The first evidence of empathy-driven helping behavior in rodents has been observed in laboratory rats that repeatedly free companions from a restraint, according to a new study by University of Chicago neuroscientists.

The observation, published today in Science, places the origin of pro-social helping behavior earlier in the evolutionary tree than previously thought. Though empathetic behavior has been observed anecdotally in non-human primates and other wild species, the concept had not previously been observed in rodents in a laboratory setting.

“This is the first evidence of helping behavior triggered by empathy in rats,” said Jean Decety, the Irving B. Harris Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry. “There are a lot of ideas in the literature showing that empathy is not unique to humans, and it has been well demonstrated in apes, but in rodents it was not very clear. We put together in one series of experiments evidence of helping behavior based on empathy in rodents, and that’s really the first time it’s been seen.”

The study demonstrates the deep evolutionary roots of empathy-driven behavior, said Jeffrey Mogil, the E.P. Taylor professor in pain studies at McGill University, who has studied emotional contagion of pain in mice.

“On its face, this is more than empathy, this is pro-social behavior,” said Mogil, who was not involved in the study. “It’s more than has been shown before by a long shot, and that’s very impressive, especially since there’s no advanced technology here.”

The experiments, designed by psychology graduate student and first author Inbal Ben-Ami Bartal with co-authors Decety and Peggy Mason, placed two rats that normally share a cage into a special test arena. One rat was held in a restrainer device — a closed tube with a door that can be nudged open from the outside. The second rat roamed free in the cage around the restrainer, able to see and hear the trapped cagemate but not required to take action.

The researchers observed that the free rat acted more agitated when its cagemate was restrained, compared to its activity when the rat was placed in a cage with an empty restrainer. This response offered evidence of an “emotional contagion,” a frequently observed phenomenon in humans and animals in which a subject shares in the fear, distress or even pain suffered by another subject.

While emotional contagion is the simplest form of empathy, the rats’ subsequent actions clearly comprised active helping behavior, a far more complex expression of empathy. After several daily restraint sessions, the free rat learned how to open the restrainer door and free its cagemate. Though slow to act at first, once the rat discovered the ability to free its companion, it would take action almost immediately upon placement in the test arena.

“We are not training these rats in any way,” Bartal said. “These rats are learning because they are motivated by something internal. We’re not showing them how to open the door, they don’t get any previous exposure on opening the door, and it’s hard to open the door. But they keep trying and trying, and it eventually works.”

To control for motivations other than empathy that would lead the rat to free its companion, the researchers conducted further experiments. When a stuffed toy rat was placed in the restrainer, the free rat did not open the door. When opening the restrainer door released his companion into a separate compartment, the free rat continued to nudge open the door, ruling out the reward of social interaction as motivation. The experiments left behavior motivated by empathy as the simplest explanation for the rats’ behavior.

“There was no other reason to take this action, except to terminate the distress of the trapped rats,” Bartal said. “In the rat model world, seeing the same behavior repeated over and over basically means that this action is rewarding to the rat.”

As a test of the power of this reward, another experiment was designed to give the free rats a choice: free their companion or feast on chocolate. Two restrainers were placed in the cage with the rat, one containing the cagemate, another containing a pile of chocolate chips. Though the free rat had the option of eating all the chocolate before freeing its companion, the rat was equally likely to open the restrainer containing the cagemate before opening the chocolate container.

“That was very compelling,” said Mason, Professor in Neurobiology. “It said to us that essentially helping their cagemate is on a par with chocolate. He can hog the entire chocolate stash if he wanted to, and he does not. We were shocked.”

Now that this model of empathic behavior has been established, the researchers are carrying out additional experiments. Because not every rat learned to open the door and free its companion, studies can compare these individuals to look for the biological source of these behavioral differences. Early results suggested that females were more likely to become door openers than males, perhaps reflecting the important role of empathy in motherhood and providing another avenue for study.

“This model of empathy and helping behavior opens the path for elucidating aspects of the underlying neurophysiological mechanisms that were not accessible until now.” Bartal said.

The experiments also provide further evidence that empathy-driven helping behavior is not unique to humans – and suggest that Homo sapiens could learn a lesson from its rat cousins.

“When we act without empathy we are acting against our biological inheritance,” Mason said. “If humans would listen and act on their biological inheritance more often, we’d be better off.”

The paper, “Empathy and pro-social behavior in rats,” will be published Dec. 9 by the journal Science. Funding for the study was provided by the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the National Science Foundation.

Helping your fellow rat: Rodents show empathy-driven behavior | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

The New Mexico Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory (NMRCFL) officially opened on the grounds of the University of New Mexico today—the second RCFL physically located on a university campus, and the 16th such facility in the FBI’s national network of full-service digital forensics laboratories and training centers.

RCFLs provide objective digital forensics expertise and services to law enforcement and are devoted to the examination of digital evidence in support of federal, state, and local criminal and national security investigations. FBI Director Robert S. Mueller, III selected the Albuquerque Division in 2008 because the local law enforcement community demonstrated wide support for an RCFL and had a large pool of qualified personnel to staff the facility. The NMRCFL will be staffed with personnel from the FBI’s Albuquerque Division, the Albuquerque Police Department, the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, New Mexico State Police, and the University of New Mexico.

Since 2009, the NMRCFL staff—using temporary workspace in the FBI’s Albuquerque Division during the laboratory’s construction—received 838 requests for service from area law enforcement and conducted 842 digital forensics examinations. The NMRCFL’s top five customer requests by crime classification are cyber crime (45 percent), violent crime (25 percent), white-collar crime (24 percent), computer intrusions (6 percent), and counterintelligence (2 percent).

Louis E. Grever, executive assistant director of the FBI’s Science and Technology Branch, which oversees the RCFL program, said, “With nearly every criminal investigation now involving some form of digital evidence, there is great need for highly skilled digital forensics examiners. With this flagship facility, and a shared commitment to providing the highest quality digital forensics to law enforcement, we will aggressively apply high-technology to solve crimes and keep our communities safe.”

Since the RCFL program began in 1999, the demand for its services has grown exponentially. In addition to providing digital forensics expertise, the NMRCFL will train local law enforcement in various digital forensics techniques in their state-of-the art classroom. The laboratory also features a cell phone investigative kiosk that law enforcement may use to examine mobile phones and other handheld devices, along with a loose media kiosk to review evidentiary data on USB devices, CD/DVDs, etc. These self-serve resources are proven to enhance law enforcement’s ability to lawfully extract digital evidence quickly and efficiently.

The NMRCFL’s services are available to every law enforcement agency with jurisdiction in New Mexico. To learn about the NMRCFL, log onto www.nmrcfl.org. For more information about the RCFL program, visit www.rcfl.gov.

The RCFL Program Opens New Laboratory in New Mexico | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

CHICAGO, Nov. 27, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — A year after clinical trials began in Japan, FUJIFILM Medical Systems U.S.A., Inc. today announced at the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) 2011 Annual Meeting that clinical trials for their 3D Digital Mammography(1)technology are about to commence in the United States. The medical imaging and informatics company is currently installing 3D mammography systems at renowned medical centers across the country with plans to begin trials as early as December 2011.

