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We describe a new plexippine genus, Tenkana gen. nov., supported by phylogenomic data from ultraconserved elements (UCEs), Sanger sequences of four genes, and morphological evidence. The type species, Tenkana manu (Caleb, Christudhas, Laltanpuii & Chitra, 2014), comb. nov. is transferred from Colopsus, as is Tenkana arkavathi (Caleb, 2022), comb. nov. The phylogenomic data places Tenkana among the plexippines near Hyllus C.L. Koch, 1846 and Telamonia Thorell, 1887, while the constrained four-gene phylogeny indicates that Tenkana is distinct from Colopsus. Additionally, we describe a new species, Tenkana jayamangali sp. nov.

Abstract Background Microglial activation is one hallmark of Alzheimer disease (AD) neuropathology but the impact of the regional interplay of microglia cells in the brain is poorly understood. We hypothesized that microglial activation is regionally synchronized in the healthy brain but experiences regional desynchronization with ongoing neurodegenerative disease. We addressed the existence of a microglia connectome and investigated microglial desynchronization as an AD biomarker. Methods To validate the concept, we performed microglia depletion in mice to test whether interregional correlation coefficients (ICCs) of 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO)-PET change when microglia are cleared. Next, we evaluated the influence of dysfunctional microglia and AD pathophysiology on TSPO-PET ICCs in the mouse brain, followed by translation to a human AD-continuum dataset. We correlated a personalized microglia desynchronization index with cognitive performance. Finally, we performed single-cell radiotracing (scRadiotracing) in mice to ensure the microglial source of the measured desynchronization. Results Microglia-depleted mice showed a strong ICC reduction in all brain compartments, indicating microglia-specific desynchronization. AD mouse models demonstrated significant reductions of microglial synchronicity, associated with increasing variability of cellular radiotracer uptake in pathologically altered brain regions. Humans within the AD-continuum indicated a stage-depended reduction of microglia synchronicity associated with cognitive decline. scRadiotracing in mice showed that the increased TSPO signal was attributed to microglia. Conclusion Using TSPO-PET imaging of mice with depleted microglia and scRadiotracing in an amyloid model, we provide first evidence that a microglia connectome can be assessed in the mouse brain. Microglia synchronicity is closely associated with cognitive decline in AD and could serve as an independent personalized biomarker for disease progression.

Purpose: 2-Fluorodeoxyglucose-PET (FDG-PET) is a powerful tool to study glucose metabolism in mammalian brains, but cellular sources of glucose uptake and metabolic connectivity during aging are not yet understood. Methods: Healthy wild-type mice of both sexes (2–21 months of age) received FDG-PET and cell sorting after in vivo tracer injection (scRadiotracing). FDG uptake per cell was quantified in isolated microglia, astrocytes and neurons. Cerebral FDG uptake and metabolic connectivity were determined by PET. A subset of mice received measurement of blood glucose levels to study associations with cellular FDG uptake during aging. Results: Cerebral FDG-PET signals in healthy mice increased linearly with age. Cellular FDG uptake of neurons increased between 2 and 12 months of age, followed by a strong decrease towards late ages. Contrarily, FDG uptake in microglia and astrocytes exhibited a U-shaped function with respect to age, comprising the predominant cellular source of higher cerebral FDG uptake in the later stages. Metabolic connectivity was closely associated with the ratio of glucose uptake in astroglial cells relative to neurons. Cellular FDG uptake was not associated with blood glucose levels and increasing FDG brain uptake as a function of age was still observed after adjusting for blood glucose levels. Conclusion: Trajectories of astroglial glucose uptake drive brain FDG-PET alterations and metabolic connectivity during aging.

This work presents a system design for extracting maximum power using the modified maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technique and a novel high-gain DC-DC converter, which was then used to supply a microgrid system with a conventional buck converter. We present a novel structure comprising the MPPT, voltage boosting, and voltage regulating components for a DC microgrid in a single system. The most important features of a photovoltaic (PV) system include a high-gain converter and maximum PV power extraction; considering these, we present a high-gain DC-DC converter that boosts the output voltage to ten times the input voltage. Furthermore, the MPPT technique extracts maximum power from the PV panel based on model predictive control through its better transient response than the conventional incremental conductance method. The MPPT approach was tested with both fixed- and variable-step operations, and the results were compared for load variations. Considering the economics of the system, the proposed approach attempts cost reduction by optimizing the number of sensors to two instead of three. Simulations were conducted under different environmental conditions using MATLAB-Simulink, and the performance differences between the conventional incremental conductance and proposed MPPT-based methods are shown. Next, DC voltage regulation was implemented for the proposed PV and existing systems by considering different load and irradiation conditions while maintaining constant temperature. The simulation results showed the latter system had better performance than the former under different environmental conditions, with persistent results for voltage regulation at different load and irradiation conditions.

