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Proceedings Article

EfficientL 1 regularized logistic regression

16 Jul 2006-pp 401-408
TL;DR: Theoretical results show that the proposed efficient algorithm for L1 regularized logistic regression is guaranteed to converge to the global optimum, and experiments show that it significantly outperforms standard algorithms for solving convex optimization problems.
Abstract: L1 regularized logistic regression is now a workhorse of machine learning: it is widely used for many classification problems, particularly ones with many features. L1 regularized logistic regression requires solving a convex optimization problem. However, standard algorithms for solving convex optimization problems do not scale well enough to handle the large datasets encountered in many practical settings. In this paper, we propose an efficient algorithm for L1 regularized logistic regression. Our algorithm iteratively approximates the objective function by a quadratic approximation at the current point, while maintaining the L1 constraint. In each iteration, it uses the efficient LARS (Least Angle Regression) algorithm to solve the resulting L1 constrained quadratic optimization problem. Our theoretical results show that our algorithm is guaranteed to converge to the global optimum. Our experiments show that our algorithm significantly outperforms standard algorithms for solving convex optimization problems. Moreover, our algorithm outperforms four previously published algorithms that were specifically designed to solve the L1 regularized logistic regression problem.

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Citations
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Journal Article
TL;DR: Extensive comparisons indicate that carefully implemented coordinate descent methods are very suitable for training large document data.
Abstract: Large-scale linear classification is widely used in many areas. The L1-regularized form can be applied for feature selection; however, its non-differentiability causes more difficulties in training. Although various optimization methods have been proposed in recent years, these have not yet been compared suitably. In this paper, we first broadly review existing methods. Then, we discuss state-of-the-art software packages in detail and propose two efficient implementations. Extensive comparisons indicate that carefully implemented coordinate descent methods are very suitable for training large document data.

273 citations


Cites methods from "EfficientL 1 regularized logistic r..."

  • ...Lee et al. (2006) applied the LARS algorithm described in Efron et al. (2004) to find a Newton direction at each step and then used a backtracking line search to minimize the objective value....

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Proceedings ArticleDOI
02 Aug 2009
TL;DR: Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed SGD method can produce compact and accurate models much more quickly than a state-of-the-art quasi-Newton method for L1-regularized loglinear models.
Abstract: Stochastic gradient descent (SGD) uses approximate gradients estimated from subsets of the training data and updates the parameters in an online fashion. This learning framework is attractive because it often requires much less training time in practice than batch training algorithms. However, L1-regularization, which is becoming popular in natural language processing because of its ability to produce compact models, cannot be efficiently applied in SGD training, due to the large dimensions of feature vectors and the fluctuations of approximate gradients. We present a simple method to solve these problems by penalizing the weights according to cumulative values for L1 penalty. We evaluate the effectiveness of our method in three applications: text chunking, named entity recognition, and part-of-speech tagging. Experimental results demonstrate that our method can produce compact and accurate models much more quickly than a state-of-the-art quasi-Newton method for L1-regularized loglinear models.

241 citations


Cites background from "EfficientL 1 regularized logistic r..."

  • ...problem as a L1-constrained problem (Lee et al., 2006), where the conditional log-likelihood of the training data is maximized under a fixed constraint of the L1-norm of the weight vector....

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  • ...An alternative approach to producing compact models for log-linear models is to reformulate the problem as a L1-constrained problem (Lee et al., 2006), where the conditional log-likelihood of the training data is maximized under a fixed constraint of the L1-norm of the weight vector....

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Proceedings Article
22 Jul 2007
TL;DR: This paper shows how the decomposability of the MDL score, plus the ability to quickly compute entire regularization paths, allows us to efficiently pick the optimal regularization parameter on a per-node basis.
Abstract: Sparsity-promoting L1-regularization has recently been succesfully used to learn the structure of undirected graphical models. In this paper, we apply this technique to learn the structure of directed graphical models. Specifically, we make three contributions. First, we show how the decomposability of the MDL score, plus the ability to quickly compute entire regularization paths, allows us to efficiently pick the optimal regularization parameter on a per-node basis. Second, we show how to use L1 variable selection to select the Markov blanket, before a DAG search stage. Finally, we show how L1 variable selection can be used inside of an order search algorithm. The effectiveness of these L1-based approaches are compared to current state of the art methods on 10 datasets.

232 citations


Cites methods from "EfficientL 1 regularized logistic r..."

  • ...We used L-BFGS to scale the gradient, and found this to be more efficient than the ‘IRLS-LARS’ algorithm of ( LLAN06 )....

