Abstract: Methods of producing substrates having selected active chemical regions by employing elements of the substrates in assisting the localization of active chemical groups in desired regions of the substrate. The methods may include optical, chemical and/or mechanical processes for the deposition, removal, activation and/or deactivation of chemical groups in selected regions of the substrate to provide selective active regions of the substrate.

Abstract: Provided herein are stable peptide analogs of the native alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (?-MSH) having selectivity for the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R). Also provided herein are pharmaceutical preparations of the ?-MSH peptide analogs, as well as methods of using these analogs in the treatment of medical and veterinary conditions involving MC1R.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a base vehicle, a takeoff and landing system, a rack system, a refueling system associated with the base vehicle, and a controller. The rack system comprises a group of racks with slots in which the slots receive unmanned aerial vehicles, provide refueling connections that facilitate refueling of the unmanned aerial vehicles located in the slots, and provide data connections that facilitate data transmission with the unmanned aerial vehicles located in the slots. The refueling system refuels an unmanned aerial vehicle located in a slot using a refueling connection in the refueling connections. The controller communicates with the unmanned aerial vehicle using a data connection and control the refueling of the unmanned aerial vehicles by the refueling system while the unmanned aerial vehicle is in the slot, enabling exchanging data with the unmanned aerial vehicle and the refueling of the unmanned aerial vehicle simultaneously.

Abstract: Compositions, kits, methods and systems for single molecule nucleotide sequencing comprising producing polymerase reactions having lithium that control the median pulse width for incorporated nucleotides are disclosed. The levels of lithium are used to control pulse width while allowing other sequencing parameters to remain within a desirable range.

Abstract: Provided herein are stable peptide analogs of the native alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (?-MSH) having selectivity for the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R). Also provided herein are pharmaceutical preparations of the ?-MSH peptide analogs, as well as methods of using these analogs in the treatment of medical and veterinary conditions involving MC1R.

Abstract: Compositions, devices, systems and methods for reducing and/or preventing photo-induced damage of one or more reactants in an illuminated analytical reaction by addition of one or more photoprotective compounds to the reaction mixture and allowing the reaction to proceed for a period that is less than a photo-induced damage threshold period.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for autonomously managing operation of an unmanned aerial vehicle. Sensor data is received by a computer system located onboard the unmanned aerial vehicle. The sensor data is processed by the computer system to generate information of interest related to at least one target, while the unmanned aerial vehicle is out of a communications range of a control station. A number of actions to be performed is identified by the computer system based on the information of interest related to the at least one target, while the unmanned aerial vehicle is out of the communications range of the control station.

Abstract: Compositions that include polymerases with features for improving entry of nucleotide analogues into active site regions and for coordinating with the nucleotide analogues in the active site region are provided. Methods of making the polymerases and of using the polymerases in sequencing and DNA replication and amplification as well as kinetic models of polymerase activity and computer-implemented methods of using the models are also provided.

Abstract: Compositions, kits, methods and systems for single molecule nucleotide sequencing comprising producing polymerase reactions having lithium that control the median pulse width for incorporated nucleotides are disclosed. The levels of lithium are used to control pulse width while allowing other sequencing parameters to remain within a desirable range.

Abstract: A rate-of-change mouse (420, 720) positions a cursor (388, 724) of a display device or monitor (390, 726) in response to a user actuating transducers (16, 17, 422A, 422B, 722A, 722), and performs switching functions, such as left click, right click, or click and drag mouse-switching functions, when a rate-of-change of an electrical signal of one of the transducers (16, 17, 422A, 422B, 722A, or 722B) exceeds a predetermined limit. In addition, macro select, “hot key” actuation, and any other selected switching functions are actuated by moving a body member such as a head (18), hand (64), or finger (67) more rapidly. Optionally, more rapidly actuating one or both of the transducers (16, 17, 422A, 422B, 722A, 722B), in selected directions and/or in selected sequences, accesses and controls augmentative and alternative communication devices (AAC) devices, environmental control units (ECUs) (14), and/or accesses and controls power wheelchairs (12), and/or accesses and controls other apparatus (26).

