понедельник, 6 мая 2013 г.

Games

Games


Sustainability, Vol. 5, Pages 1994-2017: Local Languages of Instruction as a Right in Education for Sustainable Development in Africa

Posted: 06 May 2013 12:00 AM PDT

Today's educational challenges in Africa have their roots in the colonial education system. The article explores the consequences of linguistic choices for quality education, self-determined development and children's rights in education. The analysis centers on a case study of a curriculum change in Zanzibar in which English has replaced Kiswahili as the language of instruction in the last years of primary school in Mathematics and Science subjects. The case study is grounded in an extensive review of theory and practices on the relationship between language of instruction, learning and rights in education. The field study researched the reasons behind the curriculum change, the extent to which schools were prepared for the change, and the consequences of the change for the learning environment. The article, therefore suggests that for the 21st century, Africa should place emphasis on rights policies that promotes not only access, but also inclusion and quality education.

Games, Vol. 4, Pages 182-199: Dynamic Properties of Evolutionary Multi-player Games in Finite Populations

Posted: 06 May 2013 12:00 AM PDT

William D. Hamilton famously stated that "human life is a many person game and not just a disjoined collection of two person games". However, most of the theoretical results in evolutionary game theory have been developed for two player games. In spite of a multitude of examples ranging from humans to bacteria, multi-player games have received less attention than pairwise games due to their inherent complexity. Such complexities arise from the fact that group interactions cannot always be considered as a sum of multiple pairwise interactions. Mathematically, multi-player games provide a natural way to introduce non-linear, polynomial fitness functions into evolutionary game theory, whereas pairwise games lead to linear fitness functions. Similarly, studying finite populations is a natural way of introducing intrinsic stochasticity into population dynamics. While these topics have been dealt with individually, few have addressed the combination of finite populations and multi-player games so far. We are investigating the dynamical properties of evolutionary multi-player games in finite populations. Properties of the fixation probability and fixation time, which are relevant for rare mutations, are addressed in well mixed populations. For more frequent mutations, the average abundance is investigated in well mixed as well as in structured populations. While the fixation properties are generalizations of the results from two player scenarios, addressing the average abundance in multi-player games gives rise to novel outcomes not possible in pairwise games.

Sensors, Vol. 13, Pages 5796-5813: Wireless Laser Range Finder System for Vertical Displacement Monitoring of Mega-Trusses during Construction

Posted: 06 May 2013 12:00 AM PDT

As buildings become increasingly complex, construction monitoring using various sensors is urgently needed for both more systematic and accurate safety management and high-quality productivity in construction. In this study, a monitoring system that is composed of a laser displacement sensor (LDS) and a wireless sensor node was proposed and applied to an irregular building under construction. The subject building consists of large cross-sectional members, such as mega-columns, mega-trusses, and edge truss, which secured the large spaces. The mega-trusses and edge truss that support this large space are of the cantilever type. The vertical displacement occurring at the free end of these members was directly measured using an LDS. To validate the accuracy and reliability of the deflection data measured from the LDS, a total station was also employed as a sensor for comparison with the LDS. In addition, the numerical simulation result was compared with the deflection obtained from the LDS and total station. Based on these investigations, the proposed wireless displacement monitoring system was able to improve the construction quality by monitoring the real-time behavior of the structure, and the applicability of the proposed system to buildings under construction for the evaluation of structural safety was confirmed.

Sensors, Vol. 13, Pages 5777-5795: Microbial Biosensors: Engineered Microorganisms as the Sensing Machinery

Posted: 06 May 2013 12:00 AM PDT

Whole-cell biosensors are a good alternative to enzyme-based biosensors since they offer the benefits of low cost and improved stability. In recent years, live cells have been employed as biosensors for a wide range of targets. In this review, we will focus on the use of microorganisms that are genetically modified with the desirable outputs in order to improve the biosensor performance. Different methodologies based on genetic/protein engineering and synthetic biology to construct microorganisms with the required signal outputs, sensitivity, and selectivity will be discussed.

IJMS, Vol. 14, Pages 9722-9736: Molecular Interaction of a New Antibacterial Polymer with a Supported Lipid Bilayer Measured by an in situ Label-Free Optical Technique

Posted: 06 May 2013 12:00 AM PDT

The interaction of the antibacterial polymer–branched poly(ethylene imine) substituted with quaternary ammonium groups, PEO and alkyl chains, PEI25QI5J5A815–with a solid supported lipid bilayer was investigated using surface sensitive optical waveguide spectroscopy. The analysis of the optogeometrical parameters was extended developing a new composite layer model in which the structural and optical anisotropy of the molecular layers was taken into consideration. Following in situ the change of optical birefringence we were able to determine the composition of the lipid/polymer surface layer as well as the displacement of lipid bilayer by the antibacterial polymer without using additional labeling. Comparative assessment of the data of layer thickness and optical anisotropy helps to reveal the molecular mechanism of antibacterial effect of the polymer investigated.

