China's 2006 Clothing and Textile Expo Arrives in Shanghai

China's 2006 Clothing and Textile Expo Arrives in Shanghai

March 15, 2006

    SHANGHAI, China, March 15 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ --
Shanghai International Exhibition Co., Ltd. (SIEC)
announces that the 2006 Shanghai International Clothing
& Textile Expo (Fashion Shanghai 2006) will be launched
today in the Shanghai New International Expo Center.  The
show will run from March 15 to 17, 2006, and is one of the
major events taking part in the Shanghai International
Fashion Culture Festival, which is gaining attention from
people from all corners of the world.

    Fashion Shanghai is a professional trade activity
supported by the Shanghai Municipal Government.  Since its
first show in 1994 it has grown alongside the rapid
development of China's clothing and textile industry.
Fashion Shanghai is the most important event in the
Shanghai International Fashion Culture Festival, and is
also the largest and most influential exhibition of its
kind in China.  In 2005, it was awarded the title of
"Shanghai's High-quality Exposition" for the
first time, together with another 7 peers by the Shanghai
Municipal Government.  The total display space for this
exposition is 60,000 square meters, which will be filled
with fashion items including clothing, accessories,
children's clothing, and fabric.  Of them, clothing and
accessories will be displayed at the No. 1 Hall, attracting
nearly 200 manufacturers from countries such as China,
France, Korea, Thailand, and Italy.  This spring exhibition
will display Shanghai as glamorous and stylish by presenting
its "high end, originality and culture."

    All exhibitors will showcase their most renowned
products.  Carven represents the elegant soul of French
fashion, with a history of over 58 years in fields such as
high-end fashion clothes, accessories, fragrances, watches
and leather products.  Carven is recognized worldwide and
has produced many noble and elegant fashion clothes and all
kinds of luminary accessories.  Other attendees include
Perepeaza and Denim Deluxe, two brands promoted by Xianpin
Company in China, whose designs are sourced from
enthusiastic and dynamic American culture and created
jointly by domestic senior designers and American
designers; Shanghai YKK Zipper Co., Ltd. and Shanghai YKK
Trading Co., Ltd., who are affiliated with YKK, a world
renowned zipper manufacturer and seller, are continually
striving to create the perfect product; Jintai Jewelry
Group, from Bangkok, Thailand, showcasing their
"Bangkok Silver" brand which presents their
latest products integrating classic beauty with fashion,
foreign styles and local features; Shanghai Textile (Group)
Corporation, who will present their full product range, such
as "Conch," "Three Guns," "Flying
Horse," "Chrysanthemum," "Hansen"
and other renowned brands.  
In addition, some fashion accessory enterprises well known
in the international market, such as Yongde Computer
Embroidery and Jingfeng button company will also exhibit
fashion accessories and products famous for their quality. 
A large number of fashion leaders both from home and abroad
will display the beauty and fascination of their products
and fill the exhibition with the colors of spring.

    About Shanghai International Exhibition Co., Ltd.
(SIEC) 

    Shanghai International Exhibition Co., Ltd. (SIEC) is
jointly invested by Shanghai World Expo (Group) Co., Ltd.
and the Council for the Promotion of International Trade,
Shanghai. The SIEC was founded on July 1st, 1984 with the
approval of the Ministry of Foreign Trade & Economic
Cooperation and the People's Government of Shanghai
Municipality. 
The SIEC is a full member of Union des Foires
Internationales (UFI). The SIEC has held 500 international
exhibitions of various themes and sizes. It also has
successfully held a number of solo exhibitions at national
level. 

    "AUTO SHANGHAI,""SHANGHAITEX,"
"CHINA CYCLE,""FASHION SHANGHAI,"
"ELE/PT COMM CHINA" are among the first eight
exhibitions approved excellent by THE EVALUATION COMMITTEE
OF SHANGHAI CONVENTIONAL & EXHIBITION INDUSTRIES.

    For more information, please contact:
   
     Shanghai International Exhibition Co., Ltd.
     Tel:     [phone]
     Fax:     [phone]
     Email:   [e-mail]	
     Website: http://www.siec-ccpit.com      

SOURCE  Shanghai International Exhibition Co., Ltd.

European Capital Invests Euro 121 Million in Buyout and Mezzanine Transactions

European Capital Invests Euro 121 Million in Buyout and Mezzanine Transactions

March 15, 2006

    LUXEMBOURG, March 15 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- European
Capital Limited and its wholly owned subsidiary European
Capital S.A. SICAR ("European Capital") announced
today it has invested approximately euro 121 million ($144
million) in 6 companies year to date, totaling 15 companies
since its formation in August 2005.  Of the six companies
invested in 2006, five are majority owned by private equity
sponsors including 3i, Apax Partners, CVC Capital Partners
Limited, Electra Partners Europe and Exponent Private
Equity.

    Two of the investments, totaling euro 43 million ($51
million), were implemented by the London office of European
Capital Financial Services Limited ("European Capital
Services"), the sub-investment manager of European
Capital.  The London office's investments included euro 19
million in Partners in Lighting International N.V., a
European manufacturer of lighting fixtures for consumer and
commercial environments, to support CVC Capital Partners'
recapitalization, and euro 24 million in TSL Education
Ltd., a provider of classified advertising for job
vacancies in UK schools, colleges and universities, to
support Exponent Private Equity's acquisition.  European
Capital Services' Paris office implemented four
transactions totaling euro 78 million ($93 million): euro
13 million in Poliris, a French online publisher of real
estate housing listings for real estate agencies, to
support 3i's acquisition; euro 14 million in Tokheim SAS, a
European supplier of retail fuel systems, to support Electra
Partners Europe's acquisition; an undisclosed amount in the
One Stop Buyout(TM) of Action Sport Holding, a distributor
of motorcycle and bicycle gear and accessories in France;
and euro 22.5 million in Alma Consulting Group, a French
provider of tax recovery and cost reduction services for
companies, to support Apax Partners' acquisition. 

    European Capital has invested euro 301 million ($359
million) in 15 companies since its formation in August of
2005.  For more information about European Capital's
portfolio, go to http://www.EuropeanCapital.com . 

    "We are delighted with the tremendous progress
European Capital has made in the European middle market and
excited about the strong pipeline of investment
opportunities we have moving forward.  Since the start of
2006, the London office has already arranged two mezzanine
investments and the Paris office has completed a One Stop
Buyout(TM) and arranged three mezzanine investments,"
said Ira Wagner, President of European Capital Services. 
"European Capital's success results from our ability
to provide senior debt, mezzanine debt and equity and
complete One Stop Buyouts(TM).  In addition, these
transactions could not have been executed without our
experienced and dedicated team of investment professionals
in our European offices, accompanied by the backing of
American Capital's corporate infrastructure."  

    About European Capital

    European Capital is a buyout and mezzanine fund with
capital resources of euro 1.1 billion ($1.3 billion).
European Capital invests in and sponsors management and
employee buyouts, invests in private equity buyouts and
provides capital directly to private and mid-sized public
companies. European Capital invests from euro 5 million to
euro 125 million per transaction in equity, mezzanine debt
and senior debt to fund growth, acquisitions and
recapitalizations. 

    Companies interested in learning more about European
Capital's flexible financing should contact Jean Eichenlaub
at + 33 (0)1 40 68 06 66 in Paris, Simon Henderson at or
Nathalie Faure Beaulieu at + 44 (0)207 539 7000 in London,
or visit the website at http://www.EuropeanCapital.com .  

    About American Capital

    American Capital (Nasdaq: ACAS) is a publicly traded
buyout and mezzanine fund with capital resources of
approximately $7 billion.  American Capital invests in and
sponsors management and employee buyouts, invests in
private equity buyouts, provides capital directly to early
stage and mature private and small public companies and
through its asset management business is a manager of debt
and equity investments in private companies and commercial
loan obligations. American Capital provides senior debt,
mezzanine debt and equity to fund growth, acquisitions,
recapitalizations and securitizations. American Capital
invests up to $300 million per transaction.

    This press release contains forward-looking statements.
The statements regarding expected results of American
Capital are subject to various factors and uncertainties,
including the uncertainties associated with the timing of
transaction closings, changes in interest rates,
availability of transactions, changes in regional, national
or international economic conditions, or changes in the
conditions of the industries in which American Capital has
made investments.

    For more information, please contact:

     Jean Eichenlaub, 
     Managing Director, European Capital Services
     Tel:   [phone]

     Simon Henderson, 
     Managing Director, European Capital Services
     Tel:   [phone]
     
     Nathalie Faure Beaulieu,
     Managing Director, European Capital Services
     Tel:   [phone]

     Brian Maney, 
     Director, Corporate Communications,
     American Capital
     Tel:  [phone]

SOURCE  European Capital

Manfred Kiel to be Inducted Into the TIACA Hall of Fame at the Organisation's Annual Conference on April 10, 2006

Manfred Kiel to be Inducted Into the TIACA Hall of Fame at the Organisation's Annual Conference on April 10, 2006

March 15, 2006

    DUSSELDORF, Germany, March 15 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ --
It's not just artists for whom induction into a Hall of
Fame is the highest honour.  Industry associations are now
paying tribute to outstanding achievements in this manner
as well.  For example, from April 9-11, 2006, top managers
in the air cargo and logistics industry will gather in
Beijing for the annual International Air Cargo Association
(TIACA) conference, where they will induct Dusseldorf based
businessman Manfred Kiel into the industry's hall of fame.
Mr. Kiel, 65, is CEO of Dusseldorf-based S.A.T. Sea-Air
Transport GmbH.

    The TIACA board of directors is bestowing this honour
on Mr. Kiel for his contribution to the development of the
air cargo industry and his promotion of globalisation of
the world's economies.  Since 1984, Mr. Kiel has greatly
expanded combined freight traffic between western Europe
and east Asian industries via the United Arab Emirates, and
in building his company's market share to 80 per cent, has
had a major impact on the industry as a whole.  Many
leading importers of consumer goods from southeast Asia use
S.A.T.'s services today.

    Manfred Kiel established combined freight services
between Europe and the Far East.

    S.A.T. transports goods for its customers in Asian
countries such as Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Hong Kong and
India.  From there, the cargo makes its way to the United
Arab Emirates, primarily to Dubai, from which it is
immediately air freighted to Europe.  This results in an
approximately 50 per cent cost saving relative to air
freight, and 50 per cent time saving compared to sea
freight.
    S.A.T. has honed its freight logistics to the point
where it can guarantee its customers specific delivery
dates and times such as "the 12th of the month at 7
am." These outstanding solutions have made S.A.T. the
world leader for combined freight services.
    
    For more information, please contact:

     Dr. Heinz W. Droste,
     Press office, a.g.i.l., 
     S.A.T. Sea-Air Transport GmbH
     Tel:    [phone]
     Fax:    [phone]
     Email:  [e-mail]

     S.A.T. Sea-Air Transport GmbH
     Tel:    [phone]
     Fax:    [phone]
     Email:  [e-mail]

SOURCE  S.A.T. Sea-Air Transport GmbH

Brigham and Women's Cardiac Group Finds Enoxaparin Strategy is Better Than Commonly Administered Blood Thinning Strategy for Heart Attacks

Brigham and Women's Cardiac Group Finds Enoxaparin Strategy is Better Than Commonly Administered Blood Thinning Strategy for Heart Attacks

March 15, 2006

New Therapy Significantly Reduces Risk of Repeat Heart Attack and Death

    BOSTON, March 15 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Doctors
treating patients who have suffered an acute heart attack
can now employ a better, more effective blood thinning
strategy, using a medication called enoxaparin, to prevent
blood clots from reforming in heart arteries.  The use of
enoxaparin in this strategy significantly reduced the risk
of repeat heart attack or death, compared to the most
commonly administered anticoagulant regimen in use today,
according to findings from the Brigham and Women's
ExTRACT-TIMI 25 trial.  The findings will be presented at
the 2006 American College of Cardiology's Annual Scientific
Session in Atlanta GA., Tuesday, March 14, and in an early
release paper to be published in the New England Journal of
Medicine.

    The ExTRACT-TIMI 25 (Enoxaparin and Thrombosis
Reperfusion for Acute Myocardial Infarction Treatment --
Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction) trial was a
randomized, double-blind, double-dummy comparison of two
anticoagulant strategies in more than 20,000 patients in 48
countries whose primary treatment for heart attack was
injection of a clot busting medication (fibrinolytic
therapy).  A new strategy using enoxaparin, a low molecular
weight heparin, was used for the duration of the heart
attack patient's hospitalization and was compared with the
current strategy of the commonly prescribed blood thinner,
unfractionated heparin for at least 48 hours.  The TIMI
Study Group determined which of the two blood thinning
strategies was more effective at preventing heart attack
patients from either dying or having a second but nonfatal
heart attack within one month after treatment.

    The results showed that the risk of death or recurrent
non-fatal heart attack was significantly reduced by 17 per
cent for patients who were administered the enoxaparin
strategy compared to those who received the unfractionated
heparin strategy.  The benefits of the enoxaparin strategy
became apparent within 48 hours.  At the end of one month,
the risk of recurrent non-fatal heart attack was
significantly reduced by 33 per cent for patients given the
enoxaparin strategy compared with those given the
unfractionated heparin strategy.  A total of 7.5 per cent
of patients who received unfractionated heparin died
compared to 6.9 per cent who were given enoxaparin.

