Analytical Graphics, Inc. (AGI) will exhibit at MILCOM 2010 next week to display its strength at modeling RF communications in the context of the overall mission and demonstrate how that improves analysis of communication networks, electronic warfare and cyber operations.

AGI provides software applications and development kits to model and simulate time-varying performance of RF communications links within mission architectures involving ground vehicles, aircraft, missiles, ships and satellites.  By explicitly modeling essential attributes of the mission and environment, AGI software yields more accuracy, insight and productivity than abstracted or standalone RF analyses.

In the cyberspace domain, AGI’s mission-centric RF modeling capabilities can be used to study mission-level impacts of cyber operations to analyze mission assurance and cyber security. These capabilities can be combined with network simulations and emulations for enhanced cyber analysis and training.  Representatives from Scalable Network Technologies, makers of QualNet and EXata, will join AGI in Booth 1528 to demonstrate and discuss the benefits of such integration.

“AGI’s software products continue to grow and deliver unique solutions to military communications challenges that span land, sea, air, space and cyberspace.  We look forward to sharing the latest with MILCOM attendees,” says Kevin Flood, Vice President of product marketing.

To learn more on AGI communications capabilities, stop by Booth 1528 or visit www.agi.com.

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Electricity customers in Pennsylvania deserve fair rates and full choice in selecting an electric power provider, according to the newly-established Energy Consumers First coalition, which today outlined a detailed Energy Consumers Bill of Rights that it seeks to have adopted by state regulators.

The new coalition seeks to give Pennsylvania’s energy consumers a stronger voice in utility issues, including how the upcoming expiration of rate caps is handled in Western Pennsylvania for customers of Allegheny Power, Met-Ed and Penelec.

The new Energy Consumers First coalition has already been endorsed by former state Treasurer and Auditor General Barbara Hafer, who has been named Honorary Chairwoman of the effort. The coalition is a citizen-driven initiative whose goals are to ensure that energy consumers’ rights are defended and that they are provided with accurate, timely and unbiased information about choosing an electric supplier once rate caps are terminated on January 1, 2011. The coalition believes that consumers should experience the full benefits of electricity competition as was envisioned when the Act was passed.

“The Energy Consumers First coalition is primarily a consumer protection effort that focuses upon public education and awareness,” said Barbara Hafer during a formal launch press conference held in downtown Pittsburgh today. “Our goals are to ensure that energy consumers are paying a fair price for the power we use, and that we have full electric choice once the rate caps do expire.”

Hafer said the genesis of the new coalition was the pending merger of energy giant First Energy with Allegheny Power, and First Energy’s efforts to have it designated as the “dominant supplier” for electric customers in the Allegheny Power and other Western Pennsylvania service areas. The merger request is currently being considered by the state Public Utility Commission, which is expected to conclusively rule on the matter early next year.

One of the alternatives to the First Energy “dominant supplier” plan is to have all of the electric customers in the affected area be entered into a pool of customers that would be bid upon in a consumer-friendly public auction, with auction proceeds then returned to the individual residents and businesses in amounts ranging from $150 to $500, a significant benefit in today’s economy. This proposal will foster true competition among electricity suppliers for the affected customer accounts. The rebate idea is also being considered by the PUC as part of the merger request in spite of First Energy’s adamant opposition to it.

Hafer noted that another key aspect of the coalition’s mission is ensuring that the rates consumers pay are true and accurate, and reflects what the actual costs are to the utility. Many electric utilities are locking in their customers’ energy supply at higher than market rates for extended periods of time, even though the costs of buying that power have decreased over time. Without competitive options, customers could be locked-in to higher rates, rather than being allowed to receive the rebate and potentially lower rates.

“This is an unacceptable situation and our regulators and legislators in Harrisburg should be taking steps to prevent this unfair and inequitable practice,” noted Hafer. “Pennsylvania residents continue to struggle in this economic downturn, and certainly every extra dollar that they can get or avoid having to pay will be well-used and appreciated.”

The Energy Consumers First coalition is urging consumers from across the state to sign its online petition urging the adoption of the Energy Consumers Bill of Rights, as well as contact the PA Office of the Consumer Advocate to express support for it. Letters, emails, and calls to local utilities and legislators are also being solicited. More information on the Energy Consumers First coalition can be obtained from the organization’s website at www.energyconsumersfirst.com, or by calling 1-866-885-3438.

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With warm weather lingering throughout the fall season, Americans are staying outdoors and enjoying all of the activities fall has to offer. In fact, participation in outdoor activities increased 3.3 percent last year – from 97.5 million participants to 100.7 million, according to the Outdoor Foundation. This fall, KIWI CAMP DRY, reminds consumers to be prepared for the worst while enjoying all that Mother Nature has to offer.