BrainsBreaker 5.2.7.3 - Design and build realistic jigsaw puzzles. (Shareware)

Posted: 06 May 2013 02:53 AM PDT



With BrainsBreaker you can create and play with jigsaw puzzles on your Mac with photo-realistic pictures, yet it's very easy to use. Almost everything can be done with a click of mouse. Enjoy the pleasure of puzzle-solving with more advantages:
  • it allows you to create your own jigsaw puzzles with any image you can view on your system;
  • from four to more than one thousand pieces with assorted shapes;
  • rotatable pieces, resizing the puzzle while playing, nails, boxes, scores, even a magnifying glass to inspect pieces;
  • save your job and resume it when you wish, exactly as you left it.
Fun for all ages! Evaluation program comes with puzzles to play free.

Version 5.2.7.3:
  • Bug fixes


  • OS X 10.5 or later


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Popup Window 1.2.1 Beta - Quickly organize and access your files. (Demo)

Posted: 06 May 2013 02:44 AM PDT



Popup Window sticks on the edges of your screen and pops up when you tap the tab. Keep your screen in order and your files tidy and together with Popup Window.

You can watch the demonstration video here: https://vimeo.com/60885101

Version 1.2.1 Beta:

Note: The demo version is currently at 1.2.1 Beta. The version available for purchase is 1.1.1.

  • Improved compatibility with some countries where French-style number formatting is used.
  • Added option for automatically starting up at log-in.


  • OS X 10.7.3 or later


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IJMS, Vol. 14, Pages 9703-9721: A Chimeric UDP-Glucose Pyrophosphorylase Produced by Protein Engineering Exhibits Sensitivity to Allosteric Regulators

Posted: 06 May 2013 12:00 AM PDT

In bacteria, glycogen or oligosaccharide accumulation involves glucose-1-phosphate partitioning into either ADP-glucose (ADP-Glc) or UDP-Glc. Their respective synthesis is catalyzed by allosterically regulated ADP-Glc pyrophosphorylase (EC 2.7.7.27, ADP-Glc PPase) or unregulated UDP-Glc PPase (EC 2.7.7.9). In this work, we characterized the UDP-Glc PPase from Streptococcus mutans. In addition, we constructed a chimeric protein by cutting the C-terminal domain of the ADP-Glc PPase from Escherichia coli and pasting it to the entire S. mutans UDP-Glc PPase. Both proteins were fully active as UDP-Glc PPases and their kinetic parameters were measured. The chimeric enzyme had a slightly higher affinity for substrates than the native S. mutans UDP-Glc PPase, but the maximal activity was four times lower. Interestingly, the chimeric protein was sensitive to regulation by pyruvate, 3-phosphoglyceric acid and fructose-1,6-bis-phosphate, which are known to be effectors of ADP-Glc PPases from different sources. The three compounds activated the chimeric enzyme up to three-fold, and increased the affinity for substrates. This chimeric protein is the first reported UDP-Glc PPase with allosteric regulatory properties. In addition, this is a pioneer work dealing with a chimeric enzyme constructed as a hybrid of two pyrophosphorylases with different specificity toward nucleoside-diphospho-glucose and our results turn to be relevant for a deeper understanding of the evolution of allosterism in this family of enzymes.

IJMS, Vol. 14, Pages 9686-9702: Identification and Validation of a New Set of Five Genes for Prediction of Risk in Early Breast Cancer

Posted: 06 May 2013 12:00 AM PDT

Molecular tests predicting the outcome of breast cancer patients based on gene expression levels can be used to assist in making treatment decisions after consideration of conventional markers. In this study we identified a subset of 20 mRNA differentially regulated in breast cancer analyzing several publicly available array gene expression data using R/Bioconductor package. Using RTqPCR we evaluate 261 consecutive invasive breast cancer cases not selected for age, adjuvant treatment, nodal and estrogen receptor status from paraffin embedded sections. The biological samples dataset was split into a training (137 cases) and a validation set (124 cases). The gene signature was developed on the training set and a multivariate stepwise Cox analysis selected five genes independently associated with DFS: FGF18 (HR = 1.13, p = 0.05), BCL2 (HR = 0.57, p = 0.001), PRC1 (HR = 1.51, p = 0.001), MMP9 (HR = 1.11, p = 0.08), SERF1a (HR = 0.83, p = 0.007). These five genes were combined into a linear score (signature) weighted according to the coefficients of the Cox model, as: 0.125FGF18 − 0.560BCL2 + 0.409PRC1 + 0.104MMP9 − 0.188SERF1A (HR = 2.7, 95% CI = 1.9–4.0, p < 0.001). The signature was then evaluated on the validation set assessing the discrimination ability by a Kaplan Meier analysis, using the same cut offs classifying patients at low, intermediate or high risk of disease relapse as defined on the training set (p < 0.001). Our signature, after a further clinical validation, could be proposed as prognostic signature for disease free survival in breast cancer patients where the indication for adjuvant chemotherapy added to endocrine treatment is uncertain.

