Above are papers related to the following paper: [Paper_ID] Paper #38537. 	[Title] BAYESIAN STATISTICS 6, pp. 000--000  Exact sampling for Bayesian inference: towards general purpose algorithms [Abstract] There are now methods for organising a Markov chain Monte Carlo simulation so that it can be guaranteed that the state of the process at a given time is exactly drawn from the target distribution. The question of assessing convergence totally vanishes. Such methods are known as exact or perfect sampling. The approach that has received most attention uses the protocol of coupling from the past devised by Propp and Wilson (Random Structures and Algorithms,1996), in which multiple dependent paths of the chain are run from different initial states at a sequence of initial times going backwards into the past, until they satisfy the condition of coalescence by time 0. When this is achieved the state at time 0 is distributed according to the required target. This process must be implemented very carefully to assure its validity (including appropriate re-use of random number streams), and also requires one of various tricks to enable us to follow infinitely many sample paths with a finite amount of work. With the ultimate objective of Bayesian MCMC with guaranteed convergence, the purpose of this paper is to describe recent efforts to construct exact sampling methods for continuous-state Markov chains. We review existing methods based on gamma-coupling and rejection sampling (Murdoch and Green, Scandinavian Journal of Statistics, 1998), that are quite straightforward to understand, but require a closed form for the transition kernel and entail cumbersome algebraic manipulation. We then introduce two new methods based on random walk Metropolis, that offer the prospect of more automatic use, not least because the difficult, continuous, part of the transition mechanism can be coupled in a generic way, using a proposal distribution of convenience. One of the methods is based on a neat decomposition of any unimodal (multivariate) symmetric density into pieces that may be re-assembled to construct any translated copy of itself: that allows coupling of a continuum of Metropolis proposals to a finite set, at least for a compact state space. We discuss methods for economically coupling the subsequent accept/reject decisions. Our second new method deals with unbounded state spaces, using a trick due to W. S. Kendall of running a coupled dominating process in parallel with the sample paths of interest. The random subset of the state space below the dominating path is compact, allowing efficient coupling and coalescence. We look towards the possibility that application of such methods could become sufficiently convenient that they could become the basis for routine Bayesian computation in the foreseeable future. Please summarise all the given information.

Above are papers related to the following paper: [Paper_ID] Paper #1131270. 	[Title] Blocking Gibbs Sampling for Linkage Analysis in Large Pedigrees with Many Loops [Abstract]  Please summarise all the given information.

Above are papers related to the following paper: [Paper_ID] Paper #642827. 	[Title] Decomposable graphical Gaussian model determination [Abstract] We propose a methodology for Bayesian model determination in decomposable graphical Gaussian models. To achieve this aim we consider a hyper inverse Wishart prior distribution on the concentration matrix for each given graph. To ensure compatibility across models, such prior distributions are obtained by marginalisation from the prior conditional on the complete graph. We explore alternative structures for the hyperparameters of the latter, and their consequences for the model. Model determination is carried out by implementing a reversible jump MCMC sampler. In particular, the dimension-changing move we propose involves adding or dropping an edge from the graph. We characterise the set of moves which preserve the decomposability of the graph, giving a fast algorithm for maintaining the junction tree representation of the graph at each sweep. As state variable, we propose to use the incomplete variance-covariance matrix, containing only the elements for which the corresponding element of the inverse is nonzero. This allows all computations to be performed locally, at the clique level, which is a clear advantage for the analysis of large and complex data-sets. Finally, the statistical and computational performance of the procedure is illustrated by means of both artificial and real multidimensional data-sets. Please summarise all the given information.

