Energy dissipation and scattering angle distribution analysis of the classical trajectory calculations of methane scattering from a Ni(111) surface

We present classical trajectory calculations of the rotational vibrational scattering of a non-rigid methane molecule from a Ni(111) surface. Energy dissipation and scattering angles have been studied as a function of the translational kinetic energy, the incidence angle, the (rotational) nozzle temperature, and the surface temperature. Scattering angles are somewhat towards the surface for the incidence angles of 30, 45, and 60 degree at a translational energy of 96 kJ/mol. Energy loss is primarily from the normal component of the translational energy. It is transfered for somewhat more than half to the surface and the rest is transfered mostly to rotational motion. The spread in the change of translational energy has a basis in the spread of the transfer to rotational energy, and can be enhanced by raising of the surface temperature through the transfer process to the surface motion.Comment: 8 pages REVTeX, 5 figures (eps

Building a Strong Corporate Ethical Identity: Key Findings from Suppliers

A recent series of reputational crises underscores the importance of building a strong corporate identity and reputation. The building of Corporate Ethical Identity, a process referred to as “ethicalization,” is an important strategic imperative in today’s world and an integral part of a firm’s attempts to build a strong corporate identity across its various stakeholders. In this process we focus on ethicalization on the part of SAB Ltd, a large South African brewer that is part of the global SABMiller plc, and the impact of its efforts on supplier perceptions. Our findings show that leaders and managers must consider six factors that drive the formation of ethical identity namely, the forming of trusted relationships with stakeholders, having sustainable organizational citizenship, making sure those ethical policies are developed and enforced and the ethical management of procurement contracting, administration and information. We use these findings to infer a model for senior managers to build ethical identity across an organization’s stakeholders

Director’s perspectives on the meaning and dimensions of corporate reputation

The purpose of this research is to explore the perspectives of directors to determine how they define, perceive, value, build and manage corporate reputation. A qualitative research design was employed. In order to gauge director’s perspectives, 12 semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with the directors of a multi-national company based in South Africa. The company operates in a highly regulated and competitive industry. The findings demonstrate that corporate reputation is indeed acknowledged as a key, intangible asset. Whilst the directors did not possess clear insight into building and managing corporate reputation, several key themes emerged. We report on their perceptions of the definitions, key dimensions and value ascribed to corporate reputation. By demonstrating the value that is associated with corporate reputation and by ascertaining that directors are indeed the appropriate custodians of corporate reputation, there will be better acceptance in introducing corporate reputation as a board room agenda item, that is well understood and implemented.http://www.journals.co.za/ej/ejour_busman.htm

ON ASSESSING THE GROWTH POTENTIAL OF THE LIFE EXPECTANCY OF THE POPULATION AS A RESULT OF IMPLEMENTING INTEGRATED MEASURES (ON THE EXAMPLE OF A CONSTITUENT ENTITY OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION)

The development vector of the current government policy in the Russian Federation aimed at improving social conditions – one of the critical indicators of which is life expectancy at birth [LE] – dictates the research relevance. Currently, the search and testing of new analytical systems capable of forecasting LE, considering the multifactorial influence on this indicator, remains relevant and timely. The research goal is to establish the growth potential of LE of the population estimation on the example of one of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation, considering integrated heterogeneous factors that possess a modifying effect on LE. The estimation includes modeling cause-and-effect relationships between indicators of habitat, quality of life, and life patterns – determinants of population health. The utilized model is a set of algebraic equations in the form of a factor transformation of independent variables and an artificial neural network and is implemented in three stages. They include (1) developing the basic scenario and calculating LE, (2) developing the target scenario and calculating LE, and (3) calculating the growth potential of LE as the difference between the indicators obtained at previous stages. The developed model and the three-stage algorithm application allows one to obtain the growth potential of LE on the example of one constituent entity of the Russian Federation in the context of a single change in determinants by 2024, which amounts to +1.24 years (453.0 days) relative to the baseline scenario (the actual LE value in 2018). The forecast value of LE is 70.47 years. Ranking of individual indicator groups according to their isolated effect on LE demonstrates that the most significant determinant groups are (1) socio-demographic indicators (2.6 years – 949.0 days), (2) indicators of sanitary and epidemiological safety (1.75 years – 638.75 days), and the (3) population lifestyle indicators (1.41 years – 514.65 days). The obtained results confirm the predominance of the influence of social indicators on population health in the form of LE on the example of the analysis of changes in the indicators of one of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation. The research relevance implies studying the combined influence of heterogeneous factors of the environment and lifestyle on the indicative indicator of population health (LE), a complex system with the properties of emergence, variability, opposite influence, and adaptation

Enhancing CO2 plasma conversion using metal grid catalysts

The synergy between catalysis and plasma chemistry often enhances the yield of chemical reactions in plasma-driven reactors. In the case of CO2 splitting into CO and O2, no positive synergistic effect was observed in earlier studies with plasma reactors, except for dielectric barrier discharges, that do not have a high yield and a high efficiency. Here, we demonstrate that introducing metal meshes into radio frequency-driven plasma reactors increases the relative reaction yield by 20%–50%, while supported metal oxide catalysts in the same setups have no effect. We attribute this to the double role of the metal mesh, which acts both as a catalyst for direct CO2 dissociation as well as for oxygen recombination.</p

Evaluation of genetic counseling among cystic fibrosis carriers, Michigan Newborn Screening

