Browse Articles

A byzantine-resistant blockchain framework for secure and scalable immigration management

GATmath and GATLc: Comprehensive benchmarks for evaluating Arabic large language models

The evolution of Large Language Models (LLMs) has significantly advanced artificial intelligence, driving innovation across various applications. Their continued development relies on a deep understanding of their capabilities and limitations. This is achieved primarily through rigorous evaluation based on diverse datasets. However, assessing state-of-the-art models in Arabic remains a formidable challenge due to the scarcity of comprehensive benchmarks. The absence of robust evaluation tools hinders the progress and refinement of Arabic LLMs and limits their potential applications and effectiveness in real-world scenarios. In response, we introduce the GATmath (7k questions) and GATLc (9k questions), two Arabic, large-scale, and multitask reasoning and language understanding benchmarks. Derived from the General Aptitude Test (GAT) examination, each dataset covers multiple categories, demanding skills in reasoning, semantic analysis, language comprehension, and mathematical problem-solving. To the best of our knowledge, our dataset is the first comprehensive and large-scale reasoning dataset specifically tailored to the Arabic language. We conducted a comprehensive evaluation and analysis of seven prominent LLMs on our datasets. Remarkably, even the highest-performing model attained a mere 66.9% and 64.3% accuracy, underscoring the considerable challenge posed by our datasets. This outcome illustrates the intricate nature of the tasks within our datasets and highlights the substantial room for improvement in the realm of Arabic language model development.

Early-life infectious disease exposure, the “hygiene hypothesis,” and lifespan: Evidence from hookworm disease

Exposure to infectious disease in early life may have long-term ramifications for health and lifespan. However, reducing pathogen exposure may not be uniformly beneficial. The rise of modern sanitation and reduction of infectious diseases has been implicated in increasing levels of allergy and immune dysregulation: termed, the “hygiene hypothesis.” This study leverages quasi-experimental variation from combining precampaign hookworm exposure with the Rockefeller Sanitary Commission’s deworming campaign in the early 20th century to rigorously examine the impacts of childhood hookworm exposure on adult lifespan and morbidity. Findings show deworming before age five leads to 2.5 additional months of life in a large sample of adult death records. Further, decreasing hookworm exposure is related to improvements in biomarkers for inflammation and skin-tested allergies, in contrast to predictions of the “hygiene hypothesis.” Placebo tests using health outcomes that should not be affected by deworming do not show similar patterns. Overall, childhood deworming leads to improvements in morbidity and lifespan decades later.

Induced superconductivity in hybrid Au/YBa2Cu3O7−x electrodes on vicinal substrates

Abstract Superconducting electrodes are an integral part of hybrid Josephson junctions used in many applications including quantum technologies. We report on the fabrication and characterization of superconducting hybrid Au/YBa2Cu3O7−x (YBCO) electrodes on vicinal substrates. In these structures, superconducting CuO2-planes face the gold film, resulting in a higher value and smaller variation of the induced energy gap compared to conventional Au/YBCO electrodes based on films with the c-axis normal to the substrate surface. Using scanning tunneling microscopy, we observe an energy gap of about 10–17 meV at the surface of the 15- nm-thick gold layer deposited in situ atop the YBCO film. To study the origin of this gap, we fabricate nanoconstrictions from the Au/YBCO heterostructures and measure their electrical transport characteristics. The conductance of the nanoconstrictions shows a series of dips due to multiple Andreev reflections in YBCO and gold, providing clear evidence of the superconducting nature of the gap in gold. We consider the Au/YBCO electrodes to be a versatile platform for hybrid Josephson devices with a high operating temperature.

Barcode high-resolution melting (Bar-HRM) analysis to authenticate true cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) from its adulterants and contaminants

Sri Lankan cinnamon, widely known as true cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), is a world-renowned commodity. With the high market demand, many incidents have reported adulteration of true cinnamon with other cinnamon species such as Cinnamomum aromaticum, Cinnamomum burmanni, and Cinnamomum loureiroi. Moreover, the contamination of cinnamon products with fungi (Aspergillus flavus) has also significantly negatively impacted the cinnamon export market. Morphological and chemical detection of adulterations has limitations, benchmarking the necessity for precise and effective new detection methods. The current study reports gene-specific novel molecular markers that can be used in Barcode High-Resolution Melting (Bar-HRM) analysis to distinguish C. verum from other substitutes. Six barcode regions (rbcL, trnH-psbA, matK, ITS2, trnL, trnL-trnF) were analyzed. The results demonstrate that trnH-psbA can effectively discriminate all selected cinnamon species from one another. Novel markers were designed to target the diagnostic nucleotide variations found within the designated barcode regions. Commercial cinnamon products and authentic samples of C. verum were used to validate the assay, and the DNA extraction protocol was optimized to ensure the acquisition of high-quality DNA. Bar-HRM was performed with the novel markers, and the four major cinnamon species in the international market were successfully distinguished. The spiked-in A. flavus DNA was also detected in a cinnamon admixture. Hence, these Bar-HRM conditions with the novel gene-specific markers can serve as an economical, efficient, and promising assay to detect the authenticity and purity of cinnamon samples.