“We are excited to see that more and more Americans are spending time outside with their families and enjoying the simpler things life has to offer,” said Anna Silvestri, Senior Brand Manager, KIWI. “However, with increased outdoor activity, it’s important to remember to be prepared and properly protected from the elements. KIWI Camp DryZ products have been protecting outdoor enthusiasts for more than 30 years and we want to remind consumers to not only stay warm and dry, but to protect their equipment and clothing as well.”

KIWI CAMP DRY recommends the following tips on how outdoor enthusiasts can stay protected against the elements this fall:
– Buy the proper equipment. Make sure you have the right gear before
hitting the hiking trails or heading outside for the first day of
hunting season.
– Protect your gear. Quality tents, tarps, boots and the rest of your
outdoor gear are an investment – and they end up taking the brunt of all
that Mother Nature has to offer. Protect them with the Camp DryZ Heavy
Duty Water Repellent or Camp DryZ Performance Fabric Protector to repel
water and minimize stains and wear-and-tear.
– Stay warm. Fall weather can be tricky with warm temperatures during the
day and cold temperatures at night. Remember to bring plenty of warm
clothing, including socks and extra layers. In addition, consider
sleeping with a hat, as 80 percent of heat loss occurs from your head.
– Don’t forget snacks. No matter if you’re heading out for one day or one
week, make sure you have an adequate supply of sustenance and water
packed in your bag.

KIWI Camp DryZ Heavy Duty Water Repellent and KIWI Camp DryZ Performance Fabric Protector can be purchased at most mass merchandisers, including Walmart and Target; and sporting goods stores, including Dick’s Sporting Goods and Cabela’s. For more information, please visit KIWICampDry.com or follow us on Twitter at Twitter.com/KIWICampDry.

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Physiotherapy Associates, the nation’s foremost provider of outpatient rehabilitation services, today announced that it has identified the National Multiple Sclerosis Society as its national community service partner. More than 3,100 employees for Physiotherapy Associates will provide ongoing community service efforts to benefit the more than 400,000 people living in the United States with multiple sclerosis (MS).

“As the leading physical therapy provider in the United States, our affiliation with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society allows our 3,100 employees across the United States to provide community service to benefit the more than 400,000 people living with MS and their family members on a local, regional and national basis,” said Dan Connors, Chief Executive Officer, Physiotherapy Associates. “We plan to work with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society through its national network of chapters in a variety of ways, including education and participation in its Bike MS and Walk MS events across the country.”

“The National MS Society’s vision is a world free of MS,” said Becca Kornfeld, Vice President of Corporate & Community Relations. “Having Physiotherapy Associates join the MS movement in such a meaningful way will help us move that much faster toward our vision.”

In addition to its ongoing relationship with the National MS Society, Physiotherapy Associates’ clinicians are focused this month on celebrating the benefits of physical therapy during National PT Month, which is an annual event. Each October, the practice of physical therapy is promoted nationally as an integral part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. With more than 600 clinics across the U.S., Physiotherapy Associates’ clinics are available for one-on-one care, and provide comprehensive plans of care for all types of patients.

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To continue providing education and awareness about the need for organ and tissue donors in Pennsylvania, faith-based organizations throughout the commonwealth will support the 15th Annual National Donor Sabbath Weekend, Nov. 12-14, 2010.

Endorsed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to promote the interfaith celebration of life and the importance of organ and tissue donation, the three-day observance is intended to educate area residents about the process for becoming an organ and tissue donor and transplant.

“The faith-based community provides vital support to our donor registration initiative. National Donor Sabbath weekend is an opportunity to dispel myths and help individuals learn how their religion supports organ donation so they can make the spiritual decision to help save lives,” said Center for Organ Recovery and Education (CORE) president and CEO Susan A. Stuart. “We urge residents to talk to their respective religious leaders and consider making the decision to become an organ and tissue donor.”

Every 11 minutes, a new name is added to the national organ waiting list, and each day 18 people die because of the shortage of available organs for transplant.

“The need for organ and tissue donors in Pennsylvania is great. Right now nearly 8,500 people in Pennsylvania are awaiting an organ or tissue transplant, yet only 44.9 percent of eligible residents have placed the organ donor designation on their learner’s permit, driver’s license or state identification card,” said Howard M. Nathan, Gift of Life’s (GOL) president and CEO. “When faith-based organizations across the state join together, it sends an important message about the need for donation and the overwhelming support of such a decision by all major religions.”

Houses of worship interested in participating in National Donor Sabbath weekend can visit www.donor1.org or www.core.org or call 800-DONORSPA. Each site lists a number of outreach programs including It’s About Life grants for donor registration awareness programs and also includes additional information to request a program speaker or to receive free materials for National Donor Sabbath.

