Abstract: The invention relates to a new method of characterising two or more target polynucleotides using a pore. The method involves sequentially attaching to a first polynucleotide one or more subsequent polynucleotides to form a concatenated polynucleotide.

Abstract: A method for improving color calls or base calls utilizes current and prior cycle multi-channel intensity data from a sequencing run to model residual cycle buildup. The model is applied to correct the multi-cycle channel intensity for the current cycle. The corrected multi-cycle channel intensity is used for color calls or base calls for the current cycle.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for performing highly sensitive in vitro assays to define substrate preferences and off-target sites of nucleic-acid binding, modifying, and cleaving agents.

Abstract: Provided is a method for identifying balanced translocation breakpoints and a carrying state for balanced translocations in embryos, comprising the following steps: amplifying and sequencing a sample; comparing the sequence which is obtained by means of sequencing with a reference genome and analyzing copy numbers; accurately determining the position of a translocation breakpoint; detecting single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) around the breakpoint and genotyping the SNPs; analyzing an embryonic haplotype, and comprehensively determining a normal chromosome and a translocation chromosome haplotype; determining the embryonic carrying state and, according to the haplotype, selecting an embryo which does not carry a balanced translocation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sequencing probes, methods, kits, and apparatuses that provide enzyme-free, amplification-free, and library-free nucleic acid sequencing that has long-read-lengths and with low error rate.

Abstract: A multi-position double-tag connector set for detecting gene mutation and preparation method therefor and application thereof, the multi-position double-tag connector set comprising a double-tag connector A, a double-tag connector B and a double-tag connector C. The double-tag connector A, the double-tag connector B and the double-tag connector C are obtained respectively by means of synthesizing a connector primer P5 with a connector primer P7-A, a connector primer P7-B and a connector primer P7-C of 5? ends which are all modified with biotin. Using the multi-position double-tag connector set, the mutation rate of 1×10?5 genes may be accurately detected and the sensitivity of gene mutation detection may be effectively improved. A plurality of mutation sites of a plurality of genes may be detected by one-time sequencing in combination with throughput of high-throughput sequencing.

Abstract: The invention is related to methods and kits for facilitating nucleic acid sequence assembly, the methods comprising creating barcodes that code for the identity of template nucleic acids from which multiple full or partial complementary copies are synthesized and subsequently sequenced.

Abstract: The invention pertains to analyzing the levels of DNA methylation at specific genetic loci to detect specific body fluids, for example, vaginal secretions or vaginal epithelial cells, semen or sperms, saliva or buccal epithelial cells, or blood or blood cells. Particularly, the levels of methylation of DNA at the genetic loci corresponding to SEQ ID NOs: 1, 6, 11, and 16, more particularly, SEQ ID NOs: 25, 26, 27, and 28, are used to detect vaginal secretions or vaginal epithelial cells, semen or sperms, saliva or buccal epithelial cells, and blood or blood cells, respectively. The level of methylation at the specific loci can be determined by sequencing of the amplicons produced using specific primers designed to amplify the specific loci. Kits containing the primers and reagents for carrying out the methods disclosed herein are also provided.

Abstract: A method for identifying a subject having at least an indication or predisposition for developing inflammatory bowel disease or colorectal cancer based upon the presence of Salmonella AvrA protein, nucleic acids and antibodies is provided as is a method for treating Salmonella infection-related colorectal cancer using a Wnt1 agonist.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods for typing and characterizing sperm. The technology employs a sequencing-based method for detecting and measuring RNA transcripts from single sperm cells and the analysis of the sequencing data for the prediction of male parent contribution to autism.

