A review of enhancement of biohydrogen productions by chemical addition using a supervised machine learning method

In this work, the impact of chemical additions, especially nano‐particles (NPs), was quan-titatively analyzed using our constructed artificial neural networks (ANNs)‐response surface methodology (RSM) algorithm. Fe‐based and Ni‐based NPs and ions, including Mg2+, Cu2+, Na+, NH4+, and K+, behave differently towards the response of hydrogen yield (HY) and hydrogen evolution rate (HER). Manipulating the size and concentration of NPs was found to be effective in enhancing the HY for Fe‐based NPs and ions, but not for Ni‐based NPs and ions. An optimal range of particle size (86–120 nm) and Ni‐ion/NP concentration (81–120 mg L−1) existed for HER. Meanwhile, the manipulation of the size and concentration of NPs was found to be ineffective for both iron and nickel for the improvement of HER. In fact, the variation in size of NPs for the enhancement of HY and HER demonstrated an appreciable difference. The smaller (less than 42 nm) NPs were found to definitely improve the HY, whereas for the HER, the relatively bigger size of NPs (40–50 nm) seemed to significantly increase the H2 evolution rate. It was also found that the variations in the concentration of the investigated ions only statistically influenced the HER, not the HY. The level of response (the enhanced HER) towards inputs was underpinned and the order of significance towards HER was identified as the following: Na+ \u3e Mg2+ \u3e Cu2+ \u3e NH4+ \u3e K+

u.Investigating discourse markers in Chinese college EFL teacher talk :a multi-layered analytical approach

PhD ThesisIn spoken conversation, the frequency of discourse markers (henceforth, DMs) is significant compared to other word forms (Fung and Carter, 2007). Essentially, DMs perform a range of functions in order to ensure that social interaction works smoothly and that mutual understanding is accomplished. In educational settings, DMs perform an important function in providing pedagogical clarification and in promoting effective interaction (Dalle and Inglis, 1990). The present study attempts to reveal that in language classrooms, there is a reflexive relationship between teachers’ use of DMs, classroom interaction, and pedagogical purpose. It examines the ways in which DMs are used and the functions they perform in academic spoken discourse. The data come from nine-hour video recordings of Chinese college EFL classes, recorded as part of a three-year research project “EFL Classroom Discourse Research and Teacher Development” and supported by China National Social Sciences Grants from 2007 to 2009. The spoken corpus is subjected to a multi-layered analytical approach which looks at both macro (text) and micro (word) levels, and which uses the principles of conversation analysis (CL) and corpus linguistics (CA), together with second language (L2) classroom modes analysis. The appropriateness of adopting a combined CL and CA approach is based on a number of factors including the linguistic properties of DMs as lexical bundles (Biber and Conrad, 2002), a recognition of their multi-word nature (McCarthy, 2006), and their high frequency of occurrence in conversational practices (Schiffrin, 2003). Using a multi-layered analysis has resulted in a number of findings which might not have emerged by using a single mode of analysis. The study presents the linguistic and contextual patterns of DMs across various classroom micro-contexts, and highlights differentiated interactional features in relation to classroom pedagogy. This study has important implications for future research regarding curriculum design, EFL teacher training and education, specifically in its potential to help teachers achieve their pedagogical goals

The Impact of WeChat on Contemporary Chinese Culture: A Comprehensive Analysis of a Chinese Social Media App

This research paper examines the profound societal impact of WeChat on Chinese society, focusing on its influence on online interactions, integration with other services, relationship with Chinese policy, and user experience. The study assesses the potential long-term effects of WeChat on Chinese societal structures, particularly its influence on interpersonal communication patterns and social relationships. The widespread adoption of WeChat has fundamentally transformed traditional communication dynamics in China, leading to increased virtual interactions, changes in social norms, and the redefinition of interpersonal relationships. WeChat\u27s evolution from a messaging app to a comprehensive digital ecosystem symbolizes China\u27s innovation and prompts considerations about the intersection of technology, regulation, and societal control within China\u27s evolving internet ecosystem

Mesencephalic Astrocyte-derived Neurotrophic Factor Supports Hepatitis B Virus-induced ImmunotoleranceSummary

