Abstract: Methods, devices and systems for performing digital measurements are provided.

Abstract: Described is a method for quantifying nucleic acid in a nucleic acid amplification reaction, in which an asymmetric nucleic acid amplification reaction is performed on a sample such that double stranded nucleic acid product is generated in an initial stage of the reaction, and single stranded nucleic acid product is generated in a subsequent stage of the reaction once a limiting primer is exhausted. Relative amounts of double stranded nucleic acid product and single stranded nucleic acid product produced are then detected by means of a melt curve analysis. The ratio of double stranded product peak height to single stranded product peak height may then be used to quantify the amount of starting template based on the ratio of double stranded product peak height to single stranded product peak height.

Abstract: Methods are provided for reducing the complexity of a population of nucleic acids prior to performing an analysis of the nucleic acids, e.g., sequence analysis. The methods result in a subset of the initial population enriched for a target region, which is typically located within one or more target fragments. The methods are particularly useful for analyzing populations having a high degree of complexity, e.g., chromosomal-derived DNA, whole genomic DNA, or mRNA populations.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for nucleic acid ligation. In particular, the present disclosure provides oligonucleotide adaptors for use in nucleic acid ligation reactions.

Abstract: Compositions, devices, systems and methods for increasing the signal to noise ratio (SNR) and/or enhancing photoprotection in an illuminated analytical reaction by addition of one or more signal detection assay (SDA)-enhancing agents to the reaction mixture.

Abstract: Labeled nucleotide analogs comprising at least one avidin protein, at least one dye-labeled compound, and at least one nucleotide compound are provided. The analogs 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 analogs are detectable with high sensitivity at desirable wavelengths. They contain structural components that modulate the interactions of the analogs with DNA polymerase, thus decreasing photodamage and improving the kinetic and other properties of the analogs in sequencing reactions. Also provided are nucleotide and dye-labeled compounds of the subject analogs, as well as intermediates useful in the preparation of the compounds and analogs. Compositions comprising the compounds, methods of synthesis of the intermediates, compounds, and analogs, and mutant DNA polymerases are also provided.

Abstract: Labeled nucleotide analogs comprising at least one avidin protein, at least one dye-labeled compound, and at least one nucleotide compound are provided. The analogs 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 analogs are detectable with high sensitivity at desirable wavelengths. They contain structural components that modulate the interactions of the analogs with DNA polymerase, thus decreasing photodamage and improving the kinetic and other properties of the analogs in sequencing reactions. Also provided are nucleotide and dye-labeled compounds of the subject analogs, as well as intermediates useful in the preparation of the compounds and analogs. Compositions comprising the compounds, methods of synthesis of the intermediates, compounds, and analogs, and mutant DNA polymerases are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to very large scale FET arrays for analyte measurements. ChemFET (e.g., ISFET) arrays may be fabricated using conventional CMOS processing techniques based on improved FET pixel and array designs that increase measurement sensitivity and accuracy, and at the same time facilitate significantly small pixel sizes and dense arrays. Improved array control techniques provide for rapid data acquisition from large and dense arrays. Such arrays may be employed to detect a presence and/or concentration changes of various analyte types in a wide variety of chemical and/or biological processes. In one example, chemFET arrays facilitate DNA sequencing techniques based on monitoring changes in the concentration of inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi), hydrogen ions, and nucleotide triphosphates.

Abstract: Arrays of integrated optical devices and their methods for production are provided. The devices include an integrated bandpass filter layer that comprises at least two multi-cavity filter elements with different central bandpass wavelengths. The device arrays are useful in the analysis of highly multiplexed optical reactions in large numbers at high densities, including biochemical reactions, such as nucleic acid sequencing reactions. The devices provide for the efficient and reliable coupling of optical excitation energy from an optical source to the optical reactions. Optical signals emitted from the reactions can thus be measured with high sensitivity and discrimination. The device arrays are well suited for miniaturization and high throughput.