    Elliott Antman, M.D. Director, Samuel A. Levine Cardiac
Unit at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Professor of Medicine,
Harvard Medical School, and lead author of the ExTRACT-TIMI
25 study said, "The results of this trial are dramatic
and significant; a strategy using enoxaparin prevents more
patients from dying or having a second heart attack within
30 days of treatment compared to the strategy using
unfractionated heparin, which up to now has been considered
the standard blood thinner regimen used to support
fibrinolytic therapy."  He continued,
"Enoxaparin, a modified form of unfractionated
heparin, interrupts the clotting system more efficiently
and more reliably than unfractionated heparin.  By doing
so, enoxaparin prevents blood clots from forming again in
arteries that carry blood to the heart muscle."

    The rates of serious bleeding overall were lower than
reported in previous trials.  The patients who received the
enoxaparin strategy compared with the unfractionated heparin
strategy did have a small but significant increase in the
risk of serious bleeding episodes.  However, when the
balance of benefits and risks where weighed ("net
clinical benefit") the results strongly favored the
enoxaparin strategy.

    The study has critical importance for the treatment of
most patients who suffer a heart attack.  Dr. Antman said.
"Although opening a blocked coronary artery with a
balloon-tipped catheter, or percutaneous coronary
intervention, has been shown to be an effective treatment
for heart attack patients who come to specialized centers,
the vast majority of patients worldwide receive
clot-busting medications to treat their heart
attack."

    "Based on the results of the ExTRACT-TIMI 25
trial, we believe that the enoxaparin strategy is now the
preferred anticoagulant regimen to use in heart attack
patients who receive clot-busting drugs," said Eugene
Braunwald, M.D., M.A.C.C., Chairman, TIMI Study Group,
Brigham and Women's Hospital and Distinguished Hersey
Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School.

    The research was supported by a grant from
Sanofi-Aventis.

    Brigham and Women's Hospital is a 747-bed nonprofit
teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School and a founding
member of Partners HealthCare System, an integrated health
care delivery network. BWH is committed to excellence in
patient care with expertise in virtually every specialty of
medicine and surgery. The BWH medical preeminence dates back
to 1832 and today that rich history in clinical care is
coupled with its national leadership in quality improvement
and patient safety initiatives, dedication to educating and
training health care professionals, and strength in
biomedical research. With $370M in funding and more than
500 research scientists, BWH is an acclaimed leader in
clinical, basic and epidemiological investigation --
including the landmark Nurses Health Study, Physicians
Health Studies, and the Women's Health Initiative. For more
information about BWH, please visit:
www.brighamandwomens.org

    For more information, please contact:
     
     Kevin C. Myron
     Brigham and Women's Hospital
     Tel:   [phone]
     Email: [e-mail]

SOURCE  Sanofi-aventis

Symbol Technologies Simplifies Scanning With New Value-Price Bar Code Scanner

Symbol Technologies Simplifies Scanning With New Value-Price Bar Code Scanner

March 14, 2006

LS1203 Scanner Helps Distributors & Resellers Address Emerging Data Capture Markets

    HOLTSVILLE, N.Y., March 14 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ --
Symbol Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: SBL), The Enterprise
Mobility Company(TM), today introduced a new high-value
laser bar code scanner targeted at small businesses. 
Designed to withstand the rigors of everyday use, the new
cost-effective LS1203 bar code scanner is highly ergonomic,
user-friendly and delivers the performance expected from
Symbol Technologies -- the market leader in bar code
scanning products. 

    (Logo:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20041029/SYMBOLOGO )

    In a recent study by Venture Development Corporation
(VDC), Symbol handheld bar code scanners ranked the highest
in all categories according to research conducted by channel
partners, including the ability to read damaged labels,
fewest product failures, fastest read rates, longest read
range, price for performance and product warranty.
According to the study, channel partners that sell Symbol
handheld bar code scanners rated Symbol as the leader for
customer service, post-sale services, product training and
for sharing quality sales leads.(1)

    Offering improved operational efficiencies, the LS1203
bar code scanner is designed to meet the needs of small
businesses seeking to automate processes. Potential
end-users include employees at boutique shops, gift shops,
video stores, florists and other small local retailers
seeking performance and reliability to help minimize manual
key stroke data entry errors and improve employee
productivity.

    "The new LS1203 laser scanner offers smaller
retailers and customers in emerging markets a reliable and
feature-rich laser scanner at an affordable price,"
said Bob Sanders, vice president and general manager of
Symbol's advanced data capture division. "With its
durable design, the new LS1203 is a great option for
distributors and resellers who typically bundle the scanner
into their point-of-sale offering." 

    The new LS1203 scanner provides a sleek, lightweight
form factor for maximum comfort and reduced user fatigue.
Its durable design can withstand up to five-foot drops to
concrete and multiple interfaces providing investment
protection for customers that decide to update their
point-of-sale system.  

    The LS1203 scanner is available with Service from the
Start Advance Exchange Support.  This three-year service
plan includes comprehensive support which extends normal
wear and tear coverage to include repair of plastics, exit
windows and other components that are accidentally damaged
during use, providing an extra layer of investment
protection for customers. Under the Advance Exchange
service model, customers call Symbol customer support and a
replacement LS1203 scanner is shipped to the customer via
overnight delivery. Service from the Start Advanced
Exchange Support also entitles customer to toll-free
telephone access to Symbol technical support teams for
problem diagnosis and issue resolution. 

    The Symbol LS1203 laser bar code scanner has a list
price of $155 and is currently available to order globally
through Symbol partners. 

    About Symbol Technologies

    Symbol Technologies, Inc., The Enterprise Mobility
Company(TM), is a recognized worldwide leader in enterprise
mobility, delivering products and solutions that capture,
move and manage information in real time to and from the
point of business activity. Symbol enterprise mobility
solutions integrate advanced data capture products, radio
frequency identification technology, mobile computing
platforms, wireless infrastructure, mobility software and
world-class services programs under the Symbol Enterprise
Mobility Services brand. Symbol enterprise mobility
products and solutions are proven to increase workforce
productivity, reduce operating costs, drive operational
efficiencies and realize competitive advantages for the
world's leading companies.  More information is available
at http://www.symbol.com .

    For more information, please contact:

    For media information:
     Traci Hoch                     
     Symbol Technologies, Inc.      
     Tel:   [phone]                  
     Email: [e-mail]         

     Betsy Blicharz
     Edelman Public Relations
     Tel:   [phone]
     Email: [e-mail]

    For financial information:     
     Lori Chaitman                 
     Symbol Technologies, Inc.      
     Tel:   [phone]                   
     Email: [e-mail]      


    For industry analyst information:
     Shirley Schroedl
     Symbol Technologies, Inc.
     Tel:   [phone]
     Email: [e-mail]

    (1) Venture Development Corporation: "The Global
AIDC Industry Business 
        Planning Service 2005," November 2005

SOURCE  Symbol Technologies, Inc.

Ekahau Connects With Digi to Location-Enable Wireless LAN Devices

Ekahau Connects With Digi to Location-Enable Wireless LAN Devices

March 14, 2006

Ekahau's Embedded Technology Delivers Streamlined, Tagless Deployment of Real Time Location Services via Digi WLAN Modules

    SAN DIEGO, March 14 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Ekahau Inc.
today announced that it is collaborating with Digi
International(R) (Nasdaq: DGII) to embed Ekahau's
location-enabling technology into the Digi Connect(R)
family of wireless LAN embedded modules and external device
server products. The Digi Connect 802.11b WLAN products
provide wireless connectivity to a wide range of edge
devices, such as medical equipment in health care
facilities and industry leading WPA2/802.11i security which
is a critical requirement in many commercial-grade
applications. By enhancing the Digi Connect product line
with location tracking capabilities from Ekahau, customers
will have a robust and secure wireless networking solution
that allows them to easily and cost-effectively add
applications to track assets, equipment and people.

    As part of this close collaborative effort, Ekahau is
licensing its software to Digi, which is integrating the
software into the Digi Connect Wi-EM, Digi Connect Wi-ME,
and Digi Connect Wi-SP products. These products are used by
many industries including health care, manufacturing,
mining, oil and gas. By integrating the Digi Connect
802.11b product with the Located by Ekahau in a IV pump,
forklift or even a miner's lighting system, these assets
become immediately trackable with the deployment of the
Ekahau Real Time Location System (RTLS) solution.

    "The addition of Ekahau's real-time location
services to our Digi Connect product line allows us to give
our customers a way to increase the value and utility of
their Wi-Fi networks," said Steve Ericson, director,
product management, Digi International. "Ekahau's
non-proprietary software solution in combination with
Digi's highly secure and standards-based wireless product
offering is distinctive because it will integrate easily
and cost-effectively with existing Wi-Fi networks. And, by
having Ekahau's software integrated into our products, we
are making it easier for our customers to leverage their
wireless infrastructure investment by eliminating the need
to purchase specialized RFID tags or deploy a separate,
proprietary system when they're ready to add location
tracking applications."

    Located by Ekahau Initiative

    "This OEM agreement with Digi is the first in a
series of similar agreements that Ekahau will be entering
into as part of its Located by Ekahau initiative."
Located by Ekahau is a program in which Ekahau partners
with wireless device manufacturers to incorporate Ekahau's
industry-leading Wi-Fi enabled RTLS solutions in new and
existing products. With Located by Ekahau,
location-enabling technology will be embedded into a myriad
of devices -- Voice over WiFi (VoWiFi) handsets, with Wi-Fi
adapters, laptops, PDAs, barcode and RFID scanners, medical
equipment and other special purpose tools.  This
infrastructure allows end users to quickly deploy RTLS
solutions using existing Wi-Fi networks for tracking assets
and people without the need to purchase specialized tags.

    "Wireless device manufacturers are becoming
acutely aware that they must include a location-enabling
component in their product offerings in order to stand out
in a competitive market," said Tuomo Rutanen, vice
president of business development for Ekahau.  "This
partnership with Digi exemplifies how Ekahau can work with
manufacturers to deliver a comprehensive solution that
allows end users to quickly deploy advanced wireless
applications."

    You will be able to see a demonstration of the Located
by Ekahau utility on the Digi booth at the Embedded Systems
Conference in San Jose April 4 - 6th.

    About Ekahau Inc.

    Ekahau Inc. is the industry leader in providing Wi-Fi
based RTLS solutions. Ekahau's customers, including several
Fortune 500 companies worldwide, are realizing the benefits
of Wi-Fi based location services and innovative Wi-Fi
network planning and optimization tools. Ekahau partners
include wireless software developers, leading system
integrators, and international OEM partners, who develop
and market wireless enterprise applications. Ekahau is a
U.S. based corporation, with offices in Saratoga, CA;
Reston, VA; Helsinki, Finland and Hong Kong, China.  For
more information about Ekahau, please visit at
http://www.ekahau.com .

    About Digi International

    Digi International(R), based in Minneapolis, makes
device networking easy by developing products and
technologies that are cost effective and easy to use. Digi
markets its products through a global network of
distributors and resellers, systems integrators and
original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).  For more
information, visit http://www.digi.com .

    For more information, please contact:

    U.S. Media 
     Juliet Travis, 
     Rocket Science PR
     Tel:   [phone] x5
     Email: [e-mail]

    Ekahau 
     Jarmo Ikonen, 
     Sales Director
     Tel:   [phone]
     Email: [e-mail]

SOURCE  Ekahau Inc.

Corning to Present 2005 Optical Fiber Market Overview

Corning to Present 2005 Optical Fiber Market Overview

March 14, 2006

Optical Fiber Market Grew 15 Percent in 2005; Fiber-to-the-home Deployments Continue to Drive Fiber Demand

    ANAHEIM, Calif., March 14 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ --
Corning Incorporated (NYSE: GLW) will provide its
perspective on the 2005 worldwide optical fiber market with
a focus on global fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) activity.  The
25th annual Optical Fiber Briefing will be held today via
conference call and live audio webcast in conjunction with
the OFC/NFOEC Conference in Anaheim, Calif., at 8:30 a.m.
PST. 

    The overview, presented by Eric S. Musser, vice
president and general manager of Corning Optical Fiber,
will include a breakdown of fiber volume demand by region
and application.  Musser will also address Corning's 2005
telecommunications segment performance, its plan for 2006
and provide an update on Corning fiber, cable, hardware and
equipment product developments. 

    2005 Fiber Market

    Musser will say the total 2005 worldwide fiber market
grew approximately 15 percent to 68 million kilometers
versus last year's market of about 58 million fiber
kilometers.  Musser will attribute the growth to robust
demand for broadband internet connections, including FTTH.
He will add that North America and China were the two
largest fiber markets and represented more than 50 percent
of the world's demand. 