Background & Aims: The immune tolerance induced by hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major challenge for achieving effective viral clearance, and the mechanisms involved are not well-understood. One potential factor involved in modulating immune responses is mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (MANF), which has been reported to be increased in patients with chronic hepatitis B. In this study, our objective is to examine the role of MANF in regulating immune responses to HBV. Methods: We utilized a commonly used HBV-harboring mouse model, where mice were hydrodynamically injected with the pAAV/HBV1.2 plasmid. We assessed the HBV load by measuring the levels of various markers including hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis B envelope antigen, hepatitis B core antigen, HBV DNA, and HBV RNA. Results: Our study revealed that following HBV infection, both myeloid cells and hepatocytes exhibited increased expression of MANF. Moreover, we observed that mice with myeloid-specific MANF knockout (ManfMye-/-) displayed reduced HBV load and improved HBV-specific T cell responses. The decreased HBV-induced tolerance in ManfMye-/- mice was associated with reduced accumulation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in the liver. Restoring MDSC levels in ManfMye-/- mice through MDSC adoptive transfer reinstated HBV-induced tolerance. Mechanistically, we found that MANF promoted MDSC expansion by activating the IL-6/STAT3 pathway. Importantly, our study demonstrated the effectiveness of a combination therapy involving an hepatitis B surface antigen vaccine and nanoparticle-encapsulated MANF siRNA in effectively clearing HBV in HBV-carrier mice. Conclusion: The current study reveals that MANF plays a previously unrecognized regulatory role in liver tolerance by expanding MDSCs in the liver through IL-6/STAT3 signaling, leading to MDSC-mediated CD8+ T cell exhaustion

Foxp1 coordinates cardiomyocyte proliferation through both cell-autonomous and nonautonomous mechanisms

Cardiomyocyte proliferation is high in early development and decreases progressively with gestation, resulting in the lack of a robust cardiomyocyte proliferative response in the adult heart after injury. Little is understood about how both cell-autonomous and nonautonomous signals are integrated to regulate the balance of cardiomyocyte proliferation during development. In this study, we show that a single transcription factor, Foxp1, can control the balance of cardiomyocyte proliferation during development by targeting different pathways in the endocardium and myocardium. Endocardial loss of Foxp1 results in decreased Fgf3/Fgf16/Fgf17/Fgf20 expression in the heart, leading to reduced cardiomyocyte proliferation. This loss of myocardial proliferation can be rescued by exogenous Fgf20, and is mediated, in part, by Foxp1 repression of Sox17. In contrast, myocardial-specific loss of Foxp1 results in increased cardiomyocyte proliferation and decreased differentiation, leading to increased myocardial mass and neonatal demise. We show that Nkx2.5 is a direct target of Foxp1 repression, and Nkx2.5 expression is increased in Foxp1-deficient myocardium. Moreover, transgenic overexpression of Nkx2.5 leads to increased cardiomyocyte proliferation and increased ventricular mass, similar to the myocardial-specific loss of Foxp1. These data show that Foxp1 coordinates the balance of cardiomyocyte proliferation and differentiation through cell lineage-specific regulation of Fgf ligand and Nkx2.5 expression

Chromatin landscape instructs precise transcription factor regulome during embryonic lineage specification

Summary: Embryos, originating from fertilized eggs, undergo continuous cell division and differentiation, accompanied by dramatic changes in transcription, translation, and metabolism. Chromatin regulators, including transcription factors (TFs), play indispensable roles in regulating these processes. Recently, the trophoblast regulator TFAP2C was identified as crucial in initiating early cell fate decisions. However, Tfap2c transcripts persist in both the inner cell mass and trophectoderm of blastocysts, prompting inquiry into Tfap2c’s function in post-lineage establishment. In this study, we delineate the dynamics of TFAP2C during the mouse peri-implantation stage and elucidate its collaboration with the key lineage regulators CDX2 and NANOG. Importantly, we propose that de novo formation of H3K9me3 in the extraembryonic ectoderm during implantation antagonizes TFAP2C binding to crucial developmental genes, thereby maintaining its lineage identity. Together, these results highlight the plasticity of the chromatin environment in designating the genomic binding of highly adaptable lineage-specific TFs and regulating embryonic cell fates