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: In some embodiments, methods for obtaining sequence information from a nucleic acid template linked to a support include hybridizing a first primer to a template strand linked to a support, sequencing a portion of the nucleic acid template, thereby forming an extended first primer product that is complementary to a portion of the nucleic acid template, In some embodiments, the method further includes introducing a nick into a portion of the template strand that is hybridized to the extended first primer product, degrading a portion of the template strand from the nick using a degrading agent, where a portion of the extended first primer remains hybridized to an undegraded portion of the template strand, and sequencing at least some of the single-stranded portion of the extended first primer by synthesis.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) is provided which is operable to use biomarkers for predicting one or more TNF-inhibitor responses (R). The apparatus (10) includes: (a) a measuring arrangement (30) for processing one or more biological samples (20) to generate corresponding measurement data (40); (b) a data processing arrangement (50) for defining a search space including one or more potential biomarkers, wherein the data processor arrangement (50) is operable to obtain biological data derived from a plurality of samples from one or more databases (60); (c) the data processing arrangement (50) arranged in operation to apply a leave-out-one validation algorithm to the data pertaining to the plurality of samples to obtain probability indications for each search sample related to response to the one or more biomarkers; (d) the data processing arrangement (50) arranged in operation to identify a subset of samples comprising biomarkers; and (e) the data processing arrangement (50) arranged in operation.

Abstract: Labeled nucleotide analogs comprising at least one avidin protein, at least one dye-labeled compound, and at least one nucleotide compound are provided. The analogs 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 analogs are detectable with high sensitivity at desirable wavelengths. They contain structural components that modulate the interactions of the analogs with DNA polymerase, thus decreasing photodamage and improving the kinetic and other properties of the analogs in sequencing reactions. Also provided are nucleotide and dye-labeled compounds of the subject analogs, as well as intermediates useful in the preparation of the compounds and analogs. Compositions comprising the compounds, methods of synthesis of the intermediates, compounds, and analogs, and mutant DNA polymerases are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods based on genetic polymorphisms that are associated with autoimmune disease, particularly rheumatoid arthritis. For example, the present invention relates to nucleic acid molecules containing the polymorphisms, variant proteins encoded by these nucleic acid molecules, reagents for detecting the polymorphic nucleic acid molecules and variant proteins, and methods of using the nucleic acid molecules and proteins as well as methods of using reagents for their detection.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of assaying susceptibility and/or confirming diagnosis of breast fibroadenomas development in a human subject. Preferably, the method comprises the steps of performing a nucleic acid-based assay to analyze an isolated polynucleotide encoding at least exon 2 of MED12 gene from a sample acquired from the human subject; and regarding the human subject with greater susceptibility and/or confirming diagnosis of breast fibroadenomas development by detecting a mutation in the isolated polynucleotide. The mutation can be a splice site mutation located at position ?8 of exon 2 of the MED12 gene, a missense mutation located at codon 44 of cDNA of the MED12 gene or a missense mutation located at codon 36 of cDNA of the MED12 gene.

Abstract: Multiple treatment regimens for vascular-related diseases and disorders. Methods of treating vascular-related disorders based on gene expression studies from samples collected from individuals having symptoms of vascular-related disorders. Additionally, methods for diagnostic techniques to focus treatment regimens. Finally, methods of treating vascular-related disorders involving targeting microRNAs.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods relating to biomarkers used to diagnose brain injury in a subject who has experienced a head trauma. The biomarkers described herein can be used to diagnose, monitor the onset, monitor the progression, and assess the recovery of brain injury. The biomarkers can also be used to establish and evaluate treatment plans.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods for assessing the health of a tissue by characterizing circulating nucleic acids in a biological sample. According to certain embodiments, methods for assessing the health of a tissue include the steps of detecting a sample level of RNA in a biological sample, comparing the sample level of RNA to a reference level of RNA specific to the tissue, determining whether a difference exists between the sample level and the reference level, and characterizing the tissue as abnormal if a difference is detected.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods for assessing the health of a tissue by characterizing circulating nucleic acids in a biological sample. According to certain embodiments, methods for assessing the health of a tissue include the steps of detecting a sample level of RNA in a biological sample, comparing the sample level of RNA to a reference level of RNA specific to the tissue, determining whether a difference exists between the sample level and the reference level, and characterizing the tissue as abnormal if a difference is detected.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods for assessing the health of a tissue by characterizing circulating nucleic acids in a biological sample. According to certain embodiments, methods for assessing the health of a tissue include the steps of detecting a sample level of RNA in a biological sample, comparing the sample level of RNA to a reference level of RNA specific to the tissue, determining whether a difference exists between the sample level and the reference level, and characterizing the tissue as abnormal if a difference is detected.

