bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Growth kinetics, properties, performance, and stability of atomic layer deposition Zn–Sn–O buffer layers for Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells
Authors: Hultqvist Adam , Platzer‐Björkman Charlotte , Zimmermann Uwe , Edoff Marika , Törndahl Tobias 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACTA new atomic layer deposition process was developed for deposition of Zn–Sn–O buffer layers for Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells with tetrakis(dimethylamino) tin, Sn(N(CH3)2)4, diethyl zinc, Zn(C2H5)2, and water, H2O. The new process gives good control of thickness and [Sn]/([Sn] + [Zn]) content of the films. The Zn–Sn–O films are amorphous as found by grazing incidence X‐ray diffraction, have a high resistivity, show a lower density compared with ZnO and SnOx, and have a transmittance loss that is smeared out over a wide wavelength interval. Good solar cell performance was achieved for a [Sn]/([Sn] + [Zn]) content determined to be 0.15–0.21 by Rutherford backscattering. The champion solar cell with a Zn–Sn–O buffer layer had an efficiency of 15.3% (Voc = 653 mV, Jsc(QE) = 31.8 mA/cm2, and FF = 73.8%) compared with 15.1% (Voc = 663 mV, Jsc(QE) = 30.1 mA/cm2, and FF = 75.8%) of the best reference solar cell with a CdS buffer layer. There is a strong light‐soaking effect that saturates after a few minutes for solar cells with Zn–Sn–O buffer layers after storage in the dark. Stability was tested by 1000 h of dry heat storage in darkness at 85 °C, where Zn–Sn–O buffer layers with a thickness of 76 nm retained their initial value after a few minutes of light soaking. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bacterial Predators Possess Unique Membrane Lipid Structures
Authors: Müller Frederic D. , Beck Sebastian , Strauch Eckhard , Linscheid Michael W. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractBdellovibrio‐and‐like organisms (BALO) are a phylogenetically diverse group of predatory prokaryotes that consists of the two families Bdellovibrionaceae and Bacteriovoracaceae. We investigated the phospholipid composition of the three important BALO strains Bacteriovorax stolpii (DSM 12778), Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus HD100 (DSM 50701) and Peredibacter starrii (DSM 17039). We confirmed the presence of sphingophosphonolipids in B. stolpii, while we characterized sphingophosphonolipids with a 2‐amino‐3‐phosphonopropanate head group for the first time. In B. bacteriovorus HD100 phosphatidylthreonines were found and, thus, B.bacteriovorus is the second prokaryote investigated so far possessing this rare lipid class. In the third analyzed organism, P. starrii, we observed phosphatidylethanolamine structures with an additional N‐glutamyl residue, which form the first reported class of amino acid‐containing phosphatidylethanolamines.
cis‐9,trans‐11,cis‐15 and cis‐9,trans‐13,cis‐15 CLNA Mixture Activates PPARα in HEK293 and Reduces Triacylglycerols in 3T3‐L1 cells
Authors: Miranda Jonatan , Lasa Arrate , Fernández‐Quintela Alfredo , García‐Marzo Cristina , Ayo Josune , Dentin Renaud , Portillo María P. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractScientific research is constantly working to find new molecules that are effective in preventing excessive accumulation of body fat. The aim of the present work was to assess the potential agonism on PPARα and PPARγ of a conjugated linolenic acid (CLNA) isomer mixture, consisting of two CLNA isomers (cis‐9,trans‐11,cis‐15 and cis‐9,trans‐13,cis‐15). Secondly, we aimed to analyze the effects of this mixture on triacylglycerol accumulation in 3T3‐L1 mature adipocytes. Luciferase transactivation assay was used to analyze whether the CLNA mixture activated PPARs. The expression of several enzymes and transcriptional factors involved in the main metabolic pathways that control triacylglycerol accumulation in adipocytes was assessed by real time RT‐PCR in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes treated for 20 h with the CLNA mixture. The mixture activated PPRE in cells with PPARα receptor over‐expression, but not those with PPARγ over‐expression. Decreased triacylglycerol was found in treated adipocytes. The lowest dose (10 μM) increased HSL expression and the highest dose (100 μM) increased ATGL gene expression. The other genes analyzed remained unchanged. The hypothesis of an anti‐obesity action of the analyzed CLNA mixture, based on increased lipid mobilization in adipose tissue, can be proposed.