“When it comes to the early detection of breast cancer, radiologists will benefit from powerful 3D technology to elevate their diagnostic confidence using an average glandular dose that is equivalent to 2D Full Field Digital Mammography (FFDM), increase their workflow, and give their patients improved outcomes,” explains David Hotchkiss, Director of Modality Solutions Marketing at Fujifilm. ”After thorough evaluation of needs of the patients and clinicians, we believe that, when approved by the FDA, Fujifilm’s 3D Digital Mammography has the potential to become the standard of care. We remain committed to improving our breast screening technologies, and we are confident that this will be the screening technology of choice.”

Currently commercially available for sale and in use in Europe, Fujifilm’s 3D Digital Mammography is an innovative breast screening technology that presents the images to radiologists in an in-depth, three-dimensional view.  Pairs of stereo images of the breast are acquired and then viewed by combining a 3D review workstation and dedicated glasses specifically designed to present 3D breast images.  Because 3D Digital Mammography uses the similar clinical workflow as traditional FFDM, and because it presents the stereo images in a standard mammographic view of the breast (i.e., LCC, RCC, LMLO, or RMLO) that is familiar for radiologists, it has the potential to increase throughput and diagnostic confidence. The new 3D system will be especially powerful when viewing overlapping tissue, especially in dense breasts, and will enable radiologists to better visualize abnormalities. This assertion is supported by a previous study of 3D stereo digital mammography at Emory University(2) that demonstrated a 23 percent increase in sensitivity, and a 46 percent reduction in patient call backs.(3)

According to Satoshi Arakawa, Vice President of the Medical Systems Division at Fujifilm Europe, “European clinicians are expressing increased enthusiastic interest in the 3D system. Initial reports of ongoing studies in Germany indicate that the low-dose 3D FFDM system has yielded statistically significant reduction in recall rates.” Arakawa continues, “These results are very encouraging. We hope to see many more clinics and patients benefit from this new 3D technology.”

The global leader in digital mammography with more than 8,500 users throughout the world, Fujifilm is building upon its proven technological foundation for breast screening with its 3D Digital Mammography.  Images will be acquired with the AspireHD Plus(4) FFDM system upgraded with 3D capability(1)that will combine the use of innovative Direct Optical Switching (DOS) detector technology and Fujifilm’s legacy 50-micron resolution to produce the exceptional image quality and detailed visualization that is particularly critical for interpreting mammography studies. This 50-micron resolution is the foundation for Fujifilm’s entire breast imaging portfolio including its recently FDA cleared Aspire™ HD and CR-based FFDM.  Fujifilm is the first manufacturer to provide an FDA-approved CR-based FFDM system in the U.S., the scalable Aspire™ ClearView.

For more information or to see a demonstration of the product, please visit booth # 4009 at the RSNA2011, November 27th­– December 2nd at McCormick Place in Chicago, Ill. 

RSNA Booth # 4009, SOUTH BLG, HALL A

About Fujifilm

FUJIFILM Medical Systems U.S.A., Inc. is a leading provider of diagnostic imaging products and medical informatics solutions to meet the needs of healthcare facilities today and well into the future. From an unrivaled selection of digital x-ray systems, to the Synapse® brand of PACS, RIS and cardiovascular products, to advanced women’s health imaging systems, Fujifilm has products that are ideal for any size imaging environment. FUJINON is a subsidiary of FUJIFILM Medical Systems U.S.A., Inc., and supplies technologically advanced endoscopes to the medical market. FUJIFILM Medical Systems U.S.A., Inc. is headquartered in Stamford, CT. For more information visit www.fujimed.com.

(1) 3D Digital Mammography is a works-in-progress and is not yet commercially available for sale in the U.S.

(2) Stereoscopic Digital Mammography, 2007. C.J. D’Orsi, M.D., R.M. Pickett, Ph.D., M.S.Newell, M.D.,K.R. Gundry, M.D., S.F.Roberson, M.D., S.R.Bates, M.D. et al 

(3) Getty 2008 – Stereoscopic digital mammography – Improved accuracy of lesion detection in breast cancer screening” in IWDM 2008, LNCS 5116, pp. 74–79, 2008

(4) The Aspire™ HD Plus is known as Amulet f  in other countries. It requires FDA clearance and is not yet commercially available for sale in the U.S.

© 2011 FUJIFILM Medical Systems U.S.A., Inc.

SOURCE FUJIFILM Medical Systems U.S.A., Inc.

http://www.fujimed.com

Fujifilm to Begin Clinical Trials of 3D Mammography in the U.S. | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

CHICAGO, Nov. 15, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — Metokote announced today a complete suite of customer-focused, value-added services that will be marketed under the moniker Kontrol 360. Included under the brand are a web-based customer xtranet; real-time process monitoring and control system; Metokote’s inventory tracking system (MITS) including location tracking; EDI interface capabilities; advanced coating technology solutions; custom labeling; packaging; light assembly; and logistics capabilities.

(Logo:  http://photos.CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM.com/prnh/20111115/CL07158LOGO )

“Kontrol 360 demonstrates Metokote’s commitment to providing comprehensive solutions by grouping together a family of innovative services that are focused around improving responsiveness, advancing quality assurance, and providing greater visibility of parts in process,” said Mark Miller, vice president information technology for Metokote. “We’ve offered custom labeling, packaging, light assembly, and logistics capabilities for several years; however, it’s been this year that we’ve integrated everything through our open framework ERP system to provide what we consider to be industry leading, technology based solutions like our xtranet and process monitoring and control system.”

Customer Xtranet

Metokote’s customer xtranet is the industry’s first web-based tracking, monitoring and reporting system to give customers the information they need, no matter what day or time, from the convenience of their own computer. The xtranet allows Metokote customers to access real-time data about where their parts are at any point within Metokote’s regional global coating service centers, whether the parts are in receiving, in process, ready to ship or already on the way to their final destination. Metokote’s xtranet allows access by multiple users, homepage customization, and queries via MITS the company’s proprietary enterprise and inventory tracking system for up-to-the minute inventory, part balance, and shipment information. Customers can choose from a list of standard reports or generate a set of their own user-defined reports.

Process Monitoring and Control

To exceed customer expectations for quality assurance Metokote has developed its own process monitoring and control system (PMC). PMC’s process logic controls and inline sensors monitor and control over 200 coating process parameters, storing data for daily and historical statistical process control charting. With PMC, Metokote can prevent, detect and correct problems before they end up on a part, enhancing customer confidence and peace of mind.

“It’s inherent in our management system to anticipate and adapt to customer needs. As such, the voice of the customer is an integral part of our developing customer support solutions,” continued Miller. Our xtranet and PMC innovations are just the latest proof of our dedication to providing customers with exceptional value.”

About MetoKote Corporation
MetoKote Corporation, headquartered in Lima, Ohio, serves customers in over 30 facilities throughout North America, Europe, and Brasil. MetoKote is the provider of protective coating services through environmentally sound and cost-effective coating solutions including equipment, application, management and support services to a wide variety of markets including appliance, automotive, commercial vehicle, computer, electrical, furniture, industrial equipment, and off-highway. For more information, please visit: www.metokote.com.

SOURCE MetoKote Corporation

http://www.metokote.com

MetoKote Corporation Launches Comprehensive Suite of Value-Added Services Under Kontrol 360™ Brand | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

SCHAUMBURG, Ill., Nov. 14, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — Callibra, Inc. dba Discharge 1-2-3 will join TechAmerica, the leading voice of the U.S. technology industry, in New York City on Tuesday, November 15 to open the NASDAQ Stock Market, the premier exchange for technology companies. The event, arranged by TechAmerica, will emphasize the Association’s Illinois Tech Index (NASDAQ: ILTI), the winners of the 2011 Chicago Innovation Awards, and the growing innovation economy in Illinois and the city of Chicago.

