Browse Articles

Bio-inspired Deconjugative Isomerization of Borylated Dienoates

On the effectiveness of limited-data large language model fine-tuning for Arabic

This paper presents an investigation into fine-tuning large language models (LLMs) for Arabic natural language processing (NLP) tasks. Although recent multilingual LLMs have made remarkable progress in zero-shot and few-shot settings, specialized models such as fine-tuned BERT variants continue to define state-of-the-art (SOTA) performance in many Arabic tasks. We demonstrate that by fine-tuning a general-purpose LLM (GPT-4o mini) on only a small subset (3.0%–7.5%) of the training samples, we exceed previous best reported results in sentiment analysis (ArSAS) and sarcasm detection (ArSarcasm), while achieving performance statistically comparable to the SOTA in news categorization (ASND). This study highlights that LLMs, when properly adapted, can outperform established models without relying on full-scale annotated training sets. Furthermore, our analysis with the open-source Gemma-3-27B model confirms the generalizability of our data-efficient method. Notably, this approach enabled the model to achieve performance statistically comparable to SOTA on all three tasks, although the proprietary GPT-4o mini maintained an overall performance advantage. We further compare GPT-4o with GPT-4o mini to examine the impact of model size on fine-tuning. GPT-4o outperforms GPT-4o mini across all sample sizes but by small margins (<1%). Notably, GPT-4o fine-tuned on 100 samples achieves marginally better performance than GPT-4o mini fine-tuned on 500 samples, indicating that larger models require fewer labeled examples. Additionally, we find that fine-tuning performance follows predictable scaling, with GPT-4o mini’s performance growth function accurately estimating GPT-4o’s results (error < 0.005). This enables efficient performance estimation for larger models using smaller ones. Our findings emphasize the practical benefits of fine-tuning LLMs for Arabic NLP, while demonstrating predictable scaling laws that can guide efficient model selection and adaptation.

Nitric Oxide Oxygenation Reaction in Water at Room Temperature inside a Cage

Position-specific workload and performance analysis in professional rugby union: Insights from global positioning system data and principal component analysis

Quantifying workload and performance is a systematic approach employed by practitioners to enhance their understanding of the training process as a whole. This study aims to utilize data collected from global positioning system (GPS) and video analysis to assess the movement patterns and key performance indicators (KPIs) of players across various positions during both training and match play. Additionally, it seeks to simplify workload analysis by using principal component analysis (PCA) for dimensionality reduction. Over three seasons, data were collected from 63 professional rugby union players, divided into six positional groups: front row, second row, back row, scrum-half, inside backs, and outside backs. The results showed significant positional differences in movement characteristics (p < 0.05, effect size = 0.02–0.59) and KPIs (p < 0.05, effect size = 0.04–0.77). Scrum-halves demonstrated the highest workload in medium and low-intensity activities, while outside backs excelled in high-intensity metrics, and front row forwards consistently had the lowest workload. Regarding KPIs, forwards recorded the most tackles, the highest count of arrivals at offensive and defensive rucks, while scrum-halves accounted for the most kicks, passes, and receipts. In the analysis of training and match workload, PCA extracted two principal components, explaining 73.9% and 79.1% of the variance, respectively. Overall, backs exhibited a higher training workload compared to the forwards, with scrum-halves having the highest total workload during matches. This study demonstrates significant positional differences in key movement variables, providing critical insights into the demands placed on players in different positions.

