Verifying linearizability on TSO architectures

Linearizability is the standard correctness criterion for fine-grained, non-atomic concurrent algorithms, and a variety of methods for verifying linearizability have been developed. However, most approaches assume a sequentially consistent memory model, which is not always realised in practice. In this paper we define linearizability on a weak memory model: the TSO (Total Store Order) memory model, which is implemented in the x86 multicore architecture. We also show how a simulation-based proof method can be adapted to verify linearizability for algorithms running on TSO architectures. We demonstrate our approach on a typical concurrent algorithm, spinlock, and prove it linearizable using our simulation-based approach. Previous approaches to proving linearizabilty on TSO architectures have required a modification to the algorithm's natural abstract specification. Our proof method is the first, to our knowledge, for proving correctness without the need for such modification

Weak refinement in Z

An important aspect in the specification of distributed systems is the role of the internal (or unobservable) operation. Such operations are not part of the user interface (i.e. the user cannot invoke them), however, they are essential to our understanding and correct modelling of the system. Various conventions have been employed to model internal operations when specifying distributed systems in Z. If internal operations are distinguished in the specification notation, then refinement needs to deal with internal operations in appropriate ways. However, in the presence of internal operations, standard Z refinement leads to undesirable implementations. In this paper we present a generalization of Z refinement, called weak refinement, which treats internal operations differently from observable operations when refining a system. We illustrate some of the properties of weak refinement through a specification of a telecommunications protocol

Admit your weakness: Verifying correctness on TSO architectures

“The final publication is available at http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007%2F978-3-319-15317-9_22 ”.Linearizability has become the standard correctness criterion for fine-grained non-atomic concurrent algorithms, however, most approaches assume a sequentially consistent memory model, which is not always realised in practice. In this paper we study the correctness of concurrent algorithms on a weak memory model: the TSO (Total Store Order) memory model, which is commonly implemented by multicore architectures. Here, linearizability is often too strict, and hence, we prove a weaker criterion, quiescent consistency instead. Like linearizability, quiescent consistency is compositional making it an ideal correctness criterion in a component-based context. We demonstrate how to model a typical concurrent algorithm, seqlock, and prove it quiescent consistent using a simulation-based approach. Previous approaches to proving correctness on TSO architectures have been based on linearizabilty which makes it necessary to modify the algorithm’s high-level requirements. Our approach is the first, to our knowledge, for proving correctness without the need for such a modification

Phenomenological description of the gamma* p cross section at low Q2

Low Q2 photon-proton cross sections are analysed using a simple, QCD-motivated parametrisation $\sigma_{\gamma^\star p}\propto 1/(Q^2+Q_0^2)$, which gives a good description of the data. The Q2 dependence of the gamma* p cross section is discussed in terms of the partonic transverse momenta of the hadronic state the photon fluctuates into.Comment: 14 pages, revtex, epsfig, 2 figure

Building a refinement checker for Z

In previous work we have described how refinements can be checked using a temporal logic based model-checker, and how we have built a model-checker for Z by providing a translation of Z into the SAL input language. In this paper we draw these two strands of work together and discuss how we have implemented refinement checking in our Z2SAL toolset. The net effect of this work is that the SAL toolset can be used to check refinements between Z specifications supplied as input files written in the LaTeX mark-up. Two examples are used to illustrate the approach and compare it with a manual translation and refinement check.Comment: In Proceedings Refine 2011, arXiv:1106.348

Shafranov's virial theorem and magnetic plasma confinement

Shafranov's virial theorem implies that nontrivial magnetohydrodynamical equilibrium configurations must be supported by externally supplied currents. Here we extend the virial theorem to field theory, where it relates to Derrick's scaling argument on soliton stability. We then employ virial arguments to investigate a realistic field theory model of a two-component plasma, and conclude that stable localized solitons can exist in the bulk of a finite density plasma. These solitons entail a nontrivial electric field which implies that purely magnetohydrodynamical arguments are insufficient for describing stable, nontrivial structures within the bulk of a plasma.Comment: 9 pages no figure

