Transglutaminase 3 crosslinks the secreted gel-forming mucus component Mucin-2 and stabilizes the colonic mucus layer

The colonic mucus layer is organized as a two-layered system providing a physical barrier against pathogens and simultaneously harboring the commensal flora. The factors contributing to the organization of this gel network are not well understood. In this study, the impact of transglutaminase activity on this architecture was analyzed. Here, we show that transglutaminase TGM3 is the major transglutaminase-isoform expressed and synthesized in the colon. Furthermore, intrinsic extracellular transglutaminase activity in the secreted mucus was demonstrated in vitro and ex vivo. Absence of this acyl-transferase activity resulted in faster degradation of the major mucus component the MUC2 mucin and changed the biochemical properties of mucus. Finally, TGM3-deficient mice showed an early increased susceptibility to Dextran Sodium Sulfate-induced colitis. Here, we report that natural isopeptide cross-linking by TGM3 is important for mucus homeostasis and protection of the colon from inflammation, reducing the risk of colitis.

QUALITY CONTROL OF TROBOS LIVESTOCK MAGAZINE PRODUCTION AT PT AKSARA GRAFIKA PRATAMA

Quality control is an important factor for the industry because continuously control process in production will be able to detect abnormalities results quickly, so that it can be anticipated immediately. This study aims to determine how the quality control process has been implemented, what printing problems often occur, and what activities have been carried out to control the production quality of Trobos Live Stock magazine at PT Aksara Grafika Pratama. This research method is descriptive with direct observation of the production process at PT Aksara Grafika Pratama. Descriptive method has been used by direct observation of the production process at PT Aksara Grafika Pratama. Data analysis was carried out using the p-chart control chart analysis method of the production quantity and misprint of Trobos Live Stock Magazine in January - December 2019. The results showed that the total production of Trobos Live Stock Magazine by PT Aksara Grafika Pratama in 2019 was 225,521 sheets with 7,178 misprints, and the average proportion of damaged products was 0.030. The proportion of damaged production in April and May occupied the highest position, namely 0.045 and 0.049, exceeding the UCL (Upper Control Limit) control limit. However, in the production process the following month the damage to production is within control limits, which indicates that the production department has carried out the maximum evaluation and repair. Misprints that occur in the production process of Trobos Live Stock Magazine include Scumming, Ghosting, and no images or text appearing in certain parts. Quality control activities carried out by PT Aksara Grafika Pratama to reduce the level of damage to production include implementing a layered system such as directly monitoring the production process, always carrying out maintenance on machines and assigning special experts to repair machines, as well as placing experienced workers to minimize possible error rate during the production process.Keywords — Quality Control, Diagrams Control p-chart, Statistical Assistance Tools

C4I System Security Architecture: A Perspective on Big Data Lifecycle in a Military Environment

Although the defense field is also one of the key areas that use big data for security reasons, there is a lack of study that designs system frameworks and presents security requirements to implement big data in defense. However, we overcome the security matters by examining the battlefield environment and the system through the flow of data in the battlefield. As such, this research was conducted to apply big data in the defense domain, which is a unique field. In particular, a three-layered system framework was designed to apply big data in the C4I system, which collects, manages, and analyzes data generated from the battlefield, and the security measures required for each layer were developed. First, to enhance the general understanding of big data and the military environment, an overview of the C4I system, the characteristics of the 6V’s, and the five-phase big data lifecycle were described. While presenting a framework that divides the C4I system into three layers, the roles and components of each layer are described in detail, considering the big data lifecycle and system framework. A security architecture is finally proposed by specifying security requirements for each field in the three-layered C4I system. The proposed system framework and security architecture more accurately explain the unique nature of the military domain than those studied in healthcare, smart grids, and smart cities; development directions requiring further research are described.

Site Amplification during Strong Earthquakes Investigated by Vertical Array Records

A number of vertical array records during eight destructive earthquakes in Japan are utilized, after discussing criteria for desirable requirements of vertical arrays, to formulate seismic amplification between ground surface and outcrop base for seismic zonation. A correlation between peak spectrum amplification and Vs (S-wave velocity) ratio (base Vs/surface Vs) was found to clearly improve by using Vs in an equivalent surface layer wherein predominant frequency or first peak is exerted, though the currently used average Vs in top 30 m is also meaningful, correlating positively with the amplification. We also found that soil nonlinearity during strong earthquakes has only a marginal effect even in soft soil sites on the amplification between surface and outcrop base except for ultimate soil liquefaction failure, while strong nonlinearity clearly appears in the vertical array amplification between surface and downhole base. Its theoretical basis has been explained by a simple study on a two-layered system in terms of radiation damping and strain-dependent equivalent nonlinearity.

