вторник, 6 декабря 2011 г.

Games

Games

Knights in shining armor

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 02:34 AM PST

A hearty holiday thank you to the power company that came to the rescue of a bunch of whip-smart Brooklyn kids.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Molecules, Vol. 16, Pages 10123-10133: The Dose-Effect of Icariin on the Proliferation and Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Bone Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 12:00 AM PST

Icariin had been reported as a potential agent for osteogenesis, but the dose-effect relationship needed further research to realize the clinical application of icariin. We isolated and purified human bone mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) and stimulated them with different concentrations of icariin. The cytotoxicity of icariin was evaluated by the methylthiazolytetrazolium (MTT) assay method. The proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of such hBMSCs were investigated for different concentrations of icariin. We found that icariin had a dose-dependent effect on the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs in a suitable concentration range from 10−9 M to 10−6 M, but at concentrations above 10−5 M, the cytotoxicity limited its use. The extremely low cost of icariin and its high abundance make it appealing for bone regeneration.

Molecules, Vol. 16, Pages 10104-10122: Free-Radical Scavenging Properties and Reducing Power of Grape Cane Extracts from 11 Selected Grape Cultivars Widely Grown in China

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 12:00 AM PST

Total phenolic contents (TPC), total flavonoid contents (TFC), related antioxidative and antiradical capabilities of grape cane extracts from 11 varieties (five V. vinifera cultivars and six Chinese wild grapes) widely grown in China were evaluated. Antioxidant properties were determined as DPPH and ABTS radical-scavenging abilities, superoxide anion and hydroxyl radical and hydrogen peroxide scavenging assays, as well as reducing power. Phenolic profiles of the extracts were characterized by using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) techniques. All extracts exhibited strong antioxidant and effective free radical inhibition activities (EC50 values), which generally correlated negatively with TPC (r = −0.804 to −0.918) and TFC (r = −0.749 to −0.888). In comparison with gallic acid, Trolox and tert-butylhydroquinone (positive controls), most grape cane extracts showed more efficient scavenging effects toward different reactive oxygen species. HPLC analysis revealed the presence of (+)-catechin, (−)-epicatechin, and trans-resveratrol as major phenolic components in the extracts. These results suggest that grape cane extracts may serve as a potential source of natural antioxidant for food and pharmaceutical application.

Molecules, Vol. 16, Pages 10093-10103: Snailase Preparation of Ginsenoside M1 from Protopanaxadiol-Type Ginsenoside and Their Protective Effects Against CCl4-Induced Chronic Hepatotoxicity in Mice

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 12:00 AM PST

To investigate the protective effects of protopanaxadiol-type ginsenoside (PDG) and its metabolite ginsenoside M1 (G-M1) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced chronic liver injury in ICR mice, we carried out conversion of protopanaxadiol-type ginsenosides to ginsenoside M1 using snailase. The optimum time for the conversion was 24 h at a constant pH of 4.5 and an optimum temperature of 50 °C. The transformation products were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography and electrospray ion-mass spectrometry. Subsequently, most of PDG was decomposed and converted into G-M1 by 24 h post-reaction. During the study on hepatoprotective in a mice model of chronic liver injury, PDG or G-M1 supplement significantly ameliorated the CCl4-induced liver lesions, lowered the serum levels of select hepatic enzyme markers (alanine aminotransferase, ALT, and aspartate aminotransferase, AST) and malondialdehyde and increased the activity of superoxide dismutase in liver. Histopathology of the liver tissues showed that PDG and G-M1 attenuated the hepatocellular necrosis and led to reduction of inflammatory cell infiltration. Therefore, the results of this study show that PDG and G-M1 can be proposed to protect the liver against CCl4-induced oxidative injury in mice, and the hepatoprotective effect might be attributed to amelioration of oxidative stress.

