A note on variable selection in functional regression via random subspace method

Variable selection problem is one of the most important tasks in regression analysis, especially in a high-dimensional setting. In this paper, we study this problem in the context of scalar response functional regression model, which is a linear model with scalar response and functional regressors. The functional model can be represented by certain multiple linear regression model via basis expansions of functional variables. Based on this model and random subspace method of Mielniczuk and Teisseyre (Comput Stat Data Anal 71:725–742, 2014), two simple variable selection procedures for scalar response functional regression model are proposed. The final functional model is selected by using generalized information criteria. Monte Carlo simulation studies conducted and a real data example show very satisfactory performance of new variable selection methods under finite samples. Moreover, they suggest that considered procedures outperform solutions found in the literature in terms of correctly selected model, false discovery rate control and prediction error.     

Robust group-Lasso for functional regression model

In this article, we consider the problem of selecting functional variables using the L1 regularization in a functional linear regression model with a scalar response and functional predictors, in the presence of outliers. Since the LASSO is a special case of the penalized least-square regression with L1 penalty function, it suffers from the heavy-tailed errors and/or outliers in data. Recently, Least Absolute Deviation (LAD) and the LASSO methods have been combined (the LAD-LASSO regression method) to carry out robust parameter estimation and variable selection simultaneously for a multiple linear regression model. However, variable selection of the functional predictors based on LASSO fails since multiple parameters exist for a functional predictor. Therefore, group LASSO is used for selecting functional predictors since group LASSO selects grouped variables rather than individual variables. In this study, we propose a robust functional predictor selection method, the LAD-group LASSO, for a functional linear regression model with a scalar response and functional predictors. We illustrate the performance of the LAD-group LASSO on both simulated and real data.     

Variable Selection via Regression Trees in the Presence of Irrelevant Variables

Many tree algorithms have been developed for regression problems. Although they are regarded as good algorithms, most of them suffer from loss of prediction accuracy when there are many irrelevant variables and the number of predictors exceeds the number of observations. We propose the multistep regression tree with adaptive variable selection to handle this problem. The variable selection step and the fitting step comprise the multistep method.

The multistep generalized unbiased interaction detection and estimation (GUIDE) with adaptive forward selection (fg) algorithm, as a variable selection tool, performs better than some of the well-known variable selection algorithms such as efficacy adaptive regression tube hunting (EARTH), FSR (false selection rate), LSCV (least squares cross-validation), and LASSO (least absolute shrinkage and selection operator) for the regression problem. The results based on simulation study show that fg outperforms other algorithms in terms of selection result and computation time. It generally selects the important variables correctly with relatively few irrelevant variables, which gives good prediction accuracy with less computation time.     

Seemingly unrelated regression tree

Nonparametric seemingly unrelated regression provides a powerful alternative to parametric seemingly unrelated regression for relaxing the linearity assumption. The existing methods are limited, particularly with sharp changes in the relationship between the predictor variables and the corresponding response variable. We propose a new nonparametric method for seemingly unrelated regression, which adopts a tree-structured regression framework, has satisfiable prediction accuracy and interpretability, no restriction on the inclusion of categorical variables, and is less vulnerable to the curse of dimensionality. Moreover, an important feature is constructing a unified tree-structured model for multivariate data, even though the predictor variables corresponding to the response variable are entirely different. This unified model can offer revelatory insights such as underlying economic meaning. We propose the key factors of tree-structured regression, which are an impurity function detecting complex nonlinear relationships between the predictor variables and the response variable, split rule selection with negligible selection bias, and tree size determination solving underfitting and overfitting problems. We demonstrate our proposed method using simulated data and illustrate it using data from the Korea stock exchange sector indices.     

Correlation and variable importance in random forests

This paper is about variable selection with the random forests algorithm in presence of correlated predictors. In high-dimensional regression or classification frameworks, variable selection is a difficult task, that becomes even more challenging in the presence of highly correlated predictors. Firstly we provide a theoretical study of the permutation importance measure for an additive regression model. This allows us to describe how the correlation between predictors impacts the permutation importance. Our results motivate the use of the recursive feature elimination (RFE) algorithm for variable selection in this context. This algorithm recursively eliminates the variables using permutation importance measure as a ranking criterion. Next various simulation experiments illustrate the efficiency of the RFE algorithm for selecting a small number of variables together with a good prediction error. Finally, this selection algorithm is tested on the Landsat Satellite data from the UCI Machine Learning Repository.     

