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Schizophrenia (SZ) is a highly heritable mental disorder, and genome‐wide association studies have identified the association between deleted in colorectal cancer (DCC) and SZ. Previous study has shown a lowered expression of DCC in the cerebral cortex of SZ patient. In this study, we identified novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of DCC statistically correlated with SZ. Based on these, we generated DCC conditional knockout (CKO) mice and explored behavioral phenotypes in these mice. We observed that deletion of DCC in cortical layer VI but not layer V led to deficits in fear and spatial memory, as well as defective sensorimotor gating revealed by the prepulse inhibition test (PPI). Critically, the defective sensorimotor gating could be restored by olanzapine, an antipsychotic drug. Furthermore, we found that the levels of p‐AKT and p‐GSK3α/β were decreased, which was responsible for impaired PPI in the DCC‐deficient mice. Finally, the DCC‐deficient mice also displayed reduced spine density of pyramidal neurons and disturbed delta‐oscillations. Our data, for the first time, identified and explored downstream substrates and signaling pathway of DCC which supports the hypothesis that DCC is a SZ‐related risky gene and when defective, may promote SZ‐like pathogenesis and behavioral phenotypes in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between oil prices and clean energy indices is of great importance for investors and financial market participants when considered as a financial investment tool. As the world grapples with environmental challenges and seeks sustainable solutions, understanding the impact of oil prices on the clean energy sector plays a critical role in strategic decision-making processes. Fluctuations in oil prices can directly impact the financial performance of the clean energy sector by affecting the returns and costs of clean energy investments. Investors need insights into the potential asymmetric effects of oil prices on sustainability and clean energy indices; this can shape their portfolio allocations and risk management strategies. As global sustainability concerns and shifts towards clean energy continue to evolve, the complex relationship between traditional energy markets and the expanding clean energy sector remains a subject of study in the literature. The decreasing reliance on conventional energy sources and the accelerated transition to renewable energy sources create significant implications for financial markets. In this transformative process, it is crucial for investors to analyze the short- and long-term impacts of changes in oil prices on the clean energy sector. Understanding the complex relationship between traditional energy markets and the expanding clean energy sector can help investors anticipate future trends and develop sustainable investment strategies. Moreover, understanding the asymmetric effects of oil prices on clean energy investments plays a vital role in achieving global sustainability goals and addressing environmental challenges. In this context, an in-depth analysis of these dynamics will provide valuable insights not only for academic research but also for policymakers and investors. In this article, we examine the complex relationship between oil prices, sustainability, and clean energy indices using a comprehensive dataset spanning from 2014 to 2023. The focus of the analysis is on the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil futures prices, the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSWI), and the S&P Global Clean Energy Index (SPGCE). These variables represent critical aspects of the financial system by reflecting the dynamics between traditional energy sources, sustainability initiatives, and the emerging clean energy sector. In this context, the study employs the Nonlinear Autoregressive Distributed Lag (NARDL) method to explore the asymmetric effects of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) prices on the S&P Global Clean Energy Index (SPGCE) and the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSWI). The NARDL method is advantageous due to its applicability to variables with different levels of stationarity and its effectiveness in handling small sample sizes. The study also incorporates the Dynamic Conditional Correlation (DCC) model to assess the time-varying relationships between the variables. In this context, the study differs from existing literature by examining the asymmetric effects of oil prices on sustainability and clean energy indices using both the NARDL and DCC methods. According to the results from the NARDL model, it was found that positive shocks in WTI prices have a more significant effect on the S&P Global Clean Energy Index (SPGCE) compared to negative shocks. According to the Dynamic Multiplier test, positive and negative shocks to the WTI variable have a weak negative effect on SPGCE from the third to the fifth period, gradually approaching equilibrium thereafter. The results obtained from the DCC model indicate a positive and strong relationship between WTI prices and the S&P Global Clean Energy Index (SPGCE). The positive relationships between WTI prices and clean energy indices, especially during periods of positive shocks in oil prices, suggest potential opportunities for returns. However, awareness of the highlighted dynamic relationships is crucial, and investors should employ diversification strategies to mitigate risks associated with fluctuations in oil prices. Considering the results obtained from the DCC model, investors should actively monitor market dynamics and adjust their investment strategies accordingly. During significant event periods identified in the study, such as the "COVID Era," correlations between assets can change rapidly. Being mindful of these changes can assist investors in making timely and informed decisions. Moreover, given the positive relationship between sustainability indices and oil prices, portfolio managers may consider increasing allocations to sustainable investments. Integrating companies with strong sustainability practices can enhance portfolio resilience and align with global environmental-conscious initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate‐change futures provide a platform for low‐carbon portfolios and energy market risk hedging. Climate changes induce uncertainty in energy‐commodity markets. We investigate the potential of diversifying and hedging energy‐commodity market risk with climate‐change futures, using dynamic conditional correlation (DCC)‐ordinary least squares (OLS) incorporating quantile‐dummies and cross‐quantilogram (CQ) approaches. DCC‐OLS models reveal that the World and USA climate‐change futures exhibit that they can be diversifiers for oil, ethanol, gasoil, and gasoline. These futures also exhibit hedging features for natural gas, coal, and heating oil. Euro climate‐change futures demonstrate hedging capabilities for all energy commodities except oil and gasoil. World, USA, and Euro climate‐change futures have the potential to serve as safe‐haven financial instruments in the face of the high volatility of Brent crude oil, gasoil, and heating oil. The CQ reveals that World, USA, and Euro climate‐change futures exhibit hedging and safe‐haven capacity against oil, natural gas, coal, gasoil, gasoline, and heating futures. Climate‐change futures may protect financial investments during extreme volatility in energy commodities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper quantitatively investigated the historical transition of return transmission, volatility spillovers, and correlations between the US, UK, and Japanese stock markets. Applying a vector autoregressive (VAR)-dynamic conditional correlation (DCC)-multivariate exponential generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (MEGARCH) model, we derived new evidence for four historical periods between 1984 and 2024. First, we found that the return transmission from the US to the other markets has historically become stronger, whereas recently, the return transmission from the UK to the US has disappeared. Second, we clarified that volatility spillovers from the US to the other markets have historically become stronger, whereas recently, volatility spillovers from the UK to the US have also disappeared. Third, our analyses of the historical constant correlations and DCCs revealed that stock market connectedness has gradually tightened between the US and Japan and between the UK and Japan, whereas recently, the connectedness between the US and UK has weakened. Fourth, our VAR-DCC analyses also revealed that volatility spillovers between the US, UK, and Japanese stock markets have been asymmetric. Fifth, we further showed that the skew-t errors incorporated into our VAR-DCC model are effective in estimating the dynamic stock return linkages between the US, the UK, and Japan. Finally, based on our findings, we derived many significant and beneficial interpretations and implications for historically and deeply considering return transmission, volatility spillovers, and DCCs between international stock markets.