Above are papers related to the following paper: [Paper_ID] Paper #137868. 	[Title] On Bayesian analysis of mixtures with an unknown number of components  Summary [Abstract] New methodology for fully Bayesian mixture analysis is developed, making use of reversible jump Markov chain Monte Carlo methods, that are capable of jumping between the parameter subspaces corresponding to different numbers of components in the mixture. A sample from the full joint distribution of all unknown variables is thereby generated, and this can be used as a basis for a thorough presentation of many aspects of the posterior distribution. The methodology is applied here to the analysis of univariate normal mixtures, using a hierarchical prior model that offers an approach to dealing with weak prior information while avoiding the mathematical pitfalls of using improper priors in the mixture context. Please summarise all the given information.

Above are papers related to the following paper: [Paper_ID] Paper #1131277. 	[Title] Bayesian Detection of Clusters and Discontinuities in Disease Maps [Abstract]  Please summarise all the given information.

Above are papers related to the following paper: [Paper_ID] Paper #1154068. 	[Title] Bayesian MARS [Abstract] A Bayesian approach to multivariate adaptive regression spline (MARS) fitting (Friedman, 1991) is proposed. This takes the form of a probability distribution over the space of possible MARS models which is explored using reversible jump Markov chain Monte Carlo methods (Green, 1995). The generated sample of MARS models produced is shown to have good predictive power when averaged and allows easy interpretation of the relative importance of predictors to the overall fit. Please summarise all the given information.

Above are papers related to the following paper: [Paper_ID] Paper #642847. 	[Title] An Approach to Diagnosing Total Variation Convergence of MCMC Algorithms [Abstract] We introduce a convergence diagnostic procedure for MCMC which operates by estimating total variation distances for the distribution of the algorithm after certain numbers of iterations. The method has advantages over many existing methods in terms of applicability, utility, computational expense and interpretability. It can be used to assess convergence of both marginal and joint posterior densities, and we show how it can be applied to the two most commonly used MCMC samplers; the Gibbs Sampler and the Metropolis Hastings algorithm. Illustrative examples highlight the utility and interpretability of the proposed diagnostic, but also highlight some of its limitations. Please summarise all the given information.

Above are papers related to the following paper: [Paper_ID] Paper #561568. 	[Title] Analysis of hospital quality monitors using hierarchical time series models [Abstract] The VA management services department invests considerably in the collection and assessment of data to inform on hospital and care-area specific levels of quality of care. Resulting time series of quality monitors provide information relevant to evaluating patterns of variability in hospital-specific quality of care over time and across care areas, and to compare and assess differences across hospitals. In collaboration with the VA management services group we have developed various models for evaluating such patterns of dependencies and combining data across the VA hospital system. This paper provides a brief overview of resulting models, some summary examples on three monitor time series, and discussion of data, modelling and inference issues. This work introduces new models for multivariate non-Gaussian time series. The framework combines cross-sectional, hierarchical models of the population of hospitals with time series structure to allow and measure time-variations in the associated hierarchical model parameters. In the VA study, the within-year components of the models describe patterns of heterogeneity across the population of hospitals and relationships among several such monitors, while the time series components describe patterns of variability through time in hospital-specific effects and their relationships across quality monitors. Additional model components isolate unpredictable aspects of variability in quality monitor outcomes, by hospital and care areas. We discuss model assessment, residual analysis and MCMC algorithms developed to fit these models, which will be of interest in related applications in other socio-economic areas. Please summarise all the given information.

Above are papers related to the following paper: [Paper_ID] Paper #1131300. 	[Title] Reparameterisation Issues in Mixture Modelling and their bearing on MCMC algorithms [Abstract] There is increasing need for efficient estimation of mixture distributions, especially following the explosion in the use of these as modelling tools in many applied fields. We propose in this paper a Bayesian noninformative approach for the estimation of normal mixtures which relies on a reparameterisation of the secondary components of the mixture in terms of divergence from the main component. As well as providing an intuitively appealing representation at the modelling stage, this reparameterisation has important bearing on both the prior distribution and the performance of MCMC algorithms. We compare two possible reparameterisations extending Mengersen and Robert (1996) and show that the reparameterisation which does not link the secondary components together is associated with poor convergence properties of MCMC algorithms. Please summarise all the given information.