A SIMPLE VARIABLE SELECTION TECHNIQUE FOR NONLINEAR MODELS

Applying nonparametric variable selection criteria in nonlinear regression models generally requires a substantial computational effort if the data set is large. In this paper we present a selection technique that is computationally much less demanding and performs well in comparison with methods currently available. It is based on a polynomial approximation of the nonlinear model. Performing the selection only requires repeated least squares estimation of models that are linear in parameters. The main limitation of the method is that the number of variables among which to select cannot be very large if the sample is small and the order of an adequate polynomial at the same time is high. Large samples can be handled without problems.     

Bayes model averaging with selection of regressors

Summary. When a number of distinct models contend for use in prediction, the choice of a single model can offer rather unstable predictions. In regression, stochastic search variable selection with Bayesian model averaging offers a cure for this robustness issue but at the expense of requiring very many predictors. Here we look at Bayes model averaging incorporating variable selection for prediction. This offers similar mean-square errors of prediction but with a vastly reduced predictor space. This can greatly aid the interpretation of the model. It also reduces the cost if measured variables have costs. The development here uses decision theory in the context of the multivariate general linear model. In passing, this reduced predictor space Bayes model averaging is contrasted with single-model approximations. A fast algorithm for updating regressions in the Markov chain Monte Carlo searches for posterior inference is developed, allowing many more variables than observations to be contemplated. We discuss the merits of absolute rather than proportionate shrinkage in regression, especially when there are more variables than observations. The methodology is illustrated on a set of spectroscopic data used for measuring the amounts of different sugars in an aqueous solution.     

On the relative efficiency of a monotone parameter curve estimator in a functional nonlinear model

Functional regression models that relate functional covariates to a scalar response are becoming more common due to the availability of functional data and computational advances. We introduce a functional nonlinear model with a scalar response where the true parameter curve is monotone. Using the Newton-Raphson method within a backfitting procedure, we discuss a penalized least squares criterion for fitting the functional nonlinear model with the smoothing parameter selected using generalized cross validation. Connections between a nonlinear mixed effects model and our functional nonlinear model are discussed, thereby providing an additional model fitting procedure using restricted maximum likelihood for smoothing parameter selection. Simulated relative efficiency gains provided by a monotone parameter curve estimator relative to an unconstrained parameter curve estimator are presented. In addition, we provide an application of our model with data from ozonesonde measurements of stratospheric ozone in which the measurements are biased as a function of altitude.     

Estimation and regularization techniques for regression models with multidimensional prediction functions

Boosting is one of the most important methods for fitting regression models and building prediction rules. A notable feature of boosting is that the technique can be modified such that it includes a built-in mechanism for shrinking coefficient estimates and variable selection. This regularization mechanism makes boosting a suitable method for analyzing data characterized by small sample sizes and large numbers of predictors. We extend the existing methodology by developing a boosting method for prediction functions with multiple components. Such multidimensional functions occur in many types of statistical models, for example in count data models and in models involving outcome variables with a mixture distribution. As will be demonstrated, the new algorithm is suitable for both the estimation of the prediction function and regularization of the estimates. In addition, nuisance parameters can be estimated simultaneously with the prediction function.     

Sparse alternatives to ridge regression: a random effects approach

In a calibration of near-infrared (NIR) instrument, we regress some chemical compositions of interest as a function of their NIR spectra. In this process, we have two immediate challenges: first, the number of variables exceeds the number of observations and, second, the multicollinearity between variables are extremely high. To deal with the challenges, prediction models that produce sparse solutions have recently been proposed. The term ‘sparse’ means that some model parameters are zero estimated and the other parameters are estimated naturally away from zero. In effect, a variable selection is embedded in the model to potentially achieve a better prediction. Many studies have investigated sparse solutions for latent variable models, such as partial least squares and principal component regression, and for direct regression models such as ridge regression (RR). However, in the latter, it mainly involves an L₁ norm penalty to the objective function such as lasso regression. In this study, we investigate new sparse alternative models for RR within a random effects model framework, where we consider Cauchy and mixture-of-normals distributions on the random effects. The results indicate that the mixture-of-normals model produces a sparse solution with good prediction and better interpretation. We illustrate the methods using NIR spectra datasets from milk and corn specimens.     

Analysis of Survival Data with Group Lasso

Identification of influential genes and clinical covariates on the survival of patients is crucial because it can lead us to better understanding of underlying mechanism of diseases and better prediction models. Most of variable selection methods in penalized Cox models cannot deal properly with categorical variables such as gender and family history. The group lasso penalty can combine clinical and genomic covariates effectively. In this article, we introduce an optimization algorithm for Cox regression with group lasso penalty. We compare our method with other methods on simulated and real microarray data sets.     

