Drinking banned on Goa's beaches

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The official referred to recent reports of crimes against women in the country and told the newspaper that the step had also been taken to prevent Eve teasing on Goan beaches.

A section of the Goa police force responsible for maintaining order on the states beaches, the Indian Reserve Battalion, will enforce the rule.

Those found drinking on the beach will first be warned of the need to comply with the rule.

Goas beaches are popular with British tourists and offer a range of bars, from low-key shacks to five-star hotel bars and nightclubs.

Goan authorities are keen to promote tourism in the region but aware too of the sensitivities of the local population they recently turned down an application from Playboy to open an open-air club in the state.

The adult entertainment brand asked to open as a beach shack on upmarket Candolim Beach, but was told that permission would only be given to individuals, rather than global chains.

PB Lifestyle, Playboys Indian franchisee, is causing controversy with its plans to open 120 clubs hotels and cafes in India. The official bunny uniform, apparently signed off personally by Hugh Hefner, consists of a floor-length chiffon skirt and a tight, sleeveless top, cropped above the midriff.

The decision regarding Candolim Beach does not prevent clubs opening elsewhere in the state however.

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Drinking banned on Goa's beaches

MyPalmBeachSummer.com Goes Live May 1 as One-Stop Site for Super Summer Savings in The Palm Beaches

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THE PALM BEACHES, Fla., April 29, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --The Palm Beach County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) today announced that MyPalmBeachSummer.com will go live May 1, offering travelers an extensive array of seasonal savings (valid June 1 through September 30). The site will be organized into a variety of vacation experiences, including Affordable Luxury, Family Fun, Florida Residents, and Drive and Dine, a new category this year that highlights hotel packages that include meals and/or food credits, as well as top-notch culinary hot spots and key dining districts in The Palm Beaches. In addition to hotel packages, the site will feature a Ways to Explore section, with links to the popular "Living in a Postcard" blog which offers a local or insider's perspective on interesting ways to enjoy The Palm Beaches.

"There is no better time to experience The Palm Beaches at such an incredible value than during the summer months, when virtually every hotel, attraction, and restaurant in the destination is featuring special offers and packages throughout the season," said CVB President and CEO Jorge Pesquera. "With MyPalmBeachSummer.com, we're eliminating the deal-seeking research phase for potential visitors by bringing all of these incredible offers together in one place, and ensuring the 'stress free' experience of The Palm Beaches starts before visitors even arrive at the destination."

On the foodie front, a vast array of independent, provincial restaurants, five-star resort dining, and eclectic, avant-garde eateries comes together to give The Palm Beaches its global reputation as a true melting pot for culinary exploration. Cuisine from every corner of the world in every imaginable gastronomical style can be found throughout 15 dining and entertainment districts in The Palm Beaches. World-renowned chefs including Masaharu Morimoto, Daniel Boulud, Clay Conley and Lindsay Autry have all contributed to the destination's diverse culinary landscape. In addition, numerous area chefs have earned prestigious accolades, including the James Beard Foundation's "Best Chefs of the South" list. In 2013, Emeril Lagassee featured five restaurants throughout The Palm Beaches on his latest television show, "Emeril's Florida", which aired nationally on the Cooking Channel.

For more information and a complete listing of special offers, visit MyPalmBeachSummer.com or call the Palm Beach County Convention and Visitors Bureau at (800) 554-7256. Blackout dates and special restrictions may apply. See individual offer for complete details.

About Palm Beach County Convention and Visitors Bureau: The Palm Beach County Convention and Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing organization for Palm Beach County, Fla. Tourism is among Palm Beach County's major industries generating a direct annual economic impact of $5 billion in the local economy, producing $25 million dollars in bed-tax revenue and lodging sales of approximately $623 million.

Palm Beach Tourism News Blog: palmbeachtourismnews.com Website Media Center: palmbeachfl.com1555 Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard, Suite 800, West Palm Beach, Florida 33401 561.233.3000 Fax 561.233.3009

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Dire says astronomy on Kaua‘i is looking up

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Kauais unique topology and weather allows some of the best star gazing conditions at sea level, said Dr. James Dire.

The vice-chancellor for Academic Affairs at the Kauai Community College will speak on those conditions during his Astronomy on Kauai is Looking Up free presentation 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Hanapepe Public Library.