Above are papers related to the following paper: [Paper_ID] Paper #561581. 	[Title] Priors and Component Structures in Autoregressive Time Series Models [Abstract] New approaches to prior specification and structuring in autoregressive time series models are introduced and developed. We focus on defining classes of prior distributions for parameters and latent variables related to latent components of an autoregressive model for an observed time series. These new priors naturally permit the incorporation of both qualitative and quantitative prior information about the number and relative importance of physically meaningful components that represent low frequency trends, quasi-periodic sub-processes, and high frequency residual noise components of observed series. The class of priors also naturally incorporates uncertainty about model order, and hence leads in posterior analysis to model order assessment and resulting posterior and predictive inferences that incorporate full uncertainties about model order as well as model parameters. Analysis also formally incorporates uncertainty, and leads to inferences about, unknown initial values of the time series, as it does for predictions of future values. Posterior analysis involves easily implemented iterative simulation methods, developed and described here. One motivating applied field is climatology, where the evaluation of latent structure, especially quasi-periodic structure, is of critical importance in connection with issues of global climatic variability. We explore analysis of data from the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI), one of several series that has been central in recent high-profile debates in the atmospheric sciences about recent apparent trends in climatic indicators. Please summarise all the given information.

Above are papers related to the following paper: [Paper_ID] Paper #16819. 	[Title] Markov Chain Monte Carlo Convergence Diagnostics: A Comparative Review [Abstract] A critical issue for users of Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods in applications is how to determine when it is safe to stop sampling and use the samples to estimate characteristics of the distribution of interest. Research into methods of computing theoretical convergence bounds holds promise for the future but currently has yielded relatively little that is of practical use in applied work. Consequently, most MCMC users address the convergence problem by applying diagnostic tools to the output produced by running their samplers. After giving a brief overview of the area, we provide an expository review of thirteen convergence diagnostics, describing the theoretical basis and practical implementation of each. We then compare their performance in two simple models and conclude that all the methods can fail to detect the sorts of convergence failure they were designed to identify. We thus recommend a combination of strategies aimed at evaluating and accelerating MCMC sampler convergence, including applying diagnostic procedures to a small number of parallel chains, monitoring autocorrelations and cross-correlations, and modifying parameterizations or sampling algorithms appropriately. We emphasize, however, that it is not possible to say with certainty that a finite sample from an MCMC algorithm is representative of an underlying stationary distribution. Mary Kathryn Cowles is Assistant Professor of Biostatistics, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115. Bradley P. Carlin is Associate Professor, Division of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455. Much of the work was done while the first author was a graduate student in the Divison of Biostatistics at the University of Minnesota and then Assistant Professor, Biostatistics Section, Department of Preventive and Societal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198. The work of both authors was supported in part by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases FIRST Award 1-R29-AI33466. The authors thank the developers of the diagnostics studied here for sharing their insights, experiences, and software, and Drs. Thomas Louis and Luke Tierney for helpful discussions and suggestions which greatly improved the manuscript. Please summarise all the given information.

Above are papers related to the following paper: [Paper_ID] Paper #646195. 	[Title] Applications and extensions of MCMC in IRT: Multiple item types, missing data, and rated responses [Abstract] Technical Report No. 670 December, 1997 Please summarise all the given information.

Above are papers related to the following paper: [Paper_ID] Paper #561593. 	[Title] FILTERING VIA SIMULATION: AUXILIARY PARTICLE FILTERS [Abstract] This paper analyses the recently suggested particle approach to filtering time series. We suggest that the algorithm is not robust to outliers for two reasons: the design of the simulators and the use of the discrete support to represent the sequentially updating prior distribution. Both problems are tackled in this paper. We believe we have largely solved the first problem and have reduced the order of magnitude of the second. In addition we introduce the idea of stratification into the particle filter which allows us to perform on-line Bayesian calculations about the parameters which index the models and maximum likelihood estimation. The new methods are illustrated by using a stochastic volatility model and a time series model of angles. Please summarise all the given information.