    In a breakdown by region, Musser will say the North
American market grew approximately 30 percent
year-over-year driven primarily by the full-year impact of
Verizon's FiOS(TM) project, as well as additional
deep-fiber deployments by other regional bell operating
companies.  Another driver was the rural local exchange
carriers' continued steady build out of FTTH, primarily to
add video capability to their communications networks. 

    Musser will say China represented about 20 percent of
worldwide demand and experienced 10 percent growth versus
2004, which was driven by network investment at China
Mobile.  He will add that China has become one of the most
price-challenged markets worldwide due to excess optical
fiber manufacturing capacity and a centrally controlled
tender process. 

    Western Europe, representing 15 percent of the
worldwide demand, increased by approximately 10 percent
driven primarily by increased activity from the PTTs, who
are upgrading their networks to keep pace with broadband
demand. 

    Japan, representing 15 percent of the worldwide demand,
increased 15 percent following a 40 percent decrease in
2004.  Musser will say this was driven by stronger demand
from NTT for their FTTH network build and competitive FTTH
network activity from power utility companies. 

    "Other Asia," which represented 10 percent of
the worldwide demand, experienced moderate year-over-year
growth primarily due to broadband deployments in South
Korea and backbone and metro builds in India and Pakistan.
The "Rest of World" segment, which comprised 5
percent of the worldwide demand, was flat in 2005 versus
2004. 

    Musser will continue by breaking out the estimated 2005
optical fiber demand and growth rates by application.  He
will say that in 2005 metro and access represented 85
percent of global fiber demand.  "Following growth of
20 percent in 2004 the access segment increased about 25
percent in 2005, greater than any other segment,"
Musser will add.  "Access now represents a full 50
percent of total worldwide demand and we believe it will
continue to be the principle growth segment." 

    Musser will say metro demand grew approximately 10
percent.  He will add that the metro fiber segment in North
America, Western Europe and China continued to grow as
broadband subscribers increased and drove the need for more
bandwidth. 

    The long-haul terrestrial/submarine segment accounted
for 10 percent of the total worldwide demand and the
segment was flat.  Musser will say there were some limited
extensions of existing long-haul networks in North America
and Western Europe, but that long-haul demand continues to
come from emerging markets such as Latin America, Russia
and the Middle East.  He will add that the submarine
segment saw solid growth in 2005, although off a very small
base, as most fiber inventories were consumed in 2004. 

    The premises market, accounting for 5 percent of the
total worldwide demand, grew by about 5 percent. 

    Telecommunications Segment Review

    Musser will briefly review the 2005 results for
Corning's Telecommunications segment.  He will note that
Corning achieved most of its objectives in 2005 including
continued improvements in financial performance. "The
Telecommunications segment was profitable, it was a top
cash contributor for Corning in 2005 and sales increased
year-over-year driven by growth in each of our businesses:
optical fiber, cable and hardware and equipment,"
Musser will say. 

    While addressing the Corning Telecommunications segment
plan for 2006, Musser will say the company will continue to
focus on financial performance and pursue the FTTx
opportunity through innovation.  "Corning is unique in
that we are positioned to optimize cost and performance
across all three core elements of the passive plant with
fiber, cable and hardware and equipment," Musser will
add. 

    Product Innovation

    Musser will say that innovation continues to be
important to the access space and Corning continued its
legacy of innovation by bringing over 20 new fiber, cable,
hardware and equipment products to market in 2005. 

    He will add that the company delivered on its promise
to develop a new bend-optimized optical fiber for the
access segment.  "This new fiber is one of the key
enablers for products Corning is launching for FTTx
applications," Musser will add.  "The company
also developed a new coating for its optical fiber that is
more bend tolerant, another critical feature in today's
networks and in new cable designs." 

    Musser will also point out that Corning made a
significant enhancement to LEAF(R) optical fiber, the
world's most widely deployed non-zero dispersion-shifted
fiber, by further improving the already industry leading
polarization mode dispersion (PMD) of the product.  This
improvement will enable networks to achieve ultra-high data
rates. 

    Finally, Musser will say the company is launching
Vascade(R) EX1000 fiber, a new ultra-low loss optical fiber
for the submarine market that will enable longer reach and
lower network costs. "Corning started the optical
fiber industry 35-years ago with the invention of the first
low-loss optical fiber for optical communications and today
we are launching a fiber with attenuation 100 times lower
than that initial fiber," he will say. 

    Conference Call Information

    To access the conference call, dial [phone]. 
The password is briefing and the leader is Ken Sofio.  A
replay of the call will begin approximately one hour after
the call ends and will run through 8:00 p.m. PST, Tuesday,
March 21. 

    To listen to the replay, dial [phone], no pass
code is required. To listen to a live audio webcast of the
call, please go to Corning's Web site and follow the
instructions: http://www.corning.com/investor_relations .
The audio webcast will be archived for one year following
the call. 

    About Corning Incorporated

    Corning Incorporated ( http://www.corning.com ) is a
diversified technology company that concentrates its
efforts on high-impact growth opportunities.  Corning
combines its expertise in specialty glass, ceramic
materials, polymers and the manipulation of the properties
of light, with strong process and manufacturing
capabilities to develop, engineer and commercialize
significant innovative products for the telecommunications,
flat panel display, environmental, semiconductor, and life
sciences industries. 

    Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements
that involve a variety of business risks and other
uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ
materially.  These risks and uncertainties include the
possibility of changes or fluctuations in global economic
conditions; currency exchange rates; product demand and
industry capacity; competitive products and pricing;
availability and costs of critical components and
materials; new product development and commercialization;
order activity and demand from major customers; capital
spending by larger customers in the telecommunications
industry and other business segments; the mix of sales
between premium and non-premium products; possible
disruption in commercial activities due to terrorist
activity and armed conflict; ability to obtain financing
and capital on commercially reasonable terms; acquisition
and divestiture activities; the level of excess or obsolete
inventory; the ability to enforce patents; product and
components performance issues; and litigation. These and
other risk factors are identified in Corning's filings with
the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Forward-looking
statements speak only as of the day that they are made, and
Corning undertakes no obligation to update them in light of
new information or future events.

    For more information, please contact:

    Media Relations:
    Corning China
     Lydia Lu 
     Tel:   [phone] x1900
     Email: [e-mail]

    US Corning
     Monica L. Ott
     Tel:   [phone]
     Email: [e-mail]

     Lisa A. Burns
     Tel:   [phone]
     Email: [e-mail]

    Investor Relations:
    US Corning
     Ken C. Sofio
     Tel:   [phone]
     Email: [e-mail]

SOURCE  Corning Incorporated

Nations First Circular Economy Promotion Center Incorporated in TEDA

Nations First Circular Economy Promotion Center Incorporated in TEDA

March 14, 2006

    TIANJIN, China, March 14 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Tianjin
Economic-Technological Development Area (TEDA) announced
today that the nations first circular economy institution
-- Taida circular Economy Promotion Center (TCEPC) was
recently incorporated in TEDA after a year's preparation. 


    Jointly established by the TEDA Management Committee
and Nankai University, TCEPC has been positioned to act as
the bond linking industries, universities and research
institutes for the circular economy construction and a
supporting platform for technological talents in Binhai New
Area, and possibly even Tianjin as a whole.  TCEPC will give
full play to Nankai University's superiority in
technological talents and strive to build an
"experimental field" for the development of a
circular economy in TEDA, based on the realities of
thousands of multinational companies and the enterprises
capable of independent innovation in TEDA.    

    TCEPC serves as a bridge that promotes communication
and cooperation between government and enterprises, which
on one hand provides decision support for the government
and on the other hand provides paid services for
enterprises.  TCEPC will also promulgate some preferential
policies with strong pertinence.  Together with price
leverages and in compliance with the market principles,
TCEPC will encourage resource-intensive production, inhibit
resource waste, reduce waste emissions and promote
construction of ecological chains.   

    TCEPC mainly focuses on the following targets:
construction of an information system, including the
development of a circular economy website; circular economy
information and database construction; approval of clean
production; technological research on regional development
of a circular economy; online communication on industrial
waste; authentication of enterprises with industrial waste
ecological symbols, and so on.  It aims to develop TEDA
into a modern production base characterized by industrial
intergrowth and recycling within 10 to 15 years. 

    Professor Zhu Tan form the Environment and Engineering
College of Nankai University commented on the function of
TCEPC in the development of a circular economy, "This
center allows the TEDA government to access a whole set of
information on a circular economy, which will facilitate
TEDA to set up the ecological industrial chain capable of
industrial intergrowth at the fastest speed.  Meanwhile,
through this center, 10-15 enterprises in TEDA will pass
the verification on clean production every year.  Thus,
many enterprises will get the green passport towards the
international market."    

    Brief Introduction to Tianjin Economic-Technological
Development Area

    Tianjin Economic-Technological Development Area
(abbreviated to TEDA, with "Taida" as its Chinese
transliteration) was established in 1984, upon the approval
of the State Council of the People's Republic of China.  It
was one of the first state-level economic and technological
development zones in the country. 

    Located in the centre of the Circum-Bohai economic
circle and in the east of the Eurasia continental bridge,
TEDA is a portal to such two metropolises as Beijing and
Tianjin and a vital passage to Northeast China. So far over
3,300 overseas-founded companies have settled in TEDA.  Of
the Fortune 500 enterprises, 57 overseas transnational
companies from 10 countries and regions have made
investments in 123 enterprises that are based in TEDA,
including companies such as Motorola, Sumsung and Toyota. 
In 2000, TEDA was acclaimed by Fortune of U.S. as "the
most admired industrial park of China." In 2002, it was
elected by the United Nations Industrial Development
Organization (UNIDO), along with five other Chinese cities
and areas including Shenzhen, Suzhou, Pudong New Area of
Shanghai, etc., "the most dynamic regions of
China."

    For more information, please contact:

     Ding Lei
     Tel:   [phone]
     
     Xu Hui
     Tel:   [phone] 
     
SOURCE  Tianjin Economic-Technological Development Area

KDDI Selects Sonus Networks to Deploy Largest VoIP Network in Japan

KDDI Selects Sonus Networks to Deploy Largest VoIP Network in Japan

March 14, 2006

Leading Japanese Broadband Provider Plans to Build VoIP Network to Provide High Value-Added Telecommunications Services

    CHELMSFORD, Mass. and TOKYO, March 14
/Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Sonus Networks (Nasdaq: SONS), a
leading supplier of service provider voice over IP (VoIP)
infrastructure solutions, today announced that KDDI, a
leading telecommunication service provider in Japan,
selected Sonus Networks as the exclusive vendor for their
convergence-enabled packet voice network.

    In the first phase of this multi-million dollar
contract, KDDI is deploying Sonus' industry-leading
architecture, including the GSX9000(TM) Open Services
Switch, the PSX(TM) Call Routing Server and the Sonus
Insight(TM) Element Management System.  The new packet
voice network will deliver enhanced voice services to one
of the most technologically advanced societies in the world
and is planned to be the largest IP telephony network in
Japan. 

    "By 2008, KDDI plans to have 100 percent of its
long-distance traffic on a Sonus-based VoIP network,"
said Yukio Takahashi, General Manager, IP Network
Engineering Division, Corporate Technology Sector, KDDI
Corporation.  "Sonus has demonstrated a clear
commitment to the Japanese market, with a proven record of
delivering superior products and customer support.  With
this implementation, we will realize substantial
operational savings and have the flexibility to expand our
IP-based network to offer feature-rich next generation
services, thereby delivering enhanced customer loyalty and
satisfaction."

    In the first phase of this deployment, KDDI is
deploying Sonus' solution to deliver long distance
functionality for their consumer voice service plans --
Metal Plus, MYLINE and Hikari Plus.  In future phases of
the deployment, KDDI will expand its ubiquitous network to
deliver triple-play services to customers nationwide.

    "KDDI's deployment represents a major milestone in
the evolution of the market and reaffirms their leadership
position in the broadband communications industry,"
said Hassan Ahmed, chairman and CEO, Sonus Networks. 
"KDDI has taken a very aggressive approach because
they recognize both the immediate and longer term benefits
to their business and their customers.  We are very proud
that KDDI has selected Sonus as the foundation for their
new VoIP network." 

    "Sonus Networks is uniquely positioned to
effectively enable KDDI's transition to a VoIP network
because of our experience in the Japanese market and the
proven scalability and reliability of our solutions in both
wireline and wireless networks.  By deploying a packet voice
network from Sonus, KDDI can be confident that they will
continue to deliver the same high levels of service that
their customers have come to expect.  Additionally, the
Sonus solution enables KDDI to rapidly expand their network
into new segments of the market and to deliver new
services," said Takayuki Oshima, Managing Director of
Japan, Sonus Networks.  
    
    About KDDI 

    KDDI Corporation ( http://www.kddi.com/english ) is the
only single company in Japan that can provide full-service
telecommunications and answer all customer needs from
fixed-line to mobile telecommunications as well as
comprehensive Internet services.  Taking full advantage of
the integrated strengths, the company realizes the
convergence of Mobile and the Internet to create a highly
advanced telecommunications environment and provide
customers with unsurpassed service.  KDDI restarted with
the merger of DDI, KDD and IDO on October 1, 2000 to
combine the cumulative business resources of three
companies that include not only extensive achievements in
the fields of domestic, international and mobile
communications, but also world-renowned R&D
capabilities and a cutting-edge infrastructure realized by
an optical-fiber network.

