среда, 23 мая 2012 г.

Games

Games

City of Heroes - Screenshots

Posted: 23 May 2012 04:00 AM PDT

Have you ever wanted to be hero? To soar between towering skyscrapers? To command the elements? To become a champion of justice – idolized by millions? Realize your comic book dreams in this massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) that is home to an entire universe of super-powered heroes and villains. Build your own unique hero from millions of possible character combinations and venture into Paragon City to discover all the danger, wonder and excitement that await you!

Developed by Cryptic Studios, based in San Jose, California, City of Heroes offers a whole new experience in playing with thousands of other gamers online – it offers the first and best comic book genre-based action MMORPG.Paragon City was once the leading metropolis of the United States; it is, in fact, the birthplace of masked heroes. Since its founding several centuries ago, Paragon City has been a shining beacon for commerce, industry and learning. Criminals, mercenaries and villains have always been attracted to Paragon City's bright lights, in the hopes of despoiling this symbol of all that is true and just. But Paragon City's heroes have always rallied to save her, the country, and the world.Then, the mysterious alien Rikti invaded Earth from another dimension. The creatures used Paragon City as a base of operations, from which they launched attacks across the globe.

Humanity's very existence was endangered until Earth's heroes, and even some villains, joined forces to repel the Rikti invasion force. In spite of great losses, mankind triumphed and the Rikti were forced out. Paragon City, however, was decimated. Even ...

JFB, Vol. 3, Pages 398-417: Altered Cell Mechanics from the Inside: Dispersed Single Wall Carbon Nanotubes Integrate with and Restructure Actin

Posted: 23 May 2012 12:00 AM PDT

With a range of desirable mechanical and optical properties, single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are a promising material for nanobiotechnologies. SWCNTs also have potential as biomaterials for modulation of cellular structures. Previously, we showed that highly purified, dispersed SWCNTs grossly alter F-actin inside cells. F-actin plays critical roles in the maintenance of cell structure, force transduction, transport and cytokinesis. Thus, quantification of SWCNT-actin interactions ranging from molecular, sub-cellular and cellular levels with both structure and function is critical for developing SWCNT-based biotechnologies. Further, this interaction can be exploited, using SWCNTs as a unique actin-altering material. Here, we utilized molecular dynamics simulations to explore the interactions of SWCNTs with actin filaments. Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy confirmed that SWCNTs were located within ~5 nm of F-actin in cells but did not interact with G-actin. SWCNTs did not alter myosin II sub-cellular localization, and SWCNT treatment in cells led to significantly shorter actin filaments. Functionally, cells with internalized SWCNTs had greatly reduced cell traction force. Combined, these results demonstrate direct, specific SWCNT alteration of F-actin structures which can be exploited for SWCNT-based biotechnologies and utilized as a new method to probe fundamental actin-related cellular processes and biophysics.

NoteBurner M4V Converter 2.4.1 - Convert videos for a plethora of devices.. (Shareware)

Posted: 23 May 2012 02:33 AM PDT



NoteBurner M4V Converter is the best solution for Mac users to convert DRM M4V movies. This powerful M4V DRM removal tool helps you to remove both purchased and rental M4V movies from iTunes Store, and convert them to unprotected video formats including MP4, AVI, MPG, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, 3GP, 3G2, FLV and SWF.

The DRM M4V Converter has built in various output profiles for iPad, iPhone, iPod, Apple TV, PSP, PS3, Walkman, Creative Zen, Xbox 360, Sandisk Sansa, Nokia, Google Android and BlackBerry. It's also an Mac MP4 Converter and Mac AVI Converter. You can use this Mac M4V Converter to convert any movies in iTunes movie library. If you have rented some M4V movies, you'd better convert them before the expiration day comes. Generally speaking, you can watch a rental M4V movie in 30 days.

With NoteBurner M4V Converter Plus for Mac, you can simply add rental movies to your own movie library without paying too much to buy, and you can get rid of Apple devices and watch them on any devices as you like.



