Emerging insights into the function of very long chain fatty acids at cerebellar synapses

Very long chain-saturated and-polyunsaturated fatty acids(VLC-SFA and VLC-PUFA, respectively) are a functionally important class of fatty acids containing 28 carbons or more in their acyl chain. They are synthesized by the elongation of very long fatty acids-4(ELOVL4) enzyme, expressed mainly in the brain, retina, skin, testes, and meibomian gland, where these fatty acids are found(Agbaga et al., 2008). Further, these organs exhibit tissuespecific VLC-PUFA and VLC-SFA biosynthesis and incorporation into complex lipids for specific functions. In the brain, skin, and Meibomian glands, the ELOVL4 mainly makes VLC-SFA, which are incorporated into complex sphingolipids. In the retina, the ELOVL4 makes VLC-PUFA that are incorporated into phosphatidylcholine, that are critical for visual function, while in testes and sperm, the VLC-PUFA are incorporated into sphingolipids that are critical for fertility(Yeboah et al., 2021).

Making bridges between preclinical and clinical insights into age-related cognitive decline

With people living longer,the societal impact of age-related cognitive decline is becoming more pronounced(Crimmins,2015).Thus,it is increasingly important to comprehend the cognitive shifts linked to aging-whether they are physiological or pathological.

An Exploration of Traditional Chinese Cultural Programs:The Construction of Rituals,Narrative Strategies,and Experiential Insights

In the context of the cultural development of the new era and the burgeoning spiritual demands of the people,there has been a remarkable surge in the proliferation of traditional Chinese cultural programs.The“Chinese Festivals”series,produced by Henan TV,standing out as an engaging TV program that showcases traditional Chinese culture,has rapidly captivated a diverse audience across different age groups,creating a rich,multi-dimensional,and cross-media cultural communication ecosystem.The program strategically selects symbolic elements by systematically categorizing and organizing traditional Chinese cultural symbols to create a rich cultural space.It employs cutting-edge scientific and technological methods to enrich viewer immersion,crafting media rituals with both temporal significance and a profound sense of media ritual.This approach boosts the program’s popularity and sets a benchmark for industry innovation.By fostering an interactive narrative between mainstream media and the public,the program continuously broadens the scope of the“story world,”fostering a harmonious and structured national cultural community through the creative interpretation of traditional Chinese culture and the evocative crafting of the aesthetic sensibilities inherent in Chinese art.It is worth noting that the phenomenon of aesthetic fatigue besets the development of this serial program.To address this issue and further improve the appeal of the program,a comprehensive approach is required to develop a cohesive narrative mode for the“story world.”This involves harmonizing the interplay between artistic endeavors and technological advancements,synchronizing sensory experiences with the foundational ritualistic elements,and enhancing the effectiveness of the media communication matrix to construct a brand of media culture that has social significance,aesthetic value,and economic profits in the new era.

Comparative Analysis of Machine Learning Models for Customer Churn Prediction in the U.S. Banking and Financial Services: Economic Impact and Industry-Specific Insights

Customer churn poses a significant challenge for the banking and finance industry in the United States, directly affecting profitability and market share. This study conducts a comprehensive comparative analysis of machine learning models for customer churn prediction, focusing on the U.S. context. The research evaluates the performance of logistic regression, random forest, and neural networks using industry-specific datasets, considering the economic impact and practical implications of the findings. The exploratory data analysis reveals unique patterns and trends in the U.S. banking and finance industry, such as the age distribution of customers and the prevalence of dormant accounts. The study incorporates macroeconomic factors to capture the potential influence of external conditions on customer churn behavior. The findings highlight the importance of leveraging advanced machine learning techniques and comprehensive customer data to develop effective churn prevention strategies in the U.S. context. By accurately predicting customer churn, financial institutions can proactively identify at-risk customers, implement targeted retention strategies, and optimize resource allocation. The study discusses the limitations and potential future improvements, serving as a roadmap for researchers and practitioners to further advance the field of customer churn prediction in the evolving landscape of the U.S. banking and finance industry.