    About Sonus Networks 

    Sonus Networks, Inc. is a leading provider of voice
over IP (VoIP) infrastructure solutions for wireline and
wireless service providers.  With its comprehensive IP
Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) solution, Sonus addresses the
full range of carrier applications, including residential
and business voice services, wireless voice and multimedia,
trunking and tandem switching, carrier interconnection and
enhanced services. Sonus' voice infrastructure solutions
are deployed in service provider networks worldwide. 
Founded in 1997, Sonus is headquartered in Chelmsford,
Massachusetts.  Additional information on Sonus is
available at http://www.sonusnet.com .

    This release may contain forward-looking statements
regarding future events that involve risks and
uncertainties.  Readers are cautioned that these
forward-looking statements are only predictions and may
differ materially from actual future events or results. 
Readers are referred to the "Risk Factors"
section of Sonus' Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated March
15, 2005, and the "Cautionary Statements" section
of Sonus' Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, dated November 8,
2005, both filed with the SEC, which identify important
risk factors that could cause actual results to differ from
those contained in the forward-looking statements.  Risk
factors include among others: the impact of material
weaknesses in our disclosure controls and procedures and
our internal control over financial reporting on our
ability to report our financial results timely and
accurately; the unpredictability of our quarterly financial
results; risks associated with our international expansion
and growth; consolidation in the telecommunications
industry; and potential costs resulting from pending
securities litigation against the company.  Any
forward-looking statements represent Sonus' views only as
of today and should not be relied upon as representing
Sonus' views as of any subsequent date.  While Sonus may
elect to update forward-looking statements at some point,
Sonus specifically disclaims any obligation to do so.

    Sonus is a registered trademark of Sonus Networks, Inc.
 All other company and product names may be trademarks of
the respective companies with which they are associated.

    For more information, please contact:  

    Media Relations (Asia):				
     Chew Peng Healey					
     Tel:   [phone]					
     Email: [e-mail]				 

    Media Relations (US):
     Sarah McAuley	
     Tel:   [phone]	
     Email: [e-mail]

    Investor Relations:  
     Jocelyn Philbrook
     Tel:   [phone]
     Email: [e-mail]

    Media Relations (EMEA):
     Tom Cheesewright 
     Tel:   [phone]
     Email: [e-mail]

SOURCE  Sonus Networks

Luminary Micro Presents Its First Online Press Conference

Luminary Micro Presents Its First Online Press Conference

March 14, 2006

Monday, March 27, 2006
'How Far Will Your Dollar Go in the Embedded World?'

    AUSTIN, Texas, March 14 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Luminary
Micro, Inc. ( http://www.luminarymicro.com ), which makes
ARM-based SOCs, will hold its first online press conference
on Monday, March 27, 2006.  The company will be announcing
how its entrance into the embedded world will change that
industry.  Interested attendees need to register now at
http://www.LuminaryMicro.com/PressConference/ in order to
attend and participate in question-and-answer sessions. 
The conference will be broadcast worldwide at the following
times: 

     *  Monday, March 27, 2006 13:00 GMT (2pm in London) 
     *  Monday, March 27, 2006 18:00 GMT (10am in San
Francisco) 
     *  Tuesday, March 28, 2006 02:00 GMT (10am in Hong
Kong) 

    Additionally, personal online briefings will be
accommodated for those unable to participate during one of
the scheduled times by contacting the company via email at
[e-mail] . 

    Luminary Micro is a fabless semiconductor company based
in Austin, Texas.  This will be the company's first
corporate and product announcement. 

    For help in finding the time that is right for your
location, go to
http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/converter.html . 

    For additional assistance, please contact: 

    Company Contact:                      
     Jean Anne Booth                       
     Mobile: [phone]                   
     Tel:    [phone]               
     Email:  [e-mail]      

    Media Contact:
     Karen Johnson
     Mobile: [phone]
     Tel:    [phone]
     Email:  [e-mail] 

SOURCE  Luminary Micro, Inc.

NetEconomy Continues Rapid Growth With Significant New Customer Wins

NetEconomy Continues Rapid Growth With Significant New Customer Wins

March 15, 2006

New Customers and Corporate Growth Set the Stage for Continued Momentum in 2006

    THE HAGUE, Netherlands, March 15 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ --
NetEconomy, the leading provider of real-time enterprise
risk monitoring solutions for the finance industry, today
announced that 12 new customers have selected its ERASE
Financial Crime Suite solution to detect and deter fraud,
market abuse, money laundering and terrorist financing
schemes.
    Among the new customers are Bank of the Philippine
Islands (BPI), Close Private Bank, Bank Muscat, Bank of
Baroda, Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) Dexia Investor Services,
and AXA Banque France.  These new wins, coupled by
substantial repeat business from existing customers, is
generating significant momentum and driving expansion in
both the United States and Europe.
    "These recent wins further validate our leadership
in the Financial Crime Solutions marketplace," said
Henry Barenholz, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at
NetEconomy.  "Our growing roster of global customers
recognize the need for a flexible, cost-effective and
highly effective financial crime solution that delivers
measurable business benefits."
    "Enhancing compliance effectiveness is a key
initiative for our organization in 2006," stated Jason
Monaghan from Close Private Bank.  "Realizing the
inherent benefits of aligning our compliance practices with
risk management, we needed a partner who could support our
vision with the right technology.  NetEconomy's financial
crime suite arms us to effectively detect and prevent an
array of financial crime activity without the cost and
resource burden of implementing and managing disparate
tools for individual crime areas."

    Office Expansion
    To support growing customer adoption of its solutions,
NetEconomy extended its global footprint with the opening
of new offices in Paris and New York City.  These new
regional offices house expert enterprise risk management
sales and support staff whose mission is to help customers
align their compliance and financial crime fighting
initiatives to streamline operations and increase
transparency to meet growing regulatory, government and
industry mandates.

    About NetEconomy
    NetEconomy, founded in 1993, is the leading provider of
real-time enterprise software solutions to financial
institutions for monitoring transactions to prevent, detect
and manage financial crime, including money laundering,
employee fraud, external fraud and market abuse. NetEconomy
brings business value to its global customer base by
minimizing business and regulatory risk, increasing
profitability, and protecting corporate brand/reputation. 
For mor.e information visit http://www.neteconomy.com.

SOURCE  NetEconomy
    -0-                             03/14/2006
    /CONTACT:  Alison Holland, CAMS of NetEconomy,
[phone], [e-mail]; or John Carter of
FitzGerald Communications, 
[phone], [e-mail], for NetEconomy/
    /Web site:  http://www.neteconomy.com /

AnalogicTech Announces Two New RGB Controllers

AnalogicTech Announces Two New RGB Controllers

March 13, 2006

Integration Simplifies Design of RGB Diode Sequencing for Mobile Phones

    SUNNYVALE, Calif., March 13 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ --
Advanced Analogic Technologies Incorporated (AnalogicTech)
(Nasdaq: AATI), a developer of power management
semiconductors for mobile consumer electronic devices,
today announced the highly integrated AAT4295 and AAT4297
RGB controllers.  Targeted at portable systems, the two new
controllers dramatically simplify the design and layout of
fashion lighting functions by eliminating the need for
multiple discrete devices while saving valuable GPIO
resources.  

    (Logo: 
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050829/SFTU089LOGO )

    To generate the three colors in an RGB LED, designers
must typically sequence the diodes and control the current
going to each separate red, blue, and green diodes within
the package. "Designers would typically need to use
three separate MOSFETs, all the associated interface
circuitry, and three GPIO pins on the system processor to
drive the RGB LED," explains Phil Dewsbury, Product
Line Director for AnalogicTech. "With the AAT4295 and
AAT4297, designers can now support up to two RGB LEDs while
eliminating the need for discrete MOSFETs and save the GPIO
lines for other system functions."

    Three, Six-Channel Versions

    The three-channel AAT4295 supports the use of a single
RGB LED while the six-channel AAT4297 supports the design
of systems with two RGB LEDs.  The state of each output
channel is controlled with a single GPIO line via the
EN/SET pin using AnalogicTech's Simple Serial Control(TM)
(S2Cwire(TM)) serial digital interface.  Both the AAT4295
and the AAT4297 can also be used for general-purpose
applications whenever a load requires a low-side switch
connection to ground. 

    The AAT4295 and AAT4297 operate over a 1.8V to 5.5V
input range.  Both devices consume less than 3uA of
quiescent current. 

    Price and Availability

    Rated over the -40 degrees C to +85 degrees C
temperature range, the AAT4295 and AAT4297 are available
now.  The AAT4295 is offered in a tiny (2.0x2.1mm) Pb-free,
8-pin SC70JW package and sells for $0.71 in 1,000-unit
quantities. The AAT4297 is offered in a Pb-free, 12-pin
TSOPJW package and sells for $0.90 in 1,000-unit
quantities.

    About AnalogicTech

    Advanced Analogic Technologies Incorporated
(AnalogicTech) is a supplier of power management
semiconductors for mobile consumer electronic devices, such
as wireless handsets, notebook and tablet computers,
smartphones, digital cameras, and digital audio players.
The company focuses its design and marketing efforts on the
application-specific power management needs of consumer,
communications, and computing applications in these rapidly
evolving devices. AnalogicTech is headquartered in
Sunnyvale, California, with offices in Beijing, Hong Kong,
Japan, Shanghai, Shenzhen, South Korea, Sweden, and Taiwan,
as well as a worldwide network of sales representatives and
distributors. For more information, please visit the
AnalogicTech website:  http://www.analogictech.com .
(AnalogicTech - G)

    "Safe Harbor" Statement Under the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

    Statements contained in this release that are not
historical facts are forward-looking statements, as that
term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform
Act of 1995.  Forward-looking statements, including
financial projections and forecasts, involve risks and
uncertainties that could cause AnalogicTech's actual
results to differ materially from our current expectations.
Factors that could cause AnalogicTech's results to differ
materially from those set forth in these forward-looking
statements include customers' cancellation or modification
of their orders; our failure to accurately forecast demand
for our products; the loss of, or a significant reduction
in orders from, any of our significant customers;
fluctuations in our operating results; our inability to
develop and sell new products; defects in or failures of
our products; the expense and uncertainty involved in our
customer design-win efforts; the financial viability of the
distributors of our products; consumer demand for cellular
phones and other mobile consumer electronic devices;
worldwide economic and political conditions, particularly
in Asia; fluctuations in our costs to manufacture our
products; our reliance on third parties to manufacture,
test, assemble and ship our products; our ability to retain
and attract key personnel; our ability to compete with our
competitors; and our ability to protect our intellectual
property rights and not infringe the intellectual property
rights of others. Other factors that may cause our actual
results to differ from those set forth in the
forward-looking statements contained in this press release
and that may affect our prospects in general are described
in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
including our Registration Statement on Form S-1 related to
our initial public offering. AnalogicTech undertakes no
obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements
to reflect subsequent events or changed assumptions or
circumstances.

    NOTE:  AnalogicTech and the AnalogicTech logo are
trademarks of Advanced Analogic Technologies Incorporated. 
All other brand and product names appearing in this document
are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective
holders.

    For more information, please contact:

    U.S. Headquarters
     David Brown, 
     Sr. Application Engineer  
     Advanced Analogic Technologies Incorporated
     Tel:   [phone]
     Email: [e-mail]

    Europe
     Phil Dewsbury, 
     Product Line Director
     Advanced Analogic Technologies Incorporated
     Tel:   [phone]
     Email: [e-mail]

    Agency Contact
     Matthew Quint, 
     Principal, 
     Quint Public Relations
     Tel:   [phone]
     Email: [e-mail]

SOURCE  Advanced Analogic Technologies Incorporated 

JBlend(TM) Featured in NTT DoCoMo's First Terrestrial Digital TV Mobile Handset, the FOMA(TM) P901iTV

JBlend(TM) Featured in NTT DoCoMo's First Terrestrial Digital TV Mobile Handset, the FOMA(TM) P901iTV

March 13, 2006

    TOKYO, March 13 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Aplix
Corporation's (TSE: 3727) JBlend(TM) Java(TM) platform will
be featured in FOMA(TM) P901iTV handsets made by Panasonic
Mobile Communications.  The P901iTV handsets will be the
first that can be used to receive "One-segment"
terrestrial digital broadcasts offered by NTT DoCoMo.

    The P901iTV handsets can be used to view the new
"One-segment" digital television broadcasts,
which are scheduled to start from April 1, 2006.  The
"One-segment" service will mark the integration
of broadcasting and telephone communications, paving the
way for new kinds of content and interactive services.

    In the P901iTV handsets, EPG (Electronic Programming
Guide) functionality will be handled as an i-appli(TM);
intelligent links between the EPG and the
"One-segment" broadcasts will make it easy for
viewers to select and schedule the programs they are
interested in.  JBlend not only supports the above
features, but also supports the EPG to allow users to set
up alarms for the scheduled TV programs. 

