ECSC research into weldability carried out in the last ten years

Abstract

The paper illustrates the research carried out with ECSC financial support in the decade 1976–86 by various laboratories and institutes in countries belonging to the European Community, in the field of the welding and weldability of different steels.

The industrial impact of the research is underlined, particularly with regard to the possibility of making greater use of the characteristics of modern steels, in order to achieve improved quality, productivity and economy in welded constructions.

The importance of each piece of research for the study of heat affected zones (HAZs) and of fusion zone behaviour in welded joints is illustrated, and further research now in progress is also mentioned.

Finally, attention is drawn to the need to promote, through the appropriate development of European standards and regulations and by the drawing up of suitable guidelines for designers, users and manufacturers, knowledge of the possibilities of new steels in order to achieve further development and competitiveness in welded steel constructions.     

Cellulose nanocomposites based on silane reinforced 3-butynoate-substituted zirconium-oxocluster copolymers: Mechanical,thermal and hydrophobic properties

Silica based cellulose nanocomposites obtained from (3-mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane or vinyltrimethoxysilane and 3-butynoate-substituted zirconium-oxoclusters were prepared and their surface morphology, wettability, and thermo-mechanical properties were studied. The composites showed a hydrophobic surface, high strength, and resistance to thermal degradation and aging; in comparison to the untreated paper they required a higher temperature to activate combustion and generated less heat during all thermal processes.     

Inflammatory aneurysm of the ascending aorta and aortic arch

Transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) is a valuable, minimally invasive procedure for diagnosing and staging lung cancer in patients, but it is underutilized by practicing pulmonologists. To assess the approach to TBNA of current pulmonary Fellows, we recorded their computerized interactive responses during the 1995 American College of Chest Physicians Fellows' Conference. Among 109 Fellows attending, only 10% reported that they routinely (> or = 85% of cases) performed TBNA to diagnose or stage malignant disease, and 40% noted that they rarely (< or = 5% of cases) performed it. They estimated their diagnostic TBNA yields in patients with mediastinal cancer as follows: > or = 80% by 2% of Fellows; between 25% and 80% by 54% of Fellows; and < 25% by 45% of Fellows. They noted that the main limitations of TBNA at their institutions were suboptimal bronchoscopy technique (30%), technician support (1%), cytopathology support (14%), all of these factors (25%), or the belief that TBNA is not useful (30%). TBNA is currently underutilized and/or underemphasized at bronchoscopy training programs. Major modifications of Fellow experiences are necessary if TBNA is to impact optimally on patient management.     

Microstructure and properties of polyester/urethane acrylate thermosetting blends,and their use as composite matrices

Thermosetting blends of a rigid polyester (PE) and a poly(urethane acrylate) elastomer (UA) have been investigated over a wide range of compositions in the cast condition, and in use as matrices of unidirectional glass-fibre composites. Transmission electron microscopy showed that blends in the composition range 20%–60% UA have a two-phase structure, probably with a phase inversion from PE-rich to UA-rich matrix between 40% and 50% UA. It was found that the observed variation in Young's modulus with blend composition could be represented by a simple geometrical model based on series/parallel combination of phases with a regular dispersion. This analysis provided supporting evidence for the proposed phase structures of the blends. Further evidence as to the phase structures was the rapid decline in indentation hardness and in temperature of distortion under load which occurred between 40% and 50% UA. Blends with up to 15% UA were found to have higher tensile strength, and slightly higher failure strain, than the unblended polyester. For composites with PE-rich matrices, the transverse Young's modulus exceeded that of the matrix in bulk, and it was found that the relationship could be expressed approximately by a version of the series/parallel model referred to above. Transverse tensile strengths of the composites were, in all cases, lower than the bulk matrix strength. To account for the observed relationship, a modified version of the Cooper and Kelly model for transverse strength is presented.     

Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia in Children: A Model of Precision Medicine and Chemotherapy-Free Therapy

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) represents a paradigm of precision medicine. Indeed, in the last decades, the introduction of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and arsenic trioxide (ATO) completely revolutionized the therapeutic approach to this previously highly fatal disorder. This entirely chemotherapy-free treatment, which provided excellent survival rates, has been initially validated in adults and, recently, translated in the pediatric setting. This review summarizes currently available data on the use of ATRA and ATO combination in pediatric APL, providing a particular focus on peculiar issues and challenges, such as the occurrence of pseudotumor cerebri and death during induction (early death), as well as the advantage offered by the ATO/ATRA combination in sparing long-term sequelae.     

