User equilibria for a parallel queueing system with state dependent routing

Consider a system of two queues in parallel, one of which is a ⋅|M|1 single-server infinite capacity queue, and the other a ⋅|G ^(N)|∞ batch service queue. A stream of general arrivals choose which queue to join, after observing the current state of the system, and so as to minimize their own expected delay. We show that a unique user equilibrium (user optimal policy) exists and that it possesses various monotonicity properties, using sample path and coupling arguments. This is a very simplified model of a transportation network with a choice of private and public modes of transport. Under probabilistic routing (which is equivalent to the assumption that users have knowledge only of the mean delays on routes), the network may exhibit the Downs–Thomson paradox observed in transportation networks with expected delay increasing as the capacity of the ⋅|M|1 queue (private transport) is increased. We give examples where state-dependent routing mitigates the Downs–Thomson effect observed under probabilistic routing, and providing additional information on the state of the system to users reduces delay considerably.     

The Forbes 400, the Pareto power-law and efficient markets

Statistical regularities at the top end of the wealth distribution in the United States are examined using the Forbes 400 lists of richest Americans, published between 1988 and 2003. It is found that the wealths are distributed according to a power-law (Pareto) distribution. This result is explained using a simple stochastic model of multiple investors that incorporates the efficient market hypothesis as well as the multiplicative nature of financial market fluctuations.     

Nonvanishing theorems for L-functions of modular forms and their derivatives

Inventiones mathematicae -     

Analysis of patient self-assessment visual analogue scales

The present paper describes an example of practical analysis of data from an application of visual analogue scales. Potentially useful and simple methods for analysing visual analogue scales are described for effective handling of complex data when the desire is to compare two or more groups of patients. Visual analogue scales were used to assess subjective tolerability in the International Prospective Primary Prevention Study in Hypertension, a large scale clinical trial. The methods are illustrated on the IPPPSH data.     

Triggered single photons and entangled photons from a quantum dot microcavity

Current quantum cryptography systems are limited by the attenuated coherent pulses they use as light sources: a security loophole is opened up by the possibility of multiple-photon pulses. By replacing the source with a single-photon emitter, transmission rates of secure information can be improved. We have investigated the use of single self-assembled InAs/GaAs quantum dots as such single-photon sources, and have seen a tenfold reduction in the multi-photon probability as compared to Poissonian pulses. An extension of our experiment should also allow for the generation of triggered, polarization-entangled photon pairs. The utility of these light sources is currently limited by the low efficiency with which photons are collected. However, by fabricating an optical microcavity containing a single quantum dot, the spontaneous emission rate into a single mode can be enhanced. Using this method, we have seen 78% coupling of single-dot radiation into a single cavity resonance. The enhanced spontaneous decay should also allow for higher photon pulse rates, up to about 3 GHz. Received 8 July 2001 and Received in final form 25 August 2001