Abstract: A data distribution method is disclosed which can realize autonomous or private data distribution between user terminals in a network environment such as the Internet. In this method, the respective nodes exchange topology information indicating a connection relationship between upstream nodes and downstream nodes, and relay stream data from the upstream nodes to the downstream nodes. Each node arbitrarily separates from the network and connects to an upstream node in accordance with a predetermined condition.

Abstract: A network system able to suitably distribute any content as a transactable product, comprising a data a server means comprised on at least one node on the network and supplying through the network a data package (information package) having any content for which a boundary is set relating to a predetermined attribute for the transaction, information relating to the control for utilization of the content, and information of a predetermined attribute for the transaction, a data utilization means comprised on at least one node on the network, receiving the supplied data package, and substantially acquiring at least the content, and a transaction management means comprised on any node on the network and carrying out predetermined processing relating to the transaction based on the information of the predetermined attribute for the transaction of the content each time the content delineated by the boundary is newly substantially acquired by the data utilization means.

Abstract: An enhanced 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutanoic acid composition and method of preparation are disclosed. The enhanced composition comprises greater than 2.2 and less than about 10 moles of 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutanoic acid equivalent per mole of calcium.

Abstract: Enhanced HMBA compositions which comprise 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutanoic acid and at least one metallic cation selected from the group consisting of sodium, potassium, magnesium and zinc ions are disclosed. The enhanced HMBA compositions are prepared by contacting HMBA and predetermined metallic cation(s) in molar ratios which are hyperstoichiometric and less than about five.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutyric acid having improved color, odor and lower viscosity. 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutyric acid which is also known as 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio) butanoic acid, is hydrolyzed with sulfuric acid having an initial strength of between about 50% by weight and about 70% by weight on an organic-free basis, thereby producing an intermediate aqueous hydrolysis product solution containing 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutyramide. The 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutyramide is hydrolyzed with sulfuric acid having a strength of between about 30% by weight and about 50% by weight on an organic-free basis to produce an aqueous hydrolyzate containing 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutyric acid. The hydrolyzate solution is contacted with a substantially water-immiscible organic solvent in a liquid-liquid extraction system to produce an extract comprising the solvent and 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutyric acid transferred from the hydrolyzate. The acid product is then recovered from the extract.