Abstract: Methods for marking a liquid and methods and systems for identifying marked liquids. A liquid can be marked for identification purposes with at least a first marker and a second marker. Each of the markers is miscible with the liquid. The markers are mixed in the liquid so that the ratio of the concentration of the first marker to the concentration of the second marker is substantially equal to a predetermined value. Thus, when a system according to the invention measures the concentrations of the first and second markers, the system can compare the ratio of the measured concentration of the first marker to the measured concentration of the second marker with a look up table of the predetermined values to provide information concerning the identity of the liquid. In a preferred embodiment, the concentration of the markers is measured using an absorption spectrometer.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed in which a dielectric structure is operatively coupled to phototherapeutic instrument to reflect light without substantial heating. The invention is particularly useful in light diffusive tip assemblies for phototherapy that have components which increase in temperature after prolonged exposure to light, such as metallic plugs or coatings typically located at the end cap of the diffusive tip assembly to terminate light propagation, and also metallic structures incorporated into phototherapeutic instruments to facilitate radiographic or fluoroscopic imaging during a therapeutic procedure.

Abstract: Implantable devices for treatment of proliferative disorders are described. In one aspect, the invention provides an implantable apparatus for treating a proliferative disorder in a patient. The device comprises a treatment fluid receptacle for receiving a treatment fluid, an inflatable balloon having a balloon body, a catheter connected between the treatment fluid receptacle and the balloon and defining a fluid flow path therebetween, and a diffusion barrier disposed in the fluid flow path between the treatment fluid receptacle and the balloon. Methods for treating proliferative disorders with the devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating a stereo image that is perceived as a three-dimensional image when viewed through polarizing spectacles having orthogonally polarized lenses. The apparatus includes an illuminator that generates light of variable intensity, a modulator that generates an illumination control signal for controlling the intensity of light emitted by the illuminator, a polarizer for polarizing the light generated by the illuminator, and a distributor for changing the plane of polarization of the polarized light.

Abstract: Devices and methods to simply prompt and record medical events provide improved medical treatment devices and methods. A hand-held electronic device can prompt patients regarding and train patients in a medical event. Physicians or other health care workers can program pre-determined time intervals for scheduled medical events into the device. An alarm can prompt the patients regarding the scheduled medical events at the pre-determined time intervals. Patients can enter scheduled and non-scheduled medical events into the device. The health care workers can access this information from the device directly or the information can be downloaded to an office personal computer for permanent recording in the patient's chart. In another embodiment, the device can determine a compliance rate based upon the occurrence of the medical events. This compliance rate can be compared with a pre-determined target rate.

Abstract: A guidance channel or conduit for promoting nerve regeneration includes a body constructed of a biocompatible polymeric material and having a first end for connection to a proximal stump of a severed nerve and a second end for connection to a distal stump of the severed nerve. The body includes a plurality of internal lumens extending between the first and second end to facilitate rejoining of the proximal and distal stumps of the severed nerve by providing increased surface area for Schwann cell adherence. A method for promoting nerve regeneration using a multi-lumen nerve guidance channel is also disclosed.

Abstract: Anti-reflective coatings and methods for forming these anti-reflective coatings are disclosed that have a polymer chemistry and optical characteristics suitable for suppressing the light that reflects off a circuit substrate during a photo-lithographic process. These anti-reflective coatings include a phenolic polymer material and an epoxide-containing polymer material that can be combined in a select proportion to form a thermally curable polymeric anti-reflective coating. The select proportions of the combined materials tailors the optical characteristic of the anti-reflective coating to attenuate energy about a select range of wavelengths.