The combination of strong trade winds nine months of the year, 4,000 to 5,000 foot mountains throughout the center of the island, and the Mana plain, located along the leeward side of the island produces an abundance of clear skies along the 17-mile beach, Dire said in a press release.

Dire said Kauai is also free of the outdoor light restrictions found on Maui and the Big Island, but the islands small population and strong sense of preserving environment allows islands skies to be free of major light pollution.

Kauais location 22 degrees north of the equator allows sighting of all celestial objects in the northern half of the celestial sphere and a major fraction of southern hemisphere objects, he said.

The Kauai Educational Association for Science and Astronomy maintains the islands largest observatory and hosts public viewing events at various locations throughout the island.

Dire will describe the KEASA activities and explore the heavens as seen by telescopes on Kauai.

Part of the monthly Hawaiian Marine Environment lecture series, Dires presentation is sponsored by the Friends of the Hanapepe Library.

The Hanapepe Library is at 4490 Kona Road.

Information: 335-8418

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Dire says astronomy on Kaua‘i is looking up

Solving determinant problems (pt 1) using human level artificial intelligence – Video

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Solving determinant problems (pt 1) using human level artificial intelligence
This video shows how a robot thinks when solving determinant problems. A computer solves math problems differently than a human being. Computers convert numb...

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Solving determinant problems (pt 1) using human level artificial intelligence - Video

UTC Aerospace Systems to Showcase Sensors Unlimited Small SWaP MicroSWIR™ Camera at SPIE Defense Security & Sensing …

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CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 29, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- UTC Aerospace Systems, will release its next generation Sensors Unlimited high resolution, snapshot shortwave infrared (SWIR) camera at the SPIE Defense Security & Sensing Exhibition, April 29 May 2, 2013, at the Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, Md. UTC Aerospace Systems is a unit of United Technologies Corp. (UTX)

On display at booth 1217, this high sensitivity, mil-rugged Indium Gallium Arsenide (InGaAs) SWIR camera is the highest resolution VGA SWIR camera on the market, driven by a 640x512 pixel SWIR image sensor with 12.5micron pixel pitch. It is designed for camera users that are looking for a more affordable high performance SWIR imager, with small SWaP (size, weight, and power), and daylight to low-light imaging capability.

The Sensors Unlimited 640-MicroSWIR camera performance, reliability, and SWaP make it ideal for use in a variety of industrial and military systems; for a range of applications including industrial process monitoring, enhanced vision, persistent surveillance, and laser spot tracking. The camera weighs less than 55 grams, measures 1.25in x 1.25in x 1.25in., uses less than 2 W of power at 20 degreesCelsius, and operates from -40 to 70 degrees Celsius case temperatures. It includes an industry standard C-mount lens interface on a 2/3" camera format, which allows users to select a myriad of lens options. Also, the MicroSWIR camera's low noise imaging capability (35e- total noise), on-board automatic gain control (AGC), non-uniformity corrections (NUCs), and dynamic range enhancements provide optimized imagery in a wide variety of lighting conditions. The 640-MicroSWIR was built for rugged operation, and includes the assurance of MIL-STD-810G environmental testing and CE certification. Technical teams will be on hand throughout the show for expert demonstrations and to answer questions on all Sensors Unlimited products displayed.

UTC Aerospace Systems designs, manufactures and services integrated systems and components for the aerospace and defense industries. UTC Aerospace Systems supports a global customer base with significant worldwide manufacturing and customer service facilities.

United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Connecticut, is a diversified company providing high technology products and services to the building and aerospace industries.

http://www.utcaerospacesystems.com

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UTC Aerospace Systems to Showcase Sensors Unlimited Small SWaP MicroSWIR™ Camera at SPIE Defense Security & Sensing ...

Research and Markets: India Aerospace & Defense Industry – Porter's Five Forces Strategy Analysis

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DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "India Aerospace & Defense Industry - Porter's Five Forces Strategy Analysis" report to their offering.

India's aerospace and defense industry has had a smooth take-off ever since the government initiated its open skies policy a few years ago. After encountering some initial turbulence, it is now cruising smoothly across clear blue skies. India is today one of the fastest expanding aerospace markets in the world, as a growing number of airlines and corporates are expected to acquire about a thousand planes over the next 20 years.