We propose a new genus of plexippine jumping spiders from the Western Ghats of India based on the new species Ghatippus paschima gen. et sp. nov. While it bears a superficial resemblance to Pancorius in body form and Hyllus in membrane-bearing embolus, our UCE phylogenomic data—the first to resolve broad relationships within the Plexippina—as well as morphological features justify its status as a new genus. In addition to the molecular data and morphological descriptions, we provide photographs of living specimens of Ghatippus paschima gen. et sp. nov. and information on their natural history.

Background: The term “stereognosis” comes from neurology and describes the capacity to distinguish objects solely by touch. Aim: The aim of this research study was to compare the neuromotor ability of the tongue in patients with malocclusion and tongue dysfunction with and without superficial anesthesia on the tip of the tongue and hard palate. Materials and Methods: The study included 132 patients aged 6–13 years. Using a spatula for speech therapy and a visual evaluation while swallowing saliva, all individuals were identified as having swallowing dysfunctions and divided into three groups: study group (children with malocclusions and tongue dysfunctions) – 44 patients, comparator group (children with malocclusions and without tongue dysfunctions) – 44 patients, and control group (children without malocclusions or tongue dysfunctions) – 44 patients. The Koczorowski methods were used for the stereognostic tests. Results: Age, sex, and malocclusion were taken into account during the differential analysis. The study and comparison groups, study and control groups, and the comparator and control groups all showed statistically significant differences from one another. According to the results, tongue dysfunction affects patients' ability to coordinate their movements with their senses at a developing stage. Conclusion: Patients with malocclusions that are made worse by tongue dysfunctions have poorer oral stereognostic sensibility. Speech therapy and interdisciplinary specialist orthodontic treatment are required for individuals with impaired oral perception who are still in the developmental stage and have abnormal tongue position and function.

Summary: Temperature is thought to be a key factor influencing global species richness patterns. We investigate the link between temperature and diversification in the butterfly family Pieridae by combining next generation DNA sequences and published molecular data with fine-grained distribution data. We sampled nearly 600 pierid butterfly species to infer the most comprehensive molecular phylogeny of the family and curated a distribution dataset of more than 800,000 occurrences. We found strong evidence that species in environments with more stable daily temperatures or cooler maximum temperatures in the warm seasons have higher speciation rates. Furthermore, speciation and extinction rates decreased in tandem with global temperatures through geological time, resulting in a constant net diversification.

We analyzed COI barcode sequences from 138 over-a-century old specimens of Calinaga including 36 name-bearing type specimens stored at the Natural History Museum London. These new data, combined with previously available RPS5 sequences, divide the Calinaga samples into four well-supported mitochondrial lineages that together with a novel wing-pattern analysis, support the recognition of six species (lhatso, buddha, brahma, aborica, formosana and davidis), with all other names subsumed either as subspecies or synonyms. One new taxon is described, Calinaga aborica naima Vane-Wright, ssp. n.

Summary: Multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) radar, employing multiple transmitters and receivers, enhances radar capabilities. It detects and tracks objects like aircraft and ships using radio waves. Compared with traditional phased‐array radar, MIMO systems offer greater flexibility, improving angular resolution and target detection. Researchers focus on direction of arrival (DoA) evaluation for closely spaced targets. Effective beamforming and accurate DoA estimation are crucial for MIMO radar performance. This study explores two methods: Capon beamforming with Dolph–Chebyshev windowing and the MUSIC algorithm with Eigenvalue thresholding. Tested under low signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and fewer snapshots, these techniques notably reduce side lobes and enhance angular resolution, validated by experiments. Additionally, the suppression of side lobes significantly improves the clarity and accuracy of target detection, minimizing potential interference and false targets. This enhancement in side lobe suppression facilitates a more precise spatial differentiation between multiple targets, thus contributing to the overall effectiveness and reliability of MIMO radar systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common lymphoma entity, and its incidence increases with age. There is a paucity of data regarding use of biweekly R‐CHOP (R‐CHOP‐14) in patients ≥80 years of age. We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients with DLBCL aged ≥80 years treated with R‐CHOP‐14 and R‐miniCHOP in two academic tertiary centers in Germany between 01/01/2005 and 12/30/2019. Overall, 79 patients were included. Median age was 84 years (range 80–91). Despite higher CR rates with R‐CHOP‐14 (71.4% vs. 52.4%), no statistically significant difference could be found between patients treated with R‐CHOP‐14 and R‐miniCHOP regarding overall survival (OS) (p =.88, HR 0.94, 95% CI = 0.47–1.90) and progression‐free survival (PFS) (p =.26, HR 0.66, 95% CI = 