Abstract: The present disclosure provides, in various aspects and embodiments, methods and compositions for selectively amplifying a rare target nucleic acid and/or suppressing amplification of non-target nucleic acids with sequences similar to the rare target nucleic acid. The methods and composition are useful, for example, for detecting rare alleles among a population of wild-type alleles.

Abstract: Provided herein are primers and primer systems having improved specificity and kinetics over existing primers, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Provided herein are primers and primer systems having improved specificity and kinetics over existing primers, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods relating to self-assembly of structures of various size and shape completxity. The composition include synthetic single-stranded polymers having a backbone and pre-determined linear arrangement of monomers.

Abstract: A detection probe for detecting single base mutations or alterations in a double stranded target nucleic acid molecule is provided. In some aspects, the detection probe may include a double-stranded probe nucleic acid molecule having a first end and a second end; at least one probe initiation toehold at the first end; at least one substance capable of emitting a detectable signal at the second end; and optionally, at least one dissociation toehold at the second end. The detection probe is designed to hybridize with a double stranded target nucleic acid in a reaction which proceeds at approximate thermodynamic equilibrium (?G?0) when no single base mutations or alterations are present in the double stranded target nucleic acid molecule. The probe may be used in detection systems and methods to identifying the presence or absence of one or more single base mutations or alterations in a double-stranded nucleic acid target molecule.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for spatial sequestration of elements in nucleic acid circuits.

Abstract: Provided herein are primers and primer systems having improved specificity and kinetics over existing primers, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: An engine valve actuation system includes an engine valve moveable between a first position that blocks a flow of fluid and a second position that allows a flow of fluid. The system also includes a valve actuation assembly connected to move the engine valve between the first position and the second position and a fluid actuator configured to selectively modify a timing of the engine valve in moving from the second position to the first position. The fluid actuator includes a first piston. The system further includes an accumulator including a second piston, wherein the second piston is slidably movable in the first piston.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an engine having a gas exchange valve and an actuator for the gas exchange valve, and also a method of reducing valve seating impact velocity. The actuator includes a body having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. A plunger is reciprocable in the body and has a travel distance between an advanced position and a retracted position, the plunger and body defining a chamber. A flow restriction orifice is disposed in at least one of the plunger and the body, and the chamber is in unrestricted fluid communication with the outlet over a first portion of the travel distance and in restricted fluid communication with the outlet by way of the orifice over at least a second portion of the travel distance.

Abstract: An engine valve actuator for an internal combustion engine is provided. The actuator includes a housing having an opening. An adjustment member is disposed in the housing and defines a fluid chamber having a chamber wall. A piston is also disposed in the opening. The piston defines a piston chamber and has a pressure surface, a protrusion extending from the pressure surface, and a groove disposed in the pressure surface surrounding the protrusion and in fluid communication with the piston chamber. A fluid passageway is adapted to controllably communicate pressurized fluid to the housing opening. A push rod is operatively engageable with the piston and is adapted to controllably actuate an engine valve of the engine.

Abstract: An engine valve actuation system includes an engine valve moveable between first and second positions, a valve actuation assembly connected to move the engine valve between the first and second positions, a fluid actuator configured to selectively modify a timing of the engine valve in moving from the second to the first position, a source of fluid, and a pair of passages in the cylinder that allow fluid to flow from the chamber to the fluid source. The fluid actuator includes a cylinder and a piston at least partly defining a chamber. The piston is slidably movable in the cylinder between a first position and a second position, and blocks at least a portion of one of the passages at an intermediate position between the second position and the first position to reduce fluid flow from the chamber when the piston moves from the second position toward the first position.