Prickle1 is required for EMT and migration of zebrafish cranial neural crest

The neural crest—a key innovation of the vertebrates—gives rise to diverse cell types including melanocytes, neurons and glia of the peripheral nervous system, and chondrocytes of the jaw and skull. Proper development of the cephalic region is dependent on the tightly-regulated specification and migration of cranial neural crest cells (NCCs). The core PCP proteins Frizzled and Disheveled have previously been implicated in NCC migration. Here we investigate the functions of the core PCP proteins Prickle1a and Prickle1b in zebrafish cranial NCC development. Using analysis of pk1a and pk1b mutant embryos, we uncover similar roles for both genes in facilitating cranial NCC migration. Disruption of either gene causes pre-migratory NCCs to cluster together at the dorsal aspect of the neural tube, where they adopt aberrant polarity and movement. Critically, in investigating Pk1-deficient cells that fail to migrate ventrolaterally, we have also uncovered roles for pk1a and pk1b in the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of pre-migratory NCCs that precedes their collective migration to the periphery. Normally, during EMT, pre-migratory NCCs transition from a neuroepithelial to a bleb-based and subsequently, mesenchymal morphology capable of directed migration. When either Pk1a or Pk1b is disrupted, NCCs continue to perform blebbing behaviors characteristic of pre-migratory cells over extended time periods, indicating a block in a key transition during EMT. Although some Pk1-deficient NCCs transition successfully to mesenchymal, migratory morphologies, they fail to separate from neighboring NCCs. Additionally, Pk1b-deficient NCCs show elevated levels of E-Cadherin and reduced levels of N-Cadherin, suggesting that Prickle1 molecules regulate Cadherin levels to ensure the completion of EMT and the commencement of cranial NCC migration. We conclude that Pk1 plays crucial roles in cranial NCCs both during EMT and migration. These roles are dependent on the regulation of E-Cad and N-Cad

COTS Solution for Adaptive Communications Paths Using Tactical Handhelds

NPS NRP Executive SummaryCOTS Solution for Adaptive Communications Paths Using Tactical HandheldsMarine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity (MCTSSA)This research is supported by funding from the Naval Postgraduate School, Naval Research Program (PE 0605853N/2098). https://nps.edu/nrpChief of Naval Operations (CNO)Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

COTS Solution for Adaptive Communications Paths Using Tactical Handhelds

NPS NRP Project PosterCOTS Solution for Adaptive Communications Paths Using Tactical HandheldsMarine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity (MCTSSA)This research is supported by funding from the Naval Postgraduate School, Naval Research Program (PE 0605853N/2098). https://nps.edu/nrpChief of Naval Operations (CNO)Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

Interoperability challenges for context aware logistics services - the case of synchromodal logistics

Due to diverse and increased demands, logistics needs to move towards being more context-aware. Logistic planning and execution will benefit immensely by use of (real-time) contextual data, such as data about weather, traffic, and resources. Resulting benefits include better flexibility, lower greenhouse gas emission, reduced costs, and optimum usage of transport modalities. This paper demonstrates the benefits and investigates the interoperability challenges of integrating contextual data in synchromodal transport. A data format for incoming contextual data is presented

Neutral Zone approach for severely atrophic ridges; Avenues beyond implants and surgeries – A Case Report

One of the most common problems encountered among long term denture wearers is the reduction in the denture foundation. Prosthodontic Rehabilitation of a patient with severely resorbed ridge is the most challenging therapy a prosthodontist can undertake. In order to have a favourable prognosis for the denture therapy, impression technique selected should be based on the present state of the basal tissue support. This article presents the application of neutral zone (NZ) concept being incorporated in to impression making procedure in an effort to achieve successful complete denture therapy

