arXiv subjects

Tzay-Ming Hong

Publications and source records attributed to Tzay-Ming Hong.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

General Mechanism of Evolution Shared by Proteins and Words

Complex systems, such as life and languages, are governed by principles of evolution. The analogy and comparison between biology and linguistics\cite{alphafold2, RoseTTAFold, lang_virus, cell language, faculty1, language of gene, Protein linguistics, dictionary, Grammar of pro_dom, complexity, genomics_nlp, InterPro, language modeling, Protein language modeling} provide a computational foundation for characterizing and analyzing protein sequences, human corpora, and their evolution. However, no general mathematical formula has been proposed so far to illuminate the origin of quantitative hallmarks shared by life and language. Here we show several new statistical relationships shared by proteins and words, which inspire us to establish a general mechanism of evolution with explicit formulations that can incorporate both old and new characteristics. We found natural selection can be quantified via the entropic formulation by the principle of least effort to determine the sequence variation that survives in evolution. Besides, the origin of power law behavior and how changes in the environment stimulate the emergence of new proteins and words can also be explained via the introduction of function connection network. Our results demonstrate not only the correspondence between genetics and linguistics over their different hierarchies but also new fundamental physical properties for the evolution of complex adaptive systems. We anticipate our statistical tests can function as quantitative criteria to examine whether an evolution theory of sequence is consistent with the regularity of real data. In the meantime, their correspondence broadens the bridge to exchange existing knowledge, spurs new interpretations, and opens Pandora's box to release several potentially revolutionary challenges. For example, does linguistic arbitrariness conflict with the dogma that structure determines function?

q-bio.PE↗

arXiv2026

Spontaneous emergence of linguistic statistical laws in images via artificial neural networks

As a core element of culture, images transform perception into structured representations and undergo evolution similar to natural languages. Given that visual input accounts for 60% of human sensory experience, it is natural to ask whether images follow statistical regularities similar to those in linguistic systems. Guided by symbol-grounding theory, which posits that meaningful symbols originate from perception, we treat images as vision-centric artifacts and employ pre-trained neural networks to model visual processing. By detecting kernel activations and extracting pixels, we obtain text-like units, which reveal that these image-derived representations adhere to statistical laws such as Zipf's, Heaps', and Benford's laws, analogous to linguistic data. Notably, these statistical regularities emerge spontaneously, without the need for explicit symbols or hybrid architectures. Our results indicate that connectionist networks can automatically develop structured, quasi-symbolic units through perceptual processing alone, suggesting that text- and symbol-like properties can naturally emerge from neural networks and providing a novel perspective for interpretation.

cs.CV↗

arXiv2025

A Dough-Like Model for Understanding Double-Slit Phenomena

The probabilistic interference fringes observed in the double slit experiment vividly demonstrate the quantum superposition principle, yet they also highlight a fundamental conceptual challenge: the relationship between a system before and after the measurement. According to Copenhagen interpretation, an unobserved quantum system evolves continuously based on the Schrodinger equation, whereas observation induces an instantaneous collapse of the wave function to an eigenstate. This contrast between continuous evolution and sudden collapse renders the single particle behavior particularly enigmatic, especially given that quantum mechanics itself is constructed upon the statistical behavior of ensembles rather than individual entities. In this study, we introduce a Double Slit Diffraction Surrogate Model DSM based on deep learning, designed to capture the mapping between wave functions and probability distributions. The DSM explores multiple potential propagation paths and adaptively selects optimal transmission channels using gradient descent, forming a backbone for the information through the network. By comparing the interpretability of paths and interference, we propose an intuitive physical analogy: the particle behaves like a stretchable dough, extending across both slits, reconnecting after transmission, allowing detachment before the barrier. Monte Carlo simulations confirm that this framework can naturally reproduce the characteristic interference and diffraction probability patterns. Our approach offers a novel, physically interpretable perspective on quantum superposition and measurement induced collapse. The dough analogy is expected to extend to other quantum phenomena. Finally, we provide a dough based picture, attempting to unify interference, entanglement, and tunneling as manifestations of the same underlying phenomenon.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2025

Liquid Droplet as Adaptive Material while Levitating via Coupling between Plasma and Kelvin Force

Fascinating in art and science, the ability to float is also captivating and relevant in practical applications, such as Penning and ion traps that are fundamental to quantum computing. In this work, we first reproduce the classic water bridge by glycerol and, as it breaks down due to thermal agitation, observe that a lump of glycerol with mass~2.5 g can float and exhibit near-periodic oscillations. Through experiments, finite element analysis, and simulations, we discover that the stability of the floating droplet is made possible by the interaction between three mechanisms: Deformation, Plasma, and Kelvin force. Note that glycerol cluster (GC) falls in the class of adaptive materials that can change their properties or behavior in response to varying environmental conditions, i.e., stimuli-responsive. Furthermore, the stimuli, modified by the deformation of GC, collaborate with it to create this unique simple, yet stable, floating system. Backed up by simulations, this process, operated by only a single pair of electrodes, holds the potential to develop a simple yet powerful railgun.

cond-mat.soft↗

arXiv2024

How soap bubbles change shape while maintaining a fixed volume of air?