Inelastic diffraction and color-singlet gluon-clusters in high-energy hadron-hadron and lepton-hadron collisions

It is proposed, that ``the colorless objects'' which manifest themselves in large-rapidity-gap events are color-singlet gluon-clusters due to self-organized criticality (SOC), and that optical-geometrical concepts and methods are useful in examing the space-time properties of such objects. A simple analytical expression for the $t$-dependence of the inelastic single diffractive cross section $d\sigma/dt$ ($t$ is the four-momentum transfer squared) is derived. Comparison with the existing data and predictions for future experiments are presented. The main differences and similarities between the SOC-approach and the ``Partons in the Pomeron (Pomeron and Reggeon)''-approach are discussed.Comment: 12 pages, 2 figure

Exclusive diffractive processes and the quark substructure of mesons

Exclusive diffractive processes on the nucleon are investigated within a model in which the quark-nucleon interaction is mediated by Pomeron exchange and the quark substructure of mesons is described within a framework based on the Dyson-Schwinger equations of QCD. The model quark-nucleon interaction has four parameters which are completely determined by high-energy $\pi N$ and $K N$ elastic scattering data. The model is then used to predict vector-meson electroproduction observables. The obtained $\rho$- and $\phi$-meson electroproduction cross sections are in excellent agreement with experimental data. The predicted $q^2$ dependence of $J/\psi$-meson electroproduction also agrees with experimental data. It is shown that confined-quark dynamics play a central role in determining the behavior of the diffractive, vector-meson electroproduction cross section. In particular, the onset of the asymptotic $1/q^4$ behavior of the cross section is determined by a momentum scale that is set by the current-quark masses of the quark and antiquark inside the vector meson. This is the origin of the striking differences between the $q^2$ dependence of $\rho$-, $\phi$- and $J/\psi$-meson electroproduction cross sections observed in recent experiments.Comment: 53 pages, 23 figures, revtex and epsfig. Minor additions to tex

Universality of the preasymptotics in the hadron and photon diffraction

We note that it is premature to make a conclusion on the multiplicity of the Pomerons on the basis of the available experimental data since the interactions have a preasymptotic natureComment: 4 pages, latex, no figure

The regulation of genes of unknown function implicated in nitrosative stress tolerance in Escherichia coli K-12

This study was designed to determine the regulatory network that controls expression from two $Escherichia$ $coli$ K-12 promoters, $pyeaR$ and $pogt$, during anaerobic growth. These promoters were identified from transcriptomic studies as being positively regulated by NarL independently of FNR, the master regulator of anaerobic respiration. Biochemical and genetic analyses presented in this study confirmed that expression from both the $yeaR$ and $ogt$ promoters is dependent upon NarL, which binds to a single site in the $yeaR$ promoter and two sites in the $ogt$ promoter. The nucleoid-associated protein, Fis, repressed transcription from both promoters, especially in rich medium, by binding to sites that overlap the NarL site, excluding the essential activator. Both promoters were more active in the absence of functional FNR. However, mutational analysis revealed that FNR does not bind to the $yeaR$ promoter region, so this effect is indirect. How the absence of functional FNR might affect NarL-dependent nitrite signalling was investigated. The Ogt protein is known function as an O$^6$-alkyguanine methyltransferase. However, the functions of the gene products of $yeaR-yoaG$ and another operon implicated in nitrosative stress management, $hcp-hcr$, were unknown. Strains carrying a chromosomal $yeaR-yoaG$ deletion were not more sensitive to nitric oxide or hydroxylamine compared with the parental strain, suggesting that the products of this operon are not essential for dealing with these toxic nitrogen species. Conversely, a strain deleted in $hcp-hcr$ was shown to be slightly more sensitive to both nitric oxide and hydroxylamine, implicating Hcp and Hcr in nitrosative stress management.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo