Ambiguous model learning made unambiguous with 1/f priors

Atwal, G. S., Bialek, W (December 2004) Ambiguous model learning made unambiguous with 1/f priors. NIPS.

URL: http://arxiv.org/abs/q-bio/0512040
DOI: q-bio/0512040

Abstract

What happens to the optimal interpretation of noisy data when there exists more than one equally plausible interpretation of the data? In a Bayesian model-learning framework the answer depends on the prior expectations of the dynamics of the model parameter that is to be inferred from the data. Local time constraints on the priors are insufficient to pick one interpretation over another. On the other hand, nonlocal time constraints, induced by a $1/f$ noise spectrum of the priors, is shown to permit learning of a specific model parameter even when there are infinitely many equally plausible interpretations of the data. This transition is inferred by a remarkable mapping of the model estimation problem to a dissipative physical system, allowing the use of powerful statistical mechanical methods to uncover the transition from indeterminate to determinate model learning.

Item Type: Paper
Uncontrolled Keywords: Quantitative Biology, Neurons, Cognition
Subjects: bioinformatics
bioinformatics > quantitative biology
organism description > animal behavior > learning
CSHL Authors:
Communities: CSHL labs > Atwal lab
Depositing User: Matt Covey
Date: December 2004
Date Deposited: 04 Mar 2013 21:53
Last Modified: 04 Mar 2013 21:53
URI: https://repository.cshl.edu/id/eprint/27683

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