Aruvian's R'search analyzes India Aerospace & Defense Industry in Michael Porter's Five Forces Analysis. It uses concepts developed in Industrial Organization (IO) economics to derive five forces that determine the competitive intensity and therefore attractiveness of a market. Porter referred to these forces as the microenvironment, to contrast it with the more general term macro-environment. They consist of those forces close to a company that affect its ability to serve its customers and make a profit. A change in any of the forces normally requires a company to re-assess the marketplace.

Key Topics Covered:

A. Executive Summary

B. Introduction to the Industry

B.1 Industry Definition

B.2 Industry Profile

B.3 Future Outlook

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Research and Markets: India Aerospace & Defense Industry - Porter's Five Forces Strategy Analysis

FLYHT Aerospace Solutions Ltd. (TSX VENTURE: FLY) Schedules First Quarter Conference Call

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CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - Apr 30, 2013) - FLYHT Aerospace Solutions Ltd. (TSX VENTURE:FLY) (the "Company" or "FLYHT") has scheduled a live conference call to discuss the first quarter results to be held, Wednesday, May 8, 2013 at 8 am MDT (10 am EDT, 7 am PDT).

The conference call will include a brief presentation about FLYHT's first quarter results and then a question and answer period with management.

The first quarter financial results will be posted to Sedar prior to the Annual General Meeting, which will be held on Tuesday May 7th, 2013.

To access the conference call by phone within Canada and the U.S. the toll-free number is 1-800-319-4610. Outside Canada and the U.S., dial 1-604-638-5340. (Callers should dial in five to 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time).

Management will accept questions by telephone and e-mail. Individuals wishing to ask a question during the call, can do so by pressing *1. Also, you can email questions in advance or during the conference call to investors@flyht.com.

An archive of the conference call will be posted on the Presentations and Webcasts section of FLYHT's website as soon as it is available from the conference call provider. http://flyht.com/investors/videos/

About FLYHT Aerospace Solutions Ltd.

FLYHT provides proprietary technological products and services designed to reduce costs and improve efficiencies in the airline industry. The Company has patented and commercialized three products and associated services currently marketed to airlines, manufacturers and maintenance organizations around the world. Its premier technology, AFIRS UpTime, allows airlines to monitor and manage aircraft operations anywhere, anytime, in real time. If an aircraft encounters an emergency, FLYHT's triggered data streaming mode, FLYHTStream, automatically streams vital data, normally secured in the black box, to designated sites on the ground in real time. The Company has been publicly traded on the TSX Venture Exchange since 2003 and recently changed its trading symbol from AMA to FLY. Shareholders approved a Company name change from AeroMechanical Services Ltd. to FLYHT Aerospace Solutions Ltd. in May 2012.

AFIRS, UpTime, FLYHT, FLYHTStream and AeroQ are trademarks of FLYHT Aerospace Solutions Ltd.

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FLYHT Aerospace Solutions Ltd. (TSX VENTURE: FLY) Schedules First Quarter Conference Call

Ball Aerospace, Invertx team for intel contract

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DAYTON, Ohio, April 30 (UPI) -- Ball Aerospace and Technologies Corp. and the Invertix Corp. are working together to support the U.S. National Air and Space Intelligence Center.

The work for which the companies are jointly bidding comes under the Advanced Technical Exploitation Program II contract.

"This win-win teaming agreement highlights the complementary strengths of Ball and Invertix to perform multiple technology and service-based projects," said Dan Gibson, vice president and general manager of Ball's Systems Engineering Solutions business unit.

"We expect this to be a successful relationship on ATEP II as well as on other federal contracts that leverage our mutual strengths."

The partnership would enable Invertix, as the prime contractor, to extend its Geospatial Intelligence and Measurement and Signature Intelligence offerings to NASIC, while Ball Aerospace would continue providing research and development, systems engineering, and data analysis support to the U.S. Air Force in the Dayton, Ohio, region.

NASIC, which has headquarters at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, is an important source of air and space intelligence for Department of Defense and national intelligence consumers. Ball Aerospace has supported NASIC's programs for nearly 30 years.

"Invertix and Ball Aerospace are a perfect match as we move forward in a world focused on affordability and best value," said Art Hurtado, Invertix chief executive officer. "Together our companies provide the government with considerable technical offerings that our customers expect."

