Abstract: Amino acid mutation(s) can be introduced to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum- or Aspergillus niger-derived glucose dehydrogenase to obtain a glucose dehydrogenase variant with significantly enhanced productivity in E. coli. The glucose dehydrogenase of the present invention is low reactive with xylose.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of studying a sample using an optical microscope, comprising providing the sample in a sample holder with means to maintain the sample at a temperature below 273 K; providing a microscope objective lens, in a thermally insulating jacket, having an extremal lens element proximal to the sample holder; bringing the lens into a focus position proximal to the sample, which separates the extremal lens element and sample by an intervening space, providing a transparent window in said intervening space, with a gap between the window and the extremal lens element; providing a flow of substantially dry gas in said gap; and tailoring the geometry and velocity of said flow so that, at least in said gap, the flow is non-laminar; and does not excite substantial acoustic vibration in a structure proximal the gap.

Abstract: The present invention relates to food safety and to the reliable detection of aflatoxins produced by aflatoxigenic aspergilli in the presence other fungal species in a natural fungal bouquet using volatile emissions as an indicator.

Abstract: A method for detecting the presence or absence of an antibiotic resistant pathogenic staphylococci in a test sample is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) providing a test medium having at least one hydrolysable substrate, which substrate is operable to promote the growth of the antibiotic resistant pathogenic staphylococci and to produce a detectable signal when the hydrolyzable substrate is metabolized by the antibiotic resistant pathogenic staphylococci; b) forming a mixture of the test sample and hydrated test medium; c) incubating the mixture at temperatures in the range of about 20° C. to about 35° C.; and d) detecting the presence or absence of the antibiotic resistant pathogenic staphylococci in the test sample by the presence or absence of the detectable signal in the mixture.

Abstract: Methods and liquid compositions for assaying the activity of one or more lysosomal enzymes in a sample are provided. In some embodiments, the assay is a multiplexed assay for the activities of a plurality of lysosomal enzymes in the sample. The compositions and methods can comprise or employ: one or more metal cations effective for precipitating sulfate ions, one or more metal cations effective for precipitating phosphate ions, a maltase glucoamylase inhibitor, a beta-N-acetylhexosaminidase inhibitor, and one or more surfactants.

Abstract: A detection system for determining alpha-methylacyl-CoA (AMACR) levels in a bodily sample includes at least one reaction solution for generating H2O2 upon combination with AMACR in the bodily sample and a biosensor for determining a level of generated H2O2. The reaction solution includes a (2R)-2-methylacyl-CoA epimer that can be chirally inverted by AMACR to a (2S)-2-methylacyl-CoA epimer and an enzyme that carries out beta oxidation with the (2S)-2-methylacyl-CoA epimer to generate hydrogen peroxide (H2O2).

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the labeling of nucleic acid polymers in vitro and in vivo. Certain methods are provided that include a [3+2] cycloaddition between a nucleotide analogue incorporated into a nucleic acid polymer and a reagent attached to a label. Other methods are provided that include a Staudinger ligation between a nucleotide analogue incorporated into a nucleic acid polymer and a reagent comprising a substituted triarylphosphine attached to a label. Such methods do not require fixation and denaturation and therefore can be applied to the labeling of nucleic acid polymers in living cells and in organisms. Also provided are methods for measuring cellular proliferation. In these methods, the amount of label incorporated into the DNA is measured as an indication of cellular proliferation.

Abstract: A method of forming microdroplets is provided that includes forming a well plate, using lithography, where the well plate includes a microchannel and a microwell in a surface of the fluid channel, flowing a first fluid into the microchannel, where the microchannel and the microwell are filled with the first fluid, and flowing a second fluid into the microchannel, where the first fluid is displaced from the microchannel, where the first fluid remains in the microwell, where a microdroplet of the first fluid is formed.

Abstract: Methods for selecting tag-oligonucleotide sequences for use in an in vitro nucleic acid assay. The selected tag sequences are useful for nucleic acid assay wherein interference between the nucleic acid sequences is the assay is to be controlled. Selected tag sequences are incorporated into nucleic acid assay to improve the performance of and/or minimize any interference between nucleic acids in the assay compared to untagged assays.

