DFacTo: Distributed Factorization of Tensors

We present a technique for significantly speeding up Alternating Least Squares (ALS) and Gradient Descent (GD), two widely used algorithms for tensor factorization. By exploiting properties of the Khatri-Rao product, we show how to efficiently address a computationally challenging sub-step of both algorithms. Our algorithm, DFacTo, only requires two sparse matrix-vector products and is easy to parallelize. DFacTo is not only scalable but also on average 4 to 10 times faster than competing algorithms on a variety of datasets. For instance, DFacTo only takes 480 seconds on 4 machines to perform one iteration of the ALS algorithm and 1,143 seconds to perform one iteration of the GD algorithm on a 6.5 million x 2.5 million x 1.5 million dimensional tensor with 1.2 billion non-zero entries.Comment: Under review for NIPS 201

KMS states on Nica-Toeplitz algebras of product systems

We investigate KMS states of Fowler's Nica-Toeplitz algebra $\mathcal{NT}(X)$ associated to a compactly aligned product system $X$ over a semigroup $P$ of Hilbert bimodules. This analysis relies on restrictions of these states to the core algebra which satisfy appropriate scaling conditions. The concept of product system of finite type is introduced. If $(G, P)$ is a lattice ordered group and $X$ is a product system of finite type over $P$ satisfying certain coherence properties, we construct KMS$_\beta$ states of \NT(X) associated to a scalar dynamics from traces on the coefficient algebra of the product system. Our results were motivated by, and generalize some of the results of Laca and Raeburn obtained for the Toeplitz algebra of the affine semigroup over the natural numbers.Comment: Changes to Proposition 3.1 and Theorem 4.10. Major changes to section 5 starting from (and including) new Lemma 5.4 to new Example 5.1

The Cuntz Algebra Q_N and C*-Algebras of Product Systems

We consider a product system over the multiplicative semigroup N^x of Hilbert bimodules which is implicit in work of S. Yamashita and of the second named author. We prove directly, using universal properties, that the associated Nica-Toeplitz algebra is an extension of the C^*-algebra Q_N introduced recently by Cuntz.Comment: 13 page

D-type Conformal Matter and SU/USp Quivers

We discuss the four dimensional models obtained by compactifying a single M5 brane probing $D_{N}$ singularity (minimal D-type $(1,0)$ conformal matter in six dimensions) on a torus with flux for abelian subgroups of the $SO(4N)$ flavor symmetry. We derive the resulting quiver field theories in four dimensions by first compactifying on a circle and relating the flux to duality domain walls in five dimensions. This leads to novel ${\cal N}=1$ dualities in 4 dimensions which arise from distinct five dimensional realizations of the circle compactifications of the D-type conformal matter.Comment: 38 pages, 13 figure

A complete FFT-based decomposition formalism for the redshift-space bispectrum

To fully extract cosmological information from nonlinear galaxy distribution in redshift space, it is essential to include higher-order statistics beyond the two-point correlation function. In this paper, we propose a new decomposition formalism for computing the anisotropic bispectrum in redshift space and for measuring it from galaxy samples. Our formalism uses tri-polar spherical harmonic decomposition with zero total angular momentum to compress the 3D modes distribution in the redshift-space bispectrum. This approach preserves three fundamental properties of the Universe: statistical homogeneity, isotropy, and parity-symmetry, allowing us to efficiently separate the anisotropic signal induced by redshift-space distortions (RSDs) and the Alcock-Paczy\'{n}ski (AP) effect from the isotropic bispectrum. The relevant expansion coefficients in terms of the anisotropic signal are reduced to one multipole index $L$, and the $L> 0$ modes are induced only by the RSD or AP effects. Our formalism has two advantages: (1) we can make use of Fast Fourier Transforms (FFTs) to measure the bispectrum; (2) it gives a simple expression to correct for the survey geometry, i.e., the survey window function. As a demonstration, we measure the decomposed bispectrum from the Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (BOSS) Data Release 12, and, for the first time, present a $14\sigma$ detection of the anisotropic bispectrum in the $L=2$ mode.Comment: 23 pages, 13 figure

[Review of] Charles V. Willie. Race, Ethnicity, and Socioeconomic Status

The author examines the interrelations of race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status through the presentation of a collection of his writings about blacks which have been reprinted from various sources. By reprinting this collection of works, Willie seeks to gain the opportunity to take theoretical stock of what he has learned through his involvements as a planner, student, teacher, researcher, administrator, policy maker, consultant, and concerned citizen. His aim is to link his work with others in the field, hoping to benefit from their clarification and correction. Willie\u27s main objective is to articulate his theoretical conceptions about the field of race relations