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Ball Aerospace and Invertix Team on ATEP II Contract for NASIC

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DAYTON, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. and Invertix Corporation have entered into a strategic teaming agreement to pursue the Advanced Technical Exploitation Program (ATEP) II contract with the National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

NASIC is the nations premier source of air and space intelligence for DoD and national intelligence consumers and is a recognized center of excellence for GEOINT and MASINT reporting. Ball Aerospace has supported NASICs programs for nearly 30 years by conducting research and development, developing algorithms and data analysis tools, building end-to-end data exploitation systems, and working on site at NASIC analyzing and reporting on data collected by satellite, airborne, and ground-based sensors.

Invertix works across a continuum of technology ranging from sensors to visualization focused heavily on how analysts and decision makers transact in a Big Data environment as well as how to leverage this understanding to introduce advanced processing and analysis capabilities into the ISR ecosystem. The companys solutions are based on cloud-based technologies taking the need for mobility and cyber security into full account.

Ball Aerospace has a proven history of utilizing the technologies, products and services of small businesses. Under the ATEP II contract, Invertix and Ball Aerospace will continue providing R&D, systems engineering, and data analysis support to the Air Force and the Dayton region for the next decade.

This win/win teaming agreement highlights the complementary strengths of Ball and Invertix to perform multiple technology and service-based projects, said Dan Gibson, vice president and general manager of Balls Systems Engineering Solutions business unit. We expect this to be a successful relationship on ATEP II as well as on other federal contracts that leverage our mutual strengths.

The teaming agreement allows Invertix, as the prime contractor, to extend its GEOINT and MASINT offerings to NASIC and affords Ball Aerospace the opportunity to maintain its position as the leader in innovative data exploitation technologies.

Invertix and Ball Aerospace are a perfect match as we move forward in a world focused on affordability and best value, said Art Hurtado, Invertix CEO. Together our companies provide the government with considerable technical offerings that our customers expect.

Invertix Corporation serves the intelligence, national security, and domestic security communities by developing and integrating advanced solutions and bridging the gap between science and technology and operations. Invertix takes an open architectural approach leveraging open source as well as its own intellectual property to help customers deploy these solutions in a highly cost effective and scalable manner. For more information visit http://www.invertix.com.

Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. supports critical missions for national agencies such as the Department of Defense, NASA, NOAA and other U.S. government and commercial entities. The company develops and manufactures spacecraft, advanced instruments and sensors, components, data exploitation systems and RF solutions for strategic, tactical and scientific applications. For more information visit http://www.ballaerospace.com.

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Ball Aerospace Hosts Mission Assurance Improvement Workshop

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BOULDER, Colo., April 29, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. and the Aerospace Corporation will co-host the 2013 Mission Assurance Improvement Workshop (MAIW), April 30-May 1 in Boulder to explore and document best practices and craft a common approach to mission assurance for the U.S. space program.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130108/LA39163LOGO)

The workshop at Ball Aerospace is the culmination of nine months of effort by government, academic and industry subject matter experts to address high priority, common challenges faced by the U.S. space community as it strives to address the challenges to mission success. To achieve that goal, the workshop is designed to enhance the collaboration among U.S. space professionals in the community.

"Ball's proactive approach to mission assurance makes us a trusted partner in risk-based decision making," said Sherri Fike, Ball's vice president of Mission Assurance. As an example Fike cited the company's mission assurance best practice of utilizing an automated corrective action and tracking system.

Keynote speakers at the workshop include Dr. Walter Scott, founder and chief technical officer and executive vice president of DigitalGlobe, and Russ Romanella, director of safety and mission assurance for NASA's Kennedy Space Center.

In addition to Ball Aerospace and the Aerospace Corporation, those attending the invitation-only conference include: AEI Systems, Aeroflex, the Applied Physics Laboratory, BAE Systems, Boeing, General Dynamics, Harris, International Rectifier, Kratos, Loral Space Systems, Lockheed Martin, M.S. Kennedy, the Missile Defense Agency, Micropac Industries, MIT Lincoln Labs, NASA, Northrop Grumman, the National Reconnaissance Office, Orbital Sciences Corporation, Raytheon, and the U.S. Air Force.

Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. supports critical missions for national agencies such as the Department of Defense, NASA, NOAA and other U.S. government and commercial entities. The company develops and manufactures spacecraft, advanced instruments and sensors, components, data exploitation systems and RF solutions for strategic, tactical and scientific applications. For more information visit http://www.ballaerospace.com.

