Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an internal combustion engine and a method of operating the engine on a six stroke cycle, in which the fifth and sixth strokes cool the engine to improve efficiency and reduce emissions.

Abstract: A method for detecting a specific sequence, a mutation and/or a polymorphisms, including a SNP, is based on the use RecA or a RecA-like recombinase protein and the process of allele specific oligonucleotide extension. RecA coated, specific DNA oligonucleotide probes (RecA filaments) are used for homology searching in duplex DNA. Location of homologous sequences results in the formation of D-loop or double D-loop structures containing a duplex regions comprising the oligonucleotide probe and one strand of the target DNA. Probes are selected to terminate with their 3′ end at the site of the mutation or the SNP, such that extension depends on correct nucleotide pairing, which occurs only when the probe is annealed to a target DNA which comprises the allele complementary to the 3′ end of the probe. Successful extension is diagnostic of the specific sequence, mutation or SNP. Also provided are compositions and kits useful for practicing the above methods.

Abstract: A method for detecting a specific sequence, a mutation and/or a polymorphisms, including a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), is based on the use of RecA-like recombinase protein and primer extension (PE) or oligonucleotide ligation assays (OLA). RecA coated, specific DNA oligonucleotide probes (RecA filaments) are used for homology searching in duplex DNA. Location of homologous sequences results in the formation of D-loop or double D-loop structures containing a duplex regions comprising the oligonucleotide probe and one strand of the target DNA. In the case of the PE methods, probes are selected to terminate with their 3′ end adjacent to the site of mutation or SNP such that a single nucleotide or terminator addition to the primer will be diagnostic of the mutation or SNP.

Abstract: A method for detecting mutations and polymorphisms, including single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP's), is based on the use of RecA-like recombinase protein and a MutS-like mismatch binding protein. RecA coated, specific DNA oligonucleotide probes (RecA filaments) are used for homology searching in duplex DNA. Location of homologous sequences results in the formation of D-loop structures containing a duplex region comprised of the oligonucleotide probe and one strand of the test DNA. Mismatches or unpaired bases in the duplex region are substrates for MutS binding. Co-localization of MutS and oligonucleotide or RecA labels is diagnostic of specific sequence differences between the probe and test DNAs. Also provided are compositions and kits useful for practicing the methods of the present invention.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automated assay of biological specimens positioned on microscope slides. The apparatus comprises an interactive optical subsystem for viewing the biological specimen on the slide and for producing an interactive video signal corresponding to the viewed image. An automated optical subsystem includes a single high power microscope objective for scanning a rack of slides, portions of which having been previously identified for assay in the interactive optical means. The system also includes a processor for processing the interactive and automatic video signals for the two optical subsystems. The processor receives the automatic video signal and performs biological assay functions upon it. A method and apparatus are also disclosed for marking points for later analysis on the microscope slides and for associating an analysis function with each marked point.

Abstract: A grommet provides a surrounding conductive elastomer connection to a stripped portion of an external cable shield. The cable is inserted through the central passage of the grommet and placed in a U-shaped opening in an enclosure frame. The open side of the U is closed with another metal member to complete a 360 degree termination around the shield. A one piece metal band within the grommet provides a direct low resistance path from the cable shield to the enclosure frame. The band has an interference fit in the outer groove of the grommet and utilizes the elasticity of the grommet to hold the band in place.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to sequential performance of a cached data storage subsystem with a minimal control signal processing. Sequential access is first detected by monitoring and examining the quantity of data accessed per unit of data storage (track) across a set of contiguously addressable tracks. Since the occupancy of the data in the cache is usually time limited, this examination provides an indication of the rate of sequential processing for a data set, i.e., a data set is being processed usually in contiguously addressable data storage units of a data storage system. Based upon the examination of a group of the tracks in a cache, the amount of data to be promoted to the cache from a backing store in anticipation of future host processor references is optimizied. A promotion factor is calculated by combining the access extents monitored in the individual data storage areas and is expressed in a number of tracks units to be promoted.