Renormalization group for Anderson localization on high-dimensional lattices

We discuss the dependence of the critical properties of the Anderson model on the dimension d in the language of β -function and renormalization group recently introduced in Vanoni et al. [C. Vanoni et al. , Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 121 , e2401955121 (2024)] in the context of Anderson transition on random regular graphs. We show how in the delocalized region, including the transition point, the one-parameter scaling part of the β -function for the fractal dimension D 1 evolves smoothly from its d = 2 form, in which β 2 ≤ 0 , to its β ∞ ≥ 0 form, which is represented by the random regular graph (RRG) result. We show how the ϵ = d − 2 expansion and the 1 / d expansion around the RRG result can be reconciled and how the initial part of a renormalization group trajectory governed by the irrelevant exponent y depends on dimensionality. We also show how the irrelevant exponent emerges out of the high-gradient terms of expansion in the nonlinear sigma model and put forward a conjecture about a lower bound for the fractal dimension. The framework introduced here may serve as a basis for investigations of disordered many-body systems and of more general nonequilibrium quantum systems.

On the features of curved, passive reconfigurable smart electromagnetic skins

Geopolitical risk contagion across strategic sectors: Nonlinear evidence from defense, cybersecurity, energy, and raw materials

This study investigates the effect of geopolitical risk on the market volatility of four strategic sectors − defense, cybersecurity, energy, and critical raw materials − using a sample of 90 companies and ETFs over the 2014–2025 period. Applying Quantile-on-Quantile Connectedness (QQC) and Causality-in-Quantiles (CiQ) methods, the study captures the asymmetric and nonlinear relationships between geopolitical uncertainty and market volatility. The findings show that defense and cybersecurity sectors act as defensive assets during geopolitical crises, while energy and critical raw materials sectors exhibit increased sensitivity to external shocks. The QQC approach reveals heightened interconnectedness under extreme volatility, while CiQ tests confirm regime-dependent causal links. These differences across sectors provide a comprehensive perspective on geopolitical contagion and offer actionable insights for policymakers and investors seeking to develop more resilient strategies in volatile global conditions.

Candidate Denisovan fossils identified through gene regulatory phenotyping

Denisovans are an extinct group of humans whose morphology is mostly unknown. The scarcity of verified Denisovan fossils makes it challenging to study their anatomy, and how well they were adapted to their environment. We previously developed a genetic phenotyping approach to gain insight into Denisovan anatomy by detecting gene regulatory changes that likely altered Denisovan skeletal morphology. Here, we scan the Middle Pleistocene fossil record for crania matching the predicted Denisovan morphology and might therefore be related to Denisovans. We developed quantitative measures to assess both the proportion and extent of matches. These analyses revealed that the East Asian specimens of Harbin and Dali show an exceptionally high concordance with the Denisovan profile, surpassing all other examined Middle Pleistocene hominin specimens, including Neanderthals. Specifically, 15 out of 18 of Dali ’s features and 16 out of 18 of Harbin ’s matched Denisovan predictions. These findings are robust to overall skull size and to correlations between phenotypes. We also found that Kabwe 1 shows a strong affinity to the Denisovan–Neanderthal clade and might be placed near its root. Our results show that gene regulatory phenotyping may assist in classifying poorly understood specimens.

A rapid tectonic plate reorganization event driven by changes at subduction locations in a mantle convection model

Research on the impact of coupling and coordination of rural consumption power system on the consumption of rural residents in China

The harmonious operation of social consumption power system can stimulate residents’ higher-level consumption demands, thereby driving overall consumption growth. Based on the panel data of 30 Chinese provinces (excluding Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and Tibet) from 2002 to 2022, this study integrates multiple determinants of rural residents’ consumption into the conceptual framework of social consumption power. Employing a systematic approach, we construct a spatial Durbin model to empirically examine how the coupling coordination level of the rural consumption power system influences rural residents’ consumption behavior. The findings reveal that the coupling coordination level of rural consumption power system exerts a statistically significant positive effect on rural residents’ consumption not only within a given province but also in neighboring provinces, indicating spatial spillover effects. These spillover effects are particularly pronounced in the eastern and central regions. Therefore, in order to release the huge consumption potential in rural areas, it’s vital to make good use of the coupling and coordinating role of the three subsystems of consumption subject, consumption object and consumption environment and achieve the fit and coordination between supply-side structural reform and demand-side structural reform. The research findings not only provide factual evidences and theoretical support for transforming the government’s strategy of expanding rural residents’ consumption but also propose practical instructions for further releasing rural residents’ consumption potential in the new era.