Ball Corporation (BLL) is a supplier of high quality packaging for beverage, food, and household products, and of aerospace and other technologies and services, primarily for the U.S. government. Ball Corporation and its subsidiaries employ approximately 15,000 people worldwide and reported 2012 sales of more than $8.7 billion. For the latest Ball news and for other company information, please visit http://www.ball.com.

Forward-Looking Statements This release contains "forward-looking" statements concerning future events and financial performance. Words such as "expects," "anticipates, " "estimates" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Key risks and uncertainties are summarized in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Exhibit 99 in our Form 10-K, which are available on our website and at http://www.sec.gov. Factors that might affect our packaging segments include fluctuation in product demand and preferences; availability and cost of raw materials; competitive packaging availability, pricing and substitution; changes in climate and weather; crop yields; competitive activity; failure to achieve anticipated productivity improvements or production cost reductions; mandatory deposit or other restrictive packaging laws; changes in major customer or supplier contracts or loss of a major customer or supplier; political instability and sanctions; and changes in foreign exchange rates or tax rates. Factors that might affect our aerospace segment include: funding, authorization, availability and returns of government and commercial contracts; and delays, extensions and technical uncertainties affecting segment contracts. Factors that might affect the company as a whole include those listed plus: accounting changes; changes in senior management; the recent global recession and its effects on liquidity, credit risk, asset values and the economy; successful or unsuccessful acquisitions; regulatory action or laws including tax, environmental, health and workplace safety, including U.S. FDA and other actions affecting products filled in our containers, or chemicals or substances used in raw materials or in the manufacturing process; governmental investigations; technological developments and innovations; goodwill impairment; antitrust, patent and other litigation; strikes; labor cost changes; rates of return projected and earned on assets of the company's defined benefit retirement plans; pension changes; uncertainties surrounding the U.S. government budget and debt limit; reduced cash flow; interest rates affecting our debt; and changes to unaudited results due to statutory audits or other effects.

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Ball Aerospace Hosts Mission Assurance Improvement Workshop

Glanbia Nutritionals (NA), Inc. named exclusive distributor of Nutrition 21 Ingredients

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Nutrition 21, LLC, has announced a distribution and co-promotion agreement with Glanbia Nutritionals (NA), Inc.

According to the terms of the deal, Glanbias capable sales organization will co-market, with Nutrition 21, Chromax chromium picolinate, Selenomax high selenium yeast, SelenoPure L-selenomethionine and Zinmax zinc picolinate, in North America to the food, beverage and dietary supplement industries.

As an innovative ingredient with impressive scientific support, Chromax chromium picolinate is an excellent addition to our current product line, said Richard Hazel, CEO of Glanbia Nutritionals. We are excited to work with Nutrition 21 to increase their current market presence and to add Chromax chromium picolinate and other Nutrition 21 ingredients to our ingredient portfolio.

Michael Satow, CEO of Nutrition 21, added: "We are enthusiastic about the future commercial impact of this relationship. Glanbias superb sales, marketing and R&D teams make them the ideal partner for Nutrition 21.

Our combined sales force will number over 20 industry-astute professionals. Among other things, we look forward to promoting our recent Chromax GRAS affirmation at doses up to 2000 mcg of chromium per day.

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Glanbia Nutritionals (NA), Inc. named exclusive distributor of Nutrition 21 Ingredients

Research and Markets: Global Medical Nutrition Market Is Expected To Grow At a Steady Pace, Clocking A CAGR Of 6.7 …

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DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Global Medical Nutrition Market 2012-2016" report to their offering.

The Global Medical Nutrition market includes a large number of small and large vendors. Groupe Danone S.A., Nestle Group, General Mills Inc., Abbott Laboratories, Pfizer Inc., Mead Johnson and Company, and Fresenius Kabi AG are some of the leading vendors in the market. The increasing number of mergers and acquisitions in the market is changing the market share composition frequently. In April 2012, Nestle acquired Pfizer's Infant Nutrition business for US$11.85 billion. The acquisition is expected to boost Nestle's presence in the Infant Nutrition market in China, since Pfizer had a major presence in that country.

