пятница, 9 ноября 2012 г.

Games

Games

Into The Dark - Screenshots

Posted: 09 Nov 2012 03:10 AM PST

Into The Dark combines puzzle, adventure, first person shooter and RPG elements with a visible "basement" development approach for an exciting gaming experience.

GTA V: New screens show three main characters doing exciting action stuff

Posted: 09 Nov 2012 02:38 AM PST

Thanks to the latest issue of Game Informer we have been furnished with more Grand Theft Auto V details. And now also thanks to Game Informer (and All

Sensors, Vol. 12, Pages 15376-15393: GrabCut-Based Human Segmentation in Video Sequences

Posted: 09 Nov 2012 12:00 AM PST

In this paper, we present a fully-automatic Spatio-Temporal GrabCut human segmentation methodology that combines tracking and segmentation. GrabCut initialization is performed by a HOG-based subject detection, face detection, and skin color model. Spatial information is included by Mean Shift clustering whereas temporal coherence is considered by the historical of Gaussian Mixture Models. Moreover, full face and pose recovery is obtained by combining human segmentation with Active Appearance Models and Conditional Random Fields. Results over public datasets and in a new Human Limb dataset show a robust segmentation and recovery of both face and pose using the presented methodology.

Sensors, Vol. 12, Pages 15356-15375: Development of a Configurable Growth Chamber with a Computer Vision System to Study Circadian Rhythm in Plants

Posted: 09 Nov 2012 12:00 AM PST

Plant development is the result of an endogenous morphogenetic program that integrates environmental signals. The so-called circadian clock is a set of genes that integrates environmental inputs into an internal pacing system that gates growth and other outputs. Study of circadian growth responses requires high sampling rates to detect changes in growth and avoid aliasing. We have developed a flexible configurable growth chamber comprising a computer vision system that allows sampling rates ranging between one image per 30 s to hours/days. The vision system has a controlled illumination system, which allows the user to set up different configurations. The illumination system used emits a combination of wavelengths ensuring the optimal growth of species under analysis. In order to obtain high contrast of captured images, the capture system is composed of two CCD cameras, for day and night periods. Depending on the sample type, a flexible image processing software calculates different parameters based on geometric calculations. As a proof of concept we tested the system in three different plant tissues, growth of petunia- and snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus) flowers and of cladodes from the cactus Opuntia ficus-indica. We found that petunia flowers grow at a steady pace and display a strong growth increase in the early morning, whereas Opuntia cladode growth turned out not to follow a circadian growth pattern under the growth conditions imposed. Furthermore we were able to identify a decoupling of increase in area and length indicating that two independent growth processes are responsible for the final size and shape of the cladode.

Molecules, Vol. 17, Pages 13403-13423: By Improving Regional Cortical Blood Flow, Attenuating Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Sequential Apoptosis Galangin Acts as a Potential Neuroprotective Agent after Acute Ischemic Stroke

Posted: 09 Nov 2012 12:00 AM PST

Ischemic stroke is a devastating disease with a complex pathophysiology. Galangin is a natural flavonoid isolated from the rhizome of Alpina officinarum Hance, which has been widely used as an antioxidant agent. However, its effects against ischemic stroke have not been reported and its related neuroprotective mechanism has not really been explored. In this study, neurological behavior, cerebral infarct volumes and the improvement of the regional cortical blood flow (rCBF) were used to evaluate the therapeutic effect of galangin in rats impaired by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO)-induced focal cerebral ischemia. Furthermore, the determination of mitochondrial function and Western blot of apoptosis-related proteins were performed to interpret the neuroprotective mechanism of galangin. The results showed that galangin alleviated the neurologic impairments, reduced cerebral infarct at 24 h after MCAO and exerted a protective effect on the mitochondria with decreased production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS). These effects were consistent with improvements in the membrane potential level (Dym), membrane fluidity, and degree of mitochondrial swelling in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, galangin significantly improved the reduced rCBF after MCAO. Western blot analysis revealed that galangin also inhibited apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner concomitant with the up-regulation of Bcl-2 expression, down-regulation of Bax expression and the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, a reduction in cytochrome c release from the mitochondria to the cytosol, the reduced expression of activated caspase-3 and the cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). All these data in this study demonstrated that galangin might have therapeutic potential for ischemic stroke and play its protective role through the improvement in rCBF, mitochondrial protection and inhibiting caspase-dependent mitochondrial cell death pathway for the first time.

