Lars Stenberg

The superstructure of domain-twinned η'-Cu6Sn5

The cell of the low-temperature modification of Cu 6 Sn 5 , the η-phase, has been determined by means of electron diffraction of single domains. The basic hexagonal NiAs (B8) type cell is pentupled, reflected in the reciprocal lattice by a fivefold superstructure running along [1121]. The extensive domain-twinning macroscopically gives rise to perfect hexagonal symmetry, which explains the previously proposed hexagonal cell [a=5a NiAs , c=5c NiAs ; Bernal (1928), Nature, 122, 54]. The structure was solved by occupying every fifth trigonal bipyramidal site of the NiAs-type structure and shifting the atoms surrounding these additional Cu atoms to form Edshammar 11 polyhedra with Cu-Sn and Cu-Cu distances in the range 2.60-2.74 A

Dose-Fractionated Radioimmunotherapy in Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Using DOTA-Conjugated, 90Y-Radiolabeled, Humanized Anti-CD22 Monoclonal Antibody, Epratuzumab.

Purpose: Fractionated radioimmunotherapy may improve therapeutic outcome by decreasing heterogeneity of the dose delivered to the tumor and by decreasing hematologic toxicity, thereby allowing an increased amount of radionuclide to be administered. Because humanized anti-CD22 epratuzumab can be given repeatedly, a single-center study was conducted to establish the feasibility, safety, optimal dosing, and preliminary efficacy of weekly administrations of 90Y-labeled 1,4,7,10-tetra-azacyclodecane-N,N′,N″,N‴-tetraacetic acid–conjugated epratuzumab. Experimental Design: Cohorts of three to six patients with B-cell lymphoma received 185 MBq/m2 [90Y]epratuzumab with unconjugated epratuzumab (total protein dose 1.5 mg/kg) once weekly for two to four infusions, with [111In]epratuzumab coadministered at first infusion for scintigraphic imaging and dosimetry. Results: Sixteen patients received treatment without significant infusional reactions. The overall objective response rate was 62% (95% confidence interval, 39-86%) in both indolent (75%) and aggressive disease (50%). Complete responses (CR/CRu) occurred in 25% of patients and were durable (event-free survival, 14-41 months). Two patients receiving four infusions had hematologic dose-limiting toxicity. Serum epratuzumab levels increased with each weekly dose. Of 13 patients with tumor cell CD22 expression determined by flow cytometry, seven of eight with strongly positive results had objective responses, versus one of five with negative or weakly positive results (P = 0.032). Conclusions: Radioimmunotherapy with weekly 185 MBq/m2 [90Y]epratuzumab achieved a high objective response rate (62%) across lymphoma subtypes, including durable CRs. The findings that three weekly infusions (555 MBq/m2, total dose) can be administered safely with only minor toxicity, that antibody levels increased during treatment weeks, and that therapeutic response predominantly occurs in patients with unequivocal CD22 tumor expression provide guidance for future studies.

Many group A streptococcal strains express two different immunoglobulin-binding proteins, encoded by closely linked genes: characterization of the proteins expressed by four strains of different M-type

Most group A streptococcal strains are able to bind immunoglobulin (lg) in a non‐immune manner, and the majority of these strains bind both IgA and IgG. Using molecular cloning and immunochemical techniques, we have purified and characterized the Ig Fc‐receptors expressed by four such strains. Two of the strains express a novel type of receptor, designated protein Sir, which binds IgA and IgG of all subclasses, and therefore has broader reactivity than any Fc‐receptor previously described. The other two strains express protein Arp, a receptor that binds IgA of both subclasses, and also binds potyclonal IgG weakly. Characterization of the weak IgG‐binding ability of protein Arp shows that it binds only some monoclonal IgG proteins, in particular those of the IgG3 subclass. The four strains studied here were unexpectedly found to also express a second Ig‐receptor, called protein Mrp, encoded by a gene closely linked to the gene for the first receptor. The Mrp protein does not bind IgA, but it binds IgG molecules of the IgG1, IgG2 and tgG4 subclasses, and it also binds fibrinogen. Binding of fibrinogen has been reported to be a characteristic property of streptococcal M proteins, which suggests that the Mrp protein may be an M protein that also binds Ig. Taken together, all available evidence now indicates that most strains of group A streptococci express two different Ig‐binding proteins, encoded by closely linked genes.