Logging disrupts the ecology of molecules in headwater streams

Global demand for wood products is increasing forest harvest. One understudied consequence of logging is that it accelerates mobilization of dissolved organic matter (DOM) from soils to aquatic ecosystems where it is more easily rereleased to the atmosphere. Here, we tested how logging changed DOM in headwaters of hardwood-dominated catchments in northern Ontario, Canada. We applied a before-after-control-impact experiment across four catchments for 3 y and measured DOM monthly during ice-free seasons. DOM concentration in streams from logged catchments quadrupled, on average, only for the first 2 mo postharvest, but resulting changes to the molecular composition of DOM persisted for at least 2 y. Ultrahigh-resolution mass spectrometry revealed that DOM composition within logged streams became more available for microbial use and chemically diverse than in controls, with novel highly unsaturated polyphenols, carboxylic-rich alicyclic, and nitrogen-containing formulae. The molecular composition of stream DOM measured fortnightly postharvest was most similar to the DOM composition of surrounding soils, likely due to increased hydrological connectivity. Alongside carbon being more likely to be released into the atmosphere, we estimate that selective logging increased the total flux of dissolved organic carbon in streams by 6.4% of the carbon extracted as timber. Although these estimates are short-lived, they should affect the millions of hectares that are logged annually. Carbon accounting of forestry, including as a natural climate solution, must now consider the transport and fate of DOM from land into water.

Retraction Note: Investigation of laser factors influence on strength of laser spot welding of 316 stainless steel using the designing experiments method

Transplacental transfer of maternal SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in dichorionic and monochorionic twin pregnancies

Background Maternal immunization relies on active transplacental transfer of immunoglobulin G. However, very little is known about the efficacy of maternal immunization in the setting of multiple gestation. We aimed to investigate transplacental transfer of maternal antibody in pregnancies with multiple gestation including mono- and dichorionic pregnancies by evaluating anti-Spike antibody transfer at delivery. Methods We conducted a cohort study among individuals with singleton or twin pregnancies who received ≥ 2 doses of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine before delivery. We tested paired maternal and cord blood samples for anti-Spike antibody levels via Roche Elecsys® immunoassays and used linear regression to evaluate associations between pregnancy type and anti-Spike antibody levels. We included as covariates gestational age at birth, timing of last vaccine dose, number of vaccine doses, and small for gestational age birth weight. Results Between 2021−2023, we tested paired maternal and cord samples for anti-Spike antibody from 362 singleton pregnancies and 36 twin pregnancies, of which 12 and 24 were monochorionic and dichorionic, respectively. After adjusting for covariates, maternal and cord anti-Spike antibody concentrations were significantly lower in twin pregnancies compared to singleton pregnancies (beta:-0.91, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: −1.62,-0.19; p = 0.01. beta −1.20, 95% CI: −2.36,-0.04; p = 0.04), however there was no difference in cord:maternal antibody ratios. After adjusting for covariates, there was no difference in maternal and cord antibody concentrations between dichorionic and monochorionic pregnancies, however, cord:maternal antibody ratios remained significantly lower in monochorionic compared to dichorionic pregnancies (beta:-0.49; 95% CI: −0.86,-0.13; p = 0.01). Conclusions Twin and singleton infants have similar cord:maternal maternally derived SARS-CoV-2 antibody ratios after maternal COVID-19 vaccine although maternal and cord antibody concentrations are lower in infants from twin pregnancies and specifically antibody transfer is less efficient in monochorionic pregnancies. Further research is needed to investigate impaired transplacental IgG transfer in high-risk pregnancies.

Multistep catalytic abiotic CO ₂ conversion to sugars through C ₁ intermediates

Carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) to multicarbon (C n ) upgrading for commodity chemicals, fuel production, or artificial food synthesis using renewable energy input is a golden target for researchers in sustainable carbon emission reduction. Here, we explore and analyze a flexible modular roadmap for the task, utilizing sequential electro-, photo-, and organocatalysis to develop a strategy for CO 2 conversion using the key and elusive formaldehyde precursor of interest for sugar generation. We study the electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reaction to methanol in a flow cell and its discontinuous photooxidation to formaldehyde (PMOR) with excellent selectivity. Utilizing a highly active N- heterocyclic carbene catalyst enables tunable generation of C 4 –C 6 aldoses without undesirable byproducts, with carbon conversion yield reaching 60 to 80% for desired pentose, tetrose, and triose product mixtures and over 20% for hexose. This approach presents a roadmap for CO 2 valorization, aiming to bridge carbon waste streams with sustainable sugar synthesis and opening broad avenues for green chemical production.

