Abstract: There is disclosed a method of providing information about a package in transit. The method involves receiving environmental data collected by a sensor associated with the package during transit and identifying contextual data about the package that is associated with the environmental data. The method also involves selectively providing access to the environmental and contextual data together as elements in an information feed to a plurality of parties, wherein the contextual data comprises at least one comment made by a party on an element in the information feed, and wherein one or more elements in the information feed are listed in chronological order beginning at a start time of the transit of the package.

Abstract: Method for producing carbon nanotubes. Carbon nanotubes were prepared using a low power, atmospheric pressure, microwave-generated plasma torch system. After generating carbon monoxide microwave plasma, a flow of carbon monoxide was directed first through a bed of metal particles/glass beads and then along the outer surface of a ceramic tube located in the plasma. As a flow of argon was introduced into the plasma through the ceramic tube, ropes of entangled carbon nanotubes, attached to the surface of the tube, were produced. Of these, longer ropes formed on the surface portion of the tube located in the center of the plasma. Transmission electron micrographs of individual nanotubes revealed that many were single-walled.

Abstract: Method for producing metallic particles. The method converts metallic nanoparticles into larger, spherical metallic particles. An aerosol of solid metallic nanoparticles and a non-oxidizing plasma having a portion sufficiently hot to melt the nanoparticles are generated. The aerosol is directed into the plasma where the metallic nanoparticles melt, collide, join, and spheroidize. The molten spherical metallic particles are directed away from the plasma and enter the afterglow where they cool and solidify.

Abstract: Method for producing metallic nanoparticles. The method includes generating an aerosol of solid metallic microparticles, generating non-oxidizing plasma with a plasma hot zone at a temperature sufficiently high to vaporize the microparticles into metal vapor, and directing the aerosol into the hot zone of the plasma. The microparticles vaporize in the hot zone to metal vapor. The metal vapor is directed away from the hot zone and to the plasma afterglow where it cools and condenses to form solid metallic nanoparticles.

Abstract: Method for producing metallic particles. The method converts metallic nanoparticles into larger, spherical metallic particles. An aerosol of solid metallic nanoparticles and a non-oxidizing plasma having a portion sufficiently hot to melt the nanoparticles are generated. The aerosol is directed into the plasma where the metallic nanoparticles melt, collide, join, and spheroidize. The molten spherical metallic particles are directed away from the plasma and enter the afterglow where they cool and solidify.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mutations in the MKK4 gene in human cancers and their use in the diagnosis and prognosis of human cancer. Specific mutations in the MKK4 gene which are associated with breast, pancreatic, colorectal and testicular cancers have been identified. The invention also relates to the therapy of human cancers which have a mutation in the MKK4 gene, including gene therapy, protein replacement therapy and protein mimetics. Finally, the invention relates to the screening of drugs for cancer therapy.

Abstract: A laboratory attachment jig is described for use in accurately positioning an attachment relative to an implant abutment/fixture analog of a working model. This jig comprises an orientation arm having a first end and a second end, the orientation arm including a fastener for securing the orientation arm to the abutment/fixture analog of the working model. A primary support member is attached to the second end of the orientation arm, with the primary support member and the orientation arm being supported transversely in a first plane. The primary support member includes a vertical positioning sleeve and a fastener for the vertical positioning sleeve. A lateral support arm is attached to the vertical positioning sleeve of the primary support member and includes an end. A mandrel support member is attached to the end of the lateral support member for retaining the attachment. The lateral support arm includes a lateral positioning sleeve and a fastener for the lateral positioning sleeve.

Abstract: A method is described for fabricating a dental prosthodontic restoration to be fitted on at least first and second implant fixtures, each of the implant fixtures supporting an abutment. The method begins by fitting a first abutment screw assembly to said first implant fixture, the first abutment screw assembly including a screw portion, and an attachment secured to the screw portion. The first abutment screw assembly is then tightened to retain the assembly in the first implant fixture. Then, the method continues by fitting a screw portion of a second abutment screw assembly to said second implant fixture and tightening the screw portion to the second implant fixture. Using an intra-oral jig mechanism, the attachment of the second abutment screw assembly is then located in a predetermined position relative to the screw portion thereof such that the attachments of the first and second abutment screw assemblies have a parallel orientation. The method can alternatively be practiced using two-piece assemblies.

Abstract: A system for driving and tightening components in a dental prosthodontic restoration. The system comprises at least a first driver having a body portion and a shank portion depending from the body portion, the body portion including a socket and a bore axially disposed through the body portion and opening through to the socket, the shank portion having a predetermined driver structure at one end. The system includes at least a first torque element comprising an outer member and an inner member, the inner member aligned with respect to the outer member and attached thereto by one or more spokes, the outer member having a predetermined geometry to enable the outer member to be received in the socket of the driver. A mandrel is also provided and includes a first portion received in the inner member of the torque element and a second portion received in the bore when the mandrel, the torque element and the driver are assembled together.

Abstract: A dental prosthodontic restoration includes at least one implant fixture adapted to be implanted in a jawbone of a patient. The implant fixture has a threaded bore axially disposed therethrough and opening centrally through its gingival end. In one embodiment, the restoration includes a standard abutment having an abutment base having a fitting at its inferior end, a socket at its superior end, and a bore axially disposed through the base and opening centrally through the fitting and the socket. The abutment base is supported on the implant fixture, preferably in a non-rotational manner. The restoration further includes an abutment screw having an externally-threaded shaft for mating with the threaded bore of the implant fixture, a male fitting at its superior end having a polygonal cross-section, and a secondary bore opening through the superior end coaxial with and extending toward the shaft.