bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How to build a successful private equity portfolio
Authors: Lichtner Katharina
Published: October 2009

The route to a successful private equity portfolio is a four‐step process that requires an in‐depth understanding of private equity as an asset class as well as the skills to select promising opportunities from available offerings. The first step is to set out and define general allocation guidelines. These initial guidelines then have to be refined based on the availability of adequate investment opportunities. The third step involves selecting the most attractive funds from a pool of target funds. And lastly the portfolio must be monitored on an ongoing basis to track its overall development as well as its enduring performance. Benchmarking the overall performance of the portfolio as well as individual managers is an integral part of this. In the following sections, each individual step is discussed and explained in more detail. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Private equity secondaries: Opening the liquidity tap
Authors: Burdel Sebastien
Published: October 2009

Private equity is an illiquid asset class. The extended holding period for private equity—averaging four to five years—attracts investors, as fund managers are able to avoid the volatility that negatively affects the public equities. However, the secondary market has emerged as a tool that enables limited partners in private equity funds to manage a private equity portfolio flexibly despite its intrinsic illiquidity. This article discusses in great detail the scope of secondary transactions, discussing how the subsegment has evolved over time from the straightforward purchase of limited partnership interest to the more elaborate transactions involving structural creativity and complex problem solving for sellers. It is concluded that the growth in secondaries brings liquidity to the asset class and thus makes private equity a more compelling investment proposition. As such, the secondary market will continue to be a key driver for growth of the private equity industry. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Continuous extrusion production of microcellular rigid PVC
Authors: Diaz Carlos A. , Matuana Laurent M.
Published: October 2009

This study examined the effect of Poly[vinyl chloride] (PVC) formulation on the cell morphology and density of rigid PVC foamed with supercritical CO2 in a continuous extrusion process. Cell morphology and the density of foamed samples were controlled by blending two acrylic‐based processing aids (all‐acrylic foam modifier K‐400 and acrylic‐based impact modifier KM‐334), using a mixture design. The effect of blend ratios on the fusion and die swell behaviors of PVC was investigated by means of a torque rheometer and on a single‐screw extrusion capillary rheometer, respectively. Fusion was promoted as the relative amount of the all‐acrylic foam modifier increased in the blends. Similarly, the elastic constant of PVC, derived from the linear relationship between the die swell and apparent shear stress, increased upon increasing the relative amount of the all‐acrylic foam modifier in the blends, thus suggesting an increase in the melt elasticity of PVC. Microcellular rigid PVC foams with densities of approximately 0.15 g/cm3 and a tenfold volume expansion were produced. An optimum ratio of impact modifier to all‐acrylic foam modifier of 1:3 was found to maximize the foam expansion. Using impact modifier alone or all‐acrylic foam modifier alone yielded expansions considerably lower than that achieved with the 1:3 blend. The experimental results indicated that fusion is not the only criterion to control the cell morphology and density achieved in microcellular rigid PVC foams. The melt must have a viscosity low enough to allow bubble formation and growth, as well as elasticity high enough to prevent cell coalescence. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Influence of ultrafine zinc borate on the thermal degradation behavior of a(low‐density polyethylene)/(intumescent flame retardant) system
Authors: Wu Zhiping , Hu Yunchu , Shu Wangen
Published: October 2009

The thermal degradation behavior of low‐density polyethylene (LDPE), LDPE treated with an intumescent flame retardant (LDPE/IFR), and LDPE treated with an intumescent flame retardant and ultrafine zinc borate (LDPE/IFR/UZB) was studied by (thermal gravimetric)‐(differential thermal) analysis (TG‐DTA) and cone calorimetry. The results of TG‐DTA showed that the initial degradation temperature increased, thermal degradation rate decreased, and the residual char amount increased substantially during the Pyrolysis process when ultrafine zinc borate was introduced into the LDPE/IFR system. The mass‐loss rate (MLR) curves and mass curves obtained by cone calorimetry showed that UZB could decrease the MLR and significantly enhance the residual char amount of LDPE/IFR during the combustion process. The results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy implied that a graphite‐like char and aromatic structures containing P‐O‐P, P‐O‐C, and B‐O‐B bonds were formed when LDPE/IFR/UZB was heated at high temperature. Scanning electronic micrographs of residual chars showed that ultrafine zinc borate improved char quality. X‐ray diffraction Studies implied that boron orthophosphate (BPO4) formed in the residual char may play an important role in improving the structural properties of the char and is responsible for its good quality. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Formation and Crystal Structures of [{Li(THF)[HNC(NMe2)2]}2{Fe3(CO)11}] and [Li(THF){HNC(NMe2)2}{Fe(CO)4(C(O)NMe2)}]2
Authors: Petz Wolfgang , Neumüller Bernhard
Published: October 2009

The reaction of tetramethylguanidine, HN=C(NMe2)2 (1), with lithium powder in THF generated a colorless precipitate without visible evolution of dihydrogen. Treatment of this product with [Fe(CO)5] produced a brown oil, which is very soluble in toluene. The orange red compound [{Li(THF)[HNC(NMe2)2]}2{Fe3(CO)11}] (2), which forms an infinite chain, and the colorless dimeric complex [Li(THF){HNC(NMe2)2}{Fe(CO)4(C(O)NMe2)}]2 (3) could be isolated from this solution. The oxygen atom of the carbamoyl part in 3 is connected to two Li+ ions with formation of a Li2O2 ring. Crystals of 2 and 3 were obtained by fractional crystallization from toluene/n‐pentane and characterized by IR spectroscopy and X‐ray analyses.
Robot Assisted Neurological Rehabilitation at Home: Motivational Aspects and Concepts for Tele-Rehabilitation
Authors: Johnson Michelle J. , Schmidt Henning
Published: October 2009