Above are papers related to the following paper: [Paper_ID] Paper #561595. 	[Title] Exploratory Modelling of Multiple Non-Stationary Time Series: Latent Process Structure and Decompositions [Abstract] We describe and illustrate Bayesian approaches to modelling and analysis of multiple non-stationary time series. This begins with uni-variate models for collections of related time series assumedly driven by underlying but unobservable processes, referred to as dynamic latent factor processes. We focus on models in which the factor processes, and hence the observed time series, are modelled by time-varying autoregressions capable of flexibly representing ranges of observed non-stationary characteristics. We highlight concepts and new methods of time series decomposition to infer characteristics of latent components in time series, and relate uni-variate decomposition analyses to underlying multivariate dynamic factor structure. Our motivating application is in analysis of multiple EEG traces from an ongoing EEG study at Duke. In this study, individuals undergoing ECT therapy generate multiple EEG traces at various scalp locations, and physiological interest lies in identifying dependencies and dissimilarities across series. In addition to the multivariate and non-stationary aspects of the series, this area provides illustration of the new results about decomposition of time series into latent, physically interpretable components; this is illustrated in data analysis of one EEG data set. The paper also discusses current and future research directions. fl This research was supported in part by the National Science Foundation under grant DMS-9311071. The EEG data and context arose from discussions with Dr Andrew Krystal, of Duke University Medical Center, with whom continued interactions have been most valuable. Address for correspondence: Institute of Statistics and Decision Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708-0251 U.S.A. (http://www.stat.duke.edu) Please summarise all the given information.

Above are papers related to the following paper: [Paper_ID] Paper #91581. 	[Title] Finding Overlapping Distributions with MML [Abstract] This paper considers an aspect of mixture modelling. Significantly overlapping distributions require more data for their parameters to be accurately estimated than well separated distributions. For example, two Gaussian distributions are considered to significantly overlap when their means are within three standard deviations of each other. If insufficient data is available, only a single component distribution will be estimated, although the data originates from two component distributions. We consider how much data is required to distinguish two component distributions from one distribution in mixture modelling using the minimum message length (MML) criterion. First, we perform experiments which show the MML criterion performs well relative to other Bayesian criteria. Second, we make two improvements to the existing MML estimates, that improve its performance with overlapping distributions. Please summarise all the given information.

Above are papers related to the following paper: [Paper_ID] Paper #126793. 	[Title] Maximum Working Likelihood Inference with Markov Chain Monte Carlo [Abstract] Maximum working likelihood (MWL) inference in the presence of missing data can be quite challenging because of the intractability of the associated marginal likelihood. This problem can be further exacerbated when the number of parameters involved is large. We propose using Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) to first obtain both the MWL estimator and the working Fisher information matrix and, second, using Monte Carlo quadrature to obtain the remaining components of the correct asymptotic MWL variance. Evaluation of the marginal likelihood is not needed. We demonstrate consistency and asymptotic normality when the number of independent and identically distributed data clusters is large but the likelihood may be incorrectly specified. An analysis of longitudinal ordinal data is given for an example. KEY WORDS: Convergence of posterior distributions, Maximum likelihood, Metropolis Please summarise all the given information.

Above are papers related to the following paper: [Paper_ID] Paper #561610. 	[Title] BAYESIAN TIME SERIES: Models and Computations for the Analysis of Time Series in the Physical Sciences [Abstract] This articles discusses developments in Bayesian time series mod-elling and analysis relevant in studies of time series in the physical and engineering sciences. With illustrations and references, we discuss: Bayesian inference and computation in various state-space models, with examples in analysing quasi-periodic series; isolation and modelling of various components of error in time series; decompositions of time series into significant latent subseries; nonlinear time series models based on mixtures of auto-regressions; problems with errors and uncertainties in the timing of observations; and the development of non-linear models based on stochastic deformations of time scales. Please summarise all the given information.

