Rate of convergence of truncated stochastic approximation procedures with moving bounds

The paper is concerned with stochastic approximation procedures having three main characteristics: truncations with random moving bounds, a matrix valued random step-size sequence, and a dynamically changing random regression function. We study convergence and rate of convergence. Main results are supplemented with corollaries to establish various sets of sufficient conditions, with the main emphases on the parametric statistical estimation. The theory is illustrated by examples and special cases.Comment: 30 page

First Recorded Hawaiian Occurrence of the Alien Ground Beetle, Agonum muelleri (Coleoptera: Carabidae), from the Summit of Mauna Kea, Hawaii Island

Adults of the non-native species, Agonum muelleri (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Carabidae) were collected from the summit of Mauna Kea in 2006 and again during 2008, indicating that a population of this European species is established on Mauna Kea volcano, Hawaii island (NEW STATE RECORD). Agonum muelleri is a synanthropic species that has been accidentally introduced from Europe to both the east and west coasts of North America, with the known North American distribution including 24 provinces and states of Canada and the United States. Characters for the adults are provided to permit diagnosis of this non-native species from all other native and introduced carabid beetle species known from Hawaii. Recorded environmental conditions from Mauna Kea summit taken during the months when specimens were collected are consistent with conditions associated with winged flight by A. muelleri individuals in the species’ native European range

Asymptotic Normality of the Recursive M-estimators of the Scale Parameters

M-estimation, Multivariate linear regression model, Recursive algorithm, Robust estimation, Scatter parameter, Diffusion process, Strong consistency, Asymptotic normality,

The respiratory syncytial virus vaccine landscape: lessons from the graveyard and promising candidates

The global burden of disease caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is increasingly recognised, not only in infants, but also in older adults (aged ≥65 years). Advances in knowledge of the structural biology of the RSV surface fusion glycoprotein have revolutionised RSV vaccine development by providing a new target for preventive interventions. The RSV vaccine landscape has rapidly expanded to include 19 vaccine candidates and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) in clinical trials, reflecting the urgency of reducing this global health problem and hence the prioritisation of RSV vaccine development. The candidates include mAbs and vaccines using four approaches: (1) particle-based, (2) live-attenuated or chimeric, (3) subunit, (4) vector-based. Late-phase RSV vaccine trial failures highlight gaps in knowledge regarding immunological protection and provide lessons for future development. In this Review, we highlight promising new approaches for RSV vaccine design and provide a comprehensive overview of RSV vaccine candidates and mAbs in clinical development to prevent one of the most common and severe infectious diseases in young children and older adults worldwide. © 2018 World Health Organization. Published by Elsevier Ltd/Inc/BV. All rights reserved