Abstract: A method of providing a network service includes accepting an incoming transmission control protocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP) connection from a user device at a point of presence (POP) proxy server. The TCP/IP connection corresponds to a particular application that is not stored at the POP proxy server. The method also includes relaying the TCP/IP connection from the POP proxy server to a remote application server that stores the particular application via an accelerated network link. Further, the method includes streaming data between the user device and the remote application server after relaying the TCP/IP connection to the remote application server.

Abstract: A method of providing a network service includes accepting an incoming transmission control protocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP) connection from a user device at a point of presence (POP) proxy server. The TCP/IP connection corresponds to a particular application that is not stored at the POP proxy server. The method also includes relaying the TCP/IP connection from the POP proxy server to a remote application server that stores the particular application via an accelerated network link. Further, the method includes streaming data between the user device and the remote application server after relaying the TCP/IP connection to the remote application server.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing communication services are provided. A method of providing communication services may include provisioning at least one first communication service at a network interface unit (NIU) associated with a premises. The at least one first communication service may be associated with a placeholder account. The method also includes receiving, via the at least one first communication service, a request to activate at least one second communication service. The method also includes automatically activating the at least one second communication service.

Abstract: A method for integrating a resource in a network includes receiving at a first adapter a command associated with a function to be performed by a resource. The method also includes receiving a first script associated with the command, and interpreting the first script to produce one or more first byte codes. The method further includes causing a second adapter to receive a second script. The second adapter is operable to interpret the second script into one or more second byte codes. In addition, the method includes executing the one or more first byte codes, and invoking execution of the one or more second byte codes at the second adapter. The execution of the byte codes at the first and second adapters is operable to invoke the function in and facilitate communication with the resource.

Abstract: A method for non-repudiable translation of documents is disclosed, whereby a computer application determines a storage location for a first document, generates a first digital signature for the first document, determines a storage location for a plurality of translation instructions, generates a second digital signature for the plurality of translation instructions, translates the first document, assembles a second document including the storage location for the first document, the storage location for the plurality of translation instructions, the first digital signature, the second digital signature, the translation, and at least one encryption key associated with the first document and the plurality of translation instructions, and digitally signs the second document. The signed document includes sufficient information to demonstrate non-repudiable translation of the first document.

Abstract: Highly absorbent alginate fibers are described which have use in the manufacture of dressings. The fibers and dressings described are highly swellable while also being soluble, rather than just being soluble. This is a considerable advantage for use in environments where high absorption coupled with biodegradability is desired, for example, in wound dressings such as dressings for ulcers or burns.

Abstract: A process for preparing an alginate rope, which process comprises the steps of: (a) extruding an aqueous solution of a water soluble alginate into a coagulation bath; (b) contacting the extruded water soluble alginate with a source of a cation capable of forming a water insoluble alginate salt so as to produce a tow of water insoluble alginate fibers; (c) twisting the water insoluble alginate fibers of the tow; and (d) stretching the fibers up to 250% of their original length. The alginate rope prepared according to the process of the invention may be used as a surgical pack material or in the treatment of cavity wounds.

Abstract: Alginate fabrics have, in conjuction with charcoal cloth, been used in wound dressings for malodorous wounds and there are commercial examples of such wound dressings. A problem associated with known alginate wound dressings which employ charcoal cloth is that the dressing is a relatively rigid structure. Furthermore, the known dressings have been constrained to the use of charcoal cloth which limits the absorptive properties thereof for wound odorants due to the fixed surface area of the cloth. We have now developed an alginate fabric which alleviates the above problems, and there is provided by the present invention an alginate fabric having particulate charcoal dispersed therein.

Abstract: The invention is a wound dressing prepared from alginate fibers which have good structural integrity, whereby layers are firmly joined together, e.g. by stitching or calendering at a plurality of points to produce a composite fabric.