Between decolonization and recolonization: investigating Chinese doctoral students in Malaysia as a case of global South-South student mobility

International student mobility has traditionally witnessed a global South-North pattern. In recent years, a shift has occurred as the appeal of alternative geographies waxes, with Malaysia being an exemplar of inbound student mobility destination. To facilitate a deep probe of the under-researched global South-South student mobility, this study utilized a qualitative method to delve into 10 Chinese doctoral students' emic perceptions of their sojourn in Malaysia. Guided by a theoretical framework incorporating decolonization and recolonization, this study unpacks how these sociohistorical forces penetrate into and shape the students' preparation and navigation of a doctoral sojourn. Findings of the study reveal that while taking advantage of the Southern niche to yield commensurate benefits, thereby delegitimizing the Western supremacy, the students' make-do mentality and self-subjugating resistance inadvertently reinforce the Western dominance. Besides, these macro effects generate interlocking and conflicting affective consequences, instilling simultaneously positivity and inclusivity, inferiority, and anxiety. Altogether, decolonization and recolonization are concretely registered at the emotional level and bear a broader social significance. This article concludes with an alert and a call to address covert yet compelling inequalities in international student mobility.

Transformation and Detection of Soybean Hairy Roots

Agrobacterium rhizogenes is a soil bacteria with extensive infectivity, which can infect almost all dicotyledonous plants and a few monocotyledonous plants to induce root nodules. This is caused by the root-inducing plasmid, which contains genes responsible for the autonomous growth of root nodules and crown gall base synthesis. Structurally, it is similar to the tumor-inducing plasmid in that it mainly contains the Vir region, the T-DNA region, and the functional region of crown gall base synthesis. Its T-DNA is integrated into the nuclear genome of the plant with the assistance of Vir genes, causing hairy root disease in the host plant and the formation of hairy roots. The roots produced by Agrobacterium rhizogenes-infested plants are characterized by a fast growth rate, high degree of differentiation, physiological, biochemical, and genetic stability, and ease of manipulation and control. In particular, the hairy root system is an efficient and rapid research tool for plants that have no affinity for transformation by Agrobacterium rhizogenes and low transformation efficiency. The establishment of germinating root culture system for the production of secondary metabolites in the original plants through the genetic transformation of natural plants mediated by root-inducing plasmid in Agrobacterium rhizogenes has become a new technology combining plant genetic engineering and cell engineering. It has been widely used in a variety of plants for different molecular purposes, such as pathological analysis, gene function verification, and secondary metabolite research. Chimeric plants obtained by induction of Agrobacterium rhizogenes that can be expressed instantaneously and contemporarily are more rapidly obtained, compared to tissue culture and stably inheritable transgenic strains. In general, transgenic plants can be obtained in approximately one month.

Interleukin-17A modulates retinal inflammation by regulating microglial activation via the p38 MAPK pathway in experimental glaucoma neuropathy

