Browse Articles

Modelling the evolution of the European high-speed rail infrastructure network

Abstract High-speed rail (HSR) is often considered a promising and sustainable alternative for long-distance travel in the European context, aligned with Europe’s ambitious mobility and climate goals for 2050. However, a cohesive European HSR network is yet to be realised. Critically, the planning of a European HSR network requires considering how the network is to gradually evolve from its current fragmented state. We introduce an Evolutionary Network Growth model with Infrastructure and Network Effects considerations for European Rail (ENGINEER). This novel iterative network growth model selects the HSR infrastructure with the highest economic potential, continuously updating network configurations and demand patterns, subject to budget feasibility constraints. ENGINEER integrates cost estimates based on a microscopic representation and benefits estimated based on a macroscopic travel demand representation and is applied across 28 European countries. Our findings highlight the importance of path dependency and the benefits of an integrated decision-making in infrastructure planning. Model results demonstrate that ENGINEER can effectively identify promising HSR investments, yielding a cohesive and well-integrated European HSR network which leads to an increase in rail mode share per trip from 13% in 2023 to 27% by 2065.

Dye-based qPCR assays for the separate quantification of total bacterial, fungal, arthropod, and plant DNA

Characterization of bacterial, fungal, arthropod, and plant communities from bulk environmental samples can enhance our understanding of the biodiversity on Earth and aid in biomonitoring of various biomes. An important step in any molecular biology protocol is DNA quantification. While fast methods that determine the total amount of DNA in a sample are widely available, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) is often preferred as it permits quantification of specific DNA molecules of interest. Currently, commercial qPCR assays are only available to quantify total bacterial and fungal DNA; limited studies describe the use of qPCR to quantify total arthropod and plant DNA. Here we describe the rigorous validation of four dye-based qPCR assays to separately quantify total bacterial, fungal, arthropod, and plant DNA following the MIQE guidelines. Validation experiments included primer annealing, primer concentration, specificity ( in vitro and in silico ), sensitivity, and reproducibility. Standard curves were created using synthetic double stranded DNA (gBlocks ™ ) that were designed to quantify the DNA molecules of interest. Melt curve temperatures were identified for each taxon for specificity confirmation. These four assays were found to be specific, sensitive, and reproducible and can quantify DNA from single source specimens and mixed DNA samples, such as environmental DNA.

Evaluation of S-Value in relation to cochlear anatomy in pediatric cochlear implant users

Hybridizing deep learning algorithms and geostatistical approaches for improved crop yield disaggregation

Reliable crop yield estimates at fine spatial resolution are essential for precision agriculture, food security planning, and insurance schemes. However, yield statistics are reported at coarser administrative levels, limiting their applicability for field-scale analysis. This study proposes a multi-stage hybridized framework that integrates deep learning (DL) models with geostatistical residual kriging to disaggregate village-level crop yield statistics to the pixel level. The proposed methodology is demonstrated using wheat and mustard crops as case study in the semi-arid districts, Haryana, India. The study identifies suitable data combination by evaluating multiple combinations of soil, weather, Sentinel-1, and Sentinel-2 bands data for yield disaggregation. Results show that datasets combining spectral and weather information consistently outperform other data combinations. Validation results showed that the strongest numerical accuracy was observed for machine learning algorithms, e.g., random forest, with an R 2 of 0.9949, but it lacks spatial realism. On the other hand, DL models had comparable numerical accuracy and also produced smoother and more realistic spatial transitions but exhibited spatially structured residuals. To mitigate these spatial biases, residual kriging was applied to DL outputs, resulting in RMSE reduction of 35–45% and generating smoother pixel-level maps that preserved fine-scale heterogeneity and aligned with reported village yields. Moran’s I analysis confirmed significant residual spatial autocorrelation for DL models, justifying the use of geostatistical correction. Thus, the proposed hybridized framework emerged as best for balancing statistical accuracy with spatially realistic yield disaggregation. This study provides one of the first empirical demonstrations of village-to-pixel yield disaggregation using the identified weather and satellite band data combination.