We revisit, and document new facts regarding, the financialization of U.S. energy markets in 2000–2010. We show that, after controlling for macroeconomic factors and physical energy market fundamentals, the strength of energy markets’ co-movements with the U.S. stock market is positively related to the energy paper market activity of hedge funds that trade both asset classes. This relation weakens when credit risk is elevated. We find, in contrast, no link with the aggregate positions of commodity index traders in energy futures markets. Our findings have implications for the ongoing debate regarding the financialization of commodities.

We revisit, and document new facts regarding, the financialization of U.S. energy markets in 2000–2010. We show that, after controlling for macroeconomic factors and physical energy market fundamentals, the strength of energy markets' co-movements with the U.S. stock market is positively related to the energy paper market activity of hedge funds that trade both asset classes. This relation weakens when credit risk is elevated. We find, in contrast, no link with the aggregate positions of commodity index traders in energy futures markets. Our findings have implications for the ongoing debate regarding the financialization of commodities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bone cancer pain (BCP) is a common primary or metastatic bone cancer complication. Netrin-1 plays an essential role in neurite elongation and pain sensitization. This study aimed to determine the role of netrin-1 from the metastatic bone microenvironment in BCP development and identify the associated signaling pathway for the strategy of BCP management. Methods: The rat BCP model was established by intratibial implantation of Walker 256 cells. Von Frey filaments measured the mechanical pain threshold. Movementinduced pain was assessed using limb use scores. Expressions of associated molecules in the affected tibias or dorsal root ganglia (DRG) were measured by immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, or western blotting. Transduction of deleted in colorectal cancer (DCC) signaling was inhibited by intrathecal injection of DCC-siRNA. Results: In BCP rats, the presence of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-positive nerve fibers increased in the metastatic bone lesions. The metastatic site showed enrichment of well-differentiated osteoclasts and expressions of netrin-1 and its attractive receptor DCC. Upregulation of DCC and increased phosphorylation levels of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and Rac family small GTPase 1/Cell division cycle 42 (Rac1/Cdc42) were found in the DRG. Intrathecal administration of DCC-siRNA led to a significant reduction in FAK and Rac1/Cdc42 phosphorylation levels in the DRG, decreased nociceptive nerve innervation, and improved pain behaviors. Conclusions: Netrin-1 may contribute to the activation of the BCP by inducing nociceptive nerve innervation and improving pain behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The properties of DCC catalytic cracking slurry were analyzed by elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance, scanning electron microscope and other methods. The results indicate that DCC catalytic cracking slurry contains rich polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, the aromatic content reaches 54. 24%, and the hydrogen carbon ratio reaches 0. 928 3, molecular weight is mainly 250 〜600 Da, aromatic fused ring compounds with two to four rings・ The results also indicate that, the slurry contains high ash and residual carbon, ash content up to 0. 39%, aluminum and silicon elements was 9 901 mg/L and 520 mg/L, respectively; the particle size of the solid catalyst powder between 2・ 0 〜4・ 0 pini. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With due span of time, Cloud computing has grown phenomenally as it is a best approach for using the scalable shared pool of resources at economical cost. Though it seems easy but distribution of the jobs assigned to various Virtual Machines (VMs) is a cumbersome task for the Data Centre (DC) Controller. Various techniques have been proposed from time-to-time for balancing the load on distinct VMs available in the DCs. The primarily used load balancing techniques are Round Robin, Equal Spread Current Execution and Throttled. The major thrust for using the aforementioned techniques is to improve the performance parameters such as Overall Response Time (ORT), Data Center Processing Time (DCPT) and Cost. In this manuscript, a new algorithm named Pragmatic Load Balancing (PLB) has been designed and developed for optimization of afore-said parameters and various simulation scenarios have also been created for the evaluation of these parameters. In the given Scenarios created by using Cloud Analyst Simulator, different number of VMs like 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 have been allotted with distinct number of DCs from 1 to 5 to the application at each Cloud Configuration and the divulged that the value of the performance parameters have been improved by using the PLB Algorithm in comparison to other available Load Balancing Algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe stress-dependent psychiatric disorder characterized by impairment of fear memory extinction; however, biological markers to determine impaired fear memory extinction in PTSD remain unclear. In male mice with PTSD-like behaviors elicited by single prolonged stress (SPS), 19 differentially expressed proteins in the hippocampus were identified compared with controls. Among them, a biological macromolecular protein named deleted in colorectal cancer (DCC) was highly upregulated. Specific overexpression of DCC in the hippocampus induced similar impairment of long-term potentiation (LTP) and fear memory extinction as observed in SPS mice. The impairment of fear memory extinction in SPS mice was improved by inhibiting the function of hippocampal DCC using a neutralizing antibody. Mechanistic studies have shown that knocking down or inhibiting μ-calpain in hippocampal neurons increased DCC expression and induced impairment of fear memory extinction. Additionally, SPS-triggered impairment of hippocampal LTP and fear memory extinction could be rescued through activation of the Rac1–Pak1 signaling pathway. Our study provides evidence that calpain-mediated regulation of DCC controls hippocampal LTP and fear memory extinction in SPS mice, which likely through activation of the Rac1–Pak1 signaling pathway.

