Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring and/or correcting audio/visual synchronization is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for providing synchronization of a video signal and a corresponding audio signal associated with the audio/visual transmission includes detecting a triggering video event in the video signal and inserting a synchronization signal into the audio signal, where the synchronization signal is correlated to the triggering video event. In another embodiment, a method for measuring and optionally correcting the synchronization of the video signal and the audio signal includes detecting the triggering video event in the video signal, detecting the synchronization signal in the audio signal, and assessing the synchronization of the video signal and the audio signal in accordance with a time offset between the triggering video event and the synchronization signal.

Abstract: A system and method of evaluating a decoder under test can include the steps of storing a first segment of a video sequence for creating a first test frame portion including a first image, storing a second segment of video sequence for creating a second test frame portion including a second image, combining the first and second test frame portions into a visualization segment, streaming the visualization segment to the decoder, displaying the resultant output stream from the decoder under test, and determining if a defect exists in the displayed decoded output stream. Determining if a defect exists can include: if the display of the displayed visualization segment shows a steady picture, then determining there is a defect in the decoded picture, and if the display of the visualization segment shows flickering or flashing detail, then determining that there is a defect in the decoded picture.

Abstract: A method the direct analysis of an analyte in keratinized structures, e.g., hair and fingernails, which comprises preparing a mixture containing a low redox potential activator compound such as dithiothreitol or dithioerythritol, an enzyme suitable for the digestion of the keratin structure, a sample of the keratin structure and a biological detergent that aids the digestion of the keratinized structure at a relatively low pH, e.g., between about 6.2 and 8; permitting the enzyme to at least substantially digest the sample of keratin structure, and subjecting the digest solution to analysis, preferably by radioimmunoassay, to determine the identity and amount of analyte in the keratin structure sample. To accelerate the method, cupric sulfate may be added to the mixture after degradation of the keratin sample. The enzyme may be a peptidase, endopeptidase or proteinase, with papain, chymopapain, and proteinase K being preferred for use in the invention.

Abstract: An apparatus and concomitant method for creating and applying an encoded bitstream to evaluate the performance of a black box video decoder. The encoded bitstreams are designed such that the results from the DUT can be evaluated without the need of a human observer. The method applies the encoded bitstream to both a DUT and a compliant reference decoder and compares the results from both decoders to determine compliance of the DUT. Additional embodiments address postprocessing and the selection of a subset of test frames for evaluation.

Abstract: A method for the direct analysis of the presence of an analyte which becomes embedded in keratinized structures, e.g., hair, fingernails and toenails, from the bloodstream of a subject which comprises preparing a mixture containing dithiothreitol or dithioerythritol (“DTT”), an enzyme suitable for the digestion of the keratin structure and a sample of the keratin structure; permitting the enzyme to digest the sample of keratin structure to form a digest solution, followed by the addition of a salt of a metal of copper, zinc, manganese, iron, lead, cadmium, mercury, silver and cobalt to deactivate the DTT; and finally subjecting the digest solution to analysis to determine the presence of the analyte in the keratin structure sample. The protease enzymes papain, chymopapain, and proteinase K are preferred for use in the invention.

Abstract: A method for the direct analysis of the presence of an analyte which becomes embedded in keratinized structures, e.g., hair, fingernails and toenails, from the bloodstream of a subject which comprises preparing a mixture containing dithiothreitol or dithioerythritol ("DTT"), an enzyme suitable for the digestion of the keratin structure and a sample of the keratin structure; permitting the enzyme to digest the sample of keratin structure to form a digest solution, followed by the addition of a salt of a metal of copper, zinc, manganese, iron, lead, cadmium, mercury, silver and cobalt to deactivate the DTT; and finally subjecting the digest solution to analysis to determine the presence of the analyte in the keratin structure sample. The protease enzymes papain, chymopapain, and proteinase K are preferred for use in the invention.

Abstract: Plasmids carrying one or more genes which confer phage insensitivity upon Streptococcus lactis or Streptococcus lactis subsp. diacetylactis as well as Streptococcus cremoris bacteria in which the insensitivity is not destroyed at temperatures of up to 40.degree. C. are described. DNA fragments are also described which encode phage insensitivity. Such plasmids and DNA fragments are suitable for conferring phage insensitivity upon bacteria or food starter cultures containing bacteria.