Molecules, Vol. 17, Pages 13390-13402: Spatial Control of DNA Reaction Networks by DNA Sequence

Posted: 09 Nov 2012 12:00 AM PST

We have developed a set of DNA circuits that execute during gel electrophoresis to yield immobile, fluorescent features in the gel. The parallel execution of orthogonal circuits led to the simultaneous production of different fluorescent lines at different positions in the gel. The positions of the lines could be rationally manipulated by changing the mobilities of the reactants. The ability to program at the nanoscale so as to produce patterns at the macroscale is a step towards programmable, synthetic chemical systems for generating defined spatiotemporal patterns.

Molecules, Vol. 17, Pages 13376-13389: Endo-S-c-di-GMP Analogues-Polymorphism and Binding Studies with Class I Riboswitch

Posted: 09 Nov 2012 12:00 AM PST

C-di-GMP, a cyclic guanine dinucleotide, has been shown to regulate biofilm formation as well as virulence gene expression in a variety of bacteria. Analogues of c-di-GMP have the potential to be used as chemical probes to study c-di-GMP signaling and could even become drug leads for the development of anti-biofilm compounds. Herein we report the synthesis and biophysical studies of a series of c-di-GMP analogues, which have both phosphate and sugar moieties simultaneously modified (called endo-S-c-di-GMP analogues). We used computational methods to predict the relative orientation of the guanine nucleobases in c-di-GMP and analogues. DOSY NMR of the endo-S-c-di-GMP series showed that the polymorphism of c-di-GMP can be tuned with conservative modifications to the phosphate and sugar moieties (conformational steering). Binding studies with Vc2 RNA (a class I c-di-GMP riboswitch) revealed that conservative modifications to the phosphate and 2'-positions of c-di-GMP dramatically affected binding to class I riboswitch.

Molecules, Vol. 17, Pages 13368-13375: One-Pot Synthesis of 2-Phenylimidazo[1,2-α]pyridines from Acetophenone, [Bmim]Br3 and 2-Aminopyridine under Solvent-Free Conditions

Posted: 09 Nov 2012 12:00 AM PST

One-pot synthesis of 2-phenylimidazo[1,2-α]pyridines from acetophenone, [Bmim]Br3 and 2-aminopyridine under solvent-free conditions in the presence of Na2CO3, gave the corresponding 2-phenylimidazo[1,2-α]pyridines in excellent yields ranging from 72% to 89%.

Molecules, Vol. 17, Pages 13357-13367: α-Lipoic Acid Reduces Hypertension and Increases Baroreflex Sensitivity in Renovascular Hypertensive Rats

Posted: 09 Nov 2012 12:00 AM PST

Renovascular hypertension has robust effects on control of blood pressure, including an impairment in baroreflex mechanisms, which involves oxidative stress. Although α-lipoic acid (LA) has been described as a potent antioxidant, its effect on renovascular hypertension and baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) has not been investigated. In the present study we analyzed the effects caused by chronic treatment with LA on blood pressure, heart rate and baroreflex sensitivity (sympathetic and parasympathetic components) in renovascular hypertensive rats. Male Wistar rats underwent 2-Kidney-1-Clip (2K1C) or sham surgery and were maintained untouched for four weeks to develop hypertension. Four weeks post-surgery, rats were treated with LA (60 mg/kg) or saline for 14 days orally. On the 15th day mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded. In addition, baroreflex sensitivity test using phenylephrine (8 µg/kg, i.v.) and sodium nitroprusside (25 µg/kg, i.v.) was performed. Chronic treatment with LA decreased blood pressure in hypertensive animals; however, no significant changes in baseline HR were observed. Regarding baroreflex, LA treatment increased the sensitivity of both the sympathetic and parasympathetic components. All parameters studied were not affected by treatment with LA in normotensive animals. Our data suggest that chronic treatment with LA promotes antihypertensive effect and improves baroreflex sensitivity in rats with renovascular hypertension.

Bark! Swear! It’s the best single-action buttons in video games

Posted: 09 Nov 2012 02:06 AM PST

"Mummy, look! I've found the fart button!"

Zone of the Enders HD Collection - GR Review

Posted: 09 Nov 2012 01:35 AM PST

Robots of Future Past.
Okay, before you start lighting your torches and sharpening your pitchforks, let me say that I am a fan. I read every preview and poured over every screenshot leading up to the original's PS2 release. I blew through it in two long sessions in the attic of the house I grew up in, because the TV up there was the biggest we had. When Konami showed the HD Collection off at a recent press event, I lit up like Times Square. But go into this with a clear head: What you're really buying is an upscaled port of Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner.