RAGE is a transmembrane receptor of immunoglobulin family that can bind various endogenous and exogenous ligands, initiating the inflammatory downstream signaling pathways, including inflammaging. Therefore, RAGE represents an attractive drug target for age‐related diseases. For the development of small‐molecule RAGE antagonists, we employed protein‐templated dynamic combinatorial chemistry (ptDCC) using RAGE′s VC1 domain as a template, the first application of this approach in the context of RAGE. The affinities of DCC hits were validated using microscale thermophoresis. Subsequent screening against AGE2 (glyceraldehyde‐modified AGE)‐sRAGE (solubleRAGE) (AGE2‐BSA/sRAGE) interaction using ELISA tests led to the identification of antagonists with micromolar potency. Our findings not only demonstrate the successful application of ptDCC on RAGE but also highlight its potential to address the pressing need for alternative strategies for the development of small‐molecule RAGE antagonists, an area of research that has experienced a slowdown in recent years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper quantitatively investigated the historical transition of return transmission, volatility spillovers, and correlations between the US, UK, and Japanese stock markets. Applying a vector autoregressive (VAR)-dynamic conditional correlation (DCC)-multivariate exponential generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (MEGARCH) model, we derived new evidence for four historical periods between 1984 and 2024. First, we found that the return transmission from the US to the other markets has historically become stronger, whereas recently, the return transmission from the UK to the US has disappeared. Second, we clarified that volatility spillovers from the US to the other markets have historically become stronger, whereas recently, volatility spillovers from the UK to the US have also disappeared. Third, our analyses of the historical constant correlations and DCCs revealed that stock market connectedness has gradually tightened between the US and Japan and between the UK and Japan, whereas recently, the connectedness between the US and UK has weakened. Fourth, our VAR-DCC analyses also revealed that volatility spillovers between the US, UK, and Japanese stock markets have been asymmetric. Fifth, we further showed that the skew- t errors incorporated into our VAR-DCC model are effective in estimating the dynamic stock return linkages between the US, the UK, and Japan. Finally, based on our findings, we derived many significant and beneficial interpretations and implications for historically and deeply considering return transmission, volatility spillovers, and DCCs between international stock markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: For pediatric patients, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) remains the predominant mechanical circulatory support (MCS) modality for heart failure (HF) although survival to discharge rates remain between 50 and 60% for these patients. The device-blood interface and disruption of physiologic hemodynamics are significant contributors to poor outcomes. Methods: In this study, we evaluate the preclinical feasibility of a minimally invasive, non-blood-contacting pediatric DCC prototype for temporary MCS. Proof-of-concept is demonstrated in vivo in an animal model of HF. Hemodynamic pressures and flows were examined. Results: Minimally invasive deployment on the beating heart was successful without cardiopulmonary bypass or anticoagulation. During HF, device operation resulted in an immediate 43% increase in cardiac output while maintaining pulsatile hemodynamics. Compared to the pre-HF baseline, the device recovered up to 95% of ventricular stroke volume. At the conclusion of the study, the device was easily removed from the beating heart. Conclusions: This preclinical proof-of-concept study demonstrated the feasibility of a DCC device on a pediatric scale that is minimally invasive and non-blood contacting, with promising hemodynamic support and durability for the initial intended duration of use. The ability of DCC to maintain pulsatile MCS without blood contact represents an opportunity to mitigate the mortality and morbidity observed in non-pulsatile, blood-contacting MCS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article aims to examine the transmission of return and volatility spillover from the banking industry to other industries in Pakistan. The study uses daily stock prices from 2005 to 2018 from the financial and non‐financial sectors listed at Pakistan stock exchange. The KSE‐100 index is used as a basis for the selection he industries and companies. The banking stock return ARMA‐GARCH in mean model is used to measure the return and volatility spillover. The time‐varying conditional correlation and asymmetric effect are explored using the DDC and ADDC models. Return and volatility spillover are found across the various industries during the period, indicating limited evidence of diversification. The DCC‐GARCH model shows that there is a time‐varying conditional correlation and asymmetric behaviour of the data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The risk of brain exposure to ionizing radiation increases gradually due to the extensive application of nuclear technology in medical, industrial, and aerospace fields. Radiation-induced brain injury (RBI) is highly likely to cause a wide range of neurological complications, including schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease (AD), depression. Ginkgolide B (GB) is one of the effective active components extracted from ginkgo biloba leaves, exerts protective effects on CNS, which is involved in the regulation of the Hippo signaling pathway. MST1, as one of the core kinases of the Hippo pathway, participated in regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. However, it remains unclear whether GB attenuates radiation brain injury (RBI) and whether the radioprotective effect of GB refers to MST1 signaling. Hence, our study aimed to explore the radiation protection effect and the potential mechanism of GB. C57BL/6 mice were stimulated with an X-ray (20 Gy) to establish an RBI model. Then, morris water maze test (MWM) and step-down passive avoidance test (SDPAT) were used to assess the learning and memory function of mice. The open field test (OFT), tail suspension test (TST), and forced swimming test (FST) were used to assess changes in locomotor activity and hopelessness. Besides, X-ray-stimulated SH-SY5Y cells were used to verify the radioprotective effect of GB. Immunofluorescence double staining, Dihydroethidium (DHE), western blot, and flow cytometry were used to explore the role of DCC/MST1 signaling in RBI. In this study, X-ray-treated mice exhibited cognitive impairment and depression-like behavior, which was ameliorated by GB treatment. GB also reduced the ROS production and the number of TUNEL-positive cells in the hippocampus. Moreover, GB increased the protein levels of p-AKT and Bcl2, while decreased the protein levels of MST1, p-p38, p-JNK, cleaved-caspase-3 and Bax both in