Visual DSD: a design and analysis tool for DNA strand displacement systems
Authors: Lakin Matthew R. , Youssef Simon , Polo Filippo , Emmott Stephen , Phillips Andrew 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
Summary: The Visual DSD (DNA Strand Displacement) tool allows rapid prototyping and analysis of computational devices implemented using DNA strand displacement, in a convenient web-based graphical interface. It is an implementation of the DSD programming language and compiler described by Lakin et al. (2011) with additional features such as support for polymers of unbounded length. It also supports stochastic and deterministic simulation, construction of continuous-time Markov chains and various export formats which allow models to be analysed using third-party tools.
Availability: Visual DSD is available as a web-based Silverlight application for most major browsers on Windows and Mac OS X at http://research.microsoft.com/dna. It can be installed locally for offline use. Command-line versions for Windows, Mac OS X and Linux are also available from the web page.
Contact: aphillip@microsoft.com
Supplementary Information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Sparse distance-based learning for simultaneous multiclass classification and feature selection of metagenomic data
Authors: Liu Zhenqiu , Hsiao William , Cantarel Brandi L. , Drábek Elliott Franco , Fraser-Liggett Claire 
Published: October 2011

AbstractMotivation: Direct sequencing of microbes in human ecosystems (the human microbiome) has complemented single genome cultivation and sequencing to understand and explore the impact of commensal microbes on human health. As sequencing technologies improve and costs decline, the sophistication of data has outgrown available computational methods. While several existing machine learning methods have been adapted for analyzing microbiome data recently, there is not yet an efficient and dedicated algorithm available for multiclass classification of human microbiota.Results: By combining instance-based and model-based learning, we propose a novel sparse distance-based learning method for simultaneous class prediction and feature (variable or taxa, which is used interchangeably) selection from multiple treatment populations on the basis of 16S rRNA sequence count data. Our proposed method simultaneously minimizes the intraclass distance and maximizes the interclass distance with many fewer estimated parameters than other methods. It is very efficient for problems with small sample sizes and unbalanced classes, which are common in metagenomic studies. We implemented this method in a MATLAB toolbox called MetaDistance. We also propose several approaches for data normalization and variance stabilization transformation in MetaDistance. We validate this method on several real and simulated 16S rRNA datasets to show that it outperforms existing methods for classifying metagenomic data. This article is the first to address simultaneous multifeature selection and class prediction with metagenomic count data.Availability: The MATLAB toolbox is freely available online at http://metadistance.igs.umaryland.edu/.Contact: zliu@umm.eduSupplementary Information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
miREnvironment Database: providing a bridge for microRNAs, environmental factors and phenotypes
Authors: Yang Qingqing , Qiu Chengxiang , Yang Jie , Wu Qing , Cui Qinghua 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
The interaction between genetic factors and environmental factors has critical roles in determining the phenotype of an organism. In recent years, a number of studies have reported that the dysfunctions on microRNA (miRNAs), environmental factors and their interactions have strong effects on phenotypes and even may result in abnormal phenotypes and diseases, whereas there has been no a database linking miRNAs, environmental factors and phenotypes. Such a resource platform is believed to be of great value in the understanding of miRNAs, environmental factors, especially drugs and diseases. In this study, we constructed the miREnvironment database, which contains a comprehensive collection and curation of experimentally supported interactions among miRNAs, environmental factors and phenotypes. The names of miRNAs, phenotypes, environmental factors, conditions of environmental factors, samples, species, evidence and references were further annotated. miREnvironment represents a biomedical resource for researches on miRNAs, environmental factors and diseases.
