Abstract: A method of determining the length of a polynucleotide target is provided. With this method, a target is first hybridized to an array of first probes having different, determined lengths, resulting in the formation of duplexes between the polynucleotide target and the first probes. These duplexes have a single stranded section of target if the target is longer than the first probe it is in a duplex with. Next, a second probe having a determined length is hybridized to these duplexes. If the length of the target is greater than the length of the first probe it is displaced during this hybridization step by the process of branch migration. In contrast, if the length of the target is less than or equal to the length of the first probe, it is not displaced. Thus, the length of the polynucleotide target can be determined.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a housing, a suction generator carried by the housing, a bag compartment and a bag cage. The bag compartment is defined by a bag compartment wall including an airflow inlet and an airflow outlet. The bag cage is received in the bag compartment. The bag cage defines a bag cavity that hold a filter bag in a position spaced from the bag compartment wall so as to maintain a clear airflow passage.

Abstract: An inlet air dynamics (IAD) characterization control system for an internal combustion engine includes a first module that estimates a future firing event manifold absolute pressure (MAP) and a second module that determines a MAP cycle difference based on the future firing event MAP and a previous cycle MAP. A third module characterizes an IAD state based on the MAP cycle difference.

Abstract: The invention is directed to novel methods of multiplexing nucleic acid reactions, including amplification, detection and genotyping. The invention relies on the use of precircle probes that are circularized in the presence of the corresponding target nucleic acids, cleaved, and then amplified.

Abstract: A fuel control system delivers fuel to an engine cylinder and compensates for lost fuel. The fuel control system comprises a fuel dynamics module that determines a fuel dynamics model that is indicative of fuel behavior. The fuel dynamic module determines an inverse of the fuel dynamics model, receives a fuel command, and generates an adjusted fuel command based on the fuel command and the inverse of the fuel dynamics model. A lost fuel compensation module receives the adjusted fuel command and generates a final fuel command based on the adjusted fuel command and a lost fuel factor. A control module controls fuel delivery according to the final fuel command.

Abstract: The invention is directed to novel methods of multiplexing nucleic acid reactions, including amplification, detection and genotyping. The invention relies on the use of precircle probes that are circularized in the presence of the corresponding target nucleic acids, cleaved, and then amplified.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for direct detection of chemical reactions are provided. In a preferred embodiment, electric charge perturbations of the local environment during enzyme-catalyzed reactions are sensed by an electrode system with an immobilized target molecule. The target molecule is preferably DNA. The charge perturbation caused by the polymerase reaction can uniquely identify a DNA sequence. The polymerization process generates local perturbations of charge in the solution near the electrode surface and induces a charge in a polarazible gold electrode. This event is detected as a transient current by a voltage clamp amplifier. Detection of single nucleotides in a sequence can be determined by dispensing individual dNTPs to the electrode solution and detecting the charge perturbations. Alternatively, multiple bases can be determined at the same time using a mix of all dNTPs with subsequent analysis of the resulting signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to proteins or polypeptides that comprise intramolecular dimers of fluorescent protein monomers. More specifically, the invention relates to recombinant polypeptides comprising a monomer of a fluorescent polypeptide, a linker peptide, and a second monomer of that fluorescent polypeptide, where the monomers form an intramolecular dimer. The invention also relates to nucleic acids encoding Intramolecular Dimer Fluorescent Proteins (IDFPs) and vectors comprising such nucleic acids. The invention further relates to methods of making IDFPs and methods of using them. IDFPs are, useful in any application suited for fluorescent proteins and are particularly useful in applications in which more than one fluorescent protein sharing complementary dimerization interfaces is present in the same mixture or is expressed in the same cell, because IDFPs do not form heterodimers.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a housing having a filter bag cavity. A suction generator and a bag mount are both carried on the housing. Additionally, the vacuum cleaner includes a bag caddy that is displaceable between an operating position connected to the bag mount and a bag disposal position disconnected from the bag mount.

Abstract: A motor enclosure for a vacuum cleaner includes a body having both a motor receiver for receiving a motor and a filter receiver for receiving a filter.

Abstract: The invention is directed to novel methods of multiplexing nucleic acid reactions, including amplification, detection and genotyping. The invention relies on the use of precircle probes that are circularized in the presence of the corresponding target nucleic acids, cleaved, and then amplified.

Abstract: An engine control system that identifies fuel dynamical steady state (FDSS) includes a cylinder and a controller that determines a detection period. The controller monitors a mass of fuel ingested by the cylinder during the detection period. The controller identifies FDSS if the mass of fuel remains within a predetermined range during the detection period.

Abstract: Chlamydia pneumoniae polypeptides are provided. The C. pneumoniae polypeptides can be used to prepare pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment or prevention of disease. In addition, the proteins can be used in methods for the diagnosis of C. pneumoniae infection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of transfer of small molecules of exogenous nucleic acid into living cells, and to improved methods for accomplishing same using the technique of single-stranded end-capped oligonucleotide gene repair. In some embodiments, the inventive method may be further described as providing incorporation of said materials into cells that can be made to exist in an adherent state in vitro. The invention also relates to the field of microinjecting said materials into living cells with improved cell viability for the injected cells. As well, the invention describes a method for improved genetic modification of endogenous sequences using co-delivery of accessory proteins and oligonucleotides to facilitate modification. The invention further relates to the field of gene therapy, using the technique of single-stranded end-capped oligonucleotide gene repair to correct genetic defects, as well as introducing specific mutations into genomic DNA for use in functional genomics.

Abstract: A cooling system and related method of defrosting a refrigeration unit or a freezer unit involves the steps of (a) monitoring a compressor running time, (b) monitoring an evaporator coil temperature, (c) monitoring a first time period since a last cooled compartment door open alarm of the unit, (d) monitoring a second time period since a last defrost operation, (e) monitoring a third time period during which the cooled compartment door is closed, and (f) controlling initiation of a defrost operation as a function of the monitored compressor running time, the monitored evaporator coil temperature, the monitored first time period, the monitored second time period, and the monitored third time period. Various sets of conditions may be established for triggering initiation of the defrost operation. The system may also detect refrigerant leaks and a clogged condenser as a function of compressor running time and compressor discharge line temperature.

Abstract: A cooling system and related method of defrosting a refrigeration unit or a freezer unit involves the steps of (a) monitoring a compressor running time, (b) monitoring an evaporator coil temperature, (c) monitoring a first time period since a last cooled compartment door open alarm of the unit, (d) monitoring a second time period since a last defrost operation, (e) monitoring a third time period during which the cooled compartment door is closed, and (f) controlling initiation of a defrost operation as a function of the monitored compressor running time, the monitored evaporator coil temperature, the monitored first time period, the monitored second time period, and the monitored third time period. Various sets of conditions may be established for triggering initiation of the defrost operation. The system may also detect refrigerant leaks and a clogged condenser as a function of compressor running time and compressor discharge line temperature.

Abstract: A cooling system and related method of defrosting a refrigeration unit or a freezer unit involves the steps of (a) monitoring a compressor running time, (b) monitoring an evaporator coil temperature, (c) monitoring a first time period since a last cooled compartment door open alarm of the unit, (d) monitoring a second time period since a last defrost operation, (e) monitoring a third time period during which the cooled compartment door is closed, and (f) controlling initiation of a defrost operation as a function of the monitored compressor running time, the monitored evaporator coil temperature, the monitored first time period, the monitored second time period, and the monitored third time period. Various sets of conditions may be established for triggering initiation of the defrost operation. The system may also detect refrigerant leaks and a clogged condenser as a function of compressor running time and compressor discharge line temperature.