vivo and in vitro. Additionally, exogenous Netrin-1 alleviated X-ray-induced ROS production and apoptosis, whereas knockout of Netrin-1 receptor DCC abolished the protective effect of GB. Oxidative stress and MST1-mediated neuronal apoptosis participated in radiation-induced cognitive impairment and depression-like behaviors, and modulation of DCC by GB was an effective intervention against RBI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Pathogenic variants in the deleted in colorectal cancer gene (DCC), encoding the Netrin-1 receptor, may lead to mirror movements (MMs) associated with agenesis/dysgenesis of the corpus callosum (ACC) and cognitive and/or neuropsychiatric issues. The clinical phenotype is related to the biological function of DCC in the corpus callosum and corticospinal tract development as Netrin-1 is implicated in the guidance of developing axons toward the midline. We report on a child with a novel inherited, monoallelic, pathogenic variant in the DCC gene. Methods: Standardized measures and clinical scales were used to assess psychomotor development, communication and social skills, emotional and behavioural difficulties. MMs were measured via the Woods and Teuber classification. Exome sequencing was performed on affected and healthy family members. Results: The patient's clinical presentation during infancy consisted of paroxysmal dystonic posturing when asleep, mimicking nocturnal leg cramps. A brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed complete ACC. He developed typical upper limb MMs during childhood and a progressively evolving neuro-phenotype with global development delay and behavioural problems. We found an intrafamilial clinical variability associated with DCC mutations: the proband's father and uncle shared the same DCC variant, with a milder clinical phenotype. The atypical early clinical presentation of the present patient expands the clinical spectrum associated with DCC variants, especially those in the paediatric age. Conclusions: This study underlines the importance of in-depth genetic investigations in young children with ACC and highlights the need for further detailed analyses of early motor symptoms in infants with DCC mutations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Congenital mirror movements (CMM) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by involuntary movements from one side of the body that mirror voluntary movements on the opposite side. To date, five genes have been associated with CMM, namely DCC, RAD51, NTN1, ARHGEF7, and DNAL4. Objective: The aim of this study is to characterize the genetic landscape of CMM in a large group of 80 affected individuals. Methods: We screened 80 individuals with CMM from 43 families for pathogenic variants in CMM genes. In large CMM families, we tested for presence of pathogenic variants in multiple affected and unaffected individuals. In addition, we evaluated the impact of three missense DCC variants on binding between DCC and Netrin‐1 in vitro. Results: Causal pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants were found in 35% of probands overall, and 70% with familial CMM. The most common causal gene was DCC, responsible for 28% of CMM probands and 80% of solved cases. RAD51, NTN1, and ARHGEF7 were rare causes of CMM, responsible for 2% each. Penetrance of CMM in DCC pathogenic variant carriers was 68% and higher in males than females (74% vs. 54%). The three tested missense variants (p.Ile164Thr; p.Asn176Ser; and p.Arg1343His) bind Netrin‐1 similarly to wild type DCC. Conclusions: A genetic etiology can be identified in one third of CMM individuals, with DCC being the most common gene involved. Two thirds of CMM individuals were unsolved, highlighting that CMM is genetically heterogeneous and other CMM genes are yet to be discovered. © 2024 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A design and synthesis of novel series of substituted thiazolidinone has been synthesised from 2-amino-thiazole and pyrazole-2-aldehyde using DCC under mild condition. These compounds were first examined for α-amylase inhibition, glucose uptake activity and antioxidant activities. The α-amylase inhibition profile was found to be competitive for compound 3b. Including, compounds 3h exhibited significant glucose update activity with IC50 values of 10.21 μM. Additionally, the free-radical scavenging activity of 3a-n was assessed using the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay.

Research on individual variation has received increased attention. The bulk of the models discussed in psychological research so far, focus mainly on the temporal development of the mean structure. We expand the view on within-person residual variability and present a new model parameterization derived from classic multivariate GARCH models used to predict and forecast volatility in financial time-series. We propose a new pdBEKK and a modified dynamic conditional correlation (DCC) model that accommodate external time-varying predictors for the within-person variance. The main goal of this work is to evaluate the potential usefulness of MGARCH models for research in within-person variability. MGARCH models partition the within-person variance into, at least, 3 components: An overall constant and unconditional baseline variance, a process that introduces variance conditional on previous innovations, or random shocks, and a process that governs the carry-over effects of previous conditional variance, similar to an AR model. These models allow for variance spillover effects from one time-series to another. We illustrate the pdBEKK- and the DCC-MGARCH on two individuals who have rated their daily positive and negative affect over 100 consecutive days. The full models comprised a multivariate ARMA(1,1) model for the means and included physical activity as moderator of the overall baseline variance. Overall, the pdBEKK seems to result in a more straightforward psychological interpretation, but the DCC is generally easier to estimate and can accommodate more simultaneous time-series. Both models require rather large amounts of datapoints to detect nonzero parameters. We provide an R-package bmgarch that facilitates the estimation of these types of models. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

AbstractAcute pancreatitis (AP) is a disease characterized by an acute inflammatory phase followed by a convalescent phase. Diabetes mellitus (DM) was historically felt to be a transient phenomenon related to acute inflammation; however, it is increasingly recognized as an important late and chronic complication. There are several challenges that have prevented precisely determining the incidence rate of DM after AP and understanding the underlying mechanisms. The DREAM (Diabetes RElated to Acute Pancreatitis and its Mechanisms) Study is a prospective cohort study designed to address these and other knowledge gaps to provide the evidence needed to screen for, prevent, and treat DM after AP. In the following article, we summarize literature regarding the epidemiology of DM after AP and provide the rationale and an overview of the DREAM study.