Robo Rush - Screenshots

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 02:13 AM PST

Features:
- 4 unique worlds each w/ 4 stages
- fantastic artwork that captures the atmosphere of the machine world
- sinister forces waiting to assail you with an array of deadly attacks
- a smorgasbord of power-ups & bonuses
- a rousing musical score sure to energize your mechanical innards
- realistic sound effects that let you feel the clank and clatter of every bash and wallop

WHOT! - Screenshots

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 02:07 AM PST

The key features in WHOT! include:
- Detailed Graphics
- iOS & Android - Intuitive style menu manipulation and selection using your finger
- Universal app for iPhone™, iPod™ touch and iPad™ and Android devices
- 4 fun and challenging levels! More to come
- Real life rewards for achievements and points in the game using Kiip Rewards
- Automatically tracks and saves all of your game stats
- Free to play on Facebook
- Online Achievements with Game Center support
- Select your favorite card faces to use, just $0.99.
- On-screen "How to play" instructions and button actions.
- PC-style menus allow easy and intuitive configuration and navigation.
- Retina Display support
- Heyzap Integration for widespread discovery
- Multiplayer – Coming Soon

Molecules, Vol. 16, Pages 10078-10092: Genetic Diversity and Identification of Chinese-Grown Pecan Using ISSR and SSR Markers

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 12:00 AM PST

Pecan is an important horticultural nut crop originally from North America and now widely cultivated in China for its high ecological, ornamental and economic value. Currently, there are over one hundred cultivars grown in China, including introduced American cultivars and Chinese seedling breeding cultivars. Molecular markers were used to assess the genetic diversity of these cultivars and to identify the pedigrees of fine pecan plants with good characteristics and no cultivar-related data. A total of 77 samples grown in China were studied, including 14 introduced cultivars, 12 domestic seedling breeding cultivars, and 49 fine pecan plants with no cultivar data, together with Carya cathayensis and Juglans nigra. A total of 77 ISSR and 19 SSR primers were prescreened; 10 ISSR and eight SSR primers were selected, yielding a total of 94 amplified bands (100% polymorphic) in the range of 140–1,950 bp for the ISSR and 70 amplified bands (100% polymorphic) in the range of 50–350 bp for SSR markers. Genetic diversity analyses indicated Chinese-grown pecan cultivars and fine plants had significant diversity at the DNA level. The dengrograms constructed with ISSR, SSR or combined data were very similar, but showed very weak grouping association with morphological characters. However, the progeny were always grouped with the parents. The great diversity found among the Chinese cultivars and the interesting germplasm of the fine pecan plants analyzed in this study are very useful for increasing the diversity of the pecan gene pool. All 77 accessions in this study could be separated based on the ISSR and SSR fingerprints produced by one or more primers. The results of our study also showed that ISSR and SSR techniques were both suitable for genetic diversity analyses and the identification of pecan resources.

Molecules, Vol. 16, Pages 10059-10077: Size-Dependent Electrocatalytic Activity of Gold Nanoparticles on HOPG and Highly Boron-Doped Diamond Surfaces

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 12:00 AM PST

Gold nanoparticles were prepared by electrochemical deposition on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) and boron-doped, epitaxial 100-oriented diamond layers. Using a potentiostatic double pulse technique, the average particle size was varied in the range from 5 nm to 30 nm in the case of HOPG as a support and between < 1 nm and 15 nm on diamond surfaces, while keeping the particle density constant. The distribution of particle sizes was very narrow, with standard deviations of around 20% on HOPG and around 30% on diamond. The electrocatalytic activity towards hydrogen evolution and oxygen reduction of these carbon supported gold nanoparticles in dependence of the particle sizes was investigated using cyclic voltammetry. For oxygen reduction the current density normalized to the gold surface (specific current density) increased for decreasing particle size. In contrast, the specific current density of hydrogen evolution showed no dependence on particle size. For both reactions, no effect of the different carbon supports on electrocatalytic activity was observed.

Cristiano Ronaldo Freestyle - Screenshots

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 01:50 AM PST

For the first time ever, Cristiano Ronaldo Freestyle brings all of Ronaldo's unique soccer skills and style into one amazing game. Packed with hundreds of tricks and challenges, multiple gameplay modes and set in different real-world locations, Cristiano Ronaldo Freestyle is the ultimate game to test your soccer skills to the max!
 
