понедельник, 17 июня 2013 г.

Games

Games

Sensors, Vol. 13, Pages 7774-7785: Impedimetric DNA Biosensor Based on a Nanoporous Alumina Membrane for the Detection of the Specific Oligonucleotide Sequence of Dengue Virus

Posted: 17 Jun 2013 12:00 AM PDT

A novel and integrated membrane sensing platform for DNA detection is developed based on an anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membrane. Platinum electrodes (~50–100 nm thick) are coated directly on both sides of the alumina membrane to eliminate the solution resistance outside the nanopores. The electrochemical impedance technique is employed to monitor the impedance changes within the nanopores upon DNA binding. Pore resistance (Rp) linearly increases in response towards the increasing concentration of the target DNA in the range of 1 × 10−12 to 1 × 10−6 M. Moreover, the biosensor selectively differentiates the complementary sequence from single base mismatched (MM-1) strands and non-complementary strands. This study reveals a simple, selective and sensitive method to fabricate a label-free DNA biosensor.

Sensors, Vol. 13, Pages 7756-7773: Robust Vehicle Detection under Various Environmental Conditions Using an Infrared Thermal Camera and Its Application to Road Traffic Flow Monitoring

Posted: 17 Jun 2013 12:00 AM PDT

We have already proposed a method for detecting vehicle positions and their movements (henceforth referred to as "our previous method") using thermal images taken with an infrared thermal camera. Our experiments have shown that our previous method detects vehicles robustly under four different environmental conditions which involve poor visibility conditions in snow and thick fog. Our previous method uses the windshield and its surroundings as the target of the Viola-Jones detector. Some experiments in winter show that the vehicle detection accuracy decreases because the temperatures of many windshields approximate those of the exterior of the windshields. In this paper, we propose a new vehicle detection method (henceforth referred to as "our new method"). Our new method detects vehicles based on tires' thermal energy reflection. We have done experiments using three series of thermal images for which the vehicle detection accuracies of our previous method are low. Our new method detects 1,417 vehicles (92.8%) out of 1,527 vehicles, and the number of false detection is 52 in total. Therefore, by combining our two methods, high vehicle detection accuracies are maintained under various environmental conditions. Finally, we apply the traffic information obtained by our two methods to traffic flow automatic monitoring, and show the effectiveness of our proposal.

Sensors, Vol. 13, Pages 7735-7755: Design of a Wearable Sensing System for Human Motion Monitoring in Physical Rehabilitation

Posted: 17 Jun 2013 12:00 AM PDT

Human motion monitoring and analysis can be an essential part of a wide spectrum of applications, including physical rehabilitation among other potential areas of interest. Creating non-invasive systems for monitoring patients while performing rehabilitation exercises, to provide them with an objective feedback, is one of the current challenges. In this paper we present a wearable multi-sensor system for human motion monitoring, which has been developed for use in rehabilitation. It is composed of a number of small modules that embed high-precision accelerometers and wireless communications to transmit the information related to the body motion to an acquisition device. The results of a set of experiments we made to assess its performance in real-world setups demonstrate its usefulness in human motion acquisition and tracking, as required, for example, in activity recognition, physical/athletic performance evaluation and rehabilitation.

Materials, Vol. 6, Pages 2464-2482: Interactions and Diffusion of Methane and Hydrogen in Microporous Structures: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Studies

Posted: 17 Jun 2013 12:00 AM PDT

Measurements of nuclear spin relaxation times over a wide temperature range have been used to determine the interaction energies and molecular dynamics of light molecular gases trapped in the cages of microporous structures. The experiments are designed so that, in the cases explored, the local excitations and the corresponding heat capacities determine the observed nuclear spin-lattice relaxation times. The results indicate well-defined excitation energies for low densities of methane and hydrogen deuteride in zeolite structures. The values obtained for methane are consistent with Monte Carlo calculations of A.V. Kumar et al. The results also confirm the high mobility and diffusivity of hydrogen deuteride in zeolite structures at low temperatures as observed by neutron scattering.

Molecules, Vol. 18, Pages 7071-7080: Vortex-Induced Alignment of a Water Soluble Supramolecular Nanofiber Composed of an Amphiphilic Dendrimer

Posted: 17 Jun 2013 12:00 AM PDT

We have synthesized a novel amphiphilic naphthalene imide bearing a cationic dendrimer wedge (NID). NID molecules in water self-assemble to form a two-dimensional ribbon, which further coils to give a linear supramolecular nanofiber. The sample solution showed linear dichroism (LD) upon stirring of the solution, where NID nanofibers dominantly align at the center of vortex by hydrodynamic interaction with the downward torsional flows.

