Can We Predict the Financial Markets Based on Google's Search Queries?

We look into the interaction of Google's search queries and several aspects of international equity markets. Using a novel methodology for selecting words and a vector autoregressive modeling approach, we study whether the search queries of finance‐related words can have an impact on returns, volatility of returns and traded volume in four different English‐speaking countries. We identify several words whose search frequency is associated with changes in the dependent variables. In particular, we find that increases in search queries including the word stock predict increased volatility and decreased index returns over the next week. On top of that, we investigate the performance of a market‐timing strategy based on the search frequency of this word and benchmark it against random words from the Word‐Net database and a naive buy‐and‐hold strategy. The results of this empirical application are positive and particularly stronger during the global crisis of 2009. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Increased migration of olfactory ensheathing cells secreting the Nogo receptor ectodomain over inhibitory substrates and lesioned spinal cord

Olfactory ensheathing cell (OEC) transplantation emerged some years ago as a promising therapeutic strategy to repair injured spinal cord. However, inhibitory molecules are present for long periods of time in lesioned spinal cord, inhibiting both OEC migration and axonal regrowth. Two families of these molecules, chondroitin sulphate proteoglycans (CSPG) and myelin-derived inhibitors (MAIs), are able to trigger inhibitory responses in lesioned axons. Mounting evidence suggests that OEC migration is inhibited by myelin. Here we demonstrate that OEC migration is largely inhibited by CSPGs and that inhibition can be overcome by the bacterial enzyme Chondroitinase ABC. In parallel, we have generated a stable OEC cell line overexpressing the Nogo receptor (NgR) ectodomain to reduce MAI-associated inhibition in vitro and in vivo. Results indicate that engineered cells migrate longer distances than unmodified OECs over myelin or oligodendrocyte-myelin glycoprotein (OMgp)-coated substrates. In addition, they also show improved migration in lesioned spinal cord. Our results provide new insights toward the improvement of the mechanisms of action and optimization of OEC-based cell therapy for spinal cord lesion.     

Studies on the quaternary structure of the first enzyme for histidine biosynthesis

Resumen Se han realizado estudios de asociación-disociación por filtración en gel con el primer enzima de la biosíntesis de histidina enEscherichia coli, en presencia de sustratos y ligandos. Se observa una interconversión reversible entre las formas dímero, tetrámero y exámero, y una agregación irreversible de orden superior.     

Identification of swelling-activated Cl<Superscript>-</Superscript> current in rabbit cardiac Purkinje cells

The presence and functional role of the swelling-activated Cl^- current (I_Cl(swell)) in rabbit cardiac Purkinje cells was examined using patch-clamp methodology. Extracellular hypotonicity (210 or 135 mOsm) activated an outwardly rectifying, time-independent current with a reversal potential close to the calculated Cl^- equilibrium potential (E_Cl). The magnitude of this current was related to tonicity of the superfusate. The current was blocked by 0.5 mM 4,4-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2-disulfonic acid (DIDS). These features are comparable to those of I_Cl(swell) found in sinoatrial nodal, atrial, and ventricular myocytes. I_Cl(swell) activation at 210 and 135 mOsm depolarized the resting membrane potential with 6 and 10 mV and shortened the action potential by 18 and 33%, respectively. DIDS partially reversed I_Cl(swell)-induced action potential changes. We conclude that I_Cl(swell) is present in Purkinje cells and its activation leads to action potential shortening and resting membrane potential depolarization, both of which can promote the development of reentrant arrhythmias.Received 20 January 2004; received after revision 17 February 2004; accepted 25 February 2004     

Nitric oxide regulates the heart by spatial confinement of nitric oxide synthase isoforms

Subcellular localization of nitric oxide (NO) synthases with effector molecules is an important regulatory mechanism for NO signalling. In the heart, NO inhibits L-type Ca2+ channels but stimulates sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ release, leading to variable effects on myocardial contractility. Here we show that spatial confinement of specific NO synthase isoforms regulates this process. Endothelial NO synthase (NOS3) localizes to caveolae, where compartmentalization with beta-adrenergic receptors and L-type Ca2+ channels allows NO to inhibit beta-adrenergic-induced inotropy. Neuronal NO synthase (NOS1), however, is targeted to cardiac SR. NO stimulation of SR Ca2+ release via the ryanodine receptor (RyR) in vitro, suggests that NOS1 has an opposite, facilitative effect on contractility. We demonstrate that NOS1-deficient mice have suppressed inotropic response, whereas NOS3-deficient mice have enhanced contractility, owing to corresponding changes in SR Ca2+ release. Both NOS1-/- and NOS3-/- mice develop age-related hypertrophy, although only NOS3-/- mice are hypertensive. NOS1/3-/- double knockout mice have suppressed beta-adrenergic responses and an additive phenotype of marked ventricular remodelling. Thus, NOS1 and NOS3 mediate independent, and in some cases opposite, effects on cardiac structure and function.     

数学思想方法提高学生数学解题能力的教学研究

通过教学实验的方法,对数学思想方法与学生数学解题能力的整合作了初步的探讨,提出了在教学中如何更好地运用数学思想方法来提高学生解题能力的原则。     

以龙舌兰蔗渣作为还原剂使磁铁矿精矿有效地金属化

The reduction behavior and metallization degree of magnetite concentrate with agave bagasse were investigated in an inert atmosphere. The effects of temperature, biomass content, and residence time on reduction experiments and metallization degree were investigated by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Compared with other types of biomass, agave bagasse had lower contents of nitrogen, sulfur, and ash. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the metallization degree improved with increasing temperature and biomass content. Complete metallization was achieved at 1100°C for 30 min with 65:35 and 50:50 ratios of the magnetite concentrate to the agave bagasse. These results demonstrate that agave bagasse promotes the efficient metallization of magnetite concentrate without the external addition of a reducing agent. Therefore, this biomass is a technical suitable alternative to replace fossil fuels in steelmaking.