Modeling and Forecasting the Yield Curve by an Extended Nelson‐Siegel Class of Models: A Quantile Autoregression Approach

This paper compares the in‐sample fitting and the out‐of‐sample forecasting performances of four distinct Nelson–Siegel class models: Nelson–Siegel, Bliss, Svensson, and a five‐factor model we propose in order to enhance the fitting flexibility. The introduction of the fifth factor resulted in superior adjustment to the data. For the forecasting exercise the paper contrasts the performances of the term structure models in association with the following econometric methods: quantile autoregression evaluated at the median, VAR, AR, and a random walk. As a pattern, the quantile procedure delivered the best results for longer forecasting horizons. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Mutations in SEC63 cause autosomal dominant polycystic liver disease

Mutations in PRKCSH, encoding the beta-subunit of glucosidase II, an N-linked glycan-processing enzyme in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), cause autosomal dominant polycystic liver disease. We found that mutations in SEC63, encoding a component of the protein translocation machinery in the ER, also cause this disease. These findings are suggestive of a role for cotranslational protein-processing pathways in maintaining epithelial luminal structure and implicate noncilial ER proteins in human polycystic disease.     

Tamoxifen ‘sex reverses’ alligator embryos at male producing temperature,but is an antiestrogen in female hatchlings

Summary Tamoxifen is an anticancer drug widely used in the treatment of estrogen-dependent breast cancer. In hatchling alligators it acts as a pure antiestrogen in that it completely blocks the effect of estradiol-induced oviductal hypertrophy and completely blocks the estradiol-induced hepatic vitellogenin secretion. Paradoxically, when injected into alligator eggs incubated at 33°C, a temperature which would normally result in 100% male hatchlings, tamoxifen sex reverses the embryos into apparently normal female hatchlings.     

Murine arylsulfatase C: Evidence for two isozymes

Summary SWR/J mice posses high arylsulfatase C, estrone sulfatase, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfatase activities in liver, spleen and kidney compared to A/J mice. This internstrain activity variation appears to be determined by at least 1 autosomal gene. Murine arylsulfatase C activity occurs in both hydrophobic and hydrophilic forms which differ with respect to certain biochemical properties and exhibit different subcellular distributions. The hydrophilic isozyme is a major component in kidney and brain extracts and a minor isozyme in liver and spleen extracts. The hydrophobic arylsulfatase C isozyme appears to be identical to steroid sulfatase. The hydrophilic arylsulfatase C isozyme does not possess steroid sulfatase activity; however, hydrophilic and hydrophobic arylsulfatase C share certain properties, suggesting that they may be structurally related. The autosomal gene(s) affects both arylsulfatase isozymes.This research was supported in part by National Institutes of Health grant GM 27707.     

Temporal activity patterns of Dipodomys ordii population

Temporal activity patterns for Dipodomys ordii were generally bimodal during the summer, with the highest peak occurring during early predawn hours when conditions were optimum for water conservation. Removal of dominant members in the population resulted in a substantial shift in the activity pattern to increased activity during the evening hours.     

Affinity chromatography of glucose dehydrogenase

Porcine liver beta-D-glucose dehydrogenase, a multi-functional protein, has been purified to apparent homogeneity. The enzyme has been separated from the endoplasmic reticulum using Triton X-114 and further purified using NAD to release glucose dehydrogenase from a NADP-linked sepharose column. The purified enzyme is capable of producing both NADH and NADPH in vivo as indicated by kinetic studies.