“This annual event is an excellent example of TechAmerica’s dedication to supporting growth, visibility and advocacy for the Illinois technology industry,” said Ed Longanecker, Executive Director, Regional Vice President, TechAmerica Midwest. “We congratulate Callibra, Inc. for winning the Chicago Innovation Awards, and applaud their commitment to innovation.”

“We are honored to be a winner of the Chicago Innovation Award and stand shoulder to shoulder with the other talented and diverse winners that represent growing Illinois technology and innovation – Chicago Style,” said Dr. Christopher Galassi, CEO and Technical Director of Callibra, Inc.  ”The opportunity for innovative thinkers in Chicago is outstanding.”

Callibra has experienced growth in recent years on the order of 20-30% annually and has won a 2011 Chicago Innovation Award for their Discharge 1-2-3 Composer™ from a field of more than 400 nominations.  Discharge 1-2-3 Composer is a software product that uses patent pending technology to allow clinicians to quickly create discharge instructions in multiple languages with point and click ease.  Physicians need to create “patient specific” discharge instructions in the patient’s own native language without compromising time as matter of increased quality of care, improved patient satisfaction, and reduced medical risk and liability.  Discharge 1-2-3 Composer has already been licensed for use as an integrated part of other healthcare information systems vendors as their exclusive means of creating instructions and is available separately as well.

About Callibra, Inc:

Headquartered in the Chicago suburb of Schaumburg, IL, Callibra, Inc. develops health information technology software for emergency departments, hospitals, urgent care, and clinic settings. Since its launch in 2002, the company’s products have achieved rapid and eager acceptance by leading healthcare organizations nationwide. Discharge 1-2-3 software or the instructions contained in the software which are also available as separate documents are incorporated into other systems from vendors such as Allscripts, Epic, EDIMS, and PICIS to name a few. Instructions are professionally written to be comprehensive, highly accurate, clear and understandable. Discharge 1-2-3 software is certified as an ONC-ATCB 2011/2012 EHR Module and meets “Meaningful Use” requirements for electronic discharge instructions, patient education and medication reconciliation. Discharge 1-2-3 instructions and document technology products are used in hundreds of hospitals for tens of millions of patient discharges annually.

About TechAmerica

TechAmerica is the leading voice for the U.S. technology industry – the driving force behind productivity growth and jobs creation in the United States and the foundation of the global innovation economy. Representing approximately 1,000 member companies of all sizes from the public and commercial sectors of the economy, it is the industry’s largest advocacy organization and is dedicated to helping members’ top and bottom lines. TechAmerica is also the technology industry’s only grassroots-to-global advocacy network, with offices in state capitals around the United States, Washington, D.C., Europe (Brussels) and Asia (Beijing). Learn more about TechAmerica at www.techamerica.org.

SOURCE Callibra, Inc.

http://www.techamerica.org
http://www.discharge123.com

Callibra, Inc. dba Discharge 1-2-3 to Join TechAmerica to Open NASDAQ | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

MUNDELEIN, Ill., Nov. 10, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — Utopia, Inc., a leading data consulting and services provider, today announced the promotion of Mr. Peter Aynsley-Hartwell to the newly created role of global vice president and chief technology officer.

(Logo:  http://photos.CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM.com/prnh/20110503/CG92699LOGO)

Mr. Aynsley-Hartwell has been with Utopia since early 2007 in the role of global vice president, solutions consulting, and has guided the development and rollout of a number of leading-edge solutions for data migration, Enterprise Data Lifecycle Management ™ (EDLM™), archiving, and real-time data governance.

“2012 promises to be another year of tremendous opportunity and growth for Utopia,” said Mr. Arvind J. Singh, co-founder and CEO of Utopia, Inc. “Peter’s leadership in his new organizational role as CTO will be critical to Utopia’s success as we continue to drive innovation and new solution development in areas such as mobility, HANA, and Big Data.”

“I am delighted to lead Utopia’s new initiatives as CTO,” said Mr. Aynsley-Hartwell. “For starters, we will shortly be unveiling Utopia Labs, a data innovation center, which will ensure that Utopia’s customers and partners will get the very best data consulting and services in the industry.”

Prior to joining Utopia, Mr. Aynsley-Hartwell held executive positions in a number of industry sectors, and has direct, hands-on experience in a variety of roles in SAP® implementations. His SAP experience builds on 16 years as a chartered professional mechanical engineer.

Follow Utopia on Twitter @UtopiaInc

ABOUT UTOPIA, INC.

Utopia, Inc. is a global data consulting and services firm employing Utopia’s proprietary Enterprise Data Lifecycle Management™ (EDLM) methodology. Utopia’s offerings include strategy development, master data management, data migration, data archiving, data quality, and data governance. Utopia is an SAP® Gold Partner in the SAP Consulting Program for North America. Utopia was named North America Services Partner of the Year 2010 by SAP America, Inc. and a Gartner “Cool Vendor in Application Services, 2011.” (i)

Copyright © 2011 Utopia, Inc., Mundelein, Illinois, USA. All Rights Reserved. SAP and all SAP logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of SAP AG in Germany and in several other countries.  Other brand and product names are trademarks of their respective companies.  (i) Gartner “Cool Vendors in Application Services, 2011″ by Susan Tan, Matthew Goldman, Arup Roy, Helen Huntley, Partha Iyengar, Alex Soejarto, Asheesh Raina, April 7, 2011.

SOURCE Utopia, Inc.

http://www.utopiainc.com

Utopia Announces Promotion of Peter Aynsley-Hartwell to Chief Technology Officer | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Proano to address the power of social media to drive political change in the United States around the world

WASHINGTON, Nov. 10, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — Juan Proano, president and co-founder of leading social media and technology company Plus Three, will be a featured speaker at the 2011 Latinos in Social Media (LATISM) Annual National Conference which is taking place November 9-11 at the Navy Pier in Chicago.

The LATISM conference brings together innovative Latinos who use social media across three tracks: public service, business and leadership, and personal influence and community.  Mr. Proano will participate in the public service track as part of a panel on “The Social Media Movement for Civic Engagement” at 2:00 pm on Friday, November 11.

Mr. Proano formed Plus Three in 2002 to improve the way nonprofit organizations fundraise and build constituent groups, by deploying cutting-edge technology and his 17 years of political experience.  Plus Three has worked with some of the largest Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organizations including the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda (NHLA), the Friends of the American Latino Museum, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF), and on issue campaigns which include Sotomayor for Justice, Latinos United for Healthcare and the 2008 Latino Inaugural Gala.

WHO:
Juan Proano, president and co-founder of Plus Three

WHAT:
“The Social Media Movement for Civic Engagement” panel at the 2011 LATISM Conference

WHEN:
Friday, November 11 at 2:00 pm

WHERE:
The Navy Pier, Chicago, Ill.

FOR INFORMATION:
http://conference.latism.org/

Founded in 2002, Plus Three is a state-of-the-art web-design and technology company that helps nonprofit, membership, and political organizations promote social change in America. Plus Three’s demonstrated commitment to developing innovative and effective online fundraising and advocacy tools has helped its clients raise over $250 million and engage over 12 million people – educating them and moving them to act in support of the causes and candidates they care about. To learn more, please visit: www.plusthree.com.

