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This paper deciphers the correlation of volatility between Bitcoin, stock and gold, in the context of uncertainty. The wavelet analysis results indicate that the selected assets are primarily positively correlated with each other, specifically in periods when the economic policy uncertainty (EPU) is high. Furthermore, the logit regression confirms that the EPU and categorial EPU indices have heterogeneous effects on the interdependence between Bitcoin, the S&P 500 and gold. Therefore, our findings provide insights for policy-makers to reduce the adverse impact of uncertainty on financial asset volatility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrochemical CO 2 reduction reaction (CO 2 RR) is a promising approach to convert CO 2 to carbon-neutral fuels using external electric powers. Here, the Bi 2 S 3 -Bi 2 O 3 nanosheets possessing substantial interface being exposed between the connection of Bi 2 S 3 and Bi 2 O 3 are prepared and subsequently demonstrate to improve CO 2 RR performance. The electrocatalyst shows formate Faradaic efficiency (FE) of over 90% in a wide potential window. A high partial current density of about 200 mA cm -2 at -1.1 V and an ultralow onset potential with formate FE of 90% are achieved in a flow cell. The excellent electrocatalytic activity is attributed to the fast-interfacial charge transfer induced by the electronic interaction at the interface, the increased number of active sites, and the improved CO 2 adsorption ability. These collectively contribute to the faster reaction kinetics and improved selectivity and consequently, guarantee the superb CO 2 RR performance. This study provides an appealing strategy for the rational design of electrocatalysts to enhance catalytic performance by improving the charge transfer ability through constructing a functional heterostructure, which enables interface engineering toward more efficient CO 2 RR., (© 2021 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Aim: To study the inhibition effect of TAK-242 on the proliferation of rat eye Tenon's capsule fibroblasts via the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling pathway., Methods: SD rat Tenon's capsule fibroblasts were extracted and cultured, then the cells were divided into normal control group, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) group (10 g/mL LPS) and TAK-242 group (1 µmol/L TAK-242, and 10 µg/mL LPS after 30min). The expressions of TLR4, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in each group were detected by Western blot and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Cell proliferation was detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8)., Results: Double immunofluorescent labeling in the extracted cells showed negative keratin staining and positive vimentin staining. Western blot showed that the LPS group had the highest expression of TLR4 and TGF-β1 ( P <0.01). Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) also showed that the secretion of IL-6 was the highest in LPS group ( P <0.01). But there was no significant difference in TLR4 and TGF-1, as well as IL-6 expressions between the TAK-242 group and the normal control group ( P >0.05). RT-PCR showed that the IL-6 mRNA expression in LPS group was the highest in the three groups ( P <0.01)., Conclusion: TAK-242 inhibits the proliferation of LPS-induced Tenon's capsule fibroblasts and the release of inflammatory factors by regulating the TLR4 signaling pathway, providing a new idea for reducing the scarring of the filter passage after glaucoma filtration surgery., (International Journal of Ophthalmology Press.)