Search Results (292)

Downhole kick is one of the most severe safety hazards in deep and ultra-deep well drilling operations. Traditional monitoring methods, which rely on surface flow rate and fluid level changes, are limited by their delayed response and insufficient sensitivity, making them inadequate for early warning. This study proposes a real-time monitoring technique for gas content in drilling fluid based on the attenuation principle of Ba-133 γ-rays. By integrating laboratory static/dynamic experiments and Geant4-11.2 Monte Carlo simulations, the influence mechanism of gas–liquid two-phase media on γ-ray transmission characteristics is systematically elucidated. Firstly, through a comparative analysis of radioactive source parameters such as Am-241 and Cs-137, Ba-133 (main peak at 356 keV, half-life of 10.6 years) is identified as the optimal downhole nuclear measurement source based on a comparative analysis of penetration capability, detection efficiency, and regulatory compliance. Compared to alternative sources, Ba-133 provides an optimal energy range for detecting drilling fluid density variations, while also meeting exemption activity limits (1 × 10⁶ Bq) for field deployment. Subsequently, an experimental setup with drilling fluids of varying densities (1.2–1.8 g/cm³) is constructed to quantify the inverse square attenuation relationship between source-to-detector distance and counting rate, and to acquire counting data over the full gas content range (0–100%). The Monte Carlo simulation results exhibit a mean relative error of 5.01% compared to the experimental data, validating the physical correctness of the model. On this basis, a nonlinear inversion model coupling a first-order density term with a cubic gas content term is proposed, achieving a mean absolute percentage error of 2.3% across the full range and R² = 0.999. Geant4-based simulation validation demonstrates that this technique can achieve a measurement accuracy of ±2.5% for gas content within the range of 0–100% (at a 95% confidence interval). The anticipated field accuracy of ±5% is estimated by accounting for additional uncertainties due to temperature effects, vibration, and mud composition variations under downhole conditions, significantly outperforming current surface monitoring methods. This enables the high-frequency, high-precision early detection of kick events during the shut-in period. The present study provides both theoretical and technical support for the engineering application of nuclear measurement techniques in well control safety. Full article

To achieve efficient and sustainable marine aquaculture, STAR-CCM+ was used to simulate the internal and external field characteristics of a semi-submersible aquaculture platform based on a porous media model, focusing on the influence of incoming flow velocity and net solidity ratio. The results indicate that the flow field distribution around the platform exhibits no significant regularity and that low-velocity vortex regions are primarily concentrated near the pillars and nets. After velocity attenuation, the velocity reduction coefficients at the centers of the three cages are 90.26%, 63.65%, and 52.56%, respectively. Furthermore, the velocity attenuation inside the cages is minimally influenced by incoming flow velocity, with a maximum difference of 3.10%. In contrast, differences in net solidity ratio significantly affect velocity attenuation, particularly in downstream regions. The velocity reduction coefficient in the third cage varies by up to 43.25% depending on the net solidity ratio. These findings provide practical insights for the engineering design and application of aquaculture platforms. Full article

When monitoring seed positions in soil using ultrasonic waves, the main challenge is obtaining acoustic wave characteristics at the seed locations. This study developed a three-dimensional ultrasonic model with the double media of seed–soil using the discrete element method to visualize signal variations and analyze propagation characteristics. The effects of the compression ratio (0/6/12%), excitation frequency (20/40/60 kHz), and amplitude (5/10/15 μm) on signal variation and attenuation were analyzed. The results show consistent trends: time/frequency domain signal intensity increased with a higher compression ratio and amplitude but decreased with frequency. Comparing ultrasonic signals at soil particles before and after the seed along the propagation path shows that the seed significantly absorbs and attenuates ultrasonic waves. Time domain intensity drops 93.99%, and first and residual wave frequency peaks decrease by 88.06% and 96.39%, respectively. Additionally, comparing ultrasonic propagation velocities in the double media of seed–soil and the single soil medium reveals that the velocity in the seed is significantly higher than that in the soil. At compression ratios of 0%, 6%, and 12%, the sound velocity in the seed is 990.47%, 562.72%, and 431.34% of that in the soil, respectively. These findings help distinguish seed presence and provide a basis for ultrasonic seed position monitoring after sowing. Full article