As a prototypical member of the IL-17 family, interleukin-17A (IL-17A) has received increasing attentions for its potent proinflammatory role as well as potential to be a key therapeutic target in human autoimmune inflammatory diseases; however, its roles in other pathological scenarios like neuroinflammations are not fully elucidated yet but appear essentially correlating and promising. Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness with complicated pathogenesis still to be understood, where neuroinflammation was reported to be critically involved in its both initiation and progression. Whether IL-17A takes part in the pathogenesis of glaucoma through interfering neuroinflammation due to its potent proinflammatory effect is still unknown. In the present study, we investigated the role of IL-17A in the pathological process of glaucoma neuropathy as well as its relationship with the predominant immune inflammation mediator microglia in retina, trying to elucidate the underlying mechanisms from the view of inflammation modulation. In our study, RNA sequencing was performed for the retinas of chronic ocular hypertension (COH) and control mice. Western blot, RT-PCR, immunofluorescence, and ELISA were used to evaluate the microglial activation and proinflammatory cytokines release at conditioned levels of IL-17A, along with assessment of optic nerve integrity including retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) counting, axonal neurofilament quantification, and flash visual-evoked potential (F-VEP) examination. And the possibly involved signaling pathways were screened out to go through further validation in scenarios with conditioned IL-17A. Subsequently, IL-17A was found to be significantly upregulated in COH retina. Furthermore, suppression of IL-17A effectively diminished the loss of RGCs, improved axonal quality, and F-VEP performance in COH mice. Mechanistically, IL-17A promoted microglial activation and proinflammatory cytokines release along with enhanced phenotypic conversion of activated microglia to M2-type in early stage and to M1-type in late stage in glaucomatous retinas. Microglia elimination decreased the proinflammatory factors secretion, enhanced the RGCs survival and axonal quality mediated by IL-17A. Furthermore, IL-17A-induced the overactivation of microglia in glaucomatous condition was alleviated after blocking the p38 MAPK pathway. Taken together, IL-17A is involved in the regulation of retinal immune response and RGCs cell death in experimental glaucoma by essentially promoting retinal microglial activation via p38 MAPK signaling pathway. IL-17A dynamically regulates the phenotypic conversion of retinal microglia in experimental glaucoma partly depending on the duration of elevated intraocular pressure. Suppression of IL-17A contributes to alleviate glaucoma neuropathy and exhibits promising potential as an innovative target for therapeutic strategy in glaucoma.

Competition for gradient-free tuning of large language models: approaches, results, current challenges and future directions

This perspective presents a brief overview of the background of Gradient-free tuning for large language models competition, the championship scheme, as well as the challenges and future directions.

Plasma position measurements by O-mode and X-mode reflectometry systems in tokamak plasmas

Plasma Position Reflectometry (PPR) is planned to provide plasma position and shape information for plasma operation in future fusion reactors. Its primary function is to calibrate the drift of the magnetic signals due to the integral nature of magnetic measurement. Here, we attempt to measure plasma position using ordinary mode (O-mode) and extraordinary mode (X-mode) reflectometry systems on two tokamaks. A new physical model based on the phase shift is proposed to deduce the relative movement of the cut-off layer without density inversion. We demonstrate the plasma position measurements by absolute measurement from density profile inversion and relative measurement from phase shift. The combination of X-mode and O-mode reflectometers can minimize the limitations of single polarization reflectometry and further increase the accuracy of plasma position measurement. These results could provide an important technical basis for the further development of a real-time control system based on PPR.

The PSG challenge: towards comprehensive scene understanding

The Panoptic Scene Graph Generation (PSG) challenge evaluates computer vision models to identify relations in images beyond object classification and localization, enabling a deeper understanding of scenes for real-world AI applications.

Automated object recognition in high-resolution optical remote sensing imagery

This paper reports the background and results of the Automated Object Recognition in Optical Remote Sensing Imagery, which is one of the tracks in 2022 International Algorithm Case Competition, as well as summarize the challenges, champion solutions, and future directions.

A fifty-locus phylogenetic analysis provides deep insights into the phylogeny of Tricholoma (Tricholomataceae, Agaricales)

