4,685 research outputs found
Network Lasso: Clustering and Optimization in Large Graphs
Convex optimization is an essential tool for modern data analysis, as it
provides a framework to formulate and solve many problems in machine learning
and data mining. However, general convex optimization solvers do not scale
well, and scalable solvers are often specialized to only work on a narrow class
of problems. Therefore, there is a need for simple, scalable algorithms that
can solve many common optimization problems. In this paper, we introduce the
\emph{network lasso}, a generalization of the group lasso to a network setting
that allows for simultaneous clustering and optimization on graphs. We develop
an algorithm based on the Alternating Direction Method of Multipliers (ADMM) to
solve this problem in a distributed and scalable manner, which allows for
guaranteed global convergence even on large graphs. We also examine a
non-convex extension of this approach. We then demonstrate that many types of
problems can be expressed in our framework. We focus on three in particular -
binary classification, predicting housing prices, and event detection in time
series data - comparing the network lasso to baseline approaches and showing
that it is both a fast and accurate method of solving large optimization
problems
Stochastic Gene Expression in a Lentiviral Positive Feedback Loop: HIV-1 Tat Fluctuations Drive Phenotypic Diversity
Stochastic gene expression has been implicated in a variety of cellular
processes, including cell differentiation and disease. In this issue of Cell,
Weinberger et al. (2005) take an integrated computational-experimental approach
to study the Tat transactivation feedback loop in HIV-1 and show that
fluctuations in a key regulator, Tat, can result in a phenotypic bifurcation.
This phenomenon is observed in an isogenic population where individual cells
display two distinct expression states corresponding to latent and productive
infection by HIV-1. These findings demonstrate the importance of stochastic
gene expression in molecular "decision-making."Comment: Supplemental data available as q-bio.MN/060800
A New Ultra-dense Group of Obscured Emission-Line Galaxies
We present the discovery of an isolated compact group of galaxies that is
extremely dense (median projected galaxy separation: 6.9 kpc), has a very low
velocity dispersion ( = 67 km s), and where all
observed members show emission lines and are morphologically disturbed. These
properties, together with the lack of spirals and the presence of a prominent
tidal tail make this group one of the most evolved compact groups.Comment: 15 pages,LaTeX, 2figures. A Postscript figure with spectra is
available at ftp://astro.uibk.ac.at/pub/weinberger/ . Accepted for
publication in ApJ Letter
Electrical Resistivity of a Thin Metallic Film
The electrical resistivity of a pure sample of a thin metallic film is found
to depend on the boundary conditions. This conclusion is supported by a
free-electron model calculation and confirmed by an ab initio relativistic
Korringa-Kohn-Rostoker computation. The low-temperature resistivity is found to
be zero for a free-standing film (reflecting boundary conditions) but nonzero
when the film is sandwiched between two semi-infinite samples of the same
material (outgoing boundary conditions). In the latter case, this resistivity
scales inversely with the number of monolayers and is due to the background
diffusive scattering by a finite lattice.Comment: 20 pages. To be published in Physical Review B, December 15, 199
CG J1720-67.8: A Detailed Analysis of Optical and Infrared Properties of a New Ultracompact Group of Galaxies
We present here optical spectroscopy and BVRJHK(s) photometry of the recently
discovered ultra-compact group of galaxies CG J1720-67.8. This work represents
a considerable extension of the preliminary results we presented in a previous
paper. Despite the complicated morphology of the group, a quantitative
morphological classification of the three brightest members of the group is
attempted based on photometric analysis. We find that one galaxy is consistent
with a morphological type S0, while the other two are most probably late-type
spirals that are already losing their identity due tothe interaction process.