0.32–1.36). At a median follow‐up of 40 months, the 2‐year OS rates were 56% with R‐CHOP‐14 and 53% with R‐miniCHOP. Two‐year PFS rates were 46% for R‐CHOP‐14 and 50% for R‐mini‐CHOP. Relative dose intensity of chemotherapy did not correlate with OS (p =.72). With the caveat of a retrospective cohort study, we conclude that lacking a difference in OS, R‐miniCHOP should be preferred for most patients with untreated DLBCL aged ≥80 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study explores the complex impact of COVID-19 on India's financial sector, moving beyond simplistic public health vs. economy views. We assess market vulnerabilities and analyze how public sentiment, measured through Google Trends, can predict stock market fluctuations. We propose a novel framework using Google Trends for financial sentiment analysis, aiming to improve understanding and preparedness for future crises. Design/methodology/approach: Hybrid approach leverages Google Trends as sentiment tool, market data, and momentum indicators like Rate of Change, Average Directional Index and Stochastic Oscillator, to deliver accurate, market insights for informed investment decisions during pandemic. Findings: Our study reveals that the pandemic significantly impacted the Indian financial sector, highlighting its vulnerabilities. Capitalizing on this insight, we built a ground-breaking predictive model with an impressive 98.95% maximum accuracy in forecasting stock market values during such events. Originality/value: To the best of authors knowledge this model's originality lies in its focus on short-term impact, novel data fusion and methodology, and high accuracy.• Focus on short-term impact: Our model uniquely identifies and quantifies the fleeting effects of COVID-19 on market behavior.• Novel data fusion and framework: A novel framework of sentiment analysis was introduced in the form of Trend Popularity Index. Combining trend popularity index with momentum offers a comprehensive and dynamic approach to predicting market movements during volatile periods.• High predictive accuracy: Achieving the prediction accuracy (98.93%) sets this model apart from existing solutions, making it a valuable tool for informed decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents a system design for extracting maximum power using the modified maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technique and a novel high-gain DC-DC converter, which was then used to supply a microgrid system with a conventional buck converter. We present a novel structure comprising the MPPT, voltage boosting, and voltage regulating components for a DC microgrid in a single system. The most important features of a photovoltaic (PV) system include a high-gain converter and maximum PV power extraction; considering these, we present a high-gain DC-DC converter that boosts the output voltage to ten times the input voltage. Furthermore, the MPPT technique extracts maximum power from the PV panel based on model predictive control through its better transient response than the conventional incremental conductance method. The MPPT approach was tested with both fixed-and variable-step operations, and the results were compared for load variations. Considering the economics of the system, the proposed approach attempts cost reduction by optimizing the number of sensors to two instead of three. Simulations were conducted under different environmental conditions using MATLAB-Simulink, and the performance differences between the conventional incremental conductance and proposed MPPT-based methods are shown. Next, DC voltage regulation was implemented for the proposed PV and existing systems by considering different load and irradiation conditions while maintaining constant temperature. The simulation results showed the latter system had better performance than the former under different environmental conditions, with persistent results for voltage regulation at different load and irradiation conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Microglial activation is one hallmark of Alzheimer disease (AD) neuropathology but the impact of the regional interplay of microglia cells in the brain is poorly understood. We hypothesized that microglial activation is regionally synchronized in the healthy brain but experiences regional desynchronization with ongoing neurodegenerative disease. We addressed the existence of a microglia connectome and investigated microglial desynchronization as an AD biomarker. Methods: To validate the concept, we performed microglia depletion in mice to test whether interregional correlation coefficients (ICCs) of 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO)-PET change when microglia are cleared. Next, we evaluated the influence of dysfunctional microglia and AD pathophysiology on TSPO-PET ICCs in the mouse brain, followed by translation to a human AD-continuum dataset. We correlated a personalized microglia desynchronization index with cognitive performance. Finally, we performed single-cell radiotracing (scRadiotracing) in mice to ensure the microglial source of the measured desynchronization. Results: Microglia-depleted mice showed a strong ICC reduction in all brain compartments, indicating microglia-specific desynchronization. AD mouse models demonstrated significant reductions of microglial synchronicity, associated with increasing variability of cellular radiotracer uptake in pathologically altered brain regions. Humans within the AD-continuum indicated a stage-depended reduction of microglia synchronicity associated with cognitive decline. scRadiotracing in mice showed that the increased TSPO signal was attributed to microglia. Conclusion: Using