The HD remake market is a potentially treacherous place for the video game critic of the 21st century. A cracked, scarred battlefield fraught with landmines like nostalgic fans and modern-day expectations—it can be hard to know how to approach it. I, much to the chagrin of those who edit my reviews [Not me, good sir. ~Ed. Nick], tend to give something of a brief history lesson when I assess a game, because I think context matters. But even when you place it against its native backdrop, the truth of the Zone of the Enders HD Collection is that you're paying $40 for something that's a collection in name only.



"Collection" implies the rounding up of several games and a stack of old art, music, and information—at least that's what it has come to mean in the gaming world. Sure, ZoE HD gives you sharpened up versions of the two console releases the series enjoyed, but that's literally all it gives you. No expanded content, no bells or whistles, and certainly no options outside of the ones originally offered when the games first hit shelves in '01 and '03 respectively.

The ...

Thundercats - GR Review

Posted: 09 Nov 2012 01:08 AM PST

Hello everyone, let's take our seats, class is about to begin. Just sit down so we can get started… thank you.

So today, we're going to start the section on how not to make a video game. Everybody get your paper and pencils or pens and start taking notes. We're going to start with Thundercats for the DS. See? There was a reason I assigned it to you last week. It wasn't just for punishment or anything, like I usually do with classic books and the works of foreign poets. I still enjoy them—and you should—but it's fine.

Let's start with the graphics. What did you guys think? Yes, Tommy? Yes, it does look like a miserable example from 2001. We don't actually know when the game started development, but if it looks a little too much like it began on a system from ten years ago, it's a good sign that more time should have been spent on its development. But what about it gives that impression? Is it the tiny sprites, or the bland backdrops? That's right, even the still shots from the show seem to have some pixilation around the edges.


How about actually controlling Lion-o? Yes, I know you can only play as Lion-o and none of the other Thundercats, but how does he feel to command around? Kimberly, you had a thought? Yes, he's stiff, isn't he?  Slow to respond, even slower to attack? That's fair, but what about his special attacks, like his charged strike or the character assist unlocks that come along through the game… wait, you didn't know about those? Ah, that's because the game itself didn't introduce any of those, you should've read the instruction booklet! It mentions them but without much explanation, and just believes that you will ...

IJMS, Vol. 13, Pages 14623-14633: Molecular Systematics of Genus Atractylodes (Compositae, Cardueae): Evidence from Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) and trnL-F Sequences

Posted: 09 Nov 2012 12:00 AM PST

To determine the evolutionary relationships among all members of the genus Atractylodes (Compositae, Cardueae), we conducted molecular phylogenetic analyses of one nuclear DNA (nrDNA) region (internal transcribed spacer, ITS) and one chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) region (intergenic spacer region of trnL-F). In ITS and ITS + trnL-F trees, all members of Atractylodes form a monophyletic clade. Atractylodes is a sister group of the Carlina and Atractylis branch. Atractylodes species were distributed among three clades: (1) A. carlinoides (located in the lowest base of the Atractylodes phylogenetic tree), (2) A. macrocephala, and (3) the A. lancea complex, including A. japonica, A. coreana, A. lancea, A. lancea subsp. luotianensis, and A. chinensis. The taxonomic controversy over the classification of species of Atractylodes is mainly concentrated in the A. lancea complex. In base on molecular results, the intraspecific division of Atractylodes lancea is not supported, and A. coreana should be treated as a synonym A. chinensis.

IJMS, Vol. 13, Pages 14606-14622: Roles of Nitric Oxide and Asymmetric Dimethylarginine in Pregnancy and Fetal Programming

Posted: 09 Nov 2012 12:00 AM PST

Nitric oxide (NO) regulates placental blood flow and actively participates in trophoblast invasion and placental development. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) can inhibit NO synthase, which generates NO. ADMA has been associated with uterine artery flow disturbances such as preeclampsia. Substantial experimental evidence has reliably supported the hypothesis that an adverse in utero environment plays a role in postnatal physiological and pathophysiological programming. Growing evidence suggests that the placental nitrergic system is involved in epigenetic fetal programming. In this review, we discuss the roles of NO and ADMA in normal and compromised pregnancies as well as the link between placental insufficiency and epigenetic fetal programming.

Indie Hour: Let's Play... Frozen Hearth

Posted: 08 Nov 2012 09:03 PM PST

The Australian developers behind upcoming PC real-time strategy game Frozen Hearth drop by to show off some skirmishes and answer your questions about the game!

Read and Post Comments | Get the full article at GameSpot

"Indie Hour: Let's Play... Frozen Hearth" was posted by edmondt on Thu, 08 Nov 2012 21:03:17 -0800

G-Star 2012 Photo Gallery

Posted: 08 Nov 2012 07:45 PM PST

Check out the latest pics from G-Star 2012, one of Asia's biggest gaming shows.