Background/Objectives: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) exhibit increased cardiovascular risk, partly attributed to persistent systemic inflammation. Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) effectively reduce inflammation, but their impact on cardiovascular risk remains unclear. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the effect of JAKi therapy on systemic inflammation and lipid markers, correlate traditional cardiovascular risk factors with biological parameters, and quantify subclinical atherosclerosis progression. Methods: We conducted a prospective, single-center study including 48 patients receiving JAKi. Clinical, inflammatory, lipid, and vascular parameters were assessed at baseline (T0) and after 12 months (T1). Primary endpoints included changes in carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), ankle-brachial index (ABI), and carotid plaque presence. Results: Mean cIMT significantly decreased from 0.29 mm to 0.125 mm (p = 0.019), while ABI improved modestly, but not significantly (0.125 to 0.04, p = 0.103). Carotid plaque prevalence increased slightly from 39.6% to 47.9%, p = 0.159. C-reactive protein (CRP) levels declined significantly, while interleukin (IL)-1β levels increased. Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels decreased significantly (mean reduction −7.96 mmol/L, p = 0.001). Multivariate regression identified Lp(a) as an independent predictor of carotid plaque at both T0 (p = 0.011) and T1 (p = 0.005). Baseline ABI was a significant predictor of acute cardiovascular events [hazard ratio (HR): 4.614, 95% CI: 1.034–20.596, p = 0.045]. Conclusions: JAKi therapy significantly reduced systemic inflammation and cIMT in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases, suggesting a potential benefit in attenuating early vascular changes. However, residual cardiovascular risk remains in patients with low ABI and elevated Lp(a), warranting close monitoring. Full article

Poloxamer (P) 188 attenuates myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury through cell membrane stabilization. Cell–cell interactions between endothelial cells (ECs) and cardiomyocytes (CMs) further protect CMs: co-cultures showed that, at an optimal density, ECs protected CMs against hypoxia/reoxygenation (HR) injury. The mechanism of interaction with P188 still requires exploration. We examined if N(ω)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (LNAME), a non-specific nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor, abolishes protection in the presence or absence of P188 and/or ECs. We co-cultured mouse coronary artery ECs in an insert atop mouse CMs plated at confluency on the bottom of a well. Normoxic controls remained in complete media while HR groups were exposed to 24 h hypoxia at 0.01% O₂ in serum- and glucose-free media, followed by 2 h reoxygenation in complete media. P188 (300 μM), LNAME (40 mM), or vehicle were administered upon reoxygenation. ECs at the used lower density did not decrease HR-triggered lactate dehydrogenase release or calcium overload in CMs by themselves. P188 reduced both indicators after HR by 16/18% without and by 22/25% with ECs, respectively. LNAME abrogated CM protection by P188. Neither intervention had an effect under normoxia. Our co-culture data indicates that P188 requires NO, not necessarily of endothelial origin, to elicit CM protection. Full article

SPR biosensors operate on the principle of evanescent wave propagation at metal–dielectric interfaces in total internal reflection conditions, with consequent photonic energy attenuation. This plasmonic excitation occurs in specific conditions of incident light wavelength, angle, and the dielectric refractive index. This principle has been the basis for SPR-based biosensor setups wherein mass/concentration-induced changes in the refractive indices of dielectric media reflect as plasmonic resonance condition changes quantitatively reported as arbitrary response units. SPR biosensors operating on this conceptual framework have been designed to study biomolecular interactions with real-time readout and in label-free setups, providing key kinetic characterization that has been valuable in various applications. SPR biosensors often feature antibodies as target affinity probes. Notably, the operational challenges encountered with antibodies have led to the development of aptamers—oligonucleotide biomolecules rationally designed to adopt tertiary structures, enabling high affinity and specific binding to a wide range of targets. Aptamers have been extensively adopted in SPR biosensor setups with promising clinical and industrial prospects. In this paper, we explore the growing literature on SPR setups featuring aptamers, specifically providing expert commentary on the current state and future implications of these SPR aptasensors for drug discovery as well as disease diagnosis and monitoring. Full article