Polyelemental Nanoparticle Synthesis Enabled by Noncontact Metallothermic Reactions

Motivations, perceived risk, and tampering of XTAMPZA ER and abuse-deterrent opioid drugs

Abuse deterrent formulation (ADF) products are designed to prevent people from tampering with medication, especially with the intention to misuse or abuse the product. While clinical results support the efficacy of ADF products in controlled settings, little is known about how people use and abuse them in the real world. The objective of this research was to describe tampering behavior and perceived risk among U.S. adults who report non-medical use (NMU) of XTAMPZA® ER, a novel ADF extended-release opioid, and comparable products. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2021 and 2022 among adults who reported NMU of oxycodone or hydrocodone products in the past year. To compare use patterns and tampering behavior to XTAMPZA® ER, three similar opioid products were also assessed. Participants who reported NMU of an eligible drug were asked why they used it, how they tempered with it, and what other drug-related behaviors they engaged in. A total of 628 participants were recruited. A total of 56 (8.92%) reported NMU of XTAMPZA® ER in the past year, 256 (40.8%) reported NMU of other ADF ER oxycodone/hydrocodone, 459 (73.1%) reported NMU of non-ADF ER oxycodone/hydrocodone, and 225 (35.8%) reported NMU of IR oxycodone. Non-ADF ER oxycodone/hydrocodone was the most used. Those who reported NMU of XTAMPZA® ER had more severe drug use profiles, including higher scores on the 10-item Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST-10) and higher prevalence of concomitant and illicit drug use. Overall, 3.7% tampered with XTAMPZA® ER, 12.9% tampered with other ADF ER oxycodone/hydrocodone, 16.0% tampered with non-ADF ER oxycodone/hydrocodone, and 10.7% tampered with IR oxycodone. U.S. adults who reported tampering with XTAMPZA® ER or a comparable product frequently did so for therapeutic reasons, most commonly “to swallow the pill more easily” and “to improve the pain relief from the pill.” They also viewed tampering with products they used as less risky than tampering with products they did not use. Tampering with XTAMPZA® ER was uncommon compared to other drugs but more common as a proportion among those who used XTAMPZA® ER. This is, potentially because those using XTAMPZA® ER had other markers of severe, problematic drug use.

A Convergent Approach to Phragmalin-Type Limonoids: Total Synthesis of Thaigranatin P

Multidrug-resistant non-typhoidal Salmonella enterica from chickens, farmworkers, and environments: One health implications from Northwestern Ethiopia

Non-typhoidal Salmonella are important foodborne zoonotic pathogens closely linked to poultry and poultry products. Despite their public health importance, limited data are available on the epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance patterns of nontyphoidal Salmonella in poultry production systems in Ethiopia. This cross-sectional study aimed to estimate the prevalence, identify risk factors, and assess the antimicrobial resistance profiles of Salmonella enterica from poultry farms in Bahir Dar city, northwestern Ethiopia. Standard bacteriological methods, PCR-based detection, and serotyping were used to investigate the presence of Salmonella in chicken (n = 126), environmental (n = 198), and human (n = 45) samples collected from 22 poultry farms. Antimicrobial susceptibility profiles were determined using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method. Data from questionnaires and Fisher’s exact tests were used to identify risk factors associated with the occurrence of Salmonella. Nontyphoidal Salmonella species were detected on 18.1% (4/22) of the farms. Salmonella enterica was recovered from 3.1% (6/198) of environmental boot samples, 3.2% (4/126) of cloacal swabs, and 4.4% (2/45) of human stool samples. Two Salmonella serotypes were identified from among 12 Salmonella isolates: S. Enteritidis (41.6%, 5/12) and S. Typhimurium (16.6%, 2/12). All Salmonella isolates demonstrated complete resistance to ampicillin (100%) and tetracycline (100%) and exhibited multiple drug resistance patterns, with a high multiple antibiotic resistance index ranging from 0.45 to 0.55. The prevalence of Salmonella was significantly associated with the absence of foot baths (p = 0.0096) and the presence of other animal species on the farm (p = 0.026). The demonstrable emergence of multidrug-resistant Salmonella Enteritidis and Salmonella Typhimurium serotypes, alongside key factors driving the prevalence of nontyphoidal salmonellosis on poultry farms in northwestern Ethiopia, underscores the need for improved intervention strategies and ongoing large-scale One Health genomic surveillance to accurately monitor temporal dynamics of Salmonella infections and mitigate the rise of multidrug resistance.

