Siemens' New Ultrasound Platform Revolutionizes the Paradigm of EchocardiographyACUSON SC2000 is the World's First Echocardiography System to Acquire Instantaneous, Non-Stitched Full-Volume Images of the Heart in a Single Heartbeat

TORONTO, June 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Siemens Healthcare (http://www.usa.siemens.com/healthcare) unveils the ACUSON SC2000(TM) volume imaging ultrasound system, the first system in the world to acquire non-stitched, real-time full-volume 3D images of the heart in one single heart cycle, during the 19th Annual Session of the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) in Toronto, June 7-11. Called "Echo in a Heartbeat," this new technology marks the greatest paradigm shift in ultrasound since the introduction of 2D imaging in the late '70s. Instantaneous, non-stitched full-volume imaging comes 55 years after echocardiography pioneers Inge Edler and Hellmuth Hertz acquired the world's first cardiac ultrasound recording using Siemens technology in 1953.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070904/SIEMENSLOGO)

"Innovation has always been the lifeblood of Siemens, and the ACUSON SC2000 volume ultrasound system is delivering on this promise," said Klaus Hambuechen, chief executive officer, Ultrasound, Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc. "The system has unparalleled capabilities in information rate processing that allow us to acquire a full volume of the entire heart with 90 degree pyramids. With a high-volume acquisition rate like this -- in one second, every second -- acquisition time is dramatically reduced, improving the overall workflow in the echocardiography suite."

Next Generation System Architecture and Transducer Technology

The ACUSON SC2000 system is Siemens' premier cardiology platform that will change the way echocardiography is practiced today. Its advanced architecture delivers vastly more information than today's conventional systems and is strengthened by Siemens patented Coherent Volume Formation technology. Coupled with the system's high-volume acquisition rate, Coherent Volume Formation moves away from serial line-by-line acquisition towards simultaneous, multiple beams, delivering excellent image resolution.

The proprietary 4Z1c transducer features revolutionary, patented active cooling technology, enabling full output power within regulatory limits. This results in improved penetration, reduced noise and high-volume acquisition rates when compared to conventional 3D transducers. The 4Z1c is a single transducer solution for adult echo applications that provides all the modes needed: volume imaging, 2D, M-mode, color Doppler, and spectral Doppler. This breakthrough technology showcases Siemens' acoustic mastery and delivers on the long-awaited promise of true volume imaging for every patient.

Better Outcomes Through Workflow-Driven Exam Sequences

The ACUSON SC2000 system is designed to support advanced cardiovascular applications. The knowledge-based workflow software uses learned pattern recognition technology and an expert database of real clinical cases. This enables the system to recognize anatomical patterns and landmarks, as well as to perform automatic measurements streamlining clinical workflow.

The system automatically derives reference plane images from the full-volume cardiac capture dataset and offers automated full-volume contouring for fast qualitative and quantitative analysis. Customizable, programmable, and protocol-driven workflow sequences deliver repeatability for better outcomes: greater efficiency, accuracy, consistency, and care -- from data acquisition to diagnosis. To further enhance efficiency, the offline workstation enables reporting, as well as complete review and processing of the acquired volumes.

Besides using the latest technology advancements and applications to improve efficiency and workflow, Siemens has also addressed the ergonomics of the system to meet and exceed today's recommended ergonomic guidelines to reduce work-related stress injuries and to accommodate the varied work environment of sonographers.

About Siemens Healthcare

Siemens Healthcare is one of the world's largest suppliers to the healthcare industry. The company is a renowned medical solutions provider with core competence and innovative strength in diagnostic and therapeutic technologies as well as in knowledge engineering, including information technology and system integration. With its laboratory diagnostics acquisitions, Siemens Healthcare is the first fully integrated diagnostics company, bringing together imaging and lab diagnostics, therapy, and healthcare information technology solutions, supplemented by consulting and support services. Siemens Healthcare delivers solutions across the entire continuum of care -- from prevention and early detection, to diagnosis, therapy and care. Additionally, Siemens is the global market leader in innovative hearing instruments. The company employs more than 49,000 people worldwide and operates in 130 countries. In the fiscal year 2007 (Sept. 30), Siemens Healthcare reported sales of euro 9.85 billion, orders of euro 10.27 billion, and group profit of euro 1.32 billion. Further information can be found by visiting http://www.siemens.com/healthcare.