As an ectomycorrhizal fungal genus that contains matsutake and other edible mushrooms, Tricholoma has great economic and ecological significance. However, the phylogenetic relationships within the genus remain unsettled. To clarify the infrageneric relationships of Tricholoma, including the identification of monophyletic subgenera and sections, three phylogenetic analyses were conducted employing single-locus (ITS), five-locus (ITS/ RPB2/EF-1α/MCM7/mtSSU) and 50-locus (45 single-copy orthologous genes plus the aforementioned ones) DNA nucleotide sequences. Our data indicated that ITS sequences could serve the species delimitation of Tricholoma in most cases and monophyletic groups recognition in some cases, and the five-locus dataset could resolve a section-level phylogeny of this genus, while the 50-locus dataset could clarify the delimitation of subgenera and settle the relationships among sections within this genus. A fifty-locus dataset was firstly employed to construct a robust phylogeny of Tricholoma. Based on this, a new infrageneric arrangement for the genus Tricholoma, with four subgenera, of which two are in accordance with the previous subgenera Pardinicutis and Sericeicutis, and eleven sections, is suggested. Subgenus Pardinicutis, occupying the basal position, only harbors sect. Pardinicutis, while the subg. Sericeicutis comprises sects. Lasciva and Sericella located at the sub-basal position with good support. Subgenus Terrea is newly erected here and consists of sect. Terrea, sect. Atrosquamosa and two as yet unnamed phylogenetic lineages. Besides an unnamed section-level lineage, subg. Tricholoma consists of sects. Genuina, Muscaria, Rigida, Tricholoma, Fucata and Matsutake, of which the two latter are newly proposed. The previously defined subg. Contextocutis is clustered within subg. Tricholoma and is a synonym of the latter. Tricholoma colossus, T. acerbum and their allies, which used to be allocated in sect. Megatricholoma (or genus Megatricholoma), are relocated to sect. Genuina since they form a strongly supported monophyletic group and share rusty or black spots on lamellae with other species in this section. Taxonomic descriptions of the new infrageneric taxa and a key to subgenera and sections of the genus Tricholoma are presented. Citation: Ding XX, Xu X, Cui YY, et al. 2023. A fifty-locus phylogenetic analysis provides deep insights into the phylogeny of Tricholoma (Tricholomataceae, Agaricales). Persoonia 50: 1-26. https://doi.org/10.3767/persoonia.2023.50.01.

Character recognition competition for street view shop signs

This paper presents the inaugural character recognition competition for street view shop signs, including the associated tasks, datasets, participating teams, the winning team's solution, and justification for the award.

Latent class analysis of structured histopathology in prognosticating surgical outcomes of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps in Singapore

BACKGROUND

Structured histopathology profiling is recommended when reporting chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyp (CRSwNP) tissue. The objective of this study is to identify features in structured histopathology that predict outcome after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) in a cohort of CRSwNP patients from Singapore.

METHODS

Latent class analysis was performed on structured histopathology reports of 126 CRSwNP patients who had undergone FESS. Outcome measures were polyp recurrence, need for systemic corticosteroids, revision surgery or biologics, and disease control at 2 years post-FESS.

RESULTS

Three classes were identified. Class 1 was characterised by mild, predominantly lymphoplasmacytic inflammation. Class 2 comprised of 100 eosinophils/HPF, hyperplastic seromucinous glands, mucosal ulceration and mucin containing eosinophil aggregates and Charcot-Leyden crystals. Classes 2 and 3 were significantly associated with uncontrolled disease at 2 years post-FESS. Class 3 was additionally associated with the need for systemic corticosteroids.

CONCLUSIONS

Eosinophil count, degree of inflammation, predominant inflammatory type, hyperplastic seromucinous glands, mucosal ulceration and mucin containing eosinophil aggregates and Charcot-Leyden crystals predicted need for systemic corticosteroids and uncontrolled disease at 2 years post-FESS. The presence of >100 eosinophils/HPF should be reported, as this subset of tissue eosinophilia was associated with less favourable outcomes after FESS.

[Meta analysis of the prevalence and influencing factors of WMSDs among dentists in China]

Objective: To explore the relevant factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among dentists through Meta analysis, providing a basis for the prevention and control of WMSDs among dentists. Methods: In April 2022, cross-sectional research literatures on the prevalence correlation of WMSDs among Chinese dentists were searched in databases such as China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, VIP, PubMed, Web of Science, and Em Base database. The search was conducted from the establishment of the database until April 2022, literatures were selected using keywords such as musculoskeletal disorders and dentists. To extract gender, age, length of service, disease classification and other related influencing factors as indicator, and prevalence was selected as the outcome indicator. After evaluating the quality of the literatures, RevMan 5.3 software was used to calculate the combined RD (95%CI) values of the included literatures. Results: A total of 15 articles were included, with a total sample size of 3646 people. Meta analysis results showed that the prevalence of WMSDs among dentists in China was 80%, and the top three parts of the incidence rates were 65% of the waist, 58% of the neck, and 50% of the back. Gender, age, length of service, region and disease classification all increased the risk of WMSDs, and the combined effect size were 75%, 78%, 71%, 77% and 82% respectively (P<0.05) . Conclusion: The occurrence of WMSDs among dentists in China is related to multiple factors such as gender, age, length of service and disease classification. The above risk factors should be taken into account in the workplace and preventive measures should be actively implemented to prolong the working life of dentists.