Abstract: A method and kit for determining a nucleic acid is provided, including: providing magnetic nanoparticles and detectable nanoparticles to the sample, wherein the magnetic nanoparticles and detectable nanoparticles respectively contain oligonucleotides attached thereto, and the detectable nanoparticles contain at least one kind of nanoparticles with detectable signals distinct from the others, and the oligonucleotides attached on each kind of the detectable nanoparticles are complementary to a region of one of the nucleic acids in the sample; reacting the magnetic and detectable nanoparticles with the sample; and detecting signals from each kind of the detectable nanoparticles for determining the nucleic acid for each in the sample.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of co-detecting presence of target messenger RNA (mRNA) and small non-coding RNA (for example, miRNA) in a sample. The disclosed methods can be used to simultaneously detect mRNA and small non-coding RNA in a single assay (for example in the same reaction or the same well of a multi-well assay). The methods can include contacting a sample with a plurality of nuclease protection probes (NPPs) including at least one probe which specifically binds to a target mRNA and at least one probe which specifically binds to a target small non-coding RNA, contacting the sample with a nuclease specific for single-stranded nucleic acids, and detecting the NPP, for example on a microarray.

Abstract: Detecting nucleic acid sequences in a sample, such as the detection of pathogenic organisms in clinical samples. More specifically, detecting an infection caused by a pathogenic organism such as a virus or a bacterium in a clinical specimen by means of amplifying and detecting specific nucleic acid sequences from said pathogenic organism. A multiplex assay with the possibility to determine about 30 different target nucleic acid sequences in a single one-tube assay combined with real-time probe detection.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and kits for determining the presence, absence, or level of an infectious agent in a sample. Specifically, the present invention provides methods and kits for detecting or quantifying certain target polynucleotides of the infectious agent. In certain embodiments, the present invention provides for such detection without the need for amplification (e.g., replication) of the target molecule and/or without the need for labor intensive purification procedures. In certain embodiments, the present invention provides positive control and housekeeping gene for normalization and quantatively detection of the copy numbers of infectious agent in a sample. In these or other embodiments, the invention allows for such detection with the desired sensitivity and/or specificity, even where the polynucleotide is present in the sample at low copy number.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods of removing amplicons of non target and/or target nucleic acid sequences having one or more modified (e.g., methylated) nucleotides from a sample wherein the sample comprises the non target nucleic acid and a target nucleic acid sequence to be amplified.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present inventions relates generally to compositions, methods and kits for use in discriminating sequence variation between different alleles. More specifically, in some embodiments, the present invention provides for compositions, methods and kits for quantitating rare (e.g., mutant) allelic variants, such as SNPs, or nucleotide (NT) insertions or deletions, in samples comprising abundant (e.g., wild type) allelic variants with high specificity and selectivity. In particular, in some embodiments, the invention relates to a highly selective method for mutation detection referred to as competitive allele-specific TaqMan PCR (“cast-PCR”).

Abstract: Methods and kits are disclosed for distinguishing viable from nonviable microbial cells. The methods and kits are useful in the screening of cell culture formulations and the testing of preservative efficacy. The methods involve the amplification and quantitation of microbe-specific DNA from precursor rRNA or Elongation Factor 3 mRNA in treated versus nontreated test samples using the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a highly specific and sensitive method of detecting host cell impurities in a biological sample by using quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (q PCR). The present disclosure also provides novel designed primer and probe to amplify only the specific Alu family of dispersed repetitive sequences from Chinese hamster ovary cells used for expression of therapeutic proteins.

Abstract: Described herein is a method for determining a nucleic acid sequence, said method comprising: a) denaturing a double-stranded nucleic acid molecule corresponding to the said nucleic acid sequence by applying a physical force to the said molecule; b) providing a single-stranded nucleic acid molecule; c) renaturing the said double stranded nucleic acid molecule in the presence of the said single-stranded nucleic acid molecule; and d) detecting a blockage of the renaturation of the double-stranded nucleic acid.