SOURCE Plus Three

http://plusthree.com

Plus Three’s Juan Proano to Speak Tomorrow on Civic Engagement at 2011 LATISM Conference on Social Media | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

CHICAGO, Nov. 8, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — Pet Check Technology™, the first and only software and mobile application solution for the dog walking industry, is proud to announce its enhanced pricing option for dog walking business owners.  The new pricing option requires only a small monthly fee based on the size of the company.

“We continue to receive a tremendous amount of positive feedback since our recent launch, and we are committed to listen to our clients’ needs,” said Founder Doug Simon.  ”Pet Check Technology™ is pleased to provide our loyal customers with an easier payment option.  We are confident that the monthly fee option will further assist dog walking company owners to manage their business.”

Pet Check Technology™ provides both dog walking companies and their customers with 100% transparency of when and where their dogs are walked.  It is the first and only business management solution combining mobile barcode technology, email alerts, GPS tracking, online scheduling and automated billing options for the dog walking business owner.

With Pet Check Technology™, dog walkers simply scan a barcode when they arrive and depart their client’s home using their mobile device.  Customers receive an email alert each time the barcode is scanned, and can track the walks online using GPS mapping at any time during or after the walk.

“Pet Check Technology™ also provides an important marketing and advertising tool for dog walking business owners, differentiating them from competitors,” explained Simon. “This is a great way for dog walking companies to build their business.”

Pet Check Technology is now available nationwide. For more pricing information, please go to www.petchecktechnology.com; e-mail info@petchecktechnology.com, or call 312-953-5999.

SOURCE Pet Check Technology

http://www.petchecktechnology.com

Pet Check Technology™ Available Nationwide With New Pricing Option | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

CHICAGO, Oct. 24, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — Fieldglass, Inc., the leading technology provider to procure and manage contingent labor and services, today announced it was once again named the largest Vendor Management System (VMS) provider by leading research firm Staffing Industry Analysts. In the firm’s 6th annual VMS and MSP Supplier Landscape report, Fieldglass ranked highest globally with $9.1 billion in temporary and contract staffing services spend managed through its solution. Fieldglass also led the industry in the fast-growing Statement of Work (SOW) market with $4.3 billion in spend.

“Fieldglass showed growth in 2010, topping our survey in both contingent and SOW spend under management,” said Bryan Pena, Vice President, Contingent Workforce Strategies and Research, Staffing Industry Analysts. “This is in line with the global trends towards not only a more flexible workforce, as companies continue to see the benefits of experienced, highly-skilled temporary labor, but also the increased utilization of VMS technologies to manage this diverse labor pool. VMS growth in 2010 was 44 percent from 2009 levels, which far outstripped the forecasted 12 percent growth in the overall temporary labor market in 2010.”

Staffing Industry Analysts reported total VMS spend was $75 billion in 2010, a 27 percent increase over the $59 billion reported in last year’s research. In particular, the firm saw a dramatic increase in SOW spend, growing nearly 58 percent year-over year to account for $21.6 billion of the total VMS spend. The research cites worker classification compliance as a driver.

Now in its fifth year, the VMS and MSP Competitive Landscape report provides the most detailed and comprehensive insight into the experience, positioning, and capabilities of VMS and MSP suppliers. The report – the first of a three-part series – delivers information and analysis specific to market trends, segmentation and supplier footprints. Data was collected over a period of five months, followed by in-depth interviews of each responding company.

ABOUT FIELDGLASS, INC.

Fieldglass, Inc. provides the leading SaaS platform to procure and manage contingent workers, services such as Statement of Work projects, independent contractors, and specialized talent pools. The highly-configurable product suite provides transparency into the entire workforce and helps companies optimize program performance and make more strategic labor decisions.

Backed by proven experience and the industry’s largest customer base, Fieldglass serves Global 2000 firms in nearly 70 countries. Customers such as Johnson & Johnson, Monsanto, Rio Tinto, salesforce.com and GlaxoSmithKline realize greater efficiencies, control spend, improve quality and enforce compliance. For more information, visit www.fieldglass.com.

SOURCE Fieldglass, Inc.

http://www.fieldglass.com

Fieldglass Named Largest Vendor Management System (VMS) by Staffing Industry Analysts | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

ABBOTT PARK, Ill., Oct. 17, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — Abbott (NYSE: ABT) announced today that the investigational ABSORB™ bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS) has been recognized as the winner of the Medical Devices category in the 2011 Wall Street Journal Technology Innovation Awards. ABSORB is an implantable device that restores blood flow by opening a blocked artery and providing support to the vessel until the device dissolves. Once in place, ABSORB dissolves in approximately two years, leaving patients with a treated vessel free of a permanent metallic implant.

The first drug eluting device of its kind for coronary artery disease, ABSORB is made of polylactide, a proven biocompatible material that is commonly used in medical implants such as dissolvable sutures. Because a permanent metallic implant is not left behind, naturally occurring vessel functions may be restored, which is one of the features that make this device a significant innovation for patients in the evaluation and treatment of coronary artery disease.

“ABSORB represents the best in scientific innovation, as it has the potential to change the way physicians practice medicine and improve outcomes for their patients,” said Robert B. Hance, senior vice president, vascular, Abbott. “We are pleased that this innovation, which has been developed in the U.S. over nearly a decade, has the prospect of advancing patient care around the globe. Abbott is honored to receive this prestigious award.”

In January 2011, Abbott announced that ABSORB received CE Mark in Europe for the treatment of coronary artery disease. In the United States, ABSORB currently is under development and is not available for sale. ABSORB is being evaluated in more than 40 clinical centers in 20 countries around the world.

In 2010, Abbott was a Runner Up in the Medical Devices category of The Wall Street Journal Technology Innovation Awards for its investigational MitraClip® System, a catheter-based device for the treatment of mitral regurgitation. In 2009, Abbott’s Ibis T5000 Biosensor system, designed to detect and characterize a broad range of infectious agents, was honored as the category winner in Medicine-Biotech and received the overall Gold Award across all the categories. In 2007, Abbott’s HUMIRA® was a Runner Up in the Medical-Biotech category as a self-injectable treatment for Crohn’s disease.

In its 11th year, The Wall Street Journal Technology Innovation Awards assessed applications on three criteria: whether the innovation breaks with conventional ideas or processes in its field; whether it goes beyond marginal improvements of an existing technology; and whether it will have a wide impact in its field or on future technology. This year, The Wall Street Journal received 605 entries from companies, organizations and individuals in 31 countries. The judges chose 35 winners and runners up in 16 categories. The independent panel of judges included individuals from venture-capital firms, universities and other organizations and companies.

About Abbott Vascular

Abbott Vascular is a global leader in cardiac and vascular care with market-leading products and an industry-leading pipeline. Abbott Vascular offers a comprehensive cardiac and vascular devices portfolio, including products for coronary artery disease, vessel closure, endovascular disease and structural heart disease.

About Abbott

Abbott is a global, broad-based health care company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceuticals and medical products, including nutritionals, devices and diagnostics. The company employs nearly 90,000 people and markets its products in more than 130 countries.  

Abbott’s news releases and other information are available on the company’s Web site at www.abbott.com.