Photoredox Catalysis with Spin Magnetic Field Effects: A Scheme for Chiral Resolution

The role of Methyl-CpG binding domain 3 (Mbd3) protein in epileptogenesis

Methyl CpG binding domain 3 (Mbd3) protein belongs to the MBD family of proteins and is responsible for reading the DNA methylation pattern. Our previous study revealed increased levels of Nucleosome Remodeling and Deacetylase (NuRD) complex proteins, including Mbd3, in the brains of epileptic animals. The present study investigated whether the Mbd3 protein level determines the seizure threshold. We demonstrate that seizures induced by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) cause a transient, brain area-specific increase in Mbd3 protein levels in the entorhinal cortex and amygdala. Overexpression of Mbd3 in the amygdala using AAV decreased anxiety, increased excitability in the open-field test, and accelerated epileptogenesis in the PTZ-kindling model. In vitro, mRNA profiling using RNA-seq in a model of magnesium deficiency-induced epileptiform discharges revealed complex, time- and state-specific changes in gene expression. Genes regulated by Mbd3 overexpression were associated with the Wnt and Notch pathways, potassium channel function, and GABAB receptor signaling. Our findings indicate that increased Mbd3 expression has pro-epileptic properties and contributes to the regulation of multiple pathways potentially involved in seizure development. Significantly, seizures themselves transiently elevate Mbd3 levels, suggesting a potential vicious circle that may aggravate disease progression. Targeting the pro-epileptic effects of Mbd3 could therefore represent a novel therapeutic approach in epilepsy.

Mechano-ID: Proximity Labeling of Mechanically Active Receptors Reveals the Mechanome and Tags Mechanically Active Cells

Relation between proteome characterization and semen quality in Italian chicken breeds

The conservation of local chicken breeds is essential to safeguard genetic biodiversity and promote sustainable poultry production. Sperm cryopreservation is a key tool for the long-term maintenance of genetic diversity by enabling the storage of male gametes from endangered or valuable breeders for future use in conservation and breeding programs. However, significant variability in semen quality and fertility across breeds limits the effectiveness of cryopreservation protocols. This study aimed to explore the relationship between sperm protein composition and semen quality in five Italian chicken breeds, Bionda Piemontese (BP), Bianca di Saluzzo (BS), Mericanel della Brianza (MB), Pepoi (Pe), and Robusta Maculata (R), known for distinct reproductive traits. Semen samples were analyzed for volume, concentration, membrane integrity, and sperm motility, and for sperm proteomes by a label-free shotgun proteomics approach, to characterize potential molecular pathways associated with semen quality. Significant inter-breed differences were observed in semen parameters; Pe roosters showed the highest semen volume and concentration, but lower values in kinematic traits, including curvilinear velocity (VCL), straight-line velocity (VSL), and average path velocity (VAP). RM and MB exhibited the most favorable sperm membrane integrity, progressive sperm motility and sperm kinematic profile, with high VCL, VSL, VAP, linearity and wobble, despite lower semen volume. The remaining breeds showed intermediate values across most traits. Overall, results suggest breed-specific patterns and a potential trade-off between semen quantity and sperm motion efficiency. Proteomic analysis showed that proteins involved in energy metabolism, cytoskeletal dynamics, and membrane integrity were differentially abundant across breeds and correlated with specific semen traits. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis revealed enrichment of pathways such as the HSP90 chaperone cycle, TP53 transcriptional regulation, and insulin-like growth factor signaling in association with sperm motility and quality. Our findings demonstrate that sperm proteomes are associated with breed-specific fertility traits. This study provides new insights into the molecular basis of semen quality variability and biological conservation of avian genetic resources.

