Hot Home Design Trends in 2008: Bringing Glamour Back

Waltham, Mass. – December 26, 2007 – While interior design is still celebrating natural, eclectic and rough hewn materials, there has been a resurgence of chic, retro glamour, according to Davis Remignanti, Lead Design Consultant at Furniture.com (http://www.furniture.com/).

“Design trends are fascinating things to observe. They can be predictable or surprising,” he says. “The recent interest in natural materials has spawned the renewed fascination for glamorous and refined designs” in the look he calls “Luxe Redux.”

Here are highlights from Remignanti’s 2008 Design Trends report:

• The Return of Glamour - A renewed appreciation for post-Deco glamour brings refined silhouettes and finishes to the fore. The look of “Luxe Redux” features gently swept lines, strong geometric forms, and finishes that emphasize exotic veneers. “The look is glamorous but in an approachable and welcoming way.”


• Scaling Down – Exaggeratedly oversized furniture is on the way out. Manufacturers are returning to smaller scale pieces more in proportion with normal human scale.


• Scaling Up – Not everything is going small scale. “A very hot trend is large scale patterns used in fabrics and floor and wall coverings. If you’re choosing a pattern over solid colors, make it big and bold,” he advises.


• Black and White – Stylish interiors are using black and white as the main color scheme. “Using black, even as the dominant color in a room, can yield classic and refreshingly chic results. Accent colors pop strongly against a black and white backdrop.” For that reason, he advises caution to design novices. “It’s a look that can be tricky to pull off successfully.”


• Accent Colors – A “spice-inflected” palette will be the hottest look in accent colors for the coming year. He lists carnelian, flax, russet and acid green as the hottest hues, and predicts that 2008 will be the year that blue makes a strong return. He also says reflective materials like chrome, mirrors and mercury glass are important for room accents.


• Vintage in the Mix – A still-strong trend of “a la carte,” mix-and-match interiors has people combining old and new pieces in interesting ways. “Vintage pieces bring a unique energy to a room’s décor. Sometimes it can be hard to tell which pieces are old and which are new,” he says.

Remignanti counsels against the idea of “rules” for good design, but offers one piece of timeless advice. “Remember that however well put together a room may be, it’s meant to be used. If a room isn’t comfortable and inviting for those inside it, it’s a design failure, no matter how stylish it may be.”

To read Remignanti’s full report of 2008 design trends, “GlamSlam, Luxe Redux,” visit Furniture.com at http://content.furniture.com/Common/PDFs/PressRoom/2008_Design_Trends_Luxe_Redux.pdf.

About Furniture.com
Furniture.com (http://www.furniture.com/) offers consumers the best of Internet shopping by merging the convenience, accessibility and ease of online shopping with the proven infrastructure of North America’s largest furniture retailers. At Furniture.com, consumers quickly browse, compare and buy brand-name furniture and accessories, find decorating advice and product information, and utilize interactive design tools. To complete the experience, Levitz, Harlem, and RoomStore Furniture in the U.S., and Leon’s Furniture in Canada, provide customer service and fast, in-home delivery.

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Semaphore adds Coronis Systems Wireless Sensor Driver to Compact SCADA System

NASHUA, NEW HAMPSHIRE -- December 20, 2007 – Semaphore, a CSE Global company, has introduced a firmware update that allows its T-BOX line of RTU products to communicate with a network of Coronis Systems wireless sensor products. The T-Box RTU line is the first IP-based telemetry solution that enables complete integration of SCADA, control, and communications functionality in one rugged package and the addition of a driver for one of the world’s leading wireless sensors gives users even greater flexibility in implementing cost-effective SCADA system solutions

The driver brings the benefits of T-BOX technology to SCADA system applications such as automated meter reading (AMR), industrial monitoring, and infrastructure management. The T-BOX RTU can serve information including alarms, live status, machine health, trends, and historical reports to multiple recipients via the Internet, Intranets, e-mail, or SMS text messaging. The T-BOX RTU further provides programmable control functionality.

