16,669 research outputs found
Stochastic dynamics of a Josephson junction threshold detector
We generalize the stochastic path integral formalism by considering
Hamiltonian dynamics in the presence of general Markovian noise. Kramers'
solution of the activation rate for escape over a barrier is generalized for
non-Gaussian driving noise in both the overdamped and underdamped limit. We
apply our general results to a Josephson junction detector measuring the
electron counting statistics of a mesoscopic conductor. Activation rate
dependence on the third current cumulant includes an additional term
originating from the back-action of the measurement circuit.Comment: 5 pages, 2 figures, discussion of experiment added, typos correcte
Evaluating cultural competency and patient satisfaction in an urban dermatology clinic.
Cultural competency continues to gain increased attention in medicine. Not only does it play a significant role in the delivery of health care and patient outcomes, but it also remains a major determinant of patient satisfaction. This study investigated how patients in an urban dermatology clinic rated their satisfaction with cultural competency. Compared to White patients, satisfaction scores were greater for Hispanic or Latino patients and less for Asian patients, while there was no significant difference for Black or African American patients. There were clear differences in patient satisfaction rates of various dimensions of cultural competency. A follow-up study with a larger sample size is needed for closer examination into the conclusions
Stochastic Field Theory for Transport Statistics in Diffusive Systems
We present a field theory for the statistics of charge and current
fluctuations in diffusive systems. The cumulant generating function is given by
the saddle-point solution for the action of this field theory. The action
depends on two parameters only: the local diffusion and noise coefficients,
which naturally leads to the universality of the transport statistics for a
wide class of multi-dimensional diffusive models. Our theory can be applied to
semi-classical mesoscopic systems, as well as beyond mesoscopic physics.Comment: Submitted to the proceedings of the XXXIXth Rencontres de Moriond (La
Thuile, 2004) "Quantum information and decoherence in nanosystems
Fluctuation Statistics in Networks: a Stochastic Path Integral Approach
We investigate the statistics of fluctuations in a classical stochastic
network of nodes joined by connectors. The nodes carry generalized charge that
may be randomly transferred from one node to another. Our goal is to find the
time evolution of the probability distribution of charges in the network. The
building blocks of our theoretical approach are (1) known probability
distributions for the connector currents, (2) physical constraints such as
local charge conservation, and (3) a time-scale separation between the slow
charge dynamics of the nodes and the fast current fluctuations of the
connectors. We derive a stochastic path integral representation of the
evolution operator for the slow charges. Once the probability distributions on
the discrete network have been studied, the continuum limit is taken to obtain
a statistical field theory. We find a correspondence between the diffusive
field theory and a Langevin equation with Gaussian noise sources, leading
nevertheless to non-trivial fluctuation statistics. To complete our theory, we
demonstrate that the cascade diagrammatics, recently introduced by Nagaev,
naturally follows from the stochastic path integral. We extend the
diagrammatics to calculate current correlation functions for an arbitrary
network. One primary application of this formalism is that of full counting
statistics (FCS). We stress however, that the formalism is suitable for general
classical stochastic problems as an alternative to the traditional master
equation or Doi-Peliti technique. The formalism is illustrated with several
examples: both instantaneous and time averaged charge fluctuation statistics in
a mesoscopic chaotic cavity, as well as the FCS and new results for a
generalized diffusive wire.Comment: Final version accepted in J. Math. Phys. Discussion of conservation
laws, Refs., 1 Fig., and minor extensions added. 23 pages, 9 figs.,
double-column forma
Continuous quantum measurement with independent detector cross-correlations
We investigate the advantages of using two independent, linear detectors for
continuous quantum measurement. For single-shot quantum measurement, the
measurement is maximally efficient if the detectors are twins. For weak
continuous measurement, cross-correlations allow a violation of the
Korotkov-Averin bound for the detector's signal-to-noise ratio. A vanishing
noise background provides a nontrivial test of ideal independent quantum
detectors. We further investigate the correlations of non-commuting operators,
and consider possible deviations from the independent detector model for
mesoscopic conductors coupled by the screened Coulomb interaction.Comment: 4 pages, 2 figure
Slope Instability of the Earthen Levee in Boston, UK: Numerical Simulation and Sensor Data Analysis
The paper presents a slope stability analysis for a heterogeneous earthen
levee in Boston, UK, which is prone to occasional slope failures under tidal
loads. Dynamic behavior of the levee under tidal fluctuations was simulated
using a finite element model of variably saturated linear elastic perfectly
plastic soil. Hydraulic conductivities of the soil strata have been calibrated
according to piezometers readings, in order to obtain correct range of
hydraulic loads in tidal mode. Finite element simulation was complemented with
series of limit equilibrium analyses. Stability analyses have shown that slope
failure occurs with the development of a circular slip surface located in the
soft clay layer. Both models (FEM and LEM) confirm that the least stable
hydraulic condition is the combination of the minimum river levels at low tide
with the maximal saturation of soil layers. FEM results indicate that in winter
time the levee is almost at its limit state, at the margin of safety (strength
reduction factor values are 1.03 and 1.04 for the low-tide and high-tide
phases, respectively); these results agree with real-life observations. The
stability analyses have been implemented as real-time components integrated
into the UrbanFlood early warning system for flood protection
Challenges to smartphone applications for melanoma detection
This commentary addresses the emerging market for health-related smartphone applications. Specific to dermatology, there has been a significant increase not only in applications that promote skin cancer awareness and education but also in those meant for detection. With evidence showing that 365 dermatology-related applications were available in 2014--up from 230 in 2012--and that 1 in 5 patients under the age of 50 have used a smartphone to help diagnose a skin problem, there is clearly a large subset of patients participating in this growing trend. Therefore, we are obligated to take a closer look into this phenomenon. Studies have shown that applications are inferior to in-person consultations with one study showing that 3 out of 4 applications incorrectly classified 30% or more melanomas as low-risk lesions. Although the FDA gained regulatory oversight over mobile health applications in 2012 and recently released their statement in 2015, their reach only extends to cover a selected portion of these applications, leaving many unregulated as they continue to be marketed toward our patients. Dermatologists should be updated on our current situation in order to properly counsel patients on the risks and benefits of these applications and whether they are acceptable for use. © 2016 by the article author(s)
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