When primitive data representation yields attribute interactions, learning requires feature construction. MFE2/GA, a GA-based feature construction has been shown to learn more accurately than others when there exist several complex attribute interactions. A new fitness function, based on the principle of Minimum Description Length (MDL), is proposed and implemented as part of the MFE3/GA system...

In this paper, we provide a new neural-network based perspective on multi-task learning (MTL) and multi-domain learning (MDL). By introducing the concept of a semantic descriptor, this framework unifies MDL and MTL as well as encompassing various classic and recent MTL/MDL algorithms by interpreting them as different ways of constructing semantic descriptors. Our interpretation provides an alte...

We present a new minimum description length (MDL) approach based on a deformable partition--a polygonal grid--for automatic segmentation of a speckled image composed of several homogeneous regions. The image segmentation thus consists in the estimation of the polygonal grid, or, more precisely, its number of regions, its number of nodes and the location of its nodes. These estimations are perfo...

The Minimum Description Length (MDL) principle is the modern formalisation of Occam’s razor. It has been extensively and successfully used in machine learning (ML), especially for noisy and long sources of data. However, the MDL principle presents some paradoxes and inconveniences. After discussing all these, we address two of the most relevant: lack of explanation and lack of creativity. We pr...

Introduction The Physicians advocacy institute (Pai) is a not-for-profit 501(c)(6) advocacy organization established in 2006 with funds from settlement agreements in the multidistrict litigation (mDl) class action against major national for-profit health insurers. Pai’s board of Directors is comprised of Ceos of medical societies involved in the mDl and a physician who was a named plaintiff in ...

This paper addresses the variations that presently exist regarding the definition, determination, and reporting of detection limits for volatile sulphur compounds by gas chromatography with pulsed flame photometric detection (GC-PFPD). Gas standards containing hydrogen sulphide (H(2)S), carbonyl sulphide (COS), sulphur dioxide (SO(2)), methyl mercaptan (CH(3)SH), dimethyl sulphide (DMS), carbon...

OBJECTIVES ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) plays a crucial role in reverse cholesterol transport and anti-atherosclerosis. Cyclic AMP (cAMP) could increase the ABCA1 expression. Angiotensin (Ang)-(1-7) can protect endothelial cells, inhibit smooth muscle cell growth, ameliorate inflammation and exert anti-atherosclerotic effects. In this study, we attempted to clarify the effect of ...

OBJECTIVE Small-fiber neuropathies may be symptomatic yet escape detection by standard tests. We hypothesized that morphologic changes in intraepidermal nerves would correlate with clinical measures of small-fiber neuropathy. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We studied 25 diabetic and 23 nondiabetic patients with neuropathy defined by signs, symptoms, and quantitative testing and 20 control subjec...

Multidistrict litigation (MDL) is unorthodox, modern civil procedure. It is an old-but-new procedural tool that significantly disrupts decades of worked-out doctrinal equilibria—and, now comprising a shocking 39% of the cases on the civil docket, MDLs warrant more attention than they have received. The MDL puts a thumb on the scale of nationalism over federalism, consent over adversity, procedu...