Information on the star formation activity and dust content derived from both
spectroscopic data and optical and near-infrared colors are complemented with a
reconstruction of far-infrared (FIR) maps from IRAS raw data. Enhanced star
formation activity is revealed in all the group's members, including the
early-type galaxy and the extended tidal tail, along which several tidal dwarf
galaxy candidates are identified. The metallicity of the gaseous component is
investigated and photoionization models are applied to the three main galaxies
of the group, while a detailed study of the tidal dwarf candidates will appear
in a companion paper. Subsolar metal abundances are found for all the three
galaxies, the highest values being shown by the early-type galaxy (Z ~ 0.5
Zsolar).Comment: Accepted for publication in The Astrophysical Journa
Supersymmetry, homology with twisted coefficients and n-dimensional knots
Let be any natural number. Let be any -dimensional knot in
. We define a supersymmetric quantum system for with the following
properties. We firstly construct a set of functional spaces (spaces of
fermionic \{resp. bosonic\} states) and a set of operators (supersymmetric
infinitesimal transformations) in an explicit way. Thus we obtain a set of the
Witten indexes for . Our Witten indexes are topological invariants for
-dimensional knots. Our Witten indexes are not zero in general. If is
equivalent to the trivial knot, all of our Witten indexes are zero. Our Witten
indexes restrict the Alexander polynomials of -knots. If one of our Witten
indexes for an -knot is nonzero, then one of the Alexander polynomials
of is nontrivial. Our Witten indexes are connected with homology with
twisted coefficients. Roughly speaking, our Witten indexes have path integral
representation by using a usual manner of supersymmetric theory.Comment: 10pages, no figure
On the Neutrality of Flowshop Scheduling Fitness Landscapes
Solving efficiently complex problems using metaheuristics, and in particular
local searches, requires incorporating knowledge about the problem to solve. In
this paper, the permutation flowshop problem is studied. It is well known that
in such problems, several solutions may have the same fitness value. As this
neutrality property is an important one, it should be taken into account during
the design of optimization methods. Then in the context of the permutation
flowshop, a deep landscape analysis focused on the neutrality property is
driven and propositions on the way to use this neutrality to guide efficiently
the search are given.Comment: Learning and Intelligent OptimizatioN Conference (LION 5), Rome :
Italy (2011
Magnetic properties of Quantum Corrals from first principles calculations
We present calculations for electronic and magnetic properties of surface
states confined by a circular quantum corral built of magnetic adatoms (Fe) on
a Cu(111) surface. We show the oscillations of charge and magnetization
densities within the corral and the possibility of the appearance of
spin--polarized states. In order to classify the peaks in the calculated
density of states with orbital quantum numbers we analyzed the problem in terms
of a simple quantum mechanical circular well model. This model is also used to
estimate the behaviour of the magnetization and energy with respect to the
radius of the circular corral. The calculations are performed fully
relativistically using the embedding technique within the
Korringa-Kohn-Rostoker method.Comment: 14 pages, 9 figures, submitted to J. Phys. Cond. Matt. special issue
on 'Theory and Simulation of Nanostructures
Analytic frameworks for assessing dialogic argumentation in online learning environments
Over the last decade, researchers have developed sophisticated online learning environments to support students engaging in argumentation. This review first considers the range of functionalities incorporated within these online environments. The review then presents five categories of analytic frameworks focusing on (1) formal argumentation structure, (2) normative quality, (3) nature and function of contributions within the dialog, (4) epistemic nature of reasoning, and (5) patterns and trajectories of participant interaction. Example analytic frameworks from each category are presented in detail rich enough to illustrate their nature and structure. This rich detail is intended to facilitate researchersâ identification of possible frameworks to draw upon in developing or adopting analytic methods for their own work. Each framework is applied to a shared segment of student dialog to facilitate this illustration and comparison process. Synthetic discussions of each category consider the frameworks in light of the underlying theoretical perspectives on argumentation, pedagogical goals, and online environmental structures. Ultimately the review underscores the diversity of perspectives represented in this research, the importance of clearly specifying theoretical and environmental commitments throughout the process of developing or adopting an analytic framework, and the role of analytic frameworks in the future development of online learning environments for argumentation
Finite-temperature magnetism of FePd and CoPt alloys
The finite-temperature magnetic properties of FePd and
CoPt alloys have been investigated. It is shown that the
temperature-dependent magnetic behaviour of alloys, composed of originally
magnetic and non-magnetic elements, cannot be described properly unless the
coupling between magnetic moments at magnetic atoms (Fe,Co) mediated through
the interactions with induced magnetic moments of non-magnetic atoms (Pd,Pt) is
included. A scheme for the calculation of the Curie temperature () for
this type of systems is presented which is based on the extended Heisenberg
Hamiltonian with the appropriate exchange parameters obtained from
{\em ab-initio} electronic structure calculations. Within the present study the
KKR Green's function method has been used to calculate the parameters.
A comparison of the obtained Curie temperatures for FePd and
CoPt alloys with experimental data shows rather good agreement.Comment: 10 pages, 12 figure
- âŠ