Delayed cord clamping (DCC) and Umbilical cord milking (UCM) are the two methods of placental transfusion. Both interventions improve hemoglobin, are safe with no risk of polycythemia and hyperbilirubinemia. UCM is beneficial in situation were DCC is not feasible or contraindicated. Objectives. 1) Comparison of UCM and DCC on following hematological parameters in term neonates-Cord Hemoglobin at birth, Hemoglobin, Hematocrit and Bilirubin at 48 hours of life. 2) To compare Hb and ferritin levels of infants born with UCM to that of DCC at 6 weeks of age. Material and methods. A Prospective Case-Control Study. Newborns delivered by normal vaginal and elective lower segment cesarean section underwent DCC. Neonates in whom DCC was not feasible underwent UCM. 56 neonates in each group were followed up to 6 weeks. Cord hemoglobin at birth, hemoglobin, hematocrit and bilirubin were sent at 48 hours, and during 6 weeks of life, Hb and serum ferritin was estimated in both groups and compared. Results: At 48 hours, mean hemoglobin is 18.75 and 19.38 g/dL, mean hematocrit is 52.20 and 53.94 %, and mean total bilirubin is 11.56 and 10.39 mg/dL in the DCC and UCM groups, respectively. Mean hemoglobin at 6 weeks is 11.37 and 11.6 gm/dL and mean serum ferritin is 207.2 and 252.63 mcg/L in the DCC and UCM groups, respectively. No increase in the incidence of neonatal jaundice or polycythemia was observed in either group. Conclusion. Both the methods of placental transfusions DCC and UCM are equally effective and have comparable benefit on hematological parameters in full term neonates at 48 hours of life and at 6 weeks of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct binding of netrin receptorswith dynamic microtubules (MTs) in the neuronal growth cone plays an important role in netrin-mediated axon guidance. However, how netrin-1 (NTN1) regulates MT dynamics in axon turning remains amajor unanswered question. Here, we show that the coupling of netrin-1 receptor DCC with tau (MAPT)-regulated MTs is involved in netrin-1-promoted axon attraction. Tau directly interacts with DCC and partially overlaps with DCC in the growth cone of primary neurons. Netrin-1 induces this interaction and the colocalization of DCC and tau in the growth cone. The netrin-1-induced interaction of tau with DCC relies on MT dynamics and TUBB3, a highly dynamic ß-tubulin isotype in developing neurons. Netrin-1 increased cosedimentation of DCC with tau and TUBB3 in MTs, and knockdown of either tau or TUBB3 mutually blocked this effect. Downregulation of endogenous tau levels by tau shRNAs inhibited netrin-1-induced axon outgrowth, branching and commissural axon attraction in vitro, and led to defects in spinal commissural axon projection in vivo. These findings suggest that tau is a keyMT-associated protein coupling DCC with MT dynamics in netrin-1-promoted axon attraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Most functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies in resting state have assumed that the functional connectivity (FC) between time series from distinct brain regions is constant. However, increased interest has recently been in quantifying possible dynamic changes in FC during fMRI experiments. FC study may provide insight into the fundamental workings of brain networks to brain activity. In this work, we focus on the specific problem of estimating the dynamic behavior of pairwise correlations between time courses extracted from two different brain regions. We compare the sliding-window techniques such as moving average (MA) and exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA), dynamic causality with vector autoregressive (VAR) model, dynamic conditional correlation (DCC) based on volatility, and the proposed alternative methods to use differencing and recursive residuals. We investigate the properties of those techniques in a series of simulation studies. We also provide an application with major depressive disorder (MDD) patient fMRI data to demonstrate studying dynamic correlations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple and feasible protocol for synthesizing the menthol‐amino acid conjugates by reacting t‐Boc‐amino acids with (1R,2S,5R)‐(−)‐menthol is reported. The synthesis involved the formation of an ester bond between the protected amino acid and (−)‐menthol using DCC, and DMAP as reagents. The t‐Boc‐menthol conjugates are deprotected using TFA in DCM to afford the menthol‐amino acid conjugates in excellent yield (>85 %). (−)‐Menthol possesses therapeutic properties, while amino acids are known for their diverse chemical functionalities and biological activities, making them a promising platform for designing TRPM8 agonists. By combining the unique characteristics of (−)‐menthol and amino acids, this conjugation approach can enhance TRPM8 agonistic activity. The synthesized conjugates are characterized through various spectroscopic techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) connect the retina with the higher centers in the brain for visual perception. Their degeneration leads to irreversible vision loss in patients with glaucoma. The mechanism underlying human RGCs (hRGCs) axon growth and guidance remains poorly understood because hRGCs are born during development and connections with the central targets are established before birth. Here, using RGCs directly generated from human embryonic stem cells, we demonstrate that hRGCs express a battery of guidance receptors. These receptors allow hRGCs to read the spatially arrayed chemotropic cues in the developing rat retina for the centripetal orientation of axons toward the optic disc, suggesting that the mechanism of intraretinal guidance is conserved in hRGCs. The centripetal orientation of hRGCs axons is not only in response to chemorepulsion but also involves chemoattraction, mediated by Netrin-1/DCC interaction. The spatially arrayed chemotropic cues differentially influence hRGCs physiological responses, suggesting that neural activity of hRGCs and axon growth may be coupled during inter-retinal guidance. In addition, we demonstrate that Netrin-1/DCC interaction, besides promoting axon growth, facilitates hRGCs axon regeneration by recruiting the mTOR signaling pathway. The diverse influence of Netrin-1/DCC interaction ranging from axon growth to regeneration may involve recruitment of multiple intracellular signaling pathways as revealed by transcriptome analysis of hRGCs. From the perspective of ex vivo stem cell approach to glaucomatous degeneration, our findings posit that ex vivo generated hRGCs can read the intraretinal cues for guidance toward the optic disc, the first step required for connecting with the central target to restore vision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Delayed cord clamping (DCC) and Umbilical cord milking (UCM) are the two methods of placental transfusion. Both interventions improve hemoglobin, are safe with no risk of polycythemia and hyperbilirubinemia. UCM is benefi cial in situation were DCC is not feasible or contraindicated. Objectives. 1) Comparison of UCM and DCC on following hematological parameters in term neonates- Cord Hemoglobin at birth, Hemoglobin, Hematocrit and Bilirubin at 48 hours of life. 2) To compare Hb and ferritin levels of infants born with UCM to that of DCC at 6 weeks of age. Material and methods. A Prospective Case- Control Study. Newborns delivered by normal vaginal and elective lower segment cesarean section underwent DCC. Neonates in whom DCC was not feasible underwent UCM. 56 neonates in each group were followed up to 6 weeks. Cord hemoglobin at birth, hemoglobin, hematocrit and bilirubin were sent at 48 hours, and during 6 weeks of life, Hb and serum ferritin was estimated in both groups and compared. Results: At 48 hours, mean hemoglobin is 18.75 and 19.38 g/dL, mean hematocrit is 52.20 and 53.94 %, and mean total bilirubin is 11.56 and 10.39 mg/dL in the DCC and UCM groups, respectively. Mean hemoglobin at 6 weeks is 11.37 and 11.6 gm/dL and mean serum ferritin is 207.2 and 252.63 mcg/L in the DCC and UCM groups, respectively. No increase in the incidence of neonatal jaundice or polycythemia was observed in either group. Conclusion. Both the methods of placental transfusions DCC and UCM are equally eff ective and have comparable benefi t on hematological parameters in full term neonates at 48 hours of life and at 6 weeks of life.