Abstract: The present invention provides detection systems and methods for detection of loci and genomic regions in a sample, including mixed samples, using hybridization to an array.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of neurological conditions, e.g. Huntington's Disease, relating to the misregulation of miRNAs in such conditions.

Abstract: A method for inspecting a chromosome of a fetus includes: a collection step of obtaining maternal blood from a pregnant mother; a concentration step of concentrating nucleated red blood cells in the maternal blood; a sorting step of sorting the nucleated red blood cells in the maternal blood, in which the nucleated red blood cells are concentrated through the concentration step, into mother-derived nucleated red blood cells and fetus-derived nucleated red blood cells in accordance with the shapes of nuclei and spectral characteristics at wavelengths included in a light wavelength region of 400 to 650 nm; an amplification step of amplifying a nucleic acid of a chromosome of the nucleated red blood cells; a definition step of defining an amount of the amplified product of the nucleated red blood cells; and a determination step of determining presence or absence of a numerical abnormality of the fetus-derived chromosome.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions, kits, and methods for molecular profiling and cancer diagnostics, including but not limited to gene expression product markers, alternative exon usage markers, and DNA polymorphisms associated with cancer. In particular, the present invention provides molecular profiles associated with thyroid cancer, methods of determining molecular profiles, and methods of analyzing results to provide a diagnosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for molecular profiling and diagnostics for genetic disorders and cancer, including but not limited to gene expression product markers associated with cancer or genetic disorders. In particular, the present invention provides algorithms and methods of classifying cancer, for example, thyroid cancer, methods of determining molecular profiles, and methods of analyzing results to provide a diagnosis.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods of screening and diagnosing cancer in patients undergoing mammography.

Abstract: Sequence variants and copy number variations in the EGFR, KRAS and MET genes are biomarkers for resistance to anti-EGFR therapies for cancer. This disclosure provides methods of detecting these biomarkers and using them in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Abstract: The emergence of resistance to targeted therapy is a recurrent clinical challenge and requires development and validation of secondary agents with improved activity. Accompanied by experimental cell-based and structural validation, this report of a near complete response to cabozantinib in a ROS1-rearranged lung adenocarcinoma patient with acquired resistance to crizotinib mediated by a novel CD74-ROS1 D2033N solvent-front mutation provides the first clinical example of crizotinib resistance overcome by targeted therapy in a ROS1-rearranged malignancy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, devices, combinations, kits, and systems for predicting and treating clinically significant prostate cancer in a urine sample of an individual suspected of suffering from prostate cancer based on expression analysis of normalised prostate tumour markers. The present methods, devices, combinations, kits, and systems are especially suitable for predicting and treating prostate cancer with a Gleason score of seven or more in individuals with a serum prostate-specific antigen (sPSA) level lower than 15 ng/ml.

Abstract: A breast cancer diagnostic composition and kit, and methods of diagnosing breast cancer or acquiring information for breast cancer diagnosis by using the composition or kit are provided. The composition or kit includes a polynucleotide that is the same as or complementary to at least one microRNA (miRNA) selected from the group consisting of hsa-miR-126, hsa-miR-23a, hsa-miR-24, hsa-miR-19b, hsa-miR-103, hsa-miR-142-3p, hsa-miR-144, hsa-miR-15a, hsa-miR-185, hsa-miR-93, and hsa-miR-30c in a vesicle, or a fragment of the microRNA.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for diagnosing a disease or disorder in a subject by introducing into cells of the subject a diagnostic gene switch construct and monitoring expression of a reporter gene. The invention further relates to methods and compositions for monitoring the progression of a disease or disorder or the effectiveness of a treatment for a disease or disorder.