Abstract: The use of the change in relative frequency of aptamers in a library selected against at least one sample from at least one reference subject of known outcome, prior to and following selection of said library against a sample from a subject, as a means of diagnosing a medical state, disease or condition in said subject. Also, methods for diagnosing a medical state, disease or condition in a subject, involving correlating changes in relative frequency between aptamers to a medical state, disease or condition and diagnosing the subject based on the determined correlations.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a novel use of C-type lectin 18 (CLEC18) in disease prognosis. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the mRNA or protein level of CLEC18 may serve as an indicator for diagnosing hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) loss and seroconversion, and/or liver fibrosis.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for accurately estimating the absorbed dose of radiation indicated by a subject based on the expression pattern of a panel of radiation-modulated (RM) genes at various time points following exposure of the subject to ionizing radiation.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods, systems, and apparatus for deducing the fetal DNA fraction in maternal plasma without using paternal or fetal genotypes. Maternal genotype information may be obtained from a maternal-only DNA sample or may be assumed from shallow-depth sequencing of a biological sample having both maternal and fetal DNA molecules. Because sequencing may be at shallow depths, a locus may have only few reads and may fail to exhibit a non-maternal allele even if a non-maternal allele is present. However, normalized parameters that characterize non-maternal alleles sequenced can be used to provide an accurate estimate of the fetal DNA fraction, even if the amount of non-maternal alleles is in error. Methods described herein may not need high-depth sequencing or enrichment of specific regions. As a result, these methods can be integrated into widely used non-invasive prenatal testing and other diagnostics.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and compositions useful in detecting, diagnosing and treating small cell lung cancer. Transgenic animal models and cell lines are disclosed for the study of a small cell lung cancer subtype. Methods of screening and identifying active agents for the treatment of a small cell lung cancer subtype as well as methods of identifying patients susceptible to treatment with aurora kinase inhibitors are also provided.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a method for evaluating whether an individual with cancer is suitable for being administered with anti-cancer drugs. Wherein the anti-cancer drug is a CDK inhibitor. The method includes the following steps: (1) detecting a copy number of a first gene and a copy number of a second gene from an in vitro sample of the individual with the cancer to obtain a copy number variation (CNV) of the first gene and a copy number variation (CNV) of the second gene; (2) calculating a copy number variation ratio (CNV ratio) between the copy number variation (CNV) of the first gene and the copy number variation (CNV) of the second gene, wherein the first gene encodes a cyclin and the second gene encodes a cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor (CDKN); and (3) determining whether the individual with the cancer is suitable for being administered with the CDK inhibitor according to the CNV ratio.

Abstract: The present invention includes novel compositions and methods for identifying driver mutations in glioblastoma. In one aspect, the invention includes an AAV-CRISPR library for identifying driver mutations in, and thus treatments for glioblastoma.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of predicting the likelihood that a patient will respond therapeutically to a pancreatic cancer treatment comprising the administration of 2-[(2S)-1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-2-yl]-6-(3-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidin-4(3H)-one (Compound 1) and/or tautomers thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or hydrate thereof, comprising the steps of: STEP (1): determining a KRAS gene mutation status of a sample from a patient, and STEP (2): predicting an increased likelihood that the patient will respond therapeutically to the pancreatic cancer treatment if the patient has the presence of KRAS gene mutation(s), and to methods of treating pancreatic cancer.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for detecting and targeting genomic rearrangements, in particular gene fusion events, by targeting a DNA molecule of interest with a set or pool of primers, wherein the forward primers and reverse primers produce a PCR amplification product when a genomic rearrangement is present. The present disclosure also relates to methods of bioinformatic analysis to determine whether or not the detection of an amplification product from the selective PCR is actually indicative of the presence of a gene fusion. The present disclosure also related to related methods of diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions associated with such genomic rearrangements, in particular cancers, such as lung cancer.

Abstract: Provided is a method for analysing the expression of one or more biomarker RNA molecules, comprising (A) isolating RNA from circulating tumor cells obtained from a subject, determining the expression of at least one biomarker RNA molecule in the isolated RNA and providing an expression profile based on the results; (B) isolating RNA from extracellular vesicles obtained from the subject, determining the expression of at least one biomarker RNA molecule in the isolated RNA and providing an expression profile based on the results; and (C)using the expression profiles determined in (A) and determined in (B) for a combined analysis of the results. Such combined analysis of the CTC and EV expression profiles enhances the prognostic and predictive value of the obtained results and can provide valuable diagnostic, prognostic and/or predictive information. The present method can thus be used as improved diagnostic, prognostic and/or predictive aid in the management of cancer patients.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for detecting methylation of the promoter of O-6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase gene (MGMT). In particular, the methods and systems may be utilized to detect methylation in the MGMT promoter in a DNA sample from a glioblastoma and optionally in order to predict whether a subject having the glioblastoma will respond to treatment with an alkylating agent. The methods and systems typically include a step of deep-sequencing the DNA sample after the DNA sample has been treated with a reagent that converts unmethylated cytosine to uracil such as a bisulfite reagent.