This study aims at examining whether hedging emerging Eastern Europe stock markets with commodities sectors can help in reducing market risks and whether it has the same effectiveness among different sectors. As an attempt to achieve this goal, we opt for three types of MGARCH model. These are DCC, ADCC and GO-GARCH, which are used with each bivariate series to model dynamic conditional correlations, optimal hedge ratios and hedging effectiveness. Rolling window analysis is used for out-of-sample one-step-ahead forecasts from December 1994 to June 2022. The results have shown that the commodities sectors of industrial metals and energy represent the optimal hedging instruments for emerging Eastern Europe stock markets as they have the highest hedging effectiveness. Additionally, our empirical results have proved that hedge ratios estimated by the DCC and ADCC models are very similar, which is not the case for GO-GARCH, and that hedging effectiveness is preferably estimated by the ADCC model.

People with severe mental illness have a higher risk of cardiometabolic disease than the general population. Traditionally attributed to sociodemographic, behavioural factors and medication effects, recent genetic studies have provided evidence of shared biological mechanisms underlying mental illness and cardiometabolic disease. We aimed to determine whether signals in the DCC locus, implicated in psychiatric and cardiometabolic traits, were shared or distinct. In UK Biobank, we systematically assessed genetic variation in the DCC locus for association with metabolic, cardiovascular and psychiatric-related traits in unrelated "white British" participants (N = 402,837). Logistic or linear regression were applied assuming an additive genetic model and adjusting for age, sex, genotyping chip and population structure. Bonferroni correction for the number of independent variants was applied. Conditional analyses (including lead variants as covariates) and trans-ancestry analyses were used to investigate linkage disequilibrium between signals. Significant associations were observed between DCC variants and smoking, anhedonia, body mass index (BMI), neuroticism and mood instability. Conditional analyses and linkage disequilibrium structure suggested signals for smoking and BMI were distinct from each other and the mood traits, whilst individual mood traits were inter-related in a complex manner. Restricting analyses in non-"white British" individuals to the phenotypes significant in the "white British" sample is not ideal, but the smaller samples sizes restricted the phenotypes possible to analyse. Genetic variation in the DCC locus had distinct effects on BMI, smoking and mood traits, and therefore is unlikely to contribute to shared mechanisms underpinning mental and cardiometabolic traits. • DCC variants were associated with BMI, smoking, anhedonia, neuroticism and mood instability in a White British subset • Multiple signals for BMI and mood traits had multiple conditionally-independent signals • BMI, smoking and mood traits constituted distinct signals. • Some BMI and mood trait signals appeared to be relevant across ancestry groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper constitutes the exploration performed to developed new fluorinated chromene derivations by coupling response of separate fluorinated amino composites using suitable coupling reagents. The response is clean which enable too easy workup and good yield. Chromene derivations (3a-h) are synthesized by coupling response between different fluoro aniline derivations and 6-(trifluoromethyl) -3,4-dihydro-2H-chromene-2-carboxylic acid, N, N'-Dicyclohexylcarbodiimide(DCC) and(2-(1H-benzotriazol-1-yl) hexafluorophosphate (HBTU) are used as a coupling reagent. N, N'-Dicyclohexylcarbodiimide urea is formed as a side product during response which can remove by filtration. The response was rapid-fire and was conducted at room temperature with high-to-excellentyields, chromene derivations were assessed for tyrosinase and α- glucosidase inhibitory conditioning. Depended on IC50 values. All novel chromenes displayed significant α- glucosidase inhibition compared with reference (IC50 = 7.80 mM). Likewise, the capability of the studied composites to inhibit tyrosinase was estimated and set up to be moderate 'In silico studies were performed to explore the list modes of the chromenes at the list point of α- glucosidase and tyrosinase. Molecular docking results revealed the significance of hydrogen cling, hydrophobic, π-π mounding, πcation, and essence relations between the target enzymes and the synthesized composites. Inclusively, the results attained in the current work indicated that the studied chromenes may be regarded as supereminent composites for designing new chemicals potentially effective in conditions similar as skin diseases and diabetes mellitus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims at examining whether hedging emerging Eastern Europe stock markets with commodities sectors can help in reducing market risks and whether it has the same effectiveness among different sectors. As an attempt to achieve this goal, we opt for three types of MGARCH model. These are DCC, ADCC and GO-GARCH, which are used with each bivariate series to model dynamic conditional correlations, optimal hedge ratios and hedging effectiveness. Rolling window analysis is used for out-of-sample one-step-ahead forecasts from December 1994 to June 2022. The results have shown that the commodities sectors of industrial metals and energy represent the optimal hedging instruments for emerging Eastern Europe stock markets as they have the highest hedging effectiveness. Additionally, our empirical results have proved that hedge ratios estimated by the DCC and ADCC models are very similar, which is not the case for GO-GARCH, and that hedging effectiveness is preferably estimated by the ADCC model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Netrin receptor Dcc and its Drosophila homolog Frazzled play crucial roles in diverse developmental process, including axon guidance. In Drosophila, Fra regulates midline axon guidance through a Netrin-dependent and a Netrin-independent pathway. However, what molecules regulate these distinct signaling pathways remain unclear. To identify Fra-interacting proteins, we performed affinity purification mass spectrometry to establish a neuronalspecific Fra interactome. In addition to known interactors of Fra and Dcc, including Netrin and Robo1, our screen identified 85 candidate proteins, the majority of which are conserved in humans. Many of these proteins are expressed in the ventral nerve cord, and gene ontology, pathway analysis and biochemical validation identified several previously unreported pathways, including the receptor tyrosine phosphatase Lar, subunits of the COP9 signalosome and Rho-5, a regulator of the metalloprotease Tace. Finally, genetic analysis demonstrates that these genes regulate axon guidance and may define as yet unknown signaling mechanisms for Fra and its vertebrate homolog Dcc. Thus, the Fra interactome represents a resource to guide future functional studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Netrin-4, a member of the Netrins family, is an important secreted protein that plays a role in axonal outgrowth and migration orientation. It was initially described that Netrin-4 had a high correlation with the laminin β-chain and promoted the growth of