Functional variable selection via Gram–Schmidt orthogonalization for multiple functional linear regression

ABSTRACT

Functional linear model is of great practical importance, as exemplified by applications in high-throughput studies such as meteorological and biomedical research. In this paper, we propose a new functional variable selection procedure, called functional variable selection via Gram–Schmidt (FGS) orthogonalization, for a functional linear model with a scalar response and multiple functional predictors. Instead of the regularization methods, FGS takes into account the similarity between the functional predictors in a data-driven way and utilizes the technique of Gram–Schmidt orthogonalization to remove the irrelevant predictors. FGS can successfully discriminate between the relevant and the irrelevant functional predictors to achieve a high true positive ratio without including many irrelevant predictors, and yield explainable models, which offers a new perspective for the variable selection method in the functional linear model. Simulation studies are carried out to evaluate the finite sample performance of the proposed method, and also a weather data set is analysed.     

Reversible jump Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithms for Bayesian variable selection in logistic mixed models

In this article, to reduce computational load in performing Bayesian variable selection, we used a variant of reversible jump Markov chain Monte Carlo methods, and the Holmes and Held (HH) algorithm, to sample model index variables in logistic mixed models involving a large number of explanatory variables. Furthermore, we proposed a simple proposal distribution for model index variables, and used a simulation study and real example to compare the performance of the HH algorithm with our proposed and existing proposal distributions. The results show that the HH algorithm with our proposed proposal distribution is a computationally efficient and reliable selection method.     

再生核Hilbert空间展开的函数型回归模型变量选择

针对协变量是函数型、响应变量是标量的多元函数型回归模型,文章提出了函数系数基于再生核Hilbert空间展开的变量选择方法。首先,利用带积分余项的泰勒展开式和再生核Hilbert空间内积性质将模型转化为结构化形式,其次,通过自适应弹性网惩罚对结构化模型中的组间和组内系数同时进行压缩。结果证明了这种压缩估计具有Oracle性质,蒙特卡罗模拟结果也显示新方法在不同样本量、不同噪声和变量相关性干扰下均优于基于普通基函数展开的变量选择方法,且尤其适用于原始协变量高度相关的情形。最后,通过分析一个商品房平均销售价格影响因素数据演示了新方法的应用。     

Logistic回归的双层变量选择研究

变量选择是统计建模的重要环节,选择合适的变量可以建立结构简单、预测精准的稳健模型。本文在logistic回归下提出了新的双层变量选择惩罚方法——adaptive Sparse Group Lasso(adSGL),其独特之处在于基于变量的分组结构作筛选,实现了组内和组间双层选择。该方法的优点是对各单个系数和组系数采取不同程度的惩罚,避免了过度惩罚大系数,从而提高了模型的估计和预测精度。求解的难点是惩罚似然函数不是严格凸的,因此本文基于组坐标下降法求解模型,并建立了调整参数的选取准则。模拟分析表明,对比现有代表性方法Sparse Group Lasso、Group Lasso及Lasso,adSGL法不仅提高了双层选择精度,而且降低了模型误差。最后本文将adSGL法应用到信用卡信用评分研究,对比logistic回归,它具有更高的分类精度和稳健性。     

Risk Prediction for Prostate Cancer Recurrence Through Regularized Estimation with Simultaneous Adjustment for Nonlinear Clinical Effects

In biomedical studies, it is of substantial interest to develop risk prediction scores using high-dimensional data such as gene expression data for clinical endpoints that are subject to censoring. In the presence of well-established clinical risk factors, investigators often prefer a procedure that also adjusts for these clinical variables. While accelerated failure time (AFT) models are a useful tool for the analysis of censored outcome data, it assumes that covariate effects on the logarithm of time-to-event are linear, which is often unrealistic in practice. We propose to build risk prediction scores through regularized rank estimation in partly linear AFT models, where high-dimensional data such as gene expression data are modeled linearly and important clinical variables are modeled nonlinearly using penalized regression splines. We show through simulation studies that our model has better operating characteristics compared to several existing models. In particular, we show that there is a non-negligible effect on prediction as well as feature selection when nonlinear clinical effects are misspecified as linear. This work is motivated by a recent prostate cancer study, where investigators collected gene expression data along with established prognostic clinical variables and the primary endpoint is time to prostate cancer recurrence. We analyzed the prostate cancer data and evaluated prediction performance of several models based on the extended c statistic for censored data, showing that 1) the relationship between the clinical variable, prostate specific antigen, and the prostate cancer recurrence is likely nonlinear, i.e., the time to recurrence decreases as PSA increases and it starts to level off when PSA becomes greater than 11; 2) correct specification of this nonlinear effect improves performance in prediction and feature selection; and 3) addition of gene expression data does not seem to further improve the performance of the resultant risk prediction scores.     