Molecules, Vol. 18, Pages 5172-5189: A-Type Proanthocyanidins from the Stems of Ephedra sinica (Ephedraceae) and Their Antimicrobial Activities

Posted: 06 May 2013 12:00 AM PDT

Phytochemical investigation of the n-BuOH-soluble fraction of the EtOH extract of the herbaceous stems of Ephedra sinica, which is known as Ephedrae Herba in Traditional Chinese Medicine, led to the isolation and identification of 12 A-type proanthocyanidins, containing five dimers, two trimers and five tetramers [i.e., (+)-epigallocatechin-(2α→O→7,4α→8)-(-)-catechin, named ephedrannin D1, a dimer; epigallocatechin-(2α→O→7,4α→8)-epigallocatechin-(4α→8)-catechin (ephedrannin Tr1), a trimer; and epigallocatechin-(2α→O→7,4α→8)-epigallocatechin-(4α→8)-epigallocatechin-(2α→O→7,4α→8)-gallocatechin, named ephedrannin Te1, a tetramer). Tetramers composed of gallocatechin are reported for the first time in Ephedraceae. Catechin, epicatechin, gallocatechin, epigallocatechin and four known dimers were also isolated. The structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis. The absolute configurations of the 4α linkages, which were confirmed by NOESY and CD experiments, are the outstanding characteristic of most of these isolated A-type proanthocyanidins. The antimicrobial activities of these compounds were tested by measuring the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) against bacteria (both Gram positive and Gram negative) and fungi, and were found to be in the range of 0.00515–1.38 mM. Compounds 6, 8, 10 and 11 exhibited moderate antimicrobial activities against Canidia albicans.

Molecules, Vol. 18, Pages 5163-5171: Retention of Halogenated Solutes on Stationary Phases Containing Heavy Atoms

Posted: 06 May 2013 12:00 AM PDT

To examine the effects of weak intermolecular interactions on solid-phase extraction (SPE) and chromatographic separation, we synthesized some novel stationary phases with a heavy atom effect layer by immobilizing halogenated aromatic rings and hydroxyl groups onto the surface of a hydrophilic base polymer. Using SPE cartridges packed with the functionalized materials, we found that the heavy atom stationary phases could selectively retain halophenols in organic solvents, such as 1-propanol which blocks the hydrogen bonding, or acetonitrile which blocks the p-p interaction. The extraction efficiency of the materials toward the halophenols depended on the dipole moments of phenoxy groups present as functional groups. On the other hand, the extraction efficiency of solutes toward the functional group depended on their molar refractions, i.e., induced dipole moments. The retention of the solutes to the stationary phase ultimately depended on not only strong intermolecular interactions, but also the effects of weak interactions such as the dispersion force.

Molecules, Vol. 18, Pages 5155-5162: Understanding Acid Lability of Cysteine Protecting Groups

Posted: 06 May 2013 12:00 AM PDT

Cys-disulfide bonds contribute to the stabilization of peptide and protein structures. The synthesis of these molecules requires a proper protection of Cys residues, which is crucial to prevent side-reactions and also to achieve the correct Cys connectivity. Here we undertook a mechanistic study of a set of well-known acid-labile Cys protecting groups, as well other new promising groups, in order to better understand the nature of their acid-lability. The stability of the carbocation generated during the acid treatment was found to have a direct impact on the removal of the protective groups from the corresponding protected Cys-containing peptides. Hence a combination of steric and conjugative effects determines the stability of the carbocations generated. Here we propose diphenylmethyl (Dpm) as a promising protecting group on the basis of its intermediate relative carbocation stability. All the optimized geometries and energies presented in this study were determined using a B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) calculation. The results discussed herein may be of broader applicability for the development of new protecting groups.

Dent. J., Vol. 1, Pages 12-18: Subjective Oral Health in Dutch Adults

Posted: 06 May 2013 12:00 AM PDT

Aim: To determine whether the subjective oral health (SOH) of the Dutch adult population was associated with clinical and demographic variables. Methods: A clinical examination was conducted in a sample of 1,018 people from the Dutch city of 's-Hertogenbosch. SOH was measured using the Dutch translation of the short form of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-NL14). Results: The average score on the OHIP-NL14 was 2.8 ± 5.9 and 51% of the respondents had a score of 0. Dental status was the most important predictor of SOH. Conclusions:  The SOH in the Dutch adult population was much better than in groups of adults in Australia, the United Kingdom and New Zealand. Nevertheless, there were important variations in SOH related to dental and socio-economic status.

