Abstract: The evolutionary feature selection algorithm is combined with model evaluation during training to learn feature subsets that maximize speech/non-speech distribution distances. The technique enables ensembling of low-cost models over similar features subspaces increases classification accuracy and has similar computational complexity in practice. Prior to training the models, feature analysis is conducted via an evolutionary feature selection algorithm which measures fitness for each feature subset in the population by its k-fold cross validation score. PCA and LDA based eigen-features are computed for each subset and fitted with a Gaussian Mixture Model from which combinations of feature subsets with Maximum Mean Discrepancy scores are obtained. During inference, the resulting features are extracted from the input signal and given as input to the trained neural networks.

Abstract: The evolutionary feature selection algorithm is combined with model evaluation during training to learn feature subsets that maximize speech/non-speech distribution distances. The technique enables ensembling of low-cost models over similar features subspaces increases classification accuracy and has similar computational complexity in practice. Prior to training the models, feature analysis is conducted via an evolutionary feature selection algorithm which measures fitness for each feature subset in the population by its k-fold cross validation score. PCA and LDA based eigen-features are computed for each subset and fitted with a Gaussian Mixture Model from which combinations of feature subsets with Maximum Mean Discrepancy scores are obtained. During inference, the resulting features are extracted from the input signal and given as input to the trained neural networks.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to methods of conducting dynamic single-molecule fluorescence studies such as smFRET on a membrane protein which permits observation and quantification of conformational dynamics of a membrane protein. Also disclosed herein are mutant membrane proteins in which one or more mutations have been introduced for affixing a fluorophore, as well as reagents and kits containing such mutant membrane proteins for conducting dynamic single-molecule fluorescence studies. The methods and compositions disclosed herein can be used in screening for compounds that enhance or reduce the activity of a membrane protein, useful for treating diseases associated with the malfunction of the membrane protein or alterations in membrane protein conformation.

Abstract: We provide isolated TPP and preQ1 class II riboswitches which are labelled for FRET studies of ribosome function. The riboswitches may be used in assays to determine riboswitch function, and to test the activity of compounds in modulating riboswitch function.

Abstract: The invention is directed to fluorophore-containing compositions and configurations wherein proximity between the fluorophore and one or more protective agents (PAs) modifies the lifetime of fluorescent and/or dark states, their frequency of occurrence, and the total lifetime of fluorescence in order to appropriately modify the photophysical characteristics of the fluorophore. The invention is also directed to methods that utilize these compositions and configurations.

Abstract: We provide isolated TPP and preQ1 class II riboswitches which are labelled for FRET studies of ribosome function. The riboswitches may be used in assays to determine riboswitch function, and to test the activity of compounds in modulating riboswitch function.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to methods of conducting dynamic single-molecule fluorescence studies such as smFRET on a membrane protein which permits observation and quantification of conformational dynamics of a membrane protein. Also disclosed herein are mutant membrane proteins in which one or more mutations have been introduced for affixing a fluorophore, as well as reagents and kits containing such mutant membrane proteins for conducting dynamic single-molecule fluorescence studies. The methods and compositions disclosed herein can be used in screening for compounds that enhance or reduce the activity of a membrane protein, useful for treating diseases associated with the malfunction of the membrane protein or alterations in membrane protein conformation.

Abstract: Automatically selecting time traces from a fluorescence experiment, in one aspect, may include capturing results of the fluorescence experiment in a moving image; localizing sources of fluorescence in the moving image; producing time traces of each fluorescent source by monitoring fluorescence intensity of said localized sources in the moving image over time; removing unuseful time traces from said produced time traces; and selecting useful time traces from said produced time traces based on one or more defined criteria. FRET traces from selected time traces may be further calculated and analyzed. A unified computer-implemented platform in one aspect may include tools to locate single molecules, extract traces, classify smFRET traces according to adjustable parameters, and quantify the kinetic parameters of FRET transitions using analytical procedures such as Hidden Markov Modeling (HMM) procedures.

Abstract: The invention is directed to fluorophore-containing compositions and configurations wherein proximity between the fluorophore and one or more protective agents (PAs) modifies the lifetime of fluorescent and/or dark states, their frequency of occurrence, and the total lifetime of fluorescence in order to appropriately modify the photophysical characteristics of the fluorophore. The invention is also directed to methods that utilize these compositions and configurations.

Abstract: The invention is directed to fluorophore-containing compositions and configurations wherein proximity between the fluorophore and one or more protective agents (PAs) modifies the lifetime of fluorescent and/or dark states, their frequency of occurrence, and the total lifetime of fluorescence in order to appropriately modify the photophysical characteristics of the fluorophore. The invention is also directed to methods that utilize these compositions and configurations.