Simple Formula for Calculating Bias‐corrected AIC in Generalized Linear Models

In real‐data analysis, deciding the best subset of variables in regression models is an important problem. Akaike's information criterion (AIC) is often used in order to select variables in many fields. When the sample size is not so large, the AIC has a non‐negligible bias that will detrimentally affect variable selection. The present paper considers a bias correction of AIC for selecting variables in the generalized linear model (GLM). The GLM can express a number of statistical models by changing the distribution and the link function, such as the normal linear regression model, the logistic regression model, and the probit model, which are currently commonly used in a number of applied fields. In the present study, we obtain a simple expression for a bias‐corrected AIC (corrected AIC, or CAIC) in GLMs. Furthermore, we provide an ‘R’ code based on our formula. A numerical study reveals that the CAIC has better performance than the AIC for variable selection.     

Estimation and variable selection in nonparametric heteroscedastic regression

The article considers a Gaussian model with the mean and the variance modeled flexibly as functions of the independent variables. The estimation is carried out using a Bayesian approach that allows the identification of significant variables in the variance function, as well as averaging over all possible models in both the mean and the variance functions. The computation is carried out by a simulation method that is carefully constructed to ensure that it converges quickly and produces iterates from the posterior distribution that have low correlation. Real and simulated examples demonstrate that the proposed method works well. The method in this paper is important because (a) it produces more realistic prediction intervals than nonparametric regression estimators that assume a constant variance; (b) variable selection identifies the variables in the variance function that are important; (c) variable selection and model averaging produce more efficient prediction intervals than those obtained by regular nonparametric regression.     

Model Selection,Transformations and Variance Estimation in Nonlinear Regression

The results of analyzing experimental data using a parametric model may heavily depend on the chosen model for regression and variance functions, moreover also on a possibly underlying preliminary transformation of the variables. In this paper we propose and discuss a complex procedure which consists in a simultaneous selection of parametric regression and variance models from a relatively rich model class and of Box-Cox variable transformations by minimization of a cross-validation criterion. For this it is essential to introduce modifications of the standard cross-validation criterion adapted to each of the following objectives: 1. estimation of the unknown regression function, 2. prediction of future values of the response variable, 3. calibration or 4. estimation of some parameter with a certain meaning in the corresponding field of application. Our idea of a criterion oriented combination of procedures (which usually if applied, then in an independent or sequential way) is expected to lead to more accurate results. We show how the accuracy of the parameter estimators can be assessed by a “moment oriented bootstrap procedure", which is an essential modification of the “wild bootstrap” of Härdle and Mammen by use of more accurate variance estimates. This new procedure and its refinement by a bootstrap based pivot (“double bootstrap”) is also used for the construction of confidence, prediction and calibration intervals. Programs written in Splus which realize our strategy for nonlinear regression modelling and parameter estimation are described as well. The performance of the selected model is discussed, and the behaviour of the procedures is illustrated, e.g., by an application in radioimmunological assay.     

The regression dilemma

A substantial fraction of the statistical analyses and in particular statistical computing is done under the heading of multiple linear regression. That is the fitting of equations to multivariate data using the least squares technique for estimating parameters The optimality properties of these estimates are described in an ideal setting which is not often realized in practice.

Frequently, we do not have "good" data in the sense that the errors are non-normal or the variance is non-homogeneous. The data may contain outliers or extremes which are not easily detectable but variables in the proper functional, and we. may have the linearity

Prior to the mid-sixties regression programs provided just the basic least squares computations plus possibly a step-wise algorithm for variable selection. The increased interest in regression prompted by dramatic improvements in computers has led to a vast amount of literatur describing alternatives to least squares improved variable selection methods and extensive diagnostic procedures

The purpose of this paper is to summarize and illustrate some of these recent developments. In particular we shall review some of the potential problems with regression data discuss the statistics and techniques used to detect these problems and consider some of the proposed solutions. An example is presented to illustrate the effectiveness of these diagnostic methods in revealing such problems and the potential consequences of employing the proposed methods.