Spatial analysis of the osteoarthritis microenvironment: techniques, insights, and applications

Osteoarthritis(OA)is a debilitating degenerative disease affecting multiple joint tissues,including cartilage,bone,synovium,and adipose tissues.OA presents diverse clinical phenotypes and distinct molecular endotypes,including inflammatory,metabolic,mechanical,genetic,and synovial variants.Consequently,innovative technologies are needed to support the development of effective diagnostic and precision therapeutic approaches.Traditional analysis of bulk OA tissue extracts has limitations due to technical constraints,causing challenges in the differentiation between various physiological and pathological phenotypes in joint tissues.This issue has led to standardization difficulties and hindered the success of clinical trials.Gaining insights into the spatial variations of the cellular and molecular structures in OA tissues,encompassing DNA,RNA,metabolites,and proteins,as well as their chemical properties,elemental composition,and mechanical attributes,can contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the disease subtypes.Spatially resolved biology enables biologists to investigate cells within the context of their tissue microenvironment,providing a more holistic view of cellular function.Recent advances in innovative spatial biology techniques now allow intact tissue sections to be examined using various-omics lenses,such as genomics,transcriptomics,proteomics,and metabolomics,with spatial data.This fusion of approaches provides researchers with critical insights into the molecular composition and functions of the cells and tissues at precise spatial coordinates.Furthermore,advanced imaging techniques,including high-resolution microscopy,hyperspectral imaging,and mass spectrometry imaging,enable the visualization and analysis of the spatial distribution of biomolecules,cells,and tissues.Linking these molecular imaging outputs to conventional tissue histology can facilitate a more comprehensive characterization of disease phenotypes.This review summarizes the recent advancements in the molecular imaging modalities and methodologies for in-depth spatial analysis.It explores their applications,challenges,and potential opportunities in the field of OA.Additionally,this review provides a perspective on the potential research directions for these contemporary approaches that can meet the requirements of clinical diagnoses and the establishment of therapeutic targets for OA.

Ageing-related bone and immunity changes:insights into the complex interplay between the skeleton and the immune system

Ageing as a natural irreversible process inherently results in the functional deterioration of numerous organ systems and tissues,including the skeletal and immune systems.Recent studies have elucidated the intricate bidirectional interactions between these two systems.

Ancient DNA unravels species identification from Laosicheng site,Hunan Province,China,and provides insights into maternal genetic history of East Asian leopards

DEAR EDITOR,The Laosicheng site in Yongshun County,Hunan Province,China,plays an important role in elucidating the animal population composition of the region prior to the middle Qing Dynasty(approximately 300 years ago).This site has yielded a substantial number of animal bones,11960 of which have been identified to the species level,serving as direct evidence of ancient animal populations(Hunan Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology,2018).

Insights from i-Tree Eco-efficiency Assessment Management of Urban Trees in Oxford,UK

In the era of stock development following the acceleration of urbanization,the revitalization of urban green space has assumed an increasingly significant role.Consequently,the management of urban trees has emerged as a critical focus of urban governance,contributing to the enhancement of livability in human settlements.This study offers a comprehensive analysis of the urban tree management system in Oxford,UK,identifying that its primary objective is to optimize and maintain a harmonious balance between human activities and the natural environment through the implementation of high-quality planting practices.The system emphasizes enhanced management practices and establishes a robust framework for the development of targeted policies and management regulations,utilizing i-Tree eco-efficiency assessment and real-time feedback mechanisms.China’s urban tree management is in its nascent stages,and there is an urgent need for the development of urban green space.By adopting the refined management assessment methodologies employed for urban trees in Oxford,UK,it is possible to enhance the ecological value of urban trees,which represent a significant green resource within cities,and contribute to the creation of more livable urban spaces.