On November 4, CORE will hold a Celebrate Life Candlelight Vigil honoring those who have experienced the wonder of the gift of life and for those who want to know more about the truth and power of donation. The event features Reverend Paul Johnson, a kidney recipient, Eighteenth Street Community Church, as well as liver recipient Dino Persio, an attorney in Ebensburg. The event will take place at the Altoona Discovery Center on Nov. 4, 2010.

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Adolor Corporation today announced the initiation of a Phase 2 proof-of-concept (PoC) study of ADL5945 in patients suffering from opioid-induced constipation (OIC).

“We are pleased to announce the initiation of our Phase 2 proof-of-concept study,” said Michael R. Dougherty, President and Chief Executive Officer. “We begin this study having just completed a single-ascending dose (SAD) study of ADL5945 in healthy volunteers and a multiple-ascending dose (MAD) study in OIC patients with chronic non-cancer pain. The results were highly encouraging on all fronts: PK profile, tolerability and efficacy. Adolor has a wealth of expertise in this indication, and we look forward to the completion of this trial next summer.”

The Phase 2 PoC trial will evaluate two doses of ADL5945 (0.10mg and 0.25mg given twice daily) versus placebo in patients with OIC over a four week period. Approximately 120 patients will be enrolled. The primary endpoint of the study will be change from baseline in the weekly average of spontaneous bowel movements (SBMs) during treatment.

The recently completed SAD and MAD studies of ADL5945 and ADL7445 enrolled both healthy volunteers and non-cancer pain patients on long-term opioid therapy with OIC. Both compounds were well-tolerated and, in the patients with OIC, produced increases in weekly average SBMs compared to placebo. Notably, the 0.10mg and 0.25mg doses of ADL5945 being tested in the PoC study were successfully evaluated in extended cohorts in the MAD study against placebo. The most commonly reported side effects were dose-dependent gastrointestinal-related effects such as abdominal cramping and nausea. There were no serious adverse events reported.

“The data from this recent trial validate both ADL5945 and ADL7445 for the treatment of OIC in patients with chronic non-cancer pain,” said Richard M. Mangano, Ph.D., Vice President of Clinical Research & Development at Adolor. “The safety and efficacy of these doses of ADL5945 are encouraging and clearly warrant continued clinical development.”

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Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell blistered the proposed merger between FirstEnergy and Allegheny Energy, saying it would benefit Ohio and screw Pennsylvania due to the 980 jobs that would be lost as a result.

He said in a release today: “”This merger would be a great deal for Wall Street and Ohio, but terrible for Pennsylvania’s workers and consumers,” said Governor Rendell. “Wall Street’s investors would benefit to the tune of $2 billion, but Pennsylvania could lose nearly 1,000 jobs and our consumers would have fewer choices because there’d be less competition to keep electricity prices low.”

FirstEnergy Corp. and Allegheny Energy today issued the following statement in response to Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell’s opposition to the companies’ proposed merger:

“We respectfully disagree with Governor Rendell’s position on our proposed merger.

The merger will create a stronger company, better positioned to deliver significant immediate and long-term benefits to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, including operating efficiencies that would result in better service reliability and prices for customers.

It is noteworthy that several groups concerned with jobs and economic growth in Pennsylvania have publicly supported the merger, including the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), the Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA) and economic development and chambers of commerce groups, such as the Butler, Pa. County Economic Development Corp., Greater Johnstown-Cambria County Chamber of Commerce and the PA Economic Development Association.

The stronger company created by this merger provides the best opportunity for employment and economic growth in Pennsylvania. FirstEnergy has made certain commitments related to the utility workforce in Pennsylvania. The company also has delayed hiring in order to accommodate Allegheny Energy employees, and will look for ways to provide additional career opportunities.

In its merger application, FirstEnergy has committed to locate a regional headquarters in Greensburg, Pa., at the current headquarters building of Allegheny Energy. And, the company plans to work with local community colleges to establish a fourth Power Systems Institute (PSI) program in Pennsylvania. PSI is FirstEnergy’s award-winning partnership to educate and train future utility workers.

Previous FirstEnergy mergers – including the 2001 transaction with another Pennsylvania company, GPU, Inc. – resulted in enhanced customer service reliability, improved safety and increased community support.

While we are disappointed that Governor Rendell does not recognize the many benefits of the FirstEnergy and Allegheny Energy merger, we will continue to work through the process to secure the needed regulatory approvals. The process remains on track. We are confident that the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PaPUC) will look at the record of the case and base a decision on the merits. The merger already has been overwhelmingly supported by both companies’ shareholders, and has been approved by the Virginia State Corporation Commission. We hope to receive support from the remaining commissions, including the PaPUC, so that the merger can be completed in the first half of 2011.”