Abstract: The invention discloses methods and apparatus for characterizing trace nucleic acids that are biomarkers for disease. The methods and apparatus provide increased sensitivity to such trace nucleic acids, and allow analysis of nucleic acids present in a sample at only 0.01% of the wild-type sequences. The methods and apparatus are also designed for straightforward multiplexing, thus allowing pooling of clinical samples.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for indexing samples during the sequencing of polynucleotide templates, resulting in the attachment of tags specific to the source of each nucleic acid sample such that after a sequencing run, both the source and sequence of each polynucleotide can be determined. Thus, the present invention pertains to analysis of complex genomes (e.g., human genomes), as well as multiplexing less complex genomes, such as those of bacteria, viruses, mitochondria, and the like.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for identifying a biological sample obtained during either paternity screening, genetic screening, prenatal diagnosis, presymptomatic diagnosis, diagnosis to detect the presence of a target microorganism carrier detection analysis, forensic chemical analysis, or diagnosis of a subject to determine whether a subject is afflicted with a particular disease or disorder, or is at risk of developing a particular disorder, wherein the result obtained from the analysis is associated with the unique DNA fingerprint biological barcode of the genotype of the subject being analyzed. The methods and apparatus of the invention have application in the fields of diagnostic medicine, disease diagnosis in animals and plants, identification of genetically inherited diseases in humans, family relationship analysis, forensic analysis, and microbial typing.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for determining at least a portion of fetal genome are provided. DNA fragments from a maternal sample (maternal and fetal DNA) can be analyzed to identify alleles at certain loci. The amounts of DNA fragments of the respective alleles at these loci can be analyzed together to determine relative amounts of the haplotypes for these loci and determine which haplotypes have been inherited from the parental genomes. Loci where the parents are a specific combination of homozygous and heterozygous can be analyzed to determine regions of the fetal genome. Reference haplotypes common in the population can be used along with the analysis of the DNA fragments of the maternal sample to determine the maternal and paternal genomes. Determination of mutations, a fractional fetal DNA concentration in a maternal sample, and a proportion of coverage of a sequencing of the maternal sample can also be provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to identifying or treating a patient that would benefit from phosphodiesterase inhibitor therapy.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, methods, and kits for discriminating sequence variation between different alleles. More specifically, in some embodiments, the present invention provides compositions, methods, and kits for determining the presence and/or level (e.g., quantitating) of rare (e.g., mutant) allelic variants, such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) or nucleotide insertions or deletions, in samples comprising abundant (e.g., wild-type) allelic variants with high sensitivity and/or specificity. As such, in certain embodiments, the present invention provides a highly selective method for the detection of somatic mutations, e.g., in samples containing abundant levels of a wild-type allele compared to very low levels of a mutant allele.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method to monitor the health of a subject. The method includes obtaining a test sample from the patient. A first probe specific for a CpG promoter region of a biomarker selected from p16, MGMT, PAX-?, PAX5-?, RASSF1A, HLHP, GATA4, GATA5, SFRP1, LAMC2, IGFBP3, H-cadherin, BETA 3, HLHP, and DAPK is provided to the sample. The probe contacts the test sample. The DNA of interest from the test sample is isolated. A second stage probe specific for a second CpG promoter region of a biomarker selected from p16, MGMT, PAX-?, PAX5-?, RASSF1A, HLHP, GATA4, GATA5, SFRP1, LAMC2, IGFBP3, H-cadherin, BETA 3, HLHP, and DAPK is provided to the sample to form a second stage PCR product. The DNA is analyzed for hypermethylation of the promoter region for at least one of p16, MGMT, PAX-?, PAX5-?, RASSF1A, HLHP, GATA4, GATA5, SFRP1, LAMC2, IGFBP3, H-cadherin, BETA 3, HLHP, and DAPK.

Abstract: A method for determining a prognosis for survival for a patient with breast cancer is described. Also described is a method for monitoring the effectiveness of a course of treatment for a patient with breast cancer, and the use of such a method in a kit. A kit determining the level of RINF is also described.

Abstract: The present invention is based, in part, on the identification of novel methods for defining predictive biomarkers of response to anti-cancer drugs.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to methods of treatment, and to kits and systems for the same including materials for determining that an individual is susceptible to cancer and if warranted treating the patient of cancer or initiating a monitoring strategy and/or taking a preventive action. Therapeutic and preventive interventions include, treating the patient with a PARR inhibitors and/or laprascopic oophorectomy. The invention also relates to systems and methods of genotyping an individual, and to methods of identifying a patent with a higher than normal likelihood of developing cancer and/or genetically related individuals or groups at heighten risk for developing cancer, particularly ovarian cancer.