Coronis Systems sensor products provide a reliable solution for monitoring and recording process data wirelessly in energy, food & beverage, industrial, and water supply applications. Based on Wavenis ultra low power (ULP) wireless technology, the Coronis Systems sensor products benefit from extremely long battery life and make wireless solutions possible even in the most hard-to-reach places.

T-BOX provides Windows menus that allow simple configuration of messaging as well as reports for alarming, live information, historical information, and trends. No programming is required. Also easily configured are Web pages, which include live and historical information as well as graphical representations of site conditions. The reports and web pages are resident within the T-BOX RTU and are available to all recipients on their PDAs or personal computers.

Since T-BOX RTU products also include multiple communications protocols, they can be used to interface Coronis Systems sensor products to a broad variety of SCADA systems.

For more information about Semaphore solutions, visit http://www.cse-semaphore.com/, or contact Semaphore at 15B Charron Avenue, Nashua, NH 03063, 603-577-3803.

About Semaphore
Established in 2006, Semaphore was the result of a merger of two CSE Global companies, RTUnet, of Australia, and TechnoTrade SA, of Belgium. For over 20 years, these companies have provided leading solutions for telemetry, automation, and remote monitoring and have an installed base of more than 70,000 devices. For more information, visit http://www.cse-semaphore.com/.

Semaphore is a wholly owned subsidiary of CSE-Global Limited (CSE), a Singapore-based, industrial integration, manufacturing and distribution group with locations in 20 countries. CSE employs more than 1,000 people worldwide, with over 85% representing its design, engineering, and project management capability and experience. For more information, visit http://www.cse-global.com/.

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Free White Paper Helps Biotech Laboratories Maintain a High Level of Infection Control

Needham, Massachusetts – December 19, 2007 –A free white paper to help biotechnology technicians and environmental health and safety (EH&S) personnel minimize the risk of infection in the laboratory is available for download at: http://www.eheinc.com/biosafety.htm.

Exposure to infectious biological agents presents serious potential health hazards to staff during many routine cell and tissue culture techniques used in biotechnology and pharmaceutical laboratories. This along with the development of new products from cells and tissues can present health risks to laboratory technicians that handle bacteria, viruses, biological organisms, and the like.

“Remaining in compliance with National Institutes of Health (NIH) recombinant DNA guidelines, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention’s ‘Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories’ (BMBL) guidelines, and the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard is very demanding given the changing R&D efforts seen in many companies,” said Jack McCarthy, President and co-founder of EH&E. “We’ve found the best approach to maintaining compliance and reducing risk is a periodic biosafety review.”

The white paper, titled “Biosafety Review Key to Infection Control” and authored by EH&E, a Needham, Mass.-based environmental engineering and consulting firm, outlines a crucial biosafety review process that has been proven to maintain safety for biotechnology, pharmaceutical and research laboratory professionals.

The paper discusses and provides implementation strategies for the laboratory guidelines from leading government organizations, including:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• National Institutes of Health
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

To download the free whitepaper, “Biosafety Review Key to Infection Control,” visit http://www.eheinc.com/biosafety.htm or call 1-800-825-5343.

About EH&E
EH&E (http://www.eheinc.com/) has provided an extensive range of environmental and engineering consulting services for 20 years. Our team consists of more than 60 experts with an outstanding record of providing business-focused solutions for issues that affect the built environment. EH&E has a depth of knowledge and credibility unmatched in the industry and our wealth of readily-accessible information has become a powerful resource for our clients. Our new series of eH&E web compliance solutions is just the latest example of our continuing effort to provide this knowledge and information to a wider range of companies.

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Lucid Expands Support Internationally: Dr. Colin Stahel appointed Director for Asia Pacific Region

ROCHESTER, NEW YORK, USA – December 11, 2007- Lucid, Inc. (http://www.lucid-tech.com/), a leading U.S. cellular imaging and technology company, has appointed Dr. Colin Stahel as Director, Asia Pacific Region.

Based in Sydney, Australia, Stahel was selected for the newly created position based on his extensive medical technology experience.

“With over twenty years of experience in the development of medical technology and pre-cancer and cancer detection equipment, Stahel is a welcome addition to the Lucid team,” said Jay Eastman, chairman and CEO of Lucid, Inc (http://www.lucid-tech.com/). “His knowledge of the field will suit his new responsibilities in the international community.”