Abstract: There is described herein a method of predicting recurrence free survival in a patient with meningioma comprising: (a) determining a tumor DNA methylation profile from a tumor sample from the patient, the tumor DNA methylation profile comprising the methylation status of at least 200 loci represented by the probes set forth in Table 9; and (b) calculating a risk of meningioma recurrence based on comparing the tumor DNA methylation profile and a reference methylation profile comprising the extent to which the methylation status of the at least 200 loci is associated with a risk of recurrence.

Abstract: Methods for predicting the response of prostate cancer to androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) using a gene signature of five genes (CSPG5, FKBP6, FOSB, STMN1, and TTC27) is provided. Also provided are sets containing specific binding molecules for each of CSPG5, FKBP6, FOSB, STMN1, and TTC27 and kits containing such sets.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods, systems and kits for determining therapeutic effectiveness or toxicity of cancer-treating compounds that incorporate into or bind to DNA. In particular, the invention is directed to methods, systems and kits for predicting a patient's treatment outcome after administration of a microdose of therapeutic composition to the patient or a sample from the patient. The methods provides physicians with a diagnostic tool to segregate cancer patients into differential populations that have a higher or lower chance of responding to a particular therapeutic treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of distinguishing a thyroid cancer type or risk thereof, comprising the step of determining the DNA methylation status of thyroid cancer genes of a sample of a subject, wherein the thyroid cancer genes are selected from one or more of the genes of table 1 or 2, and comparing the methylation status of said genes with a control sample, thereby identifying thyroid cancer DNA in the sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the detection and identification of various forms of genetic markers, and various forms of proteins, which have the potential utility as diagnostic markers. By determining the level of a plurality of biomarkers and genetic markers in a patient sample, and combining the obtained values according to a predefined formula, it is possible to forecast if it is likely that the prostate cancer patient will require active therapy like radiation therapy or surgery. A method based on a redundantly designed combination of data is disclosed for estimating if prostate cancer is aggressive or indolent. Said method combines SNP data to form a composite value, wherein at least 5% of the SNPs can be disregarded.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials involved in assessing samples (e.g., cancer cells) for the presence of a loss of heterozygosity (LOH) signature. For example, methods and materials for determining whether or not a cell (e.g., a cancer cell) contains an LOH signature are provided. Materials and methods for identifying cells (e.g., cancer cells) having a deficiency in homology directed repair (HDR) as well as materials and methods for identifying cancer patients likely to respond to a particular cancer treatment regimen also are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a Siniperca chuatsi IL-6 gene and a detection method for a disease-resistant SNP marker. A cDNA sequence of S. chuatsi IL-6 gene is cloned, as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1. AIL-6 gene gDNA sequence containing an intron of the S. chuatsi IL-6 gene is cloned, as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2. A primer for amplifying a disease-resistant SNP locus is designed according to IL-6 gDNA sequence, and S. chuatsi IL-6 gene is amplified to obtain an amplification product which is sequenced, and the SNPs loci relevant to virus disease-resistance are found out and the SNP locus is determined according to DNA peak profile. The IL-6 cDNA full-length sequence and IL-6 gDNA full-length sequence are cloned firstly. The SNP locus relevant to virus disease resistance of S. chuatsi IL-6 gene is detected, thereby providing a new method for breeding of S. chuatsi.

Abstract: Provided is a hot press-formed member having excellent crack propagation resistance and ductility. The hot press-formed member includes: a base steel sheet and a zinc or zinc alloy plating layer on at least one surface of the base steel sheet. The base steel sheet contains, by wt %, carbon (C): 0.08-0.30%, silicon (Si): 0.01-2.0%, manganese (Mn): 3.1-8.0%, aluminum (Al): 0.001-0.5%, phosphorus (P): 0.001-0.05%, sulfur (S): 0.0001-0.02%, nitrogen (N): 0.02% or less, and a balance of iron (Fe) and other impurities. The hot press-formed member comprises 1-30 area % of retained austenite as a microstructure, and a Mn(wt %)/Zn(wt %) content ratio in an oxide layer of 0.5-1.2 ?m in a thickness direction from a surface layer of the plating layer is 0.1 or more.

