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Multimodal sentiment analysis (MSA) has attracted more and more attention in recent years. This paper focuses on the representation learning of multimodal data to reach higher prediction results. We propose a model to assist in learning modality representations with multitask learning and contrastive learning. In addition, our approach obtains dynamic weights by considering the homoscedastic uncertainty of each task in multitask learning. Specially, we design two groups of subtasks, which predict the sentiment polarity of unimodal and bimodal representations, to assist in learning representation through a hard parameter-sharing mechanism in the upstream neural network. A loss weight is learned according to the homoscedastic uncertainty of each task. Moreover, a training strategy based on contrastive learning is designed to balance the inconsistency between training and inference caused by the randomness of the dropout layer. This method minimizes the MSE between two submodels. Experimental results on the MOSI and MOSEI datasets show our method achieves better performance than the current state-of-the-art methods by comprehensively considering the intramodality and intermodality interaction information.

Excessive, long-term chemical fertilizer application adversely affects soil quality and maize yield. The combined application of biochar with chemical fertilizer can increase maize yield and improve soil fertility. A four-year field experiment was conducted to determine soil physio-biochemical properties and maize yield under a soybean–maize rotation in the black soils of Northeast China. There were five treatments, including no fertilization (CK), fertilizer (NPK), fertilizer + biochar (15.75 t·hm−2, BC1), fertilizer + biochar (31.50 t·hm−2, BC2), and fertilizer + biochar (47.25 t·hm−2, BC3). Compared with CK, the number of macroaggregates and the average weight diameter of soil aggregates in BC2 treatment increased significantly by 10.3% and 24.5%, respectively. The soil pH in the study area was 7.03, and it increased in all treatments except for BC1. The highest pH of 7.17 was recorded in NPK and BC2 treatments, which was around the optimal soil pH. In contrast to the CK and NPK treatments, the biochar application increased soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) content. The BC2 treatment improved soil C/N and increased the copy number of soil bacteria by 25.6% compared to CK. The combined application of chemical fertilizer and biochar was better than NPK treatment alone, and improved soil mechanical composition and fine soil particle contents (powder and clay). Mixed biochar with chemical fertilizer application also significantly increased maize yield and the weight of 100 grains increased from 9.5% to 10.9% compared to CK. The maize yield of the three fertilizer and biochar treatments was higher than treatments with applied chemical fertilizer alone, in the order of BC2 > BC3 > BC1 > NPK > CK (BC2 treatment increased by 34.8%). Additionally, the maize yield was significantly and positively correlated with soil aggregates, organic carbon and total nitrogen (p < 0.05) as well as the 100-grain weight (p < 0.01). The application of 31.50 t·hm−2 (BC2 treatment) of biochar can enhance soil physicochemical properties and improve maize yield.

This study aims to identify the chemical components in Sophorae Fructus, and explore the mass spectrometric cleavage rules using the UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS method. The main characteristic fragments of the compounds were analyzed by electrospray ionization (ESI) ion source under positive and negative ion modes. The compounds were identified by molecular formula, multistage mass spectrometry, ultraviolet spectrum, and the fragmentation patterns of standards. A total of 142 compounds were identified, including 68 flavonoids, 39 saponins, 21 organic acids, and 14 others, of which 43 components were reported from Sophora for the first time. Moreover, the mass spectrometric fragmentation rules of some identified species components were deduced, which are helpful for the structural analysis of flavonoid and saponins. This method provides a reference for the rapid identification of chemical components and is conducive to further study the pharmacodynamic material basis and action mechanism of Sophorae Fructus.

ConspectusIn past decades, regular porous architectures have received a great amount of attention because of their versatile functions and applications derived from their efficient adsorption of various guests. However, most reported porous architectures exist only in the solid state. Therefore, their applications as biomaterials may face several challenges, such as phase separation, slow degradation, and long-term accumulation in the body. This Account summarizes our efforts with respect to the development and biomedical applications of water-soluble 3D diamondoid supramolecular organic frameworks (

Edge computing is a feasible solution for effectively collecting and processing data in industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) systems, and edge security is an important guarantee for edge computing. Fast and accurate classification of malicious code in the whole lift cycle of edge computing is of great significance, which can effectively prevent malicious code from attacking wireless sensor networks and ensure the stable and secure transmission of data in smart devices. Considering that there is a large amount of code reuse in the same malicious code family, making their visual feature similar, many studies use visualization technology to assist malicious code classification. However, traditional malicious code visual classification schemes have the problems such as single image source, weak ability of deep-level feature extraction, and lack of attention to key image details. Therefore, an innovative malicious code visual classification method based on a deep residual network and hybrid attention mechanism for edge security is proposed in this study. Firstly, the malicious code visualization scheme integrates the bytecode file and assembly file of the malware and converts them into a four-channel RGBA image to fully represent malicious code feature information without increasing the computational complexity. Secondly, a hybrid attention mechanism is introduced into the deep residual network to construct an effective classification model, which extracts image texture features of malicious code from two dimensions of the channel and spatial to improve the classification performance. Finally, the experimental results on the BIG2015 and Malimg datasets show that the proposed scheme is feasible and effective and can be widely applied used in various malicious code classification issues, and the classification accuracy rate is relatively higher than the existing better-performing malicious code classification methods.