Previously, Stahel was the senior manager with Polartechnics where he worked directly with the SolarScan digital dermatoscope and TruScreen Division for real time detection of cervical cancer, both based in Australia.

Dr. Colin D. Stahel holds a Ph.D. in physiology from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Tasmania in Australia, and a MBA from Macquarie University of Australia.

Lucid is the creator of the non-invasive VivaScope confocal microscope that provided cellular resolution images of skin, and of the VivaNet, an internet-based, DICOM-compliant medical information systems that enables the transfer of VivaScope digital images between practitioners and pathologists for rapid review of confocal images. Lucid’s VivaScopes are in regular use throughout the United States, Europe, and Australia.

For more information about Lucid Inc., visit http://www.lucid-tech.com/ or call 1-585-239-9800.

About Lucid, Inc.
Lucid Inc., based in Rochester, New York, is a medical device and information company dedicated to creating innovative cellular imaging technology and using the Internet to securely deliver accurate, real-time VivaScope® cellular resolution images to medical professionals. The Company’s digital VivaNetTM server, coupled with its ability to image in-vivo (living) tissue is envisioned to ultimately aid medical practitioners and pathologists in screening for skin cancer and other dermatologic conditions with clarity, speed and patient comfort. For more information, visit http://www.lucid-tech.com/.

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Semaphore Introduces Compact SCADA System RTU Featuring Open Programming

NASHUA, NEW HAMPSHIRE – December 4, 2007 – Semaphore, a CSE Global company, has introduced its Kingfisher G30 compact remote terminal unit, which features open programming and many advanced features for SCADA system applications.

The G30 RTU also extends the full capabilities of Semaphore’s Kingfisher Plus+ product line to small SCADA system applications requiring up to 32 I/O points. Like Kingfisher Plus+, the G30 RTU allows open programming in all five languages specified by IEC 61131-3 and supports IEC 61499, the distributed processing and interoperability extension to 61131-3. An extensive library of function blocks that include applications such as AGA flow calculations is further provided.

The Kingfisher G30 RTU introduces advanced capabilities, normally found only in much larger products, into a compact RTU that is cost effective for small installations. The G30 RTU has been specifically designed to meet the needs of customers with significantly increasing demands for processing power, data storage and communications capabilities.

The 32-bit, ARM9 main processor ensures there is horsepower to meet the needs of intensive applications. A memory system with 32 Mbytes of SDRAM and 16 Mbytes of Flash allows for high-speed data logging over extended periods. Integral communications include 10/100 BaseT Ethernet, USB 2.0 and an on-board module that provides flexible communications options.

By employing an ARM 7 processor on an intelligent I/O module, the Kingfisher G30 RTU can process inputs and outputs on a 1 ms interval with full sequence-of-events monitoring. It also provides high-resolution input acquisition, failsafe output modes, high-speed counting and pulse generation.

Unlike the “brick” style products in its class, the Kingfisher G30 RTU uses configurable modules for communications, I/O and AC or DC power. The modules provide the user considerable flexibility in meeting applications requirements and enable future upgrades.

The Kingfisher G30 RTU is ideal for applications in the oil and gas, power, telecom/broadcast, transportation and water/wastewater markets. This product is now available for immediate shipment from Semaphore.

For more information about Semaphore solutions, visit http://www.cse-semaphore.com/, or contact Semaphore at 15B Charron Avenue, Nashua, NH 03063, 603-577-3803.

About Semaphore
Established in 2006, Semaphore was the result of a merger of two CSE Global companies, RTUnet, of Australia, and TechnoTrade SA, of Belgium. For over 20 years, these companies have provided leading solutions for telemetry, automation, and remote monitoring and have an installed base of more than 70,000 devices. For more information, visit http://www.cse-semaphore.com/.