INSIGHTS ON CHINA FROM THE TWO SESSIONS

China’s annual Two Sessions have again attracted worldwide attention.A close look at the Two Sessions always provides key insights on China.China is often accused of being undemocratic.In fact,however,China is democratic in practice except that its democracy differs from systems studied in the West or in general politics.China’s democratic process is worth studying.

美国科学教材FOSS、STC、INSIGHTS比较分析

FOSS、STC、INSIGHTS是在20世纪80年代末美国新一轮科学课程改革的背景下,在"2061计划"的推动下启动的三项科学课程研究项目,也是当下美国较为流行的三套小学科学课程教材。本文对三套教材的出台背景作简要介绍,并通过对三套教材的课程内容、教学资源、特点等进行对比,透视美国科学教育的特点及整体发展趋势。

美国Insights科学教育项目研究

美国Insights项目是由美国国家科学基金会(NSF)资助,旨在推进国家科学教育的三大科学教育项目之一,该项目开发的Insights课程是美国现行的一种小学科学课程。本文对Insights项目的出台背景、课程理念和课程体系和特点进行了分析。

美国Insights小学科学教育项目及其启示

Insights科学教育项目是美国第二次科学教育改革的重要成果，本文从中归纳了美国科学教育以主题单元统摄课程；以探究作为课程中心环节；鼓励学生亲历实验，为学生的“动手做”创造条件以及注重科学活动同多种知识领域的结合这四个特点。并结合我国小学科学教育的实践，提出改进建议。

The Chinese skeleton: insights into microstructure that help to explain the epidemiology of fracture

Osteoporotic fractures are a major public health problem worldwide, but incidence varies greatly across racial groups and geographic regions. Recent work suggests that the incidence of osteoporotic fracture is rising among Asian populations. Studies comparing areal bone mineral density and fracture across races generally indicate lower bone mineral density in Asian individuals including the Chinese, but this does not reflect their relatively low risk of non-vertebral fractures. In contrast, the Chinese have relatively high vertebral fracture rates similar to that of Caucasians. The paradoxically low risk for some types of fractures among the Chinese despite their low areal bone mineral density has been elucidated in part by recent advances in skeletal imaging. New techniques for assessing bone quality non-invasively demonstrate that the Chinese compensate for smaller bone size by differences in hip geometry and microstructural skeletal organization. Studies evaluating factors influencing racial differences in bone remodeling, as well as bone acquisition and loss, may further elucidate racial variation in bone microstructure. Advances in understanding the microstructure of the Chinese skeleton have not only helped to explain the epidemiology of fracture in the Chinese, but may also provide insight into the epidemiology of fracture in other races as well.

Sodium iodate induced retinal degeneration: new insights from an old model

Studies on the selective retinal degeneration induced by sodium iodate （NaIO3） date back to 1941; Sorsby （1941） described the effect of intravenously injected NaIO3 solution on the rabbit retina. Since then, NaIO3-induced retinal degeneration has been described in different mammalian species including sheep, rabbit, rat and mouse with varying doses and routes of administration. At the present time,

A Possible Mechanism to Thin Lithosphere of the North China Craton: Insights from Cretaceous Mafic Dikes in the Jiaodong Pensinsula

The North China Craton(NCC)is a classic case of the destruction of an ancient craton,in that it records the loss of more than 100 km of ancient refractory lithospheric mantle during the Mesozoic(e.g.,Menzies et al.,1993).This

New Insights into the Depositional Environments of Ordovician Carbonate Formations in the Yubei Area of Tarim Basin Based on Standard Microfacies Types

Objective The Yubei area is located in the mid-east Maigaiti slope of southwestern Tarim Basin, China, with an exploration history of several years. Recent exploration has preliminarily indicated that the Ordovician carbonate formations in this area have some oil and gas potential. Carbonate microfacies provides material basis for reservoir development, seal formation and hydrocarbon generation. Therefore, this work utilized the standard microfacies （SMF） types to study the microfacies of the Ordovician formations in the Yubei area in order to provide theoretical basis for the next exploration.