TSPO-PET imaging of mice with depleted microglia and scRadiotracing in an amyloid model, we provide first evidence that a microglia connectome can be assessed in the mouse brain. Microglia synchronicity is closely associated with cognitive decline in AD and could serve as an independent personalized biomarker for disease progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a substantial healthcare burden in low- and middle- income countries. "Clean Cut" is a checklist-based infection prevention and control (IPC) program intended to improve compliance to peri-operative IPC standards. We aim to study the short-term and long-term impact of its implementation in a tertiary care cancer referral center. Methods: This was a single institute, prospective interventional study. Patients undergoing elective head-neck surgical procedures were included. The "Clean Cut" program consisting of surveillance, audits, and IPC training was implemented for 6 months, after which there was no active oversight. Post-intervention (T2) and 1-year follow-up (T3) data regarding compliance to core IPC practices and SSI rates were compared with baseline (T1). Results: One hundred eighty six patients were included with 50 (26.9%), 86 (46.2%), and 50 (26.9%) patients at T1, T2, and T3, respectively. At baseline, teams complied with a mean of 3.56 of the six critical components of infection control processes which rose to 4.66 (p < 0.001) at T2, but decreased to 4.02 at T3 (p = 0.053). The SSI rate at baseline decreased significantly after Clean Cut implementation [16 (32%) vs. 12 (13.95%), p = 0.012], but returned to baseline levels after 1 year [17 (34%), p = 0.006]. Conclusion: Implementation of the "Clean Cut" program increases compliance to infection control processes and reduces SSI rates in the short term. Without continuing oversight, these rates return to baseline values after 1 year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With increasing interest in the use of glassy carbon (GC) for a broad range of application areas, the need for developing a fundamental understanding of its mechanical properties has come to the forefront. Furthermore, recent theoretical and modeling works that highlight the synthesis of GC via the pyrolysis of polymer precursors has explored the possibilities of a revisit to the investigation of their mechanical properties at a fundamental level. Although there are isolated reports on the experimental determination of its elastic modulus, insights into the stress-strain behavior of a GC material under tension and compression obtained through simulations, either at the molecular level or for the bulk materials, are missing. This study fills the gap at the molecular level and investigates the mechanical properties of GC using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, which model the atomistic-level formation and breaking of bonds using bond-order-based reactive force field formulations. The molecular model considered in this simulation has a characteristic 3D cage-like structure of five-, six-, and seven-membered carbon rings and graphitic domains of a flat graphene-like structure. The GC molecular model was subjected to loading under varying strain rates (0.4, 0.6, 1.25, and 2.5 ns−1) and temperatures (300 K – 800 K) in each of the three axes: x, y, and z. The simulations show that the GC nanostructure has distinct stress-strain curves under tension and compression. In tension, MD modeling predicted a mean elastic modulus of 5.71GPa for a single GC nanostructure with some dependency on the strain rate and temperature, whereas, in compression, the elastic modulus was also found to depend on the strain rate and temperature and was predicted to have a mean value of 35 GPa. To validate the simulation results and develop experimental insights into the bulk behavior, mechanical tests were conducted on dog-bone -shaped testing coupons that were subjected to uniaxial tension and loaded until failure. The GC test coupons demonstrated a bulk modulus of 17 ± 2.69 GPa in tension, which compares well with those reported in the literature. However, comparing MD simulation outcomes to those of uniaxial mechanical testing reveals that the bulk modulus of GC in tension found experimentally is higher than the modulus of single GC nanostructures predicted by MD modeling, which inherently underestimates the bulk modulus. With regard to failure modes, the MD simulations predicted failure in tension accompanied by the breaking of carbon rings within the molecular structure. In contrast, the mechanical testing demonstrated that failure modes are dominated by brittle failure planes largely due to the amorphous structure of GC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dance and movement therapy (DMT) and Western dance forms have been advocated for the effective management of Parkinson's Disease (PD). This study focuses on including culturally relevant Indian dance concepts in developing and evaluating a community-based DMT programme for PD. This is the first comparative study on DMT for PD conducted in India, with a control group of a 'physical exercise programme'. 