Numerous clinical studies have proved the efficacy of therapy robots in Neurological Motor Rehabilitation and their potential benefits for clinical outcome results. A major challenge of current technological and clinical research is the transfer of this new technology from the rehab hospital to the patient's home, thus enabling him to continue high level rehab training for further improvement of motor control of the affected limbs. This article focuses on motivational aspects and tele-rehabilitation concepts, which play an important role in the development of robotic training systems for home rehabilitation.
Auswirkungen des Medizinproduktegesetzes (MPG 2010) auf die Gesundheitsversorgung
Authors: Becker Kurt , Dujat Carl
Published: October 2009

Einleitung

Medizinprodukte (MP) werden von den Leistungserbringern in der Gesundheitsversorgung in einem breiten Anwendungsspektrum in Prävention, Diagnostik und Therapie eingesetzt. MP sind auch ein bedeutender innovativer Wirtschaftsfaktor und spielen eine bedeutende Rolle auf dem weltweiten Markt für Gesundheitstechnologie. Die 4. Neufassung des Medizinproduktegesetzes (MPG 2010) sorgt für eine bessere Patientensicherheit, stellt aber auch die Hersteller und Betreiber von MP vor neue Herausforderungen.
Hüft- und Kniegelenkersatz: bekannte Technologie mit stark wachsender Bedeutung
Authors: Bitzer Eva Maria , Dörning Hans
Published: October 2009

Einleitung

Die Versorgung mit künstlichen Hüft- und Kniegelenken ist eine Technologie, die v.a. bei Patienten mit fortgeschrittener Osteoarthrose des Hüft- bzw. Kniegelenks angewendet wird. Da die Osteoarthrose eine typische degenerative Erkrankung des Bewegungsapparates ist, nimmt die absolute Häufigkeit des Krankheitsbilds mit zunehmender Alterung der Bevölkerung zu und damit auch der Bedarf an endoprothetischer Versorgung. Von 2000 bis 2008 hat sich die Zahl der Krankenhausbehandlungsfälle mit der Diagnose Osteoarthrose mehr als verdoppelt.
Medizintechnik: Ohne zukunftsfähige Qualifikationen nicht wettbewerbsfähig
Authors: Fox Katja , Hilbert Josef , Schalk Christa
Published: October 2009

Einleitung

Sowohl der hohe Standard der industriellen medizintechnischen Entwicklung als auch die medizinische Anwendung sorgen für eine Leistungssicherheit im deutschen Gesundheitswesen. Qualifizierung und Kompetenzentwicklung der Mitarbeiter schaffen hierfür die Grundlagen. Neben dem fachlichen Know-how sind es zunehmend die sozialen und personalen Kompetenzen, die gefragt sind. Die Entwicklung von Strategien lebenslangen Lernens hält dabei Einzug in die Unternehmen und Krankenhäuser.
Softwaresysteme zur Entscheidungsunterstützung bei Medikamentenverordnungen
Authors: Traurig Peter
Published: October 2009

Einleitung

In den USA, wie auch in England, Norwegen und Dänemark sterben pro Jahr mehr Menschen durch unerwünschte Arzneimittelereignisse (UAE) als durch Verkehrsunfälle. UAE sind dabei definiert als jeglicher Schaden für Patienten während einer medikamentösen Behandlung. In einem kürzlich publizierten HTA-Bericht wird der Frage nachgegangen, ob spezielle Softwaresysteme in der Lage sind, Fehler zu vermeiden, die zu UAE führen könnten.
Dual citizenship in old and new states
Authors: Shevchuk Yuri I.
Published: October 2009

The paper analyzes dual citizenship in two principal manifestations in the worldde facto dual citizenship, as induced by international migrations andde jure dual citizenship, as a byproduct of Soviet imperial collapse. Factors of a social, political, cultural and economic nature that condition approaches towards dual citizenship taken by governments, political elites and grass-root actors are discussed in reference to established democracies (USA, France, Germany) and to newly independent states (the Ukraine).
Topological structure of shock induced vortex breakdown
Authors: ZHANG SHUHAI , ZHANG HANXIN , SHU CHI-WANG
Published: October 2009

Using a combination of critical point theory of ordinary differential equations and numerical simulation for the three-dimensional unsteady Navier–Stokes equations, we study possible flow structures of the vortical flow, especially the unsteady vortex breakdown in the interaction between a normal shock wave and a longitudinal vortex. The topological structure contains two parts. One is the sectional streamline pattern in the cross-section perpendicular to the vortex axis. The other is the sectional streamline pattern in the symmetrical plane. In the cross-section perpendicular to the vortex axis, the sectional streamlines have spiral or centre patterns depending on a function λ (x, t) = 1/ρ(∂ρ/∂t+∂ρu/∂x), where x is the coordinate corresponding to the vortex axis. If λ > 0, the sectional streamlines spiral inwards in the near region of the centre. If λ < 0, the sectional streamlines spiral outwards in the same region. If λ = 0, the sectional streamlines form a nonlinear centre. If λ changes its sign along the vortex axis, one or more limit cycles appear in the sectional streamlines in the cross-section perpendicular to the vortex axis. Numerical simulation for two typical cases of shock induced vortex breakdown (Erlebacher, Hussaini & Shu, J. Fluid Mech., vol. 337, 1997, p. 129) is performed. The onset and time evolution of the vortex breakdown are studied. It is found that there are more limit cycles for the sectional streamlines in the cross-section perpendicular to the vortex axis. In addition, we find that there are quadru-helix structures in the tail of the vortex breakdown.
A cost benefit study of milk-borne salmonellosis
Authors: Cohen D. R. , Porter I. A. , Reid T. M. S. , Sharp J. C. M. , Forbes G. I. , Paterson G. M.
Published: October 2009

An estimate of the benefits which would result from a ban on the sale of non-pasteurized milk in Scotland has been assessed by costing a recent outbreak of milk-borne salmonellosis in the Grampian Region.

