A coagulase-negative variant of Staphylococcus aureus from bovine mastitis milk

Bacteriological analysis of milk samples from quarters of a dairy cow suffering from subclinical mastitis yielded two isolates of Staphylococcus aureus which gave a negative reaction in the standard coagulase test. Both isolates were also clumping factor and thermonuclease negative, and gave a negative reaction in the Staphaurex? test. The isolates were identified by using commercial biochemical systems, and by PCR analysis of different staphylococcal cell surface protein and exoprotein genes. Further molecular identification of the isolates, which included sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene and RT-PCR of coagulase (coa), clumping-factor (clfA) and thermonuclease (nuc) genes, was consistent with the diagnosis phenotypically 'coagulase-negative variant of Staph. aureus'. The fact that coagulase-negative Staph. aureus variants can occur in the context of intramammary infections in cattle may result in the incorrect diagnosis 'coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS)' in routine mastitis diagnostic, at least in rare cases. To fully ensure correct species diagnosis, sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene and amplification of specific genes such as coa is necessary in these cases.     

Quantification of statistical type i and ii errors in correlation analysis of simulated functional magnetic resonance imaging data

The potential of statistical analyses of functional magnetic resonance images using various threshold strategies in combination with correlation analysis was studied by simulating brain activation. Differences in statistical Type I () and II () errors are substantial for the various thresholds. Absolute thresholds and individualized thresholds based on the assumption of a gaussian noise distribution are producing constant -errors and thus do not sufficiently improve discrimination of truly activated pixels even for very high contrast-to-noise ratios (CNR). Only relative threshold strategies related to the maximum correlation coefficient and thus the individual data quality and activation level, i.e., a data-driven approach, can perfectly discriminate true positives, at least for CNR>2.5. To further improve discrimination of activated and non-activated pixel in studies with lower CNR, additional prior knowledge would be necessary. From the data presented, one would also expect that the best performing threshold strategy in this simulation study would perform best underin vivo conditions.Preliminary results presented in abstract form at the 13th Annual ESMRMB Meeting, Prague, Czech Republic, September 12–15, 1996.     

Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis: Regenerative Treatment by a Stem Cell Containing Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product (ATMP)—An In Vivo Animal Trial

Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJ-OA) is a chronic degenerative disease that is often characterized by progressive impairment of the temporomandibular functional unit. The aim of this randomized controlled animal trial was a comparative analysis regarding the chondroregenerative potency of intra-articular stem/stromal cell therapy. Four weeks after combined mechanical and biochemical osteoarthritis induction in 28 rabbits, therapy was initiated by a single intra-articular injection, randomized into the following groups: Group 1: AB Serum (ABS); Group 2: Hyaluronic acid (HA); Group 3: Mesenchymal stromal cells (STx.); Group 4: Mesenchymal stromal cells in hyaluronic acid (HA + STx.). After another 4 weeks, the animals were euthanized, followed by histological examination of the removed joints. The histological analysis showed a significant increase in cartilage thickness in the stromal cell treated groups (HA + STx. vs. ABS, p = 0.028; HA + ST.x vs. HA, p = 0.042; STx. vs. ABS, p = 0.036). Scanning electron microscopy detected a similar heterogeneity of mineralization and tissue porosity in the subchondral zone in all groups. The single intra-articular injection of a stem cell containing, GMP-compliant advanced therapy medicinal product for the treatment of iatrogen induced osteoarthritis of the temporomandibular joint shows a chondroregenerative effect.     

Size-dependent dissociation of small cobalt clusters on ultrathin NaCl films

Mass-selected anionic cobalt clusters of two different sizes (Co2 and Co13) were deposited onto ultrathin NaC1 films grown on an Au(111) substrate.Using scanning tunneling microscopy experiments and density functional theory simulations,we show that the deposited Co2 cluster dissociates and that the resulting Co atoms dope the NaCl surface by substituting Na ions.In contrast,the larger Co13 cluster does not dissociate and remains stable on top of the NaC1 film.The sizedependent fragmentation of clusters is an important aspect in the understanding of the chemical interaction between size-selected small aggregates of atoms and supporting surfaces.     

Microstructural Studies of the Interfacial Zone of a SiC-Fiber-Reinforced Lithium Aluminum Silicate Glass-Ceramic

Transmission electron microscopy studies have been conducted on interfaces in a lithium aluminum silicate/SiC-fiberreinforced composite. In the as-processed state, interphases of amorphous C and carbides of Nb have been confirmed, with circumferential thermal debonds evident in the C layer. After heat treatment in air at 800°C, the C is found to be replaced by amorphous SiO₂, and the carbides of Nb replaced by oxides. The SiO₂ thickens with exposure time and typically contains circumferential separations. Some Mg and Al diffusion also accompanies the heat-treatment process and eventually leads to the formation of MgO and Mg silicates in the interfacial zone.     

A possible role of in-flow effects in functional MR-imaging

The potential of functional MR-imaging at 1.5 T was studied using optical stimulation of the human brain. Differences in the image intensity of up to 30% were obtained in the visual cortex area, correlating with the time course of the stimuli. A simplified semi-quantitative model describing the role of in-flow effects in brain vessels on signal increase during the stimulation period is presented.