GOLDEN TIME Study Shows BIOTRONIK AlCath(R) Gold Ablation Catheter Creates Lesions 33% Faster

Results Published in the Journal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology Show Faster, More Efficient Ablation Achieved With Gold-Tip vs. Platinum-Iridium-Tip Catheter 

BERLIN--(Marketwire - November 1, 2012) - BIOTRONIK, a leading manufacturer of medical technology, today announced that the company's AlCath^® Gold ablation catheter enables faster, more efficient ablation procedures. Lesions created by a standard catheter in 60 seconds only take 40 seconds to create with these novel devices -- without compromising patient safety. Results of the study, which investigated the ablation time efficiency of gold catheters, are published in the Journal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology (JICE)¹. 

Conducted at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics in Hungary in cooperation with Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Netherlands, the study investigated in vitro lesion formation in relation to ablation time and power delivered using 4-mm, nonirrigated, platinum-iridium catheters versus gold-tip catheters. Results showed that gold-tip catheters can create the same excellent lesions in 33.3% less ablation time. There was no difference in tip temperature due to the temperature-controlled settings, but a considerable difference was observed in the mean power delivery. Because the gold alloy possesses a thermal conductivity that is four times higher than the platinum-iridium used in conventional catheters, it allows greater energy delivery with a lower tip temperature. 

"The results have a high relevance for clinical practice," explains Dr. Tamás Szili-Török, MD, PhD, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands. "We usually program temperature limits of 40-55°C for 4-mm tip catheters without gold. As soon as the tip temperature reaches the programmed maximum, the generator automatically decreases the power delivery. Gold-tip catheters, however, result in an increased energy transfer into the tissue, so the tip temperature is lower even though energy delivery is higher. This ultimately leads to reduced procedure times, helping the physician conduct ablations more efficiently." 

This latest data confirms results previously published from the AURUM 8 trial and proves the superiority of gold catheters.² With a total of 463 patients, AURUM 8 was the largest randomized atrial flutter ablation study in the world. 

"BIOTRONIK is continuously bringing new solutions to market that help physicians excel in the way they treat patients in their daily practices," commented Christoph Böhmer, President International, BIOTRONIK. "BIOTRONIK's AlCath^® Gold ablation catheter, made using 99.9% pure gold, provides four times greater thermal conductivity compared with platinum; maintains a cooler tip temperature; facilitates fast, efficient lesion formation; and reduces coagulation -- resulting in reduced catheter exchange rates during the procedure." 

About BIOTRONIK SE & Co. KG
As one of the world's leading manufacturers of cardiovascular medical devices, with several million devices implanted, BIOTRONIK is represented in over 100 countries by its global workforce of more than 5,600 employees. Known for having its finger on the pulse of the medical community, BIOTRONIK assesses the challenges physicians face and provides the best solutions for all phases of patient care, ranging from diagnosis to treatment to patient management. Quality, innovation and reliability define BIOTRONIK and its growing success -- and deliver confidence and peace of mind to physicians and their patients worldwide. 

More information: www.biotronik.com 

References
¹ Tibor Balázs et.al, Journal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology (2012), Ablation time efficiency and lesion volume.
² Lewalter et al., Europace (2010), Gold vs. platinum-iridium tip catheter for cavotricuspid isthmus ablation: the AURUM 8 study. 

 

Contact:
Manuela Schildwachter
Communications & PR Manager
BIOTRONIK SE & Co. KG
Woermannkehre 1
12359 Berlin
Tel. +49 (0) 30 68905 1466
Email: manuela.schildwaechter@biotronik.com

 

© 2012 Marketwire, Incorporated. All rights reserved.

Caterpillar Logistics Services Becomes Neovia Logistics Services

New Corporate Identity Launched Following Ownership Transition

CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwire - November 1, 2012) - The business formerly known as Caterpillar Logistics Services today announced a new name and corporate brand identity, Neovia Logistics Services. Neovia provides third-party logistics solutions to the automotive, industrial, mining, aerospace and defense industries.

Platinum Equity, a Los Angeles-based private equity firm, acquired a majority interest in the company from Caterpillar Inc. in July. Caterpillar retained a 35 percent equity stake.