Displacement-encoded MRI reveals biomechanical stiffening in rheumatoid arthritis wrists: a case control study

Persistent inpatient delirium associated with increased length of stay and mortality

Introduction Delirium is associated with an increased risk of post-hospitalization mortality. However, the impact of persistent delirium on mortality is not well defined. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study on the association of non-persistent or persistent delirium and mortality. We included patients aged > 65 years admitted to the Owensboro Health Regional Hospital between August 2021 and August 2022. Delirium was determined based on a score of ≥ 2 on the Nurse Delirium Screening Scale (NuDESC) recorded on all admitted patients three times a day during nursing shift change. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between non-persistent or persistent delirium and 30-day, 60-day, 90-day, 180-day, and 360-day mortality after adjusting for covariates. Sensitivity analysis was performed to compare different definitions of delirium as ≥ 2, ≥ 3, or ≥ 4 days of delirium occurring consecutively or non-consecutively. Results 4560 hospitalized patients were included in this study. Of these, 634 (13.9%) were identified as having delirium (persistent or non-persistent) and 3926 (86.1%) as without delirium. Patients with delirium were slightly older than those without (77 ± 7.9 vs. 79.5 ± 8.5 years old). The patients in each group were relatively comparable in terms of sex, race, smoking status, Medicare user status, and comorbidities. After adjusting for comorbidities, delirium was associated with an increase of mortality at 30 days for patients with persistent delirium of 2 days (aOR 4.88, 95% CI 3.63–6.54), 3 days (aOR 5.64, 95% CI 3.95–7.98), 4 days (aOR 7.21, 95% CI 4.74–10.8). Persistent delirium was associated with higher 60-day, 90-day, 180-day, and 360-day mortality rates, with an incremental increase in the risk of mortality for each additional day of delirium. Conclusion Persistent delirium is consistently associated with increased mortality, with an increased risk of mortality for each additional day of delirium, underscoring the need for early identification and treatment.

Color-neutral and reversible tissue transparency enables longitudinal deep-tissue imaging in live mice

Light scattering in biological tissue presents a significant challenge for deep in vivo imaging. Our previous work demonstrated the ability to achieve optical transparency in live mice using intensely absorbing dye molecules, which created transparency in the red spectrum while blocking shorter-wavelength photons. In this paper, we extend this capability to achieve optical transparency across the entire visible spectrum by employing molecules with strong absorption in the ultraviolet spectrum and sharp absorption edges that rapidly decline upon entering the visible spectrum. This color-neutral and reversible tissue transparency method enables optical transparency for imaging commonly used fluorophores in the green and yellow spectra. Notably, this approach facilitates tissue transparency for structural and functional imaging of the live mouse brain labeled with yellow fluorescent protein and GCaMP through the scalp and skull. We show that this method enables longitudinal imaging of the same brain regions in awake mice over multiple days during development. Histological analyses of the skin and systemic toxicology studies indicate minimal acute or chronic damage to the skin or body using this approach. This color-neutral and reversible tissue transparency technique opens opportunities for noninvasive deep-tissue optical imaging, enabling long-term visualization of cellular structures and dynamic activity with high spatiotemporal resolution and chronic tracking capabilities.

Updated reference intervals for serum cystatin C and creatinine based on age and sex variations

Using protection motivation theory to support patient adherence in healthcare settings: A scoping review

Background Protection motivation theory (PMT) shows promise as a basis for motivating healthy behaviours in healthcare settings. There has been no systematic overview of how PMT has been translated into clinical practice and which translation strategies effectively improve outcomes. Objectives This scoping review aimed to systematically map and synthesise existing literature on PMT-based interventions targeting health behaviours in healthcare contexts. Methods Medline, PsycINFO, and EMBASE were searched for studies applying PMT within healthcare contexts. Eligible populations had a clinical condition. To be eligible, studies had to report a healthcare-delivered PMT intervention with adherence outcomes directly benefiting participants. Two reviewers extracted data on study features, intervention characteristics including behaviour change techniques employed, PMT constructs addressed, results, and research recommendations. Findings were summarised narratively and tabulated. Results Thirteen studies published between 1998 and 2023 met the eligibility criteria, including 12 randomised trials. Studies addressed acute and chronic conditions across primary, secondary, and non-clinical settings. Half significantly improved behaviour outcomes in intervention groups. All targeted coping-self-efficacy and perceived threat-severity PMT constructs to some degree. Combinations of behaviour change techniques did not clearly differentiate successful outcomes. Studies recommended longer follow-up, clarifying effective PMT component combinations, and drawing on multiple behaviour theories. Discussion Despite heterogeneity in how PMT interventions were operationalised, they show potential benefits for motivating adherence to healthy behaviours. To enable optimisation and dissemination, consistent nonadherence detection and reporting methods are critical. Further research should include translation of PMT to other healthcare settings, refining methodology and implementing well-powered effectiveness trials in routine care.