SOURCE Abbott

http://www.abbott.com

Abbott’s ABSORB™ Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffold Honored with Wall Street Journal Technology Innovation Award | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

CHICAGO, Oct. 13, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — A continued commitment to innovation powered Equifax’s placement on the 2011 FinTech 100 list by Bank Technology News and Financial Insights. Out of 100 companies highlighted on this annual listing, Equifax ranked 19th among technology companies that derive more than one-third of their revenue from the financial services industry. This marks the seventh consecutive year that Equifax Inc. (NYSE: EFX), one of the largest and most diverse sources of consumer and commercial data, has been recognized on this prestigious list.  

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“In today’s economic environment, innovation and process excellence are powerful tools when it comes to tackling industry changes and finding new ways to drive sustainable growth,” said Scott Waid, senior vice president, Equifax New Product Innovation. “This honor underscores our pledge to equip the marketplace with unique solutions and actionable insights that provide greater transparency into multiple channels of an enterprise and empower businesses to make confident decisions across the customer lifecycle.”  

Investment in innovation and execution has enabled Equifax to sustain its industry leadership and find new ways to solve customer challenges. With its New Product Innovation program integrated in every business unit, Equifax launched 72 new products in 2010 for existing and emerging markets. A continued focus on new data assets and decisioning technologies has fueled market adoption of Equifax solutions that help customers optimize opportunity and better manage risk. Every month millions of transactions are processed for Equifax U.S. customers using InterConnect, a Technology and Analytical Services platform which automates application processing, credit decisioning and analytics. To further extend the reach of its Technology and Analytical Services business and deepen the company’s footprint in the healthcare and government sectors, Equifax in 2010 acquired Anakam Inc, a leading provider of multi-factor identity authentication solutions.  

Equifax and other award honorees highlighted on this roster were recognized at an industry event held during the 2011 BAI Retail Delivery Conference & Expo. The FinTech 100 ranking is compiled by Bank Technology News, one of SourceMedia’s premier banking and financial services publications, and Financial Insights, a leading independent research and advisory firm. This marks the eighth year that Financial Insights and Source Media have joined forces for this ranking, which is highlighted as a Special Report in this month’s issue of American Banker and in Bank Technology News. Companies on this list are selected based on their primary business, key application solution or vertical industry and 2010 total annual revenues.

Equifax is showcasing many of its technology solutions in booth #1471 at the BAI Conference this week in Chicago. For more information about Equifax Technology and Analytical Services, visit www.equifax.com/blog/technology-analytics/en_tas.

About Equifax Inc. (www.equifax.com)

Equifax is a global leader in consumer and commercial information solutions, providing businesses of all sizes and consumers with information they can trust. We organize and assimilate data on more than 500 million consumers and 81 million businesses worldwide, and use advanced analytics and proprietary technology to create and deliver customized insights that enrich both the performance of businesses and the lives of consumers.

Headquartered in Atlanta, Equifax operates in four continents and 15 countries, is a member of Standard & Poor’s (S&P) 500® Index.  Its common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol EFX. For more information, please visit www.equifax.com.

Equifax is a registered trademark of Equifax, Inc.  

SOURCE Equifax

http://www.equifax.com

Equifax Lands Top 20 Spot in 2011 FinTech 100 Ranking | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

CHICAGO – October 10, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today opened the first-ever Chicago Ideas Week conference and proclaimed this week “Ideas Week” in Illinois. Chicago Ideas Week is a seven-day celebration of ideas, innovation and community, that will focus on bringing the world’s best speakers together with the Midwest’s best thinkers. Today’s event follows Governor Quinn’s launch of a program last week to give Illinois entrepreneurs access to $78 million in capital for new and innovative business ideas.

“Illinois is proud to be home to some of the brightest minds in science, technology, business and education,” Governor Quinn said. “It only makes sense that the best minds in the world should come together here to develop innovative ideas and technologies that will help create the jobs of today and tomorrow to move our economy forward.”

Chicago Ideas Week was founded by Brad Keywell, chair of the Illinois Innovation Council introduced this year by Governor Quinn (www.illinoisinnovation.com), and co-founder of Groupon and Lightbank. The purpose of the conference is to bring the world’s leading visionaries together for collaboration and discussion that could lead to breakthroughs and new understanding of some of the world’s most important issues.

“This week provides a world-class platform that is designed to showcase our state as a center of innovation and entrepreneurship,” said Keywell, creator of Chicago Ideas Week. ”We are thrilled by the support we’ve received from both the city of Chicago and Illinois state government leaders for this celebration.”

The week-long celebration of ideas will take place at some of Chicago’s most prominent landmarks and will feature more than 150 key figures in business, science, health, technology, journalism, the arts, sports and government. Former President Bill Clinton, Mayor Michael Bloomberg of New York City and Kasim Reed of Atlanta are among the featured speakers. For a full list of speakers and more information about each session, visit www.chicagoideas.com.

“Ideas Week” in Illinois is the latest step Governor Quinn has taken to solidify Illinois’ place as the leading state in the Midwest for entrepreneurship and innovation. Last week Governor Quinn launched the Advantage Illinois program to provide Illinois businesses and entrepreneurs with access to the capital they need to start new companies and expand existing business. Advantage Illinois will leverage $78 million in federal funding that will allow businesses to bring innovative ideas and new products to market and accelerate job creation and economic growth in Illinois. Earlier this year, the Governor created the Illinois Innovation Council with the goal of keeping Illinois on the cutting-edge of the global economy.

This year Governor Quinn’s leadership has been instrumental in expanding the availability of more than $150 million in investment capital through enactment of the Technology Development Account II, implementation of the Angel Investment Tax Credit and the Advantage Illinois program.

A copy of Governor Quinn’s proclamation is attached.

THEREFORE, I, Pat Quinn, Governor of the State of Illinois, do hereby do hereby proclaim October 10-16, 2011 as CHICAGO IDEAS WEEK in Illinois, and encourage everyone in the Land of Lincoln to recognize, celebrate and support the vital role that innovation plays in the in the economic future of our state.

Governor Quinn Opens First Chicago Ideas Week – Proclaims “Ideas Week” in Illinois to Support Innovation | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

CHICAGO, Oct. 6, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — CCC Information Services Inc. announced today it has expanded its CCC ONE™ Mobile offering to include an application for the Android™ mobile technology platform, among the fastest growing platforms for mobile devices among consumers. The CCC ONE Mobile app allows users of the CCC ONE® Repair Workflow solution to step out from behind their desktops and manage production and repair orders from the shop floor and right from the palm of their hand. In the first week, more than 600 users have downloaded the CCC ONE Mobile app from the Android Market. The CCC ONE Mobile app for the iPhone® mobile digital device and iPod Touch® mobile digital device was introduced at the beginning of 2011 and has been downloaded by more than 3,700 users.  

“Repair managers have always wanted to spend more time on the shop floor, but have been tied to their desks,” said Jim Dickens, SVP of CCC’s Automotive Services Group. “By using mobile solutions to address and process everyday tasks, repair managers can get closer to work being done on the floor while keeping production moving. This app is one example of the power of the CCC ONE platform. Because the platform is flexible we’re able to quickly develop and introduce time-saving solutions to help address the business needs of our customers. Repairs can expect to see more in the way of mobile applications and other practical, yet impactful solutions from CCC in the months ahead.”  