34 People with Parkinson's Disease (PwPs) were assigned to a 'DMT intervention' or a 'Physical exercise group' using convenience sampling and they attended weekly 90-minute sessions over 12 weeks. Mood, physical and cognitive functioning, and quality of life were measured pre-and post-interventions. Results and subjective feedback from PwPs suggest that DMT intervention was more effective in improving positive mood and reducing depression in PD as compared to the control group. This study concludes that culturally informed community-based DMT programmes hold promise as a supportive intervention for PwPs in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The evolution and outcomes of extended pancreatectomies at a single institute over 15 years are presented in this study. Methods A retrospective analysis of the institutional database was performed from 2015 to 2022 (period B). Patients undergoing extended pancreatic resections, as defined by the International Study Group for Pancreatic Surgery, were included. Perioperative and survival outcomes were compared with data from 2007–2015 (period A). Regression analyses were used to identify factors affecting postoperative and long-term survival outcomes. Results A total of 197 (16.1%) patients underwent an extended resection in period B compared to 63 (9.2%) in period A. Higher proportions of borderline resectable (5 (18.5%) versus 51 (47.7%), P = 0.011) and locally advanced tumours (1 (3.7%) versus 24 (22.4%), P < 0.001) were resected in period B with more frequent use of neoadjuvant therapy (6 (22.2%) versus 79 (73.8%), P < 0.001). Perioperative mortality (4 (6.0%) versus 12 (6.1%), P = 0.81) and morbidity (23 (36.5%) versus 83 (42.1%), P = 0.57) rates were comparable. The overall survival for patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma was similar in both periods (17.5 (95% c.i. 6.77 to 28.22) versus 18.3 (95% c.i. 7.91 to 28.68) months, P = 0.958). Resectable, node-positive tumours had a longer disease-free survival (DFS) in period B (5.81 (95% c.i. 1.73 to 9.89) versus 14.03 (95% c.i. 5.7 to 22.35) months, P = 0.018). Conclusion Increasingly complex pancreatic resections were performed with consistent perioperative outcomes and improved DFS compared to the earlier period. A graduated approach to escalating surgical complexity, multimodality treatment, and judicious patient selection enables the resection of advanced pancreatic tumours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyzed COI barcode sequences from 138 over-a-century old specimens of Calinaga including 36 name-bearing type specimens stored at the Natural History Museum London. These new data, combined with previously available RPS5 sequences, divide the Calinaga samples into four well-supported mitochondrial lineages that together with a novel wing-pattern analysis, support the recognition of six species (lhatso, buddha, brahma, aborica, formosana and davidis), with all other names subsumed either as subspecies or synonyms. One new taxon is described, Calinaga aborica naima Vane-Wright, ssp. n. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper assesses the effects of the Housing First model on the utilization of public health services and claims among chronically homeless individuals and in the process addresses the problem of attribution to natural stabilization on account of regression to the mean. The study uses Medicaid claims data from participants in a Massachusetts "Housing First" program (n = 1,342) and non-participants (n = 44,022) who included chronically homeless individuals. A control group design, propensity score matching techniques, and difference in differences were employed to estimate effects on utilization of and claims for emergency room visits, inpatient hospitalization, mental health encounters, and pharmacy and other claims. We find that both groups registered statistically significant pre–post improvements in utilization of health care services and claims, but these are greater among the Housing First cohort. The findings suggest that Housing First significantly reduces utilization of health care services beyond regression to the mean and that the resultant health care savings offset a significant portion of the cost of housing. Policy proponents and opponents of Housing First must recognize that the model has a significant portion of its costs offset by savings from lower Medicaid claims. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study explores the concept and antecedents of Intrapreneurship among Thai employees in Bangkok, Thailand. Study design/methodology/approach: The study uses an exploratory sequential mixed methodology. The data were collected from twenty-two in-depth interviews with Thai entrepreneurs and employees, followed by a survey of 648 salaried employees from Bangkok. Findings: The findings from the interviews suggested that a sense of self-belief and ownership, collaboration in a team, the immediate supervisor, certain characteristics of the job and organization, and a culture of innovation in the organization affected intrapreneurship. The quantitative survey findings confirmed that self-efficacy, entrepreneurial orientation, team cohesion, and organizational support were significantly related to intrapreneurship in Thai companies. Additionally, a split data analysis revealed that the factors affecting intrapreneurship were distinct for the male and female cohorts, whereby self-efficacy was significant in the male data, whereas entrepreneurial orientation and team cohesion were significantly related to intrapreneurship in the female data. Practical implications: The study proposes the creation of small teams, introduction of role models and internships, and creation of a platform for exchange of ideas as recommendations to encourage intrapreneurship. The study also notes that these initiatives might affect male and female intrapreneurs distinctly. Originality/value: This is the first notable mixed methods study on intrapreneurship in Thailand. The findings of this study will, therefore, help managers to encourage employees towards intrapreneurial behavior and pave the way for future research on intrapreneurship in Thailand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]