Abstract: A steel bar for hot forging according to the present disclosure has a chemical composition consisting of, in mass percent, C: 0.05 to 0.40%, Si: 0.05 to 0.50%, Mn: 1.51 to 3.50%, P: 0.010 to 0.100%, S: 0.30% or less, Cr: 0.05 to 2.50%, V: 0.10 to 0.75%, Ti: 0.005% to 0.250%, Al: 0.005 to 0.060%, and N: 0.002 to 0.020%, with the balance being Fe and impurities, and satisfying Formula (1). A number density of TiNs having a circle equivalent diameter of not less than 20 ?m in steel is 0.3 to 4.0/mm2: 0.48?C+0.11Mn+0.08Cr+0.75V+0.20Mo?1.50 ??(1) where, symbols of elements in Formula are to be substituted by contents of corresponding elements (in mass percent).

Abstract: In a grain-oriented electrical steel sheet, comprising magnetic domains refined by a plurality of linear grooves in a surface of a steel sheet, each of the linear grooves is provided on its floor with a plurality of recessed parts aligned in a direction in which the linear groove extends, at a predetermined interval p (?m), and the recessed part is made to have a predetermined depth d (?m). In this way, it is possible to provide a grain-oriented electrical steel sheet having further improved iron loss properties while having reduced magnetic flux density reduction.

Abstract: A method of producing a non-oriented electrical steel sheet by hot rolling and cold rolling a steel slab comprising by mass % C: not more than 0.0050%, Si: 2-7%, Mn: 0.05-2.0%, P: not more than 0.2%, S: not more than 0.005%, Al: not more than 3%, N: not more than 0.005%, Ti: not more than 0.003%, Nb: not more than 0.005% and V: not more than 0.005% and then subjecting to a finish annealing and a stress-relief annealing, conditions of the finish annealing and stress-relief annealing are adjusted so that a yield stress of the steel sheet after the finish annealing is not less than 400 MPa and a ratio of a magnetic flux density B50S of the steel sheet after the stress-relief annealing to a magnetic flux density B50H after the finish annealing is not less than 0.99.

Abstract: High strength steel sheet having a tensile strength of 800 MPa or more comprising a middle part in sheet thickness and a soft surface layer arranged at one side or both sides of the middle part in sheet thickness, wherein each soft surface layer has a thickness of more than 10 ?M and 30% or less of the sheet thickness, the soft surface layer has an average Vickers hardness of more than 0.60 time and 0.90 time or less the average Vickers hardness of the sheet thickness 1/2 position, and the soft surface layer has a nano-hardness standard deviation of 0.8 or less is provided.

Abstract: Provided is a steel sheet having sufficient formability and strength even after sheet metal thinning, the steel sheet including: a chemical composition containing, by mass %, C: more than 0.0060% and not more than 0.012%, Si: 0.02% or less, Mn: 0.10% or more and 0.60% or less, P: 0.020% or less, S: 0.020% or less, Al: 0.01% or more and 0.07% or less, and N: 0.0080% or more and 0.0200% or less, with the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities, in which a dislocation density at a depth position of ½ of a sheet thickness from a surface of the steel sheet is 2.0×1014/m2 or more and 1.0×1015/m2 or less.

Abstract: Present invention discloses a high strength hot rolled steel product with tensile strength at least 1100 MPa and elongation not less than 21%. The steel further has uniform elongation not less than 10% and yield and tensile ratio 0.6-0.7. The steel further has tensile toughness in the range 19-23.5 GPa %. The developed steel is primarily aimed for automotive structural applications and also for many other such as defence where good combination of strength and ductility required is very high. The developed steel product has following composition C: 0.15-0.23, Mn: 0.8-2.1, Si: 0.3-1.1, Cr: 0.8-1.3, Mo: 0.08-0.25, Nb: 0.018-0.035, Ti—0.01-0.1 S—0.008 max, P—0.025 max, Al—0.05 to 0.3, N—0.005 max. The liquid metal was continuous cast into slab casting. The cast slab was soaked above 1150° C. for few hours and subsequently the cast structure was broken by deformation prior to hot rolling.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of producing iron-ore pellets for blast-furnace smelting. In a first variant, a charge contains iron-ore concentrate and manganese limestone as a binding agent and flux, the ratio of charge components in wt % being as follows: 1.0-5.0 manganese limestone; and the balance iron-ore concentrate. In a second variant, the charge contains iron-ore concentrate, bauxite as a modifying agent, and manganese limestone as a binding agent and flux, the ratio of charge components in wt % being as follows: 1.0-3.5 manganese limestone; 1.2-1.5 modifying additive; and the balance iron-ore concentrate. The invention increases the strength of green and sintered pellets while preserving a high iron content, reduces the softening-melting interval of the pellets in a blast furnace, and simplifies the production of iron-ore pellets.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the recovery of cobalt ions and tungstic acid and/or its derivatives from aqueous solutions, such as in particular the spent catalytic waters deriving from processes for the oxidative cleavage of vegetable oils. In particular this invention relates to a process for the recovery of cobalt ions and tungstic acid and/or its derivatives which provides for the use of cation-exchange resins.

