Abstract: Provided herein, among other things, is an automatable procedure that employs in vitro directed evolution to create DNA sequences that encode a ligand-responsive ribozyme and which, when transcribed, can control expression of genes they are coupled to. The method also allows creation of functional RNA sequences that bind target molecules, without requiring any modification or immobilization of the target.

Abstract: Provided herein, among other things, is an automatable procedure that employs in vitro directed evolution to create DNA sequences that encode a ligand-responsive ribozyme and which, when transcribed, can control expression of genes they are coupled to. The method also allows creation of functional RNA sequences that bind target molecules, without requiring any modification or immobilization of the target.

Abstract: Provided herein, among other things, is an automatable procedure that employs in vitro directed evolution to create DNA sequences that encode a ligand-responsive ribozyme and which, when transcribed, can control expression of genes they are coupled to. The method also allows creation of functional RNA sequences that bind target molecules, without requiring any modification or immobilization of the target.

Abstract: Provided herein, among other things, is an automatable procedure that employs in vitro directed evolution to create DNA sequences that encode a ligand-responsive ribozyme and which, when transcribed, can control expression of genes they are coupled to. The method also allows creation of functional RNA sequences that bind target molecules, without requiring any modification or immobilization of the target.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for binding and/or modulating enzymatic activity of human protein tyrosine phosphatases such as PTP1B. Additionally, the invention provides methods of identifying and using such nucleic acid ligands.

Abstract: The present application discloses systems and methods for verifying ownership of a printed publication. One embodiment includes receiving a first image of a portion of a printed publication from a first communications device associated with a user, the first image including an identifier uniquely associated with the user. The first image may be analyzed to verify the printed publication and to confirm that identifier is associated with the user. Some embodiments also include authenticating digital content associated with the identified publication for viewing on and/or downloading to one or more communications devices associated with the user whose associated identifier appears in the first image.

Abstract: A method for adaptive scoring of responses to constructed response questions is disclosed. Adaptive scoring may be used to apply evaluator time in such a way that a predetermined reliability level is reached with the least possible use of evaluator time, including adjusting the number of response graded and/or the number of evaluators grading each response. A score may be calculated after grading a subset of a test taker's responses to the constructed response questions. A probability or an error estimate is calculated and compared to a threshold value. Grading may be discontinued based on the comparison. A score may be calculated based on a predetermined number of ratings for the test taker's response to a constructed response. A probability that the score is within a predetermined range of what the score would be if all the responses are graded is calculated. If the probability is less than a threshold value, the number of ratings is increased.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for binding and/or modulating enzymatic activity of human protein tyrosine phosphatases such as PTP1B. Additionally, the invention provides methods of identifying and using such nucleic acid ligands.

Abstract: A system and method for spoken language proficiency assessment by a computer is described. A user provides a spoken response to a constructed response question. A speech recognition system processes the spoken response into a sequence of linguistic units. At training time, features matching a linguistic template are extracted by identifying matches between a training sequence of linguistic units and pre-selected templates. Additionally, a generalized count of the extracted features is computed. At runtime, linguistic features are detected by comparing a runtime sequence of linguistic units to the feature set extracted at training time. This comparison results in a generalized count of linguistic features. The generalized count is then used to compute a score.

Abstract: A signal processor programmed with a set of instructions to perform a data transfer encoding method. The encoding method permits communication from the signal processor to a subscriber, where the subscriber is connected to a digital network by an analog loop. The signal processor may be connected through a digital connection to the digital network. The signal processor selects a digital codeword from a set of digital network codewords. The digital network codewords may correspond to a set of quantization values applied at a line interface which couples said digital network to said analog loop. The signal processor converts the data stream into a sequence of digital codewords from the set of digital codewords. The digital codewords may then be sampled and transmitted through the digital connection to the digital network.

Abstract: A system for measuring an ability of a subject. The system includes a set of tasks that require the subject to provide one or more spoken responses. A speech recognition system, which is coupled to receive the spoken responses, provides an estimate of the spoken responses. The estimate may be an estimate of the linguistic content and/or other characteristics of the response. The speech recognition system has an associated operating characteristic relating to its ability to recognize and estimate the content of responses and elements of responses. A scoring device converts the response estimate into one or more item scores. A computation device provides a subject score using a scoring computation model that depends upon the expected item-dependent operating characteristics of the speech recognition system.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring reading skills is described. An individual whose reading skills are to be evaluated reads aloud from a text. As the person reads aloud from the text, a speech signal is captured. The speech signal is analyzed to provide an estimate of what the individual said and to measure a timing of the words said. The estimate and timing is combined with parameters assigned to each word said to form a measure of the individual's reading skill. The measure of the individual's reading skill is substantially independent of the text.