Availability: http://cmbi.bjmu.edu.cn/miren.
Contact: cuiqinghua@hsc.pku.edu.cn
MyBioNet: interactively visualize, edit and merge biological networks on the Web
Authors: Huang Donglin , Huang Yiling , Bai Youhuang , Chen Dijun , Hofestädt Ralf , Klukas Christian , Chen Ming 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
Summary: MyBioNet is a web-based application for biological network analysis, which provides user-friendly web interfaces to visualize, edit and merge biological networks. In addition, MyBioNet integrated KEGG metabolic network data from 1366 organisms and allows users to search and navigate interesting networks.
Availability and Implementation: All KEGG metabolic network data are organized and stored in the MySQL database. MyBioNet is implemented in Flex/Actionscript and PHP languages and deployed on an Apache web server. MyBioNet is accessible through all the Flash-embedded browsers at http://bis.zju.edu.cn/mybionet/.
Contact:mchen@zju.edu.cn
The Chloroplast-Localized Phospholipases D α4 and α5 Regulate Herbivore-Induced Direct and Indirect Defenses in Rice
Authors: Qi Jinfeng , Zhou Guoxin , Yang Lijuan , Erb Matthias , Lu Yanhua , Sun Xiaoling , Cheng Jiaan , Lou Yonggen 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
The oxylipin pathway is of central importance for plant defensive responses. Yet, the first step of the pathway, the liberation of linolenic acid following induction, is poorly understood. Phospholipases D (PLDs) have been hypothesized to mediate this process, but data from Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) regarding the role of PLDs in plant resistance have remained controversial. Here, we cloned two chloroplast-localized PLD genes from rice (Oryza sativa), OsPLDα4 and OsPLDα5, both of which were up-regulated in response to feeding by the rice striped stem borer (SSB) Chilo suppressalis, mechanical wounding, and treatment with jasmonic acid (JA). Antisense expression of OsPLDα4 and -α5 (as-pld), which resulted in a 50% reduction of the expression of the two genes, reduced elicited levels of linolenic acid, JA, green leaf volatiles, and ethylene and attenuated the SSB-induced expression of a mitogen-activated protein kinase (OsMPK3), a lipoxygenase (OsHI-LOX), a hydroperoxide lyase (OsHPL3), as well as a 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid synthase (OsACS2). The impaired oxylipin and ethylene signaling in as-pld plants decreased the levels of herbivore-induced trypsin protease inhibitors and volatiles, improved the performance of SSB and the rice brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens, and reduced the attractiveness of plants to a larval parasitoid of SSB, Apanteles chilonis. The production of trypsin protease inhibitors in as-pld plants could be partially restored by JA, while the resistance to rice brown planthopper and SSB was restored by green leaf volatile application. Our results show that phospholipases function as important components of herbivore-induced direct and indirect defenses in rice.
The ArabidopsisRETARDED ROOT GROWTHGene Encodes a Mitochondria-Localized Protein That Is Required for Cell Division in the Root Meristem
Authors: Zhou Xiaojing , Li Qiang , Chen Xun , Liu Jianping , Zhang Qinghua , Liu Yajie , Liu Kede , Xu Jian 
Published: October 2011

AbstractTo develop a growing root, cell division in the root meristem has to be properly regulated in order to generate or propagate new cells. How cell division is regulated in the root meristem remains largely unknown. Here, we report the identification and characterization of the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) RETARDED ROOT GROWTH (RRG) gene that plays a role in the regulation of root meristem cell division. In the root, RRG is predominantly expressed in the root meristem. Disruption of RRG function reduced numbers of dividing cells, the rate of cell production, and endoreduplication, and thus affected meristem size and root growth. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and marker-assisted analyses revealed that expression levels of several cell cycle genes were decreased in the mutant roots, indicating a defect in cell cycle progression. Mutations in RRG, however, did not affect the expression of key root-patterning genes and an auxin-responsive marker, suggesting that RRG is not essential for root patterning and auxin signaling. RRG is a mitochondria-localized protein conserved in plants and shares a DUF155 domain with proteins related to cell division in yeast, and rrg mutants displayed extensive vacuolization in mitochondria. We propose that Arabidopsis RRG is a conserved mitochondrial protein required for cell division in the root meristem.