Commenting on the report, an analyst from TechNavio's Healthcare team said: ''Vendors are leveraging their widespread distribution networks to increase their customer base. They are increasingly relying on online marketing and promotional activities to increase sales and brand equity. Through online marketing and promotional activities, more and more consumers are becoming aware of the positive health and nutrition benefits of probiotic products. Furthermore, online availability of medical nutrition products not only provides customers with easy access, but also helps vendors reduce their set-up, distribution, and operational costs. Thus, the increase in promotional activities by vendors is seen to have a positive impact on the Global Medical Nutrition market.''

The report also includes a discussion of the other vendors operating in this market. The other vendors in the market are Fresenius Kabi AG, Dairy Crest Group plc, General Mills Inc., HiPP GmbH and Co. Vertrieb KG, Hospira Inc., Hain Celestial Group, Nature's One, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Factory Inc., Perrigo Co.(PBM Nutrition), Pfizer Inc., Springfield Creamery Inc., and Terumo Medical Corp.

For more information visit Research and Markets

About Research and Markets

Research and Markets is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

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Research and Markets: Global Medical Nutrition Market Is Expected To Grow At a Steady Pace, Clocking A CAGR Of 6.7 ...

Sports and Fitness Nutrition Foods and Drinks Markets Examined in Insightful GIA Report Available at MarketPublishers …

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LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

The worldwide markets for sports and fitness nutrition foods and drinks are currently on the rise given the growing demand from the consumer side. An increasing number of people start to consume sports beverages and sport and energy bars every day. However, the global economic uncertainty may pose challenges to the markets in the upcoming years since it will possibly lead to the reduction of the consumer spending. Meantime, most products available on the markets for sports and fitness nutrition foods and drinks fall within the premium product category.

The USA represents the dominant country market. Latin America forms the fastest growing regional market and is expected to demonstrate significant growth in the forthcoming years. Currently, the global sports and fitness nutrition foods and drinks markets are reined by such majors as Coca-Cola Co., GNC Holdings Inc., Abbott Laboratories Inc., to name a few.

Market research report Sports and Fitness Nutrition Foods and Drinks: Market Research Report developed by Global Industry Analysts (GIA) offers a comprehensive guide to the worldwide markets for sports and fitness nutrition foods and drinks. The study offers detailed industry outlook, including data on consumption and sales dynamics, safety regulations, distribution channels, etc. The research report discloses trends and issues related to the industry; contains insightful product overview, information on product innovations and introductions; describes latest activities in the marketplace. The study unveils corporate activities in the recent past; thoroughly analyses country and regional markets; profiles top companies and forecast future market development.

Report Details:

Title: Sports and Fitness Nutrition Foods and Drinks: Market Research Report Published: February, 2013 Pages: 843 Price: US$ 4,800.00 http://marketpublishers.com/report/food/sports_nutrition/sports-n-fitness-nutrition-foods-n-drinks_gia.html

Report Contents:

I.INTRODUCTION, METHODOLOGY & PRODUCT DEFINITION

Study Reliability and Reporting Limitation

Disclaimers

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Protein improves efficacy of tumor-killing enzyme

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Public release date: 30-Apr-2013 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Jim Sliwa jsliwa@asmusa.org 202-942-9297 American Society for Microbiology

Scientists have devised a method for delivering tumor cell-killing enzymes in a way that protects the enzyme until it can do its work inside the cell. In their study in mBio, the online open-access journal of the American Society for Microbiology, researchers assembled microscopic protein packages that can deliver an enzyme called PEIII to the insides of cells. By attaching a protein called ubiquitin to the enzyme, they were able to protect it from degradation by the cell, allowing the enzyme to complete its mission. The results indicate that ubiquitin may be a useful addition to targeted toxins.

Although researchers have been developing tumor-directed "targeted toxins" for decades, their success has been hindered by technical problems, including inadequate tumor specificity, low efficiency of delivery to the interior of the cell (also called the cytosol), and other issues. In this study, researchers from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases sought to improve the persistence of the enzyme in the cytosol.

They created bundles of proteins designed to carry this out. The targeted toxin assembly included two components the researchers have used before in targeted toxins: the "killing" enzyme PEIII, and a set of targeting proteins called LFn that deliver the PEIII enzyme via pores to the inside of the cell. The LFn delivery system was engineered to specifically target and attach to tumor cells.