Abstract: A method for adaptive scoring of responses to constructed response questions is disclosed. Adaptive scoring may be used to apply evaluator time in such a way that a predetermined reliability level is reached with the least possible use of evaluator time, including adjusting the number of response graded and/or the number of evaluators grading each response. A score may be calculated after grading a subset of a test taker's responses to the constructed response questions. A probability or an error estimate is calculated and compared to a threshold value. Grading may be discontinued based on the comparison. A score may be calculated based on a predetermined number of ratings for the test taker's response to a constructed response. A probability that the score is within a predetermined range of what the score would be if all the responses are graded is calculated. If the probability is less than a threshold value, the number of ratings is increased.

Abstract: An automatic reading system provides a system and methods of evaluating a user's reading skills while the user is reading out loud. The automatic reading system adjusts text of an electronic book as the user is reading to increase or decrease a level profile of the electronic book. The automatic reading system also provides reading recommendations, feedback, and marketing data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying bulk electronic mail is provided. The contents of a plurality of electronic mail messages are tracked and used to determine whether a particular electronic mail message is bulk electronic mail or not bulk electronic mail. The manner in which an electronic mail message is processed depends on the type of the electronic mail message. In particular, a message signature is generated from the contents of the electronic mail message and transmitted to a central server. The central server generates a count of how many other previously received signatures match the just generated message signature. The count is transmitted to the electronic mail server that transmitted the particular message signature. If the count meets a predetermined threshold, the electronic mail server marks the electronic mail message as bulk electronic mail. Alternatively, the central server transmits the message signature of an identified bulk electronic mail message to an electronic mail server.

Abstract: A signal processor programmed with a set of instructions to perform a data transfer encoding method. The encoding method permits communication from the signal processor to a subscriber, where the subscriber is connected to a digital network by an analog loop. The signal processor may be connected through a digital connection to the digital network. The signal processor selects a digital codeword from a set of digital network codewords. The digital network codewords may correspond to a set of quantization values applied at a line interface which couples said digital network to said analog loop. The signal processor converts the data stream into a sequence of digital codewords from the set of digital codewords. The digital codewords may then be sampled and transmitted through the digital connection to the digital network.

Abstract: A signal processor programmed with a set of instructions to perform a data transfer decoding method. The method includes receiving an analog signal representing a sequence of codewords. The analog signal is converted into the sequence of codewords. Each codeword in the sequence of codewords is selected from a predetermined set of digital network codewords. A high speed data transfer decoder, including a signal processor and memory is also provided.

Abstract: An automatic reading system provides a system and methods of evaluating a user's reading skills while the user is reading out loud. The automatic reading system adjusts text of an electronic book as the user is reading to increase or decrease a level profile of the electronic book. The automatic reading system also provides reading recommendations, feedback, and marketing data.

Abstract: An intelligibility measuring system provides a system and method of evaluating intelligibility of a speaker. Intelligibility may be a function of the speaker's pronunciation of words, material being spoken, context in which words are spoken, and skill of a listener. The speaker repeats items. The items may be words or combination of words. The listener hears the speaker articulating items and a transcription is created to document what the listener heard. A measurement unit determines an error count based on a comparison of the items and the transcription. An intelligibility score is then determined using the error count, difficulty level of the items, and ability of the listener.

Abstract: A signal processor programmed with a set of instructions to perform a data transfer encoding method. The encoding method permits communication from the signal processor to a subscriber, where the subscriber is connected to a digital network by an analog loop. The signal processor may be connected through a digital connection to the digital network. The signal processor selects a digital codeword from a set of digital network codewords. The digital network codewords may correspond to a set of quantization values applied at a line interface which couples said digital network to said analog loop. The signal processor converts the data stream into a sequence of digital codewords from the set of digital codewords. The digital codewords may then be sampled and transmitted through the digital connection to the digital network.