Functional data classification for temporal gene expression data with kernel-induced random forests

Scientists and others today often collect samples of curves and other functional data. The multivariate data classification methods cannot be directly used for functional data classification because the curse of dimensionality and difficulty in taking in account the correlation and order of functional data. We extend the kernel-induced random forest method for discriminating functional data by defining kernel functions of two curves. This method is demonstrated by classifying the temporal gene expression data. The simulation study and applications show that the kernel-induced random forest method increases the classification accuracy from the available methods. The kernel-induced random forest method is easy to implement by naive users. It is also appealing in its flexibility to allow users to choose different curve estimation methods and appropriate kernel functions.