Aug 14, 2013 — Optimization Functions — I wanted to compile a nice list of (general) optimization functions for different algorithms, mostly so I don’t need to look them up one by one.  If an optimization method isn’t appropriate, I’ll summarize how you make a classification.  I... Read more

Aug 13, 2013 — Kernel Methods — Kernel methods, most commonly described in relation to support vector machines, allow us to transform our data into a higher dimensional space to assist with the goal of the learning algorithm.  Specifically for SVMs, we are looking to define the... Read more

Aug 9, 2013 — The Gap Statistic — The gap statistic is a method for approximating the “correct” number of clusters, k, for an unsupervised clustering. We do this by assessing a metric of error (the within cluster sum of squares) with regard to our choice of k.... Read more

Aug 6, 2013 — Segmentation of MRI with Bayesian Methods — Let’s say that I am a proponent of the idea that I can segment the brain into meaningful regions (e.g., caudate, amygdala, hippocampus…), which some may think is akin to cutting up the United States into said states.  This could... Read more