•Earn achievements and unlock new items to fully customize your Cristiano Ronaldo character including shorts, T-shirts, shoes,sunglasses and even hairstyles

•Choose from 5 gameplay modes including:
â—¦ Hype Endurance: Perform hype tricks whilst juggling the ball to get the crowd's attention as quickly as possible
â—¦Time Attack: Get as many points as possible in the duration of the whole song
â—¦Freestyle Battle: Compete against an opponent for the camera's attention
â—¦Don't Drop the Ball: How long can you last without dropping the ball?
â—¦Freestyle Showdown: 15 seconds competition to prove that your better than your opponent

•Shuffle Mode launches a level at random. Want a different level? just reshuffle again to find one you like

•Play soccer samba-style: make Cristiano Ronaldo move and dance to the beat while controlling the ball

•25 challenges in 6 unique world locations. Battle opponents with their own personality and style from England, France, USA, Japan, Spain and Portugal

Materials, Vol. 4, Pages 2092-2107: Arsenic-Doped High-Resistivity-Silicon Epitaxial Layers for Integrating Low-Capacitance Diodes

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 12:00 AM PST

An arsenic doping technique for depositing up to 40-μm-thick high-resistivity layers is presented for fabricating diodes with low RC constants that can be integrated in closely-packed configurations. The doping of the as-grown epi-layers is controlled down to 5 × 1011 cm−3, a value that is solely limited by the cleanness of the epitaxial reactor chamber. To ensure such a low doping concentration, first an As-doped Si seed layer is grown with a concentration of 1016 to 1017 cm−3, after which the dopant gas arsine is turned off and a thick lightly-doped epi-layer is deposited. The final doping in the thick epi-layer relies on the segregation and incorporation of As from the seed layer, and it also depends on the final thickness of the layer, and the exact growth cycles. The obtained epi-layers exhibit a low density of stacking faults, an over-the-wafer doping uniformity of 3.6%, and a lifetime of generated carriers of more than 2.5 ms. Furthermore, the implementation of a segmented photodiode electron detector is demonstrated, featuring a 30 pF capacitance and a 90 Ω series resistance for a 7.6 mm2 anode area.

Atmosphere, Vol. 2, Pages 688-701: A Comparison of Risk Estimates for the Effect of Short-Term Exposure to PM, NO2 and CO on Cardiovascular Hospitalizations and Emergency Department Visits: Effect Size Modeling of Study Findings

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 12:00 AM PST

Although particulate matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and carbon monoxide (CO) typically exist as part of a complex air pollution mixture, the evidence linking these pollutants to health effects is evaluated separately in the scientific and policy reviews of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The objective of this analysis was to use meta-regression methods to model effect estimates for several individual yet correlated NAAQS pollutants in an effort to identify factors that explain differences in the effect sizes across studies and across pollutants. We expected that our consideration of the evidence for several correlated pollutants in parallel could lead to insights regarding exposure to the pollutant mixture. We focused on studies of hospital admissions for congestive heart failure (CHF) and ischemic heart disease (IHD), which have played an important role in the evaluation of the scientific evidence communicated in the PM, NO2, and CO Integrated Science Assessments (ISAs). Of the studies evaluated, 11 CHF studies and 21 IHD studies met our inclusion requirements. The size of the risk estimates was explained by factors related to the pollution mixture, study methods, and monitoring network characteristics. Our findings suggest that additional analyses focusing on understanding differences in effect sizes across geographic areas with different pollution mixtures and monitor network designs may improve our understanding of the independent and combined effects of correlated pollutants.

IJMS, Vol. 12, Pages 8982-8992: Lycium barbarum Polysaccharides Attenuate Cisplatin-Induced Hair Cell Loss in Rat Cochlear Organotypic Cultures

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 12:00 AM PST

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) on cisplatin-induced hair cell damage in the organ of Corti explant. The neonatal (P2-3) rat organ of Corti explant was exposed to cisplatin (20 μM; 48 h) with or without LBP pretreatment (150 and 600 μg/mL; 24 h). Hair cell loss was indicated by FITC-labeled phalloidin staining. The level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and alteration of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) in hair cells were analyzed using fluorescent probes 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate and JC-1, respectively. The results showed that LBP significantly attenuated hair cell loss (p < 0.01). Hair cells pretreated with LBP showed significant reduction in ROS production and the decline of ΔΨm compared with cisplatin alone group (p < 0.01), indicating the protective effect of LBP on cisplatin-induced hair cell loss. Taken together, these results indicate that LBP was effective in attenuating cisplatin-induced hair cell loss by reducing the production of ROS and maintaining mitochondrial ΔΨm.