Version 2.4.1:
  • Fixed the iTunes library loading error bug when adding files.
  • Fixed the no response bug when converting MP4 and MOV input files.


Mac OS X 10.6 or later, 64-bit processor

Download Now

JFB, Vol. 3, Pages 382-397: Ceramic Identity Contributes to Mechanical Properties and Osteoblast Behavior on Macroporous Composite Scaffolds

Posted: 23 May 2012 12:00 AM PDT

Implants formed of metals, bioceramics, or polymers may provide an alternative to autografts for treating large bone defects. However, limitations to each material motivate the examination of composites to capitalize on the beneficial aspects of individual components and to address the need for conferring bioactive behavior to the polymer matrix. We hypothesized that the inclusion of different bioceramics in a ceramic-polymer composite would alter the physical properties of the implant and the cellular osteogenic response. To test this, composite scaffolds formed from poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG) and either hydroxyapatite (HA), β-tricalcium phosphate (TCP), or bioactive glass (Bioglass 45S®, BG) were fabricated, and the physical properties of each scaffold were examined. We quantified cell proliferation by DNA content, osteogenic response of human osteoblasts (NHOsts) to composite scaffolds by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and changes in gene expression by qPCR. Compared to BG-PLG scaffolds, HA-PLG and TCP-PLG composite scaffolds possessed greater compressive moduli. NHOsts on BG-PLG substrates exhibited higher ALP activity than those on control, HA-, or TCP-PLG scaffolds after 21 days, and cells on composites exhibited a 3-fold increase in ALP activity between 7 and 21 days versus a minimal increase on control scaffolds. Compared to cells on PLG controls, RUNX2 expression in NHOsts on composite scaffolds was lower at both 7 and 21 days, while expression of genes encoding for bone matrix proteins (COL1A1 and SPARC) was higher on BG-PLG scaffolds at both time points. These data demonstrate the importance of selecting a ceramic when fabricating composites applied for bone healing.

Materials, Vol. 5, Pages 922-936: Surface Fractal Analysis for Estimating the Fracture Energy Absorption of Nanoparticle Reinforced Composites

Posted: 23 May 2012 12:00 AM PDT

In this study, the fractal dimensions of failure surfaces of vinyl ester based nanocomposites are estimated using two classical methods, Vertical Section Method (VSM) and Slit Island Method (SIM), based on the processing of 3D digital microscopic images. Self-affine fractal geometry has been observed in the experimentally obtained failure surfaces of graphite platelet reinforced nanocomposites subjected to quasi-static uniaxial tensile and low velocity punch-shear loading. Fracture energy and fracture toughness are estimated analytically from the surface fractal dimensionality. Sensitivity studies show an exponential dependency of fracture energy and fracture toughness on the fractal dimensionality. Contribution of fracture energy to the total energy absorption of these nanoparticle reinforced composites is demonstrated. For the graphite platelet reinforced nanocomposites investigated, surface fractal analysis has depicted the probable ductile or brittle fracture propagation mechanism, depending upon the rate of loading.

IJERPH, Vol. 9, Pages 1984-1996: High Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome among Kuwaiti Adults —A Wake-Up Call for Public Health Intervention

Posted: 23 May 2012 12:00 AM PDT

The socio-economic development which followed the discovery of oil resources brought about considerable changes in the food habits and lifestyle of the Kuwaiti population. Excessive caloric intake and decreased energy expenditure due to a sedentary lifestyle have led to a rapid increase in obesity, diabetes and other non-communicable chronic diseases in the population. In this paper, we examine the prevalence of the Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) among Kuwaiti adults (≥20 years) using data from the first national nutrition survey conducted between July 2008 and November 2009. The prevalence of MetS was 37.7% in females and 34.2% in males by NCEP criteria, whereas the values were 40.1% in females and 41.7% in males according to IDF criteria. Prevalence of MetS increased with age and was higher in females than males. The high prevalence of the MetS in Kuwaiti adults warrants urgent public health measures to prevent morbidity and mortality due to cardiovascular complications in the future.