Mass Measurement of Upper fp-Shell N=Z-2 and N=Z-1 Nuclei and the Importance of Three-Nucleon Force along the N=Z Line

Using a novel method of isochronous mass spectrometry, the masses of ^{62}Ge, ^{64}As, ^{66}Se, and ^{70}Kr are measured for the first time, and the masses of ^{58}Zn, ^{61}Ga, ^{63}Ge, ^{65}As, ^{67}Se, ^{71}Kr, and ^{75}Sr are redetermined with improved accuracy. The new masses allow us to derive residual proton-neutron interactions (δV_{pn}) in the N=Z nuclei, which are found to decrease (increase) with increasing mass A for even-even (odd-odd) nuclei beyond Z=28. This bifurcation of δV_{pn} cannot be reproduced by the available mass models, nor is it consistent with expectations of a pseudo-SU(4) symmetry restoration in the fp shell. We performed ab initio calculations with a chiral three-nucleon force (3NF) included, which indicate the enhancement of the T=1 pn pairing over the T=0 pn pairing in this mass region, leading to the opposite evolving trends of δV_{pn} in even-even and odd-odd nuclei.

Multiple Mechanisms in Proton-Induced Nucleon Removal at ∼100 MeV/Nucleon

We report on the first proton-induced single proton- and neutron-removal reactions from the neutron-deficient ^{14}O nucleus with large Fermi-surface asymmetry S_{n}-S_{p}=18.6  MeV at ∼100  MeV/nucleon, a widely used energy regime for rare-isotope studies. The measured inclusive cross sections and parallel momentum distributions of the ^{13}N and ^{13}O residues are compared to the state-of-the-art reaction models, with nuclear structure inputs from many-body shell-model calculations. Our results provide the first quantitative contributions of multiple reaction mechanisms including the quasifree knockout, inelastic scattering, and nucleon transfer processes. It is shown that the inelastic scattering and nucleon transfer, usually neglected at such energy regime, contribute about 50% and 30% to the loosely bound proton and deeply bound neutron removal, respectively. These multiple reaction mechanisms should be considered in analyses of inclusive one-nucleon removal cross sections measured at intermediate energies for quantitative investigation of single-particle strengths and correlations in atomic nuclei.

First Observation of Λπ^{+} and Λπ^{-} Signals near the K[over ¯]N(I=1) Mass Threshold in Λ_{c}^{+}→Λπ^{+}π^{+}π^{-} Decay

Using the data sample of 980  fb^{-1} collected with the Belle detector operating at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e^{+}e^{-} collider, we present the results of an investigation of the Λπ^{+} and Λπ^{-} invariant mass distributions looking for substructure in the decay Λ_{c}^{+}→Λπ^{+}π^{+}π^{-}. We find a significant signal in each mass distribution. When interpreted as resonances, we find for the Λπ^{+} (Λπ^{-}) combination a mass of 1434.3±0.6(stat)±0.9(syst)  MeV/c^{2} [1438.5±0.9(stat)±2.5(syst)  MeV/c^{2}], an intrinsic width of 11.5±2.8(stat)±5.3(syst)  MeV/c^{2} [33.0±7.5(stat)±23.6(syst)  MeV/c^{2}] with a significance of 7.5σ (6.2σ). As these two signals are very close to the K[over ¯]N threshold, we also investigate the possibility of a K[over ¯]N cusp, and find that we cannot discriminate between these two interpretations due to the limited size of the data sample.