Abstract: Provided are compositions and methods for identifying test agents as candidate for use in reducing hepatitis B virus (HBV). The methods involve a) introducing at least one test agent into mammalian cells, the cells having one or more plasmids that encode an HBV genome, wherein the genome includes a segment encoding a mutated HBV core (HBc), wherein the HBc mutation is L60A, I126A, K96A or a combination thereof. The test agent is allowed to be in contact with the mammalian cells for a period of time. Subsequently, amounts of HBV cccDNA in the mammalian cells are determined. The method can be performed in vitro or in vivo. A reduction in cccDNA relative to a control indicates the test agent in the test container is a candidate for reducing HBV in an individual. Cell cultures divided into reaction containers that each contain a distinct test agent are also included.

Abstract: Compositions for detecting flavivirus nucleic acids. Particularly described are compositions for detecting West Nile virus nucleic acids in the 3? non-coding region. These compositions are preferably oligonucleotides comprising nucleotide sequences that are substantially complementary to a West Nile virus target nucleic acid. These compositions preferably comprise a detectable moiety.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for determining whether a human immunodeficiency virus is likely to be more resistant to a viral entry inhibitor than a reference HIV. In certain aspects, the methods comprise comparing the length of one or more variable regions of an envelope protein of the HIV or a number of glycosylation sites on the envelope protein of the HIV to a length of one or more corresponding variable regions of an envelope protein of the reference HIV or a number of glycosylation sites on the envelope protein of the reference HIV, wherein the HIV is likely to be more resistant to the CD4 binding site entry inhibitor than the reference HIV when the HIV has longer variable regions than the reference HIV or the HIV has more glycosylation sites than the reference HIV.

Abstract: The present invention is related to nucleic acid sequences that can be used in the field of virus diagnostics, more specifically the diagnosis of infections with the AIDS causing Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV). With the present invention nucleotide sequences are provided that can be used as primers and probes in the amplification and detection of HIV-1 nucleic acid. The oligonucleotide sequences provided with the present invention are located in the LTR part of the HIV viral genome. It has been found that, by using the sequences of the present invention in methods for the amplification and detection of nucleic acid a sensitive and specific detection of HIV-1 can be obtained. The benefit of the sequences of the present invention primarily resides in the fact that, with the aid of primers and probes comprising the sequences according to the invention the nucleic acid of all presently known subtypes of HIV-1 can be detected with high accuracy and sensitivity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a Bacillus anthracis (B. anthracis) in which more than one secreted protease is inactivated by genetic modification. Such a protease-deficient B. anthracis has an improved ability to produce recombinant secreted proteins compared to other bacteria, particularly other Bacillus. Improvements include production of intact (i.e., mature full-length) proteins, often at high yield. The disclosure provides a B. anthracis that comprises a genetic modification that inactivates a protease of the M4 family of metalloproteases and a genetic modification that inactivates a protease of the M6 family of metalloproteases. Also provided is a modified B. anthracis comprising such genetic modification transformed with a recombinant molecule encoding a product, as well as methods to prepare and use such B. anthracis.

Abstract: A reduced sugar syrup having an advantageously low viscosity is prepared by hydrolysis of starch or starchy material using a particular type of alpha amylase enzyme which yields a saccharide distribution having a low DP1-2 and low DP11+ content. The DP4 content of the syrup may be favorably increased by using a maltotetragenic alpha amylase enzyme in combination with the aforementioned alpha amylase enzyme. The syrup is useful in the production of food, beverage, animal feed, animal health and nutrition, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic compositions and may be combined with a high intensity sweetener to provide a composition capable of being substituted for conventional corn syrups.

Abstract: Pig iron and spherical silica-based proppant are extracted and produced through the use of formers, fluxes, reductants, and stabilizers, at predetermined specified weight ratios. The base material utilized in this process is slag, typically derived from the mining industry. The slag is delivered and utilized in a manner that allows the adding and mixing of the various materials such as, but not limited to, carbon, calcium oxide, sodium oxide, aluminum oxide, magnesium oxide, and potassium oxide. The formulated mixture is then heated for a predetermined period of time, based upon weight to a liquid state, wherein the molten pig iron is separated from the molten silica glass. The molten pig iron is then poured into molds, and the molten silica glass is atomized into spherical proppant. The process is particularly well suited to slags produced from copper smelting, but can be extended to slags from other commodities and industries.