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Proceedings ArticleDOI
28 Jun 2009
TL;DR: An adaptive line search scheme which allows to tune the step size adaptively and meanwhile guarantees the optimal convergence rate is proposed, which demonstrates the efficiency of the proposed Lassplore algorithm for large-scale problems.
Abstract: Logistic Regression is a well-known classification method that has been used widely in many applications of data mining, machine learning, computer vision, and bioinformatics. Sparse logistic regression embeds feature selection in the classification framework using the l1-norm regularization, and is attractive in many applications involving high-dimensional data. In this paper, we propose Lassplore for solving large-scale sparse logistic regression. Specifically, we formulate the problem as the l1-ball constrained smooth convex optimization, and propose to solve the problem using the Nesterov's method, an optimal first-order black-box method for smooth convex optimization. One of the critical issues in the use of the Nesterov's method is the estimation of the step size at each of the optimization iterations. Previous approaches either applies the constant step size which assumes that the Lipschitz gradient is known in advance, or requires a sequence of decreasing step size which leads to slow convergence in practice. In this paper, we propose an adaptive line search scheme which allows to tune the step size adaptively and meanwhile guarantees the optimal convergence rate. Empirical comparisons with several state-of-the-art algorithms demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed Lassplore algorithm for large-scale problems.

219 citations


Cites background or methods from "EfficientL 1 regularized logistic r..."

  • ...The iteratively reweighted least squares least angle regression algorithm (IRLS-LARS) used a quadratic approximation for the average logistic loss function, which was subsequently solved by the LARS method [7, 18]....

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  • ...The 1-norm regularized sparse LR model is attractive in many applications involving high-dimensional data in that it performs feature selection and classification simultaneously [6, 10, 11, 16, 18, 26, 28, 30, 31]....

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  • ...The iteratively reweighted least squares least angle regression algorithm (IRLS-LARS) used a quadratic approxima­tion for the average logistic loss function, which was subsequently solved by the LARS method [7, 18]....

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  • ...The fourth strategy is to convert (4) to the equivlalent e1-ball constrained optimiza­tion problem with a smooth objective function, e.g. the iteratively reweighted least squares (IRLS-LARS) [18]....

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  • ...Logistic Regression (LR) [18, 23] is a classical classification method that has been used widely in many applications includ-...

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Posted Content
TL;DR: This work investigates fast methods that allow to quickly eliminate variables (features) in supervised learning problems involving a convex loss function and a $l_1$-norm penalty, leading to a potentially substantial reduction in the number of variables prior to running the supervised learning algorithm.
Abstract: We investigate fast methods that allow to quickly eliminate variables (features) in supervised learning problems involving a convex loss function and a $l_1$-norm penalty, leading to a potentially substantial reduction in the number of variables prior to running the supervised learning algorithm. The methods are not heuristic: they only eliminate features that are {\em guaranteed} to be absent after solving the learning problem. Our framework applies to a large class of problems, including support vector machine classification, logistic regression and least-squares. The complexity of the feature elimination step is negligible compared to the typical computational effort involved in the sparse supervised learning problem: it grows linearly with the number of features times the number of examples, with much better count if data is sparse. We apply our method to data sets arising in text classification and observe a dramatic reduction of the dimensionality, hence in computational effort required to solve the learning problem, especially when very sparse classifiers are sought. Our method allows to immediately extend the scope of existing algorithms, allowing us to run them on data sets of sizes that were out of their reach before.

214 citations


Cites background from "EfficientL 1 regularized logistic r..."

  • ...…problem (which corresponds to the squared loss function), in Park and Hastie (2007); Friedman et al. (2007); Koh et al. (2007); Genkin et al. (2007); Lee et al. (2006); Goodman (2004); Roth (2004) for the case of logistic regression and related generalized linear models, in Fan et al. (2008); Bi…...

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References
More filters
Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A new method for estimation in linear models called the lasso, which minimizes the residual sum of squares subject to the sum of the absolute value of the coefficients being less than a constant, is proposed.
Abstract: SUMMARY We propose a new method for estimation in linear models. The 'lasso' minimizes the residual sum of squares subject to the sum of the absolute value of the coefficients being less than a constant. Because of the nature of this constraint it tends to produce some coefficients that are exactly 0 and hence gives interpretable models. Our simulation studies suggest that the lasso enjoys some of the favourable properties of both subset selection and ridge regression. It produces interpretable models like subset selection and exhibits the stability of ridge regression. There is also an interesting relationship with recent work in adaptive function estimation by Donoho and Johnstone. The lasso idea is quite general and can be applied in a variety of statistical models: extensions to generalized regression models and tree-based models are briefly described.

40,785 citations


"EfficientL 1 regularized logistic r..." refers methods in this paper

  • ...(Tibshirani 1996) Several algorithms have been developed to solve L1 constrained least squares problems....

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  • ...See, Tibshirani (1996) for details.)...

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  • ...(Tibshirani 1996) Several algorithms have been developed to solve L1 constrained least squares problems....

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Book
01 Mar 2004
TL;DR: In this article, the focus is on recognizing convex optimization problems and then finding the most appropriate technique for solving them, and a comprehensive introduction to the subject is given. But the focus of this book is not on the optimization problem itself, but on the problem of finding the appropriate technique to solve it.
Abstract: Convex optimization problems arise frequently in many different fields. A comprehensive introduction to the subject, this book shows in detail how such problems can be solved numerically with great efficiency. The focus is on recognizing convex optimization problems and then finding the most appropriate technique for solving them. The text contains many worked examples and homework exercises and will appeal to students, researchers and practitioners in fields such as engineering, computer science, mathematics, statistics, finance, and economics.

33,341 citations

Book
01 Jan 1983
TL;DR: In this paper, a generalization of the analysis of variance is given for these models using log- likelihoods, illustrated by examples relating to four distributions; the Normal, Binomial (probit analysis, etc.), Poisson (contingency tables), and gamma (variance components).
Abstract: The technique of iterative weighted linear regression can be used to obtain maximum likelihood estimates of the parameters with observations distributed according to some exponential family and systematic effects that can be made linear by a suitable transformation. A generalization of the analysis of variance is given for these models using log- likelihoods. These generalized linear models are illustrated by examples relating to four distributions; the Normal, Binomial (probit analysis, etc.), Poisson (contingency tables) and gamma (variance components).

23,215 citations

01 Jan 1998

12,940 citations


"EfficientL 1 regularized logistic r..." refers methods in this paper

  • ...We tested each algorithm’s performance on 12 different datasets, consisting of 9 UCI datasets (Newman et al. 1998), one artificial dataset called Madelon from the NIPS 2003 workshop on feature extraction,3 and two gene expression datasets (Microarray 1 and 2).4 Table 2 gives details on the number…...

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  • ...We tested each algorithm’s performance on 12 different real datasets, consisting of 9 UCI datasets (Newman et al. 1998) and 3 gene expression datasets (Microarray 1, 2 and 3) 3....