The third component in the bundle was a new addition: ubiquitin, a small protein that is normally used by cells to target waste proteins for degradation. The researchers inserted ubiquitin in between the LFn and the PEIII, then tested the bundle on mice with tumors. The idea was to use the cell's own ubiquitin-cleaving enzymes to cut the ubiquitin off and free up the PEIII enzyme once it's inside the cell.

The system worked. Tumor growth was inhibited in mice treated with targeted toxins that either carried the wild-type ubiquitin or engineered ubiquitin without lysine residues in it, a change that should prevent it from being degraded by the cell. The addition of ubiquitin enhanced the ability of the PEIII enzyme to persist inside the cell thereby enhancing its potency. And the ubiquitin didn't seem to hinder the efficiency of delivering the PEIII inside the cell.

As an added bonus, the addition of ubiquitin reduced the toxicity of the targeted toxin to non-tumor tissues.

The authors point out that the use of ubiquitin linkers shows considerable promise and could be an effective strategy for enhancing the potency of tumor-targeting toxins for use in patients. In research currently underway, they are attempting to improve on the system by making changes to the ubiquitin that allow it to unfold appropriately inside the cell.

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Bruker Expands Capabilities of MALDI Biotyper Platform for Microbiology

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BERLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

At the 23rd European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ECCMID), Bruker shows new capabilities of the MALDI Biotyper platform.

The MALDI Biotyper (MBT) is the market-leading system for microbial identification based on MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. It is widely used in clinical microbiology, industrial microbiology, animal health and food safety and has become the broadly accepted laboratory standard for next generation microbial identification. While conventional biochemical testing takes time-consuming incubation after selection of the microbes from the culture plate, the MALDI Biotyper allows for an instantaneous identification of colonies from a plate. The MALDI Biotyper system covers a broad range of more than 4,600 microbial isolates from gram-negative bacteria, gram-positive bacteria, yeasts, multicellular fungi and mycobacteria. It is broadly applicable as a standard identification tool in various fields of microbiology. Microbial identification with the MALDI Biotyper is done using a proteomic fingerprint. This unique species-specific pattern is automatically compared with reference spectra in the MALDI Biotyper library. In addition, the MALDI Biotyper supports the Open Microbiology Concept which allows customers to generate their own database entries from regional isolates via a push-button storage in a customer-specific sub-library.

The new second edition of the MBT Mycobacteria Library adds another 140 isolates from 37 new species. The library is fully compatible with all standard cultivation media for mycobacteria, such as solid Lwenstein-Jensen medium or in liquid culture using the MGIT system from Becton Dickinson. With these added capabilities the MALDI Biotyper covers now more than 130 species of mycobacteria.

The new MALDI Biotyper Pilot accessory complements the satellite software to a complete, barcoded and paperless workflow. The MBT Pilot is used for light-guided manual target preparation using cross hairs to indicate the next position for preparation on the MALDI target. Barcoding of the MALDI target and the sample, along with multiple isolate support, ensure that the complete process is fully traceable.

The new MALDI Biotyper Galaxy performs a quality-controlled automated deposition of the MALDI matrix onto the target plate. After the preparation it scans the target positions and checks if each spot is optimally prepared for MALDI Biotyper measurements. The MBT Galaxy has a seamless integration into the MBT server coupled with on-board barcode reading and automated loading of the associated project work list. Both MBT Pilot and MBT Galaxy are scheduled to be commercially available in 2013.

The revolutionary MALDI-Biotyper-Spectrum-Beta-Lactamase workflow (MSBL) enables users to perform patented functional beta-lactam antibiotic resistance testing for selected antibiotics on the MALDI Biotyper platform. The cleavage of beta-lactam antibiotics, like penicillins, 3rd generation cephalosporins or carbapenems by resistant bacteria leads to specific mass shifts of the cleaved products. Such mass shifts can be observed and monitored using the MALDI Biotyper, and automatically interpreted with the MSBL software module, which is also expected to be commercially availability later this year.

Dr. Wolfgang Pusch, Executive Vice President - Microbiology Business at Bruker Daltonics, explained: At the 2013 ECCMID in Berlin, Bruker is again showcasing very significant developments to further improve and streamline the established MALDI Biotyper workflow. The MALDI Biotyper Pilot and MALDI Biotyper Galaxy automation accessories add further functionality for quality control and traceability and at the same time reduce the manual workload of the operators. The MSBL method is another major step ahead to apply the MALDI Biotyper platform also in the fields of hospital hygiene and epidemiology to get fast results concerning resistance of bacteria to selected antibiotics.