Abstract: An updatable and expandable directory structure and resultant access procedures emulating a write-once or indelible record medium to a rewriteable record medium as to accessing characteristics. The directory is indexed; one directory header for a first set of files indexes another set of files. Sector clusters or data extends are managed such that random recording from any file proceeds independently of write-once characteristics. The directory is stored on the medium as data is recorded. Each directory entry contains an archival history of recording of a related data file in the medium. Both logical and physical addressing is employable.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to sequential performance of a cached data storage subsystem with a minimal control signal processing. Sequential access is first detected by monitoring and examining the quantity of data accessed per unit of data storage (track) across a set of contiguously addressable tracks. Since the occupancy of the data in the cache is usually time limited, this examination provides an indication of the rate of sequential processing for a data set, i.e., a data set is being processed usually in contiguously addressable data storage units of a data storage system. Based upon the examination of a group of the tracks in a cache, the amount of data to be promoted to the cache from a backing store in anticipation of future host processor references is optimized. A promotion factor is calculated by combining the access extents monitored in the individual data storage areas and is expressed in a number of tracks units to be promoted.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to sequential performance of a cached data storage subsystem with a minimal control signal processing. Sequential access is first detected by monitoring and examining the quantity of data accessed per unit of data storage (track) across a set of contiguously addressable tracks. Since the occupancy of the data in the cache is usually time limited, this examination provides an indication of the rate of sequential processing for a data set, i.e., a data set is being processed usually in contiguously addressable data storage units of a data storage system. Based upon the examination of a group of the tracks in a cache, the amount of data to be promoted to the cache from a backing store in anticipation of future host processor references is optimized. A promotion factor is calculated by combining the access extents monitored in the individual data storage areas and is expressed in a number of tracks units to be promoted.

Abstract: A plurality of host processors share access to a peripheral data storage subsystem and each have program means for controlling asynchronous operations of the subsystem. Control blocks in each of the host processors are addressably linked together for enabling inferred access to a unit control block (UCB) for any of a plurality of peripheral devices in the subsystem. The subsystem selectively groups some of the devices such that only devices designated as primary devices are addressably accessible by host processor application programs. Other devices in the respective groups are secondary devices and are accessed by the subsystem whenever the primary devices in the same group cannot perform a host processor commanded operation. Means are provided for identifying the secondary devices to all of the host processors.

Abstract: An updatable and expandable directory structure and resultant access procedures emulating a write-once or indelible record medium to a rewriteable record medium as to accessing characteristics. The directory is indexed; one directory header for a first set of files indexes another set of files. Sector clusters or data extents are managed such that random recording from any file proceeds independently of write-once characteristics. The directory is stored on the medium as data is recorded. Each directory entry contains an archival history of recording of a related data file in the medium. Both logical and physical addressing is employable.

Abstract: Disclosed is a motorcycle cargo trailer having a low profile and constructed with a swing arm suspension system which allows it to travel close to the road with a low center of gravity. Air adjustable shock absorbers are provided to support the suspension swing arms. The wheels of the trailer are enclosed within wheel wells to reduce splash of water and mud from the wheels. The trailer tongue is adjustable for varying heights of motorcycles. The trailer includes a reservoir which is formed within structural components of the unibody structural system. A hitch system which reduces vibration and prevents trailer sway even at high speeds is also shown.

Abstract: A dust-tight hatch closure assembly for filling railway covered hopper cars having a filling means and a pneumatic seal in the form of an inflatable annulus.

Abstract: A lubricant for improved performance in glass molding. The lubricant is smokeless, odorless, non-toxic and non-combustible. It is applied infrequently, such as once a shift or less. The lubricant is carbon monofluoride (CF.sub.x).sub.n wherein "x" is about 0.7 or, preferably, above 1.00. Novel methods of application of the lubricant are disclosed.