Abstract: We Propose a method of constructing concurrent programs in which the synchronization skeletonof the program is automatically synthesized from a high-level (branching time) Temporal Logic specification. The synchronization skeleton is an abstraction of the actual program where detail irrelevant to synchronization is suppressed. For example, in the synchronization skeleton for a solution to the critical section problem each process's critical section may be viewed as a single node since the internal structure of the critical section is unimportant. Most solutions to synchronization problems in the literature are in fact given as synchronization skeletons. Because synchronization skeletons are in general finite state, the propositional version of Temporal Logic can be used to specify their properties.

Abstract: From the contents: Tutorial * Dynamical Systems * Fluctuations in Dynamic Systems * Synchronization of Periodic Systems * Dynamical Chaos * Routes to Chaos * Synchronization of Chaos * Controlling Chaos * Reconstruction of Dynamical Systems * Stochastic Dynamics * Stochastic Resonance * Synchronization of Stochastic Systems * The Beneficial Role of Noise in Excitable Systems * Noise Induced Transport.

Abstract: General Mechanisms of Synchronization- General Remarks- 1?:?1 Forced Synchronization of Periodic Oscillations- 1?:?1 Mutual Synchronization of Periodic Oscillations- Homoclinic Mechanism of Synchronization of Periodic Oscillations- n?:?m Synchronization of Periodic Oscillations- 1?:?1 Forced Synchronization of Periodic Oscillations in the Presence of Noise- Chaos Synchronization- Synchronization of Noise-Induced Oscillations- Conclusions to Part I- Case Studies in Synchronization- Synchronization of Anisochronous Oscillators- Phase Multistability- Synchronization in Systems with Complex Multimode Dynamics- Synchronization of Systems with Resource Mediated Coupling- Conclusions to Part II

Abstract: This survey of business cycle synchronization in the European monetary union focuses on two issues: have business cycles become more similar, and which factors drive business cycle synchronization. We conclude that business cycles in the euro area have gone through periods of both convergence and divergence. Still, there is quite some evidence that during the 1990s business cycle synchronization in the euro area has increased. Higher trade intensity is found to lead to more synchronization, but the point estimates vary widely. The evidence for other factors affecting business cycle synchronization is very mixed.

Abstract: Many real-world large-scale complex networks demonstrate a surprising degree of synchronization. To unravel the underlying mechanics of synchronization in these complex networks, a generally linearly hybrid coupled network with time-varying delay is proposed, and its global synchronization is then further investigated. Several effective sufficient conditions of global synchronization are attained based on the Lyapunov function and a linear matrix inequality (LMI). Both delay-independent and delay-dependent conditions are deduced. In particular, the coupling matrix may be nonsymmetric or nondiagonal. Moreover, the derivative of the time-varying delay is extended to any given value. Finally, a small-world network, a regular network, and scale-free networks with network size are constructed to show the effectiveness of the proposed synchronous criteria.

Abstract: This article presents a unified synchronization framework with application to precision formation flying spacecraft. Central to the proposed innovation, in applying synchronization to both translational and rotational dynamics in the Lagrangian form, is the use of the distributed stability and performance analysis tool, called contraction analysis that yields exact nonlinear stability proofs. The proposed decentralized tracking control law synchronizes the attitude of an arbitrary number of spacecraft into a common time-varying trajectory with global exponential convergence. Moreover, a decentralized translational tracking control law based on phase synchronization is presented, thus enabling coupled translational and rotational maneuvers. While the translational dynamics can be adequately controlled by linear control laws, the proposed method permits highly nonlinear systems with nonlinearly coupled inertia matrices such as the attitude dynamics of spacecraft whose large and rapid slew maneuvers justify the nonlinear control approach. The proposed method integrates both the trajectory tracking and synchronization problems in a single control framework.

Abstract: This letter proposes an energy-efficient clock synchronization scheme for Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) based on a novel time synchronization approach. Within the proposed synchronization approach, a subset of sensor nodes are synchronized by overhearing the timing message exchanges of a pair of sensor nodes. Therefore, a group of sensor nodes can be synchronized without sending any extra messages. This paper brings two main contributions: 1. Development of a novel synchronization approach which can be partially or fully applied for implementation of new synchronization protocols and for improving the performance of existing time synchronization protocols. 2. Design of a time synchronization scheme which significantly reduces the overall network-wide energy consumption without incurring any loss of synchronization accuracy compared to other well-known schemes.