Abstract: A new iron based alloy prepared by extremely rapid heating followed substantially immediately by extremely rapid cooling. Methods and materials made by optionally initially spheroidized annealing of raw iron based alloys into a precursor material are disclosed. After optional spheroidized annealing, the precursor material is rapidly heated to a temperature above the austenitizing temperature of the material and rapidly cooled to yield a high strength iron based alloy. Methods and materials for realizing a corrosion resistant high strength iron based alloy are disclosed, as are methods, materials and articles which exhibit the ability to form bend radii of nearly folding over itself.

Abstract: A process for producing a steel component with a metallic, corrosion protection coating and very good mechanical properties may involve directly applying an iron-based alloy to a steel substrate. The iron-based alloy may contain 50-80% by weight of Fe, 0-30% by weight of Mg, 0-5% by weight of Al, 0-5% by weight of Ti, 0-10% by weight of Si, 0-10% by weight of Li, 0-10% by weight of Ca, 0-30% by weight of Mn, and a balance of Zn and unavoidable impurities. The steel substrate that has been coated with the iron-based alloy may then be subjected to hot forming in order to obtain the steel component. A metallic coating that protects against corrosion for steel components to be produced by the process of hot forming can be obtained.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a hot-formed component, in particular a sheet-metal component made of steel, aluminum, magnesium or a combination of the materials. The method includes the acts of: heating a semifinished product, in particular a sheet-metal blank or a pre-shaped sheet-metal component, inserting the semifinished product into a molding tool, and quenching the semifinished product in the molding tool, wherein a change is made to the microstructure of the material at least in one portion. Before the insertion of the semifinished product into the molding tool, an insulating device is applied in at least one predetermined region of the semifinished product. The insulating device is connected in a form-fitting, integral and/or force-fitting manner to the semifinished product.

Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing a hot stamped body, 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: Hot-stamped steel includes: a base metal that is steel including a tempered portion having hardness corresponding to 85% or less of the highest quenching hardness, the highest quenching hardness being defined as a Vickers hardness at a depth position spaced away from a surface by ¼ times a sheet thickness in a case of performing water quenching after heating at a temperature equal to or higher than an Ac3 point and retention for 30 minutes; and a Zn coating layer that is formed on the tempered portion of the base metal. The Zn coating layer includes a solid-solution layer including a solid-solution phase that contains Fe and Zn that is solid-soluted in Fe, and a lamella layer that includes the solid-solution phase and a capital gamma phase. An area ratio of the lamella layer in the Zn coating layer is 20% or less.

Abstract: Hot-stamped steel includes: a base metal that is steel including a tempered portion having hardness corresponding to 85% or less of the highest quenching hardness, the highest quenching hardness being defined as a Vickers hardness at a depth position spaced away from a surface layer by ¼ times a sheet thickness in a case of performing water quenching after heating at a temperature equal to or higher than an Ac3 point and retention for 30 minutes; and a Zn coating layer that is formed on the tempered portion of the base metal. The Zn coating layer includes a solid-solution layer including a solid-solution phase that contains Fe and Zn that is solid-soluted in Fe, and a lamella layer that includes the solid-solution phase and a capital gamma phase. In the Zn coating layer, an area ratio of the lamella layer is 30 to 100% and an area ratio of the solid-solution layer is 0 to 70%.