Noiz2sa 0.51.5 - Abstract vertical shooter game. (Free)

Posted: 17 Jun 2013 02:17 AM PDT



Noiz2sa is an abstract vertical shooter for OS X.

Version 0.51.5:
  • [BUGFIX] The relation of frameworks of SDL and SDL_mixer was corrected.
  • [NEW] Xbox360 Controller. Required OS X Driver.
  • [NEW] PlayStation 3 Controller.


  • OS X 10.7 or later



More information

Download Now

rRootage 0.23.7 - OpenGL shooter game. (Free)

Posted: 17 Jun 2013 02:09 AM PDT



rRootage is an OpenGL-based vertical shooter. You move your ship around, shooting up at the enemy in a "level boss" format. The boss shoots different shaped objects at you, and you must dodge them while shooting him (or her). Watch out, because your shields are limited!

Version 0.23.7:
  • [BUGFIX] The relation of frameworks of SDL and SDL_mixer was corrected.
  • [NEW] Xbox360 Controller. Required OS X Driver.
  • [NEW] PlayStation 3 Controller.


  • OS X 10.7 or later



More information

Download Now

Maggie Valley Cribbage

Posted: 17 Jun 2013 01:30 AM PDT

Play cribbage and meet new friends every Tuesday evening @ 6:30 PM at the Maggie Valley Inn on the corner of Routes 276 and 19 in Maggie Valley.

Molecules, Vol. 18, Pages 7058-7070: The Skin Secretion of the Amphibian Phyllomedusa nordestina: A Source of Antimicrobial and Antiprotozoal Peptides

Posted: 17 Jun 2013 12:00 AM PDT

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) from the dermaseptin and phylloseptin families were isolated from the skin secretion of Phyllomedusa nordestina, a recently described amphibian species from Northeastern Brazil. One dermaseptin and three phylloseptins were chosen for solid phase peptide synthesis. The antiprotozoal and antimicrobial activities of the synthetic peptides were determined, as well as their cytotoxicity in mouse peritoneal cells. AMPs are being considered as frameworks for the development of novel drugs inspired by their mechanism of action.

Molecules, Vol. 18, Pages 7035-7057: Mirror-Symmetry-Breaking in Poly[(9,9-di-n-octylfluorenyl- 2,7-diyl)-alt-biphenyl] (PF8P2) is Susceptible to Terpene Chirality, Achiral Solvents, and Mechanical Stirring

Posted: 17 Jun 2013 12:00 AM PDT

Solvent chirality transfer of (S)-/(R)-limonenes allows the instant generation of optically active PF8P2 aggregates with distinct circular dichroism (CD)/circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) amplitudes with a high quantum yield of 16–20%. The present paper also reports subtle mirror-symmetry-breaking effects in CD-/CPL-amplitude and sign, CD/UV-vis spectral wavelengths, and photodynamics of the aggregates, though the reasons for the anomaly are unsolved. However, these photophysical properties depend on (i) the chemical natures of chiral and achiral molecules when used in solvent quantity, (ii) clockwise and counterclockwise stirring operations, and (iii) the order of addition of limonene and methanol to the chloroform solution.

Molecules, Vol. 18, Pages 7023-7034: A Soft Coral Natural Product, 11-Episinulariolide Acetate, Inhibits Gene Expression of Cyclooxygenase-2 and Interleukin-8 through Attenuation of Calcium Signaling

Posted: 17 Jun 2013 12:00 AM PDT

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is overexpressed in many types of cancer cells. EGFR-mediated signaling involves inflammatory gene expression including cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and interleukin (IL)-8, and is associated with cancer pathogenesis. In a search of phytochemicals with anti-inflammatory activity, the COX-2 and IL-8 inhibitory activities of some marine compounds were examined. After screening these compounds 11-episinulariolide acetate (1) from soft coral exhibited the most potent activity. Reverse-transcription PCR; western blotting; ELISA and luciferase assays were used to test the effect of compound 1 on EGF-stimulated expressions of COX-2 and IL-8 in A431 human epidermoid carcinoma cells. After exposure to 10 μM of compound 1, expression levels of COX-2 and IL-8 were reduced. In addition; intracellular Ca2+ increase and Ca2+-dependent transcription factor activation were blocked by compound 1. Thus, compound 1 can potentially serve as a lead compound for targeting Ca2+ signaling-dependent inflammatory diseases.

Entropy, Vol. 15, Pages 2415-2430: A Method for Choosing an Initial Time Eigenstate in Classical and Quantum Systems

Posted: 17 Jun 2013 12:00 AM PDT

A subject of interest in classical and quantum mechanics is the development of the appropriate treatment of the time variable. In this paper we introduce a method of choosing the initial time eigensurface and how this method can be used to generate time-energy coordinates and, consequently, time-energy representations for classical and quantum systems.