Objective: This study aims to examine the synergetic augmentation of calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside (CG) on cisplatin (CDDP) to induce apoptosis of human epithelial ovarian SK-OV-3 cancer cells. Methods: The SK-OV-3 cells were divided into four groups: control, CDDP monotherapy, CG monotherapy, and combined CDDP and CG treatment. The cell counting kit-8 method detected cell proliferation at different times and under different treatments. Hoechst 33258 staining and annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide double staining methods were used to observe the apoptosis of the SK-OV-3 cells. The caspase-3 enzyme activity detection method, quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and western blot were used to detect the apoptosis-related factors and the activities of the enzyme in SK-OV-3 cells. Results: The inhibition rates of SK-OV-3 cell proliferation when exposed to 10 μM of CDDP, 50 μM of CG, and a combination of 10 μM of CDDP and 50 μM of CG were 23.2% ± 1.1%, 26.7% ± 2.0%, and 46.7% ± 1.3% after 48 h, respectively. Following the use of the drug combination, the apoptosis rate and caspase-3 enzyme activity were significantly higher than in the single-drug treatment group; the data differences were also significant (p < 0.05). At the protein and ribonucleic acid levels, CG significantly enhanced the effect of CDDP on p53, caspase-3, caspase-9, Bax, and Bcl-2. Conclusion: In vitro, CG significantly increases the CDDP-induced apoptosis of the SK-OV-3 cells through the p53 pathway at the cellular level. In addition, using the drugs in combination reduces the toxicity and side effects caused by using CDDP alone.

Cadmium ion (Cd2+) is one of common environmental pollutants, which can be enriched in organisms through the food chain and eventually cause chronic toxicity in humans. Therefore, a strict monitoring tool for Cd2+ is highly required. In this study, we screened the specific candidate aptamers of Cd2+ based on magnetic beadssystematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment method (Mag-SELEX). Firstly, a high enrichment ssDNA library was obtained after eight selection rounds. Then the affinity of fifteen candidate aptamers was compared, and found that Cd-14 had highest affinity with dissociation constant (Kd) of 23.02±3.53 μM. The Cd-14 was applied to an electrochemical aptasensor based on black phosphorus/Poly-L-Lysine with a linear range of 0.001–100 nM and good specificity.

In this work, a simple label-free aptamer-based electrochemical sensor was developed for determination of mercury ions (Hg2+) by polylysine (PLL) modified black phosphorus nanosheets (BP) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as signal amplification strategy. The PLL-BP composite materials greatly improved electron transfer speed and electrochemical behavior of electrode in the detection of analytes. AuNPs can amplify the electrochemical signal and facilitate the binding of aptamers to the electrode. The selected aptamer (Apt) can bind specifically to Hg2+ to form a T-Hg2+-T structure, which we used to detect Hg2+. Experimental results showed that the prepared electrochemical aptamer sensor exhibited wide linear range from 1.0–500 nM, along with a low detection limit of 0.14 nM. Moreover, the electrochemical aptamer sensor has good specificity, stability, and repeatability. Therefore, this proposed electrochemical aptamer sensor provide a simple and sensitive method for the detection of Hg2+, which is expected to be used for the detection of trace amounts of Hg2+ in actual samples.