    As the functionality of FOMA handsets expands, JBlend,
which is already featured in all six models in DoCoMo's
902i series, continues to enable users to enjoy a rich and
interactive Java experience, including games and multimedia
applications. 

    Java technology is increasingly gathering momentum as a
technical platform for household devices in the era of
ubiquitous computing.  JBlend is our unique platform
enabling never before seen features on mobile phones, and
increasingly on digital devices.  JBlend has already been
deployed on over 170 million devices around the world. 
Aplix continues its innovative efforts to contribute to the
development of consumer products that are even more
appealing and easier to use than those we have today.

    About Aplix Corporation

    Aplix Corporation is the global leader in deploying
Java technology in mobile phones.  Aplix was first
established in 1986 and has been a Sun Java licensee since
1996.  Aplix was publicly listed on the Tokyo Stock
Exchange (Mothers) in 2003.  On August 24, 2004 Aplix and
the Taiwan based company iaSolution finalized the
integration of the corporations.

    Headquarters: Tokyo
    Regional offices: San Francisco, Munich, Taipei,
Shanghai, Beijing, and 
                      Korea (in progress)

    For more information, please visit:
http://www.aplixcorp.com and http://www.iasolution.net .

    About the JBlend Platform

    The JBlend platform is the de facto solution for
running Java applications and services in consumer
electronics devices, including mobile phones.  The platform
has been licensed by over 50 companies as of December 2005.

    JBlend technology:

     -- Sets the pace by maintaining market leadership
through innovation. 
     -- Has proven results, enabling first-to-market
deliveries for our 
        customers. 
     -- Over 170 million mobile phones and consumer
electronics devices 
        have been shipped with JBlend as of December 2005.


     -- JBlend and all related trademarks thereto are
trademarks or 
        registered trademarks of Aplix Corporation in Japan
and other 
        countries.
     -- Java and all other Java-based marks are trademarks
or registered 
        trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the United
States and other 
        countries.
     -- "FOMA" and "i-appli" are
trademarks or registered trademark of 
        NTT DoCoMo, Inc. in Japan and other countries.
     -- NTT DoCoMo's FOMA service is only available to
subscribers in Japan.
     -- All other product or service names are the property
of their 
        respective owners.

    For more information, please contact:

     Akiko Sharp Doi
     Aplix Corporation
     Email: [e-mail]
     Tel:   [phone]
     Web:   http://www.aplixcorp.com

SOURCE  Aplix Corporation

EURAIL Reports Positive 2005 Results Despite Tough Year for Tourism Industry

EURAIL Reports Positive 2005 Results Despite Tough Year for Tourism Industry

March 10, 2006

    UTRECHT, Netherlands, March 10 /Xinhua-Prnewswire/ --
The EURAIL GROUP G.I.E. released full-year results for 2005
showing a EURAIL traveller's traffic growth of 24%.  This
despite various events such as acts of terrorism, natural
disasters, and oil price raises, strong exchange rate
fluctuations and economic and political uncertainties --
that faced the international tourism industry in 2005.

    EURAIL number of passengers beat expectations by
growing to 374.000 passengers in 2005 (an increase of 24%
compared to 2004) and achieving a 19.4% revenue increase to
a total of 154 Million USD (a growth of 17% compared to
2004).

    The increase of 24% in number of passengers represents
a staggering 73.000 additional EURAIL travellers mainly
from North America (57%) followed by Asia (27% and showing
increases in most countries) and the Pacific (10% with
strong growth in especially Australia).

    In terms of Eurail Passes choices, the Eurail Select
Pass, allowing unlimited rail travel in 3, 4 or 5 country
combinations, was in 2005 again by far the most popular
rail pass.

    A month-by-month analysis shows that a significant
percentage of the EURAIL travellers visited Europe in the
months from May to July `05 thereby following a trend set
in previous years.  This analysis is viewable in chart
format at http://www.prnewswire.co.uk or
http://media.prnewswire.com .

     Market research, conducted by the EURAIL Group in the
North American market, confirms a new trend whereby
travellers instead of doing all their rail travel in one
consecutive period over the European summer period,
increasingly plan several trips throughout the year to one
to two countries specifically over a shorter period of
time.  With the introduction of the new Eurail Regional and
National Pass range the EURAIL GROUP aims to meet this
changing trend and changes in customer demand.

    In January 2006, EURAIL launched a new series of
National Passes for 9 participating countries (Finland,
Greece, Holland, Hungary, Norway, Poland, Romania, Spain
and Sweden) and is working on adding additional countries
in 2006 and beyond.  This with the aim to make rail travel
more attractive and flexible for both tourists and business
travellers.

    As tourist arrivals for 2006 at European destinations
are forecast to rise more than 3% over 2005, the EURAIL
Group expects to see a significant growth in its rail pass
sales surpassing 2005 results.

    The EURAIL Group comprises 26 railways and shipping
lines, as well as several bonus partners. For more
information about Eurail and rail travel in Europe, go to
http://www.Eurail.com .

    All Eurail products are available from travel agents
and from our authorised sales agents worldwide: ACP Rail
International,  http://www.eurail-acprail.com; Rail Europe,
http://www.raileurope.fr; Rail Europe 4A,
http://www.raileurope.fr/wheretobuy, Flight Centre,
http://www.flightcentre.com and Gullivers Travel Associates

http://www.gta-travel.com .

    For more information, please contact:

     Mrs Ana Dias e Seixas, 
     Marketing Manager 
     EURAIL GROUP G.I.E.
     Tel:   [phone]
     Fax:   [phone]
     Email: [e-mail]

SOURCE  EURAIL GROUP G.I.E.

Tut Systems Delivers Academy Awards With China Netcom

Tut Systems Delivers Academy Awards With China Netcom

March 09, 2006

Astria(R) Content Processors Delivers Oscar Footage to All 34 Provinces in China

    LAKE OSWEGO, Ore., March 9 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Tut
Systems Inc. (Nasdaq: TUTS), an industry leader enabling
the delivery of next-generation data and video services
over broadband networks, today announced that through its
partnership with China Network Communications Corporation
(CNC), it provided content contribution solutions for
delivery of the 78th Annual Academy Awards to CCTV6, the
movie channel of CCTV.

    The joint solution with CNC sourced the original feeds
from global satellite transponders and provided the
encoding and decoding technology to provide translation and
editing of the content for customized delivery to the
Chinese marketplace.  CCTV6 then broadcast the channel to
all 34 provinces throughout China. 

    "In identifying a solutions partner for our video
transportation business, we looked for a market leader with
advanced technology and a strong history of successful,
real-world deployments," said Mr. Zhu of Beijing CNC. 
"Tut Systems has a long history of technological
leadership and we were glad they were able to be a part of
this historic event."

    "For many years we have supplied video processing
equipment to markets throughout China," said Bob
Noonan, Vice President of Global Sales and Customer Care
for Tut Systems.  "We were proud to be part of this
watershed event and look forward to a long and continuing
relationship with our customers in China."

    The Industry's Leading IPTV Platform for Telcos

    More than 160 service providers across five continents
deliver IPTV powered by Tut Systems digital headends.  The
Astria family of video processing platforms, which serves
as the core of the company's digital headend solution,
processes both analog and digital video streams from
multiple satellite and local sources in a variety of
formats.  The Astria CP supports MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 AVC
video compression, local ad insertion, forward error
correction and provides real-time conditioning for
distribution of video and audio over any ATM, IP, or RF
broadband network.  The Astria VSP provides the highest
density, carrier class, single chassis product for the
delivery of IP video over RF broadband access networks,
including coax and FTTP (Fiber to the Premises).

    About China Network Communications Group Corporation 

    China Network Communications Corporation (CNC) is a
super telecommunications enterprise in China and the fixed
telecommunications service partner for the 2008 Olympic
Games. It is a well-known telecommunications operator both
in China and in the world.  The predecessor of CNC had a
history of over 100 years. On May 16th 2002, CNC was
established on the basis of the former China Telecom Group
Corporation and its affiliated telecom companies in the 10
northern provinces.

    About Tut Systems, Inc.

    Tut Systems, Inc. delivers advanced content processing
and distribution products as well as comprehensive system
integration services for deploying next-generation data and
video services over broadband networks.  Service providers,
content providers and government agencies worldwide use Tut
Systems solutions to deliver broadcast-quality video over
broadband networks.  

    Tut Systems is headquartered in Lake Oswego, OR with
regional offices across North America, Europe and Asia. 
For more information visit http://www.tutsys.com or call
971-217-0400.

    NOTE:  Astria is a registered trademark of Tut Systems,
Inc. 

    For more information, please contact:

     Hilary Goetz,
     Tut Systems, Inc.
     Tel:   [phone]
     Email: [e-mail]

SOURCE  Tut Systems, Inc.

More Victims Of China Bus Crash Return Home

More Victims Of China Bus Crash Return Home

March 09, 2006

    BEIJING, March 9 /Xinhua-Prnewswire/ -- Six victims of
the Hezhou bus crash returned home to Kuala Lumpur today,
escorted by medical teams from International SOS.

    The six victims were admitted to Guilin Hospital for
observation overnight, after they were transferred from
Hezhou in a coach arranged by International SOS yesterday. 
They departed Guilin this morning for Kuala Lumpur at 10 am
local time.

    Another six victims will be transferred by road
ambulance from Hezhou to Guilin today, escorted by three
International SOS doctors and three nurses. They will
remain in Guilin overnight for medical assessments before
they return home.

    International SOS has also evacuated a 64-year-old male
Malaysian who suffered serious injuries on an air ambulance
back to Kuala Lumpur yesterday. 

    International SOS is working closely with American Home
Assurance Company, Malaysia; American International
Assurance Company, Limited (Malaysia); and Aviva Insurance
Berhad to provide assistance to the victims of the bus
crash. International SOS is the official assistance
provider of these insurance companies.

    Upon receiving the call for help on 7 March 2006,
International SOS immediately sent medical and logistics
personnel to Hezhou.  An International SOS local
correspondent arrived in Hezhou within hours of the
accident. Working with the local treating doctors and
hospitals, the local correspondent ascertained the location
of each victim and obtained preliminary medical reports. 

    First Response Medical teams from Shanghai and Beijing,
comprising two doctors and two nurses arrived in Hezhou on 8
March 2006.  Their immediate task was to assess the medical
conditions of the victims and develop a plan of action for
the victims to receive appropriate medical care.  At the
same time, a logistics team comprising a Network Manager
from Malaysia and a Chinese-speaking co-ordinator from
Shanghai were on the ground as well, to assist victims and
their families. 

    A third medical team, comprising two nurses and two
doctors from Malaysia and a nurse from Hong Kong are also
in Hezhou, with additional medical equipment to support the
rescue effort.

    About International SOS

    International SOS has global operations in over 60
countries, spanning five continents.  The company provides
clients with a comprehensive portfolio of medical and
security services to ensure that people travelling and
working internationally have access to immediate help. 
International SOS' services range from 24-hour medical
advice, referrals to qualified doctors and hospitals as
well as provision of emergency medical and security
evacuations when there is a critical illness, accident or
civil unrest.  Last year, the company handled over 370,000
assistance cases, including more than 10,000 medical
evacuations.

    For more information, please contact:

     Grace Ngoh
     International SOS Singapore
     Tel:     [phone]
     Mobile:  [phone]
     Email:   [e-mail]

     Jingbin He
     International SOS Beijing
     Office:  [phone] x293
     Fax:     [phone]
     Mobile:  [phone]
     Email: [e-mail]

SOURCE  International SOS

Xinhua Far East Downgrades Qingdao Haier to A- Issuer Rating, Rating Outlook Remains Stable

Xinhua Far East Downgrades Qingdao Haier to A- Issuer Rating, Rating Outlook Remains Stable

March 09, 2006

    HONG KONG, March 9 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Xinhua Far
East China Ratings today downgraded the issuer credit
rating of Qingdao Haier Co. Ltd ("Haier" or
"the Company", SH A 600690) from A+ to A-
domestic currency issuer credit rating. The rating outlook
remains stable.

    This downgrade reflects Xinhua Far East's unchanged
negative view on China's consumer electrics sector along
with concerns about Haier's near-to-medium term profit
generating capacity.  In Xinhua Far East's view,
oversupply, low-to-negative growth in domestic demand,
rises in input prices and a situation in which profits are
skewed towards distribution channels are key issues that
preoccupy domestic home electrics makers.  As a brand
targeting at premium market domestically, Haier's profit
margin has been squeezed and it is expected to be further
affected by the current adverse market.  Although its
higher-end product mix, the potential to exploit the
Chinese rural market and higher exports could drive Haier's
growth in the future, Xinhua Far East doesn't expect these
factors to contribute greatly to Haier's profits.
Competition in the high-end space is increasingly
competitive, while the Chinese rural market is particularly
price sensitive, and export business is continuously
generating leaner margins.

    However, the Company does possess strong brand
recognition and is in a leading domestic market position. 
These factors, along with its extensive marketing network
and established international production and sales model,
lend support to its current A- credit rating.  The Company
also has a very low debt burden, ample financial
flexibility and it enjoys considerable support from the
Haier Group, the Company's controlling shareholder.