Abstract: There is a need for improved methods for determining the diagnosis and prognosis of patients with conditions, including autoimmune disease and cancer, especially lymphoid neoplasms, such as lymphomas and leukemias. Provided herein are methods for using DNA sequencing to identify personalized, or patient-specific biomarkers in patients with lymphoid neoplasms, autoimmune disease and other conditions. Identified biomarkers can be used to determine and/or monitor the disease state for a subject with an associated lymphoid disorder or autoimmune disease or other condition. In particular, the invention provides a sensitive method for monitoring lymphoid neoplasms that undergo clonal evolutions without the need to development alternative assays for the evolved or mutated clones serving as patient-specific biomarkers.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a detection kit for detecting a chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) gene expression, wherein the detection kit includes a primer set which is specifically bound to the CML gene; and a cleavable probe which is specifically bound to the inside of a CML gene amplification product which is amplified by the primer set. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method of measuring the CML gene expression by using the detection kit according to one embodiment of the present invention. The method according to one embodiment of the present invention is used to efficiently detect a low CML gene expression for CML diagnosis and prognosis diagnosis.

Abstract: A method for detecting genes sensitive to low-level ionizing radiation and genes detected by the method. More specifically, genes sensitive to low-level ionizing radiation, discovered in a carcinogenic entity and verified in a normal entity are detected by subjecting a cancerous AKR/J mouse and a normal ICR mouse to low-level radiation. Thymus is collected therefrom, and glycometabolism-related genes are classified via microarray processing of the thymus. The genes are amplified and the levels of gene expression are measured. Thus, a gene having a specific reaction to radiation can be accurately detected by preventing the interference of confounding variables.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and a reagent for detecting a digestive organ cancer, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, or biliary tract cancer patient by analyzing genes with expression levels (in peripheral blood) that vary in association with digestive organ cancer, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, or biliary tract cancer cases, compared with normal healthy subjects. Specifically, the method for detecting a digestive organ cancer, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, or biliary tract cancer patient based on expression profiles comprises obtaining the expression profile of at least one gene selected from the group consisting of probes corresponding to genes with expression levels (in peripheral blood) that vary in digestive organ cancer, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, and biliary tract cancer cases, compared with normal healthy subjects.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and a reagent for detecting a digestive organ cancer, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, or biliary tract cancer patient by analyzing genes with expression levels (in peripheral blood) that vary in association with digestive organ cancer, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, or biliary tract cancer cases, compared with normal healthy subjects. Specifically, the method for detecting a digestive organ cancer, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, or biliary tract cancer patient based on expression profiles comprises obtaining the expression profile of at least one gene selected from the group consisting of probes corresponding to genes with expression levels (in peripheral blood) that vary in digestive organ cancer, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, and biliary tract cancer cases, compared with normal healthy subjects.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a reference material for determining incorporation of a genetically modified (GM) plant into a sample or analyzing a mixing ratio from a tissue-cultured cell line that is obtained by incubating tissues of either a GM plant or a non-GM plant, and a method of determining incorporation of a GM plant into a sample and analyzing a mixing ratio using the reference material are provided. The reference material for determining the incorporation of a genetically modified (GM) plant a sample or analyzing a mixing ratio using the tissue-cultured cell lines that are obtained by incubating tissues of the GM plant and the non-GM plant can be useful in producing a countless number of populations having the same genetic traits via the tissue culture. Thus, when a culture capacity of the reference material is increased to a large volume, it is possible to obtain a large volume of the reference material having uniform qualities with no quality variation between batches.

Abstract: Polynucleotides having a first polynucleotide segment contiguous with a second polynucleotide segment that is downstream to the first, wherein the sequence of the first polynucleotide segment is complementary to the sequence of a first probe segment of a probe for detection of a target nucleic acid sequence, wherein the sequence of the second polynucleotide segment is complementary to the sequence of a second probe segment of the probe, wherein the second probe segment is downstream to the first probe segment, are provided. The polynucleotides may be employed with dual-labeled probes (DLPs) in assays for the detection of the target nucleic acid sequences.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for amplifying and detecting a target nucleic acid of HCV in a sample, wherein an amplification of the nucleic acids in said sample is carried out. This amplification involves a polymerase, primers for generating an amplicon and at least two detectable probes specific for different sequence portions of said amplicon. Detection of the obtained amplicon is brought about by detecting hybridization of the probes mentioned above to said different sequence portions of the amplicon. The invention further provides reaction mixtures and kits for amplifying and detecting a target nucleic acid of HCV involving the use of at least two detectable probes specific for different sequence portions of an amplicon.