Bone graft substitutes combining the mechanical features of poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) and the bioactivity of β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) have been widely reported in the literature. Surprisingly, however, very little is known about the incorporation of carbonate at a biomimicking level. The authors studied β-TCP/PCL composites at 20 wt.% and 40 wt.%, either enriched or not with sodium bicarbonate (at 2 wt.% and 4 wt.%), through SEM and EDX analyses; surface free energy estimation; pH measurement after 1, 2, and 3 days of incubation in cell media; nanoindentation; and a protein adsorption test with bovine serum albumin. The early biological response was assessed using adipose mesenchymal stem cells, as an established in vitro model, via cellular adhesion (20 min), spreading (24 h), and viability assays (1, 3, 7 days). By increasing the β-TCP content, the composites’ hardnesses and Young’s moduli (EiT) were improved, as well as their protein adsorption compared to neat PCL. Sodium bicarbonate increased the polar component of the surface energy, alkalinized the composite with a higher β-TCP content, and attenuated its early negative cell response. Further investigation is needed to deepen the knowledge of the mechanisms underpinning the mechanical features and long-term biological behavior. Full article

Oral cellular aging plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of chronic periodontitis and alveolar bone resorption. Although activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) has been implicated as a senescence-associated factor, its specific role in periodontal ligament cell (PDLC) senescence remains unclear. Human PDLCs were exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 1 μg/mL) and nicotine (5 mM) for 3 days to induce senescence. ATF3 expression was silenced using siRNA. The expression of senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors (IFNγ, IL6, IL8, TNFα, and IL1β) and the secretion of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) were assessed by RT-PCR and immunoassay. Conditioned media (CM) from these cells were applied to mouse bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) to evaluate osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption. In addition, key signaling pathways, including STAT3, ERK, NF-κB (p65), and AP-1, were investigated by Western blotting and immunofluorescence. ATF3 knockdown markedly reduced the LPS/nicotine-induced expression of SASP factors and decreased NO and PGE₂ levels. CM from ATF3-silenced PDLCs markedly inhibited osteoclast differentiation, as evidenced by reduced tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive multinucleated cells and diminished bone resorption. Moreover, ATF3 inhibition led to a decreased RANKL/OPG ratio and attenuated the phosphorylation of STAT3 and ERK, along with the reduced nuclear translocation of p65 and AP-1 components. These findings suggest that ATF3 plays a critical role in mediating cellular senescence and osteoclastogenesis in PDLCs. Targeting ATF3 may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for managing age-related oral diseases, such as chronic periodontitis. Full article

Objective: Secretory factors, termed the secretome, in the conditioned medium (CM) from dental mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have shown anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and tissue regenerative potential. This cell-free product could be further developed by preconditioning cells with various biochemical agents, which lead to a change in secretome and CM profiles. Among the favorable candidates for CM production, metformin as an anti-diabetic medication is currently considered a potential agent for dental hard tissue and periodontal regeneration. Here, we aimed to assess the composition of CM from periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) grown in metformin-preconditioned media (Met-CM) compared to normal PDLSC-CM and assess the ability of Met-CM to recover the function of inflamed PDLSCs. Methods: Met-CM and normal CM were collected from PDLSCs grown with or without 50 µM metformin, respectively, under healthy culture conditions. Mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) were performed to comparatively evaluate the proteomic profiles in PDLSC-CM versus Met-CM. We then treated the PDLSC cultures with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Porphyromonas gingivalis to induce inflammation and evaluated the osteogenic/cementogenic differentiation in the presence of Met-CM or normal PDLSC-CM by assessing alkaline phosphatase activity, intracellular calcium levels, and mRNA expression of osteogenic and cementogenic factors, including RUNX2, OCN, OSX, and CEMP-1. Subsequently, we performed RNA sequencing to identify transcriptomic changes in the treated cells. Results: We identified 202 differentially expressed proteins, 175 of which were significant, in Met-CM versus normal PDLSC-CM. Among the analyzed groups, the top three protein classes were protein-binding activity modulator, cytoskeletal protein, and extracellular matrix (ECM) protein. Treatment of PDLSCs with LPS significantly attenuated ALP activity, [Ca²⁺]_i, and the mRNA expression levels of RUNX2, OCN, OSX, and CEMP-1, whereas treatment with Met-CM alone markedly enhanced PDLSC differentiation activity compared with the control. Moreover, osteogenic/cementogenic differentiation of the LPS-treated PDLSCs was recovered through incubation in Met-CM. Transcriptomic analysis identified 511 and 3591 differentially expressed genes in the control versus Met-CM and LPS versus LPS + Met-CM groups, respectively. The enrichment of biological processes includes positive regulation of DNA-templated transcription and skeletal system morphogenesis in the control versus Met-CM comparison, as well as positive regulation of transcription from the RNA polymerase II promoter and negative regulation of the apoptotic process in the LPS versus LPS + Met-CM comparison. Molecular function analysis demonstrated the enrichment of protein-binding terms among the DEGs from each comparison. Conclusions: Metformin preconditioning enhanced the recovery effect of PDLSC-CM on LPS-induced inflamed PDLSCs. These findings suggest that metformin preconditioning could represent a practical formula for PDLSC-secretome, which may contribute to the development of future cell-free periodontal regenerative strategies. Full article