Semaphore is a wholly owned subsidiary of CSE-Global Limited (CSE), a Singapore-based, industrial integration, manufacturing and distribution group with locations in 20 countries. CSE employs more than 1,000 people worldwide, with over 85% representing its design, engineering, and project management capability and experience. For more information, visit http://www.cse-global.com/

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Chemoprojekt Selects Invensys Integrated LifeCycle Engineering, Simulation and Optimization Software for Projects Worldwide

-- Fully Integrated Suite of Solutions to Address Front-End Process Engineering Design Needs --

Foxboro, Massachusetts, USA – December 5, 2007 – Invensys Process Systems today announced it has renewed and expanded its simulation software licensing agreement with Prague-based Chemoprojekt. Chemoprojekt is one of Central Europe's premier engineering, construction, and project management companies. The new agreement extends the Chemoprojekt license to use SimSci-Esscor's simulation, modeling and optimization solutions. Through the new agreement Chemoprojekt will also license the rights to the Comos LifeCycle Engineering platform for front-end engineering design (FEED).

The new contract underscores Chemoprojekt's continued implementation of the Comos platform, which it began using in 2005. In addition to extending the existing software contract, the new agreement augments a long-term collaborative relationship between the two companies and provides Chemoprojekt with added engineering efficiency in using the SimSci-Esscor PRO/II process simulation software.

"The addition of Comos to the SimSci-Esscor full suite of products enables Chemoprojekt to significantly increase engineering productivity while benefiting from the use of integrated simulation technology," said Tobias Scheele, vice president of the SimSci-Esscor simulation product line. "The new agreement enables Chemoprojekt's engineers to integrate their IT tools and existing engineering into a single, integrated database."

"Our objective with this contract is to continue to reduce the time it takes us to carry out a project," said Jiri Kominek, chief information officer at Chemoprojekt. "We want to promote the true integration of data that Comos can offer. Comos has allowed us to reduce project execution time at Chemoprojekt significantly."

The Comos platform is the result of a joint alliance between Invensys Process Systems and innotec GmbH, a software development firm specializing in process-oriented plant construction, operation and maintenance. The platform enables interfacing with commonly used process-engineering applications, which improves data, document and knowledge management, as well as integration of process-engineering activities. Seamless integration with the SimSci-Esscor PRO/II process simulation software allows the import of simulation data during scope and conceptual development, as well as throughout the preliminary engineering phases of a project. The system provides multi-discipline engineers with a concurrent, distributed and collaborative environment in which to manipulate or augment simulation data. It also manages non-simulation data for defining process flow and equipment specifications.

About Chemoprojekt
Based in Prague and established in 1950, Chemoprojekt is one of the world's premier engineering, construction, and project management companies. Since 1992, Chemoprojekt has been focusing on the complex engineering activities and turn-key projects, mainly in the area of production of nitric acid, urea, oil & gas and biodiesel. For more information, visit the Chemoprojekt Web site at http://www.chemoprojekt.cz/.

About Invensys Process Systems
Invensys Process Systems (http://www.ips.invensys.com/) is the world leader in industrial asset performance management, a strategy designed to help today's industrial enterprises to effectively balance the availability and utilization of their production assets to match changing business requirements. Invensys Process Systems encompasses industry-leading brands such as InFusion, Foxboro, Triconex, SimSci-Esscor, and Avantis and provides advanced products, services, and solutions to industrial facilities around the world. These include many of the world’s largest upstream operations, refineries, chemical plants, gas plants, LNG plants, power plants, mineral processing plants, and pulp and paper mills.

The Invensys Group (file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/John%20Nero/Local%20Settings/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Local%20Settings/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/OLK14/www.invensys.com) is headquartered in London and is listed on the London Stock Exchange, with approximately 30,000 employees working in 60 countries.

Invensys, SimSci-Esscor, PRO/II, InFusion, Foxboro, Triconex, and Avantis are trademarks of Invensys plc, its subsidiaries, or affiliates. All other brands and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

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EPA Focus on Hazardous Pharmaceutical Waste: White Paper Helps Hospitals Avoid Fines

NEWTON, MASSACHUSETTS – December 5, 2007 – A new, free white paper, titled “Managing Pharmaceutical Hazardous Waste in the Hospital,” is now available for download at: www.eheinc.com/hazpharmawaste.htm.

