Abstract: A metal plate and an electrode in a polymer lithium ion secondary battery or the like are welded certainly, and it is accomplished to further improve the reliability and the durability thereof. Each of an upper metal plate (7a) and a lower metal plate (9a) on the positive pole/terminal is welded to a pole/terminal of positive electrode (3) so that the pole/terminal of positive electrode (3) may be sandwiched from each of the upper and lower sides. Moreover, each of an upper metal plate (7b) and a lower metal plate (9b) on the negative pole/terminal is welded to a pole/terminal of negative electrode (5) so that the pole/terminal of negative electrode (5) may be sandwiched from each of the upper and lower sides. This eliminates occurrence of poor welding in the electric resistance welding.

Abstract: A cathode active material capable of further improving chemical stability, a method of manufacturing the cathode active material, and a battery using the cathode active material are provided. The cathode includes a cathode active material in which a coating layer made of a compound including Li, at least one selected from Ni and Mg, and O is arranged on complex oxide particles represented by Li1+xCo1?yMyO2?z, where M is at least one kind selected from the group consisting of Mg, Al, B, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Mo, Sn, W, Zr, Y, Nb, Ca and Sr, and the values of x, y and z are within a range of ?0.10?x?0.10, 0?y<0.50 and ?0.10?z?0.20, respectively. A surface layer made of an oxide including at least one kind selected from the group consisting of Ti, Si, Mg and Zr is formed on the coating layer.

Abstract: A nonaqueous secondary battery 10 of the invention has an active material compound layer 14 deposed over at least one face of a collector 12 made of metal foil and is equipped with a positive electrode 11 having a portion 13 in a part of which metal is exposed. The positive electrode 11 together with the exposed-metal portion 13 faces a negative electrode 17 through an interposed separator 23, and on that part of the exposed-metal portion 13 that faces the negative electrode 17 through the interposed separator 23 there is formed a protective layer 16 made of a material whose electronic conductivity is lower than that of the metal and which moreover is non-insulative. With such nonaqueous secondary battery 10, should part of an electrode pierce the separator and contact with the other electrode, the battery will be gently discharged, thereby averting abnormal heat generation by the battery and additionally enabling the battery's abnormality to be sensed by the equipment via the fall in battery voltage.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte includes a heat-treated polymerization product of a polyurethane-based compound and a polyethylene(meth)acrylic acid, wherein the polyurethane-based compound is produced by polymerizing a diisocyanate-based compound, a phosphoric acid-based polyol, and a chain extender. The polymer electrolyte has a high ionic conductivity at high temperatures without causing deformation of an electrolyte membrane. The polymer electrolyte membrane can be inexpensively and simply manufactured, and the thickness of the membrane can be easily controlled. In addition, a large amount of phosphoric acid can be impregnated into the polymer electrolyte. A fuel cell that is operative at a temperature of 100° C. or higher under non-humidified conditions and has improved energy generating efficiency can be prepared by employing the polymer electrolyte membrane.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery, comprising an electrode group including a positive electrode, a negative electrode including a material for absorbing-desorbing lithium ions, and a separator arranged between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, a nonaqueous electrolyte impregnated in the electrode group and including a nonaqueous solvent and a lithium salt dissolved in the nonaqueous solvent, and a jacket for housing the electrode group and having a thickness of 0.3 mm or less, wherein the nonaqueous solvent ?-butyrolactone in an amount larger than 50% by volume and not larger than 95% by volume based on the total amount of the nonaqueous solvent.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lithium secondary battery which is excellent in battery characteristics such as long-term cycle characteristics, capacity and shelf life characteristics. Also disclosed is a nonaqueous electrolyte solution which can be used for such a lithium secondary battery. Specifically disclosed is a nonaqueous electrolyte solution for lithium secondary batteries obtained by dissolving an electrolyte salt in a nonaqueous solvent which is characterized by containing 0.01-10% by weight of a carboxylate compound represented by the general formula (I) below and 0.01-10% by weight or 0.01-10% by volume of a vinylene carbonate and/or 1,3-propane sultone. Also disclosed is a lithium secondary battery using such a nonaqueous electrolyte solution. (In the formula, R2 represents a hydrogen atom or COOR3 group, R1 and R3 respectively represent an alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group, an alkenyl group, an alkynyl group or a phenyl group, and X represents an alkynylene group or an alkenylene group.