"The new name, which translates to 'a new path,' and our brand mark expresses our forward-thinking culture as we set off on that path," said Neovia CEO Jos Opdeweegh. "The new visual identity, in which multiple geometric shapes are brought together in a simple, unified icon symbolizes the agility, flexibility and problem-solving capabilities the people of Neovia bring to our customers."

Mr. Opdeweegh was named CEO in August, has extensive experience in management and logistics in Europe, the Americas, and Asia.

"As a world-class provider of value chain solutions, we help our customers face complex challenges every day. Neovia embraces that complexity, and works tirelessly to simplify logistics," said Mr. Opdeweegh. "We know that success lies in a customer-centered approach. We will endeavor to create value and help our customers' businesses perform even better."

The company specializes in service parts logistics, and also provides solutions for maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) and manufacturing logistics.

"Neovia has a strong management team with a clear and compelling vision for the future," said Platinum Equity Partner Jacob Kotzubei. "The company has a long tradition of providing outstanding service to customers in multiple industries around the world. Our long-term plan is to help Neovia expand its service offering and further diversify its reach. We are excited about the prospects for the business and are committed to helping it achieve its full potential."

Neovia has a global footprint with approximately 97 facilities and employees in 25 countries. The business was first established by Caterpillar in 1986.

About Neovia:
Neovia is the global, integrated logistics service provider for companies facing complex logistics challenges. Today, Neovia provides customer-centric supply chain solutions across six continents in key sectors including industrial, automotive, mining, maintenance, repair and operations (MRO), oil and gas, consumer durables, aerospace and defense, high tech and electronics, and health care. Neovia provides end-to-end supply chain solutions with specific expertise in value chain strategy, network design, and execution. The Neovia team creates and employs innovative technology and systems to provide customized services in management of warehouses, operations, inventory, and transportation, as well as inbound manufacturing, reverse logistics, and more. Visit www.neovialogistics.com

About Platinum Equity:
Platinum Equity (www.platinumequity.com) is a global M&A&O® firm specializing in the merger, acquisition, and operation of companies that provide services and solutions to customers in a broad range of business markets, including information technology, telecommunications, logistics, metals services, manufacturing, and distribution. Since its founding in 1995 by Tom Gores, Platinum Equity has completed over 140 acquisitions.

 

Contact Information

Contacts:
Cheryl A. Cryer
Director, Global Marketing and Communications
630-743-4156
cheryl.cryer@neovialogistics.com

 

© 2012 Marketwire, Incorporated. All rights reserved.

DIAGNOS Enters Into MoU With Indian State of Madhya Pradesh and Sets Stage for Expansion in India

INDORE, MADHYA PRADESH, INDIA and BROSSARD, QUEBEC, CANADA--(Marketwire - November 2, 2012) - Diagnos Inc. ("DIAGNOS" or "the Corporation") (TSX VENTURE:ADK) leader in diabetic retinopathy screening and healthcare technical services including algorithm development, data analysis, and image processing, announces today the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Indian State of Madhya Pradesh for the provision of diabetic retinopathy screening services to the diabetic population of the State.

The MoU was signed subsequent to meetings with the Honourable Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Principal Secretary, Public Health & Family Welfare, Mr. Pravir Krishn, and Controller - Food and Drug, Department of Public Health & Family Welfare, Dr. M. Geetha, during the Global Investors Summit in Indore. Under the terms of the MoU, the State Health Authorities will help assure required infrastructure facilities, incentives, concessions, and all necessary clearances under the State''s ''single window system'' for the launch of a State-Wide Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Program.

"The Government of Madhya Pradesh has created an excellent environment and opportunity for international firms like Diagnos to enter the State and to establish operations. We are very grateful for their hospitality and support, as well as the excellent support provided to us by the Quebec Office located within the Canadian Consulate in Mumbai. This MoU assures us that the Government will promote and support our efforts to offer DR screening services to the estimated 5 million people with diabetes in the State. With the support of local authorities, we plan to begin to implement mobile screening units to start to cover some of the 1,100 primary health centers and 8,800 sub-centers. We have already begun putting into place the necessary agreements with local healthcare providers to treat patients with positive screening results. If the pledged government support materializes under this MoU, and agreements with local healthcare providers proceed as planned, our present objective is to screen between 100,000 and 200,000 diabetic patients in the State in 2013, and expand from there." Peter Nowacki, Diagnos Vice-President - Healthcare.