Norway's chess superstar has cross-over appeal

Posted: 06 May 2013 01:04 AM PDT

He does fashion shoots with Liv Tyler, enjoys soccer-style sponsorships deals and was recently named one of Time Magazine's 100 most influential people.

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RadarPlays - Remember Me

Posted: 06 May 2013 12:12 AM PDT

Okay, so today isn't Wednesday, but we recently got our hands on a preview build of  Remember Me  . It may not be hitting retail shelves until June, but

AU Shippin’ Out May 6-10: Persona 4 Arena

Posted: 05 May 2013 08:14 PM PDT

Atlus' Persona universe gets a makeover in fighting game Persona 4 Arena. Those who prefer more story-aligned experiences may likeTelltale Games' The Walking Dead.

 

Atlus' fighting game Persona 4 Arena will finally be hitting Australian shores this week, nearly nine months after its release in North America.

The game is notably one of the few region-locked games to be released for the PlayStation 3.

Persona 4 Arena draws its roster of 13 characters from Persona 3 and Persona 4. The game also sports the option to choose between Japanese or English text and voice-overs.

It is not the first time that developer Arc System Works has turned another publisher's franchise into a fighting game. The studio also made fighters based on a pair of popular manga/anime series, Fist of the North Star and Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan. However, neither of those games were released in the West.

Despite the game's disc region lock, Persona 4 Arena's online play is global, enabling players across different regions to play against each other. This may assist players who wish to compete at the Evolution Championship Series (EVO) this year, where the game has been added to the competitive line-up for the first time.

After receiving an MA15+ rating from the Australian Classification Board, Telltale Games' episodic adventure series The Walking Dead will be shuffling onto shelves for the 360 this week. PlayStation 3 and PC owners can expect their versions the following week.

Prior to its classification, the game series was obtainable on PC and Mac via digital games retailer Steam or purchased online through Telltale's own site. The retail release of the game compiles all five episodes of the first season of Telltale's The Walking Dead.

For more details on games coming out this week, check out the full list below.

May 9, 2013
Persona 4 Arena (360, PS3)
The Walking Dead: A Telltale Games Series (360)

Read and Post Comments | Get the full article at GameSpot


"AU Shippin' Out May 6-10: Persona 4 Arena" was posted by Zorine Te on Sun, 05 May 2013 20:14:15 -0700

Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon director hopeful for sequel - report

Posted: 05 May 2013 07:54 PM PDT

Voice actor Michael Biehn states on a podcast that game director Dean Evans wants to turn the game into a franchise.

 

Gamers who loved the retro-stylings of Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon can look forward to a possible sequel.

According to one of the game's voice actors Michael Biehn--who was interviewed on Major Nelson's Radio podcast (via Blue's News and VG247)--he was on the phone with the game's creative director Dean Evans on the night of May 5. "He was going into a meeting today, to you know'I think he wants to turn it into some sort of franchise. He's got a sequel in mind."

Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon is an eight hour spin-off of Far Cry 3 featuring a new storyline that borrows elements from '80s sci-fi pop culture. The game was praised for its action and humorous writing. Check out GameSpot for the full review.

Read and Post Comments | Get the full article at GameSpot


"Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon director hopeful for sequel - report" was posted by Jonathan Toyad on Sun, 05 May 2013 19:54:46 -0700

DivX 9.1.1 - Playback DivX media. (Free)

Posted: 05 May 2013 08:59 PM PDT



DivX for Mac is a free download that provides everything you need to enjoy high-quality digital videos on your computer, including high definition H.264 (.mkv) videos with AAC audio and videos created using all previous versions of DivX technology. You can also play your DivX files (.divx, .avi) on millions of DivX Certified devices today. Look for DivX Plus HD Certified devices soon that will support playback of all DivX and DivX Plus HD files, as well as .mkv (H.264/AAC) videos from the Internet.

The free DivX for Mac download includes trial versions of the DivX MPEG-2/DVD Plug-in (15-day trial). Purchase the DivX MPEG-2/DVD Plug-in for Mac for $9.99 to get the full version of the MPEG-2/DVD Plug-in.



Version 9.1.1: Release notes were unavailable when this listing was updated.

OS X 10.6 or later

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Powerball Winning Numbers for 05/04/2013

Posted: 05 May 2013 09:00 PM PDT

7 - 12 - 26 - 36 - 40 Powerball 17

Powerball Estimated Jackpot for 05/08/2013

Posted: 05 May 2013 09:00 PM PDT

Annuitized: $222 Million Cash Value: $144.5 Million

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