  A generalization of the Onsager-Machlup theory from equilibrium to
nonequilibrium steady states and its connection with recent fluctuation
theorems are discussed for a dragged particle restricted by a harmonic
potential in a heat reservoir. Using a functional integral approach, the
probability functional for a path is expressed in terms of a Lagrangian
function from which an entropy production rate and dissipation functions are
introduced, and nonequilibrium thermodynamic relations like the energy
conservation law and the second law of thermodynamics are derived. Using this
Lagrangian function we establish two nonequilibrium detailed balance relations,
which not only lead to a fluctuation theorem for work but also to one related
to energy loss by friction. In addition, we carried out the functional
integrals for heat explicitly, leading to the extended fluctuation theorem for
heat. We also present a simple argument for this extended fluctuation theorem
in the long time limit.