neurites in cultured olfactory bulb explants. Subsequently, it was discovered that Netrin-4 is involved in regulating various physiological processes, including angiogenesis, the occurrence and metastasis of various tumors, and the development of the kidney and alveoli. This paper reviews the current research on Netrin-4 since its discovery and provides a theoretical basis for further research on the biological characteristics of Netrin-4. Effects of Netrin-4. Netrin-4 regulates axon guidance, angiogenesis and the development of various tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis of cholest-5-en-3-ol(3β)-3-[4-(2,2,2-trifluoroacetamido)benzoate] (ChTfAB) is carried out by esterification of cholesterol and p-nitrobenzoic acid using DCC, DMAP, followed by reduction of nitro group using SnCl2. The so formed amino group is further N-acylated using trifluoroacetic anhydride. The newly synthesized compound is characterized using IR and 1H NMR spectroscopic techniques. Its mesomorphic properties have been investigated using Differential Scanning Colorimetry (DSC) and Polarising Optical Microscopy (POM). The thermal and phase behaviour studies reveal the synthesized compound to be an enantiotropic, thermotropic liquid crystal. This synthesized compound overcomes the problem of degrading at the melting temperature associated with one of the previously synthesized and reported steroidal compound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Multiple guidance cues, such as netrin‐1 (NTN‐1)/deleted in colorectal carcinoma (DCC), control the guidance of axons and help establish functional neural circuits during development. However, the function of these guidance molecules during the neurodegenerative process is unclear. Methods: To access the alterations of NTN‐1 and DCC during the onset and progression of PD, we first established two subacute and one chronic PD model. Then, we investigated the relationship between the NTN‐1/DCC pathway and cell death in SH‐SY5Y cells. Finally, we conducted correlation studies between plasma NTN‐1 and parkinsonian symptoms in patients to understand how this pathway contributes to PD. Results: We found that the imbalance of NTN‐1 and DCC was a common feature of nigral DA neuron injury in PD mouse models. We investigated that MPP+ inhibited NTN‐1 expression and increased DCC expression in a concentration‐ and time‐dependent manner. We further discovered a significant decrease in plasma NTN‐1 levels and a positive correlation with UPDRS scores in PD patients. Conclusion: Our findings confirmed the imbalance of NTN‐1/DCC signaling during nigral degeneration in experimental PD models and found for the first time a correlation of plasma NTN‐1 with PD symptoms in patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study implemented the measurement results and administrative information obtained from the hole plate into the Digital Calibration Certificate (DCC). The DCC comprises three parts: Norms and Standards, Hierarchical Structure, and XML as Exchange Format. DCCs play a significant role in the field of metrology and statistics by ensuring data interoperability, correctness, and traceability during the conversion and transmission process. The hole plate is a length standard used for two-dimensional geometric error measurements. We evaluated the accuracy of the high-precision coordinate measuring machine (CMM) in measuring a hole plate and compared the measurement error results obtained from the hole plate with those of the laser interferometer, autocollimator, and angle square. The results show that the maximum difference in linear error is −0.30 μm, the maximum difference in angle error is −0.78″, and the maximum difference in squareness error is 4.54″. The XML is designed for machine-readability and is modeled and edited using the XMLSpy 2022 software, which is based on information published by PTB. The administrative management and measurement results tasks are presented in PDF format, which is designed for human-readability and ease of use. Overall, we implemented the measurement results and information obtained from the hole plate into the DCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aims to investigate the dynamic correlations between oil prices and the stock prices of food sector firms among oil-importing - exporting countries. It employs the daily data of oil prices and food sector stock indexes of 6 countries, three from the oil-importing sector, namely China, India and United States and three from the oil-exporting sector, namely Saudi Arabia, Canada and Kuwait, for the period ranging from Jan 1, 2010 to December 31, 2019. DCC-ADCC models were applied to check the timevarying nature of oil and food sector indexes. The results reveal the time-varying nature of conditional correlation. Moreover, the presence of asymmetric behavior among different countries was also found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The correlation between the capital market of G20 member countries is important to analyze. Depending on a country’s economy, capital market integration may have different effects. A more intense bilateral relationship (trade intensity) can significantly affect the movement of capital market shares between countries. The current research used the Multivariate GARCH Model/DCC-GARCH method. The condition of capital market integration before the Indonesian G20 Presidency showed that Indonesia (JKSE) had the strongest integration with Australia (ASX) (0.563814) and South Korea (KOSPI) (0.542470). After the G20 presidency, Indonesia (JKSE) had the strongest capital market integration with India (NSE) (0.507229) and the USA (NYSE). It was also found that China (SSE) had an integration with South Korea (KOSPI), while Germany (DAX) and Australia (ASX) had an integration with the UK (FTSE100). The conclusion is that the higher autocorrelation, the higher the effect of the volatility of stock market movements in the two countries involved. Furthermore, capital market integration can be influenced by geospatial and economic relations.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a chronic and disabling disorder affecting roughly 280 million people worldwide. While multiple brain areas have been implicated, dysfunction of prefrontal cortex (PFC) circuitry has been consistently documented in MDD, as well as in animal models for stress-induced depressionlike behavioral states. During brain development, axonal guidance cues organize neuronal wiring by directing axonal pathfinding and arborization, dendritic growth, and synapse formation. Guidance cue systems continue to be expressed in the adult brain and are emerging as important mediators of synaptic plasticity and fine-tuning of mature neural networks. Dysregulation or interference of guidance cues has been linked to depression-like behavioral abnormalities in rodents and MDD in humans. In this review, we focus on the emerging role of guidance cues in stress-induced changes in adult prefrontal cortex circuitry and in precipitating depression-like behaviors. We discuss how modulating axonal guidance cue systems could be a novel approach for precision medicine and the treatment of depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article depicts the role of the Digital Calibration Certificate (DCC) for an end-to-end digital quality infrastructure and as the basis for developments that are designated by the keyword "Industry 4.0". Furthermore, it