Abstract: Provided herein are media, methods, kits, primers and oligonucleotide probes for use in the molecular detection of pathogens. These may be used in combination for the rapid, high-throughput screening PCR-based techniques to simultaneously detect multiple pathogens. The multiplex-detection methods have improved sensitivity and specificity for the detection of multiple pathogens simultaneously. Real-time PCR assaying techniques using such primers include microarrays and multiplex arrays, the latter optionally simultaneously with oligonucleotide TaqMan probes.

Abstract: A compressed binary schema representation object for metadata processing and a related method are provided. The compressed binary schema representation provides savings in bandwidth and processing requirements as compared to textual schema representations. The binary schema representation makes it possible to select and decode only desired schema elements without the need to parse the entire schema.

Abstract: Meta-data retrieved externally is determined to be relevant to the creation of an electronic programming guide (EPG) or relevant to a user's preferred programs. The meta-data is stored locally if it is determined that it is relevant to the creation of the EPG or if it is relevant to the user's preferred programs. All other meta-data is discarded. When a user requests meta-data, an attempt is made to retrieve the data from a local database, and if the attempt fails, then the meta-data is obtained from an external source.