Sensors, Vol. 11, Pages 11495-11509: Design of a Lightweight, Cost Effective Thimble-Like Sensor for Haptic Applications Based on Contact Force Sensors

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 12:00 AM PST

This paper describes the design and calibration of a thimble that measures the forces applied by a user during manipulation of virtual and real objects. Haptic devices benefit from force measurement capabilities at their end-point. However, the heavy weight and cost of force sensors prevent their widespread incorporation in these applications. The design of a lightweight, user-adaptable, and cost-effective thimble with four contact force sensors is described in this paper. The sensors are calibrated before being placed in the thimble to provide normal and tangential forces. Normal forces are exerted directly by the fingertip and thus can be properly measured. Tangential forces are estimated by sensors strategically placed in the thimble sides. Two applications are provided in order to facilitate an evaluation of sensorized thimble performance. These applications focus on: (i) force signal edge detection, which determines task segmentation of virtual object manipulation, and (ii) the development of complex object manipulation models, wherein the mechanical features of a real object are obtained and these features are then reproduced for training by means of virtual object manipulation.

World Gone Sour - Screenshots

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 01:33 AM PST

Gamers will take on the miniature role of a lost Sour Patch Kid in a stylized human-sized world, guiding the hero through the sticky floors of a movie theater, across the counter of a concession stand, and other unique and oversized environments.  Joining forces with fellow lost Sour Patch Kids, players will use a combination of jumps, twists and puzzle-solving to negotiate and overcome larger than life obstacles. Along the way, they will battle unusual candy enemies, escape from deranged humans, and face-off against bizarre creatures including one very angry wad of sticky chewing gum.

Players will be able to team up with one friend for local co-op play. The console version will include support for global leaderboards.

My Paper Plane 3 - Screenshots

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 12:39 AM PST

There are 5 worlds: Canyon Town, Sapphire Coast, Fable Forest, Capital City and Magma Mines.  Each world is oozing with personality which is punctuated by a thumping original soundtrack.

The game on a whole looks like it was inspired by classic console flyers and that's a great thing!  Instead of shooting, however, you'll be challenged to pick up every single star that comes your way, racking up combos and points.
The power-ups in the game range from the expected speed-boost, to a tiny rainbow that shoots your plane up above the clouds where you... well I won't spoil the surprise. Let's just say the game has a great sense of humor and never really takes itself too seriously.

You can choose form one of the seven available paper planes, which you'll unlock by progressing through the game.  Two of the most striking ones are the Space Shuttle and a paper version of a B2 stealth bomber.

Features:
* Dynamically generated levels.
* Awesome power-ups.
* Many fun, unique locales. (more coming soon!)
* Many planes and other vehicles to choose from.
* Exhilarating feeling of flight.
* Incredibly fluid motion.
* Easy, ultra-accurate controls.
* Medals and Achievements.
* Online Leaderboards.
* Retina Display Support.

Cancers, Vol. 3, Pages 4212-4227: Immunohistochemical Assessment of Expression of Centromere Protein—A (CENPA) in Human Invasive Breast Cancer

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 12:00 AM PST

Abnormal cell division leading to the gain or loss of entire chromosomes and consequent genetic instability is a hallmark of cancer. Centromere protein –A (CENPA) is a centromere-specific histone-H3-like variant gene involved in regulating chromosome segregation during cell division. CENPA is one of the genes included in some of the commercially available RNA based prognostic assays for breast cancer (BCa)—the 70 gene signature MammaPrint® and the five gene Molecular Grade Index (MGISM). Our aim was to assess the immunohistochemical (IHC) expression of CENPA in normal and malignant breast tissue. Clinically annotated triplicate core tissue microarrays of 63 invasive BCa and 20 normal breast samples were stained with a monoclonal antibody against CENPA and scored for percentage of visibly stained nuclei. Survival analyses with Kaplan–Meier (KM) estimate and Cox proportional hazards regression models were applied to assess the associations between CENPA expression and disease free survival (DFS). Average percentage of nuclei visibly stained with CENPA antibody was significantly higher (p = 0.02) in BCa than normal tissue. The 3-year DFS in tumors over-expressing CENPA (>50% stained nuclei) was 79% compared to 85% in low expression tumors ( 60.07; p = 0.06) within our small cohort. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first published report evaluating the implications of increased IHC expression of CENPA in paraffin embedded breast tissue samples. Our finding that increased CENPA expression may be associated with shorter DFS in BCa supports its exploration as a potential prognostic biomarker.