Objective A quality improvement (QI) strategy to improve the rate of genetic counseling (GC) services was initiated in cystic fibrosis (CF) care Center E in 2010. This statewide study was conducted to determine: (1) GC rates before and after implementation of the QI strategy at Center E; (2) characteristics associated with not receiving GC; and (3) topic areas addressed during GC. Methods The retrospective study included 1,097 CF carriers born from 2008 to 2011 identified through Michigan's Newborn Screening Program. Rate of GC services was determined for Center E and the other four CF centers before and after the QI change. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression was used to determine associations between select characteristics and not receiving GC. Topic areas discussed during GC sessions were assessed using frequency tables. Results Rate of GC services in Center E increased from 23% in 2008–2010 to 91% in 2011, while at the other centers approximately 92% received GC services across those years. In 2008–2010, being seen at Center E and black race were significantly associated with increased likelihood of not receiving GC services in adjusted analyses. In 2011, neither characteristic was associated with receipt of GC. Of 16 target topic areas, all were discussed in 85% of GC sessions. Conclusions Implementing a QI strategy of providing sweat test results at the GC appointment within Center E resulted in more CF carriers receiving comprehensive GC services. Center‐specific procedure differences should be assessed to increase rate of GC services following a positive CF newborn screen. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2013; 48:123–129. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/96254/1/22703_ftp.pd

Clinical Trial and Postmarketing Safety of Onasemnogene Abeparvovec Therapy

INTRODUCTION: This is the first description of safety data for intravenous onasemnogene abeparvovec, the only approved systemically administered gene-replacement therapy for spinal muscular atrophy. OBJECTIVE: We comprehensively assessed the safety of intravenous onasemnogene abeparvovec from preclinical studies, clinical studies, and postmarketing data. METHODS: Single-dose toxicity studies were performed in neonatal mice and juvenile or neonatal cynomolgus nonhuman primates (NHPs). Data presented are from a composite of preclinical studies, seven clinical trials, and postmarketing sources (clinical trials, n = 102 patients; postmarketing surveillance, n = 665 reported adverse event [AE] cases). In clinical trials, safety was assessed through AE monitoring, vital-sign and cardiac assessments, laboratory evaluations, physical examinations, and concomitant medication use. AE reporting and available objective clinical data from postmarketing programs were evaluated. RESULTS: The main target organs of toxicity in mice were the heart and liver. Dorsal root ganglia (DRG) inflammation was observed in NHPs. Patients exhibited no evidence of sensory neuropathy upon clinical examination. In clinical trials, 101/102 patients experienced at least one treatment-emergent AE. In total, 50 patients experienced serious AEs, including 11 considered treatment related. AEs consistent with hepatotoxicity resolved with prednisolone in clinical trials. Transient decreases in mean platelet count were detected but were without bleeding complications. Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) was observed in the postmarketing setting. No evidence of intracardiac thrombi was observed for NHPs or patients. CONCLUSIONS: Risks associated with onasemnogene abeparvovec can be anticipated, monitored, and managed. Hepatotoxicity events resolved with prednisolone. Thrombocytopenia was transient. TMA may require medical intervention. Important potential risks include cardiac AEs and DRG toxicity

Clinical trial and postmarketing safety of onasemnogene abeparvovec therapy

INTRODUCTION: This is the first description of safety data for intravenous onasemnogene abeparvovec, the only approved systemically administered gene-replacement therapy for spinal muscular atrophy. OBJECTIVE: We comprehensively assessed the safety of intravenous onasemnogene abeparvovec from preclinical studies, clinical studies, and postmarketing data. METHODS: Single-dose toxicity studies were performed in neonatal mice and juvenile or neonatal cynomolgus nonhuman primates (NHPs). Data presented are from a composite of preclinical studies, seven clinical trials, and postmarketing sources (clinical trials, n = 102 patients; postmarketing surveillance, n = 665 reported adverse event [AE] cases). In clinical trials, safety was assessed through AE monitoring, vital-sign and cardiac assessments, laboratory evaluations, physical examinations, and concomitant medication use. AE reporting and available objective clinical data from postmarketing programs were evaluated. RESULTS: The main target organs of toxicity in mice were the heart and liver. Dorsal root ganglia (DRG) inflammation was observed in NHPs. Patients exhibited no evidence of sensory neuropathy upon clinical examination. In clinical trials, 101/102 patients experienced at least one treatment-emergent AE. In total, 50 patients experienced serious AEs, including 11 considered treatment related. AEs consistent with hepatotoxicity resolved with prednisolone in clinical trials. Transient decreases in mean platelet count were detected but were without bleeding complications. Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) was observed in the postmarketing setting. No evidence of intracardiac thrombi was observed for NHPs or patients. CONCLUSIONS: Risks associated with onasemnogene abeparvovec can be anticipated, monitored, and managed. Hepatotoxicity events resolved with prednisolone. Thrombocytopenia was transient. TMA may require medical intervention. Important potential risks include cardiac AEs and DRG toxicity

Diminished Neural and Cognitive Responses to Facial Expressions of Disgust in Patients with Psoriasis: A Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study

Psoriasis produces significant psychosocial disability; however, little is understood about the neurocognitive mechanisms that mediate the adverse consequences of the social stigma associated with visible skin lesions, such as disgusted facial expressions of others. Both the feeling of disgust and the observation of disgust in others are known to activate the insula cortex. We investigated whether the social impact of psoriasis is associated with altered cognitive processing of disgust using (i) a covert recognition of faces task conducted using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and (ii) the facial expression recognition task (FERT), a decision-making task, conducted outside the scanner to assess the ability to recognize overtly different intensities of disgust. Thirteen right-handed male patients with psoriasis and 13 age-matched male controls were included. In the fMRI study, psoriasis patients had significantly (P<0.005) smaller signal responses to disgusted faces in the bilateral insular cortex compared with healthy controls. These data were corroborated by FERT, in that patients were less able than controls to identify all intensities of disgust tested. We hypothesize that patients with psoriasis, in this case male patients, develop a coping mechanism to protect them from stressful emotional responses by blocking the processing of disgusted facial expressions