An Analysis of Putative Roles for the CCR4-NOT Deadenylase-Complex Subunit Regena (NOT2) in microRNA-Mediated Gene Silencing in \u3cem\u3eDrosophila Melanogaster\u3c/em\u3e

microRNAs (miRNAs) are one class of small non-coding ribonucleic acid (RNA) molecules essential to development and homeostasis in plants and animals. miRNAs silence gene expression through complementary base pairing with target gene messenger RNAs and association with the miRNA-induced silencing complex (miRISC). The identification and characterization of cellular factors required for miRNA-mediated gene silencing is incomplete. A forward genetic screen was carried out in Drosophila melanogaster to generate flies defective for gene silencing. Silencing was assayed by expression of a Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) reporter fused to the Brd gene 3’ UTR, which is regulated by miRNAs. Genetic analysis revealed that the CCR4-NOT deadenylase-complex subunit Regena (NOT2) is required for miRNA-mediated silencing of the reporter. In addition, perturbation of Regena function altered Drosophila eye development and resulting adult eye morphology. miRNAs are thought to silence target gene expression through a combination of translational repression and target mRNA degradation, though the detailed mechanism of this process is a matter of controversy. Novel genetic reagents to explore miRNA function in vivo have been generated and characterized. Ongoing efforts aim to explore whether Regena is required to silence other miRNA targets in vivo, and whether Regena is required for miRNA-mediated gene silencing at different stages of the Drosophila life cycle. Elucidation of the lesion in the Regena (NOT2) gene and the molecular nature of GFP reporter silencing will contribute to an understanding of the mechanism of miRNA-mediated gene silencing in vivo

Analysts, advocates and applicators – understanding and engaging with different actors in the evidence for policy movement

Superficially connecting evidence to policy might seem like singular process that brings together different actors towards a common end. However, drawing on a qualitative study of professionals in the evidence – policy field, Jasper Montana and James Wilsdon present a new taxonomy for understanding the different groups working at this intersection and advise how researchers might engage with them effectively at different stages of their research

TEM studies of interfaces in fuel cell materials

The grain boundary properties of CGO10 (Ce0.9Gd0.1O1.95) and CGO20 (Ce0.8Gd0.2O1.95) have been investigated by impedance spectroscopy and high resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy-electron energy loss spectroscopy (STEM-EELS). High density polycrystalline ceramic specimens with a range of grain sizes (0.17-2.7μm) have been prepared from high purity (SiO2 ~120-210 ppm) commercially available powders. Impedance measurements obtained for these ionic conducting materials were interpreted using the brick layer model. The specific grain boundary conductivity [delta*GB]was found to be 2-3 orders of magnitude lower than the grain bulk conductivity [delta G]. The grain boundary blocking effect in these materials has been attributed to the formation of grain boundary space charge layers. The brick layer model was used to estimate the space charge layer thickness (δ) from impedance spectroscopy measurements and was found to be in the range 1-2 nm. High resolution STEM-EELS measurements were carried out over a number of grain boundaries in CGO10 and CGO20. These measurements showed an increase in the gadolinium to cerium and oxygen to cerium atomic ratios (Gd:Ce and O:Ce respectively) at the grain boundary region. These findings are in accordance with the space charge layer model. From these measurements the space charge layer thickness (δ) was shown to be in the range 1-2 nm. Analysis of the cerium M4,5-edge fine structure showed the cerium oxidation state to remain unchanged in the space charge layer in all grain boundaries studied

Anthropogenic disruption to the seismic driving of beach ridge formation: The Sendai coast, Japan

© 2015 Elsevier B.V. The expected geomorphic after-effects of the Mw 9.0 Tōhoku-oki earthquake of 11 March 2011 (eastern Japan) are summarized by a schematic model of seismic driving, which details seismogenic disturbances to sediment systems that affect the rate or timing of sediment delivery to coastlines over timescales of 102-104years. The immediate physical environmental responses to this high-magnitude earthquake included a large tsunami and extensive region-wide slope failures. Normally, slope failures within mountain catchments would have significant impacts on Japan\u27s river and coastal geomorphology in the coming decades with, for example, a new beach ridge expected to form within 20-100years on the Sendai Plain. However, human activity has significantly modified the rate and timing of geomorphic processes of the region, which will have impacts on likely geomorphic responses to seismic driving. For example, the rivers draining into Sendai Bay have been dammed, providing sediment traps that will efficiently capture bedload and much suspended sediment in transit through the river system. Instead of the expected ~1km of coastal progradation and formation of a ~3m high beach ridge prior to the next large tsunami, it is likely that progradation of the Sendai Plain will continue to slow or even cease as a result of damming of river systems and capture of river sediments behind dams. The resulting reduction of fluvial sediment delivery to the coast due to modification of rivers inadvertently makes seawalls and other engineered coastal structures even more necessary than they would be otherwise