BackgroundThe worldwide dissemination of K. pneumoniae isolates is a significant public health concern, as these organisms possess a unique capacity to acquire genetic elements encoding both resistance and hypervirulence. This study aims to investigate the epidemiological, resistance, and virulence characteristics of K. pneumoniae isolates that carry both virulence plasmids and blaOXA-48-like genes in a tertiary hospital in China.MethodsA total of 217 clinical isolates of carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae (CRKP) were collected between April 2020 and March 2022. The antimicrobial susceptibility test was conducted to evaluate the drug resistance profile. All isolates were screened for the presence of genes encoding carbapenemases (blaKPC, blaNDM, blaIMP, blaVIM, and blaOXA-48-like), ESBLs genes (blaCTX-M, blaSHV, blaTEM), and virulence plasmid pLVPK-borne genes (rmpA, rmpA2, iucA, iroB, and peg344) using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. Clonal lineages were assigned using multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). The plasmid incompatibility groups were identified using PCR-based replicon typing (PBRT). The transferability of carbapenemase-encoding plasmids and pLVPK-like virulence plasmids was assessed via conjugation. The plasmid location of rmpA2 was determined using S1-Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis (S1-PFGE) and southern blotting hybridization. The virulence potential of the isolates was assessed using the string test, capsular serotyping, serum killing assay and a Galleria mellonella larval infection model.ResultsOf the 217 CRKP clinical isolates collected, 23% were identified as carrying blaOXA-48-like genes. All blaOXA-48-like isolates exhibited resistance to commonly used clinical antimicrobial agents, except for ceftazidime/avibactam, colistin, tigecycline, trimethoprim-sulfamethOXAzole, polymyxin B, and nitrofurantoin. The main common OXA-48-like carbapenemase enzymes were found to be blaOXA-181 and blaOXA-232. MLST and PFGE fingerprinting analysis revealed clonal transmission and plasmid transmission. OXA-48-like producing CRKP isolates mainly clustered in K64 ST11 and K47 ST15. Results of the string Test, serum killing assay (in vitro) and Galleria mellonella infection model (in vivo) indicated hypervirulence. PBRT showed that the blaOXA-181 and blaOXA-232 producing hypervirulent carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (Hv-CRKP) were mainly carried on ColE-type, IncF, and IncX3. Eight clinical isolates of hv-CRKP were identified as carrying three carbapenem-resistant genes (blaKPC, blaOXA-181 or OXA-232, and blaNDM-1). Moreover, Southern blotting hybridization revealed that all eight isolates had a pLVPK-like virulent plasmid (138.9–216.9 kb) with an uneven number and size of plasmid.ConclusionIn our investigation, we have observed the emergence of hv-CRKP carrying blaOXA-48-like genes, which identified two genetic relationships: clonal transmission and plasmid transmission. PBRT analysis showed that these genes were mainly carried on ColE-type, IncF, and IncX3 plasmids. These isolates have been shown to be hypervirulent in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, eight clinical isolates of hv-CRKP were identified as carrying three carbapenem-resistant genes (blaKPC, blaOXA-181 or OXA-232, and blaNDM-1) and carrying a pLVPK-like virulent plasmid. Hence, our findings highlight the need for further investigation and active surveillance of hypervirulent OXA-48-like producing Hv-CRKP isolates to control their transmission.

Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is one of the broad host ranges and economically-important insect pests in tropical and subtropical areas. A wide range of hosts means they have strong adaptation ability to changes in dietary macronutrients (e.g., sucrose and protein). However, the effects of dietary conditions on the phenotypes and genotypes of B. dorsalis are still unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of larval dietary sucrose on the life history traits and stress tolerance of B. dorsalis, and its defense response at the molecular level. The results showed that low-sucrose (LS) induced decreased body size, shortened developmental duration, and enhanced sensitivity to beta-cypermethrin. Otherwise, high-sucrose (HS) diet increased developmental duration, adult fecundity, and tolerance to malathion. Based on transcriptome data, 258 and 904 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the NS (control) versus LS groups, and NS versus HS groups, respectively. These yielded DEGs were relevant to multiple specific metabolisms, hormone synthesis and signaling, and immune-related pathways. Our study will provide biological and molecular perspective to understand phenotypic adjustments to diets and the strong host adaptability in oriental fruit flies.

Amination of aryl chlorides by metallaphotocatalysis is highly desired but remained practically challenging. Meanwhile, relying on soluble noble-metal photocatalysts suffers from resource scarcity and structural instability which limit their practical application. Here in, a highly crystalline acetylene-based hydrazone-linked BTH-THFEB COF is reported that enable metallaphotocatalytic amination of aryl chlorides. The non-planar effect of hydrazone linkage and weak interlayer attraction of acetylene bond were minimized by intralayer hydrogen-bonding. As a result, the COF showed not only an improved crystallinity and porosity, but also enhanced optical and electronic properties compared to a COF analogue without hydrogen-bonding. Notably, dual BTH-THFEB/Ni system afforded C─N coupling products from broad aryl chloride substrates in excellent yields (up to 99%) and good functional tolerance. Furthermore, BTH-THFEB is recoverable and reusable for five times photocatalysis cycles. This report demonstrates simple approach to tune the structure-activity relationship in COFs at molecular level.