Regression of cervical spinal cord compression in a patient with chordoma following treatment with cetuximab and gefitinib

Regression of cervical spinal cord compression in a patient with chordoma following treatment with cetuximab and gefitinib

Binding of IgA and/or IgG is a common property among clinical isolates of group A streptococci

Certain strains of group A streptococci are known to bind IgA and/or IgG via a cell surface receptor, which may act as a virulence factor. The distribution of such receptors among routine clinical isolates was studied, using a total of 225 strains and an assay based on the binding of radiolabelled immunoglobulins. Among 194 throat strains isolated during three different time periods in two different geographical areas of Sweden, 82% showed significant binding of IgA and/or IgG. Studies on 31 septicaemia strains, isolated over a period of more than 8 years, showed binding for 84% of the isolates. The binding strains were of several different T-types and could be subdivided into two groups, those binding both IgA and IgG and those binding IgG only. These data show that binding of IgA and/or IgG is a very common property among clinical isolates of group A streptococci.

The η-phase field of the CuIn system

Abstract The η-phase field of the CuIn phase diagram has been investigated by means of electron and X-ray diffraction. This phase field contains three distinct phase regions: A, B, and C. All phases are based on the B8-type (NiAsNi 2 In type) structure. The A-phase is a high-temperature monoclinic phase. It is converted to the B-phase, which can be seen by the continuous rotation of satellite reflections in the diffraction pattern. Hence the B-phase has many modifications. The different diffraction patterns of the B-phase link together the patterns of the A-phase and the C-phase. The C-phase is a low-temperature phase with a large orthorhombic supercell.

Electron microscope studies on a quenched FeMo alloy

Abstract An alloy of FeMo (50 atom%) quenched from the melt was studied using a high-resolution electron microscope. Three phases were frequently identified, viz , the σ-phase, the μ-phase, and the P -phase. The latter two were found to be rich in planar defects of intergrowth and twin type. The resolution obtained was better than 4 A, as shown with calculated images. It was possible to derive the detailed atomic structure of the defects observed.

The B8 type structure of Cu7In3

Abstract The structure of Cu 7 In 3 is refined from single crystal X-ray data and the refinement is in agreement with earlier work. The structure is a NiAsNi 2 In type superstructure (B8) and not a γ-brass type structure.

fMRI memory assessment in healthy subjects: a new approach to view lateralization data at an individual level

We present a comprehensive and clinically applicable fMRI test—including both a verbal and a visuospatial task—for assessment of hemispheric specific memory in the medial temporal lobe (MTL). fMRI data was collected from 15 healthy right-handed volunteers. Whole-brain activation was analyzed as well as activation in two regions of interest: the MTL and the anterior speech area. Laterality indices (LI) and LI-curves were calculated using the LI toolbox of Wilke and Lidzba, 2007. The fMRI paradigms successfully visualized memory-related activity in the MTL, the verbal memory measure also provided information of language lateralization. Eleven subjects showed left lateralized verbal encoding in the MTL, visuospatial memory activation was divided equally between left and right, and 14/15 subjects had left lateralized language. Lateralization data at the group level were consistent with previous studies, but a variety of activation effects were found at the individual level indicating differences in strategy during verbal and visuospatial processing. Further studies using the presented method are needed to determine its clinical usefulness.

Dynamic Susceptibility Contrast-Enhanced Perfusion Magnetic Resonance (MR) Imaging Combined with Contrast-Enhanced MR Imaging in the Follow-up of Immunogene-Treated Glioblastoma Multiforme.

Purpose: To assess the value of the combined use of dynamic susceptibility contrast-enhanced perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and conventional contrast-enhanced MRI for the follow-up of treatment of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Material and Methods: 79 examinations were performed in six surgically and immunogene-treated patients and two surgically treated patients. Ratios of the relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) in lesions and in the contralateral normal-appearing white matter were calculated. The regions with elevated rCBV were compared with those with contrast enhancement. Tissue specimens from surgical biopsies and autopsies were studied histopathologically. Results: The lesion-to-normal rCBV ratios were high in the tumors prior to operation (7.3 to 18.2) as well as in the recurrent tumors (1.6 to 13.2). The volumes of the regions with elevated rCBV were similar to those with contrast enhancement in 63 of the 79 examinations. However, in 11 of 79 examinations, the regions with high rCBV were smaller than the regions with contrast enhancement (“mismatch”). In two samples from the immunogene-treated patients this was correlated with the histopathological finding of malignant tumor with numerous proliferating GBM vessels with multiple minimal lumina, sometimes thrombotized or ruptured. These vessels may have increased permeability with contrast enhancement not accompanied by increased microvascular volume. Conclusion: 1) Elevated rCBV on perfusion MRI corresponding to the contrast-enhancing lesion supports the diagnosis of recurrent malignant tumor. 2) A mismatch showing a volume of rCBV elevation smaller than that of contrast enhancement can be seen in particularly aggressive tumor growth and is thus not always a sign of reactive non-tumor changes. 3) The combination of perfusion MRI and conventional contrast MRI provides useful information in the follow-up of glioblastoma multiforme treatment.