5,629 research outputs found
Descent methods for Nonnegative Matrix Factorization
In this paper, we present several descent methods that can be applied to
nonnegative matrix factorization and we analyze a recently developped fast
block coordinate method called Rank-one Residue Iteration (RRI). We also give a
comparison of these different methods and show that the new block coordinate
method has better properties in terms of approximation error and complexity. By
interpreting this method as a rank-one approximation of the residue matrix, we
prove that it \emph{converges} and also extend it to the nonnegative tensor
factorization and introduce some variants of the method by imposing some
additional controllable constraints such as: sparsity, discreteness and
smoothness.Comment: 47 pages. New convergence proof using damped version of RRI. To
appear in Numerical Linear Algebra in Signals, Systems and Control. Accepted.
Illustrating Matlab code is included in the source bundl
Squeezed Light and Entangled Images from Four-Wave-Mixing in Hot Rubidium Vapor
Entangled multi-spatial-mode fields have interesting applications in quantum
information, such as parallel quantum information protocols, quantum computing,
and quantum imaging. We study the use of a nondegenerate four-wave mixing
process in rubidium vapor at 795 nm to demonstrate generation of
quantum-entangled images. Owing to the lack of an optical resonator cavity, the
four-wave mixing scheme generates inherently multi-spatial-mode output fields.
We have verified the presence of entanglement between the multi-mode beams by
analyzing the amplitude difference and the phase sum noise using a dual
homodyne detection scheme, measuring more than 4 dB of squeezing in both cases.
This paper will discuss the quantum properties of amplifiers based on
four-wave-mixing, along with the multi mode properties of such devices.Comment: 11 pages, 8 figures. SPIE Optics and Photonics 2008 proceeding (San
Diego, CA
Energy storage solutions for offshore wave and tidal energy prototypes
This paper investigates the motivations for energy storage solutions for offshore Wave Energy Converters (WEC) and tidal energy prototypes. It examines the power and energy storage solutions on offer for developers to aid them during the design stage. Energy storage solutions examined include lead acid batteries, lithium ion batteries, supercapacitors, lithium ion capacitors and diesel for diesel generators. A focus is placed on key installation, operation and maintenance requirements associated with the apparent suitable technologies which are often overlooked. A case study examining a tidal developer's energy storage needs is then presented
A core genetic module : the Mixed Feedback Loop
The so-called Mixed Feedback Loop (MFL) is a small two-gene network where
protein A regulates the transcription of protein B and the two proteins form a
heterodimer. It has been found to be statistically over-represented in
statistical analyses of gene and protein interaction databases and to lie at
the core of several computer-generated genetic networks. Here, we propose and
mathematically study a model of the MFL and show that, by itself, it can serve
both as a bistable switch and as a clock (an oscillator) depending on kinetic
parameters. The MFL phase diagram as well as a detailed description of the
nonlinear oscillation regime are presented and some biological examples are
discussed. The results emphasize the role of protein interactions in the
function of genetic modules and the usefulness of modelling RNA dynamics
explicitly.Comment: To be published in Physical Review
A Protocol is not Enough:Enhanced Recovery Program-Based Care and Clinician Adherence Associated with Shorter Stay After Colorectal Surgery
Understanding of prognosis in non-metastatic prostate cancer: a randomised comparative study of clinician estimates measured against the PREDICT prostate prognostic model
Abstract: PREDICT Prostate is an individualised prognostic model that provides long-term survival estimates for men diagnosed with non-metastatic prostate cancer (www.prostate.predict.nhs.uk). In this study clinician estimates of survival were compared against model predictions and its potential value as a clinical tool was assessed. Prostate cancer (PCa) specialists were invited to participate in the study. 190 clinicians (63% urologists, 17% oncologists, 20% other) were randomised into two groups and shown 12 clinical vignettes through an online portal. Each group viewed opposing vignettes with clinical information alone, or alongside PREDICT Prostate estimates. 15-year clinician survival estimates were compared against model predictions and reported treatment recommendations with and without seeing PREDICT estimates were compared. 155 respondents (81.6%) reported counselling new PCa patients at least weekly. Clinician estimates of PCa-specific mortality exceeded PREDICT estimates in 10/12 vignettes. Their estimates for treatment survival benefit at 15 years were over-optimistic in every vignette, with mean clinician estimates more than 5-fold higher than PREDICT Prostate estimates. Concomitantly seeing PREDICT Prostate estimates led to significantly lower reported likelihoods of recommending radical treatment in 7/12 (58%) vignettes, particularly in older patients. These data suggest clinicians overestimate cancer-related mortality and radical treatment benefit. Using an individualised prognostic tool may help reduce overtreatment
The Premammillary Nucleus of the Hypothalamus Is Not Necessary for Photoperiodic Timekeeping in Female Turkeys (\u3cem\u3eMeleagris gallopavo\u3c/em\u3e)
In birds, seasonal reproduction is regulated by day length, with long days in the spring activating the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and reproductive behaviors. The photoreceptors mediating this process remain unknown, but recently, the premammillary nucleus (PMM) of the hypothalamus has been implicated as the site of photoperiodic signaling in turkeys. We performed electrolytic lesions of the PMM to elucidate its role in the photoactivation and maintenance of egg production in female turkeys. Our results show that ablation of the PMM does not alter the normal lay cycle. No differences were found between lesioned birds and sham controls in the latency to lay following photostimulation, nor in subsequent egg production over a period of 29 weeks. No differences in the incidence of gonadal regression were found, indicating that the PMM is not essential for the termination of breeding. We conclude that any role of the PMM in photoperiodic regulation, if it exists, is redundant with other components of the system
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