Marine Drugs, Vol. 10, Pages 1138-1155: Preclinical Evaluation of Anticancer Efficacy and Pharmacological Properties of FBA-TPQ, a Novel Synthetic Makaluvamine Analog

Posted: 23 May 2012 12:00 AM PDT

We have recently designed and synthesized a novel iminoquinone anticancer agent, 7-(4-fluorobenzylamino)-1,3,4,8-tetrahydropyrrolo[4,3,2-de]quinolin-8(1H)-one (FBA-TPQ) and initiated its preclinical development. Herein we investigated its efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics in in vitro and in vivo models of human pancreatic cancer. Our results demonstrated that FBA-TPQ inhibited pancreatic cancer cell growth, induced apoptosis, and caused cell cycle arrest in vitro. It inhibited the growth of xenograft tumors with minimal host toxicity. To facilitate future preclinical and clinical development of the agent, we also developed and validated a Rapid Resolution Liquid Chromatography (RRLC) method for quantitative analysis of FBA-TPQ in plasma and tissue samples. The method was found to be precise, accurate, and specific. Using this method, we carried out in vitro and in vivo evaluations of the pharmacological properties of FBA-TPQ, including stability in plasma, plasma protein binding, metabolism by S9 enzymes, plasma pharmacokinetics, and tissue distribution. Our results indicate that FBA-TPQ is a potential therapeutic agent for pancreatic cancer, providing a basis for future preclinical and clinical development.

Marine Drugs, Vol. 10, Pages 1126-1137: Biochemical Studies of the Lagunamides, Potent Cytotoxic Cyclic Depsipeptides from the Marine Cyanobacterium Lyngbya majuscula

Posted: 23 May 2012 12:00 AM PDT

Lagunamides A (1) and B (2) are potent cytotoxic cyclic depsipeptides isolated from the filamentous marine cyanobacterium, Lyngbya majuscula, from Pulau Hantu, Singapore. These compounds are structurally related to the aurilide-class of molecules, which have been reported to possess exquisite antiproliferative activities against cancer cells. The present study presents preliminary findings on the selectivity of lagunamides against various cancer cell lines as well as their mechanism of action by studying their effects on programmed cell death or apoptosis. Lagunamide A exhibited a selective growth inhibitory activity against a panel of cancer cell lines, including P388, A549, PC3, HCT8, and SK-OV3 cells, with IC50 values ranging from 1.6 nM to 6.4 nM. Morphological studies showed blebbing at the surface of cancer cells as well as cell shrinkage accompanied by loss of contact with the substratum and neighboring cells. Biochemical studies using HCT8 and MCF7 cancer cells suggested that the cytotoxic effect of 1 and 2 might act via induction of mitochondrial mediated apoptosis. Data presented in this study warrants further investigation on the mode of action and underscores the importance of the lagunamides as potential anticancer agents.

Matrix Plug-in 3.2 - REALbasic 5 plug-in helps create matrices in apps.. (Free)

Posted: 23 May 2012 02:05 AM PDT

Matrix Plugin for REALbasic 2008 allows you to construct programs which, because of operator and function overloading, can handle real matrices much like doubles and integers are handled. Matrix elements are doubles. A matrix can be entered in standard form in a MultiLine EditField and read in by a single instruction.

Version 3.2:
  • Adds a second type of dimensioning of the matrices involved in the Singular Value Decomposition (SVD).


  • REALbasic 2008 or later
  • Mac OS X 10.0 or later


Download Now

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

ipswDownloader 2.2.0 - Automatically download firmware for iOS devices.. (Free)

Posted: 23 May 2012 02:14 AM PDT



ipswDownloader is a simple app for downloading firmware (ipsw) for Apple iPhone / iPad / iPod Touch / AppleTV.

