Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for the controlled termination of polymerase mediated primer extension reactions. The methods and compositions of the invention are broadly useful, and in a preferred aspect can be used in identifying sequence elements of template nucleic acids. Control of termination not only provides temporal control over termination, but, when used in conjunction with optically confined reaction regions, also spatially controls such termination.

Abstract: An electric shaver includes a housing and a cutter surface, the housing provides a container for the motor and power source components and further provides a graspable form or grip that fits the hand in a comfortable manner when the shaver is oriented with the grip above the cutter surface. In this orientation, the cutter faces downward with the grip above the cutter so as to meet the skin surface of the scalp. The cutter surface may comprise a housing made of a flexible material such as a castable elastomer that allows the cutter surface to meet the complex curvilinear surface of the head. The grip portion of the housing comprises a pair of concave surfaces each comprising a central axis that is parallel to the cutter surface and, therefore, tangent to the curved surface being shaved.

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 photo-induced damage mitigating agents 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 identifying a position of a platform. Features are identified in a series of images generated by a camera system associated with the platform while the platform is moving. A shift in a perspective of the camera system is identified from a shift in a position of the features in the series of images. A change in the position of the platform is identified based on the shift in the perspective.

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 method and apparatus comprising a location reference system and a control module. The location reference system is configured to generate location information for a number of mobile platforms in an environment. The control module is configured to receive the location information for the number of mobile platforms from the location reference system. The control module is further configured to generate command signals for the number of mobile platforms using the location information. The control module is further configured to send the command signals to the number of mobile platforms to operate the number of mobile platforms in the environment such that operation of the number of mobile platforms emulates the operation of a number of spacecraft systems in a non-Earth terrestrial environment.

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: A method and apparatus for managing fires. A computer system is configured to receive fire related information from at least a first portion of a plurality of assets and analyze the fire-related information to generate a result. The computer system is configured to coordinate an operation of a second portion of the plurality of assets using the result.

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: Compositions, kits, methods and systems for nucleotide sequencing comprising producing polymerase reactions that exhibit two kinetically observable steps within an observable phase of the polymerase reaction. Two slow step systems can be produced, for example, by selecting the appropriate polymerase enzyme, polymerase reaction conditions including cofactors, and polymerase reaction substrates including the primed template and nucleotides.

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: Compositions, kits, methods and systems for single molecule nucleotide sequencing comprising producing polymerase reactions having monovalent cations that control the median pulse width for incorporated nucleotides are disclosed. The levels of alkali metals such as lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, and cesium in the polymerization are used to control pulse width while allowing other sequencing parameters to remain within a desirable range.

Abstract: The different advantageous embodiments provide a system comprising a number of computers, a graphical user interface, first program code stored on the computer, and second program code stored on the computer. The graphical user interface is executed by a computer in the number of computers. The computer is configured to run the first program code to define a mission using a number of mission elements. The computer is configured to run the second program code to generate instructions for a number of assets to execute the mission and monitor the number of assets during execution of the mission.

Abstract: A method for inspecting structures that includes using a plurality of independent unmanned mobile vehicles. The unmanned mobile vehicles are equipped with a control and guidance system for enabling each unmanned mobile vehicle to operate autonomously. Each unmanned mobile vehicle may be programmed with an operating program that defines a path of travel for it, relative to a structure to be inspected. The unmanned mobile vehicles are deployed so that they cooperatively form a swarm that travels about the structure. At least one of said unmanned mobile vehicles is used to obtain inspection data of a portion of the structure as it executes its respective operating program.

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: Systems and methods are provided for single-molecule sequencing of template nucleic acids in which the signal from a label attached to a polymerase enzyme is used to monitor conformational changes in the polymerase which occur while labeled nucleotides or nucleotide analogs are added to a growing nucleic acid chain which is complementary to the template nucleic acid. The signal indicative of the conformational state of the enzyme is used to determine with higher confidence when true nucleotide or nucleotide analog incorporation events occur, allowing for the improved quality of base calls and sequence determination.

Abstract: A sensor network is described which includes a stretchable silicon substrate, and a plurality of nodes fabricated on the stretchable silicon substrate. The nodes include at least one of an energy harvesting and storage element, a communication device, a sensing device, and a processor. The nodes are interconnected via interconnecting conductors formed in the substrate.

Abstract: The different advantageous embodiments further provide a system for hierarchical mission management comprising a number of mission planners, a data processing system, and a communication system. The number of mission planners are associated with a number of agent groups. The data processing system is configured to execute the number of mission planners. The communication system is configured to provide communication between the number of mission planners.