Title: SAFS: A Deep Feature Selection Approach for Precision Medicine,
Abstract: In this paper, we propose a new deep feature selection method based on deep
architecture. Our method uses stacked auto-encoders for feature representation
in higher-level abstraction. We developed and applied a novel feature learning
approach to a specific precision medicine problem, which focuses on assessing
and prioritizing risk factors for hypertension (HTN) in a vulnerable
demographic subgroup (African-American). Our approach is to use deep learning
to identify significant risk factors affecting left ventricular mass indexed to
body surface area (LVMI) as an indicator of heart damage risk. The results show
that our feature learning and representation approach leads to better results
in comparison with others.