IJMS, Vol. 12, Pages 8961-8981: <br>Structural Requirements of N-Substituted Spiropiperidine Analogues as Agonists of Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ Receptor

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 12:00 AM PST

The nociceptin/orphanin FQ (NOP) receptor is involved in a wide range of biological functions, including pain, anxiety, depression and drug abuse. Especially, its agonists have great potential to be developed into anxiolytics. In this work, both the ligand- and receptor-based three-dimensional quantitative structure–activity relationship (3D-QSAR) studies were carried out using comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) and comparative molecular similarity indices analysis (CoMSIA) techniques on 103 N-substituted spiropiperidine analogues as NOP agonists. The resultant optimal ligand-based CoMSIA model exhibited Q2 of 0.501, R2ncv of 0.912 and its predictive ability was validated by using an independent test set of 26 compounds which gave R2pred value of 0.818. In addition, docking analysis and molecular dynamics simulation (MD) were also applied to elucidate the probable binding modes of these agonists. Interpretation of the 3D contour maps, in the context of the topology of the active site of NOP, provided insight into the NOP-agonist interactions. The information obtained from this work can be used to accurately predict the binding affinity of related agonists and also facilitate the future rational design of novel agonists with improved activity.

Fake 1.8.4 - Browser that simplifies web automation.. (Shareware)

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 12:21 AM PST



Fake is a new browser for Mac OS X that makes web automation simple. Fake allows you to drag discrete browser Actions into a graphical Workflow that can be run again and again without human interaction. The Fake Workflows you create can be saved, reopened, and shared.

Inspired by Apple's Automator application, Fake looks like a combination of Safari and Automator and allows you to run (and re-run) "fake" interactions with the web.

Power Users will love Fake for automating tedious web tasks like filling out lengthy forms and capturing screenshots. Developers can use Fake for graphically configuring automated tests for their webapps, including assertions.

All of Fake's automation features are powered by Mac OS X's native scripting tool – AppleScript. Which means Fake can be used to incorporate web automation into many other OS X scripting tasks.

Fake's browser component is based on the same open source technology behind the popular Mac OS X Site Specific Browser, Fluid. Fake's proprietary secret sauce is in its web automation capabilities – the Action Library, and Workflow side pane.

Version 1.8.4:

  • ENHANCEMENT: Improved stability.
  • ENHANCEMENT: "Capture Web Page" Action now has an "as PDF" option.
  • ENHANCEMENT: The AppleScript "set variable with name" command now supports setting Fake Variables to Record (Dictionary) and Array values.


Mac OS X 10.5 or later.

Download Now

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

IJMS, Vol. 12, Pages 8947-8960: The Role of the E2F Transcription Factor Family in UV-Induced Apoptosis

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 12:00 AM PST

The E2F transcription factor family is traditionally associated with cell cycle control. However, recent data has shown that activating E2Fs (E2F1-3a) are potent activators of apoptosis. In contrast, the recently cloned inhibitory E2Fs (E2F7 and 8) appear to antagonize E2F-induced cell death. In this review we will discuss (i) the potential role of E2Fs in UV-induced cell death and (ii) the implications of this to the development of UV-induced cutaneous malignancies.

Pharmaceutics, Vol. 3, Pages 923-931: Effect of Duration and Amplitude of Direct Current when Lidocaine Is Delivered by Iontophoresis

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 12:00 AM PST

Dosage for the galvanic stimulation for iontophoresis varies. Clinicians manipulate the duration or the amplitude of the current, but it is not known which is more effective. We compared the anesthetic effect of lidocaine HCL (2%) by manipulating the current parameters on 21 healthy volunteers (age: 21.2 ± 4.2, height 170.7 ± 10.2 cm, mass 82.1 ± 19.2 kg). Three conditions were administered in a random order using a Phoresor II® with 2 mL, 2% lidocaine HCL in an iontophoresis electrode. (1) HASD (40 mA*min): High amplitude (4 mA), short duration (10 min); (2) LALD (40 mA.min): Low amplitude (2 mA), long duration (20 min); (3) Sham condition (0 mA, 20 min). Semmes-Weinstein monofilament (SWM) scores were taken pre and post intervention to measure sensation changes. Two-way ANOVA with repeated measures was used to compare sensation. Both iontophoresis treatments: LALD (4.2 ± 0.32 mm) and HASD (4.2 ± 0.52 mm) significantly increased SWM scores, indicating an increase in anesthesia, compared to the sham condition (3.6 ± 0.06 mm) p < 0.05. Neither LALD nor HASD was more effective and there was no difference in anesthesia with the sham. Lidocaine delivered via iontophoresis reduces cutaneous sensation. However, there was no benefit in either a HASD or LALD treatment.
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