"We are pleased to support companies from Québec who wish to make a strategic foray into the Indian market. We are very happy having been able to support Diagnos in securing this MoU with the Government of Madhya Pradesh, at the Global Investors Summit in Indore, organized by our office with Québec as the official partner state to the Government of Madhya Pradesh in organizing this Summit. We look forward to continuing to support a long and productive cooperation between the Government of Québec, Québec-based companies, and the various levels of government in India." Benoit-Jean Bernard, Québec Bureau Director, Mumbai, India.

"We continue to look to large developing markets such as India that require efficient and effective screening services like our CARA platform and our recently launched ''Beat It in a Blink!'' program. We are very pleased with this MoU and plan to deploy an operation in the State of Madhya Pradesh, to serve the large local population approximately 10-fold the size of Quebec, which represents a material opportunity for Diagnos." Andre Larente, Diagnos President.

About Madhya Pradesh

Located in the center of India, Madhya Pradesh is the second largest state in the country by size, bordering seven other states, within the close proximity of all major markets and tier-one cities across the country. The State''s population of over 70 million constitutes a strong consumer base with a 10 year urbanization growth rate of 26% with bigger cities growing at 40%. Economically, Madhya Pradesh is one of the fastest growing states in India backed by an impressive CAGR of 9.5% during the period 2006-12, with 230 industrial areas including, 19 growth centers and 10 product specific industrial parks and four Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to facilitate industrial investments. The population is served by 50 district hospitals, 1,100 primary health centers and 8,800 sub-centers.

About CARA

CARA is a tele-ophthalmology platform that integrates with existing equipment (hardware and software) and processes at the point of care (POC) and comprises: image upload, image enhancement automated pre-screening, grading by a specialist, and referral to a specialist. CARA''s image enhancement algorithms make standard retinal images sharper, clearer, and easier to read. CARA is accessible securely over the internet, and is compatible with all recognized image formats and brands of fundus cameras, and is EMR compatible. CARA is a cost-effective tool for screening large numbers of patients, in real-time and has been approved by regulatory authorities including Health Canada, US Food and Drug Administration, and the European Union.

About DIAGNOS

Founded in 1998, DIAGNOS is a publicly traded Canadian corporation with a mission to commercialize technologies combining contextual imaging and traditional data mining thereby improving decision making processes. DIAGNOS offers products, services, and solutions to clients in a variety of fields including healthcare and natural resources.

Forward-looking statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements with respect to the Corporation. By their nature, these forward-looking statements necessarily imply risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by these forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include risks associated with market acceptance, competitive developments, the world economic situation and other factors. Except for ongoing obligations under securities laws to disclose all material information to investors, we disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For further information, please visit our website at www.diagnos.com or the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com.

Andre Larente
President
DIAGNOS inc.
1-877-678-8882 or (450) 678-8882, ext.: 224
alarente@diagnos.com
Louis Morin
Bid Capital Markets
514-845-1101
bidcapital@videotron.ca

 

© 2012 Marketwire, Incorporated. All rights reserved.

Mercuria-Announcement of New Senior Executive

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND--(Marketwire - November 2, 2012) - Mercuria Energy Group Ltd ("Mercuria") is pleased to announce that Roger Jones has joined the company in the capacity of Global Head of Non-Oil Trading and a member of the company board.

In this new role, Roger will be responsible for the worldwide trading activities in Power and Gas, LNG, Base Metals, Carbon Emissions, Agricultural Products and Global Equities.

Roger''s career spans more than 25 years in the commodity trading business and he will add a wealth of expertise and experience to the Mercuria management team. After starting his career at Cargill, Roger also worked at Phibro before becoming Head of Energy Trading at Deutsche Bank.

Roger joins from Barclays where, in his role as Global Head of Commodities, he was responsible for leading a globally diverse commodity business. He brings to Mercuria outstanding cross commodity trading management expertise and he will be instrumental in Mercuria''s continued development and future growth in the non-oil markets.