Abstract: Processes for converting lignocellulose to feedstock and downstream products are disclosed. The processes may include acid treatment of lignocellulose to produce a fermentation feedstock. In various instances, the processes include recovery or recycling of acid, such as recovery of hydrochloric acid from concentrated and/or dilute streams. Downstream products may include acrylic acid-based products such as diapers, paper and paper-based products, ethanol, biofuels such as biodiesel and fuel additives, and detergents.

Abstract: A method for introducing fine particulate material (4) of ferruginous particles into a fluidized bed reduction unit (1) having a fluidized bed (24), wherein the temperature in the fluidized bed (24) is more than 300° C., and wherein the fine particulate material (4) is introduced directly into the fluidized bed (24) and/or into a free space (25) above the fluidized bed (24) by means of a burner (2). The method may be used for producing liquid pig iron (17) or liquid steel precursor products (18) by a smelting reduction process in a smelting reduction unit (22).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of reducing slag, including the steps of: examining the components of slag to be reduced, and setting a target composition ratio after reduction; determining the mixing ratio and input amount of a complex reducing agent of a plurality of reducing agents in accordance with the set target composition ratio to determine the complex reducing agent; and supplying the complex reducing agent into molten slag to reduce the slag. The method is advantageous in that the reduction efficiency of slag can be maximized, various kinds of reducing agents can be efficiently used, and the recovery amount of valuable metals can be increased, thus reducing cost.

Abstract: A process for producing spheroidal graphite cast iron includes a spheroidization treatment, an inoculant treatment and a pouring inoculation treatment. A molten iron is subjected to the spheroidization treatment using a spheroidizing agent of an Fe—Si—Mg—Ca-based alloy which contains a given amount of Ba and contains substantially no rare-earth element.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a hot stamped body having a vertical wall, the method including: a hot-rolling step; a coiling step; a cold-rolling step; a continuous annealing step; and a hot stamping step, in which the continuous annealing step includes a heating step of heating the cold-rolled steel sheet to a temperature range of equal to or higher than Ac1° C. and lower than Ac3° C.; a cooling step of cooling the heated cold-rolled steel sheet from the highest heating temperature to 660° C. at a cooling rate of equal to or less than 10° C./s; and a holding step of holding the cooled cold-rolled steel sheet in a temperature range of 550° C. to 660° C. for one minute to 10 minutes.

Abstract: When contents of Ti, V, Zr, Nb, and C (mass %) are represented as [Ti], [V], [Zr], [Nb], and [C] respectively, a value of a parameter Q represented by “Q=([Ti]/48+[V]/51+[Zr]/91+[Nb]/93)/([C]/12)” is not less than 0.9 nor more than 1.1. A matrix of a metal structure is a ferrite phase, and the metal structure does not include a non-recrystallized structure. An average grain size of ferrite grains constituting the ferrite phase is not less than 10 ?m nor more than 200 ?m. A precipitate containing at least one selected from the group consisting of Ti, V, Zr, and Nb exists with a density of 10 ?m?3 or more in the ferrite grain. An average grain size of the precipitate is not less than 0.002 ?m nor more than 0.2 ?m.

Abstract: A method of making a hypereutectoid, head-hardened steel rail is provided that includes a step of head hardening a steel rail having a composition containing 0.86-1.00 wt % carbon, 0.40-0.75 wt % manganese, 0.40-1.00 wt % silicon, 0.05-0.15 wt % vanadium, 0.015-0.030 wt % titanium, and sufficient nitrogen to react with the titanium to form titanium nitride. Head hardening is conducted at a cooling rate that, if plotted on a graph with xy-coordinates with the x-axis representing cooling time in seconds, and the y-axis representing temperature in Celsius of the surface of the head of the steel rail, is maintained in a region between an upper cooling rate boundary plot defined by an upper line connecting xy-coordinates (0 s, 775° C.), (20 s, 670° C.), and (110 s, 550° C.) and a lower cooling rate boundary plot defined by a lower line connecting xy-coordinates (0 s, 750° C.), (20 s, 610° C.), and (110 s, 500° C.).

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a nanometer zinc oxide from low-grade zinc oxide ore by ammonia decarburization. The method comprises: taking ammonia water-ammonium bicarbonate solution as a leaching agent; adding 0.3-0.5 kg sodium fluorosilicate to per cubic meter of the leaching agent; leaching low-grade zinc oxide ore with the leaching agent; and adding 50-60 kg slaked lime to per cubic meter of leached solution to carry out decarburization treatment. The obtained nanometer zinc oxide powder has purity of 99.7% or up, uniform particle size distribution (average particle size of 10-28 nm), specific surface area of 107 m2/g or up, good fluidity and good dispersity. The treatment method of the present invention is low in energy consumption and high in efficiency, and the leaching agent can be recycled.