The cost of such a ban would not exceed the benefits under any but the most severe assumptions about the values attached to intangible benefits
Further research into the possibility of salmonella-free fattening and slaughter of pigs
Authors: Oosterom J. , Notermans S.
Published: October 2009

At a pig-fattening farm in the south-western Veluwe which was infected with salmonellas it was sought to achieve salmonella-free fattening in a specially adapted piggery. The test piggery was thoroughly cleaned and disinfected and measures were taken to exclude birds, insects and rodents. An attempt was also made to obtain salmonella-free piglets. Clean clothing, special footwear and disinfectants were used when entering the piggery.

During the experiment an infection was detected in the test piggery caused by the same salmonella serotypes as had only been found immediately before the test at the breeding farm. Other salmonella serotypes occurring at the fattening farm did not find their way into the test piggery, and therefore it can be concluded that after the pigs had been brought in all the hygienic barriers functioned adequately. The test showed that the hygienic measures taken had a beneficial effect on growth performance, even though salmonellas were not entirely excluded.

After fattening the pigs were slaughtered in two groups. The first group was slaughtered in the usual way, but with the second group extra care was taken with the individual singeing of the carcasses and the careful removal of the intestines. Tests on the carcasses showed that 46% of the pigs in the first group were contaminated with salmonellas as against only 7% in the second. From this it can be concluded that slaughter need not lead to further contamination by salmonellas present in the intestines; indeed, carefully carrying out the slaughter process can even reduce the contamination of the surface of pig carcasses by salmonellas.
Type 49Streptococcus pyogenes: Phage subtypes as epidemiological markers in isolates from skin sepsis and acute glomerulonephritis
Authors: Skjold Stephen A. , Wannamaker Lewis W. , Johnson Dwight R. , Margolis Harold S.
Published: October 2009

Studies of group A, M type 49 streptococci from England, Trinidad and Alaska indicate that isolates of this serotype often differ with respect to phage subtype from one geographical areato another, but are generally homogeneous in one place at one time. The findings support the conclusion that acute glomerulonephritis can be associated with a variety of phage subtypes of M type 49 streptococci.

In outbreaks of skin sepsis without nephritis in England, the phage subtypes of M type 49 streptococci isolated from skin lesions of meat handlers were the same as those recovered from skin lesions of non-meat handlers in the same community.

The findings on the Trinidad isolates suggest that M type 49 streptococci of one phage subtype may persist in a population for 9 years and may result in a second outbreak of acute glomerulonephritis.

In an Alaska Eskimo population in whom acute glomerulonephritis was occurring, most of the M type 49 isolates available for testing were of a single phage subtype. Equally prevalent in this population were group A streptococci that exhibited the same T antigen as the type 49 isolates but differed in their serum opacity reaction and phage subtype. This apparently related strain was not typable with available M antisera but showed functional evidence of M protein and is probably a new M type.
Diagnostic assays with monoclonal antibodies for the human serum parvovirus-like virus (SPLV)
Authors: Cohen B. J. , Mortimer P. P. , Pereira M. S.
Published: October 2009

Monoclonal antibodies to the serum parovirus-like virus (SPLV) were prepared by the hybridoma technique. They provided an antibody reagent which was used to develop solid phase antibody-capture assays for anti-SPLV IgM and IgG and for SPLV antigen. These assays were more sensitive than those based on human convalescent antibody as a reagent, and were more economical in the use of SPLV antigen. Their use enabled the serological responses to SPLV to be studied more fully and their sensitivity revealed the extent of SPLV infection.

SPLV antigen was detected in four patients by both counter-immuno electrophoresis (CIE) and radioimmunoassay (RIA) and in two others by RIA alone. Parvovirus particles were seen in all six by electron microscopy. The anti-SPLV IgM response was measured in patients infected by SPLV. It was strong 5–18 days after the onset of illness, then declined and was only detectable in trace amounts after 6 months. Anti-SPLV IgG was also formed early, and persisted for at least 6 months. In a survey of 310 blood donors anti-SPLV was detected in 134 (43%) by CIE, but in 190 (61 %) by IgG antibody capture RIA.
The importance of antineuraminidase antibodies in resistance to influenza A and immunologic memory for their synthesis
Authors: Naikhin A. N. , Tsaritsina I. M. , Oleinikova E. V. , Syrodoeva L. G. , Korchanova N. L. , Denisov G. M. , Shvartsman Ya.S.
Published: October 2009

Eight hundred and seventy-seven sera from 360 adults aged 18–50 who were under permanent observation from October 1980 to March 1981 have been studied by haemagglutination-inhibition (HI) and erythrocyte elution-inhibition (EI) tests – a simplified method of antineuraminidase antibody titration. It was demonstrated in some subjects infected with influenza A H1N1 and H3N2 viruses that the antibody rise was to one of the surface antigens only – haemagglutinin or neuraminidase. These subjects made up 5·2–25·8% of all examinees. The protective effect of antibodies to neuraminidase was similar to that of antihaemagglutinins. Interaction of both types of antibodies was observed in protection against the disease. Data have been obtained on the influence of antineuraminidase antibodies in decreasing the severity of natural infection with influenza A.