Infinity Field - Screenshots

Posted: 17 Jun 2013 02:00 AM PDT

Infinity Field Highlights
• Intuitive and familiar dual stick controls.
• 7 Game Modes
• Bright, vibrant and colorful enemies of all shapes and sizes fill the screen and explode in a hail of bullets.
• Collect power-ups as you zip around the field turning your regular cannon into a myriad of ultra powerful weapons.
• Use lasers, bombs and special weapons to destroy the incoming craft!
• Six game modes including a survival mode and a campaign mode
• Battle huge and challenging bosses as you progress through the campaign where every stage is a whole different fight!
• Fully integrated with Crystal and tons of achievements to be collected.

Materials, Vol. 6, Pages 2452-2463: Simple Procedure to Compute the Inductance of a Toroidal Ferrite Core from the Linear to the Saturation Regions

Posted: 17 Jun 2013 12:00 AM PDT

We propose a specific procedure to compute the inductance of a toroidal ferrite core as a function of the excitation current. The study includes the linear, intermediate and saturation regions. The procedure combines the use of Finite Element Analysis in 2D and experimental measurements. Through the two dimensional (2D) procedure we are able to achieve convergence, a reduction of computational cost and equivalent results to those computed by three dimensional (3D) simulations. The validation is carried out by comparing 2D, 3D and experimental results.

Materials, Vol. 6, Pages 2436-2451: Kinetics of Corrosion Inhibition of Aluminum in Acidic Media by Water-Soluble Natural Polymeric Pectates as Anionic Polyelectrolyte Inhibitors

Posted: 17 Jun 2013 12:00 AM PDT

Corrosion inhibition of aluminum (Al) in hydrochloric acid by anionic polyeletrolyte pectates (PEC) as a water-soluble natural polymer polysaccharide has been studied using both gasometric and weight loss techniques. The results drawn from these two techniques are comparable and exhibit negligible differences. The inhibition efficiency was found to increase with increasing inhibitor concentration and decrease with increasing temperature. The inhibition action of PEC on Al metal surface was found to obey the Freundlich isotherm. Factors such as the concentration and geometrical structure of the inhibitor, concentration of the corrosive medium, and temperature affecting the corrosion rates were examined. The kinetic parameters were evaluated and a suitable corrosion mechanism consistent with the kinetic results is discussed in the paper.

Energies, Vol. 6, Pages 2949-2965: Research on a Hierarchical Dynamic Automatic Voltage Control System Based on the Discrete Event-Driven Method

Posted: 17 Jun 2013 12:00 AM PDT

In this paper, concepts and methods of hybrid control systems are adopted to establish a hierarchical dynamic automatic voltage control (HD-AVC) system, realizing the dynamic voltage stability of power grids. An HD-AVC system model consisting of three layers is built based on the hybrid control method and discrete event-driven mechanism. In the Top Layer, discrete events are designed to drive the corresponding control block so as to avoid solving complex multiple objective functions, the power system's characteristic matrix is formed and the minimum amplitude eigenvalue (MAE) is calculated through linearized differential-algebraic equations. MAE is applied to judge the system's voltage stability and security and construct discrete events. The Middle Layer is responsible for management and operation, which is also driven by discrete events. Control values of the control buses are calculated based on the characteristics of power systems and the sensitivity method. Then control values generate control strategies through the interface block. In the Bottom Layer, various control devices receive and implement the control commands from the Middle Layer. In this way, a closed-loop power system voltage control is achieved. Computer simulations verify the validity and accuracy of the HD-AVC system, and verify that the proposed HD-AVC system is more effective than normal voltage control methods.

Energies, Vol. 6, Pages 2927-2948: Experimental Analysis of the Input Variables’ Relevance to Forecast Next Day’s Aggregated Electric Demand Using Neural Networks

Posted: 17 Jun 2013 12:00 AM PDT

Thanks to the built in intelligence (deployment of new intelligent devices and sensors in places where historically they were not present), the Smart Grid and Microgrid paradigms are able to take advantage from aggregated load forecasting, which opens the door for the implementation of new algorithms to seize this information for optimization and advanced planning. Therefore, accuracy in load forecasts will potentially have a big impact on key operation factors for the future Smart Grid/Microgrid-based energy network like user satisfaction and resource saving, and new methods to achieve an efficient prediction in future energy landscapes (very different from the centralized, big area networks studied so far). This paper proposes different improved models to forecast next day's aggregated load using artificial neural networks, taking into account the variables that are most relevant for the aggregated. In particular, seven models based on the multilayer perceptron will be proposed, progressively adding input variables after analyzing the influence of climate factors on aggregated load. The results section presents the forecast from the proposed models, obtained from real data.