Above are papers related to the following paper: [Paper_ID] Paper #561613. 	[Title] STUDIES OF QUALITY MONITOR TIME SERIES: THE V.A. HOSPITAL SYSTEM build on foundational contributions in [Abstract] This report describes statistical research and development work on hospital quality monitor data sets from the nationwide VA hospital system. The project covers statistical analysis, exploration and modelling of data from several quality monitors, with the primary goals of: (a) understanding patterns of variability over time in hospital-level and monitor area specific quality monitor measures, and (b) understanding patterns of dependencies between sets of monitors. We present discussion of basic perspectives on data structure and preliminary data exploration for three monitors, followed by developments of several classes of formal models. We identify classes of hierarchical random effects time series models to be of relevance in mod-elling single or multiple monitor time series. We summarise basic model features and results of analyses of the three monitor data sets, in both single and multiple monitor frameworks, and present a variety of summary inferences in graphical displays. Our discussion includes summary conclusions related to the two key goals, discussions of questions of comparisons across hospitals, and some recommendations about further potential substantive and statistical investigations. Please summarise all the given information.

Above are papers related to the following paper: [Paper_ID] Paper #1131223. 	[Title] On Sequential Simulation-Based Methods for Bayesian Filtering [Abstract] In this report, we present an overview of sequential simulation-based methods for Bayesian filtering of nonlinear and non-Gaussian dynamic models. It includes in a general framework numerous methods proposed independently in various areas of science and proposes some original developments. Please summarise all the given information.

Above are papers related to the following paper: [Paper_ID] Paper #645084. 	[Title] Modelling Risk from a Disease in Time and Space [Abstract] This paper combines existing models for longitudinal and spatial data in a hierarchical Bayesian framework, with particular emphasis on the role of time- and space-varying covariate effects. Data analysis is implemented via Markov chain Monte Carlo methods. The methodology is illustrated by a tentative re-analysis of Ohio lung cancer data 1968-88. Two approaches that adjust for unmeasured spatial covariates, particularly tobacco consumption, are described. The first includes random effects in the model to account for unobserved heterogeneity; the second adds a simple urbanization measure as a surrogate for smoking behaviour. The Ohio dataset has been of particular interest because of the suggestion that a nuclear facility in the southwest of the state may have caused increased levels of lung cancer there. However, we contend here that the data are inadequate for a proper investigation of this issue. fl Email: leo@stat.uni-muenchen.de Please summarise all the given information.

Above are papers related to the following paper: [Paper_ID] Paper #645088. 	[Title] Hierarchical Spatio-Temporal Mapping of Disease Rates [Abstract] Maps of regional morbidity and mortality rates are useful tools in determining spatial patterns of disease. Combined with socio-demographic census information, they also permit assessment of environmental justice, i.e., whether certain subgroups suffer disproportionately from certain diseases or other adverse effects of harmful environmental exposures. Bayes and empirical Bayes methods have proven useful in smoothing crude maps of disease risk, eliminating the instability of estimates in low-population areas while maintaining geographic resolution. In this paper we extend existing hierarchical spatial models to account for temporal effects and spatio-temporal interactions. Fitting the resulting highly-parametrized models requires careful implementation of Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods, as well as novel techniques for model evaluation and selection. We illustrate our approach using a dataset of county-specific lung cancer rates in the state of Ohio during the period 1968-1988. Please summarise all the given information.

Above are papers related to the following paper: [Paper_ID] Paper #153063. 	[Title] Bayesian Forecasting of Multinomial Time Series through Conditionally Gaussian Dynamic Models [Abstract] Claudia Cargnoni is with the Dipartimento Statistico, Universita di Firenze, 50100 Firenze, Italy. Peter Muller is Assistant Professor, and Mike West is Professor, in the Institute of Statistics and Decision Sciences at Duke University, Durham NC 27708-0251. Research of Cargnoni was performed while visiting ISDS during 1995. Muller and West were partially supported by NSF under grant DMS-9305699. Please summarise all the given information.