A study of heterologous immunologic responses to haemagglutinin and neuraminidase among persons immunized with live influenza A H1N1 and H3N2 vaccines and among children naturally infected with influenza A H3N2 demonstrated the presence of immunologic memory for antineuraminidase antibody synthesis. Thus, the suggestion of a common antigenic structure for neuraminidase Nl and N2 is made.
Infectious gastroenteritis in Norfolk Island and recovery of viruses from drinking water
Authors: Murphy A. M. , Grohmann G. S. , Sexton M. F. H.
Published: October 2009

A high incidence of gastroenteritis in both islanders and tourists has been recorded in recent years on Norfolk Island – a popular tourist resort for Australians and New Zealanders. No bacterial cause has been found. However, electron microscopic examination of 28 faecal specimens revealed viruses associated with gastroenteritis in 21 (75%). No viruses were isolated in cell cultures. Bore water is used for drinking purposes on the island and 32 samples from 15 bores were examined for viruses by electron microscopy and culture as well as for bacterial contamination. Seven polioviruses (all type 1 vaccine strain) and adenoviruses 1 and 5 were isolated in cell cultures. In addition one rotavirus, one adenovirus and two small round viruses were detected by electron microscopy. Six of 21 samples tested showed unacceptably high levels of bacteria for drinking water. The deep ground water has apparently become contaminated with sewage effluent and is almost certainly the main cause of the high level of gastroenteritis on the island.
The use of a radial haemolysis test for neuraminidase antibodies in the diagnosis of influenza A infection
Authors: Grilli E. A. , Smith A. J.
Published: October 2009

A radial haemolysis test designed to detect antibody specifically directed against the neuraminidase is described and compared with currently available techniques for the routine diagnosis of infection with influenza viruses.

Paired sera were available from two outbreaks of influenza A, one with the N1N1 subtype and the other with the H3N2 subtype. This technique confirmed diagnosis in 92% of cases diagnosed by other laboratory methods.
Comparison of haemagglutination-inhibition and single radial haemolysis techniques for detecting antibodies to influenza A and B viruses
Authors: Mancini G. , Donatelli I. , Arangio-Ruiz G. , Rozera C. , Macchia T.
Published: October 2009

The sensitivities of haemagglutination-inhibition (HI) and single radial haemolysis (SRH) techiques in detecting antibodies against influenza A/Bangkok/1/79, A/Brazil/11/78, B/Singapore/222/79, B/Hong Kong/5/72 strains, in human sera were compared. For antibodies to influenza B viruses the HI tests employing ether-treated antigens were also evaluated. The SRH technique appears to be more sensitive for detecting protective titres of antibodies against influenza B strains and influenza A/Brazil/11/78.
An outbreak of hepatitis A caused by consumption of raw oysters
Authors: Ohara H. , Naruto H. , Watanabe W. , Ebisawa I.
Published: October 2009

An outbreak of hepatitis A occurred among the members of the Japan Overseas Corporation Volunteers (JOCV) stationed in the Philippines. Seven out of 10 youths who ate, but none of five youths who did not eat raw oysters developed hepatitis. All these seven cases were positive for hepatitis A antibody (anti-HAV) and six of them were also positive for anti-HAV IgM (immunoglobulin M) 111 days after the infection.
Interaction ofL. pneumophilaand a free living amoeba (Acanthamoeba palestinensis)
Authors: Anand C. M. , Skinner A. R. , Malic A. , Kurtz J. B.
Published: October 2009

Co-cultivation ofLegionella pneumophilaserogroup I andAcanthamoeba palestinensis inNeff's medium at 35 °C resulted in the intracellular multiplication of the bacteria as demonstrated by electron microscopy and immunofluorescence. In the closed experimental system used, the number of legionellae rose from 107colony forming units (c. f. u.)/ml initially to a maximum of 1010c. f. u. /ml on day 5. Legionellae were seen in expelled phagosomes, in some amoebae filling the cytoplasm and in others in which the process of encystment appeared to have commenced.
Isolation ofLegionella pneumophilafrom water supplies: comparison of methods based on the guinea-pig and culture media
Authors: Fitzgeorge R. B. , Dennis P. J.
Published: October 2009

The detection ofLegionella pneumophilain water via guinea-pig intraperitoneal injection has been compared with direct isolation of these organisms on semiselective BCYEα media. Both techniques were of similar sensitivity, detecting as few as 102L. pneumophilain 10 ml of water. However, at this concentration, detection using guinea-pig intraperitoneal injection was via the indirect parameters of antibody production and immunofluorescent microscopy. Isolation ofL. pneumophilafrom guinea-pig tissue for further investigation required > 107organisms injected and in this respect is relatively much less sensitive than direct isolation on semiselective BCYEα media. SinceL. micdadeiandL. longbeachaeare inhibited by one of the selective supplements used, other supplements and techniques need to be developed in order to avoid possible inhibition of otherLegionellaspecies.
Evaluation and use of the drug inhibition method of measuring intracellular killing in differentiating between staphylococci grownin vivoandin vitro
Authors: Kolawole D. O.
Published: October 2009

