This is in contrast to commonly assumed P2P scenarios where bandwidth bottlenecks reside only at the edge of the network. The highlight in our design is a distributed and adaptive rate control protocol, that can discover and adapt to arbitrary topologies and network conditions quickly, converging to efficient link rate allocations allowed by the underlying network. In accordance with adaptive link rate control, source video encoding rates are also dynamically controlled to optimize video quality in arbitrary and unpredictable network conditions. We have implemented Celerity in a prototype system, and demonstrate its superior performance over existing solutions in a local experimental testbed and over the Internet.

cs.MM↗

arXiv2012

Studies on fast triggering and high precision tracking with Resistive Plate Chambers

We report on studies of fast triggering and high-precision tracking using Resistive Plate Chambers (RPCs). Two beam tests were carried out with the 180 GeV muon beam at CERN using RPCs with gas gaps of 1.00 or 1.15 mm and equipped with readout strips with 1.27 mm pitch. This is the first beam test of RPCs with fine-pitch readout strips that explores simultaneously precision tracking and triggering capabilities. RPC signals were acquired with precision timing and charge integrating readout electronics at both ends of the strips. The time resolution was measured to be better than 600 ps and the average spatial resolution was found to be 220 um using charge information and 287 um using timing information. The dual-ended readout allows the determination of the average and the difference of the signal arrival times. The average time was found to be independent of the incident particle position along the strip and is useful for triggering purposes. The time difference yielded a determination of the hit position with a precision of 7.5 mm along the strip. These results demonstrate the feasibility using RPCs for fast and high-resolution triggering and tracking.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2012

Electronic structure and superconductivity of BiS2-based compounds LaO1-xFxBiS2

Using the density-functional perturbation theory with structural optimization, we investigate the electronic structure, phonon spectra, and superconductivity of BiS2-based layered compounds LaO1-xFxBiS2. For LaO0.5F0.5BiS2, the calculated electron-phonon coupling constant is equal to lambda = 0.8, and obtained Tc = 9.1 K is very close to its experimental value, indicating that it is a conventional electron-phonon superconductor.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2012

Spectral analysis of Gene co-expression network of Zebrafish

We analyze the gene expression data of Zebrafish under the combined framework of complex networks and random matrix theory. The nearest neighbor spacing distribution of the corresponding matrix spectra follows random matrix predictions of Gaussian orthogonal statistics. Based on the eigenvector analysis we can divide the spectra into two parts, first part for which the eigenvector localization properties match with the random matrix theory predictions, and the second part for which they show deviation from the theory and hence are useful to understand the system dependent properties. Spectra with the localized eigenvectors can be characterized into three groups based on the eigenvalues. We explore the position of localized nodes from these different categories. Using an overlap measure, we find that the top contributing nodes in the different groups carry distinguished structural features. Furthermore, the top contributing nodes of the different localized eigenvectors corresponding to the lower eigenvalue regime form different densely connected structure well separated from each other. Preliminary biological interpretation of the genes, associated with the top contributing nodes in the localized eigenvectors, suggests that the genes corresponding to same vector share common features.

physics.bio-ph↗

arXiv2012

Even and odd nonlinear charge coherent states and their nonclassical properties

The (over)completeness of even and odd nonlinear charge coherent states is proved and their generation explored. They are demonstrated to be generalized entangled nonlinear coherent states. A $D$-algebra realization of the SU$_f$(1,1) generators is given in terms of them. They are shown to exhibit SU$_f$(1,1) squeezing and two-mode $f$-antibunching for some particular types of $f$-nonlinearity, but neither one-mode nor two-mode $f$-squeezing.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2011

Streamer Wave Events Observed in Solar Cycle 23

In this paper we conduct a data survey searching for well-defined streamer wave events observed by the Large Angle and Spectrometric Coronagraph (LASCO) on-board the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) throughout Solar Cycle 23. As a result, 8 candidate events are found and presented here. We compare different events and find that in most of them the driving CMEs ejecta are characterized by a high speed and a wide angular span, and the CME-streamer interactions occur generally along the flank of the streamer structure at an altitude no higher than the bottom of the field of view of LASCO C2. In addition, all front-side CMEs have accompanying flares. These common observational features shed light on the excitation conditions of streamer wave events. We also conduct a further analysis on one specific streamer wave event on 5 June 2003. The heliocentric distances of 4 wave troughs/crests at various exposure times are determined; they are then used to deduce the wave properties like period, wavelength, and phase speeds. It is found that both the period and wavelength increase gradually with the wave propagation along the streamer plasma sheet, and the phase speed of the preceding wave is generally faster than that of the trailing ones. The associated coronal seismological study yields the radial profiles of the Alfvén speed and magnetic field strength in the region surrounding the streamer plasma sheet. Both quantities show a general declining trend with time. This is interpreted as an observational manifestation of the recovering process of the CME-disturbed corona. It is also found that the Alfvénic critical point is at about 10 R$_\odot$ where the flow speed, which equals the Alfvén speed, is $\sim$ 200 km s$^{-1}$.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2010

