19 research outputs found
Longest Increasing Subsequence under Persistent Comparison Errors
We study the problem of computing a longest increasing subsequence in a
sequence of distinct elements in the presence of persistent comparison
errors. In this model, every comparison between two elements can return the
wrong result with some fixed (small) probability , and comparisons cannot
be repeated. Computing the longest increasing subsequence exactly is impossible
in this model, therefore, the objective is to identify a subsequence that (i)
is indeed increasing and (ii) has a length that approximates the length of the
longest increasing subsequence.
We present asymptotically tight upper and lower bounds on both the
approximation factor and the running time. In particular, we present an
algorithm that computes an -approximation in time , with
high probability. This approximation relies on the fact that that we can
approximately sort elements in time such that the maximum
dislocation of an element is at most . For the lower bounds, we
prove that (i) there is a set of sequences, such that on a sequence picked
randomly from this set every algorithm must return an -approximation with high probability, and (ii) any -approximation
algorithm for longest increasing subsequence requires
comparisons, even in the absence of errors
Bayesian astrostatistics: a backward look to the future
This perspective chapter briefly surveys: (1) past growth in the use of
Bayesian methods in astrophysics; (2) current misconceptions about both
frequentist and Bayesian statistical inference that hinder wider adoption of
Bayesian methods by astronomers; and (3) multilevel (hierarchical) Bayesian
modeling as a major future direction for research in Bayesian astrostatistics,
exemplified in part by presentations at the first ISI invited session on
astrostatistics, commemorated in this volume. It closes with an intentionally
provocative recommendation for astronomical survey data reporting, motivated by
the multilevel Bayesian perspective on modeling cosmic populations: that
astronomers cease producing catalogs of estimated fluxes and other source
properties from surveys. Instead, summaries of likelihood functions (or
marginal likelihood functions) for source properties should be reported (not
posterior probability density functions), including nontrivial summaries (not
simply upper limits) for candidate objects that do not pass traditional
detection thresholds.Comment: 27 pp, 4 figures. A lightly revised version of a chapter in
"Astrostatistical Challenges for the New Astronomy" (Joseph M. Hilbe, ed.,
Springer, New York, forthcoming in 2012), the inaugural volume for the
Springer Series in Astrostatistics. Version 2 has minor clarifications and an
additional referenc
Inversions from Sorting with Distance-Based Errors
ISSN:0302-9743ISSN:1611-334
Longest Increasing Subsequence Under Persistent Comparison Errors
ISSN:0302-9743ISSN:1611-334
Radiofrequency ablation in pancreatic cancer
Introduction and aim. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is effective in the treatment of unresectable hepatic tumors and promising results have also been described in tumors of kidney, lung, brain, prostate, and breast. The radiofrequency destruction of solid pancreatic tumors sounds logical but also seems risky due to the friable pancreatic parenchyma, the fear of pancreatitis and the prejudiced myth of ‘the pancreas is not your friend’. Patients and methods. We present our initial experience and we describe our technique during intraoperative RFA in four patients with locally advanced and unresectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma (head of pancreas, three; body-tail, one; diameter, 3–12 cm). In all the patients, the RFA was followed by bypass palliative procedures (cholecystojejunostomy and Brown's anastomosis and/or gastrojejunostomy). A drainage tube was left close to the ablated area. Serum amylase and fluid amylase (drain) were measured for 5–7 days postoperatively. Sandostatin was also administered prophylactically for 3–5 days. Results. The postoperative period was uneventful in all the patients, without complications or evidence of pancreatitis. The post RFA CT scan showed remarkable changes in the density and the characteristics of the tumors in all the patients. All the patients are alive, at 12, 8, 5 and 3 months postoperatively, respectively. In one patient (with cancer of the body of the pancreas) who was receiving morphine because of intolerable pain, significant pain relief has been observed. Conclusions. From our initial results, RFA seems to be a feasible, potentially safe and promising option in patients with locally advanced and unresectable pancreatic cancer. Nevertheless, larger series of cases are needed to secure our encouraging results