Abstract: A process for roasting of metal concentrate wherein concentrate particles are fed into a roaster where they are thermally treated at a temperature in the range of 500 and 1200° C. in a fluidized bed to form a calcine. At least parts of the calcine are withdrawn from the roaster together with a gas stream as a solid fraction. Concentrate particles with a diameter at least 50% smaller than the average diameter of the concentrate particles are separated as small particles and/or particles from the gas-solid-fraction are separated in at least one step as small calcine particles and/or particles are gained in another hydrometallurgical step as other particles. Defined particles are pelletized, whereby at least 80% of the pellets feature a diameter of at least 80% of the concentrate particles average diameter. The pellets are fed into the roaster.

Abstract: Provided is a smelting method in which, for example, a metal oxide such as a nickel oxide ore including nickel oxide is used as a source material and is reduced with a carbonaceous reducing agent to obtain a reduced product, with which method efficient processing can be achieved. This metal oxide smelting method is, for example, a nickel oxide ore smelting method. Specifically, the method includes a reduction process step that has: a drying step in which a mixture that was obtained by mixing a metal oxide and a carbonaceous reducing agent is dried; a preheating step in which the dried mixture is preheated; a reduction step in which the preheated mixture is reduced using a rotary hearth furnace, said rotary hearth having a hearth that rotates and not having a partition structure in an interior; and a cooling step in which the obtained reduced product is cooled.

Abstract: Provided is a particulate composition comprising a collection of resin beads and LiX.2Al(OH)3.nH2O, wherein n is 0 to 10, wherein X is a halogen, wherein the resin beads contain polymer having 0.5 to 3 equivalents of amine pendant groups per liter of the particulate composition, wherein the resin beads have average pore diameter of 5 to 100 nm, wherein the collection of resin beads has harmonic mean particle diameter of 200-1000 micrometers; wherein the collection of resin beads has surface area of 20 to 150 m2/g; and wherein aluminum is present in an amount of 14.5% percent or higher, by weight of aluminum atoms based on the total weight of the particulate composition. Also provided is a method of removing lithium from brine using such a composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lithium adsorption-desorption apparatus including a plurality of reaction tanks arranged in a row; a guide rail disposed at an upper portion of the reaction tank; a movable driving unit coupled to a moving means that moves along the guide rail; and a reaction housing which is mounted to the driving unit, and can be vertically moved or rotated in a state in which the lithium adsorbent is fixed thereto, and after immersing in the reaction tank, accelerates adsorption or desorption of lithium, and after being lifted, discharges residual solution from the lithium adsorbent by rotation movement. Therefore, the lithium adsorption desorption apparatus can fix a large amount of lithium adsorbent and immerse it in a lithium-containing solution to effectively adsorb lithium and then quickly desorb lithium in a desorption solution, and can efficiently wash the lithium adsorbent in a cleaning solution.

Abstract: Methods for producing components for use in high temperature systems that include reacting a fluid reactant and a porous preform that has a pore volume and contains a solid oxide reactant that defines a solid volume of the porous preform. The method includes infiltrating the fluid reactant into the porous preform to react with the solid oxide reactant to produce a oxide/metal composite component, during which a displacing metal replaces a displaceable species of the solid oxide reactant to produce at least one solid oxide reaction product that has a reaction product volume that at least partially fills the pore volume. The oxide/metal composite component includes at least one oxide phase and at least one metal phase. The component is exposed to temperatures greater than 500° C. and the at least one oxide phase and the at least one metal phase exhibit thermal expansion values within 50% of one another.

Abstract: A composition-of-matter is described herein comprising copper or an alloy thereof, and at least one nanocompound dispersed in the copper or an alloy thereof, wherein the copper or an alloy thereof is a cast metal. Further described herein are articles of manufacture comprising the composition-of-matter, and a process for preparing such a composition-of-matter, by dispersing at least one nanocompound in a melt of copper or and alloy thereof, and cooling the melt.