Snowden leak: How UK spies attacked delegations to the 2009 G20

Posted: 16 Jun 2013 10:00 PM PDT


On the eve of the G8 summit (taking place in a specially prepared Potemkin village in N. Ireland), the Guardian has published another Edward Snowden leak, this one describing how the UK spying agency GCHQ aggressively spied upon delegates to the G20 summit in 2009. According to the documents, UK spies attacked foreign delegates by "reading their email before they do" intercepting their BlackBerry messages and calls in real-time; capturing logins at special Internet cafes so as to spy on delegations after the event; getting NSA reports on attempts to crack Russian PM Dmitry Medvedev's satellite calls; and continuously logging and analyzing who was calling whom.

The report suggests that British delegation was briefed throughout, and that the operation was "sanctioned in principle at a senior level in the government of the then prime minister, Gordon Brown.


A briefing paper dated 20 January 2009 records advice given by GCHQ officials to their director, Sir Iain Lobban, who was planning to meet the then foreign secretary, David Miliband. The officials summarised Brown's aims for the meeting of G20 heads of state due to begin on 2 April, which was attempting to deal with the economic aftermath of the 2008 banking crisis. The briefing paper added: "The GCHQ intent is to ensure that intelligence relevant to HMG's desired outcomes for its presidency of the G20 reaches customers at the right time and in a form which allows them to make full use of it." Two documents explicitly refer to the intelligence product being passed to "ministers".

According to the material seen by the Guardian, GCHQ generated this product by attacking both the computers and the telephones of delegates.

One document refers to a tactic which was "used a lot in recent UK conference, eg G20". The tactic, which is identified by an internal codeword which the Guardian is not revealing, is defined in an internal glossary as "active collection against an email account that acquires mail messages without removing them from the remote server". A PowerPoint slide explains that this means "reading people's email before/as they do".

The same document also refers to GCHQ, MI6 and others setting up internet cafes which "were able to extract key logging info, providing creds for delegates, meaning we have sustained intelligence options against them even after conference has finished". This appears to be a reference to acquiring delegates' online login details.

Another document summarises a sustained campaign to penetrate South African computers, recording that they gained access to the network of their foreign ministry, "investigated phone lines used by High Commission in London" and "retrieved documents including briefings for South African delegates to G20 and G8 meetings". (South Africa is a member of the G20 group and has observer status at G8 meetings.)

I love that BlackBerrys are singled out as especially easy to intercept, something that is widely rumored. The entire piece is amazing, with specific revelations of spying. I'd love to know what the G8 delegations are making of all this as they head to NI. Perhaps GCHQ could tell us?

GCHQ intercepted foreign politicians' communications at G20 summits [Ewen MacAskill, Nick Davies, Nick Hopkins, Julian Borger and James Ball/The Guardian]

    

The Crew - Preview

Posted: 16 Jun 2013 11:03 PM PDT

Road Trip!!!

So throughout the week, here at E3, I've had a chance to look at a few racing titles and have been impressed at what's been presented. Some of the major companies have returned with newer installments of titles that have become popular over the years. There has also been a great showing of smaller and less recognized companies ushering in their own games to the genre, creating just as strong of a buzz.

Now, more than ever, the importance of not just creating the newest model of game, but doing many of the same things better. Need for Speed has boasted about its open-world capabilities and what it does for the online community. So it's no surprise that, in my hands-on demo with The Crew, the immediate focus was on its open world as well. Actually, The Crew could be just a step above the rest, mostly because of the sheer size of its world. It's massive.



The premise of The Crew is to race around the United States beating challenges and earning as many points as possible. These points will be banked into your own personal pot that then turns into cash to spend on modifications to your cars, boosting certain attributes and adding better parts. It's entirely online and persistent. No more needing to wait at a load-up screen for players to join or become ready. Just pull up to a designated race marker and punch it.

One of the concepts behind the game is to keep the gameplay flee-flowing with little downtime. Sure, you don't always want to be engaged in a race, so if you want, it's fine just to drive around and check out your current city; all of which are, to no surprise, modeled after real-to-life ...

Seven immigrants dier attempting to cross sea clinging to fishing cage

Posted: 16 Jun 2013 09:20 PM PDT

Seven immigrants drowned on Sunday during an attempted crossing to Italy by gripping on to a large tuna fishing cage towed by a trawler, according to witnesses from among the 95 people rescued by the coast guard.
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