About Mercuria Energy

Mercuria is an international group of companies active over a wide spectrum of energy & commodity markets including crude oil and refined petroleum products, natural gas (including LNG), power, coal, base metals, biodiesel, and carbon emissions.

It is one of the world''s top five largest independent energy traders. In 2011 Mercuria had sales in excess of $75 billion and operates from over 30 offices worldwide.

In addition to its trading core, Mercuria owns up-stream and mid-stream assets ranging from oil reserves to infrastructure and storage terminals. It also has substantial investments in the upstream coal sector.

 

Contact Information

Press Contacts:
Mercuria Communications
Sophie Caverzasio
+41 22 595 88 55
scaverzasio@mercuria.com

 

© 2012 Marketwire, Incorporated. All rights reserved.

Verantis Environmental Solutions Group Has Been Awarded Orders Totaling in Excess of $2 Million (USD)

MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, OH--(Marketwire - November 2, 2012) - Lars Buttkus, President and Chief Executive Officer of Verantis Corporation, announced today that the company received orders for the supply of specialized equipment and engineering services valued over $2 million (USD) in October.

"The latest orders highlight the strong growth of Verantis in the domestic market," stated Lars Buttkus. "A substantial amount of large orders were also placed in our growing aftermarket segment."

One of the recent projects awarded to Verantis includes the complete process design and engineering package for the expansion of a fiber optics manufacturing facility in the Atlanta area. The system includes a two stage IWS® system, FRP quench, crossflow scrubber and fans. The manufacturing process at this facility generates various acid gases and fine particulates. The IWS® (Ionizing Wet Scrubber) allows for the removal of both the gases and particulate in one system rather than two separate systems.

In addition, a specialty chemical manufacturing facility in North Carolina added equipment to their current system as it was not meeting regulatory requirements. After pilot testing Verantis equipment, a solution was provided that met all the required emissions controls. In addition to the scrubber system, Verantis is providing a pre-fabricated, skid mounted pump assembly and instrumentation. This quick turnaround project will ship early first quarter 2013.

Headquartered in the United States, Verantis Corporation is a global leader in engineering services and environmental systems that focus on process improvement in a wide range of basic industrial and high technology processes.

The company is dedicated to offering cost-effective solutions by combining technically advanced products into high performance systems for clients around the world. Verantis has established additional engineering and design centers in China, Singapore, and India. This press release and additional information about Verantis are available on the company's website at www.verantis.com.

Contact:
Mary Rusnak
440-243-0700
mary.rusnak@verantis.com

Lars Buttkus
440-243-0700
lars.buttkus@verantis.com

 

© 2012 Marketwire, Incorporated. All rights reserved.

Media Alert: Flexera Software Presenting Session at Cloud World Forum Asia on Running Business Applications in the Cloud

SCHAUMBURG, IL--(Marketwire - November 1, 2012) -

 

What:

 

Oscar Wong, Sales Director for Flexera Software in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, will be presenting a session at the upcoming Cloud World Forum Asia in Hong Kong. The session, entitled, "Running Business Applications in the Cloud -- Creating a Roadmap for Success," will cover the following topics:

 

•         New Paradigm Requires Change (Licensing, Process, Planning)
•         Start Where You Are -- It is an Evolution!
•         Reduce risks and costs (regulatory, license, process)

 

Why:

 

Cloud computing promises vast new opportunities for both application producers and enterprises. However added complexities and risk abound for the uninitiated. Application producers' challenges include the need for better strategies around deployment, usage tracking, license leakage, prevention of license replication, compliance, enablement of new business models, and resource deployment.

 

Enterprises must be concerned with prevention of capacity over-use, license risk, compliance, showback/chargeback, service automation and employee productivity.

 

This session will provide a framework for both application producers and enterprises to address these challenges as they contemplate the move to the cloud.