Temperature-Induced Change of Water Structure in Aqueous Solutions of Some Kosmotropic and Chaotropic Salts

The hydrogen bond structure of water was examined by comparing the temperature dependent OH-stretching bands of water and aqueous NaClO4, KClO4, Na2SO4, and K2SO4 solutions. Results called attention to the role of cations on top of the importance of anions determining the emerging structure of a multi-layered system consisting single water rings or multi-ring water-clusters.

The wavenumber imaging of fiber waviness in hybrid glass–carbon fiber reinforced polymer composite plates

Out-of-plane waviness is one of the most common defects which degenerates the strength, stiffness, and fatigue life of hybrid glass–carbon fiber–reinforced polymer composites (FRPs). An accurate and high-speed non-destructive testing method is highly desired for large composite structures in industries. Ultrasonic phased array is a great candidate for such application. This paper applies the wavenumber algorithm to image the waviness in hybrid FRP plates which are a multi-layered medium. The central frequency of 5 MHZ is chosen in order to maximize the ply resonance. Transducers are migrated virtually to each interface between glass and carbon plies in order to overcome the difficulty of wave propagation analysis in such multi-layered system. The wavenumber algorithm demonstrates a better computational performance compared to that of the traditional total focusing method (TFM) in time domain up to 6 times. The glass ply depth and waviness angle can be more accurately presented with relative errors less than 1.5% and 14.8%, respectively. In addition, the resin-rich defect characterization is also achievable with a maximum error of 14.4%.

Electrodeposition of Hybrid Magnetostrictive/Magnetoelectric Layered Systems

The potential use of electrodeposition to synthesize a hybrid magnetostrictive/magnetoelectric layered system is shown in this paper. By appropriately adjusting pH, growth potential, and electrolyte composition, it is possible to achieve thin films in which magnetoelectric oxide GaFeO3 (GFO) is formed in close contact with magnetostrictive metallic FeGa alloy. X-ray diffractometry shows the formation of FeGa as well as GFO and Fe oxides. Electron microscopy observations reveal that GFO mainly segregates in grain boundaries. Samples are ferromagnetic with an isotropic magnetic behavior in the sample plane. Magnetic stripes are observed by magnetic force microscopy and are correlated to Fe3O4. When its segregation is minimal, the absence of stripes can be used to monitor Fe oxide segregation.

513 - Lithium monitoring in Old Age Psychiatry – a quality improvement project

INTRODUCTION:Lithium has a narrow therapeutic index with a risk of toxicity and potential to increase morbidity and mortality, particularly in the elderly with co-morbid illness and polypharmacy. Lithium therapy and monitoring of lithium levels require precision and several guidelines have been issued including recommendations for strict control of lithium levels in the elderly population.RESEARCH OBJECTIVE:We evaluated the effect of implementation of a multifaceted management programme on the compliance with international practice standards for lithium monitoring in patients under the care of Psychiatry of Old Age (POA), Sligo Leitrim Mental Health Services in the North West of Ireland.METHODS:Results from a prior audit performed in February 2020 involving a cohort of 18 patients prescribed lithium under the care of POA were analysed and compared to accepted standards. The guideline used as the benchmark for compliance was the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines on the use and monitoring of lithium therapy, as published in 2014. Several deficits were found and therefore a designated Lithium Management Programme was established. A subsequent audit, performed using a simplified audit tool incorporating the NICE guidelines, delivered results which were directly compared to the initial findings and analysed to evaluate the effect of the implemented management programme.PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF THE ONGOING STUDY:In comparison with findings from 2020, there had been a significant improvement in most facets of lithium management and compliance to practice standards. Of particular note was the improvement of biochemical monitoring, side effect screening, polypharmacy surveillance, patient education and interdisciplinary communication.CONCLUSION:The launch of a dedicated Lithium Management Programme with specific features aimed at identifying and addressing poor compliance with monitoring guidelines has led to improved adherence to accepted international practice standards. Our model provides a dynamic, multi-layered system which paves the way for better patient outcomes, timely access to care and furthering education for patients and staff members.