Link-based formalism for time evolution of adaptive networks

Network topology and nodal dynamics are two fundamental stones of adaptive networks. Detailed and accurate knowledge of these two ingredients is crucial for understanding the evolution and mechanism of adaptive networks. In this paper, by adopting the framework of the adaptive SIS model proposed by Gross et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 96, 208701 (2006)] and carefully utilizing the information of degree correlation of the network, we propose a link-based formalism for describing the system dynamics with high accuracy and subtle details. Several specific degree correlation measures are introduced to reveal the coevolution of network topology and system dynamics.