Abstract: Explaining the emergence of a coherent conscious percept and an intentional agent from the activity of distributed neurons is key to understanding how the brain produces higher cognitive processes. Gamma-band synchronization has been proposed to be a mechanism for the functional integration of neural populations that together form a transitory, large-scale, task- and/or percept-specific network. The operation of this mechanism in the context of attention orienting entails that cortical regions representing attended locations should show more gamma-band synchronization with other cortical areas than would those representing unattended locations. This increased synchronization should be apparent in the same time frame as that of the deployment of attention to a particular location. In order to observe this effect, we made electroencephalogram recordings while subjects attended to one side or the other of the visual field (which we confirmed by event-related potential analysis) and calculated phase-locking statistics between the signals recorded at relevant electrode pairs. We observed increased gamma-band phase synchronization between visual cortex contralateral to the attended location and other, widespread, cortical areas approximately 240-380 ms after the directional cue was presented, confirming the prediction of a large-scale gamma synchronous network oriented to the cued location.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to the sharing of synchronization information corresponding to content among devices in a communication network. An originating device collects synchronization information related to the presentation of content to a user via the originating device. The synchronization information is defined according to reference points related to the presentation of the content to the user via the originating device, including a current state of the presentation of the content and/or additional information obtained during the presentation of the content. Based on detection of a synchronization event, the originating device transmits the collected synchronization information, resulting in the receipt of the synchronization information by one or more receiving devices. Thereafter, the presentation of the content to the user on one of the receiving devices can incorporate the synchronization information collected and transmitted by the originating device.

Abstract: During the last decades the emergence of collective dynamics in large networks of coupled units has been investigated in many different areas of science. In particular, the effect of synchronization in systems of coupled oscillators nowadays provides a unifying framework for phenomena arising in fields such as optics, chemistry, biology and ecology (for recent reviews see [Pikovsky (2001); Boccaletti (2002); Manrubia (2004)]). Recently, complex networks have provided a challenging framework for the study of synchronization of dynamical units, based on the interplay between complexity in the overall topology and local dynamical properties of the coupled units [Strogatz (2001); Boccaletti (2006)]. This Chapter aims at reviewing the main techniques that have been proposed for assessing the propensity for synchronization (synchronizability) of a given networked system. We will describe the main applications, especially in the view of selecting the optimal topology in the coupling configuration that provides enhancement of the synchronization features.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for maintaining synchronization between a master computer disk and a clone disk that includes cloning the clone disk from the master computer disk, the clone disk having a customization portion; and customizing the customization portion with information relevant to a clone computer that uses the clone disk.

Abstract: Synchronization of data across multiple endpoints in a mesh network that supports a data sharing service is throttled responsively to user activity in the network by monitoring the activity using a component in a mesh operating environment (“MOE”) runtime that is instantiated on each endpoint. The monitoring may include the collection of data that can be used to infer user activity, as well as data that explicitly indicates activity. State information is maintained so that data can be synchronized across the endpoints even when a user goes offline from the service. When the user logs on to the service, makes changes to a shared file, or the endpoint device starts up upon connection to a mesh network, throttling is performed by prioritizing work items associated with synchronization operations so that resources on the endpoint are not excessively consumed which could reduce the quality of the user experience.

Abstract: We estimate a system of equations to analyze whether bilateral trade and financial linkages influence business cycle synchronization directly and/or indirectly. Our paper builds upon the existing literature by using bilateral trade and financial flows for a small, open economy (Spain) as benchmark for the results, instead of the US as generally done in the literature. We find that both the similarity of productive structure and trade links promote the synchronization of cycles. However, bilateral financial links are inversely related to the co-movement of output. This might point to financial integration allowing an easier transfer of resources between two economies, which could enable their decoupling, as predicted by a standard model of international business cycles. Both the effects of trade and financial links on output synchronization are statistically significant and economically relevant.

Abstract: Time synchronization is critical in sensor networks at many layers of their design. It enables better duty-cycling of the radio, accurate and secure localization, beamforming, and other collaborative signal processing tasks. These benefits make time-synchronization protocols a prime target of malicious adversaries who want to disrupt the normal operation of a sensor network. In this article, we analyze attacks on existing time synchronization protocols for wireless sensor networks and we propose a secure time synchronization toolbox to counter these attacks. This toolbox includes protocols for secure pairwise and group synchronization of nodes that either lie in the neighborhood of each other or are separated by multiple hops. We provide an in-depth analysis of the security and the energy overhead of the proposed protocols. The efficiency of these protocols has been tested through an experimental study on Mica2 motes.

Abstract: The paper investigates the synchronization of a network of identical linear time-invariant state-space models under a possibly time-varying and directed interconnection structure. The main result is the construction of a dynamic output feedback coupling that achieves synchronization if the decoupled systems have no exponentially unstable mode and if the communication graph is uniformly connected. Stronger conditions are shown to be sufficient - but to some extent, also necessary - to ensure synchronization with the diffusive static output coupling often considered in the literature.

Abstract: The tabula of human nature was never rasa. W. D. Hamilton INTRODUCTION Understanding the social in social cognition has presented a number of challenges that have been with us from the very beginnings of “modern” psychology (cf. Semin, 1986). The first challenge is to come to terms with what the “social” means. As Gallese noted recently: “The hard problem in ‘social cognition’ is to understand how the epistemic gulf separating single individuals can be overcome” (Gallese, 2006, p. 16). The foundations of Volkerpsychologie in the 1850s (Lazarus, 1861; Lazarus & Steinhal, 1860; Wedewer, 1860; Waitz, 1859) constituted an attempt to overcome the then prevailing individual-centered psychology in German psychology by introducing a social level of analysis. The emerging modern social psychology in the early 20th century grappled with this problem, fluctuating between notions of “group mind” and “instinct,” with Durkheim, LeBon, Ross, Tarde, and Wundt arguing in different voices for collective representations, group mind, collective mind, collective consciousness, or Volkerpsychologie . Of these various influences, the prevailing view that emerged was driven by Allport's vision of a social psychology that was individual-centered and regarded as a subdiscipline of psychology (Allport, 1924; cf. Post, 1980; Graumann, 1984, inter alia). This has very much remained the dominant view of mainstream social cognition and is underlined with reference to the biological finitude of the individual.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems, and computer program products1 are provided for wirelessly synchronizing datasets that are stored on a wireless device and at a network device, such as a network server or database. Present aspects provide for a simplified and efficient synchronization process, whereby synchronization can be completed in a single round-trip of wireless communication between the wireless device and the network device. Single round-trip synchronization provides for less use of network resources, shorter overall synchronization cycle times and lessens the likelihood of wireless network failures, such as call drops or the like, causing the synchronization process to fail. Additionally, simplification and efficiency are further realized by creating a synchronization process that allows the network dataset to be independent of the wireless device datasets, i.e., the network server does not require a full change history nor is the network server required to know the wireless device dataset version. The synchronization may be applied to network-based gaming applications.

Abstract: Continued advances in computational resources are providing the opportunity to operate more sophisticated numerical models. Additionally, there is an increasing demand for multidisciplinary studies that include interactions between different physical processes. Therefore there is a strong desire to develop coupled modeling systems that utilize existing models and allow efficient data exchange and model control. The basic system would entail model ''1'' running on ''M'' processors and model ''2'' running on ''N'' processors, with efficient exchange of model fields at predetermined synchronization intervals. Here we demonstrate two coupled systems: the coupling of the ocean circulation model Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS) to the surface wave model Simulating WAves Nearshore (SWAN), and the coupling of ROMS to the atmospheric model Coupled Ocean Atmosphere Prediction System (COAMPS). Both coupled systems use the Model Coupling Toolkit (MCT) as a mechanism for operation control and inter-model distributed memory transfer of model variables. In this paper we describe requirements and other options for model coupling, explain the MCT library, ROMS, SWAN and COAMPS models, methods for grid decomposition and sparse matrix interpolation, and provide an example from each coupled system. Methods presented in this paper are clearly applicable for coupling of other types of models.

Abstract: A method of operating a master/slave system includes the step of identifying a master receive data phase value to coordinate the transfer of data from a slave device without phase alignment circuitry to a master device with a universal phase aligner. Data is transferred from the slave device to the master device in accordance with the master receive data phase value. The master device characterizes a master transmit data phase value to coordinate the transfer of data from the master device to the slave device. Subsequently, the master device routes data to the slave device in accordance with the master transmit data phase value.

Abstract: This paper presents chaos synchronization between two identical Lorenz–Stenflo (LS) and a new four-dimensional chaotic system (Qi systems) by using active control technique. The designed controller ensures that the state variables of the controlled chaotic slave LS and Qi systems globally synchronizes with the state variables of the master systems respectively. It is also shown that Qi system globally synchronizes with LS system under the generalized active control. The results are validated using numerical simulations.

Abstract: A new robust adaptive synchronization approach for the global synchronization of complex dynamical networks is proposed. Both the characteristics of the uncoupled nodes of the network and the coupling matrix are unknown, but only a time-varying coupling strength is used in this paper. Based on the LaSalle–Yoshizawa theorem and by introducing an update law, a sufficient condition of the global synchronization is obtained. The update law is only dependent on the states of the complex dynamical network, which do not need any other information such as the characteristic of the uncoupled nodes of the network and the second largest eigenvalue of the coupling matrix. Compared with the existing results, our synchronization strategy is still useful when the existing synchronization methods become invalid. Moreover, it is very convenient to use. An example of the complex network is finally used to verify the proposed theoretical result.

Abstract: This paper is concerned with the problem of synchronization for stochastic discrete-time drive-response networks with time-varying delay. By employing the Lyapunov functional method combined with the stochastic analysis as well as the feedback control technique, several sufficient conditions are established that guarantee the exponentially mean-square synchronization of two identical delayed networks with stochastic disturbances. These sufficient conditions, which are expressed in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs), can be solved efficiently by the LMI toolbox in Matlab. A particular feature of the LMI-based synchronization criteria is that they are dependent not only on the connection matrices in the drive networks and the feedback gains in the response networks, but also on the lower and upper bounds of the time-varying delay, and are therefore less conservative than the delay-independent ones. Two numerical examples are exploited to demonstrate the feasibility and applicability of the proposed synchronization approaches.