The CCC ONE Repair Workflow solution is an integrated shop management solution within the CCC ONE® Total Repair Platform, which provides repairers with the tools to manage a repair from assignment through to a completed repair. The mobile solution includes the ability to take photos of the vehicle and immediately upload them to carriers and a VIN scanning tool. The CCC ONE VIN Scan solution captures vehicle and vehicle-owner information and automatically populates that information into the CCC ONE platform, allowing estimators to simply open the workfile and begin to write an estimate.

“The CCC ONE Vin Scan solution has cut my estimate-writing time in half,” said Vern David, manager of Central Body Inc. of Bakersfield, CA. “I walk out to the car, take a picture of the VIN with my Smartphone and upload the owner contact information, vehicle information and photos right into CCC ONE. I no longer have to write everything down on a notepad and then hope I rekey everything into the estimate correctly. Everything I need is already there and I can get to work writing the estimate.”  

To download the CCC ONE Mobile app for Android, please visit: https://market.android.com/.

To learn more about the CCC ONE Total Repair Platform, please visit us at NACE at booth #N1003.

About CCC Information Services Inc.

CCC brings together what matters most – insight to make the best decisions, connections into the largest auto claims network and superior productivity through an innovative single platform. Founded in 1980, CCC is the nation’s leading provider of advanced software, workflow tools and enabling technologies to the automotive claims and collision repair industries. Its client base includes more than 350 insurance companies and more than 20,000 repair facilities. CCC also delivers the most comprehensive, best-in-class industry insight by leveraging data captured from the millions of transactions processed through its network, and the forward-looking, trusted advisor perspective of its people. You can find out more about CCC Information Services Inc. by visiting the company’s web site at www.cccis.com.

CCC is a registered trademark and CCC ONE is a trademark of CCC Information Services Inc., Android is a trademark of Google Inc., and iPhone and iPad are registered trademarks of Apple Inc.

SOURCE CCC Information Services Inc.

http://ccc.cccis.com

CCC Expands Mobile Offering for Android™ Mobile Technology Platform | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich., Sept. 29, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ – If you had to guess who’s greener—Gen Y or Baby Boomers—many folks might presume it’s the younger generation. However, when it comes to putting their money where their mouths are, it’s the Boomers who put green behind green and invest in eco-conscious technology from their homes to their automobiles. That’s why Del Webb—the leading builder of homes for active adults aged 55+—is teaming up with Chevrolet to showcase its new electric vehicle, the Volt, in Chicago.

Though the Chevy Volt is not yet available for sale in Illinois, Chicagoans will have a unique opportunity not only to learn more about the Volt from experts but to drive one by visiting the Grand Dominion by Del Webb community in Mundelein on Tuesday, Oct. 4, from 4 to 7 p.m. Del Webb representatives also will be on hand to discuss the green technologies that make Del Webb homes and communities energy efficient and environmentally friendly.

“Volt owners tend to be early adopters in the market who are looking for technology solutions that enhance today’s active lifestyle,” said Cristi Landy, Chevrolet Volt marketing director. “The Volt is ideal for those navigating Chicago’s suburban/urban commuting patterns as it is an electric vehicle with extended range.”

A national survey conducted by Del Webb found that Boomers are willing to invest significantly in green technology. In fact, 54 percent said they had interest in purchasing an electric vehicle. Nearly 87 percent of Boomers reported that they considered investing in green technology that would reduce their utility bills to be very or extremely important. Their interest isn’t exclusively in cost savings but also in the environment.

“The eldest Boomers just turned 65 this year so the bulk of this generation is in their peak career years and can put disposable income toward causes they believe in—such as the environment,” said Deborah Meyer, chief marketing officer for PulteGroup, Del Webb’s parent company. “Boomers traditionally have been an activist generation. They are at a stage of life now where their priorities are evolving beyond lifestyle to legacy, and we’re glad that Del Webb has energy efficiency options to facilitate that.”

For more information about PulteGroup, Inc. and PulteGroup brands, visit media.pultegroup.com; www.pulte.com; www.centex.com; www.delwebb.com.

About Chevrolet
Founded in Detroit in 1911, Chevrolet celebrates its centennial as a global automotive brand with annual sales of about 4.25 million vehicles in more than 140 countries. Chevrolet provides consumers with fuel-efficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value. The Chevrolet portfolio includes iconic performance cars such as Corvette and Camaro; dependable, long-lasting pickups and SUVs such as Silverado and Suburban; and award-winning passenger cars and crossovers such as Sonic, Cruze, Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers “gas-friendly solutions including Cruze Eco and Volt. Cruze Eco offers 42 mpg highway while Volt offers 35 miles of electric, gasoline-free driving and an additional 344 miles of extended gasoline range, according to EPA estimates. Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown.

About Del Webb and PulteGroup
Del Webb, a PulteGroup brand, pioneered active adult retirement communities and has been the leading builder of developments for people 55+ since 1960. By building quality homes and communities that help active adults optimize their next phase in life, Del Webb’s amenities and programs enable homeowners to easily engage creatively, socially, athletically and intellectually. In concert with Baby Boomer residents, the brand is continually redefining retirement and retirement living. Del Webb communities have grown to include more than 50 communities currently open for new home sales. For more information on Del Webb, visit www.delwebb.com. To learn more about how to plan a smart future, check out financial tools at delwebb.com/value.  

PulteGroup, Inc. (NYSE: PHM), based in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., is America’s largest home building company by revenue with operations in about 60 markets. Through its brand portfolio that includes Centex for first-time buyers, Pulte Homes for expanding families and Del Webb for active adults 55+, the company is one of the industry’s most versatile players able to meet the needs of multiple buyer segments in response to changing consumer demand. PulteGroup conducts extensive research to provide home buyers with innovative solutions and new homes designed for the way people actually live today. As the most awarded home builder in customer satisfaction, PulteGroup brands have consistently ranked among top home builders in third-party customer satisfaction studies.

SOURCE Del Webb

http://www.delwebb.com

Del Webb Research Shows Boomers Willing to Invest More in Green Technology; Teams With Chevrolet to Showcase Volt Electric Vehicle in Chicago | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

“Knakks” will change the way users experience and engage with mobile technology

NORTHFIELD, Ill. – September 19, 2011 – Talk3, the Chicago-area venture funded technology company that is changing the way consumers and marketers communicate, announced today that it is seeking Beta testers as it rolls out the soft launch of knakks.

The new social mobile app, available for download at Apple’s app store, promises to transform personalization within the digital world. Knakks puts consumers incontrol over how information is gathered, harnessed and shared with marketers,while the app helps themsolve real world problems that are top of mind.

“The premise behind knakks is that everyone has a “knack” for something – dining out, sports, movies, travel – it could be anything really,” said Eric Hillerbrand, CEO of Talk3. “And everyday people also have problems to solve, like where to take grandma for a quiet late afternoon meal at a location that’s easily accessible. We bring these two worlds together to let people share solutions, andwe’ve built the technology to make the smartphone an intelligent device that adapts to your desires and priorities, increasingly anticipating your needs with each use.”

Because people tend to be passionate – and knowledgeable – about food and dining out, the first iteration of knakks focuses on that category. Within the app, users set alerts for their favorite restaurants or types of cuisines for notifications of special offers or events that match their criteria. Knakks also allows the user to create his or her own filters that can be used to sort and organize resources, functionality and social connections.

Knakks’ intelligence begins with the involvement of passionate and knowledgeable curators who build solution models. These models, filtered by an individual user’s profile,can provide real-time, on-demand solutions for any number of users. The community calls this process “knakking.”