Characterization of bacterial microbiome and molecular detection of rickettsiosis in free-living ticks (Amblyomma sculptum Berlese, 1888)

An assessment of sensory sensitivity, including certain anhedonia dimensions, in patients with schizophrenia using transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation

This study addresses a largely unexplored area in schizophrenia: the relationship between affective functioning and sensory perception assessed through objective, quantifiable methods. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to assess the electrical sensory threshold in individuals with schizophrenia using transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). It was hypothesized that patients with schizophrenia require higher current intensity to reach the sensory threshold and that an association exists between anhedonia and the subjective evaluation of the electrical stimulus. The study was based on an objective assessment of the sensory threshold using electrical stimulation. A gradually increasing electrical pulse was applied until the sensory threshold, defined as the minimum tingling sensation perceived by the participant, was reached. The study included 108 individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia and 59 participants in the control group. Various dimensions of anhedonia were assessed using the Dimensional Anhedonia Rating Scale (DARS). Quality of life and its domains were assessed using the WHOQOL-BREF. Participants reporting higher levels of sensory anhedonia rated the electrical stimulus as less pleasant. A negative correlation was observed between the pleasantness of the stimulus and both patient age and treatment duration. Furthermore, individuals whose clinical improvement was rated by the physician as more pronounced than at baseline exhibited greater sensitivity to the electrical stimulus. These findings suggest that anhedonia should be considered not only as a core symptom of schizophrenia, but also as a factor influencing patients’ adaptation in multiple domains, including sensory processing. Addressing anhedonia may therefore be a relevant target for both preventive strategies and rehabilitation programs.

Structural fatigue failure analysis and lifetime reliability monitoring strategy of the lattice jib in all-terrain cranes

Prognostic stratification in hepatocellular carcinoma using a telomerase-related lncRNA signature derived from TCGA database

Background Characterized by high recurrence rates and limited therapeutic options, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Notwithstanding the fact that telomerase-related long non-coding RNAs (TRLs) have been implicated in tumorigenesis, it remains poorly understood about their prognostic and immunological roles in HCC. Methods For the purpose of identifying telomerase-related genes (TRGs) and TRLs, we used transcriptomic data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). We built a prognostic signature using LASSO-Cox regression. Then, we validated it with time-dependent ROC curves. We assessed the model's clinical utility with nomogram calibration and DCA. We also evaluated immune profiling, tumor mutation burden, drug sensitivity and TIDE scores to characterize the tumor microenvironment. Using a pilot cohort of clinical samples, initial experimental validation was completed with RT-qPCR. Results By using a 4-TRLs signature, HCC patients can be divided into Low-risk (L-R) and High-risk (H-R) groups. The signature acted as an independent prognostic factor. It provided a highly accurate prediction of patient survival at 1, 3, and 5 years (AUC: 0.744–0.770). H-R patients had more immune cells in their tumors. They also showed higher levels of checkpoint expression. Besides, their TIDE (tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion) scores were also higher. All these things mean they might not respond well to immunotherapy. Subtype-specific therapeutic vulnerabilities can be read from drug sensitivity analysis. By carrying out reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), consistent dysregulation patterns of TRLs can be observed in HCC tissues. This providing basis supports for our bioinformatic findings. Mechanistically, lncRNA AC026356.1 linked to a telomerase-related ceRNA network. This network includes miR-126-5p and its downstream targets. Conclusion The 4-TRLs signature is a tool that can be applied in HCC clinical practice. It enables prognostic stratification and helps guide treatment. These lncRNAs are linked to both immune activity and drug response. This dual role shows they affect tumor progression and the microenvironment. This finding provides new insights for precision oncology in HCC.

Improving non-expert performance in musculoskeletal MRI protocoling through a large language model

Research on the mechanism of perceived value of cultural and creative products on consumers’ purchase intention