Abstract: A hydrometallurgical method for nickel oxide ores, whereby the pH of a neutralized solution can be stabilized. The hydrometallurgical method comprises a sulfuric acid leaching step of leaching an ore slurry of a nickel oxide ore with sulfuric acid, a neutralization step of neutralizing a crude nickel sulfate aqueous solution by adding a neutralizing agent thereto, and a dezincification step of removing zinc as zinc sulfide by adding a sulfurizing agent to a neutralized solution; wherein in the neutralization step, the amount of the neutralizing agent added is adjusted using, as an index, a neutralizing agent addition ratio that indicates the amount of the neutralizing agent added relative to the amount of free sulfuric acid in the crude nickel sulfate aqueous solution.

Abstract: Provided are a method for producing sodium tungstate by supplying an oxidant made of sodium nitrate or sodium nitrite to bring a tungsten containing material and the oxidant into contact with each other in an atmosphere containing oxygen to thereby continuously produce a reaction product; a method for collecting tungsten using the method; and an apparatus for producing sodium tungstate. Also provided are a method for producing a sodium tungstate aqueous solution in which a reductant is introduced into a melt containing the above-described reaction product which is then dissolved in water; and a method for collecting tungsten using the method.

Abstract: A method for repair of composite materials includes applying a formulation to a ceramic matrix composite substrate. The formulation comprises a liquid carrier, a ceramic filler dispersed within the carrier, and a polymeric binder disposed in the carrier. The method further includes removing the carrier from the formulation to form a green composition; pyrolyzing the green composition to form a porous composition; disposing a liquid metal or metalloid within the pores of the porous composition to form an intermediate composite composition; and converting the liquid metal or metalloid to solid state to form a solid composite composition.

Abstract: A high strength and high conductivity copper rod or wire includes Co of 0.12 to 0.32 mass %, P of 0.042 to 0.095 mass %, Sn of 0.005 to 0.70 mass %, and O of 0.00005 to 0.0050 mass %. A relationship of 3.0?([Co]?0.007)/([P]?0.008)?6.2 is satisfied between a content [Co] mass % of Co and a content [P] mass % of P. The remainder includes Cu and inevitable impurities, and the rod or wire is produced by a process including a continuous casting and rolling process. Strength and conductivity of the high strength and high conductivity copper rod or wire are improved by uniform precipitation of a compound of Co and P and by solid solution of Sn. The high strength and high conductivity copper rod or wire is produced by the continuous casting and rolling process, and thus production costs are reduced.

Abstract: Provided are a silver-white copper alloy which has superior mechanical properties such as hot workability, cold workability, or press property, color fastness, bactericidal and antibacterial properties, and Ni allergy resistance; and a method of producing such a silver-white copper alloy. The silver-white copper alloy includes 51.0 mass % to 58.0 mass % of Cu; 9.0 mass % to 12.5 mass % of Ni; 0.0003 mass % to 0.010 mass % of C; 0.0005 mass % to 0.030 mass % of Pb; and the balance of Zn and inevitable impurities, in which a relationship of 65.5?[Cu]+1.2×[Ni]?70.0 is satisfied between a content of Cu [Cu] (mass %) and a content of Ni [Ni] (mass %). In a metal structure thereof, an area ratio of ? phases dispersed in an ?-phase matrix is 0% to 0.9%.

Abstract: A high-strength cold-rolled steel sheet having excellent stretch flangeability and precision punchability containing predetermined components and a balance being composed of iron and inevitable impurities, in which in a range of ? to ? in sheet thickness from the surface of the steel sheet, an average value of pole densities of the {100}<011> to {223}<110> orientation group represented by respective crystal orientations of {100}<011>, {116}<110>, {114}<110>, {113}<110>, {112}<110>, {335}<110>, and {223}<110> is 6.5 or less, and a pole density of the {332}<113> crystal orientation is 5.0 or less, and a metal structure contains, in terms of an area ratio, greater than 5% of pearlite, the sum of bainite and martensite limited to less than 5%, and a balance composed of ferrite.