We combine experiments and theoretical derivations to study the evolution of a stretched soap bubble and compare it with an open film to highlight the effect of volume conservation. We identify a critical length for both surfaces, beyond which a bottleneck develops in the middle and begins to shrink irreversibly, ultimately pinching off into multiple compartments. Before leaving the equilibrium regime, surface energy minimization governs the shape, which can be addressed theoretically via the variational method. In contrast to open films, soap bubble volume conservation introduces a Lagrange multiplier, analogous to a pressure difference, mediating long-range shape evolution. By examining how boundary constraints influence deformation, we contrast the bubble's convex-to-concave transition with the behavior of soap films under similar conditions. Our analysis of equilibrium and breakup regimes reveals critical differences between bubble and film stability profiles, shedding light on universal behaviors in non-equilibrium fluid mechanics, with implications for biological and material sciences.

physics.flu-dyn↗

arXiv2024

Tunneling Time for Walking Droplets on an Oscillating Liquid Surface

In recent years, Couder and collaborators have initiated a series of studies on walking droplets. Experimentally, they found that at frequencies and amplitudes close to the onset of Faraday waves, droplets on the surface of silicone oil can survive and walk at a roughly constant speed due to resonance. Droplets excite local ripples from the Faraday instability when they bounce from the liquid surface. This tightly coupled particle-wave entity, although a complex yet entirely classical system, exhibits many phenomena that are strikingly similar to those of quantum systems, such as slit interference and diffraction, tunneling probability, and Anderson localization. In this Letter, we focus on the tunneling time of droplets. Specifically, we explore (1) how it changes with the width of an acrylic barrier, which gives rise to the potential barrier when the depth of the silicone oil is reduced to prevent the generation of ripples that can feed energy back to the droplet, and (2) the distribution of tunneling times at the same barrier width. Both results turn out to be similar to the numerical outcome of the Bohmian mechanics, which strengthens the analogy to a quantum system. Furthermore, we successfully derive analytic expressions for these properties by revising the multiple scattering theory and constructing a ``skipping stone" model. Provided that the resemblance in tunneling behavior of walking droplets to Bohmian particles is not coincidental, we discuss the lessons for the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics that so far fails to explain both characteristics adequately.

nlin.CD↗

arXiv2024

Lifting a granular box by a half-buried rod

We studied an interesting experiment that showed a half-buried chopstick lifting a full bottle of granules off the table. In Janssen theory, the friction force provided by the container wall helps alleviate the weight of the granules. How can a thin rod with a much less contact area support the full weight plus that of the container? Insights are gained by allowing the friction on the wall to change direction before solving the Janssen equation. We obtained the analytic expression for the critical depth of granules that enables a successful lift off. In addition, we established that the stick and slip phenomenon exists during a failed lift off by analyzing the frequency of fluctuations in the pull force. Finally, a photoelasticity experiment was employed to directly visualize the stress field sensitive to the pull force, and verify the directional change of friction force from the wall.

cond-mat.soft↗

arXiv2024

Dual residence time for droplet to coalesce with liquid surface

When droplets approach a liquid surface, they have a tendency to merge in order to minimize surface energy. However, under certain conditions, they can exhibit a phenomenon called coalescence delay, where they remain separate for tens of milliseconds. This duration is known as the residence time or the non-coalescence time. Surprisingly, under identical parameters and initial conditions, the residence time for water droplets is not a constant value but exhibits dual peaks in its distribution. In this paper, we present the observation of the dual residence times through rigorous statistical analysis and investigate the quantitative variations in residence time by manipulating parameters such as droplet height, radius, and viscosity. Theoretical models and physical arguments are provided to explain their effects, particularly why a large viscosity or/and a small radius is detrimental to the appearance of the longer residence time peak.