Conformation and Dynamics of Monomeric, Phase-Separated, and Cross-Linked Resilin Biomaterials

Translation and validation of the artificial intelligence anxiety scale in German

Aim Artificial intelligence anxiety refers to fear due to challenges caused by AI-related changes in one’s own life. As the first study, our aim was to translate and validate the German version of the Artificial Intelligence Anxiety Scale (AIAS-G). Furthermore, norm values (i.e., reference scores derived from the population) were presented. Methods Data were used from a quota-based sample of the adult population in Germany spanning from 18 to 74 years (n = 3,270) reflecting the German population in terms of sex, age and federal state. Data were collected in January 2025. The translation process followed established guidelines. Reliability was determined (in terms of Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega). Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to examine construct validity. Concurrent validity was investigated by calculating pairwise correlations of AIAS-G with depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, life satisfaction and ikigai (Japanese concept mainly referring to meaning/purpose in life). Moreover, norm values were offered (also for specific sociodemographic groups). The AIAS-G sum score ranges from 21 to 147, with higher values corresponding to a higher AI anxiety level. Results Cronbach’s alpha was .97 for the AIAS-G (subscales from .94 to .98). The mean AI anxiety level was 69.6 (SD: 32.6), with highest mean levels among women, older adults, individuals being divorced/widowed, individuals with low education, and retired individuals. The four-factor model originally proposed was substantiated by the findings of the confirmatory factor analysis. Higher levels of AI-related anxiety were associated with more depressive symptoms (r = .32, p < .001), more anxiety symptoms (r = .34, p < .001), lower life satisfaction (r = −.16, p < .001) and lower ikigai levels (r = −.21, p < .001). Conclusion The AIAS-G is a psychometrically sound instrument designed to determine AI anxiety levels among German speakers. Further translation and validation studies are necessary to enable comparisons across various countries.

An evolutionary game model of HEI and graduate aligning postgraduate expansion with sustainable development

The rising burden of female cancer in Ethiopia (2000–2021) and projections to 2040: Insights from the global burden of disease study

Background Female cancers—breast, cervical, ovarian, and uterine—pose significant public health and socio-economic challenges, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like Ethiopia. However, detailed and geographically disaggregated data are limited, hindering effective policymaking. To address this gap, our study utilizes the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) methodology to analyze 21 years (2000–2021) of national and sub-national trends and risk factors for these cancers in Ethiopia, with projections to 2040, to support targeted cancer control and health system strengthening. Methods Using the 2021GBD data, we analyzed the national and sub-national prevalence, incidence, mortality, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), years of life lost (YLLs), and years lived with disability (YLDs) for female specific cancer in Ethiopia. An Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model was employed for projecting epidemiological trajectories through 2040. All statistical analyses and data visualization were performed using Python. Results In 2021, the Ethiopian incidence of female breast, cervical, ovarian, and uterine cancer was 7,308 (95% uncertainty interval (UI): 5,794–9,199), 7,884 (95% UI: 5,759–11,765), 2,054 (95% UI: 1,034–2,929), and 669 (95% UI: 422–1,126), respectively. Cervical cancer accounts for the highest number of DALYs, 162,776 (95% UI: 119,900–239,116), followed by breast, ovarian, and uterine cancer at 155,931 (95% UI: 123,015–196,249), 40,430 (95% UI: 19,885–57,414), and 8,882 (95% UI: 5,579–15,240), respectively. Projections to 2040 indicate a continued rise in incidence for all female cancers. Conclusions Breast and ovarian cancers are emerging public health crises in Ethiopia, with significant increases in prevalence, incidence, and DALYs. While the cervical cancer burden is declining, rising YLDs indicate a growing need for long-term care. The projected rise in female cancer incidence calls for urgent, targeted interventions focused on early diagnosis, age-appropriate screening, and improved cancer care services to reduce the adverse impact on Ethiopian women's health.