P33. Design and evaluation of an Escherichia coli biomarker for indication of pH

Measuring pH is one of the most commonly used techniques in both the laboratory as well as the field due to its importance in a multitude of biochemical processes. Traditional methods of measuring pH may be highly developed in accuracy and precision but often involve disruption of the environment. Biological markers offer an alternative that allows for long-term pH monitoring. This innovative approach allows for vast applications such as in the manufacturing, food processing and research industries. Under moderate acidic conditions, the asr (acid shock RNA) gene is highly inducible and has been demonstrated to be crucial for growth at high acidities. The alx locus in E. coli contains a putative transporter preceded by a pH-induced riboregulator that operates under moderately alkaline conditions. In this study, vivid blue/purple and green/blue chromoproteins, cJBlue and amilCP respectively, were used as visual indicators. DH5α competent E. coli cells were transformed with recombinant plasmids containing either amilCP downstream the asr promoter or cjBlue downstream the alx promoter and 5’UTR, giving rise to the alx-cjBlue and asr-amilCP cell lines. Through this methodology, we were able to create strains of E. coli that expressed either a blue or blue-green chromoprotein under low or high pHs respectively

Extended MAGTF Operations Aerial Layer Communications Experimentation

Capt Jamie Claflin, USMC, Prof Gurminder Singh, Prof. John Gibson, GSOIS, Research Associate Charles PrinceThis research explored current and emerging aerial layer communications, such as balloons or small form factor aerostats (tethered and untethered) and long-endurance UAVs, to provide high-capacity, high-availability communications support in satellitedenied terrain. Through field experiments of leveraging COTS technologies, the study investigated the feasibility of purported aerial layer architectures. The results of the study provided specific filed experiment results concerning options to equip expeditionary forces with reliable Over-the-Horizon, On-the-Move communications to the tactical end user to address capability shortfall between stated priorities of Marine Corps expeditionary strategy and the demonstrated ability to conduct distributed command and control operations.Naval Research ProgramPrepared for: 1MEF Col Stephen K Heywood, USMC (Ret

Exploring methodological approaches to assess climate change vulnerability and adaptation: reflections from using life history approaches

People in developing countries face multiple risks, and their response decisions sit at the complex and often opaque interface of climatic stressors, constrained resource access, and changing livelihoods, social structures, and personal aspirations. Many risk management studies use a well-established toolkit of methodologies—household surveys, focus group discussions, and semi-structured interviews. We argue that such methodological conservatism tends to neglect the dynamic and differentiated nature of livelihood decisions. Since different methodologies privilege different portrayals of risk and response, we highlight how plural methodological approaches can capture a broader range of perspectives and problematisations. In this paper, we draw on life history (LH) interviews across four countries (Kenya, Namibia, Ghana, and India) to offer one way of expanding current methodological approaches on vulnerability and adaptation. We argue that LHs offer four key ‘value additions’. First, LHs give insights into the multiple and interacting nature of drivers of response behaviour. Second, they highlight intra-household dynamics to demonstrate how people with differential power shape risk management decisions. Third, LHs support explorations of past decisions, present situations, and future aspirations, thus producing temporally nuanced enquiries. Fourth, they provide a powerful analytical lens to capture the interplay of motivations, aspirations, and values on livelihood choices and adaptation outcomes. By adding value in these four ways, LHs challenge assumptions about how and why people respond to multiple risks and offer a nuanced understanding of adaptation processes

Therapeutic effect of hydroethanolic extract of Trianthema portulacastrum L. against N-Nitroso-N-Methylurea-induced mammary tumors in Wistar rats

406-415This study evaluated the therapeutic action of hydroethanolic extract of Trianthema portulacastrum L. (TPE) on N-nitroso-N-methylurea (NMU)-induced mammary tumors in Wistar rats. A hydroethanolic was prepared and subjected to qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening. After acclimatization, Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups of 6 rats each: Group A (vehicle control), Group B (TPE control), Group C (TPE treatment) and group D (NMU control). NMU (50 mg/kg body weight) was injected intraperitoneally at 50, 80 and 110 days of age. After the induction of palpable tumors, the rats were administered 200 mg/kg bw of TPE by oral gavage for 2 months. The treatment with TPE significantly (pin vivo therapeutic action of TPE extract on NMU-induced mammary tumors. TPE exhibited antitumor activity through its antiproliferative, antiangiogenic, pro-apoptotic, and estrogen receptor-modulatory properties