E.M.B.A. International Field Studies: A Comparative Perspective

Almost 80% of EMBA programs include a significant international study experience. The content and process, though, vary considerably in length, location, and method. To provide insight to the scope, format, of different approaches, the researchers conducted extensive interviews with 40 EMBA program directors. Results of the investigation are presented providing information that EMBA directors, faculty and administrators may find useful in improving the quality and effectiveness of their international field studies

Targeting fibroblast activation protein in tumor stroma with chimeric antigen receptor T cells can inhibit tumor growth and augment host immunity without severe toxicity.

The majority of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell research has focused on attacking cancer cells. Here, we show that targeting the tumor-promoting, nontransformed stromal cells using CAR T cells may offer several advantages. We developed a retroviral CAR construct specific for the mouse fibroblast activation protein (FAP), comprising a single-chain Fv FAP [monoclonal antibody (mAb) 73.3] with the CD8α hinge and transmembrane regions, and the human CD3ζ and 4-1BB activation domains. The transduced muFAP-CAR mouse T cells secreted IFN-γ and killed FAP-expressing 3T3 target cells specifically. Adoptively transferred 73.3-FAP-CAR mouse T cells selectively reduced FAP(hi) stromal cells and inhibited the growth of multiple types of subcutaneously transplanted tumors in wild-type, but not FAP-null immune-competent syngeneic mice. The antitumor effects could be augmented by multiple injections of the CAR T cells, by using CAR T cells with a deficiency in diacylglycerol kinase, or by combination with a vaccine. A major mechanism of action of the muFAP-CAR T cells was the augmentation of the endogenous CD8(+) T-cell antitumor responses. Off-tumor toxicity in our models was minimal following muFAP-CAR T-cell therapy. In summary, inhibiting tumor growth by targeting tumor stroma with adoptively transferred CAR T cells directed to FAP can be safe and effective, suggesting that further clinical development of anti-human FAP-CAR is warranted

Long-Term Oxidation Behavior of Selected High Temperature Alloys”, ASME Turbo Expo

ABSTRACT Long-term oxidation behavior of alloys cannot be estimated reliably by extrapolation of short-term results; therefore long-term testing is imperative. Such data often are not available. Oxidation testing for a period of 360 days has been conducted for several high temperature alloys extensively used in the gas turbine industry. The alloys tested comprised of HASTELLOY ® X alloy, HAYNES ® 230