Reducing enteric methane production from ruminant livestock has been positioned as a key intervention to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. Bovaer©, a feed additive purported to reduce enteric methane emissions in dairy cows by nearly a third, has received regulatory authorization in many countries. However, there is a dearth of evidence on the consumer’s response to the use of such products. In the three weeks after 27 November 2024, there was a significant increase in media communications associated with the use of Bovaer© in Europe, and especially the United Kingdom (UK). This structured review of academic and gray literature and an iterative non-systematic survey of media discourse online explored and characterized the narratives that emerged in this three-week period of intense activity in both social media and mainstream media communications in order to critique the narratives and grammars within the public response and the implications for policymakers, industry and academia. The main narrative that emerged reflected the science-consumer tensions associated with the use of Bovaer© and the four sub-narratives shaping it (mainstream media influence and narrative framing, distrust in science and lack of relatability, conspiracy theories and fear-based narratives, consumer buycotts and market responses). Organizations adopting technological solutions to address ‘wicked’ societal problems need to understand the factors that trigger, amplify and attenuate social concern as expressed in mainstream and social media and need to adopt appropriate communication and dissemination activities to reduce the circulation of mis-dis-mal-information and promote information that is appropriate for multiple audiences and levels of understanding. Full article

The selection of sound-source signals is a pivotal aspect of temperature measurement in stored grain using the acoustic method, as their characteristics directly influence the propagation effects of sound waves in grain media and the accuracy of temperature measurement. To identify a sound-source signal with optimal propagation performance, this study focused on analyzing the signal attenuation levels of typical sound sources, including simulated pulse signals and linear swept signals, during propagation. The results demonstrated that the linear swept signal exhibited superior propagation characteristics in grain media, with significantly lower signal attenuation compared to other sound-source signals. Specifically, a linear swept signal with a duration of 0.5 s and a frequency range of 200 Hz to 1000 Hz showed the best propagation performance. Finally, based on this rational signal, the temperature of grain samples was measured, yielding a mean absolute error of 1.62 °C. Full article

Accurately modeling fractures in wave-propagation simulations is challenging due to their small scale relative to other features. While equivalent-media models can approximate fracture-induced anisotropy, they fail to capture their discrete influence on wave propagation. To address this limitation, the Interior-Penalty Discontinuous Galerkin Method (IP-DGM) can be adapted to incorporate the Linear-Slip Model (LSM) to represent fractures explicitly. In this study, we apply IP-DGM to elastic wave propagation in fractured cylindrical domains using realistic fracture compliances obtained from laboratory experiments (using ultrasonic-pulse transmission) to simulate the effects of fluid-filled fractures. We analyze how fracture spacing and fluid type influence P- and S-wave behavior, focusing on amplitude attenuation and wave-front delays. Our numerical results align with experimental and theoretical predictions, demonstrating that higher-density fluids enhance wave transmission, reducing the impedance contrast and improving coupling across fracture surfaces. These findings highlight the capability of IP-DGM to accurately model wave propagation in realistic fractured and saturated media, providing a valuable tool for seismic monitoring in fractured reservoirs and other applications where fluid-filled fractures are prevalent. Full article