    Although the Company has maintained its leading market
share in the local refrigerator and air conditioner
markets, Haier's turnover growth slowed in 2005 due to low
to negative domestic demand growth in the two markets.  It
recorded turnover of RMB15.3 billion in 2004 and RMB13.3
billion in the first three quarters of 2005, representing
YoY growth of 30.9% and 8% respectively.

    The focus of the change in Haier's credit strength is
its declining profit earning ability.  Haier's gross margin
dropped to 11.6% in the first three quarters of 2005 from
13.1% in 2004, while its EBIT margin dropped to 2.7% from
4% in 2004.  Its gross margin in the refrigerator sector
fell to 12.34% in the first three quarters of 2005 from
16.52% in 2004, while its gross margin in the air
conditioner sector showed slight recovery to 11.35% from
11.19% in 2004.

    Xinhua Far East expects a higher-end product mix,
exploitation of the rural market and growing exports are
likely to drive its future growth and provide a cushion to
the anticipated drop in domestic demand in the urban
market.  However, Haier's ability to ask for premium prices
is expected to be limited, especially in the purely price
sensitive China rural market.  With consumer tastes
shifting toward preferences for foreign brands in the
high-end urban market, it will most likely be even tougher
in its target market. Besides, the price levels for major
inputs, like plastic and copper, is expected to remain
high. 

    As the Company competes head-to-head with major
competitors to expand its capacity, introduce more
attractive and environmental friendly higher-end products
and develop distribution channels in the rural market, the
Company will need to increase its capital and R&D
expenditure.  This will place pressures on its cash flow
moving forward, with disputes in international trade and
challenges in managing rural channels further increasing
its business risk and heightening cash flow volatility.

    Despite these challenges, Xinhua Far East believes the
Company's repayment ability will remain strong based on its
sufficient financial flexibility, well above-average
operational efficiency and reliable external support from
Haier Group.  Even taking into account recently-approved
huge capital expenditure, Xinhua Far East estimates that
Haier's ratios will most likely place it properly within
the A- rating category.  In Xinhua Far East's view, Haier's
credit will not be impaired even if Haier Group diminishes
its stake in the Company as indicated in its full-listing
proposal, or passes Haier's stake to Haier Electronics
Groups (HK 1169, Haier Group's controlling subsidiary). 

    Qingdao Haier Co Ltd is one of the leading refrigerator
and air conditioner makers in China.  In 2004 and the first
three quarters of 2005, Haier recorded turnover of RMB15.3
billion and RMB13.3 billion respectively. Haier Group
reported RMB 101.63 billion in turnover, audited total
assets of RMB20.97 billion, RMB7.07 billion in equity and
cash equivalent of RMB3.68 billion in 2004.  By the end of
September 2005, Haier Group held 41.95% stake in Haier.

    Qingdao Haier Co. Ltd is a constituent of the Xinhua/
FTSE China 200 Index. As of market close on March 8, 2006,
its total market capitalization and investible
capitalization were RMB5.55 billion and RMB4.16 billion
respectively.   

    For the rating report summary, please visit
http://www.xinhuafinance.com/creditrating .

    About Xinhua FTSE China 200 Index

    Xinhua FTSE China 200 Index is the large cap index in
the Xinhua FTSE China A Share Index Series and includes the
top 200 companies in China by market cap.  It is designed as
a tradable index and is calculated in real-time every 15
seconds.  For daily data and further information, see
http://www.xinhuaftse.com .

    About Xinhua Far East China Ratings

    Xinhua Far East China Ratings (Xinhua Far East) is a
pioneering venture in China that aims to rank credit risks
among corporations in China.  It is a strategic alliance
between Xinhua Finance (TSE Mothers: 9399), and Shanghai
Far East Credit Rating Co., Ltd. Shanghai Far East became a
Xinhua Finance partner company in 2003 and the first China
member of The Association of Credit Rating Agencies in Asia
in December 2003.

    Capitalizing on the synergy between Xinhua Finance and
Shanghai Far East, Xinhua Far East's rating methodology and
process blend unique local market knowledge with
international rating standards.  Xinhua Far East is
committed to provide investors with independent, objective,
timely and forward-looking credit opinions on Chinese
companies.  It aims to help investors differentiate the
credit risks among the corporations in China, thereby,
cultivating their awareness and promoting information
disclosures and transparency in China market. 

    For more information, see
http://www.xfn.com/creditrating .

    About Xinhua Finance Limited

    Xinhua Finance Limited is China's unchallenged leader
in financial information and media, and is listed on the
Mothers board of the Tokyo Stock Exchange (symbol: 9399)
(OTC ADRs: XHFNY). Bridging China's financial markets and
the world, Xinhua Finance serves financial institutions,
corporations and re-distributors through four focused and
complementary service lines: Indices, Ratings, Financial
News and Investor Relations.  Founded in November 1999, the
Company is headquartered in Shanghai with 21 news bureaus
and offices in 18 locations across Asia, Australia, North
America and Europe.  

    For more information, please visit
http://www.xinhuafinance.com . 

    About Shanghai Far East Credit Rating Co., Ltd

    Shanghai Far East Credit Rating Co., Ltd. is the first
and leading professional credit rating company with
comprehensive business coverage in China.  It is an
independent agency established by the Shanghai Academy of
Social Sciences with the mission to develop internationally
accepted standards for capital market in China.  The company
is a pioneer in conducting bond-rating business in China. 
For years, it has been authorized by the Shanghai branch of
the PBOC to undertake loan certificate credit rating.

    Since establishment, it has rated over 1,000 corporate
long-term bonds and commercial papers, based on the
principles of objectivity, fairness and independence.  The
company has also maintained over 50% market share in the
loan certificate-rating sector in Shanghai for three
consecutive years.  With its strong local presence and
knowledge, it provides investors with unique and the most
insightful credit opinion. 

    For more information, see http://www.fareast-cr.com .

    For more Information, please contact: 

    Hong Kong
     Joy Tsang
     Corporate & Investor Communications Director
     Xinhua Finance
     Tel:   [phone], or
[phone]
     Email: [e-mail]

    US
     David Leeney
     Taylor Rafferty (IR/PR Contact in US)
     Tel:   [phone]
     Email: [e-mail]

SOURCE  Xinhua Far East China Ratings

Malaysian Victim of China Bus Crash Evacuated Home

Malaysian Victim of China Bus Crash Evacuated Home

March 09, 2006

    BEIJING, March 9 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- International
SOS has evacuated a male Malaysian who suffered serious
injuries in a bus crash in Hezhou, China back to Kuala
Lumpur. 

    The 64-year-old man departed Guilin at 16:30 Beijing
Time on March 8, escorted by a medical team, comprising an
intensive care unit doctor and nurse, on an International
SOS air ambulance, a Hawker 800, and arrived in Kuala
Lumpur at 20:30 local time on the same day.  He was earlier
moved from Hezhou to Guilin on a road ambulance.

    International SOS has also arranged for a road
ambulance and a coach bus to bring another 10 victims and
their families to Guilin from Hezhou earlier yesterday
afternoon.  They will undergo medical assessments in Guilin
before they return home.

    The remaining victims in Hezhou are scheduled to arrive
in Guilin on 9 March 2006 on road ambulances, escorted by
medical teams from International SOS. 

    International SOS is working closely with American Home
Assurance Company; Malaysia, American International
Assurance Company, Limited (Malaysia), and Aviva Insurance
Berhad to provide assistance to the victims of the bus
crash. International SOS is the official assistance
provider of these insurance companies.

    Upon receiving the call for help on 7 March 2006,
International SOS immediately sent medical and logistics
personnel to Hezhou.  An International SOS local
correspondent arrived in Hezhou within hours of the
accident.  Working with the local treating doctors and
hospitals, the local correspondent ascertained the location
of each victims and obtained preliminary medical reports. 

    First Response Medical teams from Shanghai and Beijing,
comprising two doctors and two nurses arrived in Hezhou on 7
March 2006.  Their immediate task was to assess the medical
conditions of the victims and develop a plan of action for
the victims to receive appropriate medical care.  At the
same time, a logistics team comprising a Network Manager
from Malaysia and a Chinese-speaking co-ordinator from
Shanghai were on the ground as well, to assist victims and
their families. 

    A third medical team, comprising two nurses and two
doctors from Malaysia and a nurse from Hong Kong are also
in Hezhou, with additional medical equipment to support the
rescue effort.

    About International SOS

    International SOS has global operations in over 60
countries, spanning five continents. The company provides
clients with a comprehensive portfolio of medical and
security services to ensure that people travelling and
working internationally have access to immediate help.
International SOS' services range from 24-hour medical
advice, referrals to qualified doctors and hospitals as
well as provision of emergency medical and security
evacuations when there is a critical illness, accident or
civil unrest. Last year, the company handled over 370,000
assistance cases, including more than 10,000 medical
evacuations.

    For more information, please contact:

     Grace Ngoh,
     International SOS Singapore  
     DID:    [phone]
     Mobile: [phone]
     Email:  [e-mail]

     Jingbin He,
     International SOS Beijing 
     Tel:    [phone] ext 293  
     Fax:    [phone]
     Mobile: [phone]
     Email:  [e-mail]

SOURCE  International SOS  

Axiom Telecom, Brightstar Corp., Dangaard Telecom & RadioShack Form New Global Wireless Alliance

Axiom Telecom, Brightstar Corp., Dangaard Telecom & RadioShack Form New Global Wireless Alliance

March 09, 2006

BRAXDA Telecom Creates Powerful Alliance for the Telecommunications Industry Worldwide, Represents Over 70,000 Points of Sale

    FORT WORTH, Texas, PADBORG, Denmark, DUBAI, United Arab
Emirates and MIAMI, March 9 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Axiom
Telecom, Brightstar Corp., Dangaard Telecom, &
RadioShack Corporation (NYSE: RSH) today announce the
formation of BRAXDA Telecom, a distribution, supply chain
and retail alliance built to serve the wireless
telecommunications industry worldwide.

    The four founding members, each leaders in their
respective markets, collectively purchase over 50 million
handsets annually, serving 52 countries and reaching over
70,000 points of sale worldwide.  Together, the four
companies exceeded $10 billion in revenues in 2005.

    "The scale and scope of BRAXDA Telecom, and our
members' expertise in the markets they serve, make a
powerful alliance that will be focused on accelerating
wireless worldwide," said Brightstar president &
CEO R. Marcelo Claure. 

    BRAXDA Telecom is owned, equally divided, among the
four founding companies, each with a dominating market
position in its region.  BRAXDA's current membership
includes:

     Axiom Telecom -- the largest retailer and distribution
services company in the Middle East 

     Brightstar -- the largest wireless distribution and
supply chain management company serving the wireless
industry

     Dangaard Telecom -- the largest European distribution
and supply chain management company

     RadioShack Corporation -- the leading wireless
consumer electronics retailer serving consumers throughout
North America

    The Board of Directors of BRAXDA includes: Faisal Al
Bannai, CEO Axiom Telecom; R. Marcelo Claure, President
& CEO, Brightstar; Michael Koehn Milland, COO, Dangaard
Telecom Holding A/S; and Andy Berman, vice president of
RadioShack Corporation.

    "The founding companies are excited about the
potential for this new alliance, and we are actively
seeking high-growth companies in the wireless arena to join
us in this venture.  Increasing the reach of the alliance
will benefit both consumers and manufacturers," said
Faisal al Bannai, founder and CEO of Axiom Telecom.  

    The BRAXDA Telecom organization was founded to assist
manufacturers, retailers and operators in accelerating
products to market.  Additionally, members seek to share
best practices to increase operational efficiencies and
will investigate the feasibility of entering new markets in
the future.  

    "We wish to provide our loyal partners among our
suppliers with even greater opportunities. At the same
time, we intend to give our retail customers access to a
new range of products and services," says COO Michael
Koehn Milland, Dangaard Telecom.

    "As a leading wireless retailer, we are constantly
looking for ways to lower cost and bring innovative products
to our customers," Jim Hamilton, RadioShack Executive
Vice President of Merchandising and Marketing.

    BRAXDA Telecom members are also seeking to identify
additional members who can enhance the overall mission and
vision of the alliance.  For more information on membership
qualifications, please visit http://www.braxda.com .

    About BRAXDA Telecom

    BRAXDA Telecom is an alliance of leading distribution,
supply chain and retail services companies supporting the
global wireless industry.  Founding members of the Alliance
include UAE-based, Axiom Telecom, US-based Brightstar,
Denmark-based Dangaard Telecom and US-based RadioShack
Corporation.  BRAXDA Telecom is incorporated in Dubai, UAE.
 For more information, visit http://www.braxda.com .