Abstract: Ni-based super heat-resistant alloys have a composition in which the equilibrium precipitated amount of a gamma prime phase at 700° C. is 35 mol % or greater, and have grains having a maximum diameter of 75 nm or less in cross-sectional structure. One Ni-based super heat-resistant alloy manufacturing method includes preparing a raw material of a Ni-based super heat-resistant alloy having the aforementioned composition, and performing plastic processing of the raw material a plurality of times at a temperature of 500° C. or less so as to obtain a cumulative processing rate of 30% or greater. Another Ni-based super heat-resistant alloy manufacturing method includes preparing an alloy material having the aforementioned composition, a hardness of 500 HV or greater, and the aforementioned crystal grain maximum diameter, performing plastic processing of the alloy material at a temperature of 500° C. or less, and obtaining an alloy having a hardness of 500 HV or greater.

Abstract: A Ni-based heat resistant alloy of the present invention contains predetermined amounts of C, Si, Mn, P, S, N, O, Ni, Co, Cr, Mo, W, B, Al, Ti, Nb, REM, Mg, Ca, and the balance of Fe and impurities, wherein [0.1?Mo+W?12.0], [1.0?4×Al+2×Ti+Nb?12.0], and [P+0.2×Cr×B<0.035] are satisfied, a shortest distance from a center portion to an outer surface portion of a cross section of an alloy member is 40 mm or more, the cross section being perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the alloy member, an austenite grain size number at the outer surface portion is ?2.0 to 4.0, a total content of Al, Ti and Nb which are present as precipitates obtained by extraction residue analysis satisfies [(Al+Ti+Nb)PB/(Al+Ti+Nb)PS?10.0], and [YSS/YSB?1.5] and [TSS/TSB?1.2] are satisfied at a normal temperature.

Abstract: Turbocharger components comprising a relatively light-weight nicked-based superalloy having an amount of ??-phase domains that is greater than 40% after aging the component at 1000° C. for 300 hours.

Abstract: A thermally stable component formed of a tempered aluminum alloy casting which reduced costs is provided. The aluminum alloy typically has an elongation of at least 8% after casting, which is preferred for self-piercing rivet processes. The aluminum alloy leaves a casting facility in the as-cast (F temper) condition. The cast aluminum alloy is then shipped to another entity, such as an OEM, and is subjected to an artificial aging process, such as on the OEM's existing paint line, rather than at the casting facility. The artificial aging process typically includes electrodeposition coating and curing. The components that can be formed by the reduced cost method include lightweight automotive vehicle components, including structural, body-in-white, suspension, or chassis components, such as front shock towers, front body hinge pillars, tunnels, and rear rails.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy thick plate is formed of an aluminum alloy including Mg of 2.0 to 5.0 mass %. The aluminum alloy thick plate has a plate thickness of 300 to 400 mm. A is 160 pieces/cm2 or less and B is 1.15 times or more as large as A, where (i) A (pieces/cm2) is a maximum value in numbers of porosities with an equivalent circle diameter of 50 ?m or more in each of positions located at a center portion in a plate thickness direction and at positions of 0.39 Wa to 0.48 Wa in a plate width direction; and (ii) B (pieces/cm2) is a maximum value in numbers of porosities with an equivalent circle diameter of 50 ?m or more in each of positions located at the center portion in the plate thickness direction and at positions of 0.12 Wa to 0.30 Wa in the plate width direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aluminum alloy. The present invention provides an aluminum alloy composed of, by weight, 0.2% or less of Si, 0.2% or less of Fe, 0.6% or less of Mn, 1.5-2.1% of Mg, 5.5-6.5 of Zn, 0.1% or less of Ti, 0.1% or less of Cr, 0.1% or less of Zr, inevitable impurities, and the balance Al.

Abstract: A superhard polycrystalline construction comprises a body of polycrystalline superhard material comprising a superhard phase, and a second phase dispersed in the superhard phase, the superhard phase comprising a plurality of inter-bonded superhard grains. The second phase comprises particles or grains that do not chemically react with the superhard grains, and/or do not inter-grow, and form between around 1 to 30 volume % or wt % of the body of polycrystalline superhard material.