Features:

  • Multiple-Download support;
  • Pause/Resume Download;
  • Apple info;
  • Displaying Baseband version;
  • Displaying Jailbreak - yesnotethered (via tools);
  • Displaying Unlock - yesno (via tools);
  • Displaying Firmware size;
  • Displaying SHA1 info;
  • Displaying Build info;
  • Displaying Additional info;
  • Supported languages: EN, RU, ES, IT, FR, DE, EL, AR, DA, JA;
  • Links to jailbreak tools;
  • Auto-Updater;
  • Clickable text;
  • Dynamics menus.


Version 2.2.0:

Fixed:

  • Set min os to Mac OS 10.7,
  • Checking downloads status,
  • Add dynamic menus
  • Fix prefs saving,
  • Add 10.7 features,
  • Update libs,
  • Some fixes.


  • Mac OS X 10.7 or later
  • For Mac OS X 10.6.8 please use v 1.6.0
  • 64-bit processor


Download Now

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

MPCalc Plugin 3.0 - RPN calculator library for REALbasic.. (Free)

Posted: 23 May 2012 01:58 AM PDT

MPCalc Plugin provides the functionality of my multi-precision RPN calculator to a REALbasic program.

It can handle numbers with up to 30,000 decimal digits. It can also handle numbers whose absolute values lie between about 1e-40000000 and 1e+40000000.

As a Universal, Linux, and x86 plugin it can be used to create REALbasic applications which run under Mac OS X, Linux, and Windows.

Over forty scientific functions are now available.



  • REALbasic 2008 or later
  • Mac OS X 10.0 or later


Download Now

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

Fraction Plugin 2.0 - REALbasic 5 plug-in for development of fraction apps.. (Free)

Posted: 23 May 2012 02:02 AM PDT

Fraction Plugin for REALbasic allows you to construct programs which can handle fractions much like doubles and integers are handled. Fractions are represented by two integers as num/den. Exact calculations using rationals are now possible with REALbasic.

You can use the arithmetic operators +, -, *, / with any combination of fractions and integers. And fractions can be compared with fractions or integers in if statements.

Fraction Plugin is compiled for Mac OS X (Universal), Windoes, and Linux.



Version 2.0:
  • Now compatible with REALbasic 2009.


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

Viruses, Vol. 4, Pages 889-900: Authentication of the R06E Fruit Bat Cell Line

Posted: 23 May 2012 12:00 AM PDT

Fruit bats and insectivorous bats are believed to provide a natural reservoir for a wide variety of infectious diseases. Several lines of evidence, including the successful isolation of infectious viruses, indicate that Marburg virus and Ravn virus have found a major reservoir in colonies of the Egyptian rousette (Rousettus aegyptiacus). To facilitate molecular studies on virus-reservoir host interactions and isolation of viruses from environmental samples, we established cell lines from primary cells of this animal. The cell lines were given to several laboratories until we realized that a contamination with Vero cells in one of the cultures had occurred. Here we describe a general diagnostic procedure for identification of cross-species contamination with the focus on Vero and Rousettus cell lines, and summarize newly discovered properties of the cell lines that may pertain to pathogen discovery.

Viruses, Vol. 4, Pages 878-888: Transcriptional Regulation of Latent Feline Immunodeficiency Virus in Peripheral CD4+ T-lymphocytes

Posted: 23 May 2012 12:00 AM PDT

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), the lentivirus of domestic cats responsible for feline AIDS, establishes a latent infection in peripheral blood CD4+ T-cells approximately eight months after experimental inoculation. In this study, cats experimentally infected with the FIV-C strain in the asymptomatic phase demonstrated an estimated viral load of 1 infected cell per approximately 103 CD4+ T-cells, with about 1 copy of viral DNA per cell. Approximately 1 in 10 proviral copies was capable of transcription in the asymptomatic phase. The latent FIV proviral promoter was associated with deacetylated, methylated histones, which is consistent with a condensed chromatin structure. In contrast, the transcriptionally active FIV promoter was associated with histone acetylation and demethylation. In addition, RNA polymerase II appeared to be paused on the latent viral promoter, and short promoter-proximal transcripts were detected. Our findings for the FIV promoter in infected cats are similar to results obtained in studies of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 latent proviruses in cell culture in vitro studies. Thus, the FIV/cat model may offer insights into in vivo mechanisms of HIV latency and provides a unique opportunity to test novel therapeutic interventions aimed at eradicating latent virus.