physics.flu-dyn↗

arXiv2024

Dynamics and frictional dissipation from treading in the puddle

It was recently established that dogs share the same lapping technique as cats by flicking their tongue against the water surface and then yanking it back, dragging up a column of water. This liquid column appears frequently in daily life and industrial applications, such as walking through a puddle and roller printing. While governed by the Navier-Stokes equation, its dynamics are often studied by numerical means, which hinders a full understanding of the rich mixture of physics behind, for instance, the competition of surface and potential energies, and how the pinch-off is affected by the kinetic energy and water jet when a large cylinder is used. Combined with simple models, we elucidate the mechanism that drives the change of morphology and derive analytic expressions for the critical height and upper radius for the liquid column when transiting between three stages. Stage I is characterized by a static and reversible profile for the column whose upper radius r_t equals that of the cylinder. The column becomes irreversible and $r_t$ starts shrinking upon entering stage II. It is not until r_t stops shrinking that the column neck accelerates its contraction and descends toward the pool, the quantitative behavior of which is among the successful predictions of our theory. Pinch-off dominates the second half of stage III without its usual signature of self-similarity. This is discussed and explained with an interesting incident involving a water jet similar to that made by a dropping stone.

physics.flu-dyn↗

arXiv2024

In-depth analysis of music structure as a text network

Music, enchanting and poetic, permeates every corner of human civilization. Although music is not unfamiliar to people, our understanding of its essence remains limited, and there is still no universally accepted scientific description. This is primarily due to music being regarded as a product of both reason and emotion, making it difficult to define. In this article, we focus on the fundamental elements of music and construct an evolutionary network from the perspective of music as a natural language, aligning with the statistical characteristics of texts. Through this approach, we aim to comprehend the structural differences in music across different periods, enabling a more scientific exploration of music. Relying on the advantages of structuralism, we can concentrate on the relationships and order between the physical elements of music, rather than getting entangled in the blurred boundaries of science and philosophy. The scientific framework we present not only conforms to past conclusions in music, but also serves as a bridge that connects music to natural language processing and knowledge graphs.

cs.SD↗

arXiv2023

Evidence for spontaneous arrangement of two-way flow in water bridge via particle image velocimetry

By revisiting the century-old problem of water bridge, we demonstrate that it is in fact dynamic and comprises of two coaxial water currents that carry different charges and flow in opposite directions. This spontaneous separation is triggered by the different stages to construct the water bridge. Initially, a flow is facilitated by the cone jet that is powered by H+ and flows out of the positive-electrode beaker. An opposing cone-jet from negative beaker is established later and forced to take the outer route. This spontaneous arrangement of two-way flow is revealed by using fluorescein and carbon powder as tracers, and the Particle Image Velocimetry, These two opposing flows are found to carry non-equal flux that results in a net transport of water to the negative beaker. We manage to estimate the flow speed and cross-sectional area of these co-axial flows as a function of time and applied voltage. Note that the water on the outer layer functions as a millimeter tube that confines and interacts strongly with the flow inside. This provides a first natural and yet counter example to the recently reported near-frictionless flow in an equally miniatureized soft wall made from ferrofluid.

cond-mat.soft↗

arXiv2023

Formation and mechanics of fire ant rafts as an active self-healing membrane

The unique ability of fire ants to form a raft to survive flooding rain has enchanted biologists as well as researchers in other disciplines. It has been established during the last decade that an aggregation of fire ants exhibits viscoelasticity with respect to external compression and shearing among numerous unusual mechanical properties. In addition to clarifying that the Cheerios effect is neither sufficient nor essential for the ant raft, we perform the force-displacement and creep experiments on the ant raft and concentrate on unearthing properties that derive from the unique combination of self-healing and activeness of its constituent. Varying pull speed results in distinct mechanical responses and fracture patterns, characteristic of ductile and brittle material. By image processing, we count the number of ants that actively participate in the stress-strain relation and determine their orientation to map out the force chain. The latter information reveals that the pull force expedites the alignment of fire ants, in analogy to the effect of an electric field on liquid crystal polymers. In addition, the raft can be tailored not to transversely deform in response to the axial strain. Without resorting to specific geometry structures, this property of zero Poisson's ratio is enabled by the active recruitment of ants from the top to bottom layer to keep the raft from disintegrating. Furthermore, effective Young's modulus can also be customized and is proportion to either the raft length or its inverse, depending on whether the raft is in the elastic or plastic region.

cond-mat.soft↗

arXiv2023

Modeling meteorite craters by impacting melted tin on sand

To simulate the heated exterior of a meteorite, we impact a granular bed with melted tin. The morphology of tin remnant and crater is found to be sensitive to the temperature and solidification of tin. By employing deep learning and convolutional neural network, we can quantify and map the complex impact patterns onto network systems based on feature maps and Grad-CAM results. This gives us unprecedented details on how the projectile deforms and interacts with the granules, which information can be used to trace the development of different remnant shapes. Furthermore, full dynamics of granular system is revealed by the use of Particle Image Velocimetry. Kinetic energy, temperature and diameter of the projectile are used to build phase diagrams for the morphology of both crater and tin remnant. In addition to successfully reproducing key features of simple and complex craters, we are able to detect a possible artifact when compiling crater data from field studies. The depth of craters from high-energy impacts in our work is found to be independent of their width. However, when mixing data from different energy, temperature and diameter of projectile, a bogus power-law relationship appears between them. Like other controlled laboratory researches, our conclusions have the potential to benefit the study of paint in industry and asteroid sampling missions on the surface of celestial bodies.