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a base vehicle, a takeoff and landing system, a rack system, a refueling system associated with the base vehicle, and a controller. The rack system comprises a group of racks with slots in which the slots receive unmanned aerial vehicles, provide refueling connections that facilitate refueling of the unmanned aerial vehicles located in the slots, and provide data connections that facilitate data transmission with the unmanned aerial vehicles located in the slots. The refueling system refuels an unmanned aerial vehicle located in a slot using a refueling connection in the refueling connections. The controller communicates with the unmanned aerial vehicle using a data connection and control the refueling of the unmanned aerial vehicles by the refueling system while the unmanned aerial vehicle is in the slot, enabling exchanging data with the unmanned aerial vehicle and the refueling of the unmanned aerial vehicle simultaneously.

Abstract: Compositions that include polymerases with features for improving entry of nucleotide analogues into active site regions and for coordinating with the nucleotide analogues in the active site region are provided. Methods of making the polymerases and of using the polymerases in sequencing and DNA replication and amplification as well as kinetic models of polymerase activity and computer-implemented methods of using the models are also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for autonomously managing operation of an unmanned aerial vehicle. Sensor data is received by a computer system located onboard the unmanned aerial vehicle. The sensor data is processed by the computer system to generate information of interest related to at least one target, while the unmanned aerial vehicle is out of a communications range of a control station. A number of actions to be performed is identified by the computer system based on the information of interest related to the at least one target, while the unmanned aerial vehicle is out of the communications range of the control station.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing a recreational water area. A recreational water area management system comprises a water area manager. The water area manager is configured to receive information about a recreational water area from a group of autonomous vehicles, analyze the information to identify an event, and coordinate the group of autonomous vehicles to perform a mission in the recreational water area based on the event.

Abstract: Multimeric protected fluorescent reagents and their methods of synthesis are provided. The reagents are useful in various fluorescence-based analytical methods, including the analysis of highly multiplexed optical reactions in large numbers at high densities, such as single molecule real time nucleic acid sequencing reactions. The reagents contain fluorescent dye elements, that allow the compounds to be detected with high sensitivity at desirable wavelengths, binding elements, that allow the compounds to be recognized specifically by target biomolecules, and protective shield elements, that decrease undesirable contacts between the fluorescent dye elements and the bound target biomolecules and that therefore decrease photodamage of the bound target biomolecules by the fluorescent dye elements. The reagents also contain coupling elements connect monomeric compounds into multimeric forms, thereby increasing brightness.

Abstract: The advantageous embodiments provide a method for identifying anomalies on an object. The advantageous embodiments detect a presence of the object in a control area using a sensor system. In response to detecting the presence of the object in the control area, the object is identified using the sensor system. Scan priorities are identified for the object using the sensor system. The object is scanned while the object is within the control area to form scan results. The scan results are analyzed and a determination is made as to whether a number of maintenance anomalies are detected on the object using the scan results.

Abstract: Methods, compositions, and systems are provided for characterization of modified nucleic acids. In certain preferred embodiments, single molecule sequencing methods are provided for identification of modified nucleotides within nucleic acid sequences. Modifications detectable by the methods provided herein include chemically modified bases, enzymatically modified bases, abasic sites, non-natural bases, secondary structures, and agents bound to a template nucleic acid.

Abstract: A rate-of-change mouse (420, 720) positions a cursor (388, 724) of a display device or monitor (390, 726) in response to a user actuating transducers (16, 17, 422A, 422B, 722A, 722), and performs switching functions, such as left click, right click, or click and drag mouse-switching functions, when a rate-of-change of an electrical signal of one of the transducers (16, 17, 422A, 422B, 722A, or 722B) exceeds a predetermined limit. In addition, macro select, “hot key” actuation, and any other selected switching functions are actuated by moving a body member such as a head (18), hand (64), or finger (67) more rapidly. Optionally, more rapidly actuating one or both of the transducers (16, 17, 422A, 422B, 722A, 722B), in selected directions and/or in selected sequences, accesses and controls augmentative and alternative communication devices (AAC) devices, environmental control units (ECUs) (14), and/or accesses and controls power wheelchairs (12), and/or accesses and controls other apparatus (26).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaluating a group of robotic platforms is present. The method controls the group of robotic platforms to perform operations in an operating area. Environmental signals are generated in the operating area. A response of the group of robotic platforms to an input is identified. A determination is made as to whether the response is a desired response.

Abstract: Provided herein are stable peptide analogs of the native alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (?-MSH) having selectivity for the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R). Also provided herein are pharmaceutical preparations of the ?-MSH peptide analogs, as well as methods of using these analogs in the treatment of medical and veterinary conditions involving MC1R.