Actin in Mung Bean Mitochondria and Implications for Its Function
Authors: Lo Yih-Shan , Cheng Ning , Hsiao Lin-June , Annamalai Arunachalam , Jauh Guang-Yuh , Wen Tuan-Nan , Dai Hwa , Chiang Kwen-Sheng 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
Here, a large fraction of plant mitochondrial actin was found to be resistant to protease and high-salt treatments, suggesting it was protected by mitochondrial membranes. A portion of this actin became sensitive to protease or high-salt treatment after removal of the mitochondrial outer membrane, indicating that some actin is located inside the mitochondrial outer membrane. The import of an actin–green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion protein into the mitochondria in a transgenic plant, actin:GFP, was visualized in living cells and demonstrated by flow cytometry and immunoblot analyses. Polymerized actin was found in mitochondria of actin:GFP plants and in mung bean (Vigna radiata). Notably, actin associated with mitochondria purified from early-developing cotyledons during seed germination was sensitive to high-salt and protease treatments. With cotyledon ageing, mitochondrial actin became more resistant to both treatments. The progressive import of actin into cotyledon mitochondria appeared to occur in concert with the conversion of quiescent mitochondria into active forms during seed germination. The binding of actin to mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) was demonstrated by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry analysis. Porin and ADP/ATP carrier proteins were also found in mtDNA-protein complexes. Treatment with an actin depolymerization reagent reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential and triggered the release of cytochrome C. The potential function of mitochondrial actin and a possible actin import pathway are discussed.
Leadership behavior‐in‐context: an antidote to leadership hype
Authors: Walton Michael 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to outline three ways in which a leader's behavior‐in‐context can be examined. As such it moves away from an emphasis on a leader's “performance and personality” and focuses on underlying contextual features which can lead to success or failure.Design/method/approachThe paper examines some of the possible bases for dysfunctional leadership and concludes that such counter‐productive behavior may be contextually determined. Three ways of looking at executive behavior‐in‐context are used to highlight the need to look beyond a leader's style in order to assess their organizational achievements.FindingsAny assessment of a leader's performance should be based on their behavior‐in‐context.Practical implicationsThe paper offers ways in which executive appointments, succession decisions and performance appraisal can be enhanced by taking a closer and more nuanced assessment of the behavior of leaders.Originality/valueThe paper brings together three ways of re‐viewing leadership misbehavior and offers an alternative to an over focus on the personality of the leader as the core basis for success or failure.
Engagement and talent management of Gen Y
Authors: Weyland Anita 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThis article aims to underline that Generation Y have specific traits, needs and expectations and that it is vital that organizations understand these when looking to engage and support them and support in their development.Design/methodology/approachThe article deals with defining who Generation Y are – how they behave and what motivates them. Based on these insights, it then explores what this means for an organization's culture, its working environment, the learning and development methods it deploys plus its overall management and especially its leadership.FindingsThe paper explains how understanding what motivates Generation Y and accommodating this does not require huge amounts of extra effort, just a different way of thinking and will increase their performance within companies and ultimately corporate success.Originality/valueEngaging and developing Generation Y employees may seem like an onerous task. The paper shows that it is not about pandering to them but about eliminating blocks so that they can deliver the business of the future.