astro-ph.EP↗

arXiv2022

Self-similarity with universal property for soap film and bubble in roll-off stage

All children enjoy blowing soap bubbles that also show up in our bath and when we wash dishes. We analyze the thinning and breaking of soap bubble neck when it is stretched. To contrast with the more widely studied film whose boundaries are open, we concentrate on the bubble with a conserved air volume V. Like film (F), non-equilibrium state can be divided into four regimes for bubble (B): (1) roll-off, (2) cusp approach, (3) pinch-off and (4) breakup. We establish the existence of self-similarity in F-1, B-1 and B-3, and universal property in F-1 and B-1 for the profile of soap membrane. The former means that the profile at successive times can be mapped to a master curve after being rescaled by the countdown time τ. Whiles, the latter further requires this master curve to be identical for different ring sizes R for film and different V and R for bubble while keeping V/R^3 fixed. The exhibition of universal property indicates that the process of memory erasing starts earlier than regime 3. We also found that the minimum radius scales as h_{min}~τ^{1/2}, independent of V and pulling speed. Note that the validity of our discussion is limited by the duration of roll-off regime from 10^{-2}~10^{-3} s.

cond-mat.soft↗

arXiv2021

Role of Crown in Tree Resistance Against High Winds

Rather than using wooden sticks to simulate the breakage of trees in high winds as in most research, we employed fresh samples with branches and leaves to certify the crucial role played by the tree crown. By using the blowdown wind tunnel with a maximum wind speed of 60 m/s, we purposely reduce the number of leaves and show that the drag force will drop by as much as two thirds when half pruned. Based on real observations, we model the leaf by an open and full cone in the presence of light and strong wind, and calculate how their corresponding cross-sectional area and drag force vary with wind speed. Different power-law relations are predicted and confirmed by experiments for these properties before and after the formation of a full cone. Compared to the empirical value of 1/3 and 3/4, our simple model gave 2/5 and 2/3 for the power-law exponent of cross-sectional area at low and high winds. Discrepancy can be accounted for by including further details, such as the reorientation of open cones and the movement of branches.

physics.flu-dyn↗

arXiv2021

Phase Diagram and Snap-Off Transition for a Twisted Party Balloon

All children enjoy inflating balloons and twisting them into different shapes and animals. Snapping the balloon into two separate compartments is a necessary step that bears resemblance to the pinch-off phenomenon for water droplet detached from the faucet. In addition to testing whether balloons exhibit the properties of self-similarity and memory effect that are often associated with the latter event, we determine their phase diagram by experiments. It turns out that a common party balloon does not just snap. They in fact can assume five more shapes, i.e., straight, necking, wrinkled, helix, and supercoil, depending on the twist angle and ratio of its length and diameter. Moreover, history also matters due to their prominent hysteresis. One may shift the phase boundary or/and reshuffle the phases by untwisting or lengthening the balloon at different twist angle and initial length. Heuristic models are provided to obtain analytic expressions for the phase boundaries.

cond-mat.soft↗

arXiv2020

Aging-Induced Dynamics for Statically Indeterminate System

Statically indeterminate systems are experimentally demonstrated to be in fact dynamical at the microscopic scale. Take the classic ladder-wall problem, for instance. Depending on the Young's modulus of the wall, it may take up to twenty minutes before its weight saturates. This finding is shown to be shared by other statically indeterminate systems, such as a granule silo and a beam with three support points. We believe that the aging effect is responsible for this surprising phenomenon because it can be correlated with the evolution of microscopic contact area with the wall and floor. Finally, a heuristic and simple method is introduced that can uniquely determine and analytically solve the saturated weight without invoking detailed material properties.

cond-mat.soft↗

arXiv2020

Self-organizing Pattern in Multilayer Network for Words and Syllables

One of the ultimate goals for linguists is to find universal properties in human languages. Although words are generally considered as representing arbitrary mapping between linguistic forms and meanings, we propose a new universal law that highlights the equally important role of syllables, which is complementary to Zipf's. By plotting rank-rank frequency distribution of word and syllable for English and Chinese corpora, visible lines appear and can be fit to a master curve. We discover the multi-layer network for words and syllables based on this analysis exhibits the feature of self-organization which relies heavily on the inclusion of syllables and their connections. Analytic form for the scaling structure is derived and used to quantify how Internet slang becomes fashionable, which demonstrates its usefulness as a new tool to evolutionary linguistics.

cs.CL↗