Above are papers related to the following paper: [Paper_ID] Paper #440815. 	[Title] Change Point and Change Curve Modeling in Stochastic Processes and Spatial Statistics [Abstract] 1 This article will appear in Volume 1, no. 4 (1994) of Journal of Applied Statistical Science. Adrian E. Raftery is Professor of Statistics and Sociology, Department of Statistics, GN-22, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195. This research was supported by ONR contract no. N-00014-91-J-1074, by NIH Grant no. 5R01HD26330-02, by the Ministere de la Recherche et de l'Espace, Paris, by the Universite de Paris VI, and by INRIA, Rocquencourt, France. Raftery thanks the latter two institutions, Paul Deheuvels and Gilles Celeux for hearty hospitality during his Paris sabbatical in which this article was written. This article was prepared for presentation at the Conference on Applied Change Point Analysis, University of Maryland-Baltimore, March 17-18, 1993. Parts of this article review collaborative research with others to whom I would like to express my appreciation, namely Volkan Akman, Jeff Banfield, Nhu Le, Steven Lewis, Doug Martin, Fionn Murtagh, Ross Taplin and Simon Tavare. Please summarise all the given information.

Above are papers related to the following paper: [Paper_ID] Paper #1110000. 	[Title] FLEXIBLE PARAMETRIC MEASUREMENT ERROR MODELS [Abstract] Inferences in measurement error models can be sensitive to modeling assumptions. Specifically, if the model is incorrect then the estimates can be inconsistent. To reduce sensitivity to modeling assumptions and yet still retain the efficiency of parametric inference we propose to use flexible parametric models which can accommodate departures from standard parametric models. We use mixtures of normals for this purpose. We study two cases in detail: a linear errors-in-variables model and a change-point Berkson model. fl Raymond J. Carroll is Professor of Statistics, Nutrition and Toxicology, Department of Statistics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-3143. Kathryn Roeder is Associate Professor, and Larry Wasser-man is Professor, Department of Statistics, Carnegie-Mellon University, Pittsburgh PA 15213-3890. Carroll's research was supported by a grant from the National Cancer Institute (CA-57030). Roeder's research was supported by NSF grant DMS-9496219. Wasserman's research was supported by NIH grant RO1-CA54852 and NSF grants DMS-9303557 and DMS-9357646. Please summarise all the given information.

Above are papers related to the following paper: [Paper_ID] Paper #642681. 	[Title] Assessing Convergence of Markov Chain Monte Carlo Algorithms [Abstract] We motivate the use of convergence diagnostic techniques for Markov Chain Monte Carlo algorithms and review various methods proposed in the MCMC literature. A common notation is established and each method is discussed with particular emphasis on implementational issues and possible extensions. The methods are compared in terms of their interpretability and applicability and recommendations are provided for particular classes of problems. Please summarise all the given information.