Relative Contribution of Blood Pressure and Renal Sympathetic Nerve Activity to Proximal Tubular Sodium Reabsorption via NHE3 Activity

We examined the effects of an acute increase in blood pressure (BP) and renal sympathetic nerve activity (rSNA) induced by bicuculline (Bic) injection in the paraventricular nucleus of hypothalamus (PVN) or the effects of a selective increase in rSNA induced by renal nerve stimulation (RNS) on the renal excretion of sodium and water and its effect on sodium-hydrogen exchanger 3 (NHE3) activity. Uninephrectomized anesthetized male Wistar rats were divided into three groups: (1) Sham; (2) Bic PVN: (3) RNS + Bic injection into the PVN. BP and rSNA were recorded, and urine was collected prior and after the interventions in all groups. RNS decreased sodium (58%) and water excretion (53%) independently of BP changes (p < 0.05). However, after Bic injection in the PVN during RNS stimulation, the BP and rSNA increased by 30% and 60% (p < 0.05), respectively, diuresis (5-fold) and natriuresis (2.3-fold) were increased (p < 0.05), and NHE3 activity was significantly reduced, independently of glomerular filtration rate changes. Thus, an acute increase in the BP overcomes RNS, leading to diuresis, natriuresis, and NHE3 activity inhibition.     

Survey on flash technology with specific attention to the critical process parameters related to manufacturing

In this paper, the history of flash processes will be presented, starting with the 1.2-/spl mu/m technology to the most current technology. The front- and back-end process modules will be reviewed taking into account the main impact on cell functionality and reliability. In particular, the lithographic and mask issues, the diffusion and cleaning process steps, the chemical mechanical planarization technique to improve planarization, and the high-energy and large-tilted implant will be covered. Finally, the process and equipment trends for the next-generation flash technology will be presented.     

Current criticalities and innovation perspectives in flash memory design automation

With reference to technological, architectural, and market considerations, the specific areas of design methodology and automation in flash memory design are analyzed in this paper. For each of the activities identified as critical, we show the design process key constraints and specifications, which drive the change in methodology, tools, and flows. We go through a brief survey of the solutions adopted in the recent past as well as the new emerging areas of intervention. The analysis covers: 1) design methodology, floorplanning, full-custom layout design and Rtl2Layout automation integration; 2) analog-digital mixed full-chip simulation and architectural exploration; 3) statistical analog circuital simulation; 4) mixed-signal design to test approaches; and 5) IC and package design integration.     

Verapamil protection against mercuric chloride-induced renal glomerular injury in rats

We have examined the effects of the calcium channel blocker verapamil on the renal glomerular structural damage produced by mercuric chloride in rats. Verapamil (75 micrograms/kg body wt iv) was administered 30 min prior to mercuric chloride injection (HgCl2, 5 mg/kg body wt sc). Verapamil prevented the glomerular proteinuria observed in HgCl2-treated rats. Isolated glomeruli from mercury-treated rats 1 h after injection presented a diminished cross-sectional area as compared with control glomeruli (control [micron2], 26,310 +/- 2545; HgCl2 [micron2], 18,474 +/- 1828) and increased glomerular calcium content (control, 23 +/- 6 nmol/mg protein; HgCl2, 43 +/- 7 nmol/mg protein). Verapamil pretreatment prevented glomerular cross-sectional area (GCSA) diminution and glomerular calcium content rise (GCSA [micron2] Vp + Hg, 28,281 +/- 4654, Ca2+ [nmol/mg protein] Vp + Hg, 18 +/- 5). Renal sections prepared for immunohistochemical detection and histochemical analysis showed increased deposits of fibronectin and lipids and enhanced cellularity in glomerular structures from HgCl2-treated rats. Renal sections from animals pretreated with verapamil showed fibronectin and lipid contents not different from control sections and their histological studies did not show any changes when compared with control. Verapamil pretreatment also protected glomeruli from enhanced leukocyte content (myeloperoxidase activity/mg protein): control, 59 +/- 7; HgCl2, 134 +/- 10; Vp + Hg, 79 +/- 11). HgCl2 also contracts GCSA in vitro; Vp prevented this GCSA diminution. The results described in this study indicate that mercuric chloride nephrotoxicity may be associated not only with changes in renal glomerular haemodynamics, but also with a direct effect on glomerular cells.