A method and an apparatus are provided for improving or optimizing the frequency at which the keep-alive messages are sent to a network device from a set top box connected to a router or gateway. To reduce computations, a new unfolding process is performed on the net models. This invention is also directed to novel compounds prepared during the synthesis. The devices may also be particularly suitable for use in pediatric populations where their absorption should not hinder growth, and provide in all patient populations wound healing with long-term mechanical stability. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods for performing a real-time polymerase chain reaction in a continuous-flow microfluidic system and to methods for monitoring real-time PCR in such systems. The execution logic disposed within the microprocessor and is operatively coupled to the single atomic cryptographic instruction.