Cyclic di-AMP Rescues Porphyromonas gingivalis-Aggravated Atherosclerosis

Growing evidence demonstrates the relationship between periodontitis and atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. The periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) has been shown to contribute to the progression of atherosclerosis. Cyclic diadenylate monophosphate (c-di-AMP) has been widely studied as an immune adjuvant for tumor immunotherapy, given its ability to activate the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) and regulate trained immunity. This study sought to elucidate the role of c-di-AMP in Pg-associated atherosclerosis. Periodontitis and atherosclerosis mouse models were established by ligature application around maxillary second molars and feeding ApoE knockout mice with a high-fat diet. We found that periodontitis and atherosclerosis were more severe in mice exposed to Pg than mice that underwent ligature placement only, while prophylactic treatment with c-di-AMP activated trained immunity and elicited significant alleviation of alveolar bone resorption, as well as reduced blood lipid levels and atherosclerotic plaque accumulation. After 3 mo of intervention, c-di-AMP limited the elevation of cytokines interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor α, and interferon β; extracellular matrix remodeling enzymes MMP-2 and MMP-9; and adhesion molecules ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 gene expression. The mechanism underlying Pg-aggravated atherosclerosis may be attributed to changes in microbiota composition in oral and aortic plaques and excess inflammatory response, whereas c-di-AMP could prevent the effects of Pg infection due to its potential ability to activate trained immunity and regulate microecological balance. Our findings suggest a positive role of c-di-AMP in alleviating Pg-aggravated atherosclerosis by regulating the immune response and influencing the local microenvironment.

Octahedral Distortion and Displacement-Type Ferroelectricity with Switchable Photovoltaic Effect in a 3d^{3}-Electron Perovskite System

Because of the half-filled t_{2g}-electron configuration, the BO_{6} octahedral distortion in a 3d^{3} perovskite system is usually very limited. In this Letter, a perovskitelike oxide Hg_{0.75}Pb_{0.25}MnO_{3} (HPMO) with a 3d^{3} Mn^{4+} state was synthesized by using high pressure and high temperature methods. This compound exhibits an unusually large octahedral distortion enhanced by approximately 2 orders of magnitude compared with that observed in other 3d^{3} perovskite systems like RCr^{3+}O_{3} (R=rare earth). Essentially different from centrosymmetric HgMnO_{3} and PbMnO_{3}, the A-site doped HPMO presents a polar crystal structure with the space group Ama2 and a substantial spontaneous electric polarization (26.5  μC/cm^{2} in theory) arising from the off-center displacements of A- and B-site ions. More interestingly, a prominent net photocurrent and switchable photovoltaic effect with a sustainable photoresponse were observed in the current polycrystalline HPMO. This Letter provides an exceptional d^{3} material system which shows unusually large octahedral distortion and displacement-type ferroelectricity violating the "d^{0}-ness" rule.

Deciphering the Properties and Functions of Glycoproteins Using Quantitative Proteomics

Glycosylation is one of the most common and important protein modifications, and it regulates the properties and functions of a wide range of proteins. Aberrant glycosylation is directly related to human diseases. Recently, with the advancement of mass spectrometry (MS) instrumentation and MS-based glycoproteomic methods, global characterization of glycoproteins in complex biological samples has become possible. Using quantitative proteomics, the abundance of glycoproteins in different samples can be quantified, which provides a wealth of information to further our understanding of protein functions, cellular activities, and the molecular mechanisms of diseases. In this review, we discuss quantitative proteomic methods used for comprehensive analysis of protein glycosylation, and cover the applications of quantitative glycoproteomics to unveil the properties and functions of glycoproteins and their association with various diseases. It is expected that quantitative proteomic methods will be extensively applied to explore the role of protein glycosylation in complex biological systems, and to identify glycoproteins as biomarkers for disease detection and as therapeutic targets for disease treatment.

PGRMC1 promotes triple-negative breast cancer cell growth via suppressing ferroptosis

OBJECTIVE

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most malignant form of breast cancer with increasing incidence and mortality worldwide. The progesterone receptor membrane component-1 (PGRMC1) is a well-identified hormone receptor with unknown functions in TNBC. The current study aims to explore the involvement of PGRMC1 in regulation of glutathione metabolism and ferroptosis during development of TNBC, providing new therapy options for TNBC patients.