AStaphylococcus aureusstrain grown oncein vivoin rabbit pleural cavities was appreciably more resistant to killing by soluble polymorph bactericidins than its broth-grown counterpart. Parallel results were obtained using an adaptation of Solberg's drug-inhibition method of measuring intracellular killing after critical aspects of it had been evaluated and modified. Individualin vivogrown organisms were surrounded by a layer of less dense material which was not capsular in nature but which made the organisms clump together. This surface coating was lost on subculturein vitro, resulting in a reversion to broth-like susceptibility, thus indicating that the surface coating was largely responsible for the enhanced resistance and that it resulted from interactions between staphylococci and components of the rabbits' natural body fluids. Consequently, growth in plasma produced organisms which mimickedin vivogrown organisms in clumping, surface coating and in resistance to killing. The use of plasma-grown staphylococci in further studies of likely resistance mechanismsin vivois discussed.
Salmonella saint-paul infection in two dairy herds
Authors: Jones P. W. , Collins P. , Brown G. T. H. , Aitken M. M.
Published: October 2009

An outbreak of salmonellosis due to Salmonella saint-paul in two dairy herds was first detected during routine examination of calves soon after calving; infection reached 100% amongst calves and up to 60% amongst milking cows. Excretion by cows continued for over 12 months and by calves for up to 18 months.

The most important factor in controlling the spread of infection was reduction of environmental contamination by removal of carriers, prompt antibiotic treatment of sick calves and reduction in stocking densities.
Salmonella saint-paul infection in calves
Authors: Aitken M. M. , Brown G. T. H. , Jones P. W. , Collins P.
Published: October 2009

A natural outbreak of Salmonella saint-paulinfection in two Institute herds was monitored clinically, bactcriologically and immunologically. This paper describes the findings in calves. Morbidity and mortality became apparent 30 days after S. saint-paul was first isolated on routine sampling of neonatal calf faeces. All heifer calves were treated with a tetracycline or ampicillin preparation when they showed clinical signs of disease, while the effects of intradermal vaccination with heat-killed S. saint-paul were assessed in a proportion of the bull calves.

Antibiotic treatment reduced mortality and the number of persistent excretors; vaccination did not affect mortality but, if given during the first week of life, reduced the duration of faecal excretion. Calves which were untreated and unvaccinated, or vaccinated when older than 16 days, excreted S. saint-paul for periods of up to 18 months. Of six ‘recovered’ calves, which had been negative on faecal culture for 5–8 weeks, four yielded S. saint-paul at necropsy. Agglutinating antibody titres were highest in those unvaccinated calves which were persistent excretors.
Colicine production as an epidemiological marker for Shigella sonnei
Authors: Vlajinac H. , Krajinovic S.
Published: October 2009

The reliability of colicine typing of Shigella sonnei: as an epidemiological marker has been investigated. Strains from 13 of 110 excretors showed variation in type as determined by typing serial isolates and in 14 of 106 epidemics there was a lack of uniformity in typing results.

The simultaneous presence of two types was found in 11·4 % of patients. In vitro variation was seen after 10 days in 6·8 % of isolates from 44 stools; variation had risen to 9% when isolates were re-examined after one month.

These results suggest that restrictions should be placed on the use of colicine typing as an epidemiologic tool.
The sterilizing capacity of propylene oxide and chlorhexidine diacetate solutions upon pre-injection swabs saturated with propan-2-ol
Authors: Wright R. C.
Published: October 2009

The sporicidal activity of two solutions which have been used in the production of ‘sterile’ pre-injection swabs has been investigated. Propylene oxide (3·4 % w/w) and chlorhexidine diacetate (0·6% w/w), both made up in approximately 65% w/w propan-2-ol, were artificially contaminated with spores ofBacillus subtilisvar.nigerand swabs were impregnated with these; surviving spores were enumerated at various temperatures and times of storage. Chlorhexidine diacetate had no sporicidal activity, whereas the activity of propylene oxide was dependent on temperature. The former should not be considered a sterilant and the latter can only be considered such if a controlled incubation period at an elevated temperature is employed.
A serological evaluation of 1979–1982 Kenyan foot-and-mouth disease type SAT 2 viruses
Authors: Ndiritu C. G. , Ouldridge E. J. , Head M. , Rweyemamu M. M.
Published: October 2009

Serological evaluations of foot-and-mouth disease type SAT 2 viruses isolated in Kenya between 1979 and 1982 were performed using the two-dimensional microneutralization test. Nine field isolates of epizootiological significance were compared with four vaccine viruses. The results obtained identified Tan 5/68 as the most appropriate reference vaccine virus strain since it had the broadest serological spectrum. Potent Tan 5/68 vaccines would be expected to provide adequate protection against the contemporary SAT 2 field viruses. In the case of K 83/74, which also was shown to have a broad spectrum with viruses isolated in Kenya, the results show that the 1982 isolate from central Kenya was significantly divergent (r < 1·00 at P = 0·01) and warranted tactical revaccination for its control. The study highlighted the fact that strain R1215 which had been isolated from the oesophageal-pharyngeal swabs of asymptomatic carrier cattle had a narrow serological spectrum suggesting that such viruses could be unsuitable as vaccine for the national campaign.
An outbreak of food-borne gastroenteritis in two hospitals associated with a Norwalk-like virus
Authors: Pether J. V. S. , Caul E. O.
Published: October 2009

Two connected outbreaks of gastroenteritis in separate hospitals associated with a small round structured virus morphologically indistinguishable from the Norwalk virus are described. The virus was most probably introduced on chicken sandwiches prepared by a member of the kitchen staff who was incubating the disease.
Laboratory tests of seven rodenticides for the control of Meriones shawi
Authors: Gill J. E. , Redfern R.
Published: October 2009