Abstract: A holographic data storage medium includes a polymer film which is set up as a storage layer and whose surface structure can be changed locally by heating. The polymer film is set up for the storage of holographic information via the local surface structure of the polymer film. A reflective layer can be provided on the data storage medium.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical refractive index-modifying polymer composition which can efficiently modulate (change) refractive index upon light irradiation, and exhibits such high storage stability that the once modulated refractive index does not substantially change anymore upon time elapse, and the optical refractive index-modifying polymer composition comprises as a main component a polymer (A) which is a polymer of monomers including an acrylic vinyl monomer represented by the following formula (1): CH2?C(R1)—C(?O)O—R2?CH2 ??(1) wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, R2 represents a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, and the molecule may contain a hetero atom or a halogen atom, as an essential component and contains a remaining radical-polymerizable side-chain vinyl group in the molecule, wherein the composition comprises a thermally curable polymer (B) in an amount of 5 to 60 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the polymer (A)

Abstract: The hologram recording sheet according to the invention is made up of a base film and hologram sensitive materials sensitive to different wavelength regions formed therein in a desired pattern, or a film and at least two hologram recording sensitive materials sensitive to different wavelength regions laminated on the film with a transparent plastic spacer layer located therebetween, thereby enabling the required diffraction light wavelengths to be recorded on the required sites without producing unnecessary interference fringes. At least two hologram recording sensitive materials sensitive to different wavelength regions are formed on different sites on a film in dotted or striped configuration, the size of which is up to 200 mm or at least twice as large as the thickness of the sensitive material layers, thereby enabling regions diffracting light of different wavelengths to be formed in the form of independent sets of interference fringes.

Abstract: Transmissivity is restored to a gallium stained substrate by directing an electron beam to the substrate in the presence of an etching gas. For higher concentrations of implanted gallium, the transparency can be substantially restored without reducing the thickness of the substrate. For lower doses of implanted gallium, the transmission is restored to 100%, although the thickness of the substrate is reduced. The invention is suitable for use in the repair of photolithography masks.

Abstract: System and method for providing a passivation layer for a phase shift mask (“PSM”) are described. In one embodiment, a PSM comprises a transparent substrate; a phase shift pattern disposed on the transparent substrate; and a passivation layer disposed to substantially cover exposed surfaces of at least a portion of the phase shift pattern.

Abstract: An attenuating PSM includes a quartz substrate, a first dummy pad pattern disposed on the quartz substrate, wherein the first dummy pad pattern is composed of a first phase shifter material layer with a transmission rate of greater than or equal to 15%, and a first opaque pattern disposed at a center area of the first dummy pad pattern. The first opaque pattern has a shape that is analogous to the first dummy pad pattern and surface area of the first opaque pattern is smaller than that of the first dummy pad pattern.

Abstract: A blank mask is provided. The blank mask includes a mask layer disposed on a transparent quartz substrate, and a nano inorganic material-polymer complex layer. The nano inorganic material-polymer complex layer has nano-scale components and is formed on a surface of the mask layer to adsorb a residual contamination source remaining on the surface of the mask layer and to protect the surface of the mask layer from external contamination sources. The nano inorganic material-polymer complex layer can include a nano clay-polymer composite where PVDF is interposed between the nano clay plate-shaped layers. The contamination sources can be removed from the mask layer surface by removing the composite layer.

Abstract: A colored photosensitive resin composition comprising (1) an alkali-soluble binder, (2) a monomer or an oligomer, (3) a photopolymerization initiator or a photopolymerization initiator system, and (4) a coloring agent, wherein the coloring agent is a specific pigment in a specific quantity. Also provided is a color filter obtained by using the colored photosensitive resin compositions for formation of the respective photosensitive resin layers of R, G and B.