describes the impact the DCC has on increasing productivity in the manufacturing of products and in global trade. The DCC project is international in its scope. Calibration certificates document the measurement capability of a measurement system. They do this independently and by providing traceability to measurement standards. Therefore, they do not only play an important role in the world of metrology, but they also make it possible for manufacturing and commercial enterprises to exchange measurement values reliably and correctly at the national and at the international level. Thus, a DCC concept is urgently needed for the end-to-end digitalization of industry for the era of Industry 4.0 and for Medicine 4.0. A DCC brings about important advantages for issuers and for users. The DCC leads to the stringent, end-to-end, traceable and process-oriented organization of manufacturing and trading. Digitalization is thus a key factor in the field of calibration as it enables significant improvements in product and process quality. The reason for this is that the transmission of errors will be prevented, and consequently, costs will be saved as the time needed for distributing and disseminating the DCCs and the respective calibration objects will be reduced. Furthermore, it will no longer be necessary for the test equipment administration staff to update the data manually, which is a time-consuming, tedious and error-prone process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Netrin-1 (NTN-1) regulates obesity-associated low-grade inflammation, being also involved in the control of cell migration and proliferation. We aim to study whether excess visceral adipose tissue in patients with obesity and colon cancer is associated with increased NTN1 and the expression levels of its main receptors, promoting an inflammatory microenvironment that favours colon cancer development. Increased expression levels of NTN1 and its receptor NEO1 in the visceral adipose tissue from patients with obesity and colon cancer together with elevated DCC and UNC5B mRNA levels in patients with colon cancer were found. Moreover, the treatment of colorectal cancer cells with NTN-1 and with the adipocyte-derived secretome obtained from patients with obesity increased the migration of colorectal cancer cells. These results suggest that NTN-1 plays an important role in obesity-associated colon cancer development. Netrin (NTN)-1, an extracellular matrix protein with a crucial role in inflammation, is dysregulated during obesity (OB) and influences colon cancer (CC) progression. To decipher the mechanisms underlying CC development during obesity, we examined the expression of NTN1 and its receptors in the visceral adipose tissue (VAT) of 74 (25 normal weight (NW)) (16 with CC) and 49 patients with OB (12 with CC). We also evaluated the effect of caloric restriction (CR) on the gene expression levels of Ntn1 and its receptors in the colon from a rat model fed a normal diet. The impact of adipocyte-conditioned media (ACM) from patients with OB and NTN-1 was assessed on the expression levels of neogenin 1(NEO1), deleted in colorectal carcinomas (DCC) and uncoordinated-5 homolog B (UNC5B) in Caco-2 and HT-29 human colorectal cell lines, as well as on Caco-2 cell migration. Increased NTN1 and NEO1 mRNA levels in VAT were due to OB (p < 0.05) and CC (p < 0.001). In addition, an upregulation in the expression levels of DCC and UNC5B in patients with CC (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively) was observed. Decreased (p < 0.01) Ntn1 levels in the colon from rats submitted to CR were found. In vitro experiments showed that ACM increased DCC (p < 0.05) and NEO1 (p < 0.01) mRNA levels in HT-29 and Caco-2 cell lines, respectively, while UNC5B decreased (p < 0.01) in HT-29. The treatment with NTN-1 increased (p < 0.05) NEO1 mRNA levels in HT-29 cells and DCC (p < 0.05) in both cell lines. Finally, we revealed a potent migratory effect of ACM and NTN-1 on Caco-2 cells. Collectively, these findings point to increased NTN-1 during OB and CC fuelling cancer progression and exerting a strong migratory effect on colon cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The modeling and forecasting of dynamically varying covariances has received a great deal of attention in the literature. The two most widely used conditional covariances and correlations models are BEKK and the DCC. In this paper, we advance a new method based on network analysis and a new targeting approach for both the above models with the aim of better estimating covariance matrices associated with financial time series. Our approach is based on specific groups of highly correlated assets in a financial market and assuming that those relationships remain unaltered at least in the long run. Based on the estimated parameters, we evaluate our targeting method on simulated series by referring to two well-known loss functions introduced in the literature. Furthermore, we find and analyze all the maximal cliques in correlation graphs to evaluate the effectiveness of our method. Results from an empirical case study are encouraging, mainly when the number of assets is not large. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the effects of constraining gross-exposure and shrinking covariance matrix in constructing large portfolios, both theoretically and empirically. Considering a wide variety of setups that involve conditioning or not conditioning the covariance matrix estimator on the recent past (multivariate GARCH), smaller versus larger universe of stocks, alternative portfolio formation objectives (global minimum variance versus exposure to profitable factors), and various transaction cost assumptions, we find that a judiciously chosen shrinkage method always outperforms an arbitrarily determined constraint on gross-exposure. We extend the mathematical connection between constraints on the gross-exposure and shrinkage of the covariance matrix from static to dynamic, and provide a new explanation for our finding from the perspective of degrees of freedom. In addition, both simulation and empirical analysis show that the dynamic conditional correlation-nonlinear shrinkage (DCC-NL) estimator results in risk reduction and efficiency increase in large portfolios as long as a small amount of short position is allowed, whereas imposing a constraint on gross-exposure often hurts a DCC-NL portfolio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigates the effects of stock market volatility and cybercrime on cryptocurrency returns in the South African economy. Daily time series data on four different types of cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, and BMB) were employed. The data covers the period from 1 January 2019–31 December 2021. The study employed the dynamic conditional correlation (DCC GARCH) and Bayesian liner regression model to investigate time-varying correlations among the variables. Empirical findings suggest that stock market volatility has a positive impact on the returns of BNB, Bitcoin, and Ethereum. However, it has a negative impact on Tether. Expectedly, cybercrime poses negative impacts on the returns of BNB, Bitcoin, and Ethereum but could be said to have no impact on the returns of Tether. The study concludes that ongoing efforts to reduce cybercrime activities need to be strengthened to further the use of digital currencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]