Value of blended learning in university and the workplace: some experiences of university students
Authors: Fearon Colm , Starr Simon , McLaughlin Heather 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to explore student views of blended learning in a university setting based on the use of audio lectures, seminars, discussion boards and wikis.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 14 seminar (focus) groups consisting of approximately 20 students each, over a two year period, provided qualitative views of how students believed blended learning would be useful for their degree and future careers.FindingsStudents found the blended learning approach very flexible and preferable in many cases to traditional face‐to‐face learning. Key themes in terms of emerging benefit themes included: flexibility and support; motivation and sharing ideas; class interaction and explanation of ideas; better than pure eLearning; communicating and teamwork; developing project leadership skills.Research implications/limitationsThis exploratory study of university students is important because they are aware of the value of blended learning and transferable skills for the workplace. The research is limited because it is qualitative, yet it still provides a useful insight into the benefits and value of blended learning from the student perspective.Originality/valueThere is a paucity of qualitative research on the benefits of blended learning and this paper examines the value of the overall approach for university students and the workplace.
Redundancy and workplace occupation: the case of the Republic of Ireland
Authors: Cullinane Niall , Dundon Tony 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the antecedent influences and merits of workplace occupations as a tactical response to employer redundancy initiatives.Design/methodology/approachThe data are based on analysis of secondary documentary material reporting on three workplace occupations in the Republic of Ireland during 2009.FindingsPerceptions of both procedural (e.g. employer unilateral action) and substantive (e.g. pay and entitlements) justice appear pivotal influences. Spillover effects from other known occupations may also be influential. Workplace occupations were found to produce some modest substantive gains, such as enhancing redundancy payments. The tactic of workplace occupation was also found to transform unilateral employer action into scenarios based upon negotiated settlement supported by third‐party mediation. However the tactic of workplace occupation in response to redundancy runs the risks of potential judicial injunction and sanction.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough operationally difficult, future studies should strive to collect primary data workplace occupations as they occur.Originality/valueThe paper identifies conditions conducive to the genesis of workplace occupations and the extent to which the tactic may be of benefit in particular circumstances to workers facing redundancy. It also contextualises the tactic in relation to both collective mobilisation and bargaining theories in employment relations.
Financial system stress and unemployment in industrial countries
Authors: Feldmann Horst 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to analyze how financial system turmoil affected unemployment in industrial countries during the period 1982 to 2003.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses annual data on 17 industrial countries. It employs the International Monetary Fund's financial stress index and a large number of controls.FindingsThe paper finds that, during the sample period, financial market turmoil had only moderate adverse effects on unemployment. Stress in the banking sector and stress in foreign exchange markets were particularly likely to increase unemployment, although the relevant effects were modest too. Turmoil in securities markets affected unemployment only slightly. The results are robust to variations in specification.Originality/valueWhile previous papers only look at a small number of banking crises, this paper's sample includes crises in all major areas of the financial sector. Furthermore, whereas previous papers cover only major crises, it additionally takes both minor crises and periods of relative calm into account. Finally, this paper is the first to statistically control for the impact of all major determinants of labor market performance.
Relative price variability and the Phillips Curve: evidence from Turkey
Authors: Nazif Çatik A. , Martin Christopher , Özlem Onder A. 
Published: October 2011

PurposeUsing data from Turkey, this paper seeks to investigate whether relative price changes can help to explain the Phillips Curve relationship between inflation and output.Design/methodology/approachBuilding on work by Ball and Mankiw, the paper includes measures of the variance and skews of relative price adjustment in an otherwise standard model of the Phillips Curve. It employs a bounds‐testing approach based on an ARDL model to establish long‐run relationships. It then uses error correction models to analyze short‐run dynamics.FindingsNo evidence was found for a long‐run relationship between inflation and output. However, a long‐run relationship is in fact found, once the variance and skew of relative price changes are included as regressors. The error correction model implies plausible short‐term dynamics in this case.Originality/valueThis paper combines two distinct literatures, on the Phillips Curve and on the distribution of relative price changes, showing that insights from the latter can be essential in constructing coherent models of the Philips Curve.