Abstract: To provide a method of making a film of organic material excellent in moisture barrier property and/or oxygen barrier property and also to provide an electronic device excellent in long term stability, in which the film obtained by such film making method is utilized to form a protective film for protecting an electronic device, and particularly an organic electronic device, to avoid deterioration of the performance, which would otherwise be brought about by moisture and oxygen in the atmosphere. The film is formed by depositing and solidifying, on a substrate, an evaporant formed by irradiating a liquid crystal polymer capable of exhibiting an optical anisotropy with pulsed laser.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that determines whether a sub-resolution assist feature will print. During operation, the system receives a layout which contains a sub-resolution assist feature. Next, the system determines whether the sub-resolution assist feature will print using a process model and the layout. The process model is determined using first process data and second process data. The first process data is obtained using a first layout which is exposed using a first exposure level. The second process data is obtained using a second layout which is exposed using a second exposure level, which is different from the first exposure level. The second exposure level causes the sub-resolution assist features within the second layout to print.

Abstract: There is provided: an electrophotographic photoreceptor including a photosensitive layer and a surface layer laminated on a conductive substrate in this order, the photosensitive layer including an organic substance, the surface layer including a group 13 element and nitrogen, a thickness of the surface layer being from about 0.01 ?m to less than about 1 ?m, and a center line average roughness (Ra) of a surface of the surface layer being about 0.01 ?m or less; a manufacturing method thereof; a process cartridge; and an image forming device.

Abstract: A photoconductor containing an optional supporting substrate, a perylene photogenerating layer, and at least one silanol containing charge transport layer.

Abstract: Disclosed are a monomer of iridium complex having a fluoro group as a functional group, a monomer of carbazole derivative having a hydroxy group as the functional group, and a copolymer containing the monomers in its main chain. The iridium complex used as a phosphorescent material and the carbazole derivative having an excellent hole transporting capability are synthesized as the monomer to form the copolymer. The content of iridium complex is easily controlled, and the carbazole derivative and iridium complex are contained in the main chain during the copolymer formation, thereby capable of manufacturing a light emitting device with higher heat resistance and chemical stability.

Abstract: An electrophotographic photosensitive member includes a conductive layer, an intermediate layer and a photosensitive layer in this order on a substrate, in which the conductive layer contains a binder resin and conductive particles. The conductive particles are TiO2 particles coated with oxygen-deficient SnO2, the conductive particles have an average particle size of 0.2 to 0.6 ?m and the conductive layer has a volume resistivity of 5×105 to 8×108 ?·cm. Also this invention provides a process cartridge and an electrophotographic apparatus equipped with such electrophotographic photosensitive member.

Abstract: An electrophotographic photoreceptor comprises: an electroconductive support; and a photosensitive layer on the electroconductive support, wherein the photosensitive layer comprises a functional layer, the functional layer comprising: a compound having a triple bond and a hydroxyl group in a molecule; and a cured product of a curable resin.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide an electrophotographic photoreceptor showing high responsivity even under a low temperature and low humidity circumstance and capable of compatibilize the decrease of the size and the increase in the image forming speed of an electrophotographic apparatus. In a photosensitive layer of an electrophotographic photoreceptor, oxotitanium phthalocyanine having a crystal form showing a diffraction peak at a Bragg angle 2? (error: 2?±0.2°) of 27.2° in an X-ray diffraction spectrum is contained as a charge generating substance, and an enamine compound represented by the general formula for example, the structural formula (1-1) is contained as a charge transporting substance. Accordingly, the electrophotographic photoreceptor showing high responsivity even under a low temperature and low humidity circumstance is realized.

Abstract: A toner including toner particles including a binder resin, and a colorant, and an external additive present on a surface of the toner particles, wherein the external additive includes a silica having an average primary particle diameter of from 100 to 500 nm and a BET specific surface area of from 800 to 1000 m2/g. An image forming method including forming an electrostatic image on an image bearing member; developing the electrostatic image with the toner to form a toner image; and transferring the toner image on to a receiving material. An image forming apparatus including an image bearing member bearing an electrostatic image; a developing device developing an electrostatic image with the toner to form a toner image on the image bearing member; a transfer device transferring the toner image to a receiving material; and a fixing device fixing the toner image on the receiving material.