     

Get the full article at GameSpot

"G-Star 2012 Photo Gallery" was posted by Staff on Thu, 08 Nov 2012 19:45:54 -0800

Thundercats - Screenshots

Posted: 09 Nov 2012 12:48 AM PST

NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. today announced that THUNDERCATS® for Nintendo DS™ is now available for purchase in North America. The high-action game inspired by the series from Warner Bros. Animation follows the adventures of ThunderCats hero Lion-O in a side-scrolling adventure through the land of Thundera. The dynamic action will allow players to wield the Sword of Omens and master all of Lion-O's attacks to deal massive damage to Mumm-Ra's Evil Forces through exciting sword play. The game also features colossal robot battles and the unlocking and collecting of memorial cards as players complete objectives throughout the game.

The THUNDERCATS storyline stays faithful to events taken straight out of the ThunderCats animated series. After generations of prosperity and peace, Thundera has fallen into despair as the evil sorcerer Mumm-Ra and his Lizard armies go on a rampage through the land, leaving ruin and terror in their wake. Players take on the role of Lion-O, the young heir to the Thundera throne, and wield the Sword of Omens to salvage the honor of his nation and save his people from Mumm-Ra's evil grasp.

In THUNDERCATS, players can summon Lion-O's faithful companions to his side to aid him in battle. ThunderCats characters Tygra, Cheetara, Panthro, WilyKit and WilyKat are at-the-ready to help defeat Mumm-Ra and all possess unique attacks that serve different functions to help Lion-O achieve various objectives.

THUNDERCATS for Nintendo DS is available for purchase at video game retailers in North America now. THUNDERCATS is rated "E10+ for "everyone ages 10 and above by the ESRB, and carries a MSRP of $29.99. For more information on the game please visit http://www.ThunderCatsDS.com/.

Nolan like a 'master chess player'

Posted: 09 Nov 2012 12:20 AM PST

He said of the British writer-director: "He's very, very smart. He seems to be the kind of guy who is a master chess player." Tom, now starring in TV miniseries Hatfields And McCoys, said: "He would always be stood next to the camera like the old guys used to.

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

IJMS, Vol. 13, Pages 14579-14605: Glatiramer Acetate in Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis: A Toolbox of Random Co-Polymers for Targeting Inflammatory Mechanisms of both the Innate and Adaptive Immune System?

Posted: 09 Nov 2012 12:00 AM PST

Multiple sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system, resulting in the demyelination of neurons, causing mild to severe symptoms. Several anti-inflammatory treatments now play a significant role in ameliorating the disease. Glatiramer acetate (GA) is a formulation of random polypeptide copolymers for the treatment of relapsing-remitting MS by limiting the frequency of attacks. While evidence suggests the influence of GA on inflammatory responses, the targeted molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we review the multiple pharmacological modes-of-actions of glatiramer acetate in treatment of multiple sclerosis. We discuss in particular a newly discovered interaction between the leukocyte-expressed integrin αMβ2 (also called Mac-1, complement receptor 3, or CD11b/CD18) and perspectives on the GA co-polymers as an influence on the function of the innate immune system.

Sustainability, Vol. 4, Pages 2998-3022: A Model for Sustainability of Water, Environment, Livelihood, and Culture in Traditional Irrigation Communities and Their Linked Watersheds

Posted: 09 Nov 2012 12:00 AM PST

Water scarcity, land use conversion and cultural and ecosystem changes threaten the way of life for traditional irrigation communities of the semi-arid southwestern United States. Traditions are strong, yet potential upheaval is great in these communities that rely on acequia irrigation systems. Acequias are ancient ditch systems brought from the Iberian Peninsula to the New World over 400 years ago; they are simultaneously gravity flow water delivery systems and shared water governance institutions. Acequias have survived periods of drought and external shocks from changing economics, demographics, and resource uses. Now, climate change and urbanization threaten water availability, ecosystem functions, and the acequia communities themselves. Do past adaptive practices hold the key to future sustainability, or are new strategies required? To explore this issue we translated disciplinary understanding into a uniform format of causal loop diagrams to conceptualize the subsystems of the entire acequia-based human-natural system. Four subsystems are identified in this study: hydrology, ecosystem, land use/economics, and sociocultural. Important linkages between subsystems were revealed as well as variables indicating community cohesion (e.g., total irrigated land, intensity of upland grazing, mutualism). Ongoing work will test the conceptualizations with field data and modeling exercises to capture tipping points for non-sustainability and thresholds for sustainable water use and community longevity.
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