Abstract: Methods, devices, systems, and kits for electro-mechanical cell transfection are provided. A device includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and an active zone therebetween where an electrical potential difference applied to the first and second electrodes generates an electric field in the active zone sufficient to transfect at least a subset of the cells flowing in the active zone.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and kits for cell transfection are provided. A device includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and an electroporation zone therebetween where an electrical potential difference applied to the first and second electrodes generates an electric field in the electroporation zone sufficient to transfect at least a subset of the cells in the flow path. Methods of introducing a composition into at least a portion of a plurality of cells using the devices, systems, and kits of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for accessing an interior space of a joint such as a hip joint in preparation for arthroscopic surgery are provided. In general, the described techniques utilize a joint access device having a handle and a dilator shaft and/or sheath coupled to a distal end of the handle. The device can be advanced over a guidewire inserted into a joint to a first position and the guidewire can be reversibly locked to the handle. The handle can be associated with an actuator configured to be actuated to cause the dilator shaft and/or sheath to advance distally toward a second position within the joint while simultaneously retracting the guidewire coupled to the handle.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of designing a dental restoration component, including: receiving a set of design dimensional constraints which must be satisfied for the dental restoration component; receiving a set of design parameters for the dental restoration component; receiving a definition for a penalty function which takes into account at least more than one of said design parameters and which signals a constraint being reached when the value of any of said parameters violates a constraint; and using the penalty function, assigning a value to each of said design parameters for the dental restoration component, consistent with the constraints for said component.

Abstract: A method of designing a dental restoration component. A set of design dimensional constraints is defined which must be satisfied for the dental restoration component. A set of design parameters for the dental restoration component also is defined. Using at least in part a penalty function, a value is assigned to each of said design parameters for the dental restoration component, consistent with the constraints for said component, said penalty function taking into account at least more than one of said design parameters and which signals a constraint being reached when the value of any of said parameters violates a constraint.

Abstract: Systems and methods for accessing an interior space of a joint such as a hip joint in preparation for arthroscopic surgery are provided. In general, the described techniques utilize a joint access device having a handle and a dilator shaft and/or sheath coupled to a distal end of the handle. The device can be advanced over a guidewire inserted into a joint to a first position and the guidewire can be reversibly locked to the handle. The handle can be associated with an actuator configured to be actuated to cause the dilator shaft and/or sheath to advance distally toward a second position within the joint while simultaneously retracting the guidewire coupled to the handle.

Abstract: A three-dimensional-based modeling method and system designed for dentistry and related medical (and appropriate non-medical) applications. Data capture means produces a point cloud representing the three-dimensional surface of an object (e.g., dental arch). Three-dimensional recognition objects are provided, particularly within those areas in the image field that have low image definition, and particularly in such of these areas that appear in overlapping portions of at least two images, to provide the three-dimensional image processing software with position, angulation, and orientation information sufficient to enable highly accurate combining (or “stitching”) of adjoining and overlapping images. Alignment, and creation of aligned related objects or models thereof, such as maxillar and mandibular arches, is facilitated.

Abstract: A three-dimensional-based modeling method and system designed for dentistry and related medical (and appropriate non-medical) applications. Data capture means produces a point cloud representing the three-dimensional surface of an object (e.g., dental arch). Three-dimensional recognition objects are provided, particularly within those areas in the image field that have low image definition, and particularly in such of these areas that appear in overlapping portions of at least two images, to provide the three-dimensional image processing software with position, angulation, and orientation information sufficient to enable highly accurate combining (or “stitching”) of adjoining and overlapping images. Alignment, and creation of aligned related objects or models thereof, such as maxillar and mandibular arches, is facilitated.

Abstract: A method of designing a dental restoration component. A set of design dimensional constraints is defined which must be satisfied for the dental restoration component. A set of design parameters for the dental restoration component also is defined. Using at least in part a penalty function, a value is assigned to each of said design parameters for the dental restoration component, consistent with the constraints for said component, said penalty function taking into account at least more than one of said design parameters and which signals a constraint being reached when the value of any of said parameters violates a constraint.

Abstract: A three-dimensional-based modeling method and system designed for dentistry and related medical (and appropriate non-medical) applications. Data capture means produces a point cloud representing the three-dimensional surface of an object (e.g., dental arch). Three-dimensional recognition objects are provided, particularly within those areas in the image field that have low image definition, and particularly in such of these areas that appear in overlapping portions of at least two images, to provide the three-dimensional image processing software with position, angulation, and orientation information sufficient to enable highly accurate combining (or “stitching”) of adjoining and overlapping images. Alignment, and creation of aligned related objects or models thereof, such as maxillar and mandibular arches, is facilitated.