Abstract: An electrophotographic toner is disclosed, comprising a binding resin, a colorant and a releasing agent, wherein the releasing agent comprises a first releasing agent component and a second releasing agent component, the first releasing agent component is a straight chain hydrocarbon compound exhibiting a melting point of 50 to 100° C. and the second releasing agent component is a branched hydrocarbon compound exhibiting a melting point of 50 to 100° C., and the second releasing agent component accounting for 5% to 90% by mass of the total amount of the first and second releasing agent components.

Abstract: A toner having its surface functionalized with alkaline resins is provided, and processes for producing the same.

Abstract: An electrophotographic toner is disclosed, meeting the requirement that a ratio of a storage modulus at 60° C. [G?(60)] to a storage modulus at 80° C. [G?(80)], G?(60)/G?(80) is from 1×102 to 1×104; a ratio of a storage modulus at 100° C. [G?(100)] to a storage modulus at 120° C. [G?(120)], G?(100)/G?(120) is from 1 to 10; and a storage modulus at a temperature of from 140 to 160° C., [G?(140-160)] is not less than 102 dyn/cm2.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image forming method comprising developing a latent electrostatic image formed on the surface of a latent electrostatic image bearing body by a developer borne and conveyed by a developer bearing body which is brought into contact with a developer layer control member to control an amount of the developer on the surface of the developer bearing body through a nonmagnetic single-component development system, wherein an acid value (SAV) of the surface of the developer and a total acid value (TAV) of the developer meet the following requirements: 1<SAV/TAV?5 and 5?TAV?25, and a ratio of a mass average particle size (d50, ?m) of the developer to a surface roughness (Ra, ?m), d50/Ra being in a range of 0.5 to 3.0 and an average spacing (Sm) between protruding peaks of the developer bearing body being in a range of 20 to 200 ?m.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a toner for electrophotography, including: (a) a step of aggregating resin particles containing a resin binder in an aqueous medium; and (b) a step of unifying the aggregated resin particles, the step (a) including: (a-1) a step of adding a monovalent salt as an aggregating agent; and (a-2) a step of adding at least one compound selected from the group consisting of alkylethersulfates represented by the formula (1): R—O—(CH2CH2O)nSO3M??(1) wherein R is an alkyl group; n represents an average molar number of addition and is a number of more than 0 and not more than 15 (0<n?15), and M is a monovalent cation, alkylsulfates and linear alkylbenzenesulfonates. The toner of the present invention has a small particle size which is controlled with a high accuracy, and a sharp particle size distribution, and a particle shape of the toner is readily controlled even at a low temperature, and further the obtained toner exhibits a high circularity.

Abstract: A toner is disclosed, for developing electrostatic images by means of image forming apparatuses, that comprises toner particles, and an external additive, wherein the toner particles comprise a binder resin and a colorant, the external additive is introduced onto the surface of the toner particles, the external additive liberates from the surface of the toner particles in a rate of 7% to 50% under the condition that the toner is dispersed within a surfactant-containing electrolyte at 20 W output power and 20 kHz frequency for one minute by means of an ultrasonic homogenizer.

Abstract: A positive resist composition that exhibits a large exposure margin, and excellent levels of resolution and dry etching resistance, as well as a method of forming a resist pattern that uses the positive resist composition.

Abstract: A method is provided for irreversibly coloring a coating composition containing a color former comprising the steps of a) providing a coating composition that contains an UV curable resin, a thermosetting resin or an alkyd resin with the proviso that the coating composition contains no developer nor any additive which may function as developer; b) mixing the coating composition with the color former whereby no color is formed; c) applying the colorless composition obtained in step b) to a substrate; d) in case of a thermosetting resin curing the resin between 100 and 300° C., preferably between 100 and 150° C., whereby no color is formed, in case of alkyd resin drying of the resin at room temperature, whereby no color is formed; e) exposure to UV or high energy radiation below 400 nm whereby the color is formed.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an electronic device is disclosed. The method of fabricating an electronic device comprises providing a substrate. A first conductive layer is formed on the substrate. A silylation polyphenol (PVP) dielectric layer is formed on the first conductive layer. A patterned second conductive layer is formed on the silylation PVP dielectric layer.