“The power of ‘knakking’ – creating an on-the-fly intelligent personal assistant based on your immediate needs – changes the way we think of mobile applications,” said Hillerbrand. “Unlike simple restaurant review apps, knakks users are posing real-world questions relevant to their unique situations. In return, they receive solutions that specifically fit their needs. It is our belief that this ‘social advertising’ willput consumers on an equal playing field with marketers,” he added.

Beta testing is currently open and will continue for a period of four to six weeks before the formal launch of knakks later this fall. Beta testers will have the opportunity to provide input for what will be market-leading innovation and get a sneak preview of the roll-out as part of the first community of users. Talk3 particularly encourages expert tech reviewers and software testers to be a part of this process, as well as “foodies,” dining enthusiasts and consumers-at-large. To sign up, visit www.knakks.com and enter your email address on the home page to receive a Beta invitation.

###

Editor’s Note: Interview requests for Mr. Hillerbrand are available by contacting Lisa Gunggoll at 708.829.8669 or via email at lisa@lg-pr.com.

About talk3:  Talk3 is a venture funded technology company based in Northfield, Ill., which utilizes patent-pending Web 3.0 technologies. Our mission is to radically change how consumers and marketers communicate and what they communicate about. For more information visit www.talkthree.com.

About knakks: Knakks is a technology-leading social mobile app that is changing personalization in the digital world. Our technology brings together people who have a desire to express their passions – and want to share it – with individuals who are seeking answers to their own unique questions or problems. For more information visit http://www.knakks.com.

Contact:

Lisa Gunggoll, LG-PR
708.829.8669
lisa@lg-pr.com

Chicago-Based Tech Firm Talk3 Announces Soft Launch, Call for Beta Testers for Game-Changing Social Mobile App | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

CHICAGO, Sept. 15, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — ICAP Patent Brokerage, a division of ICAP plc and the world’s largest intellectual property and patent auction firm, today announced that it will offer a Covenant Not to Sue (CNS) from Boadin Technology, LLC (“Boadin Technology”) at its upcoming CNS Auction September 27th in Los Angeles.  The CNS is a perpetual covenant not to sue for all of the patents and pending patent applications in the current patent portfolio owned by Boadin Technology. The portfolio consists of 12 patents and pending patent applications protecting various content presentation related technologies.

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Boadin Technology is currently engaged in patent litigation with a number of companies as follows:

The patents asserted in that litigation are U.S. Patent No. 7,856,472 and U.S. Patent No. 7,849,148.

A CNS is an agreement that prevents assertion of a party’s right to litigation.  A company entering into a CNS with respect to the Boadin Technology patents would gain the freedom to operate under Boadin Technology’s patents, and would avoid the uncertainty inherent in patent infringement litigation.  

Starting today, ICAP Patent Brokerage will accept anonymous bids on the Boadin Technology CNS. To learn more about the assets available or to place a bid, contact Kevin Fiur at Kevin.Fiur@us.icap.com or (512) 505-2308.

About ICAP Patent Brokerage

ICAP Patent Brokerage is a division of ICAP plc and the world’s largest intellectual property brokerage and patent auction firm.

About Boadin Technology, LLC

Boadin Technology, LLC is a Delaware company dedicated to the acquisition and licensing of patented technology.

SOURCE ICAP Patent Brokerage

http://www.icappatentbrokerage.com
http://www.icapoceantomo.com

Boadin Technology, LLC Offers Covenant Not to Sue Through ICAP Patent Brokerage | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

CHICAGO, Sept. 6, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — The anonymity of egg donors is a norm of assisted reproductive technology (ART) in the United States, but a spot survey of some donors suggests its removal would not be a deal-breaker in their decision to donate.

In a survey of its egg donor base by Alternative Reproductive Resources (ARR), a leading Chicago-based egg donor and gestational surrogacy recruitment firm, over 90 percent of respondents ranked anonymity as either somewhat or not at all important in their decision to donate.

“We’ve been in business 20 years. That response represents a marked change from attitudes then, and even several years ago,” said Mary Ellen McLaughlin, an ARR partner. “As alternative routes to family creation have become more mainstream, everyone has grown more comfortable with their roles.”

Egg donor anonymity has been increasingly scrutinized, particularly as children born through assisted means are maturing and seeking to learn more about their biological heredity. Washington State recently passed a law guaranteeing children conceived with gametes from Washington egg donation agencies access (when they’re 18) to their donors’ medical histories and full names — unless the donors specifically opt out. It also applies to children born of donated sperm.

Such developments are not likely to discourage egg donors, ARR’s survey found. Were such legislation more widely adopted, over 80 percent of the survey group said they would still donate; fewer than 20 percent would opt out.

Many said they understood the children’s need to know; their concern was the potential liability for care or financing. Said one: “Giving them the opportunity to easily understand where they came from is potentially part of our duty as donors. However, this should never result in the pursuit of mandated legal obligation for care or finances without the donor’s reciprocated agreement.”

Launched in 1992, Chicago-based Alternative Reproductive Resources (www.arr1.com) was the first egg donation agency in Chicago and the Midwest, and one of the first in the nation. It serves traditional and non-traditional intended parents from around the world, matching them with the best possible egg donors and gestational surrogates for their needs.

Media contact: Sally Saville Hodge; shodge@hodgemediastrategies.com; 773.325.9282.

SOURCE Alternative Reproductive Resources

http://www.arr1.com

Egg Donor Anonymity Not Critical, Spot Survey by Agency Suggests | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

CHICAGO, Sept. 1, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — Power Technology, Inc. (Pinksheets: PWTC), which recently acquired Flipside USA & Snakebaorder.com, announces today that the Company has entered into discussions to partner with the maker of a portable solar powered battery charger system for iPhones & iPods.

Key benefits to the solar charger system include maximizing the performance and stabilization of the battery with cell tuning engineering as well as promoting green energy and energy recycling.

This system will allow iPhone & iPod (including iPhone 3G & iPodTouch) users the ability to charge their devices instantly from the sun. This rechargeable power pack system will provide on-the-fly power to these devices with a service voltage of 5V. When fully charged, the power pack can supply the backup energy by taking in the light of the sun or any electrical bulb and converting it into power for the device.

Apple has sold over 30 million iPodTouch/iPhone units to date. If every iPhone/iPodTouch sold was fully charged every day (averaging the battery capacity) via solar power instead of fossil fuel power, approximately 50.644gWh of energy could be saved. That is roughly equivalent to 75,965,625 lbs. of CO2 in the atmosphere per year.

CEO Kara Guire stated: “We are impressed with their technology as well as the professionalism they have displayed thus far. One of the key interests at the moment is bringing their technology to the US markets which will enable us to tap into a big portion of the iPhone & iPad market”.

About the Battery Industry

Batteries represent about $36 billion in revenues today and are expected to grow to more than $50 billion over the next five or so years, with rechargeable batteries leading the way. The growth will take place worldwide.

The hybrid vehicle battery, which accounts for 1.7% of the world’s rechargeable market, is expected to grow to 4.2% of the market by 2013. This surge is based on conservative assumptions about hybrid car growth.

The ultracapacitor and fuel cell battery growth forecast may also be low, given potential technology/performance breakthroughs in the next few years. Dependent on the performance of their materials, they store and release more energy faster than conventional batteries, and they have an almost limitless cycle life.