Screenshot Helper 2.1.4 - Gives a clean background for screenshots.. (Free)

Posted: 23 May 2012 01:36 AM PDT



Screenshot Helper shows a full screen window with a solid color or a desktop picture so that you can take clean screenshots without having irrelevant windows and desktop icons in the background.

The easiest way to get a clean desktop for screenshots on Mac OS X is to create a brand-new user account and log in as a brand-new user. But if you need to use your own user account for whatever reason and you have a messy desktop like I do, you can use this application to hide the actual desktop in order to take clean screenshots.

  • Support multiple screens.
  • Use the Preferences panel to change the color or the desktop picture.
  • Shift - drag the window to snap to the edge of screen.
  • Press command - B to show/hide the menu bar and the dock.
  • Press command - U to show/hide the mouse cursor.
  • Press command - E to cover the entire screen.
  • Press command - D to cover the desktop icons only.


Version 2.1.4:
  • Fixed the desktop picture aspect ratio on the rotated screen.


Mac OS X 10.6.6 or later.

Download Now

IJMS, Vol. 13, Pages 6399-6406: CD146 Expression Correlates with Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Markers and a Poor Prognosis in Gastric Cancer

Posted: 23 May 2012 12:00 AM PDT

CD146 has been regarded as a novel potential therapeutic target for multiple cancers. The aim of the study was to investigate the expression of CD146 in gastric cancer and evaluate its clinical-pathological and prognostic significance. The expression of CD146 and three epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins (E-cadherin, β-catenin and vimentin) was examined in 144 gastric cancers by immunohistochemistry. Fifty-nine cases (41.0%) were defined as positive for CD146 expression. We found that CD146 expression correlated positively with lymph node involvement and a poor prognosis, and retained an independent prognostic factor for gastric cancer patients. Furthermore, positive expression of CD146 was strongly associated with loss of the epithelial marker E-cadherin and acquisition of the expression of the mesenchymal markers nuclear β-catenin and vimentin. These findings suggest that CD146 might promote EMT and progression in gastric cancer, and thus may be a potential therapeutic target for patients with gastric cancers.

IJMS, Vol. 13, Pages 6382-6398: Enrichment of Polychlorinated Biphenyls from Aqueous Solutions Using Fe3O4 Grafted Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes with Poly Dimethyl Diallyl Ammonium Chloride

Posted: 23 May 2012 12:00 AM PDT

In this paper, Fe3O4 nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs) grafted carboxyl groups of multiwalled carbon nanotubes with cationic polyelectrolyte poly (dimethyldiallylammonium chloride) (PDDA) (MWCNTs-COO−/PDDA@Fe3O4), are successfully synthesized and used for the extraction of six kinds of major toxic polychorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from a large volume of water solution. The hydrophilicity of the PDDA cage can enhance the dispersibility of sorbents in water samples, and the superparamagnetism of the Fe3O4 NPs facilitate magnetic separation which directly led to the simplification of the extraction procedure. With the magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) technique based on the MWCNTs-COO−/PDDA@Fe3O4 sorbents, it requires only 30 min to extract trace levels of PCBs from 500 mL water samples. When the eluate condensed to 1.0 mL, concentration factors for PCBs became over 500. The spiked recoveries of several real water samples for PCBs were in the range of 73.3–98.9% with relative standard deviations varying from 3.8% to 9.4%, reflecting good accuracy of the method. Therefore, preconcentration of trace level of PCBs by using this MWCNTs-COO−/PDDA@Fe3O4 sorbent, which are stable for multiple reuses, from water solution can be performed.