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070904/SIEMENSLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com Siemens Healthcare

CONTACT: Tom Schaffner of Siemens Healthcare, +1-610-448-1477,
thomas.schaffner@siemens.com

Web site: http://www.usa.siemens.com/healthcare

The9 Limited Announces Appointment of New Chief Financial Officer

SHANGHAI, China, June 6 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- The9 Limited ("The9"), a leading online game operator in China, today announced that Mr. Tony Tse has resigned as Chief Financial Officer due to personal and family reasons, effective July 4, 2008. Meanwhile, The9 has appointed Mr. George Lai as Chief Financial Officer of the company, effective July 3, 2008.

Prior to joining The9, Mr. Lai worked at Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu since 2000. He served in various positions including audit manager and senior auditor at Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Hong Kong, New York and Beijing offices. During his eight years of work experience at Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, Mr. Lai played key roles in numerous IPO projects in the United States and China as well as serving for public companies in Hong Kong, United States and China. Mr. Lai received his Bachelor of Business Administration major in Professional Accountancy from The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Mr. Lai holds various accounting professional qualifications including AICPA, ACCA and HKICPA.

Mr. Jun Zhu, The9's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented: "Although we are sorry to see Tony's departure due to personal and family reasons, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to his hard work during his serving period at The9, especially his contribution to the Company's Form 20-F filing process. In addition, we are very pleased to welcome George on board as our new Chief Financial Officer. George has extensive knowledge in US GAAP and solid background in dealing with public company issues, especially in the fast booming internet industries, and we believe he will fully utilize these knowledge and skill-sets to perform the important managerial role of Chief Financial Officer at The9."

About The9 Limited

The9 Limited is a leading online game operator in China. The9's business is primarily focused on operating and developing high-quality games for the Chinese online game market. The9 directly or through affiliates operates licensed MMORPGs, consisting of MU(R), Blizzard Entertainment(R)'s World of Warcraft(R), Soul of The Ultimate Nation(TM), Granado Espada, and its first proprietary MMORPG, Joyful Journey West(TM), in mainland China. It has also obtained exclusive licenses to operate additional MMORPGs and advanced casual games in mainland China, including Hellgate: London, Ragnarok Online 2, Emil Chronicle Online, Huxley(TM), FIFA Online 2, Audition 2, Field of Honor, Audition and Atlantica. In addition, The9 is also developing various proprietary games, including Warriors of Fate Online(TM) and Fantastic Melody Online(TM).

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates" and similar statements. Among other things, the business outlook and quotations from management in this press release contain forward-looking statements. The9 may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Forms 20-F and 6-K, etc., in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about The9's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, The9's limited operating history as an online game operator, political and economic policies of the Chinese government, the laws and regulations governing the online game industry, information disseminated over the Internet and Internet content providers in China, intensified government regulation of Internet cafes, The9's ability to retain existing players and attract new players, license, develop or acquire additional online games that are appealing to users, anticipate and adapt to changing consumer preferences and respond to competitive market conditions, and other risks and uncertainties outlined in The9's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual reports on Form 20-F. The9 does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

For further information, please contact: Ms. Dahlia Wei Senior Manager, Investor Relations The9 Limited Tel: +86-21-5172-9990 Email: IR@corp.the9.com Web: http://www.corp.the9.com/

The9 Limited

CONTACT: Ms. Dahlia Wei, Senior Manager, Investor Relations of The9
Limited, +86-21-5172-9990, or IR@corp.the9.com

Web site: http://www.corp.the9.com/

page 1    

News archive of November 2009
1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10  11  12  13  14  15  16  17  18  19  20  21  22  23  24  25  26  27  28  29  30