Paper #38537 has the title `BAYESIAN STATISTICS 6, pp. 000--000  Exact sampling for Bayesian inference: towards general purpose algorithms  
` and the abstract `There are now methods for organising a Markov chain Monte Carlo simulation so that it can be guaranteed that the state of the process at a given time is exactly drawn from the target distribution. The question of assessing convergence totally vanishes. Such methods are known as exact or perfect sampling. The approach that has received most attention uses the protocol of coupling from the past devised by Propp and Wilson (Random Structures and Algorithms,1996), in which multiple dependent paths of the chain are run from different initial states at a sequence of initial times going backwards into the past, until they satisfy the condition of coalescence by time 0. When this is achieved the state at time 0 is distributed according to the required target. This process must be implemented very carefully to assure its validity (including appropriate re-use of random number streams), and also requires one of various tricks to enable us to follow infinitely many sample paths with a finite amount of work. With the ultimate objective of Bayesian MCMC with guaranteed convergence, the purpose of this paper is to describe recent efforts to construct exact sampling methods for continuous-state Markov chains. We review existing methods based on gamma-coupling and rejection sampling (Murdoch and Green, Scandinavian Journal of Statistics, 1998), that are quite straightforward to understand, but require a closed form for the transition kernel and entail cumbersome algebraic manipulation. We then introduce two new methods based on random walk Metropolis, that offer the prospect of more automatic use, not least because the difficult, continuous, part of the transition mechanism can be coupled in a generic way, using a proposal distribution of convenience. One of the methods is based on a neat decomposition of any unimodal (multivariate) symmetric density into pieces that may be re-assembled to construct any translated copy of itself: that allows coupling of a continuum of Metropolis proposals to a finite set, at least for a compact state space. We discuss methods for economically coupling the subsequent accept/reject decisions. Our second new method deals with unbounded state spaces, using a trick due to W. S. Kendall of running a coupled dominating process in parallel with the sample paths of interest. The random subset of the state space below the dominating path is compact, allowing efficient coupling and coalescence. We look towards the possibility that application of such methods could become sufficiently convenient that they could become the basis for routine Bayesian computation in the foreseeable future. 
`.
Question: Which category should Paper #38537 be classified as ?
You can select one from ['Neural_Networks', 'Case_Based', 'Theory', 'Reinforcement_Learning', 'Probabilistic_Methods', 'Rule_Learning', 'Genetic_Algorithms'].


Paper #38537 has the title `BAYESIAN STATISTICS 6, pp. 000--000  Exact sampling for Bayesian inference: towards general purpose algorithms  
` and the abstract `There are now methods for organising a Markov chain Monte Carlo simulation so that it can be guaranteed that the state of the process at a given time is exactly drawn from the target distribution. The question of assessing convergence totally vanishes. Such methods are known as exact or perfect sampling. The approach that has received most attention uses the protocol of coupling from the past devised by Propp and Wilson (Random Structures and Algorithms,1996), in which multiple dependent paths of the chain are run from different initial states at a sequence of initial times going backwards into the past, until they satisfy the condition of coalescence by time 0. When this is achieved the state at time 0 is distributed according to the required target. This process must be implemented very carefully to assure its validity (including appropriate re-use of random number streams), and also requires one of various tricks to enable us to follow infinitely many sample paths with a finite amount of work. With the ultimate objective of Bayesian MCMC with guaranteed convergence, the purpose of this paper is to describe recent efforts to construct exact sampling methods for continuous-state Markov chains. We review existing methods based on gamma-coupling and rejection sampling (Murdoch and Green, Scandinavian Journal of Statistics, 1998), that are quite straightforward to understand, but require a closed form for the transition kernel and entail cumbersome algebraic manipulation. We then introduce two new methods based on random walk Metropolis, that offer the prospect of more automatic use, not least because the difficult, continuous, part of the transition mechanism can be coupled in a generic way, using a proposal distribution of convenience. One of the methods is based on a neat decomposition of any unimodal (multivariate) symmetric density into pieces that may be re-assembled to construct any translated copy of itself: that allows coupling of a continuum of Metropolis proposals to a finite set, at least for a compact state space. We discuss methods for economically coupling the subsequent accept/reject decisions. Our second new method deals with unbounded state spaces, using a trick due to W. S. Kendall of running a coupled dominating process in parallel with the sample paths of interest. The random subset of the state space below the dominating path is compact, allowing efficient coupling and coalescence. We look towards the possibility that application of such methods could become sufficiently convenient that they could become the basis for routine Bayesian computation in the foreseeable future. 
`.
Question: Which category should Paper #38537 be classified as ?
You can select one from ['Neural_Networks', 'Case_Based', 'Theory', 'Reinforcement_Learning', 'Probabilistic_Methods', 'Rule_Learning', 'Genetic_Algorithms'].

This paper should be classified into: Probabilistic_Methods