The response of Meriones shawi to seven rodenticides was investigated in laboratory feeding tests. The species proved to be much less susceptible to anticoagulants than most other species of rodent pests. Brodifacoum (at 0·005%), although giving complete mortality after only 8 days' continuous feeding, was more toxic than warfarin (0·025%), coumatetralyl (0·0375%), difenacoum (0·005%) and bromadiolone (0·005%). Calciferol (0·1%), though toxic, was significantly unpalatable. Zinc phosphide (5·0%) presented for 2 days in a choice test against unpoisoned food gave 80% mortality and appears to be the most suitable of these compounds for the control of M. shawi in the field.
A cephalosporin activein vivoagainstNocardia: efficacy of cefotaxime in murine model of acute pulmonary nocardiosis
Authors: Sugar Alan M. , Chahal Resham S. , Stevens David A.
Published: October 2009

Cefotaxime, a cephalosporin drug, has been shown to be activein vitroagainst nocardiae, a finding confirmed in this study. Pharmacokinetic studies were performed in mice to define regimens which provided peak serum levels comparable to that achieved in man with currently used doses. These regimens were shown to be effective with only short courses of therapy of rapidly progressive and highly lethalN. asteroidesinfection, produced by pulmonary challenge of mice. This suggests the possible utility of this drug in human nocardiosis.
The herring gull Larus argentatus as a likely transmitting agent of Salmonella montevideo to sheep and cattle
Authors: Coulson J. C. , Butterfield J. , Thomas C.
Published: October 2009

This paper presents evidence for the involvement of herring gulls (Larus argentatus) as vectors in the recent outbreaks of Salmonella montevideo in sheep and cattle in Scotland and suggests that the transfer can take place over considerable distances. The breeding area in Scotland of herring gulls which overwinter in N.E. England is remarkably similar to the geographical distribution of the outbreaks. This pattern, together with the feeding behaviour of herring gulls on farmland, the presence of S. montevideo in herring gulls just before their departure from the wintering area and the timing of the return just before the peak of outbreaks are all circumstantial evidence implicating this gull in the outbreaks. The rapid return of these gulls to their breeding areas means that S. montevideo can be transported long distances in one day and raises the possibility that the original source of S. montevideo could have been in N. E. England rather than in Scotland.
Incidence and properties ofStaphylococcus aureusassociated with turkeys during processing and further-processing operations
Authors: Adams B. W. , Mead G. C.
Published: October 2009

The incidence ofStaphylococcus aureuson turkeys sampled at various stages of processing and further-processing was determined on four occasions at each of three different processing plants. For freshly-slaughtered birds, counts from neck skin varied from plant to plant over the range < 102to > 105/g but in all cases the corresponding counts obtained from carcasses sampled after chilling rarely exceeded 103/g and the same was true for samples of mechanically recovered meat (MRM), the final raw product examined.

Despite the limited susceptibility of isolates from the different factories to typing by means of either standard human or poultry bacteriophages (55–94% untypable), evidence was obtained with the aid of biotyping for the presence of both human and animal-derived strains. However, some biotypes isolated from MRM were not detected at earlier stages of processing.

At one processing plant, an ‘indigenous’ type ofS. aureuswas clearly demonstrated. It occurred in high numbers in the defeathering machines (up to 105/swab), was found on carcasses at all subsequent stages of processing over the survey period and was shown to survive routine cleaning and disinfection procedures. Isolates of this type produced unusually large amounts of extracellular ‘slime’ in artificial culture.

Two of the three processing plants yielded isolates which were enterotoxigenic. Of 55 strains from Plant 1, 60% produced enterotoxin C and all were of the ‘indigenous’ type. In the case of Plant 2, only two type D-and one type F-producing strain were found.
Enteropathogen carriage by healthy individuals living in an area with poor sanitation
Authors: Figueroa G. , Troncoso M. , Araya M. , Espinoza J. , Brunser O.
Published: October 2009

Faecal carriage of bacterial enteropathogens (enteropathogenicEscherichia coli(EPEC), shigellae and salmonellae) was studied in 265 individuals: 65 infants 3–6 months of age (50 bottle-fed and 15 breast-fed), 100 school-age children 8–10 years of age and 100 adults 21–50 years of age. All were apparently healthy, did not have gastrointestinal symptoms, had not received antibiotics in the proceding fortnight and were not malnourished. Enteropathogens were isolated from the faeces of 24 individuals (9–1%). Cultures were positive for enteropathogens in 20% of the infants (both breast- and bottle-fed), 8% of school-age children and 3% of the adults. EPEC was the most frequent isolate. Twelve different serotypes were detected. The highest recoveries wereE. coli026: K60 and 044·K74. Shigella was detected only in school-age children (2%) and salmonella only in adults (1%).Campylobacter jejuniandYersinia enterocoliticawere studied only in the school-age children: there was one isolate of each of them. Most enteropathogens isolated were susceptible to the majority of the antibiotics tested. Only fourE. colistrains, isolated from bottle-fed infants, could be considered multi-resistant. Two of the strains wereE. coli044: K74 and 020a020c: K61. The remainder wereE. coli0111: K58 and were capable of transferring some of their antibiotic resistance traits to a recipient strain.
A comparison between tracer gas and tracer particle techniques in evaluating the efficiency of ventilation in operating theatres
Authors: Andersson Per-Arne , Hambraeus Anna , Zettersten Ulla , Ljungqvist Bengt , Neikter Kenneth , Ransjö Ulrika
Published: October 2009

