MLCut: exploring Multi-Level Cuts in dendrograms for biological data

Athanasios Vogogias, Jessie Kennedy, Daniel Archaumbault, Victoria Anne Smith, Hannah Currant

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Choosing a single similarity threshold for cutting dendrograms is not sufficient for performing hierarchical clustering analysis of heterogeneous data sets. In addition, alternative automated or semi-automated methods that cut dendrograms in multiple levels make assumptions about the data in hand. In an attempt to help the user to find patterns in the data and resolve ambiguities in cluster assignments, we developed MLCut: a tool that provides visual support for exploring dendrograms of heterogeneous data sets in different levels of detail. The interactive exploration of the dendrogram is coordinated with a representation of the original data, shown as parallel coordinates. The tool supports three analysis steps. Firstly, a single-height similarity threshold can be applied using a dynamic slider to identify the main clusters. Secondly, a distinctiveness threshold can be applied using a second dynamic slider to identify “weak-edges” that indicate heterogeneity within clusters. Thirdly, the user can drill-down to further explore the dendrogram structure - always in relation to the original data - and cut the branches of the tree at multiple levels. Interactive drill-down is supported using mouse events such as hovering, pointing and clicking on elements of the dendrogram. Two prototypes of this tool have been developed in collaboration with a group of biologists for analysing their own data sets. We found that enabling the users to cut the tree at multiple levels, while viewing the effect in the original data, isa promising method for clustering which could lead to scientific discoveries.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationComputer Graphics and Visual Computing Conference (CGVC) 2016
EditorsCagatay Turkay, Tao R. Wan
PublisherEurographics Association
ISBN (Print)9783038680222
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 16 Sept 2016
EventComputer Graphics & Visual Computing (CGVC) 2016 - Bournemouth University, Bournemouth, United Kingdom
Duration: 15 Sept 201616 Sept 2016
http://www.eguk.org.uk/CGVC2016/

Conference

ConferenceComputer Graphics & Visual Computing (CGVC) 2016
Abbreviated titleCGVC
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityBournemouth
Period15/09/1616/09/16
Internet address

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