A coronal seismological study with streamer waves

We present a novel method to evaluate the Alfven speed and the magnetic field strength along the streamer plasma sheet in the outer corona. The method is based on recent observations of streamer waves, which are regarded as the fast kink body mode carried by the plasma sheet structure and generated upon the impact of a fast CME (coronal mass ejection) on a nearby streamer. The mode propagates outwards with a phase speed consisting of two components. One is the phase speed of the mode in the plasma rest frame, the other is the speed of the solar wind streaming along the plasma sheet. The former can be well represented by the Alfven speed outside the plasma sheet, according to a linear wave dispersion analysis with a simplified slab model of magnetized plasmas. The radial profiles of the Alfven speed can be deduced with constraints put on the speed of the solar wind, which is done by making use of the measurements of streamer blobs flowing passively in the wind. The radial profiles of the strength of the coronal magnetic field can be depicted once the electron density distribution is specified, this is done by inverting the observed polarized brightness data. Comparing the diagnostic results corresponding to the first wave trough and the following crest, we find that both the Alfven speed and magnetic field strength at a fixed distance decline with time. This is suggestive of the recovering process of the CME-disturbed corona.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2010

Comment on "Coherent Ratchets in Driven Bose-Einstein Condensates"

C. E. Creffield and F. Sols (Phys. Rev. Lett. 103, 200601 (2009)) recently reported finite, directed time-averaged ratchet current, for a noninteracting quantum particle in a periodic potential even when time-reversal symmetry holds. As we explain in this Comment, this result is incorrect, that is, time-reversal symmetry implies a vanishing current.

cond-mat.quant-gas↗

arXiv2010

The Herschel-SPIRE instrument and its in-flight performance

The Spectral and Photometric Imaging Receiver (SPIRE), is the Herschel Space Observatory`s submillimetre camera and spectrometer. It contains a three-band imaging photometer operating at 250, 350 and 500 microns, and an imaging Fourier Transform Spectrometer (FTS) which covers simultaneously its whole operating range of 194-671 microns (447-1550 GHz). The SPIRE detectors are arrays of feedhorn-coupled bolometers cooled to 0.3 K. The photometer has a field of view of 4' x 8', observed simultaneously in the three spectral bands. Its main operating mode is scan-mapping, whereby the field of view is scanned across the sky to achieve full spatial sampling and to cover large areas if desired. The spectrometer has an approximately circular field of view with a diameter of 2.6'. The spectral resolution can be adjusted between 1.2 and 25 GHz by changing the stroke length of the FTS scan mirror. Its main operating mode involves a fixed telescope pointing with multiple scans of the FTS mirror to acquire spectral data. For extended source measurements, multiple position offsets are implemented by means of an internal beam steering mirror to achieve the desired spatial sampling and by rastering of the telescope pointing to map areas larger than the field of view. The SPIRE instrument consists of a cold focal plane unit located inside the Herschel cryostat and warm electronics units, located on the spacecraft Service Module, for instrument control and data handling. Science data are transmitted to Earth with no on-board data compression, and processed by automatic pipelines to produce calibrated science products. The in-flight performance of the instrument matches or exceeds predictions based on pre-launch testing and modelling: the photometer sensitivity is comparable to or slightly better than estimated pre-launch, and the spectrometer sensitivity is also better by a factor of 1.5-2.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2010

Streamer Waves Driven by Coronal Mass Ejections

Between July 5th and July 7th 2004, two intriguing fast coronal mass ejection(CME)-streamer interaction events were recorded by the Large Angle and Spectrometric Coronagraph (LASCO). At the beginning of the events, the streamer was pushed aside from their equilibrium position upon the impact of the rapidly outgoing and expanding ejecta; then, the streamer structure, mainly the bright streamer belt, exhibited elegant large scale sinusoidal wavelike motions. The motions were apparently driven by the restoring magnetic forces resulting from the CME impingement, suggestive of magnetohydrodynamic kink mode propagating outwards along the plasma sheet of the streamer. The mode is supported collectively by the streamer-plasma sheet structure and is therefore named "streamer wave" in the present study. With the white light coronagraph data, we show that the streamer wave has a period of about 1 hour, a wavelength varying from 2 to 4 solar radii, an amplitude of about a few tens of solar radii, and a propagating phase speed in the range 300 to 500 km s$^{-1}$. We also find that there is a tendancy for the phase speed to decline with increasing heliocentric distance. These observations provide good examples of large scale wave phenomena carried by coronal structures, and have significance in developing seismological techniques for diagnosing plasma and magnetic parameters in the outer corona.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2009

Dewetting-controlled binding of ligands to hydrophobic pockets

We report on a combined atomistic molecular dynamics simulation and implicit solvent analysis of a generic hydrophobic pocket-ligand (host-guest) system. The approaching ligand induces complex wetting/dewetting transitions in the weakly solvated pocket. The transitions lead to bimodal solvent fluctuations which govern magnitude and range of the pocket-ligand attraction. A recently developed implicit water model, based on the minimization of a geometric functional, captures the sensitive aqueous interface response to the concave-convex pocket-ligand configuration semi-quantitatively.

cond-mat.soft↗

arXiv2009

Quotient complexity of ideal languages

We study the state complexity of regular operations in the class of ideal languages. A language L over an alphabet Sigma is a right (left) ideal if it satisfies L = L Sigma* (L = Sigma* L). It is a two-sided ideal if L = Sigma* L Sigma *, and an all-sided ideal if it is the shuffle of Sigma* with L. We prefer the term "quotient complexity" instead of "state complexity", and we use derivatives to calculate upper bounds on quotient complexity, whenever it is convenient. We find tight upper bounds on the quotient complexity of each type of ideal language in terms of the complexity of an arbitrary generator and of its minimal generator, the complexity of the minimal generator, and also on the operations union, intersection, set difference, symmetric difference, concatenation, star and reversal of ideal languages.

cs.FL↗