Operating theatres are ventilated for a number of reasons, one of them being to keep numbers of airborne bacteria low at the operation wound. No matter how air is brought into the room, bacteria are removed by dilution rather than by air currents, because of turbulence caused by heat liberated by people and equipment and by movement in the room (Lidwell & Williams, 1960). With ventilation rates up to 20 air changes/hour, the dilution may differ at different sites in the room depending on the design of its ventilation system.
The sub-specific differentiation ofEscherichia coliwith particular reference to ecological studies in young animals including man
Authors: Hinton M.
Published: October 2009

It is possible to differentiate isolates ofEscherichia coliusing a number of techniques including the determination of the serotype, biotype and phage type and the profiles for resistance to antibacterial agents and toxic chemicals, intracellular enzymes, outer membrane proteins and plasmids and the production of enterotoxin and colicines. These methods have been used principally for the study of pathogenicE. coliand plasmid-mediated drug resistance. However they can also be used successfully for ecological purposes and the application of several of these techniques for the study of the ecology ofE. coliin healthy young animals including man is described.
Differentiation ofMycobacterium cheloneifromM. fortuitumby ciprofloxacin susceptibility
Authors: Collins C. H. , Yates M. D. , Uttley Anne H. C.
Published: October 2009

Seventy-five strains ofMycobacterium fortuitumwere inhibited by 3·0 mg/1 ciprofloxacin but 36 strains ofM. cheloneiwere resistant. The results correlated well with those obtained by the nitratase test. The ciprofloxin sensitivity test is a useful supplement to the tests used to identify these two species.
Intestinal carriage ofBacillus cereus: faecal isolation studies in three population groups
Authors: Turnbull P. C. B. , Kramer J. M.
Published: October 2009

The results of examinations of stools forBacillus cereusamong three unrelated groups of individuals are presented. The groups consisted of (1) healthy schoolchildren aged 6–11 years in a rural region of South Africa examined during each of the four seasons of the year; (2) 15 healthy volunteers comprising staff of a London microbiology laboratory and their families examined on each of 3 consecutive weeks; (3) 75 unrelated young children, 2 months to 5 years of age, in a second rural region of South Africa examined during a pilot study of 1 week's duration on the aetiology of rural gastroenteritis. The stools of the last group were submitted as being related to present or recent diarrhoea in the respective children.

In group 1,B. cereusisolation rates ranged from 24·3% at the autumn visit to 43% at the summer visit with a significantly higher rate of isolation in the summer than at other seasons of the year(P <0·05).B. cereuswas isolated from 40% of group 2 volunteers on week 1, none on week 2 and 20% on week 3. The organism was detected in the 12 positive specimens at levels of approximately 102/g and constituted 2·5–30% of the total aerobic spore-forming bacillus population in the stools. In group 3,B. cereuswas recovered from 18·7% of the stool samples and was isolated consecutively with other pathogens (entcropathogenicEscherichia coliand rotavirus) on only five occasions. In groups 1 and 3, < 5% of the stools had ‘3+ ‘levels ofB. cereus(> 10 colonies per direct plate culture).

B. cereuswas readily isolated from all of 10 food samples, representative of the typical diet of the group 1 individuals, and was present in substantial numbers (104to 5·5 × 106/g) in half of them.

The isolation results, supported by serotyping, indicated that carriage ofB. cereusin stools is transient and its presence at any one time reflects solely its intake with foods.
Extended follow-up of patients suspected of having joint sepsis after total joint replacement
Authors: Lidwell O. M. , Lowbury E. J. L. , Whyte W. , Blowers R. , Lowe D.
Published: October 2009

During an average follow-up time of about 2½ years after total hip or knee-joint replacement in 8052 patients, suspected joint infection was recorded in 85 patients whose joints had not been re-operated during that period. The hospital records of 72 of these patients were examined after a further period, averaging about 5 years. Thirty-five of these had suffered continuing major problems with the joint, 18 of which had been revised, and a further 9 joints needed such treatment. Infection was confirmed in 17 of the 35. These numbers are proportionately about three times greater than those observed among a set of matched controls followed-up for a similar period. The evidence from the extended follow-up suggests that the failure rate, unassociated with infection, reached about 5% by 7 years after operation and that late infections, manifested between about 2½ and 7 years after operation, were about as frequent as those confirmed during the first 2½ years.
The basic phage set for typing bovine staphylococci
Authors: Carroll P. J. , Francis P. G.
Published: October 2009

Two hundred and sixty-nineStaphylococcus aureuscultures isolated from bovine milk were subjected to phagc typing using the International basic set of 16 phages at Routine Test Dilution. In the current study 73·6% of cultures were ‘typable’ compared with 84–89% in 1972 when the set was first recommended. The set remains capable of typing the majority of bovine staphylococci but shows a reduction in lysogenicity of most of its phages.
A comparison of the original Rappaport medium (R medium) and the Rappaport–Vassiliadis medium (RV medium) in the isolation of salmonellae from meat products
Authors: Vassiliadis P. , Kalapothaki V. , Mavrommati Ch. , Trichopoulos D.
Published: October 2009

The Rappaport–Vassiliadis enrichment medium (RV medium)in 10 ml quantities (RV/43 °C, 10 ml) inoculated with 0·1 ml of pre-enrichment medium (P medium) was found more efficient in the isolation of salmonellae from 409 pre-enriched samples (mainly meat products), than the original Rappaport medium incubated at 43 °C (R/43 °C) and the RV medium in 5 ml quantities (RV/43 °C, 5 ml) inoculated with 0·01 ml of P medium (P< 0·001, in both instances). Therefore, the inoculum from pre-enriched foods should not be less than 0·l ml in 10 ml of RV medium.

