Extended theory about the allocation of time: Description and application to the increase in the retirement age policies

This paper revises mainstream economic models which include time use in an explicit and endogenous manner, suggesting a extended theory which escape from the main problem existing in the literature. In order to do it, we start by presenting in section 2 the mainstream time use models in economics, showing their main features. Once this is done, we introduce the reader in the main problems this kind of well established models imply, within section 3, being the most highlighted the problem of joint production. Subsequently, we propose an extended theory which solves the problem of joint production; this is extensively described in section 4. Last, but not least, we apply this model to offer a time use analysis of the effect of a policy which increases the retirement age in a life-cycle perspective for a representative individual.

An extended Herschel drop-out source in the center of AS1063: a normal dusty galaxy at z=6.1 or SZ substructures?

In the course of our 870 μm APEX/LABOCA follow-up of the Herschel Lensing Survey we have detected a source in AS1063 (RXC J2248.7-4431) that has no counterparts in any of the Herschel PACS/SPIRE bands, it is a Herschel “drop-out” with S_870/S_500 ≥ 0.5. The 870 μm emission is extended and centered on the brightest cluster galaxy, suggesting either a multiply imaged background source or substructure in the Sunyaev-Zel’dovich increment due to inhomogeneities in the hot cluster gas of this merging cluster. We discuss both interpretations with emphasis on the putative lensed source. Based on the observed properties and on our lens model we find that this source may be the first submillimeter galaxy (SMG) with a moderate far-infrared (FIR) luminosity (L_FIR < 10^12 L_⊙) detected so far at z > 4. In deep HST observations we identified a multiply imaged z ~ 6 source and measured its spectroscopic redshift to be z = 6.107 with VLT/FORS. This source may be associated with the putative SMG, but it is most likely offset spatially by 10−30 kpc and they may be interacting galaxies. With a FIR luminosity in the range [5−15] × 10^11 L_⊙ corresponding to a star formation rate in the range [80−260] M_⊙ yr^-1, this SMG would be more representative of the z > 4 dusty galaxies than the extreme starbursts detected so far. With a total magnification of ~25 it would open a unique window to the normal dusty galaxies at the end of the epoch of reionization.

Egalitarian state-transition systems (extended version)

We argue that considering transitions at the same level as states, as first-class citizens, is advantageous in many cases. Namely, the use of atomic propositions on transitions, as well as on states, allows temporal formulas and strategies to be more powerful, general, and meaningful. We define egalitarian structures and logics, and show how they generalize well-known state-based, event-based, and mixed ones. We present translations from egalitarian to non-egalitarian settings that, in particular, allow the model checking of LTLR formulas using Maude’s LTL model checker. We have implemented these translations as a prototype in Maude itself.

Asymptotic Theory for Extended Asymmetric Multivariate GARCH Processes

The paper considers various extended asymmetric multivariate conditional volatility models, and derives appropriate regularity conditions and associated asymptotic theory. This enables checking of internal consistency and allows valid statistical inferences to be drawn based on empirical estimation. For this purpose, we use an underlying vector random coefficient autoregressive process, for which we show the equivalent representation for the asymmetric multivariate conditional volatility model, to derive asymptotic theory for the quasi-maximum likelihood estimator. As an extension, we develop a new multivariate asymmetric long memory volatility model, and discuss the associated asymptotic properties.

Synchronous products of rewrite systems (extended version)

We present and formalize a concept of synchronous product for rewrite systems, and also a corresponding concept for general transition systems, used as semantics for the former. A series of examples shows their practical usefulness: for the strategic control of systems, and for modular specification and verification.

Rapid detection of β-lactamase-hydrolyzing extended-spectrum cephalosporins in Enterobacteriaceae by use of the new chromogenic βLacta test

The chromogenic βLacta test developed for the rapid detection of β-lactamase-hydrolyzing extended-spectrum cephalosporins in Enterobacteriaceae revealed good performance with extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producers (97.5% true-positive results). However, false-negative results occurred with chromosomal AmpC hyperproducers and plasmid AmpC producers, whereas uninterpretable results were mostly due to VIM-1 carbapenemase producers and possibly low levels of expressed ESBLs.

Association of extended-spectrum β-lactamase VEB-5 and 16S rRNA methyltransferase armA in Salmonella enterica from the United Kingdom

Aminoglycosides and beta-lactams are used for the treatment of a wide range of infections due to both Gram-negative and Gram-positive. An emerging aminoglycoside resistance mechanism, methylation of the aminoacyl site of the 16S rRNA, confers high-level resistance to clinically important aminoglycosides such as amikacin, tobramycin and gentamicin. Eight 16S rRNA methyltransferase genes, armA, rmtA, rmtB, rmtC, rmtD, rmtE, rmtF and npmA, have been identified in several species of enterobacteria worldwide (2, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14). Resistance to extended spectrum β-lactams remains additionally an important clinical problem. Apart from the large TEM, SHV, and CTX-M families, several other extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) have been identified, including VEB enzymes, which confer high-level resistance to cephalosporins and monobactams. Although 16S rRNA methyltransferases have been frequently identified associated with different ESBLs, there has been no report of association of a 16S rRNA methyltransferase with a VEB enzyme, except for the identification of rmtC with blaVEB-6 (14)

Enhanced noradrenergic activity in the amygdala contributes to hyperarousal in an animal model of PTSD

Increased activity of the noradrenergic system in the amygdala has been suggested to contribute to the hyperarousal symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, only two studies have examined the content of noradrenaline or its metabolites in the amygdala of rats previously exposed to traumatic stress showing inconsistent results. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of an inescapable foot shock (IFS) procedure 1) on reactivity to novelty in an open-field (as an index of hyperarousal), and 2) on noradrenaline release in the amygdala during an acute stress. To test the role of noradrenaline in amygdala, we also investigated the effects of microinjections of propranolol, a β-adrenoreceptor antagonist, and clenbuterol, a β-adrenoreceptor agonist, into the amygdala of IFS and control animals. Finally, we evaluated the expression of mRNA levels of β-adrenoreceptors (β1 and β2) in the amygdala, the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex. Male Wistar rats (3 months) were stereotaxically implanted with bilateral guide cannulae. After recovering from surgery, animals were exposed to IFS (10 shocks, 0.86 mA, and 6 seconds per shock) and seven days later either microdialysis or microinjections were performed in amygdala. Animals exposed to IFS showed a reduced locomotion compared to non-shocked animals during the first 5 minutes in the open-field. In the amygdala, IFS animals showed an enhanced increase of noradrenaline induced by stress compared to control animals. Bilateral microinjections of propranolol (0.5 μg) into the amygdala one hour before testing in the open-field normalized the decreased locomotion observed in IFS animals. On the other hand, bilateral microinjections of clenbuterol (30 ng) into the amygdala of control animals did not change the exploratory activity induced by novelty in the open field. IFS modified the mRNA expression of β1 and β2 adrenoreceptors in the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus. These results suggest that an increased noradrenergic activity in the amygdala contributes to the expression of hyperarousal in an animal model of PTSD.