Abstract: In a positive resist composition comprising (A) a resin component which becomes soluble in an alkaline developer under the action of an acid and (B) a photoacid generator, component (A) is a polymer of formula (1) wherein R1 is H, methyl or trifluoromethyl, R2 and R3 are alkyl, R4 is a monovalent hydrocarbon group, X1 is O, S or CH2CH2, X2 is O, S, CH2 or CH2CH2, n is 1 or 2, a1, a2, c, d1 and d2 each are from 0 to less than 1, b is from 0.01 to less than 1, and a1+a2+b+c+d1+d2=1. The resist composition forms a pattern with high rectangularity at an enhanced resolution when processed by ArF lithography.

Abstract: An etch resistant thermally curable Underlayer for use in a multiplayer liyhographic process to produce a photolithographic bilayer coated substrate, the composition having: (a) at least one cycloolefin polymer comprising at least one repeating unit of Structure (I), and at least one repeating unit of Structure (II), and optionally at least one repeating unit of Structure (III) with the proviso that neither Structure (I) nor Structure (II) nor Structure (III) contains acid sensitive groups. b) at least one cross-linking agent selected from the group consisting of an amino or phenolic cross-linking agent; c) a least one thermal acid generator (TAG); d) at lest one solvent; and e) optionally, at least one surfactant.

Abstract: A recording method for a dye-based recordable optical recording medium including recording shortest marks on a recording layer containing a dye formed on a substrate having a guide groove using one pulse beam, and recording second shortest marks or still longer marks at a pulse power as high as or lower than that of the shortest marks using one pulse beam of which two sites of the front edge and rear edge of pulse are highly energized for a given length of time, wherein a ratio Pc/W4 during recording of each mark at 12 m/s or more is set within 1.0 to 3.0; or the irradiation time of the cooling pulse Tc after that the pulse is applied with beams when the Pc/W4 ratio is 0.14 or less is set to be as long as or shorter than the basic clock cycle T.

Abstract: A resist film is first formed on a substrate. Subsequently, a barrier film including a basic compound of, for example, dicyclohexylamine is formed on the resist film. Thereafter, with an immersion liquid including cesium sulfate provided on the barrier film, pattern exposure is carried out by selectively irradiating the resist film with exposing light through the barrier film. Then, after removing the barrier film, the resist film having been subjected to the pattern exposure is developed, so as to form a resist pattern in a good shape.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a dual damascene structure includes providing a multi-layer photoresist stack comprising a first photoresist layer and a second photoresist layer, wherein each photoresist layer has a distinct dose-to-clear value, exposing said photoresist stack to one or more predetermined patterns of light, and developing said photo-resist layers to form a multi-tiered structure in the photo-resist layers.

Abstract: The present invention improves the OPE characteristic generated by the difference between sparse and dense mask patterns and promotes fidelity in the design of the pattern. Because of this, the present invention includes a step of forming a resist having an acid dissociative dissolution suppression group on a substrate, a step of coating the resist with an acid polymer dissolved in an alcohol based solvent and forming an upper layer film, a step of exposing through a mask, a step of performing a baking process, and a step of processing with an alkali developer, and wherein in the step of performing a baking process, a mixing layer is formed on the resist by the upper layer film and in which a thicker mixing layer is formed in an unexposed part of a region where the pattern density of the mask pattern is high compared to a region where the pattern density is low.

Abstract: The present invention provides materials, methods, and kits for reducing nonspecific binding of molecules to a surface, particularly in a solid phase material, and more specifically a solid phase material that includes a hydrophobic portion, by contacting the solid phase material with a fluorinated nonionic surfactant comprising two or more fluorinated hydrophobic segments and one or more hydrophilic segments.