The RV/43°, 10 ml was also better (P< 0·01) in detecting samples containing salmonellas than the original Rappaport medium incubated at 37 °C (R/37 °C, 10 ml) and the modification R25 of R medium incubated at 37 °C. The R25 modification was used in 10 ml quantities (R25/37 °C, 10 ml) inoculated with 0·1 ml of P medium and in 5 ml quantities (R25/37°, 5 ml) inoculated with 0·01 ml of P medium. The last two R25 procedures were of the same efficiency in isolating salmonellas from meat products.
Interspecific co-transfer of antibiotic resistance plasmids in staphylococciin vivo
Authors: Naidoo Jay
Published: October 2009

The co-transfer of plasmid-borne genes governing resistance to gentamicin, tetracycline, erythromycin and chloramphenicol has been demonstrated on human and mouse skin. Two different gentamicin resistance plasmids have been studied in detail; both appear to have the ability to mobilizein vivootherwise non-transferable resistance plasmids from coagulase-negative to coagulase-positive staphylococci. This emphasises the role of the skin in maintaining a pool of resistance genes available to pathogenic staphylococci.
Identification of multiple-resistance (R) and colicinogeny (Col) plasmids in an epidemicSalmonella agonaserotype in Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Vicente Ana C. P. , de Almeida D. F.
Published: October 2009

ASalmonella agonastrain has caused a hospital outbreak of gastroenteritis in a pediatric unit in Rio de Janeiro. It bears two plasmids, a small (6·5 MDa molecular weight) plasmid coding for type B colicin production and a larger one (36 MDa molecular weight) determining resistance to ampicillin, gentamicin, kanamycin and trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole. The R-plasmid, but not the Col-plasmid, is self-transferable to aEscherichia colirecipient strain. Curing for the R-plasmid was achieved by treatment with 0·05 % SDS followed by incubation at 44°C. It has not been possible to cure theS. agonastrain for its Col-plasmid.
An outbreak of erythema infectiosum associated with human parvovirus infection
Authors: Anderson M. J. , Lewis E. , Kidd I. M. , Hall S. M. , Cohen B. J.
Published: October 2009

Erythema infectiosum (EI) or fifth disease is a mild, acute exanthematous disease, occurring mainly among children, for which a causative virus has long been sought. In May 1983 an outbreak of exanthematous illness was reported in a primary school in North London. Children attending the school were investigated by questionnaire and 162 (43·9%) reported an illness with the features of EI. In each of 36 cases investigated virologically the illness was associated with parvovirus infection. Moreoever, pre-existing antibody to parvovirus was correlated with protection from EI in 16 of 17 close family contacts of cases. We propose therefore that EI is the common manifestation of infection with the human parvovirus.
Efficiency of the use of pock size on the chorioallantoic membrane of fertile hen's eggs as a method of typing herpes simplex viruses
Authors: Herrod H. A. , McLean B. , Hambling M. H. , Halliburton I. W.
Published: October 2009

One hundred and eighteen herpes simplex virus isolates were typed in a diagnostic virology laboratory using their standard procedure by pock size on the chorioallantoic membranes (CAMs) of fertile hen's eggs. Forty-three were typed as type 1 and 75 as type 2. The isolates were then sent to a research laboratory in which they were typed blind, with or without subsequent passage in tissue culture, by neutralization with type-specific antisera. Discrepant results were found with only two isolates. The isolates were then typed by the more time-consuming but unambiguous method of restriction endonuclease analysis of their DNAs. Typing by this method confirmed the typing by neutralization and established that typing by pock size on CAMs was correct in about 98% of cases.
Epidemic influenza in Greater London
Authors: Spicer C. C. , Lawrence C. J.
Published: October 2009

The Kermack & McKendrick theory of epidemics has been applied to data on deaths from influenza and influenzal pneumonia in Greater London in the years 1950–78. As a whole the theory gives a good description of the data, and the estimated values of the parameters can be plausibly related to the natural history of the disease. However, the possibility exists that the agreement is merely empirical, and field studies would be required to confirm its validity.
Evidence for flavivirus(es) outside of the distribution area for Ixodes ricinus in Norway
Authors: Traavik Terje , Wiger Richard , Mehl Reider
Published: October 2009

Small rodent (vole) sera were collected from three different locations in Norway. One of these was within the distribution area for Ixodes ricinus, and a tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus strain had been isolated from ticks collected there (Traavik & Mehl, 1977). The two other locations were outside the I. ricinus area, one in southern Norway, the other at nearly 70° N. The sera were tested for TBE antibodies by hemagglutination inhibition (HI), hemolysis-in-gel (HIG) and complement fixation (CFT). All sera were also tested for HI antibodies to Uukuniemi (UUK) virus, and some positive TBE HI reactions were verified by separation of immunoglobulins and serum lipoproteins in NaBr gradients.

Animals containing TBE virus antibodies reacting in all three serological tests and animals with UUK HI antibodies were detected only from the location within the I. ricinus area. From the two locations outside the I. ricinus area we found animals which had antibodies reacting with TBE virus in HI and HIG, but not in CFT. Antibodies to UUK were not detected. The results indicate that flavivirus(es) related to, but not identical with TBE viruses are transmitted by other vectors than I. ricinus in parts of Norway.