Professor David Livermore, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK, commented: I am very excited about the potential to detect beta-lactamases - and maybe other resistances - as well as to identify microbes by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Early information about resistance is very important to antibiotic stewardship.

About the Bruker MALDI Biotyper The dedicated MALDI Biotyper solution enables molecular identification, and taxonomical classification or dereplication of microorganisms like bacteria, yeasts and fungi. Classification and identification of microorganisms is achieved reliably and quickly using proteomic fingerprinting by high-throughput MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Applications include clinical routine microbial identification, environmental and pharmaceutical analysis, taxonomical research, food and consumer product safety and quality control, as well as marine microbiology. The robust MALDI Biotyper method requires minimal sample preparation and offers low consumables cost. The MALDI Biotyper is available in a research-use-only version, or in an IVD-CE version according to EU directive EC/98/79 in various European countries. In the United States of America the MALDI Biotyper is available for research use only, and not for use in diagnostic procedures.

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Bruker Expands Capabilities of MALDI Biotyper Platform for Microbiology

Healthy body, mind the key to longevity?

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Few things keep Janet Papelian from attending dancercise and aerobics classes at the Coral Gables Youth Center four times a week. Certainly not her age.

The 75-year-old says she feels more like a 50-year-old.

Papelian also enjoys the Current Events class offered at the center, which covers news items and encourages discussion, helping to keep the mind engaged.

The classes are very, very good and exactly what people like us [seniors] need, she said.

Many studies have linked longevity to maintaining a healthy body and mind. When it comes to the mind, many factors play a role, including genetics, lifestyle, diabetes, head traumas, and drug use.

The brain is unique in that we are born with all the cells were going to have, and we lose some everyday, said Dr. Allan Herskowitz, medical director of Neurological Services at Baptist Health Neuroscience Center. There are many factors that all play a role in cells deteriorating at a higher rate.

So what can a healthy person do to keep the mind sharp for as long as possible?

Herskowitz advises staying physically active and exercising the brain.

In South Florida, several centers and institutions offer a variety of classes, workshops and activities especially designed for seniors. And it doesnt have to be costly.

The Alliance for Aging serving Miami-Dade and Monroe counties, part of a national network of private nonprofits, provides a wide range of services and referrals for elders and caregivers. The organization especially focuses on serving low-income individuals.

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Healthy body, mind the key to longevity?

Princeton scientist feted for her role in creating protein data bank

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PRINCETON If you know the connection, the pictures hanging on the wall in Helen Bermans home go a long way in explaining what she does as a structural biologist.

There is a black-and-white photo of the Brooklyn Bridge. There is a picture by the Dutch printmaker M.C. Escher. And there is a collection of seashells arranged into columns, sorted by type. In Bermans mind they are linked by several factors, beauty and symmetry being just two of them.

But the real key lies in the fact that she has grouped them here at all. That is what she does. Berman puts things together. She amplifies the relationships between them, and oversees the archiving of their connections.

Bermans interest in bioinformatics methods for organizing and analyzing biological data has led to her crowning achievement, one she is known for even outside the cloistered world of structural biology, where she has spent her entire career.

This month, Berman received the American Society for Biochemistrys prestigious DeLano Award for Computational Biosciences. She won the award for her part and it is a large one in the creation of the RCSB Protein Data Bank, now housed at Rutgers University, where Berman is a professor with the chemistry department.

RCSB stands for Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics where collaboration is another key part of Bermans philosophy.

Used by scientists, researchers, doctoral students and pharmaceutical companies, among others, the Protein Data Bank (PDB) is the product of decades of scientific cooperation and sheer dogged work on Bermans side.

When the PDB began at a different location 42 years ago, it catalogued just seven structures of protein molecules. Today, there are over 90,000.

Ive learned to be very patient, said Berman during an interview at her home. What Im doing is not the same as making a scientific discovery. Its a very different kind of thing. You have to be patient, take into account that other people work differently and that certain things have to be embargoed for a while.

Ultimately, I was successful.

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Princeton scientist feted for her role in creating protein data bank