In recent months, federal U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state Departments of Environmental Protection (DEP) have begun inspecting and citing hospitals for improper disposal of pharmaceutical hazardous waste. Pharmaceuticals are sometimes overlooked as a source of hazardous waste in hospital pharmacies and patient care areas and may be improperly combined with biohazardous medical waste.

“The misclassification and improper disposal of pharmaceuticals can lead to the hospital being issued a significant citation or fine,” said Jack McCarthy, President and co-founder of EH&E (http://www.eheinc.com), a Newton, Mass.-based environmental engineering and consulting firm. “To avoid this, a comprehensive program must be in place and procedures adhered to by hospital personnel.”

The white paper outlines six essential components for developing an effective and compliant Hazardous Waste Drug Program, and provides insight into practical implementation strategies. The steps include:

1. Develop Working Group
2. Classify Formulary
3. Prepare Written Plan
4. Coordinate Implementation Logistics
5. Conduct Training
6. Monitor Process

This white paper will be applicable to those that work with and dispose of hazardous pharmaceuticals in hospitals, to environmental health & safety managers, and to compliance directors, medical staff, and pharmacy technicians.

To download the free white paper, “Managing Pharmaceutical Hazardous Waste in the Hospital,” visit: www.eheinc.com/hazpharmawaste.htm or call 1-800-825-5343.

About EH&E
EH&E (http://www.eheinc.com) has provided an extensive range of environmental and engineering consulting services for 20 years. Our team consists of more than 60 experts with an outstanding record of providing business-focused solutions for issues that affect the built environment. EH&E has a depth of knowledge and credibility unmatched in the industry and our wealth of readily-accessible information has become a powerful resource for our clients. Our new series of eH&E web compliance solutions is just the latest example of our continuing effort to provide this knowledge and information to a wider range of companies.

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William Shea Elected as Chairman of Lucid, Inc.

ROCHESTER, NEW YORK, USA – December 5, 2007 – William J. Shea has been elected to serve as Chairman of Lucid, Inc., the leading medical cellular imaging technology and information company. Shea brings a wealth of executive and financial leadership to the company, having previously served as CEO of Conseco, Vice Chairman and CFO of BankBoston and senior partner and Vice Chairman of Coopers and Lybrand (now PricewaterhouseCoopers).

As Lucid Board Chairman, Shea will be responsible for managing the Board's business in its fiduciary role for shareholders and in its supervisory and advisory roles to the CEO and the management team of the company.

“Lucid is well positioned to transition its VivaNet technology from clinical research to routine clinical application and the company’s compelling business model is well protected by patents, both in the United States and abroad,” Shea stated. “I am looking forward to assisting the company through the exciting and challenging growth stage we envision in the next few years ahead.”

Shea, a resident of Andover, Mass., is a veteran corporate leader with a series of dramatic success stories within the financial services industry. He previously held the position of CEO of Conseco, an insurance, annuity, and financial services company. In the position, Shea increased the company’s market capitalization by more than $3.5 billion.

Before that, Shea was Vice Chairman and CFO of BankBoston where he led a fundamental restructuring that increased shareholder value tenfold.

“I am delighted that Bill Shea accepted the position of Chairman of Lucid’s Board of Directors,” said Jay Eastman, CEO of Lucid. “Bill’s experience will be invaluable resource to me and the other members of the company’s management team as we commercialize our VivaNet technology in the United States, Europe and Australia.”

Lucid (www.lucid-tech.com) is an innovative and dynamic company with a broad technology portfolio in the medical imaging and information fields. Based in Rochester, New York, the company is creator of the non-invasive VivaScope® confocal microscope that provides cellular resolution images of skin, and of the VivaNet™, an Internet-based, DICOM-compliant medical information system that enables the transfer of confocal images between practitioners and pathologists for rapid review and diagnosis.

For more information, visit Lucid online at www.lucid-tech.com, by email: info@lucid-tech.com, or by phone: 585-239-9800.