METHODS

Bioinformatic analysis, cell proliferation assay, western blot assay and other biochemistry methods were performed in TNBC cells.

RESULTS

Our results revealed that the expression of PGRMC1 is higher in TNBC than the other subtypes of breast cancer. Interestingly, as an iron binding protein, increased PGRMC1 expression in TNBC cells leads to resistance to ferroptosis inducer. On the contrary, silenced PGRMC1 expression enhanced sensitivity of MDA-MB231 cells to Erastin. Mechanistically, overexpression of PGRMC1 decreased the intracellular free iron concentration, which was reduced by AG205 treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

PGRMC1 increases the possibility of TNBC development through binding to intracellular iron and suppressing ferroptosis, providing the molecular basis of combined treatment for TNBC.

Diagnostic Performance of High-Resolution Vessel Wall MR Imaging Combined with TOF-MRA in the Follow-up of Intracranial Vertebrobasilar Dissecting Aneurysms after Reconstructive Endovascular Treatment

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Few studies have reported the utility of high-resolution vessel wall MR imaging in the follow-up of endovascularly treated vertebrobasilar dissecting aneurysms. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of high-resolution vessel wall MR imaging combined with TOF-MRA in the follow-up of intracranial vertebrobasilar dissecting aneurysms after reconstructive endovascular treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with intracranial vertebrobasilar dissecting aneurysms with reconstructive endovascular treatment and followed up with TOF-MRA, high-resolution vessel wall MR imaging, and DSA were included. With DSA as the criterion standard, the diagnostic performance of TOF-MRA, high-resolution vessel wall MR imaging, and high-resolution vessel wall MR imaging combined with TOF-MRA in the evaluation of aneurysm occlusion status and parent artery patency was assessed. Visualization of the stented artery on TOF-MRA and high-resolution vessel wall MR imaging was rated on a 5-point scale.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven patients with 29 aneurysms were included. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of TOF-MRA, high-resolution vessel wall MR imaging, and high-resolution vessel wall MR imaging combined with TOF-MRA for diagnosing aneurysm remnants were 80.0%, 100.0%, 100.0%, and 82.4%; 53.3%, 100.0%, 100.0%, and 66.7%; and 93.3%, 100.0%, 100.0%, and 93.3%, respectively. For the visualization of the stented artery, the mean score of high-resolution vessel wall MR imaging was significantly higher than that of TOF-MRA (4.88 [SD, 0.32] versus 2.53 [SD, 1.25], P < .001). In the evaluation of parent artery patency (normal or pathologic), whereas TOF-MRA had a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 100.0%, 8.0%, 14.8%, and 100.0%, respectively, high-resolution vessel wall MR imaging was completely consistent with the DSA.

CONCLUSIONS

High-resolution vessel wall MR imaging combined with TOF-MRA at 3T showed good diagnostic performance in the follow-up of intracranial vertebrobasilar dissecting aneurysms after reconstructive endovascular treatment.

A Gγ protein regulates alkaline sensitivity in crops

The use of alkaline salt lands for crop production is hindered by a scarcity of knowledge and breeding efforts for plant alkaline tolerance. Through genome association analysis of sorghum, a naturally high-alkaline-tolerant crop, we detected a major locus, Alkaline Tolerance 1 (AT1), specifically related to alkaline-salinity sensitivity. An at1 allele with a carboxyl-terminal truncation increased sensitivity, whereas knockout of AT1 increased tolerance to alkalinity in sorghum, millet, rice, and maize. AT1 encodes an atypical G protein γ subunit that affects the phosphorylation of aquaporins to modulate the distribution of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)_. These processes appear to protect plants against oxidative stress by alkali. Designing knockouts of AT1 homologs or selecting its natural nonfunctional alleles could improve crop productivity in sodic lands.