Abstract: A high-strength cold-rolled steel sheet has a composite structure containing 0.15 to 0.25% by mass of C, 1.8 to 3.0% by mass of Mn, and 0.0003 to 0.0050% by mass of B, and having a ferrite volume fraction of 20% to 50%, a retained austenite volume fraction of 7% to 20%, a martensite volume fraction of 1% to 8%, and the balance containing bainite and tempered martensite, and in the composite structure, ferrite has an average crystal grain diameter of 5 ?m or less, retained austenite has an average crystal grain diameter of 0.3 to 2.0 ?m and an aspect ratio of 4 or more, martensite has an average crystal grain diameter of 2 ?m or less, a metal phase containing both bainite and tempered martensite has an average crystal grain diameter of 7 ?m or less, the ratio of the volume fraction of tempered martensite to the volume fraction of a metal structure other than ferrite is 0.60 to 0.85, and the average C concentration in retained austenite is 0.65% by mass or more.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a steel sheet having a yield strength YS of more than 1000 MPa, a tensile strength TS of GP more than 1150 MPa and a total elongation E of more than 8%, comprising the steps of: —preparing a steel sheet through rolling from a steel containing in percent by weight 0.19% to 0.22% C, 2% to 2.6% Mn, 1.45% to 1.55% Si, 0.15% to 0.4% Cr, less than 0.020% P, less than 0.05% S, less than 0.08% N, 0.015% to 0.070% Al, the reminder being Fe and unavoidable impurities, —soaking the sheet at an annealing temperature TA between 860° C. and 890° C. for a time between 100 s and 210 s, cooling the sheet to a quenching temperature QT between 220° C. and 330° C., from a temperature TC not less than 500° C. at a cooling speed not less than 15° C./s, heating the steel sheet during a time between 115 s and 240 s up to a first overaging temperature TOA1 higher than 380° C., then heating the sheet during a time between 300 s and 610 s up to a second overaging temperature TOA2 between 420° and 450° C.

Abstract: A method for producing a cold rolled steel sheet having a tensile strength ?1470 MPa and a total elongation TE?19%, the method comprising the steps of annealing at an annealing temperature AT?Ac3 a non-treated steel sheet whose chemical composition contains in weight %: 0.34%?C?0.40%, 1.50%<Mn?2.30%, 1.50?Si?2.40%, 0%<Cr?0.5%, 0%<Mo?0.3%, 0.01%?A1?0.07%, the remainder being Fe and unavoidable impurities, quenching the annealed steel sheet by cooling it to a quenching temperature QT<Ms transformation point and between 150° C. and 250° C., and making a partitioning treatment by reheating the quenched steel sheet to a partitioning temperature PT between 350° C. and 420° C. and maintaining the steel sheet at this temperature during a partitioning time Pt between 15 seconds and 120 seconds.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a high-strength sheet having improved formability segregation accord which the chemical composition of the steel contains, in percent by weight: 0.1%?C?0.4% 4.2%?Mn?8.0% 1%?Si?3% 0.2%?Mo?0.5% the remainder being Fc and unavoidable impurities, the method comprising the steps of annealing a rolled sheet made of said steel by soaking it at an annealing temperature AT higher than the Ac3 transformation point of the steel, quenching the sheet by cooling it down to a quenching temperature QT between the Ms and Mf transformation points in order to obtain a final structure containing at least 65% of martensite and at least 20% of residual austenite, the sum of the ferrite and bainite contents being less than 10%, heating the sheet up to an overaging temperature PT between 300° C. and 500° C. and maintaining it at said temperature for a time Pt greater than 10s and cooling the sheet down to the ambient temperature. Sheet obtained.

Abstract: [Object] To provide a hot-rolled steel sheet having excellent fatigue characteristics and workability in the rolling direction. [Solution] A hot-rolled steel sheet according to the present invention has a chemical composition consisting of, in mass %, C: 0.03 to 0.2%, Mn: 0.1 to 3.0%, P: 0.10% or less, S: 0.03% or less, Al+Si: 0.2 to 3.0%, N: more than 0% and equal to or less than 0.01%, O: more than 0% and equal to or less than 0.01%, and the balance: iron and impurities.

Abstract: A method of heat treatment of a metal material is disclosed. The method of heat treatment includes heating the metal material to a first temperature through a heating fixture, and reducing the first temperature of the metal material to a second temperature through a cooling apparatus performing a fast cooling operation. The fast cooling operation has a high cooling speed of 80° C./sec to 200° C./sec. As such, the processed metal material can have the required mechanical properties.