Circulating extracellular vesicles predict outcome in patient undergoing transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement

Abstract Portal hypertension is a primary cause of complications leading to significant morbidity and mortality in patients with cirrhosis. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) insertion has improved survival in well-selected patients with refractory ascites and high-risk variceal bleeding. We investigated the prognostic role of circulating extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are known for their role in immunomodulation and intercellular communication, in patients undergoing TIPS. 141 patients undergoing TIPS placement were included in this retrospective analysis. Median EVs size (X50) and total serum concentration were determined by nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) prior to TIPS placement, and transplant-free 1-year survival was assessed using time-to event analysis and Cox regression. EVs size but not their concentration moderately correlated with MELD and Child–Pugh scores based on its correlation with bilirubin and international normalized ratio. In addition, a significant correlation of EVs concentration with platelet count and the immune activation marker soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor was observed. In univariate analysis, larger EVs size (> 243 nm) was associated with 1-year transplant-free survival after TIPS placement (p = 0.012; HR: 2.539), which remained significant after adjusting for MELD scores in multivariable Cox-regression analysis (p = 0.033; HR: 2.204). Larger EVs size indicates advanced stages of chronic liver disease and served as an independent predictor of transplantation-free survival after TIPS placement. Larger prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings and to identify patients at particularly high-risk following TIPS placement.

Optimizing hyperparameters of YOLOv10 for arson detection using advanced optimization algorithms

Arson detection plays a critical role in protecting lives and property in high-risk environments such as airports, industrial zones, and other public areas. Recent advances in deep learning (DL), particularly YOLOv10, have demonstrated strong potential in real-time object detection. However, the model’s performance is highly dependent on effective hyperparameter optimization to maintain a balance between accuracy and computational efficiency. This study proposes a hybrid GWO-BBOA optimization algorithm that combines the global search capability of Grey Wolf Optimization with the fine-tuning strength of the Brown Bear Optimization Algorithm to optimize YOLOv10 for arson detection. The model was evaluated using an augmented dataset of 2,182 annotated images. Experimental results show that the proposed GWO-BBOA approach outperforms traditional optimization methods, achieving a recall of 0.620. This indicates its enhanced ability to detect true arson events. Moreover, the hybrid algorithm effectively balances exploration and exploitation while reducing the number of required iterations. Future work will focus on expanding the dataset, implementing adaptive optimization strategies, and integrating the model into real-time surveillance systems. Overall, this work highlights the value of hybrid metaheuristic approaches in enhancing DL models for safety-critical applications.

An analytical solution for load transfer mechanism of Plum blossom pile foundations

Health aspects and lifestyle of licensed manual therapists during the COVID-19 pandemic in Sweden: The CAMP cohort study

Background This study assessed health and change in lifestyle factors in Swedish manual therapists during one year of the COVID-19 pandemic, and potential differences with regards to age, sex, and business constellation. Further, therapists’ strategies for health promotion during the pandemic were explored. Methods In this cohort study, 816 clinically active manual therapists were followed with web-based surveys during a year of the COVID-19 pandemic in Sweden, measuring physical activity, sedentary time, COVID-19-related worries, maladaptive coping, alcohol and tobacco consumption. Health promotion and impact of the pandemic on physical and mental health were explored in free text questions. Generalized estimating equations were conducted to assess changes in sample averages over time, and qualitative content analysis was used to code and categorize free-text answers. Results There was a decrease in physical activity and sedentary time increased as well as subjective mental health impact by the pandemic over one year. Maladaptive coping decreased during follow-up, and alcohol and tobacco consumption decreased in younger participants, and women, respectively. Participants stated that the pandemic affected their physical and mental health and reported using health promoting activities primarily targeting physical activity, nutrition, and sleep. Conclusion Swedish manual therapists maintained good lifestyle habits except for a small decrease in physical activity and slight increase in sedentary behavior and subjective mental health impact by the pandemic over time. There were small differences in terms of maladaptive coping, alcohol consumption, and tobacco consumption, however, these differences were not likely clinically relevant. The therapists seemed conscientious regarding health promotion measures during one year of the COVID-19 pandemic.