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New Online “Help Desk” Offers Safe Lifting Assistance to Healthcare Facilities

- Associated Forum Provides Resources for Healthcare Professionals, Industry -

Franklin, Mass. – December 4, 2007 – The Liko-sponsored Safe Lifting Portal today announced the launch of a safe lifting “Help Desk” for healthcare professionals worldwide.

In addition, an associated safe lifting forum, called “Safe Lifters,” will allow healthcare professionals to discuss their patient lifting challenges and successes with others, as well as support those who are getting started with a safe patient handling program.

Of the approximately 6,000 hospitals in the United States, fewer than 500 have instituted some type of safe lifting or caregiver injury prevention program. The new, community-based forum is designed to facilitate identification of problems and solutions for injury-prevention programs by connecting current and experienced professionals with those planning or implementing new programs.

The “Help Desk” and forum are the latest additions to the Safe Lifting Portal, a non-profit safe patient handling and injury prevention website sponsored exclusively by Liko. Other sections of the new “Help Desk” include a strategies and tips area, safe lifting starter-kit request page, and contact page for comments or questions directed to Liko and the Safe Lifting Portal.

“The addition of the forum to the Safe Lifting Portal marks a new era for the safe lifting community,” said Melissa Nowitz, Administrator of the Safe Lifting Portal. “Now healthcare professionals worldwide can learn from each other and move forward without waiting for individual state legislatures to enact laws.”

To contact the Help Desk, members or anyone with safe lifting questions, comments, or concerns can visit www.safeliftingportal.com/helpdesk or call 888-545-6671.

To access the new forum site, visit http://www.safeliftingportal.com/forum, or call 1-888-545-6671. Participation is free of charge.

About Liko
Liko is one of the world’s leading suppliers of patient lift and transfer solutions. The company’s products include mobile lifts, overhead ceiling mounted systems, and a variety of injury prevention solutions. For more information on Liko’s sponsorship of the Safe Lifting Portal, contact Liko North America, 122 Grove Street, Franklin, MA 02038; telephone (888) 545-6671 or (508) 553-3993; fax (508) 528-6642; or visit the Liko website at www.liko.com/na.

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Free White Paper Addresses Challenges of New FDA Regulations Awaiting Combo Product Manufacturers

AGAWAM, MASS. – December 3, 2007 – A new, free white paper, addressing the challenges of new U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations awaiting combination products manufacturers, is now available for download at www.microtestlabs.com/combinationpaper.

While combination products are experiencing dramatic growth, the convergence of drug/biologics and devices brings a host of regulatory challenges. Manufacturers must ensure their products meet cGMP practices as well as pass muster with the FDA, ISO, and USP.

Steven Richter, Ph.D., Microtest President & Chief Scientific Officer, addresses the critical issues associated with this complex process, including defining the FDA’s regulatory framework, reviewing developments in FDA thinking, and identifying future considerations in developing effective quality assurance systems.

“The combination products market – medical devices embedded with pharmaceutical or biologics components –is rapidly moving forward with a new direction and emphasis regarding product safety and FDA requirements,” said Richter, who is author of the announced white paper, “Combination Products: Navigating Two FDA Quality Systems.”

Navigant consulting, estimating the combination products market at $5.9 billion in 2004, predicts a nearly $9.5 billion market in 2009. In 2005, the FDA received 275 combo product submissions, and an estimated 30% of new products under development today are combo products.

“For manufacturers, the convergence of devices and drugs or biologics also brings a host of new FDA testing guidelines, practices, and regulations unique to the development and production of combination products,” he said.

The paper’s contents include: Defining the Convergence, FDA Responsibility, QC Drug Release Criteria, Biologics, New Developments in FDA Thinking, and Future Considerations.

Download the free white paper at: www.microtestlabs.com/combinationpaper. For more information visit Microtest on the Web at www.microtestlabs.com, or call toll-free: 1-800-631-1680.

About Microtest
Microtest is a leader in testing services and contract manufacturing for the medical device, pharmaceutical, biotechnology industries. Based in Agawam, Massachusetts, USA, the company's expertise and flexible processes enhance product safety and security, accelerate time to market, and minimize supply chain disruption. For more information, visit www.microtestlabs.com or call 1-413-786-1680 or toll-free 1-800-631-1680.

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