Maximum Likelihood for Dual Varieties

Maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) is a fundamental computational problem in statistics. In this paper, MLE for statistical models with discrete data is studied from an algebraic statistics viewpoint. A reformulation of the MLE problem in terms of dual varieties and conormal varieties will be given. With this description, the dual likelihood equations and the dual MLE problem are defined. We show that solving the dual MLE problem yields solutions to the MLE problem, so we can solve the MLE problem without ever determining the defining equations of the model

Maximum Likelihood Duality for Determinantal Varieties

In a recent paper, Hauenstein, Sturmfels, and the second author discovered a conjectural bijection between critical points of the likelihood function on the complex variety of matrices of rank r and critical points on the complex variety of matrices of co-rank r-1. In this paper, we prove that conjecture for rectangular matrices and for symmetric matrices, as well as a variant for skew-symmetric matrices. To appear in International Mathematics Research Notices

Open problems in Banach spaces and measure theory

We collect several open questions in Banach spaces, mostly related to measure theoretic aspects of the theory. The problems are divided into five categories: miscellaneous problems in Banach spaces (non-separable $L^p$ spaces, compactness in Banach spaces, $w^*$-null sequences in dual spaces), measurability in Banach spaces (Baire and Borel $\sigma$-algebras, measurable selectors), vector integration (Riemann, Pettis and McShane integrals), vector measures (range and associated $L^1$ spaces) and Lebesgue-Bochner spaces (topological and structural properties, scalar convergence)

Simple model for a Quantum Wire II. Correlations

In a previous paper (Eur. Phys. J. B 30, 239-251 (2002)) we have presented the main features and properties of a simple model which -in spite of its simplicity- describes quite accurately the qualitative behaviour of a quantum wire. The model was composed of N distinct deltas each one carrying a different coupling. We were able to diagonalize the Hamiltonian in the periodic case and yield a complete and analytic description of the subsequent band structure. Furthermore the random case was also analyzed and we were able to describe Anderson localization and fractal structure of the conductance. In the present paper we go one step further and show how to introduce correlations among the sites of the wire. The presence of a correlated disorder manifests itself by altering the distribution of states and the localization of the electrons within the systemComment: RevTex, 7 pages, 9 figures (3 greyscale, 6 coloured