Abstract: Automatically selecting time traces from a fluorescence experiment, in one aspect, may include capturing results of the fluorescence experiment in a moving image; localizing sources of fluorescence in the moving image; producing time traces of each fluorescent source by monitoring fluorescence intensity of said localized sources in the moving image over time; removing unuseful time traces from said produced time traces; and selecting useful time traces from said produced time traces based on one or more defined criteria. FRET traces from selected time traces may be further calculated and analyzed. A unified computer-implemented platform in one aspect may include tools to locate single molecules, extract traces, classify smFRET traces according to adjustable parameters, and quantify the kinetic parameters of FRET transitions using analytical procedures such as Hidden Markov Modeling (HMM) procedures.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to methods of conducting dynamic single-molecule fluorescence studies such as sm-FRET on a membrane protein which permits observation and quantification of conformational dynamics of a membrane protein. Also disclosed herein are mutant membrane proteins in which one or more mutations have been introduced for affixing a fluorophore, as well as reagents and kits containing such mutant membrane proteins for conducting dynamic single-molecule fluorescence studies. The methods and compositions disclosed herein can be used in screening for compounds that enhance or reduce the activity of a membrane protein, useful for treating diseases associated with the malfunction of the membrane protein or alterations in membrane protein conformation.

Abstract: The invention is directed to fluorophore-containing compositions and configurations wherein proximity between the fluorophore and one or more protective agents (PAs) modifies the lifetime of fluorescent and/or dark states, their frequency of occurrence, and the total lifetime of fluorescence in order to appropriately modify the photophysical characteristics of the fluorophore. The invention is also directed to methods that utilize these compositions and configurations.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a satellite communications system between satellites and terminal units that are sufficiently small to be handheld units and that operate within the earth power flux density limit. This is accomplished by using spreading spectrum waveform protocols that make efficient use of the allocated bandwidth. In one embodiment, a satellite communications system comprises at least one satellite, and at least one ground station each corresponding to one of the at least one satellite. Each ground station includes a spread spectrum transmitter and a spread spectrum receiver. Each of a plurality of mobile terminals includes a spread spectrum transmitter and a spread spectrum receiver.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for signaling control information in a communication of data. The method includes the steps of channel coding the data to form channel coded data, interleaving the channel coded data to form interleaved data, segmenting the interleaved data into a sequence of frames, and overwriting a portion of a frame in the sequence of frames with the control information. The control information has a low bit size, and the overwriting is performed at a frequency of less than about 20% of the frames in the sequence of frames. The system includes a spread spectrum transmitter for signaling control information in a communication of data. The spread spectrum transmitter includes a channel coder, an interleaver and framer unit having an input coupled to the channel coder, and an insertion unit coupled to an output of the interleaver and framer unit. The channel coder is configured to apply forward error correction to the communication of data and produce channel coded data therefrom.

Abstract: A communication system and receiver is provided that facilitates increased message size in a communication system that supports a large number of transmitters sharing a common frequency band. The communication system facilitates increased message size by incorporating a plurality of transmit bit sets in each burst of data. The additional transmit bit sets are incorporated into a plurality of transmit codes that are generated using at least one additional spreading code that is orthogonal to the base spreading code. The plurality of transmit codes are then combined into one composite message and the composite message is spread again using another scrambling sequence. The final composite spread message is transmitted to the receiver in the appropriate message time slot, resulting in CDM/TDMA burst signal that facilitates increased message size.

Abstract: User Equipment (UE) and methods for UE synchronization are provided in accordance with the present invention. The UE is configured for operation in a Mobile Satellite System (MSS) that has satellites that are configured to couple the UE to a ground station. The UE includes a transceiver that is configured to couple the UE to at least one of the plurality of satellites and a controller coupled to the transceiver. The controller is configured to perform one or more operations that result in an adjustment of the UE timing reference.

Abstract: A mobile communications system is disclosed in which at least a first ground station (12) and a second ground station (14) are connected by a backbone link (16) configured to carry backbone traffic. A first satellite (18) is coupled to the first ground station and to a first set of user terminals (22) by a first set of user links (24). A second satellite (20) is coupled to the second ground station and to a second set of user terminals (26) by a second set of user links (28). Both the first set of user links and the second set of user links are configured to carry user traffic. Each of the set of ground stations is configured to reallocate at least one of the user links to accommodate backbone traffic.