 

When:

 

10:10 a.m., 14th November 2012

 

Where:

 

Cloud World Forum Asia
Eaton Smart Hotel, Hong Kong
380 Nathan Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong

 

Tweet This:

 

@FlexeraSoftware Presenting at Cloud World Forum Asia on Running Business Apps in the Cloud, Nov. 14 in Hong Kong http://bit.ly/TULOlR

 

About Flexera Software:
Flexera Software is the leading provider of strategic solutions for Application Usage Management; solutions delivering continuous compliance optimized usage and maximized value to application producers and their customers. Flexera Software is trusted by more than 80,000 customers that depend on our comprehensive solutions -- from installation and licensing, entitlement and compliance management to application readiness and enterprise license optimization -- to strategically manage application usage and achieve breakthrough results realized only through the systems-level approach we provide. For more information, please go to: www.flexerasoftware.com.

 

Contact Information

For more information, contact:
John Lipsey
(224) 465-9139
jlipsey@flexerasoftware.com

 

© 2012 Marketwire, Incorporated. All rights reserved.

Successful First U.S.-China Clean Truck and Bus Summit Links Companies, Agencies From Both Nations

CALSTART Project Is Supported by U.S. Department of Commerce and Industry to Help Increase U.S. Exports of Clean Transportation Technology for Trucks and Buses 

BEIJING--(Marketwire - October 31, 2012) - This week more than 120 attendees from leading U.S. and Chinese clean truck and bus technology companies, together with representatives from key agencies of both governments, took part in the first U.S.-China Clean Truck and Bus Summit here to help link U.S. firms with Chinese partners and increase exports.

The Summit is a first of its kind event to link U.S. and Chinese companies specifically in clean fuels and technology for medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles, and is a key component of CALSTART's overall U.S.-China Clean Truck and Bus Technology Forum (www.chinacleantruck.org), supported in part by the U.S. Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration (ITA).

The Deputy Chief of Mission in the U.S. Embassy in China, Robert Wang, provided opening remarks for the Summit. Wang cited a history of U.S.-China cooperation, saying, "This forum is just the beginning. I hope each of you will be able to leave here with a better understanding of the economic and environmental benefits offered by new energy vehicles. I also hope that the American and Chinese attendees and sponsors will not only expand their own business opportunities, but continue contributing to the extended cooperation by our two nations as we roll out the future of clean technology together."

"Our objective is to bring top industry and government leaders together in a small, focused summit aimed at advancing the clean truck and bus market," said John Boesel, President and CEO of CALSTART.

U.S. industry Summit sponsors include technology leaders Dow Kokam (energy storage), Navistar (truck and engine), Eaton Corporation (hybrid, electric, transmission), BAE Systems (hybrid, power management) and Wells Fargo (clean tech investment), together with Chinese industry sponsor Weichai Power (engine, hybrid, power generation). 

Government attendees also come from an impressive cross-section of agencies, including the U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Department of State, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, China's Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Environmental Protection, and Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. In addition, transit operators from major Chinese urban centers took part in the event.

"A key part of the Summit's success is due to our strong partners in China," noted Bill Van Amburg, CALSTART Senior Vice President and creator of the Forum. "The Innovation Center for Energy and Transportation (iCET) has been our primary organizing partner, with co-hosting partners China Automotive Energy Research Institute (CAERI) and CCNP, a heavy duty powertrain new energy alliance led by Weichai. Their expertise and contacts in China, coupled with our deep relationships in the U.S. clean transportation industry, have made the first Summit extremely valuable for attendees, and lays the groundwork for future Summits and next steps."

An award from the Commerce Department's Market Development Cooperator Program (MDCP) partially supports the U.S.-China Clean Truck and Bus Forum work. MDCP work is targeted at well-defined business plans aimed at increasing exports and U.S. competitiveness within certain industries. These cooperative agreements help to further President Obama's National Export Initiative, which aims to double U.S. exports by the end of 2014 in support of several million U.S. jobs.

About CALSTART
CALSTART is a non-profit organization that works nationally to foster the rapid growth of the clean transportation technology industry. The organization supports industry growth by providing valuable information and analysis, fostering strategic partnerships, supporting smart public policies, and managing high-impact technology commercialization programs. CALSTART has more than 150 member companies and offices in California, Colorado, and Michigan. For more information visit www.calstart.org.

 

Contact: 
CALSTART
Mary Kathryn Campbell
626-744-5602 
mkcampbell@calstart.org

 

© 2012 Marketwire, Incorporated. All rights reserved.