    About Axiom

    Axiom Telecom is the largest retailer and distributor
of mobile and wireless solutions in the Middle East with
operations in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia,
Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Oman, and Axiom continues to
expand further into new territories. Founded in 1997 by its
current CEO and entrepreneur Faisal Al Bannai, Axiom has
over 300 retail points of presence and employs almost 1000
with revenues approaching USD $1 billion. Axiom's
partnerships include leading international brand
manufacturers such as Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Motorola,
Siemens, Samsung, LG, Palm and Imate. Axiom also acts as a
reseller of network operator airtime. Axiom operates in
different channels like retail, distribution, service
provider for value added services, after sale service
centers and as a virtual operator for Thuraya satellite.
Tecom -- a member of the prestigious Dubai Holdings group
-- took a 40% share in Axiom in December 2005.

    About Brightstar

    Brightstar Corp. is the leading wireless distributor
and supply chain solutions provider for the global wireless
telecom industry.  Headquartered in Miami, FL, Brightstar
has operations in Argentina, Australia, Barbados, Bolivia,
Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican
Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Hong Kong,
India, Jamaica, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico,
Trinidad & Tobago, U.A.E., Uruguay, U.S. and Venezuela.
 The company serves over 160 network operators and 25,000
resellers, retailers and agents around the world and also
represents many of the world's leading wireless
manufacturers. The company exceeded $2.25 billion in
revenue in 2005.  

    About Dangaard Telecom

    Dangaard Telecom A/S is Europe's largest distributor of
mobile phones and original accessories for mobile phones.
Dangaard Telecom has developed a number of advanced
services within logistics and services, earning the
position as a value adding link between the other players
in the telecommunication market: The mobile phone
manufacturers, the mobile phone operators and the retail
business.

    Today, Dangaard Telecom is represented by subsidiaries
in 14 countries. The company has approximately 1000
employees and the turnover in the financial year 2004/2005
was Euro1.6 billion.

    About RadioShack Corporation

    Fort Worth, Texas-based RadioShack Corporation (NYSE:
RSH) is one of the most trusted consumer electronics
specialty retailer in the U.S. and is a growing provider of
a variety of retail support services.  The company operates
through a vast network of sales channels, including: nearly
7,000 company and dealer stores; over 100 RadioShack
locations in Mexico; and more than 600 wireless kiosks. 
RadioShack's knowledgeable and helpful sales associates
deliver convenient product and service solutions within an
estimated five minutes of where 94 percent of all Americans
either live or work.  For more information on RadioShack
Corporation, visit http://www.RadioShackCorporation.com . 
To learn more about RadioShack products and services or to
purchase items online, visit http://www.RadioShack.com .

    For more information, please contact:

     Sally Lange for BRAXDA & Brightstar Corp.
     Tel:    [phone]
     Email:  [e-mail] 

     Brad Whatmough for Axiom Telecom 
     Tel:    [phone]

     Nikolai Fink for Dangaard Telecom
     Tel:    [phone]
     Email:  [e-mail] 

     Kay Jackson of RadioShack Corporation
     Tel:    [phone]

SOURCE  Brightstar Corp.

Malaysian Victim of China Bus Crash Evacuated Home

Malaysian Victim of China Bus Crash Evacuated Home

March 09, 2006

    BEIJING, March 9 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- International
SOS has evacuated a male Malaysian who suffered serious
injuries in a bus crash in Hezhou, China back to Kuala
Lumpur. 

    The 64-year-old man departed Guilin at 16:30 Beijing
Time on March 8, escorted by a medical team, comprising an
intensive care unit doctor and nurse, on an International
SOS air ambulance, a Hawker 800, and arrived in Kuala
Lumpur at 20:30 local time on the same day.  He was earlier
moved from Hezhou to Guilin on a road ambulance.

    International SOS has also arranged for a road
ambulance and a coach bus to bring another 10 victims and
their families to Guilin from Hezhou earlier yesterday
afternoon.  They will undergo medical assessments in Guilin
before they return home.

    The remaining victims in Hezhou are scheduled to arrive
in Guilin on 9 March 2006 on road ambulances, escorted by
medical teams from International SOS. 

    International SOS is working closely with American Home
Assurance Company; Malaysia, American International
Assurance Company, Limited (Malaysia), and Aviva Insurance
Berhad to provide assistance to the victims of the bus
crash. International SOS is the official assistance
provider of these insurance companies.

    Upon receiving the call for help on 7 March 2006,
International SOS immediately sent medical and logistics
personnel to Hezhou.  An International SOS local
correspondent arrived in Hezhou within hours of the
accident.  Working with the local treating doctors and
hospitals, the local correspondent ascertained the location
of each victims and obtained preliminary medical reports. 

    First Response Medical teams from Shanghai and Beijing,
comprising two doctors and two nurses arrived in Hezhou on 7
March 2006.  Their immediate task was to assess the medical
conditions of the victims and develop a plan of action for
the victims to receive appropriate medical care.  At the
same time, a logistics team comprising a Network Manager
from Malaysia and a Chinese-speaking co-ordinator from
Shanghai were on the ground as well, to assist victims and
their families. 

    A third medical team, comprising two nurses and two
doctors from Malaysia and a nurse from Hong Kong are also
in Hezhou, with additional medical equipment to support the
rescue effort.

    About International SOS

    International SOS has global operations in over 60
countries, spanning five continents. The company provides
clients with a comprehensive portfolio of medical and
security services to ensure that people travelling and
working internationally have access to immediate help.
International SOS' services range from 24-hour medical
advice, referrals to qualified doctors and hospitals as
well as provision of emergency medical and security
evacuations when there is a critical illness, accident or
civil unrest. Last year, the company handled over 370,000
assistance cases, including more than 10,000 medical
evacuations.

    For more information, please contact:

     Grace Ngoh,
     International SOS Singapore  
     DID:    [phone]
     Mobile: [phone]
     Email:  [e-mail]

     Jingbin He,
     International SOS Beijing 
     Tel:    [phone] ext 293  
     Fax:    [phone]
     Mobile: [phone]
     Email:  [e-mail]

SOURCE  International SOS  

Advanced Energy's Aera(R) Transformer(TM) Mass Flow Controller (MFC) Awarded Default-Standard Status by Major Japanese Equipment Supplier

Advanced Energy's Aera(R) Transformer(TM) Mass Flow Controller (MFC) Awarded Default-Standard Status by Major Japanese Equipment Supplier

March 08, 2006

Digital MFC Selected for New Semiconductor Manufacturing Platform

    FORT COLLINS, Colo., March 8 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ --
Advanced Energy Industries, Inc. (Nasdaq: AEIS) today
announced that its Aera(R) Transformer(TM) digital MFC has
been awarded default-standard status on a new semiconductor
platform by a major Japanese original equipment manufacturer
(OEM).  The Transformer family enables this leading OEM's
equipment to run with optimal process flexibility and
efficiency.  This OEM's new semiconductor platform requires
precise flow control for today's most advanced applications.
 The Transformer MFC earned default-standard status by
out-performing competitive units.

    (Logo: 
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030825/AEISLOGO )

    This new platform will run today's most demanding
applications, necessitating outstanding MFC response,
accuracy, repeatability and exceptional reliability. 
During the rigorous process of qualifying for this new
platform, the Transformer MFC consistently demonstrated
higher mean-time-between-failure (MTBF) performance over
non-Aera MFCs.  The higher Transformer MTBF was proven to
contribute to reduced platform downtime and improved
throughput and yield. 

    "AE's Aera flow products have a strong tradition
of extraordinary performance and reliability,"
commented Dr. Hans Betz, president and CEO of AE. 
"Our Transformer MFCs have taken those advantages a
step further by offering customers functionality that
directly correlates to process improvements and profitable
operation for both OEM and end-user customers." 

    With the inherently flexible Transformer family, as few
as eight different Transformer multi-gas, multi-range (MGMR)
models can support an entire fab's MFC requirements. 
Pulling a Transformer MFC from inventory, customers can
readily program it to meet their exacting specifications --
without the traditional time and expense required to
calibrate other MFCs.  In addition, running any gas and
gas-flow range between 10 sccm and 30 slm, the Transformer
family features advanced sensor and valve technology,
field-proven components and high-speed, digital circuitry
to deliver the most precise gas-flow control available.

    Further, once these platforms are installed, AE will
continue to support this OEM and its end-user customers
around the world through a well-established global support
infrastructure in all the major manufacturing regions,
including Asia, the United States and Europe.

    About Advanced Energy 

    Advanced Energy is a global leader in the development
and support of technologies critical to high-technology
manufacturing processes used in the production of
semiconductors, flat panel displays, data storage products,
compact discs, digital video discs, architectural glass and
other advanced product applications. 

    Leveraging a diverse product portfolio and technology
leadership, AE creates solutions that maximize process
impact, improve productivity and lower cost of ownership
for its customers.  This portfolio includes a comprehensive
line of technology solutions in power, flow management,
thermal instrumentation and plasma and ion beam sources for
original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and end-users around
the world. 

    AE operates in regional centers in North America, Asia
and Europe and offers global sales and support through
direct offices, representatives and distributors.  Founded
in 1981, AE is a publicly held company traded on Nasdaq
National Market under the symbol AEIS.  More information
can be found at http://www.advanced-energy.com .

    Advanced Energy, AE, Aera and Transformer are
trademarks of Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.

    For more information, please contact:

     Marna Shillman, 
     Corporate Communication Manager of Advanced Energy
Industries, Inc.
     Tel:   [phone]
     Email: [e-mail]

     Angie Kellen, 
     Account Director of MCA
     Tel:   [phone]
     Email: [e-mail]

SOURCE  Advanced Energy Industries, Inc. 

Avian Influenza - Situation in China - Update 7

Avian Influenza - Situation in China - Update 7

March 08, 2006

    BEIJING and GENEVA, March 8 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- The
Ministry of Health in China has reported the country's 10th
death from H5N1 avian influenza.  The patient, a 9-year-old
girl from the eastern province of Zhejiang, developed
symptoms on 10 February and died on 6 March.

    (Logo: 
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040610/CNTH001LOGO )

    To date, China has reported 15 laboratory-confirmed
cases of human infection with the H5N1 avian influenza
virus. Of these, 10 have been fatal.

    http://www.who.int/csr/don/2006_03_08/en/print.html

    Cumulative Number of Confirmed Human Cases of Avian
Influenza A/(H5N1) Reported to WHO

    8 March 2006

    Country      2003          2004         2005        
2006        Total 
              cases deaths cases deaths cases deaths cases
deaths cases deaths
    Cambodia    0     0      0     0      4     4      0   
 0      4     4 
     China      0     0      0     0      8     5      7   
 5     15    10 
     Indonesia  0     0      0     0     17    11     10   
 9     27    20 
     Iraq       0     0      0     0      0     0      2   
 2      2     2 
     Thailand   0     0     17    12      5     2      0   
 0     22    14 
     Turkey     0     0      0     0      0     0     12   
 4     12     4 
     Viet Nam   3     3     29    20     61    19      0   
 0     93    42 
     Total      3     3     46    32     95    41     31   
20    175    96 
     
     Total number of cases includes number of deaths.
     WHO reports only laboratory-confirmed cases.

    
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/country/cases_table_2006_03_08/en/index.html

    For more information, please contact:

     Aphaluck Bhatiasevi
     Communications Officer
     World Health Organization (China)
      401,  Dongwai Diplomatic Office Building 
      23  Dongzhimenwai Dajie 
      Beijing 100600 
      People's Republic of China 
      Mobile: [phone] 
      Tel:    [phone] 
      Fax:    [phone] 
      Email:  [e-mail]

SOURCE  World Health Organization

Xinhua Far East China Ratings Confirms the Issuer Rating of Lenovo Group Ltd at A, Outlook Changed to Negative

Xinhua Far East China Ratings Confirms the Issuer Rating of Lenovo Group Ltd at A, Outlook Changed to Negative

March 08, 2006

    HONG KONG, March 8 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Xinhua Far
East China Ratings (Xinhua Far East) today confirmed the
issuer credit rating of Lenovo Group Ltd (`Lenovo' or `the
Company', HK 992) at A.  The Company's rating outlook has
changed to negative, however.  This action concludes the
review for Lenovo, which was prompted by the Company's
acquisition of IBM's PC business.

    During the review period, Lenovo's continued strong
performance in the Chinese market, its smooth transition
and better-than-expected results internationally have
allayed some of Xinhua Far East's concerns about the
Company's position.  Nevertheless, its ratings outlook has
been changed to negative in light of risks and
uncertainties in the Company's financial profile, and
considering the ongoing challenges it faces establishing
itself as a leading international player in the highly
competitive personal computer market.

    Xinhua Far East's confirmation of a single A rating for
the Company reflects its leading position in China's
personal computer market - its primary market.  Xinhua Far
East believes Lenovo's strong business profile in this
market is of great importance to its global strategy as it
will generate sustainable cash flow to support its overseas
business expansion.  In the three quarters ended December
2005, Lenovo continuously improved its turnover and
generated steady operating cash inflows, benefiting from
robust domestic sales.

    The rating also acknowledges Lenovo's clearly defined
international strategy and synergies achieved from the
acquisition of IBM's PC business.  By enlarging its product
portfolio and client base, expanding its global distribution
network, improving its management skills and transferring
technology, Lenovo has started to realize synergies from
the acquisition. Xinhua Far East believes that its strategy
of international expansion will be of benefit if it is
successfully implemented, with Lenovo's domestic market
position set to be strengthened as well.