In order to resolve the paradox of “high cultural value, low market conversion” and the homogenisation dilemma of cultural and creative products markets, this study proposes an extended analytical framework for cultural and creative products, based on the theory of Customer Perceived Value. The study systematically examines the impact of consumer perceived value on purchase intention from six dimensions: functional quality value, function price value, emotional value, social value, perceptual innovation, perceptual cultural, customer satisfaction, and purchase intention. A questionnaire survey of consumers at the Shaanxi Provincial Museum was conducted, yielding 333 valid responses. These responses were analysed using structural equation modelling. The study revealed that functional quality value, function price value, emotional value, and perceptual innovation all significantly positively influenced customer satisfaction, indirectly driving purchase intent through the full mediation effect of satisfaction. However, the impact of social value did not reach statistical significance. This research challenges the conventional limitations of traditional perceived value models, unveiling a chain mechanism in cultural and creative consumption: The sequence of events leading to the formation of purchase intent is as follows: first, the customer must perceive the value of the product; second, they must be satisfied with this perception. The findings provide a theoretical basis for understanding the pivotal role of cultural value in the transformation of cultural phenomena into market behaviour. The practical implications of this theory suggest that the development of cultural and creative products should move beyond the simple accumulation of symbols. By innovatively designing cultural elements to enhance their perceptibilities and leveraging narrative experiences to improve cultural interpretability, products can strengthen practical functionality and emotional resonance while simultaneously boosting consumers cultural identity and appreciation of innovation. This approach has been demonstrated to effectively activate purchase intent.

Promoting structural sustainable design through the influence of quality control assessments

Abstract In structural reliability assessments, the selection of suitable parameters for the definition of stochastic models of component properties—such as concrete compressive strength, steel yield strength or geometric dimensions—is a prime requirement. Typically, during the production of structural components, several conformity control criteria, which are part of quality control assessments, are adopted to evaluate whether their properties comply with specified requirements. Previous investigations have demonstrated that the consideration of conformity control assessments in reliability studies might have a positive influence on the structural reliability of a component, thereby, enabling more material and resource efficient designs than conventional designs that do not take conformity control into account. In this investigation, a methodology grounded on the principles of reliability theory and Bayesian statistics is offered to quantify the positive effects of conformity control assessments in structural reliability levels. The practical application of this methodology is further demonstrated through an example extracted from previous investigations concerning the reliability level of a short concrete column subjected to compression. The results suggest that existing safety margins can be activated to adjust partial safety factors on the resistance side and, thus, optimise design solutions. Finally, possible improvements for the overall methodology are identified, opening avenues for the design of more sustainable structures.

Analysis of factors influencing postoperative refractive status in patients with high myopia undergoing combined surgery for vitreous opacity and cataract

Aim To observe the postoperative efficacy and factors affecting refractive status following combined vitrectomy and cataract surgery for high myopia (HM) with cataract and vitreous opacities, and compare the differences in refractive status between eyes with and without posterior capsulotomy. Method Retrospective case study, a total of 57 patients (81 eyes) diagnosed with HM complicated with cataracts and vitreous opacity at Shanghai Aier Eye Hospital between 01/01/2022 and 01/01/2025.were included in the study, who underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) combined with cataract phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. Preoperative examinations included best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), IOL-master, and Pentacam, with IOL power calculated using the Barrett formula. Postoperative follow-up was conducted at 3 months, including BCVA and refraction assessment. Besides, compared and analyzed the refractive status of eyeballs with and without posterior capsule incision during surgery(60 eyes with posterior capsulotomy and 21 eyes with posterior capsule preservation). Results The mean axial length (AL) of patients’ eyes was 29.77 ± 2.55 mm, and the mean preoperative BCVA was 0.64 ± 0.60 (LogMAR). Three months postoperatively, the mean BCVA improved to 0.40 ± 0.43 (LogMAR), showing a statistically significant improvement (P < 0.05). The mean postoperative spherical equivalent (SE) was −2.83 ± 1.57 degree (D), with an average deviation of −0.23 ± 0.55 (D) from the target refraction. The refractive deviation of all eyes was −0.23 ± 0.55D, and −0.20 ± 0.56D in the posterior capsulotomy group, which was less than −0.30 ± 0.53D in the posterior capsule preservation group compared with the target refractive deviation(p = 0.49). In addition, preoperative SE, postoperative SE, and reserved diopter were significantly correlated with postoperative refractive deviation (r = 0.37,p = 0.0007;r = 0.24,p = 0.03;r = 0.61,p < 0.0001), while age and anterior chamber depth (ACD) were respectively correlated with refractive deviation (r = 0.16,p = 0.22; r = −0.10,p = 0.39). Conclusion Combined surgery for HM with cataract and vitreous opacities improves postoperative vision. The mean deviation between reserved refraction and target refraction is less than 0.5 D. Refractive deviation is significantly correlated with preoperative/postoperative SE and reserved degree, may have a positive correlation with age,and may be negatively correlated with ACD. Posterior cystectomy may also be one of the influencing factors in reducing refractive deviation.