Abstract: Disclosed are antibodies that bind to the antigenic proteins GroES, RpIL, GroEL, SodB, UbiG, the ABC transporter, and an expressed antigenic protein of unknown function (the “BepA” protein) of Bartonella henselae, and use of these antigenic proteins in immunoassays in order to determine whether a sample from a subject contains one or more of these antibodies. Presence of such an antibody in the subject indicates that the subject is or was infected with Bartonella henselae, or indicates that the subject has an increased likelihood of being infected presently or in the past with Bartonella henselae. Also disclosed are kits for performing immunoassays, wherein each kit contains one or more of these antigenic proteins and also contains the reagents necessary for conducting an immunoassay.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. A polynucleotide comprising an immunostimulatory sequence is administered to a individual who has been exposed to or infected by HBV and/or HCV. The polynucleotide is not administered with a HCV or HBV antigen. Administration of the polynucleotide results in amelioration of symptoms of HBV and/or HCV infection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for synthesizing templated molecules. In one aspect of the invention, the templated molecules are linked to the template which templated the synthesis thereof. The intion allows the generation of libraries which can be screened for e.g. therapeutic activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for inhibiting growth of a cancer cell, particularly a renal cell carcinoma, by contacting the cell with a composition composed of an HIG2 siRNA or HIG2 antibody. Methods of diagnosing renal cell cancer are also provided within the present invention.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention concern the identification of several methods to analyze the genes that are modulated in normal human bronchial epithelial (NHBE) cells after exposure to cigarette smoke condensates (CSC) or cigarette smoke (CS). Embodiments described herein include methods to identify a gene that is modulated in response to exposure to CSC or CS, methods to identify tobacco products that have a reduced potential to contribute to tobacco-related disease, methods to make tobacco products that have a reduced potential to contribute to a tobacco-related disease, methods to identify a subject's predilection to acquire a tobacco related disease, the use of particular genes as biomarkers for tobacco-related disease, and patterns of gene expression or genetic signatures that are unique to each particular tobacco product.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for determining the presence of immobilized nucleic acid employing unsymmetrical cyanine dyes that are derivatives of thiazole orange, a staining solution and select fluorogenic compounds that are characterized as being essentially non-genotoxic. The methods comprise immobilizing nucleic acid, single or double stranded DNA, RNA or a combination thereof, on a solid or semi solid support, contacting the immobilized nucleic acid with an unsymmetrical cyanine dye compound and then illuminating the immobilized nucleic acid with an appropriate wavelength whereby the presence of the nucleic acid is determined. The cyanine dye compounds are typically present in an aqueous staining solution comprising the dye compound and a tris acetate or tris borate buffer wherein the solution facilitates the contact of the dye compound and the immobilized nucleic acid.

Abstract: Methods are described for screening a subject for risk of Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Type 2A or for diagnosing Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease or a predisposition for developing Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease in a subject, by detecting the presence or absence of a mutation in the mitofusin gene in a biological sample collected from the subject. Methods are also described for detecting the presence of a genetic polymorphism associated with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Type 2A in a sample of patient nucleic acid, by amplifying a mitofusin gene sequence in the patient nucleic acid to produce an amplification product; and identifying the presence of a Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Type 2A associated polymorphism in the amplification product.

Abstract: The present invention describes reagents and methods for storing and/or processing of biological samples for direct use in PCR and other DNA applications. After storage, the preserved DNA in the samples may then be processed and analyzed by known methods, e.g., PCR. the present invention provides in one aspect, a method for simple and rapid storage and/or processing of nucleic acids, such as DNA, from various sources, including but not limited to body fluids, various solutions, cells, plants, tissues, bacterial cell lysates containing plasmids, etc. The present invention further comprises reagents and methods employing glycols at alkaline pH to process biological samples and make DNA usable in PCR without further sample purification.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for research, diagnostic, drug screening, and therapeutic applications related to paroxysmal dystonic choreoathetosis and related conditions. In particular, the present invention provides mutations in the myofibrillogenesis regulator 1 (MR-1) gene associated with such conditions.

Abstract: The invention provides a method useful for detection of genetic disorders. The method comprises determining the sequence of alleles of a locus of interest, and quantitating a ratio for the alleles at the locus of interest, wherein the ratio indicates the presence or absence of a chromosomal abnormality. The present invention also provides a non-invasive method for the detection of chromosomal abnormalities in a fetus. The invention is especially useful as a non-invasive method for determining the sequence of fetal DNA. The invention further provides methods of isolation of free DNA from a sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of fluorescently labeled nucleic acid probes to identify and image analytes in a biological sample. In the preferred embodiments, a probe is provided that comprises a target region able to specifically bind an analyte of interest and an initiator region that is able to initiate polymerization of nucleic acid monomers. After contacting a sample with the probe, labeled monomers are provided that form a tethered polymer. Triggered probes and self-quenching monomers can be used to provide active background suppression.