The inherent mineralogical alignment in stratified rock formations engenders pronounced mechanical anisotropy, presenting persistent challenges across geological, geotechnical, and petroleum engineering disciplines. While substantial progress has been made in modeling transversely isotropic media, current methodologies exhibit limitations in reconciling theoretical predictions with complex failure mechanisms. This investigation examines the anisotropic response of diverse lithologies through triaxial testing across bedding orientations (0–90°) and confinement levels (0–60 MPa), revealing a pressure-dependent attenuation of directional strength variations. Experimental evidence identifies three dominant failure modes: cross-bedding shear fracturing, bedding-parallel sliding, and hybrid mechanisms combining both, with transition thresholds governed by confinement intensity and bedding angle. Analytical comparisons demonstrate that conventional single weakness plane models produce characteristic shoulder-shaped strength curves with overpredictions, particularly in hybrid failure regimes. Conversely, the modified patchy weakness plane formulation achieves superior predictive accuracy through parametric representation of anisotropy gradation, effectively capturing strength transitions between end-member failure modes. The Pariseau criterion, though marginally less precise in absolute terms, provides critical insights into directional strength contrasts through its explicit differentiation of vertical versus parallel bedding responses. These findings advance the fundamental understanding of anisotropic rock behavior while establishing practical frameworks for optimizing stability assessments in bedded formations, particularly in high-confinement environments characteristic of deep reservoirs and engineered underground structures. Full article

This study investigates the moderating effect of language attitude on the relationships among social media addiction, social pain, and internet trolling among college students. A sample of 891 students from various colleges and universities completed validated measures assessing their levels of social media addiction, social pain, internet trolling, and language attitude. Using a latent variable approach within a multigroup structural equation modeling (SEM) framework, participants were divided into three groups (high, medium, and low language attitude) based on their language attitude scores. The SEM analysis revealed distinct patterns across groups. In the high language attitude group, both social media addiction and social pain significantly predicted internet trolling, with standardized regression coefficients of 0.564 and 0.728, respectively. In the medium language attitude group, the predictive effects remained significant; however, the magnitude of the coefficients decreased markedly (0.264 for social media addiction and 0.562 for social pain). In contrast, in the low language attitude group, neither social media addiction nor social pain emerged as significant predictors of internet trolling. Interestingly, the covariance between social media addiction and social pain remained consistent across the three groups, suggesting a stable interrelationship irrespective of language attitude level. These findings imply that language attitude plays a crucial moderating role in the interplay among social media addiction, social pain, and internet trolling. Specifically, higher levels of language attitude appear to amplify the effects of social media addiction and social pain on internet trolling behavior, while lower levels attenuate these associations. The results underscore the importance of considering individual differences in language attitudes when developing intervention strategies aimed at mitigating problematic online behaviors among college students. Full article

Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) cause blood vessel damage and induce diabetic complications in various organs, such as the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and skin. As glycation stress causes aesthetic, physical, and functional changes in the skin, glycation-targeting skin anti-aging strategies are attracting attention in cosmetology and dermatology. The primary goal of this review is to understand the significance of glycation-induced skin aging and to examine the therapeutic potential of glycation-targeting strategies. This study covers experimental and clinical studies exploring various interventions to attenuate glycation-induced skin aging. Glycation stress decreases the viability of cells in culture media, the cell-mediated contraction of collagen lattices in reconstructed skin models, and the expression of fibrillin-1 at the dermo-epidermal junction in the skin explants. It also increases cross-links in tail tendon collagen in animals, prolonging its breakdown time. However, these changes are attenuated by several synthetic and natural agents. Animal and clinical studies have shown that dietary or topical administration of agents with antiglycation or antioxidant activity can attenuate changes in AGE levels (measured by skin autofluorescence) and skin aging parameters (e.g., skin color, wrinkles, elasticity, hydration, dermal density) induced by chronological aging, diabetes, high-carbohydrate diets, ultraviolet radiation, or oxidative stress. Therefore, the accumulating experimental and clinical evidence supports that dietary supplements or topical formulations containing one or more synthetic and natural antiglycation agents may help mitigate skin aging induced by AGEs. Full article