Growth in renewable energy, like solar and wind power, will drive additional demand for storage capacity, especially with increased smart grid electricity deployment all over the world.

Very few storage technologies have actually reached the scalable commercial deployment phase. Several companies produce lithium-ion batteries, but utilities have only begun to experiment with them for balancing loads or storing power. General Electric recently jumped into the market for sodium batteries, computer-sized batteries that can store large amounts of power at wind farms.

About Snakeboarding

Snakeboarding, a sport started in 1989 with the invention of the Snakeboard by college students James Fisher, Oliver Macleod-Smith, and Simon King, who were looking to simulate and combine the sensations of surfing, snowboarding, skiing and skateboarding, has a colorful history and has attracted riders from all across the world. The key advantage of the Snakeboard is that riders can generate a forward motion, even uphill, from a standstill position without their feet ever touching the ground. The Snakeboard’s steerability makes it easy to maneuver and fun to ride.

Within 5 years from being invented, the sport gained a considerable amount of popularity and the First Annual World Championship was held in Guernsey, an island off the coast of England. The sport continued to spread globally under the name “Snakeboard International” from 1994 through 1998 when the founders sold their patent.

After 1998, the sport continued to increase ridership and build their fan base worldwide while gaining events coverage on top networks including Fox Sports Net, ESPN, and MTV Sports.

In 2001, in an effort to capitalize on the growth of the sport, Kara formed Flipside USA and began buying boards in bulk and whatever other boards she could get her hands on to keep up with the growing demand, many times selling out of inventory on pre-orders. Since 1998 the sport has retained its hard core rider base and hosted Annual World Championships in various cities all around the world. However it has yet to have a company step in with a coordinated marketing effort and a thorough enough understanding of the logistics necessary to significantly ramp up production and grow their audience. There are only currently three manufacturers of boards, and the industry is ripe for an aggressive campaign.

For more information visit www.flipsideusa.com and www.snakeboarder.com

Safe Harbor: This release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements contained in this release that are not historical facts may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain. Actual performance and results may differ materially from that projected or suggested herein due to certain risks and uncertainties including, without limitation, ability to obtain financing and regulatory and shareholder approvals for anticipated actions.

CONTACT:  Power Technology, Inc. Kara Guire, (847) 796-0534 kara@flipsideinternationalinc.com

SOURCE Power Technology, Inc.

http://www.snakeboarder.com
http://www.flipsideusa.com

Power Technology Enters Discussions to Energize Apple iPhones & iPods | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

CHICAGO, Aug. 31, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — Planner Richey Madison has joined the Chicago office of DLR Group. Madison is a recognized thought leader in higher education master planning for both four year institutions and community colleges. He will lead collegiate master planning nationally for DLR Group from Chicago and be active in higher education business development in the Midwest.

Madison has published several articles on issues relating to campus master planning, corporate/law office planning, and design/technology integration. He will work closely with the firm’s other master planning experts to extend DLR Group’s service offerings to both existing and new clients.

“Richey’s expertise in planning directly complements DLR Group’s campus partner approach to higher education,” said DLR Group Principal Jeffrey Fenimore, AIA, and national Higher Education Sector Leader. “He is a strong addition to our higher education team and we look forward to introducing him to our clients.”

Madison’s work with both public and private clients has given him an excellent background in collaborative design. He works effectively with diverse constituent groups to reach consensus on building and planning solutions that support business and development strategies. His specialized knowledge is highly valued by both clients and peers.

About DLR Group

DLR Group is an interdisciplinary design firm providing architecture, engineering, planning, and interior design from offices coast-to-coast and in China. Our promise is to elevate the human experience through design. This promise inspires sustainable design for a diverse group of public and private sector clients; local communities; and our planet. DLR Group fully supports the initiatives and goals of the 2030 Challenge and is an initial signatory to the AIA 2030 Commitment. Visit dlrgroup.com and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

SOURCE DLR Group

http://www.dlrgroup.com

Planner Richey Madison Joins DLR Group | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

MT. PROSPECT, Ill., Aug. 30, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — Strong healthcare information technology adoption rates are fueling the healthcare industry’s growing reliance on third party data centers according to a newly released white paper by Chicago data center and managed service provider, CoreLink Data Centers, LLC (http://www.corelink.com).  To be successful, healthcare organizations must ensure proper security, infrastructure, compliance, and availability procedures are implemented to deliver the reliable access to critical electronic health information.

“5 Critical Success Factors for Selecting a Healthcare Data Center” by Nav Ranajee, CoreLink’s Director of Healthcare, details the top factors Healthcare Information Technology leaders must consider in their data center selection planning. For example, security requirements under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the financial incentives provided by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) component of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), are prompting healthcare organizations to leverage data centers to cost effectively meet growing regulatory compliance, storage and network demands concerning Protected Healthcare Information (PHI).

Other items discussed in the white paper include the mammoth networking bandwidth requirements of Electronic Health Records (EHRs), imaging data, and clinical communications, including telemedicine across disparate areas and through such wireless technology as mobile telephones and remote monitoring. Ranajee details how a data center’s many infrastructure systems must be redundant and capable of delivering real time, continuous access to the clinical applications physicians often need to make life-or-death medical decisions.

“A large part of EHR is the data from Picture Archiving and Communications Systems (PACS) that include MRIs, CAT-scans and X-Rays which generate large image files requiring large amounts of data storage,” Ranajee explains. “The sharing of these files among providers in disparate settings demands even greater storage and networking capacities that can strain existing IT infrastructure integrity and security.”

As healthcare providers implement new applications they must consider the related resources and investment required for the proper infrastructure to store, manage and deliver medical and financial data. The right data center, Ranajee points out, economically facilitates this process while providing an unsurpassed level of network security, monitoring, and disaster recovery.

“In this developing healthcare environment, data requirements will do nothing except grow exponentially,” Ranajee noted. “Serious problems can occur if an IT infrastructure is required to take on more load or deliver greater reliability than its design can handle.”

CoreLink’s Chicago data center, as well as its facilities in Las Vegas, Phoenix and Seattle, provide 100 percent uptime Service Level Agreements (SLA) and deliver flexible, secure, and scalable hosting and managed solutions that accommodate growth and evolving business requirements. Also, CoreLink offers a range of Disaster Recovery and Managed Security and Data Solutions.

“Scalability, security, bandwidth, uptime, and disaster recovery are the essential elements of a reliable data center,” Ranajee said. “Nowhere are these qualities more important than when they’re delivered on behalf of institutions entrusted with managing patients’ health.”

Contact CoreLink Data Centers for more information about healthcare information technology solutions, Chicago data center services, including managed services and enterprise hosting or call 866-435-2375.

About CoreLink

CoreLink is a leading data center hosting and managed services provider of critical infrastructure services delivered on a “state of the art,” robust and environmentally friendly technology platform. By leveraging data centers in Chicago, Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Seattle with access to massive and diverse network connectivity, CoreLink delivers small, medium and large enterprise customers and service providers with high quality and uniquely agile, data center services. CoreLink’s focus on aligning customer needs with the proper solution, combined with a relentless focus on service, provides the flexibility and peace of mind all businesses require from a data center provider.

For more information, please call 866.435.2375 or visit our website or check out more at CoreLink Data Centers’ blog, CoreLink on Facebook and @corelinkdata on Twitter.

SOURCE CoreLink Data Centers, LLC

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