25,938 research outputs found
Theory of the Three-Group Evolutionary Minority Game
Based on the adiabatic theory for the evolutionary minority game (EMG) that
we proposed earlier[1], we perform a detail analysis of the EMG limited to
three groups of agents. We derive a formula for the critical point of the
transition from segregation (into opposing groups) to clustering (towards
cautious behaviors). Particular to the three-group EMG, the strategy switching
in the "extreme" group does not occur at every losing step and is strongly
intermittent. This leads to an correction to the critical value of the number
of agents at the transition, . Our expression for is in agreement
with the results obtained from our numerical simulations.Comment: 4 pages and 2 figure
Self-Segregation vs. Clustering in the Evolutionary Minority Game
Complex adaptive systems have been the subject of much recent attention. It
is by now well-established that members (`agents') tend to self-segregate into
opposing groups characterized by extreme behavior. However, while different
social and biological systems manifest different payoffs, the study of such
adaptive systems has mostly been restricted to simple situations in which the
prize-to-fine ratio, , equals unity. In this Letter we explore the dynamics
of evolving populations with various different values of the ratio , and
demonstrate that extreme behavior is in fact {\it not} a generic feature of
adaptive systems. In particular, we show that ``confusion'' and
``indecisiveness'' take over in times of depression, in which case cautious
agents perform better than extreme ones.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figure
Universal Features of Terahertz Absorption in Disordered Materials
Using an analytical theory, experimental terahertz time-domain spectroscopy
data and numerical evidence, we demonstrate that the frequency dependence of
the absorption coupling coefficient between far-infrared photons and atomic
vibrations in disordered materials has the universal functional form, C(omega)
= A + B*omega^2, where the material-specific constants A and B are related to
the distributions of fluctuating charges obeying global and local charge
neutrality, respectively.Comment: 5 pages, 3 fig
Extraction of Airways with Probabilistic State-space Models and Bayesian Smoothing
Segmenting tree structures is common in several image processing
applications. In medical image analysis, reliable segmentations of airways,
vessels, neurons and other tree structures can enable important clinical
applications. We present a framework for tracking tree structures comprising of
elongated branches using probabilistic state-space models and Bayesian
smoothing. Unlike most existing methods that proceed with sequential tracking
of branches, we present an exploratory method, that is less sensitive to local
anomalies in the data due to acquisition noise and/or interfering structures.
The evolution of individual branches is modelled using a process model and the
observed data is incorporated into the update step of the Bayesian smoother
using a measurement model that is based on a multi-scale blob detector.
Bayesian smoothing is performed using the RTS (Rauch-Tung-Striebel) smoother,
which provides Gaussian density estimates of branch states at each tracking
step. We select likely branch seed points automatically based on the response
of the blob detection and track from all such seed points using the RTS
smoother. We use covariance of the marginal posterior density estimated for
each branch to discriminate false positive and true positive branches. The
method is evaluated on 3D chest CT scans to track airways. We show that the
presented method results in additional branches compared to a baseline method
based on region growing on probability images.Comment: 10 pages. Pre-print of the paper accepted at Workshop on Graphs in
Biomedical Image Analysis. MICCAI 2017. Quebec Cit
Stark shift and field ionization of arsenic donors in Si-SOI structures
We develop an efficient back gate for silicon-on-insulator (SOI) devices
operating at cryogenic temperatures, and measure the quadratic hyperfine Stark
shift parameter of arsenic donors in isotopically purified Si-SOI layers
using such structures. The back gate is implemented using MeV ion implantation
through the SOI layer forming a metallic electrode in the handle wafer,
enabling large and uniform electric fields up to 2 V/m to be
applied across the SOI layer. Utilizing this structure we measure the Stark
shift parameters of arsenic donors embedded in the Si SOI layer and find
a contact hyperfine Stark parameter of m/V. We also demonstrate electric-field driven dopant ionization in
the SOI device layer, measured by electron spin resonance.Comment: 5 pages, 3 figure
Kerncraft: A Tool for Analytic Performance Modeling of Loop Kernels
Achieving optimal program performance requires deep insight into the
interaction between hardware and software. For software developers without an
in-depth background in computer architecture, understanding and fully utilizing
modern architectures is close to impossible. Analytic loop performance modeling
is a useful way to understand the relevant bottlenecks of code execution based
on simple machine models. The Roofline Model and the Execution-Cache-Memory
(ECM) model are proven approaches to performance modeling of loop nests. In
comparison to the Roofline model, the ECM model can also describes the
single-core performance and saturation behavior on a multicore chip. We give an
introduction to the Roofline and ECM models, and to stencil performance
modeling using layer conditions (LC). We then present Kerncraft, a tool that
can automatically construct Roofline and ECM models for loop nests by
performing the required code, data transfer, and LC analysis. The layer
condition analysis allows to predict optimal spatial blocking factors for loop
nests. Together with the models it enables an ab-initio estimate of the
potential benefits of loop blocking optimizations and of useful block sizes. In
cases where LC analysis is not easily possible, Kerncraft supports a cache
simulator as a fallback option. Using a 25-point long-range stencil we
demonstrate the usefulness and predictive power of the Kerncraft tool.Comment: 22 pages, 5 figure
Detection of low energy single ion impacts in micron scale transistors at room temperature
We report the detection of single ion impacts through monitoring of changes
in the source-drain currents of field effect transistors (FET) at room
temperature. Implant apertures are formed in the interlayer dielectrics and
gate electrodes of planar, micro-scale FETs by electron beam assisted etching.
FET currents increase due to the generation of positively charged defects in
gate oxides when ions (121Sb12+, 14+, Xe6+; 50 to 70 keV) impinge into channel
regions. Implant damage is repaired by rapid thermal annealing, enabling
iterative cycles of device doping and electrical characterization for
development of single atom devices and studies of dopant fluctuation effects
Coupling biochemistry and mechanics in cell adhesion: a model for inhomogeneous stress fiber contraction
Biochemistry and mechanics are closely coupled in cell adhesion. At sites of
cell-matrix adhesion, mechanical force triggers signaling through the
Rho-pathway, which leads to structural reinforcement and increased
contractility in the actin cytoskeleton. The resulting force acts back to the
sites of adhesion, resulting in a positive feedback loop for mature adhesion.
Here we model this biochemical-mechanical feedback loop for the special case
when the actin cytoskeleton is organized in stress fibers, which are
contractile bundles of actin filaments. Activation of myosin II molecular
motors through the Rho-pathway is described by a system of reaction-diffusion
equations, which are coupled into a viscoelastic model for a contractile actin
bundle. We find strong spatial gradients in the activation of contractility and
in the corresponding deformation pattern of the stress fiber, in good agreement
with experimental findings.Comment: Revtex, 35 pages, 13 Postscript figures included, in press with New
Journal of Physics, Special Issue on The Physics of the Cytoskeleto
Higher Security Thresholds for Quantum Key Distribution by Improved Analysis of Dark Counts
We discuss the potential of quantum key distribution (QKD) for long distance
communication by proposing a new analysis of the errors caused by dark counts.
We give sufficient conditions for a considerable improvement of the key
generation rates and the security thresholds of well-known QKD protocols such
as Bennett-Brassard 1984, Phoenix-Barnett-Chefles 2000, and the six-state
protocol. This analysis is applicable to other QKD protocols like Bennett 1992.
We examine two scenarios: a sender using a perfect single-photon source and a
sender using a Poissonian source.Comment: 6 pages, 2 figures, v2: We obtained better results by using reverse
reconciliation as suggested by Nicolas Gisi
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