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Sovereign Consulting Inc., an environmental consulting firm in Exton, PA won a 5-year Multiple Award Contract to provide remedial action operations and long-term monitoring services to the Department of the Navy, Naval Facilities Engineering Command,
Mid-Atlantic (NAVFAC MIDLANT). Sovereign will perform a full range of environmental remediation and O&M services for the Navy. The Navy expects most work to take place in the New England and Mid-Atlantic area of responsibility, which encompasses Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Sovereign is one of five small business contractors that will compete for firm fixed price task orders in the New England and Mid-Atlantic states. The total value of work performed over the five-year contract period is up to $30 million. Typical task orders will include operation, maintenance, long-term monitoring, inspection, repairs, modifications, optimization, decommissioning of existing
systems, and other remediation activities at Naval facilities in the region.

“We are pleased for the opportunity to support the Department of the Navy through the Multiple Award Contract,” said Marc Cicalese, Principal of Sovereign. “Over the past 5 years, Sovereign has worked for the Navy under an Environmental Multiple Award Contract for remedial action as well as numerous Base Ordering Agreements. The Navy is our largest federal client to date. Our team looks forward to our upcoming projects with the Navy.”

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BioTrends Research Group, Inc. recently published its TreatmentTrends®: Renal Anemia in China report. This report is based on survey results from 150 nephrologists in clinical practice in China and qualitative interviews conducted with ten thought leaders in nephrology.  The report examines the demographics of nephrology practice in China and focuses specifically on the management of renal anemia amongst dialysis and later stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients.

Earlier diagnosis of renal insufficiency is leading to a rapid increase in the number of patients being seen by nephrologists, however there were numerous mentions about the disparity of care across regions.  Although the majority of nephrologists suggested that economics were not an impediment to treatment with erythropoietin (EPO) products, only about one-third of those surveyed felt that renal anemia management was optimal in China.  Further, 86 percent of those surveyed agreed that the treatment of anemia should begin earlier in CKD than it does in current clinical practice.  The current EPO market is dominated by short acting EPO agents manufactured by local companies, but more than 70 percent report that an EPO agent with a longer dose interval would be highly desirable in a new EPO product. In fact, 44 percent of the surveyed nephrologists reported that there is a high need for new EPO products and that this need is greater than the unmet need for other therapies such as agents for acute renal failure, hyperphosphatemia and lupus nephritis.

The use of intravenous iron products is also prevalent amongst hemodialysis patients, although the use of oral iron (alone or in combination with i.v. iron) is higher in China as compared to other markets.  Similar to the US and EU markets, surveyed nephrologists report prescribing a low dose, consistent maintenance course of iron in hemodialysis patients as opposed to high dose, infrequent repletion therapy.  Iron sucrose (brand name: Venofer) was noted as the market share leader in both the dialysis and CKD (non-dialysis) settings and the respondents reported very high satisfaction with this agent compared to other brands.  The perceived need for new i.v. iron products was rated significantly lower than the need for new EPO agents.

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Governor Edward G. Rendell today wrote to Senate leaders and urged them to deliver on their promise to enact a severance tax on natural gas extraction this fall.

A week ago the Pennsylvania House of Representatives voted to impose a severance tax on natural gas drilling in Pennsylvania. Since that time, in spite of the expressed commitment made by the you in the fiscal code, your comments, and those made by your staff, do not offer a shred of evidence that you have any intention of living up to this commitment you made to put the severance tax to a vote in the Senate before you adjourn the session.

Although the House believes the bill that passed imposes a tax at a fair and reasonable rate, I recognize that you may want to make changes to their taxing approach. However, in the last seven days you have not made a counter offer to the House tax rate, tax approach or their defined uses of the new revenues. Your failure to make a counter offer seems to suggest that you are more interested in running out the clock than living up to your public commitment to impose a tax on this industry.

I understand that in your estimation, the bill passed by the house is inherently flawed. I am certain there are ways to resolve the problems associated with the bill or its construct. What’s important here is that the House lived up to its end of the bargain and passed a tax bill for your consideration. It’s now time for you to make the next move to bring this matter to a close and say what you believe makes sense on the specifics of rate, approach and the use of the funds.

Obviously, the final severance bill must be drafted to survive a legal challenge. And, I know that when your chamber wants to get something done, you figure out how to do so. Thus I write today to urge you to put your counter offer on the table this week and to begin to work in earnest and with a sense of urgency to reach an agreement on a bill that can pass out of your chamber before you adjourn next week, that the House will support, and if sent to my desk, I will sign.

I am not interested in being party to bickering over vehicles or flawed statutory constructs. Neither are the people of Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania’s roads, water ways and other state and local infrastructure are being overburdened by the expansion of natural drilling. The time has come for these companies to stop taxing our resources and challenging our environment and instead for us to tax them and apply these new revenues to improve our communities and protect our environment. Every day that goes by when these companies are drilling in our state untaxed is another day that our citizens are paying for the escalating cost imposed on us by these companies while they profit from our natural resources.

Let’s get to work now and get this done.

Sincerely,

Edward G. Rendell, Governor

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