Investigation of the Anti-Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Activity of (+)-Tanikolide- and (+)-Malyngolide-Based Analogues Prepared by Asymmetric Synthesis

Herein, we report antibacterial and antifungal evaluation of a series of previously prepared (+)-tanikolide analogues. One analogue, (4S,6S)-4-methyltanikolide, displayed promising anti-methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus activity with a MIC of 12.5 µg/mL. Based on the antimicrobial properties of the structurally related (−)-malyngolide, two further analogues (4S,6S)-4-methylmalyngolide and (4R,6S)-4-methylmalyngolide bearing a shortened n-nonyl alkyl side chain were prepared in the present study using a ZrCl₄-catalysed deprotection/cyclisation as the key step in their asymmetric synthesis. When these were tested for activity against anti-methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, the MIC increased to 50 µg/mL.     

Cognitive-bias toward gaming-related words and disinhibition in World of Warcraft gamers

This study investigated cognitive biases toward gaming-related words and differences in cognitive performance among twelve World of Warcraft players (WWP) and thirty non-players (NP). We measured response to valenced common English and WoW jargon words using a computer-based go/no-go task. Sometimes positive valence words were the targets for the ‘go’ response, with negative-valence words as the distracters, sometimes the reverse. Target discrimination (d′) and response disinhibition (C) were calculated using a signal detection analysis. Based on questionnaire responses, there were no differences between groups in depression, anxiety, smoking or drinking, but WWP reported significantly more screen and gaming time (17.31 h/week versus 4.12 among NP). WWP had faster reaction time (RT) and better discrimination of targets from distracters (high d′) but also showed higher disinhibition (low C). WWP also showed cognitive-bias toward game-related words in the form of higher d′ for WoW jargon than common English and more disinhibition to positive-valence WoW jargon. Similar to past studies which have found alcoholics to have cognitive biases toward alcohol-related words, WWP who play frequently showed cognitive biases toward words related to the World of Warcraft game.     

Experimentally Validated Added Mass Identification Algorithm Based on Frequency Response Functions

A methodology is presented for detecting added mass in structural systems maintaining a linear response. A single frequency response function measured at several frequencies along with a correlated analytical model of the structure in its original state are used to detect and quantify the added mass. A computationally efficient method of recalculating a single frequency response function is utilized in the identification algorithm. Experimental results from a frame structure are presented to validate and assess the proposed approach.     

皮秒激光参数对仿生跨尺度乳突织构表面润湿性的影响

无修饰的金属疏水表面受到广泛关注,尤其是具有超高疏水性表面的制备方法逐渐被重视。通过皮秒激光烧蚀、电化学抛光和电化学沉积的顺序加工方法在铜表面制备一系列具有不同微观特征的乳突织构。系统研究激光功率、重复频率、扫描速度和扫描次数对乳突织构表面形貌及疏水性的影响,并分析表面润湿性的转化机理。研究结果表明,激光功率9 W、重复频率2 MHz、扫描速度200 mm/s、扫描次数20次时,跨尺度乳突织构表面静置30 d后可获得超高疏水性(接触角161°,滚动角1°)。储存30 d后,亲水性的Ni、CuO转化为疏水性的NiO、Ni(OH)_2、Cu_2O,以及含C有机物的吸附促成了乳突织构表面润湿性的转化。     

Development and application of Multiple-Locus Variable number of tandem repeat Analysis (MLVA) to subtype a collection of Listeria monocytogenes

In this study we report the development and application of a Multiple-Locus Variable number of tandem repeat Analysis (MLVA) strategy for subtyping Listeria monocytogenes. Genome profiles of a collection of forty-five food-borne L. monocytogenes isolates were compared using MLVA. These isolates were obtained as part of an active surveillance programme of foods in the south-east region of Ireland. MLVA successfully discriminated amongst the isolates. The method was easy to perform, relatively fast and could be deployed in any molecular laboratory with basic laboratory equipment. This approach is a valuable tool, which has the capability to provide comparable results when compared with other more established typing methods, including pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE).     

Evaluation of an automated repetitive sequence-based PCR system for subtyping Enterobacter sakazakii

Enterobacter sakazakii is regarded as a ubiquitous organism that can be isolated from a wide range of foods and environments. Infection in at-risk infants has been epidemiologically linked to the consumption of contaminated powdered infant formula. Preventing the dissemination of this pathogen in a powdered infant formula manufacturing facility is an important step in ensuring consumer confidence in a given brand together with the protection of the health status of a vulnerable population. In this study we report the application of a repetitive sequence-based PCR typing method to subtype a previously well-characterized collection of E. sakazakii isolates of diverse origin. While both methods successfully discriminated between the collection of isolates, repetitive sequence-based PCR identified 65 types, whereas pulsed-field gel electrophoresis identified 110 types showing > or =95% similarity. The method was quick and easy to perform, and our data demonstrated the utility and value of this approach to monitor in-process contamination, which could potentially contribute to a reduction in the transmission of E. sakazakii.     

Quantification of 3-D field effects during 2-D microwave imaging

Two-dimensional (2-D) approaches to microwave imaging have dominated the research landscape primarily due to the moderate levels of measurement data, data-acquisition time, and computational costs required. Three-dimensional (3-D) approaches have been investigated in simulation, phantom, and animal experiments. While 3-D approaches are certainly important in terms of the potential to improve image quality, their associated costs are significant at this time. In addition, benchmarks are needed to evaluate these new generation systems as more 3-D methods begin to appear. In this paper, we present a systematic series of experiments which assess the capability of our 2-D system to image classical 3-D geometries. We demonstrate where current methods suffer from 3-D effects but also identify situations where they remain quite useful. Comparisons between reconstructions utilizing phantom measurements and simulated 3-D data are also shown to validate the results. These findings suggest that for certain biomedical applications, 2-D approaches remain quite attractive.     

Literacy and computer literacy: Definitions and comparisons

This paper analyzes the prevailing definitions of literacy and computer literacy. It is shown that similar factors confound our understanding of both these terms. In addition we argue that the term computer literacy is highly inappropriate. In order to clarify the meaning of these terms we suggest a hierarchy of definitions, from the operational level to the broader socio-political definitions.The paper proposes the following. Firstly a definition for the operational skills of reading and writing, for which Papert's term letteracy is used. Secondly a corresponding definition for the operational skills required to use a computer, for which the new term comperacy is proposed. Both these terms represent a continuum of skill levels and a classification for these levels is also developed. The paper concludes with an examination of the interdependencies between letteracy and comperacy which can serve as the first step in a broader analysis of the relationship between literacy and computer literacy.     

Effect of surface properties of different food contact materials on the efficiency of quaternary ammonium compounds residue recovery and persistence

Residues of quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) remaining after sanitising were evaluated for a number of materials used in food plants. The residues were collected by swabs and measured using a spectrophotometric method. Surface topography and energy affected the QACs recovery. Highest percentage of QACs recovery was achieved for the tile material (102.2%) which had the most hydrophilic properties and least irregularities in surface topology, followed by stainless steel (82.1%). Meanwhile, the lowest recovery occurred in PVC (42.1%) and resin (44.3%) that exhibited hydrophobic characteristics and abrupt changes in height profile in a given surface area. Monitoring of QACs residues deposited on the surfaces after 7 days showed that the recovery of QACs in PVC and resin reduced significantly (P < 0.05), supposing that QACs might be degraded or interacted with the materials. However, no significant changes in residue recovery were observed for tiles and stainless steel surfaces after 7 days.