Abstract: A security server qualifies the execution of programs for networked host computer systems using a database storing pre-qualified program signatures and defined policy rules associating execution permission qualifiers with execution control values. The server executes a control program in response to execution requests received via a communications network interface from identifiable hosts, wherein a predetermined execution request received from a predetermined host computer system includes an identification of a program load request, request context related data, and a secure program signature. The control program determines an execution control value based on an evaluation of the execution request relative to the pre-qualified program signatures and defined policy rules. The execution control value is then returned to the predetermined host computer system to securely qualify the execution of the program identified from the program load request.

Abstract: A proton exchange membrane for a fuel cell is prepared from a polyimidazole polymer having the formula: wherein R1-R3 are independently H, a halogen, an alkyl or a substituted alkyl. X1 and X2 are independently or an electron withdrawing group such as CN. The membrane may be doped to alter its conductivity. The membrane may be prepared from a copolymer of the polyimidazole. Also disclosed is a fuel cell incorporating the membrane.

Abstract: Host computer systems dynamically engage in independent transactions with servers of a server cluster to request performance of a network service, preferably a policy-based transfer processing of data. The host computer systems operate from an identification of the servers in the cluster to autonomously select servers for transactions qualified on server performance information gathered in prior transactions. Server performance information may include load and weight values that reflect the performance status of the selected server and a server localized policy evaluation of service request attribute information provided in conjunction with the service request. The load selection of specific servers for individual transactions is balanced implicitly through the cooperation of the host computer systems and servers of the server cluster.

Abstract: Communications between server computer systems of a cluster routinely exchange notice of configuration status and, on demand, transmit updated configuration data sets. Each status message identifies any change in the local configuration of a servers and, further, includes encrypted validation data. Each of the servers stores respective configuration data including respective sets of data identifying the servers known to the respective servers as participating in the cluster. Each status message, as received, is validating against the respective configuration data stored by the receiving server. A status message is determined valid only when originating from a server as known by the receiving server, as determined from the configuration data held by the receiving server. Where a validated originating server identifies updated configuration data, the receiving server requests a copy of the updated configuration data set, which must also be validated, to equivalently modify the locally held configuration data.

Abstract: A proton exchange membrane for a fuel cell is prepared from a polyimidazole polymer having the formula: 1

Abstract: The invention provides methods of preparing a male antifertility agent composed of a diterpene lactone compound obtained from plants of the genus Tripterygium, the diterpene lactone compounds obtained from that method, and the use of the compounds as an antifertility agent.