New insights into the vitamin D requirements during pregnancy

Pregnancy represents a dynamic period with physical and physiological changes in both the mother and her developing fetus. The dramatic 2-3 fold increase in the active hormone 1,25（OH）2D concentrations during the early weeks of pregnancy despite minimal increased calcium demands during that time of gestation and which are sustained throughout pregnancy in both the mother and fetus suggests an immunomodulatory role in preventing fetal rejection by the mother. While there have been numerous observational studies that support the premise of vitamin D＇s role in maintaining maternal and fetal well-being, until recently, there have been few randomized clinical trials with vitamin D supplementation. One has to exhibit caution, however, even with RCTs, whose results can be problematic when analyzed on an intent-to-treat basis and when there is high non-adherence to protocol （as if often the case）, thereby diluting the potential good or harm of a given treatment at higher doses. As such, a biomarker of a drug or in this case ＂vitamin＂ or pre-prohormone is better served. For these reasons, the effect of vitamin D therapies using the biomarker circulating 25（OH）D is a far better indicator of true ＂effect.＂ When pregnancy outcomes are analyzed using the biomarker 25（OH）D instead of treatment dose, there are notable differences in maternal and fetal outcomes across diverse racial/ethnic groups, with improved health in those women who attain a circulating 25（OH）D concentration of at least 100 nmol. L-1 （40 ng. mL-1）. Because ,an important issue is the timing or initiation of vitamin D treatment/supplementation, and given the potential effect of vitamin D on placental gene expression and its effects on inflammation within the placenta, it appears crucial to start vitamin D treatment before placentation （and trophoblast invasion）; however, this question remains unanswered. Additional work is needed to decipher the vitamin D requirements of pregnant women and the optimal timing of supplementation, taking into account a variety of lifestyles, body types, baseline vitamin D status, and maternal and fetal vitamin D receptor （VDR） and vitamin D binding protein （VDBP） genotypes. Determining the role of vitamin D in nonclassical, immune pathways continues to be a challenge that once answered will substantiate recommendations and public health policies.

New insights of the Cenozoic Rotational Deformation of Crustal Blocks on the Southeastern Margin of the Tibetan Plateau and its Tectonic Implications

Objective The lateral extrusion of southeastern edge of the crustal materials around the Tibetan Plateau since the Oligocene is believed to be one of the main inducements of-1300 km latitudinal crustal convergence in the Tibetan Plateau, since the collision of India and Eurasia in the Paleogene. Two end-member models were used to describe the process of lateral extrusion of crustal material on the southeastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau. The ＂tectonic escape＂ model suggests the Indochina Block, Chuandian Fragment and Shan-Thai Block have experienced lateral extrusion along strike-slip fault systems, and the ＂crustal flow＂ model suggests that the upper crust has undergone southeastward escape in the form of ductile deformation, driven by viscous lower crustal flow channels. In addition, the GPS observations surrounding the Tibetan Plateau indicate that crustal materials currently experience clockwise rotation around the Eastern Himalaya syntaxis. This work conducted paleomagnetic studies in the Cretaceous and Paleogene red-beds along the southeastern margin of Tibetan Plateau,

High Spatial Resolution Mapping of Dykes Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle(UAV) Photogrammetry: New Insights On Emplacement Processes

Remote sensing has played a pivotal role in our understanding of the geometry of dykes and dyke swarms on Earth,Venus and Mars(West and Ernst,1991;Mege and Masson,1995;Ernst et al.,2005).Since the 1970’s

Cell-based therapies for neural replacement strategies in stroke-related neurodegeneration： neurophysiological insights into stem progenitor cell neurogenesis within a host environment

The restricted neurogenesis limits the brain ability to overcome neuronal cell death following ischemic lesion：Failure of the damaged brain to regenerate following cerebral ischemia results in functional deficits those are most often irreversible and can further deteriorate,causing mortality and severe disability,progressive memory loss and cognitive impairments,known as dementia.