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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This is the Ž rst book on generalized linear models written by authors not mostly associated with the biological sciences, and it is thoroughly enjoyable to read.
Abstract: This is the Ž rst book on generalized linear models written by authors not mostly associated with the biological sciences. Subtitled “With Applications in Engineering and the Sciences,” this book’s authors all specialize primarily in engineering statistics. The Ž rst author has produced several recent editions of Walpole, Myers, and Myers (1998), the last reported by Ziegel (1999). The second author has had several editions of Montgomery and Runger (1999), recently reported by Ziegel (2002). All of the authors are renowned experts in modeling. The Ž rst two authors collaborated on a seminal volume in applied modeling (Myers and Montgomery 2002), which had its recent revised edition reported by Ziegel (2002). The last two authors collaborated on the most recent edition of a book on regression analysis (Montgomery, Peck, and Vining (2001), reported by Gray (2002), and the Ž rst author has had multiple editions of his own regression analysis book (Myers 1990), the latest of which was reported by Ziegel (1991). A comparable book with similar objectives and a more speciŽ c focus on logistic regression, Hosmer and Lemeshow (2000), reported by Conklin (2002), presumed a background in regression analysis and began with generalized linear models. The Preface here (p. xi) indicates an identical requirement but nonetheless begins with 100 pages of material on linear and nonlinear regression. Most of this will probably be a review for the readers of the book. Chapter 2, “Linear Regression Model,” begins with 50 pages of familiar material on estimation, inference, and diagnostic checking for multiple regression. The approach is very traditional, including the use of formal hypothesis tests. In industrial settings, use of p values as part of a risk-weighted decision is generally more appropriate. The pedagologic approach includes formulas and demonstrations for computations, although computing by Minitab is eventually illustrated. Less-familiar material on maximum likelihood estimation, scaled residuals, and weighted least squares provides more speciŽ c background for subsequent estimation methods for generalized linear models. This review is not meant to be disparaging. The authors have packed a wealth of useful nuggets for any practitioner in this chapter. It is thoroughly enjoyable to read. Chapter 3, “Nonlinear Regression Models,” is arguably less of a review, because regression analysis courses often give short shrift to nonlinear models. The chapter begins with a great example on the pitfalls of linearizing a nonlinear model for parameter estimation. It continues with the effective balancing of explicit statements concerning the theoretical basis for computations versus the application and demonstration of their use. The details of maximum likelihood estimation are again provided, and weighted and generalized regression estimation are discussed. Chapter 4 is titled “Logistic and Poisson Regression Models.” Logistic regression provides the basic model for generalized linear models. The prior development for weighted regression is used to motivate maximum likelihood estimation for the parameters in the logistic model. The algebraic details are provided. As in the development for linear models, some of the details are pushed into an appendix. In addition to connecting to the foregoing material on regression on several occasions, the authors link their development forward to their following chapter on the entire family of generalized linear models. They discuss score functions, the variance-covariance matrix, Wald inference, likelihood inference, deviance, and overdispersion. Careful explanations are given for the values provided in standard computer software, here PROC LOGISTIC in SAS. The value in having the book begin with familiar regression concepts is clearly realized when the analogies are drawn between overdispersion and nonhomogenous variance, or analysis of deviance and analysis of variance. The authors rely on the similarity of Poisson regression methods to logistic regression methods and mostly present illustrations for Poisson regression. These use PROC GENMOD in SAS. The book does not give any of the SAS code that produces the results. Two of the examples illustrate designed experiments and modeling. They include discussion of subset selection and adjustment for overdispersion. The mathematic level of the presentation is elevated in Chapter 5, “The Family of Generalized Linear Models.” First, the authors unify the two preceding chapters under the exponential distribution. The material on the formal structure for generalized linear models (GLMs), likelihood equations, quasilikelihood, the gamma distribution family, and power functions as links is some of the most advanced material in the book. Most of the computational details are relegated to appendixes. A discussion of residuals returns one to a more practical perspective, and two long examples on gamma distribution applications provide excellent guidance on how to put this material into practice. One example is a contrast to the use of linear regression with a log transformation of the response, and the other is a comparison to the use of a different link function in the previous chapter. Chapter 6 considers generalized estimating equations (GEEs) for longitudinal and analogous studies. The Ž rst half of the chapter presents the methodology, and the second half demonstrates its application through Ž ve different examples. The basis for the general situation is Ž rst established using the case with a normal distribution for the response and an identity link. The importance of the correlation structure is explained, the iterative estimation procedure is shown, and estimation for the scale parameters and the standard errors of the coefŽ cients is discussed. The procedures are then generalized for the exponential family of distributions and quasi-likelihood estimation. Two of the examples are standard repeated-measures illustrations from biostatistical applications, but the last three illustrations are all interesting reworkings of industrial applications. The GEE computations in PROC GENMOD are applied to account for correlations that occur with multiple measurements on the subjects or restrictions to randomizations. The examples show that accounting for correlation structure can result in different conclusions. Chapter 7, “Further Advances and Applications in GLM,” discusses several additional topics. These are experimental designs for GLMs, asymptotic results, analysis of screening experiments, data transformation, modeling for both a process mean and variance, and generalized additive models. The material on experimental designs is more discursive than prescriptive and as a result is also somewhat theoretical. Similar comments apply for the discussion on the quality of the asymptotic results, which wallows a little too much in reports on various simulation studies. The examples on screening and data transformations experiments are again reworkings of analyses of familiar industrial examples and another obvious motivation for the enthusiasm that the authors have developed for using the GLM toolkit. One can hope that subsequent editions will similarly contain new examples that will have caused the authors to expand the material on generalized additive models and other topics in this chapter. Designating myself to review a book that I know I will love to read is one of the rewards of being editor. I read both of the editions of McCullagh and Nelder (1989), which was reviewed by Schuenemeyer (1992). That book was not fun to read. The obvious enthusiasm of Myers, Montgomery, and Vining and their reliance on their many examples as a major focus of their pedagogy make Generalized Linear Models a joy to read. Every statistician working in any area of applied science should buy it and experience the excitement of these new approaches to familiar activities.

10,520 citations


Additional excerpts

  • ...(Nelder & Wedderbum 1972; McCullagh & Nelder 1989)...

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  • ...(Nelder & Wedderbum 1972; McCullagh & Nelder 1989 )...

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