    Nevertheless, the acquisition was mostly financed by
bank loans and share issues and has placed a substantial
debt burden on Lenovo and aggravated its balance sheet.  In
December 2005, Lenovo's gross debt to total capital
increased to 29.1% from negligible financial leverage in
full-year 2004, considering bank loans only. 

    Xinhua Far East also believes there are uncertainties
surrounding the Company's financial structure and the
possibility that its debt ratio will rise in times of
difficulty.  This mainly relates to the substantial amount
of convertible Lenovo preferred shares financed by
strategic investors; these are redeemable and bear
quarterly cash dividend payments. When factoring this in,
Lenovo's adjusted gross debt to total capital rises to
40.1% as of December 2005. 

    Although strategic investors can provide expertise and
financial support in the intermediate term, Xinhua Far East
believes their support in the long run depends on Lenovo's
operating performance.  This creates uncertainties in
Lenovo's financial structure, especially in adverse market
conditions. In the meantime, the Company enjoys strong cash
generation ability and holds a net cash position; this
provides certain financial flexibility and will provide a
cushion in difficult times. 

    The negative ratings outlook also reflects Xinhua Far
East's view that Lenovo faces intense challenges in what is
a highly competitive international personal computer market.
 The Company's performances in other markets, excluding
China, have been very weak, resulting in a lower EBIT
margin of 2.1% in the three quarters ended December 2005,
from 4.1% in full-year 2004.  Xinhua Far East believes it
will take time and energy for the Company to enhance its
competitive edge in the international market. 
Nevertheless, Xinhua Far East understands that Lenovo has
made substantial efforts to boost its product promotion
activities in overseas markets and has embarked on a
strategy to diversify its product mix and compete in the
high-growth emerging markets and the small-to-medium
business market.

    Xinhua Far East will closely evaluate Lenovo's progress
in monetizing the potential synergies and improving its
market position globally and monitor how the integration
will affect Lenovo's operating and financial performance
moving forward.

    Lenovo is principally engaged in the personal computer
business in China. It has the largest market share in China
among its peers and holds the third place in the
international market in 2005.  In the 2004/05 financial
year, Lenovo reported turnover of HKD 22.6 billion and net
profit of HKD 1.1 billion. 
    For the rating report summary, please visit
http://www.xinhuafinance.com/creditrating .

    Note to Editors:

    About Xinhua Far East China Ratings

    Xinhua Far East China Ratings (Xinhua Far East) is a
pioneering venture in China that aims to rank credit risks
among corporations in China.  It is a strategic alliance
between Xinhua Finance (TSE Mothers: 9399), and Shanghai
Far East Credit Rating Co., Ltd.  Shanghai Far East became
a Xinhua Finance partner company in 2003 and the first
China member of The Association of Credit Rating Agencies
in Asia in December 2003.

    Capitalizing on the synergy between Xinhua Finance and
Shanghai Far East, Xinhua Far East's rating methodology and
process blend unique local market knowledge with
international rating standards.  Xinhua Far East is
committed to provide investors with independent, objective,
timely and forward-looking credit opinions on Chinese
companies.  It aims to help investors differentiate the
credit risks among the corporations in China, thereby,
cultivating their awareness and promoting information
disclosures and transparency in China market. 

    For more information, see
http://www.xfn.com/creditrating .

    About Xinhua Finance Limited

    Xinhua Finance Limited is China's unchallenged leader
in financial information and media, and is listed on the
Mothers board of the Tokyo Stock Exchange (symbol: 9399)
(OTC ADRs: XHFNY).  Bridging China's financial markets and
the world, Xinhua Finance serves financial institutions,
corporations and re-distributors through four focused and
complementary service lines: Indices, Ratings, Financial
News and Investor Relations.  Founded in November 1999, the
Company is headquartered in Shanghai with 21 news bureaus
and offices in 18 locations across Asia, Australia, North
America and Europe.  

    For more information, please visit
http://www.xinhuafinance.com . 

    About Shanghai Far East Credit Rating Co., Ltd

    Shanghai Far East Credit Rating Co., Ltd. is the first
and leading professional credit rating company with
comprehensive business coverage in China.  It is an
independent agency established by the Shanghai Academy of
Social Sciences with the mission to develop internationally
accepted standards for capital market in China.  The company
is a pioneer in conducting bond-rating business in China. 
For years, it has been authorized by the Shanghai branch of
the PBOC to undertake loan certificate credit rating.

    Since establishment, it has rated over 1,000 corporate
long-term bonds and commercial papers, based on the
principles of objectivity, fairness and independence.  The
company has also maintained over 50% market share in the
loan certificate-rating sector in Shanghai for three
consecutive years. With its strong local presence and
knowledge, it provides investors with unique and the most
insightful credit opinion. 

    For more information, see http://www.fareast-cr.com .

    For more information, please contact: 

    Hong Kong
     Joy Tsang, 
     Corporate & Investor Communications Director, 
     Xinhua Finance
     Tel:   [phone] or
[phone] 
     Email: [e-mail]

    US
     David Leeney
     Taylor Rafferty (IR/PR Contact in US)
     Tel:   [phone]
     Email: [e-mail]

SOURCE  Xinhua Far East China Ratings

`SLA Stars' Selected for Awards and Honors

`SLA Stars' Selected for Awards and Honors

March 08, 2006

Class of the Profession Tapped for Excellence, Accomplishments

    ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, March 8 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ --
The Special Libraries Association (SLA) has selected 18
outstanding individuals as recipients for its 2006 Awards
and Honors.  These "stars in the SLA
constellation" will be recognized at the Opening
General Session of the SLA 2006 Annual Conference on
Sunday, 11 June, which begins at 6:30 p.m.  SLA 2006 will
take place 11-14 June at the Baltimore Convention Center.

    SLA President Pamela Rollo (New York Public Library)
declared, "Our 2006 honorees light the way to
innovation for the global community of information
professionals, and they deserve our praise and celebration.
 They live the values of our community: leadership, service,
courage and continuous learning through creative action. 
Their accomplishments provide results and demonstrate
accountability, collaboration and partnership. They set the
standard for information professionals worldwide, so they
are very deserving of recognition by SLA."

    Candidates for SLA Awards and Honors were reviewed and
considered by the SLA Awards and Honors Committee, chaired
this year by Cindy Hill (Sun Microsystems, Santa Clara,
California) and then confirmed by the SLA Board of
Directors.

    The 2006 SLA Honorees are:

    SLA Hall of Fame Inductees: Jacqueline Desoer (San
Francisco) 

    John Cotton Dana Award: Judith J. Field (Wayne State
University, Detroit) 

    Rose L. Vormelker Award: Barbara Beverley (Empire State
Development, Albany, New York)

    Fellows of the Special Libraries Association: Jan
Chindlund, (McDonald's Corporation, Oak Brook, Illinois),
Sue Henczel, (CAVAL, Ltd., Victoria, Australia), Marjorie
Hlava (Access Innovations, Albuquerque, New Mexico), Neil
Infield (The British Library, London), and Juanita
Richardson (CEDROM-SNi, Toronto) 

    Dialog and Thomson Scientific present the SLA
President's Award: Lisl Zach (Louisiana State University,
Baton Rouge)

    SLA Professional Award, presented by Springer: Pam
Osborne (Mercy Corps, Portland, Oregon)

    Factiva Leadership Award: Ilene Strongin-Garry
(InterContinental Hotels Group, Atlanta) 

    Honorary Member of SLA: Raymond Kurzweil (Kurzweil
Technologies, North Andover, Massachusetts)

    LexisNexis Innovations in Technology Award: R. James
King (U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC)

    Member Achievement Award: Ann Sweeney (European
Commission Delegation to the United States, Washington, DC)
and Karen Takle Quinn (Notre Dame de Namur University,
Belmont, California)

    H.W. Wilson Award: Rebecca Augustyniak, Amy Finley,
Dawn Aguero, Blair Monroe, and Brian Arsenault (Florida
State University, Tallahassee).

    Diversity Leadership Development Award: Angela Gooden
(University of Cincinnati), Mangala Krishnamurthy
(University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa), and Widharto Widharto
(SEAMEO BIOTROP, Bogor, Indonesia) 

    Award descriptions and detailed biographical
information for the 2006 SLA Honorees can be found online
at http://www.sla.org/awards . 

    About SLA

    The Special Libraries Association (SLA) is a nonprofit
global organization for innovative information
professionals and their strategic partners.  SLA serves
approximately 11,000 members in 75 countries who work in
the information profession, including corporate, academic
and government information specialists.  SLA promotes and
strengthens its members through learning, advocacy, and
networking initiatives. For more information, visit us on
the Web at http://www.sla.org . 

    For more information, please contact:

     John Crosby
     the Special Libraries Association
     Tel:   [phone]
     Email: [e-mail]

SOURCE  Special Libraries Association

A Treatment-Free Life is Possible for Millions of Hepatitis B Patients, PEGASYS(R) Study Reveals

A Treatment-Free Life is Possible for Millions of Hepatitis B Patients, PEGASYS(R) Study Reveals

March 08, 2006

-- Prior Treatment with `Maintenance Therapy' Medications No Barrier to Achieving Sustained Response with PEGASYS

    MANILA, Philippines, March 8 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ --
Hope of a treatment-free life for millions of hepatitis B
patients currently having to take daily therapy Manila.

    The new clinical data showed that one-third of patients
previously taking daily antiviral medication (lamivudine)
achieved a sustained response following a 48-week course of
PEGASYS(R) (peginterferon alfa-2a (40KD)) therapy. Sustained
response means that the virus has been effectively
suppressed and patients can live life without daily
antiviral to keep their disease under control, was revealed
today at an international congress in medications. This
impressive response was achieved with just one course of
PEGASYS.

    "For many reasons, patients find daily antiviral
medications difficult to stay on. These results show that
PEGASYS can offer the possibility of a treatment-free life
for some hepatitis B patients" said Professor Teerha
Piratvisuth, from the Prince of Songkla University,
Thailand and lead author of this study. "This is good
news, given the high risk of developing resistance to daily
antiviral drugs, and the well documented risk of hepatitis
flares when this type of therapy is inappropriately
stopped."

    Key results from the PEGaLAM study

    The results from the PEGaLAM study were presented today
at the Asia Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver
(APASL) Conference. The PEGaLAM study is a real world
efficacy study, evaluating the benefit of up to 48 weeks of
PEGASYS in hepatitis B patients who have previously been
treated with lamivudine or adefovir. In this study of 83
patients living in Asia, over 30% achieved a sustained
response. In these patients, their response was maintained
after treatment was stopped, such that they no longer
needed to be treated further for their hepatitis B.
Remarkably, two of these patients also achieved the
ultimate treatment goal of HBsAg seroconversion, which is
as close to a cure as you can get. Furthermore, no cases of
liver failure were reported during the study. `Flares' of
liver inflammation, potentially leading to liver failure,
are a well-known side effect of stopping daily antiviral
medication.

    About PEGASYS

    PEGASYS works to fight hepatitis B in two ways: it
boosts the immune system and at the same time, attacks the
hepatitis B virus directly. Daily antiviral medications,
such as lamivudine or adefovir (also called nucleoside
analogues) have a direct antiviral effect only and tend to
be taken indefinitely as the hepatitis B often comes back
if patients stop taking it. However, the virus can become
resistant to daily antiviral medications with long-term
use, limiting their effectiveness.

    About Chronic Hepatitis B

    Chronic hepatitis B is a serious global healthcare
problem that affects over 350 million people worldwide. It
is one of the principal causes of chronic liver disease,
cirrhosis, and primary liver cancer. Approximately one
million people die from chronic hepatitis B annually,
making it the 10th leading cause of death worldwide. For
those chronically infected, the immediate aim of treatment
is remission of liver disease to prevent progression to
cirrhosis, liver failure and primary liver cancer.

    About Roche

    Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Roche is one of
the world's leading research-focused healthcare groups in
the fields of pharmaceuticals and diagnostics. As a
supplier of innovative products and services for the early
detection, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease,
the Group contributes on a broad range of fronts to
improving people's health and quality of life. Roche is a
world leader in diagnostics, the leading supplier of
medicines for cancer and transplantation and a market
leader in virology. In 2005 sales by the Pharmaceuticals
Division totalled 27.3 billion Swiss francs, and the
Diagnostics Division posted sales of 8.2 billion Swiss
francs. Roche employs roughly 70,000 people in 150
countries and has R&D agreements and strategic
alliances with numerous partners, including majority
ownership interests in Genentech and Chugai. Additional
information about the Roche Group is available on the
Internet ( http://www.roche.com ).

    All trademarks used or mentioned in this release are
legally protected.

    Film footage is available for broadcast journalists
from The NewsMarket at http://www.thenewsmarket.com . Video
is compressed in MPEG2 and is available for download to your
FTP server.

    For more information, please contact:

     Janet Kettels, 
     Roche
     Tel: [phone]

     James Smith, 
     Axon Communications
     Tel: [phone]

SOURCE  Roche Pharmaceuticals