IJMS, Vol. 13, Pages 6370-6381: Gelam Honey Has a Protective Effect against Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-Induced Organ Failure

Posted: 23 May 2012 12:00 AM PDT

Gelam honey exerts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities and is thought to have potent effects in reducing infections and healing wounds. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of intravenously-injected Gelam honey in protecting organs from lethal doses of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Six groups of rabbits (N = 6) were used in this study. Two groups acted as controls and received only saline and no LPS injections. For the test groups, 1 mL honey (500 mg/kg in saline) was intravenously injected into two groups (treated), while saline (1 mL) was injected into the other two groups (untreated); after 1 h, all four test groups were intravenously-injected with LPS (0.5 mg/kg). Eight hours after the LPS injection, blood and organs were collected from three groups (one from each treatment stream) and blood parameters were measured and biochemical tests, histopathology, and myeloperoxidase assessment were performed. For survival rate tests, rabbits from the remaining three groups were monitored over a 2-week period. Treatment with honey showed protective effects on organs through the improvement of organ blood parameters, reduced infiltration of neutrophils, and decreased myeloperoxidase activity. Honey-treated rabbits also showed reduced mortality after LPS injection compared with untreated rabbits. Honey may have a therapeutic effect in protecting organs during inflammatory diseases.

IJMS, Vol. 13, Pages 6352-6369: Revealing the Anti-Tumor Effect of Artificial miRNA p-27-5p on Human Breast Carcinoma Cell Line T-47D

Posted: 23 May 2012 12:00 AM PDT

microRNAs (miRNAs) cause mRNA degradation or translation suppression of their target genes. Previous studies have found direct involvement of miRNAs in cancer initiation and progression. Artificial miRNAs, designed to target single or multiple genes of interest, provide a new therapeutic strategy for cancer. This study investigates the anti-tumor effect of a novel artificial miRNA, miR P-27-5p, on breast cancer. In this study, we reveal that miR P-27-5p downregulates the differential gene expressions associated with the protein modification process and regulation of cell cycle in T-47D cells. Introduction of this novel artificial miRNA, miR P-27-5p, into breast cell lines inhibits cell proliferation and induces the first "gap" phase (G1) cell cycle arrest in cancer cell lines but does not affect normal breast cells. We further show that miR P-27-5p targets the 3′-untranslated mRNA region (3′-UTR) of cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) and reduces both the mRNA and protein level of CDK4, which in turn, interferes with phosphorylation of the retinoblastoma protein (RB1). Overall, our data suggest that the effects of miR p-27-5p on cell proliferation and G1 cell cycle arrest are through the downregulation of CDK4 and the suppression of RB1 phosphorylation. This study opens avenues for future therapies targeting breast cancer.

IJMS, Vol. 13, Pages 6334-6351: Investigation of Antigen-Antibody Interactions of Sulfonamides with a Monoclonal Antibody in a Fluorescence Polarization Immunoassay Using 3D-QSAR Models

Posted: 23 May 2012 12:00 AM PDT

A three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship (3D-QSAR) model of sulfonamide analogs binding a monoclonal antibody (MAbSMR) produced against sulfamerazine was carried out by Distance Comparison (DISCOtech), comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA), and comparative molecular similarity indices analysis (CoMSIA). The affinities of the MAbSMR, expressed as Log10IC50, for 17 sulfonamide analogs were determined by competitive fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA). The results demonstrated that the proposed pharmacophore model containing two hydrogen-bond acceptors, two hydrogen-bond donors and two hydrophobic centers characterized the structural features of the sulfonamides necessary for MAbSMR binding. Removal of two outliers from the initial set of 17 sulfonamide analogs improved the predictability of the models. The 3D-QSAR models of 15 sulfonamides based on CoMFA and CoMSIA resulted in q2cv values of 0.600 and 0.523, and r2 values of 0.995 and 0.994, respectively, which indicates that both methods have significant predictive capability. Connolly surface analysis, which mainly focused on steric force fields, was performed to complement the results from CoMFA and CoMSIA. This novel study combining FPIA with pharmacophore modeling demonstrates that multidisciplinary research is useful for investigating antigen-antibody interactions and also may provide information required for the design of new haptens.
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