Objective. To systematically assess the clinical efficacy of the Jie Yu Wan (JYW) formula in treating generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Methods. A multicenter, prospective, double-blind, double-dummy, randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted at four hospitals in China. A total of one hundred thirty-three patients with GAD were enrolled from 2017 to 2019. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) JYW formula on GAD at eight weeks, with the use of Buspirone as the comparator. A stepwise dosing protocol was used (JYW: high dose 24 g/day, low dose 12 g/day; Buspirone: high dose 30 mg/day, low dose 15 mg/day) and the dose was adjusted depending on whether the treatment response of Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) score was less than or equal to 25% after one week. The primary outcome was a change in total score on the HAMA. The secondary outcomes included the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scale, and TCM Syndrome Scale. Adverse events were recorded using the Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale (TESS). Assessments were conducted at the baseline and 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks. Results. A total of one hundred thirty-three participants were randomly assigned to the JYW group (n = 66) and the Buspirone group (n = 67). One hundred twenty-one patients (91%) completed at least one follow-up session. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of gender, age, disease course, HAMA, HAMD, CGI, and TCM Syndrome Scale scores at baseline (all P > 0.05 ). Repeated-measures analysis of variance revealed statistically significant time effects for the HAMA ( P = 0.002 ), HAMD (P = 0.018), and CGI ( P = 0.001 ) in both groups. Sensitivity analyses supported the credibility of the main results ( P > 0.05 ). The group effect was not significant for the HAMA ( P = 0.43 ), HAMD ( P = 0.27 ), CGI ( P = 0.37 ), and TCM Syndrome Scale ( P = 0.86 ). Furthermore, there were no significant interaction effects between time and group in terms of the HAMA ( P = 0.47 ), HAMD ( P = 0.79 ), CGI ( P = 0.67 ), and TCM Syndrome Scale ( P = 0.69 ). After one week, 53 patients (80%) of the JYW group and 52 patients (78%) of the Buspirone group were adjusted to high doses. The interaction effect between time, group, and the dose was determined by repeated measures ANOVA test, and the HAMA score served as the outcome measure. The interaction effect between time and dose was statistically significant ( P = 0.04 ), which shows that high-dose JYW (24 g/day) was more effective in decreasing patients’ HAMA scores than low-dose JYW (12 g/day), and Buspirone had the same effect, which means that high-dose Buspirone (30 mg/day) was more effective than low dose. (15 mg/day). Conclusions. The conclusion of this study supports that JYW and Buspirone can effectively alleviate the anxiety symptoms of GAD patients, which are both effective and safe for treatment of mild to moderate GAD. Besides, high-dose JYW or Buspirone are more effective than low-dose, which is of great importance in assisting clinical medication choice.

A three-dimensional flexible organic framework FOF-1 has been synthesized from the condensation of a tetratopic acylhydrazine and a rigid 4,4′-diphenyl-4,4′-bipyridinium dialdehyde in water through the quantitative formation of hydrazone bond. FOF-1 is further applied to construct a polycatenane framework FOF-pc-1 through the quantitative cucurbit[7]uril encapsulation for the diphenylbipyridinium subunits of the framework by making use of the dynamic nature of the hydrazone bond in water. The bipyridinium subunits in both frameworks can be reduced their radical cation counterparts to produce conjugated radical cation-linked dynamic organic frameworks rc-FOF-1 or rc-FOF-pc-1. Polycatenation is revealed to enhance the stability of the dynamic frameworks in water, whereas depolycatenation can be reached for both FOF-pc-1 and rc-FOF-pc-1 by using a ferrocene guest to form a more stable complex with CB[7].

Based on the promotion of myocardial activity via endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) subsequent to acute myocardial infarction (AMI), our research was designed to explore the influence of excessive HIF-1α expression in expanded EPCs (eEPCs) on promotion of the activity of left ventricle subsequent to MI. Isolation of EPCs from cord blood was performed before transduction with the help of retroviral vector with or without HIF-1α expression. Transplantation was performed subsequent to ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery in mice. Ejection fraction (EF) of left ventricle was promoted via transplantation after 2 weeks. Excessive HIF-1α expression enhanced EF of left ventricle and decreased the extent of MI. It was revealed via functional studies that excessive HIF-1α expression enhanced proliferation of EPCs triggered by low oxygen concentration and suppressed cell death in the region of infarction. Moreover, markers of endothelium CD31, VEGF, and eNOS were upregulated. Transplantation of eEPCs with excessive HIF-1α expression in AMI can promote myocardial activities by increasing differentiation, generation of vessels, proliferation of eEPCs, and suppressing cell death. The above findings propose that regulation of EPCs via HIF-1α enhances the activity as well as mobilization of EPCs, indicating that reinforcement of expression of HIF-1α is beneficial for coronary heart disease.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is gaining popularity worldwide, but its quality is often affected by excessive pesticide residues during cultivation and production. A sensitive and reliable method for the simultaneous determination of multi-residue pesticides in TCMs is the key to guarantee the quality and safety of TCMs. In this study, broad-spectrum hydrophilic-lipophilic balanced magnetic adsorbents were prepared for the magnetic matrix solid phase dispersion (MMSPD) extraction of 76 pesticides from three different TCMs before their detection by high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Unlike the traditional matrix solid phase dispersion (MSPD), which required tedious SPE column packing, an external magnetic field was employed in our method for magnetic isolation and extraction from TCM samples, followed by grounding adsorption. First, broad-spectrum hydrophilic-lipophilic balanced magnetic adsorbents, Fe