Impact of exercise-induced fatigue on the risk of stress fractures in the tibia during smash landing in female badminton players

MoGraphDRP: Multi-omics and graph fusion with bilinear attention for predicting drug sensitivity

Accurate prediction of drug response in cancer cells is a fundamental step toward achieving precision medicine and designing personalized therapies. In this study, a multi-branch deep learning framework is proposed that integrates multi-omics cellular data including gene expression, mutation, methylation, and biological pathways with structural features of drugs (molecular graphs and various chemical fingerprints) to enable drug response prediction. The graph structure of the drug is modeled using a three-layer Graph Convolutional Network (GCN), and chemical fingerprints are compressed using MLP networks. These multiple representations of drugs are integrated and then combined with cellular features in a Multi-head Bilinear Attention module to model the complex interactions between cells and drugs. In the final stage, an ensemble model based on XGBoost is used to refine the outputs. The MoGraphDRP model demonstrates significantly higher accuracy in drug response prediction compared to existing state-of-the-art methods. Experimental results show that the MoGraphDRP model outperforms advanced methods such as BANDRP, DeepCDR, and DeepTTA, achieving PCC = 0.9689, RMSE = 0.6622, and R² = 0.9388. This model not only accurately reconstructs missing IC50 values but also effectively distinguishes between sensitive and resistant drugs in unknown combinations. The MoGraphDRP framework can serve as a powerful, interpretable, and reliable tool for analyzing drug response and designing preclinical treatments.

Electrical information flows across the sporocarps of two ectomycorrhizal fungi in the field

From problematic soil to engineered fill: Transforming granite residual soil with clay improvement

To investigate the enhancement effect of clay on the mechanical properties of granite residual soil in the Qinba Mountains of China, this study systematically examined the influence of clay content on the liquid and plasticity index, compaction behavior, compressibility, cohesion and internal friction angle of the soil. The analysis used a range of laboratory tests. These include tests to measure liquid and plastic limit determinations. The analysis also used tests for compaction and compression and tests that examine direct shear. Observations of structures at small scale provided additional data. The findings show that particles of clay fill spaces in soil. This filling increases how compact the soil is. The filling also improves capacity to hold water. Hydroxyl groups that the clay introduces allow this improvement. The adsorption of water molecules by the clay also supports this effect. When the clay content increases, the plasticity index shows increase and the maximum moisture content shows increase in the granite residual soil. The clay content that reaches 30% produces the maximum dry density that shows the peak value in the soil, and this represents increase of approximately 21.4% when results compare to the soil without improvement. The compression coefficient decreases to the minimum level at the same clay content, and this reflects reduction of 75%. The cohesion of the soil mass shows increase that relates to increasing clay content in a linear pattern. The internal friction angle shows gradual decrease with the clay content increase, and this angle tends to stabilize when the clay content exceeds 30%. These findings indicate that clay provides effective improvement material for the engineering properties that the granite residual soil contains. The approach that uses clay offers reliable reference for applications that involve roadbed filling.

Spatial inequality in school physical education resources in Shaanxi, China (2021–2024): patterns, determinants, and policy implications

Long-term safety evaluation of mirtazapine: A real-world pharmacovigilance study based on the FAERS database

Background Mirtazapine is widely used in the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), yet its real-world safety profile remains insufficiently evaluated. Methods This study analyzed adverse event (AE, plural AEs) reports related to mirtazapine from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database between the first quarter of 2004 and the first quarter of 2025. Four disproportionality analysis methods were employed, including reporting odds ratio (ROR), proportional reporting ratio (PRR), Bayesian confidence propagation neural network (BCPNN), and multi-item gamma Poisson shrinker (MGPS). Additional analyses included sensitivity analysis, time-to-onset (TTO) evaluation, and Weibull distribution modeling. Results A total of 17,953 reports were included, with females accounting for 54.1% and males for 37.7%. In 48.4% of the reports, patients were aged between 18 and 65 years. Overall, 65.0% of the reports were submitted by healthcare professionals. Known AEs such as somnolence (n = 887, ROR = 4.57, PRR = 4.52, EBGM = 4.50, IC = 2.17), QT interval prolongation (n = 259, ROR = 7.35, PRR = 7.32, EBGM = 7.27, IC = 2.86), suicidal ideation (n = 601, ROR = 6.65, PRR = 6.59, EBGM = 6.55, IC = 2.71), and rhabdomyolysis (n = 146, ROR = 3.66, PRR = 3.65, EBGM = 3.64, IC = 1.87) showed positive signals. In addition, several unexpected AEs also exhibited positive signals, including restless legs syndrome (n = 305, ROR = 17.05, PRR = 16.97, EBGM = 16.65, IC = 4.06), neuroleptic malignant syndrome (n = 158, ROR = 13.77, PRR = 13.74, EBGM = 13.53, IC = 3.76), and nightmare (n = 279, ROR = 8.02, PRR = 7.99, EBGM = 7.93, IC = 2.99). TTO analysis showed that 59.52% of AEs occurred within the first month of treatment. The results of the sensitivity analyses further supported the robustness of these findings. Conclusion This study systematically assessed the long-term safety profile of mirtazapine using 21 years of real-world pharmacovigilance data from the FAERS database. The findings provide important evidence to support safe clinical use of mirtazapine and emphasize the need for continuous safety monitoring.

Gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy via the trans-subclavian approach versus conventional open thyroid surgery for unilateral thyroid cancer

Abstract The incidence of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is increasing worldwide. With advancements in society and technology, the variety of thyroid endoscopic surgeries is expanding. Gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy via the trans-subclavian approach (GETTSA) has been used for many years; yet, relevant research data are limited. This study aimed to assess the reliability of GETTSA by comparing it with conventional open thyroid surgery (COT). Clinical data were collected from 488 patients who underwent unilateral PTC surgery at Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital. Based on propensity score matching, relevant data were compared between the two procedures using the chi-square test, independent-sample t-test, and Mann-Whitney U test. COT and GETTSA significantly differed with respect to Thyroid Cancer-Specific Quality of Life ( P  < 0.001), scar appearance ( P  = 0.031), swallowing function ( P  = 0.001), operative time ( P  < 0.001), hospital fees ( P  < 0.001), number of central lymph node dissections ( P  < 0.001), drainage volume on the first postoperative day ( P  = 0.017), and parathyroid autotransplantation( P  = 0.019). However, no notable differences in the number of lymph node metastases ( P  = 0.155), length of postoperative hospital stay ( P  = 0.181), or transient vocal cord paralysis ( P  = 0.478) were observed between COT and GETTSA. Additionally, no complications (secondary surgery, tracheal fistula, poor healing, or postoperative bleeding) occurred in either group. In conclusion, GETTSA is a reliable surgical procedure with the help of carbon nanoparticles; however, attention should be paid to protecting the parathyroid glands.

The use of humanure for cereal production under conventional and regenerative farming models - findings from a three-year grassland-to-arable transition

Humanure (human excrement recycled for agricultural use) offers a low-cost, simple treatment option for dry sanitation systems, and a promising organic amendment for crop production. However, no long-term studies have evaluated its impacts under different land management approaches. This study presents findings from a three-year field trial (2021–2024) in West Yorkshire, UK, assessing the effects of humanure on cereal crop yield and soil properties under conventional and regenerative farming practices of a former grassland. The experiment used a semi-randomised block design with two management regimes (conventional and regenerative) and three fertilisation treatments (control, synthetic fertiliser, and humanure), each replicated three times. Crop results showed that humanure increased crop yields compared to the control, demonstrating a fertilisation effect, which was more pronounced under regenerative management. However, yields from humanure treatments were lower than those from synthetic fertilisers. Regenerative management produced higher yields than conventional across all fertiliser types. Soil analyses revealed that fertiliser type had limited influence on physical soil properties, but regenerative practices significantly improved water-stable aggregates. Soil organic matter and total carbon were higher under humanure than other fertiliser regimes, and higher under regenerative management across all fertilisers. Humanure elevated phosphorus and potassium levels, but not outside of acceptable limits. Biological indicators, including worm counts, soil respiration, and fungal biomass, were slightly elevated under humanure treatments and consistently higher in regenerative systems. Due to small sample sizes, detailed statistical analysis was not appropriate, and instead trends are observed and discussed. Overall, this study suggests that humanure is a promising soil amendment, especially when combined with regenerative land management. More investigation is warranted, with greater replication to enable statistical analysis, in order to further explore of the role humanure in realising a circular economy for sanitation and sustainable agriculture.