Dissimilar Electron Beam Welding of Nickel Base Alloy 625 and 9% Cr Steel

AbstractTo improve the thermal efficiency of fossil running power plants increasing the live steam temperature is essential. In power plant construction, 9-12% chromium martensitic steels are widely used but if steam temperatures rise above 625°C there is no way around nickel base alloys.The scope of this study was to ascertain the weldability of cast nickel base alloy 625 with cast martensitic 9% chromium steel COST CB2, using electron beam welding (EBW). Similar (A625/A625) and dissimilar joint welding experiments on 50mm thick plates were executed. Microstructure of welded joints was investigated and mechanical-technological tests were carried out.Results show that work pieces were completely welded and the microstructure of the seam shows no problems except some δ-ferrite grains near the fusion line on the CB2 side. The joints exhibit good mechanical properties in spite of the presence of a thin layer with very high hardness in the heat affected zone (HAZ) on the CB2 steel side. [1]

Breakthrough attacks in patients with hereditary angioedema receiving long-term prophylaxis are responsive to icatibant: Findings from the Icatibant Outcome Survey

Background: Patients with hereditary angioedema (HAE) due to C1-inhibitor deficiency (C1-INH-HAE) experience recurrent attacks of cutaneous or submucosal edema that may be frequent and severe; prophylactic treatments can be prescribed to prevent attacks. However, despite the use of long-term prophylaxis (LTP), breakthrough attacks are known to occur. We used data from the Icatibant Outcome Survey (IOS) to evaluate the characteristics of breakthrough attacks and the effectiveness of icatibant as a treatment option. Methods: Data on LTP use, attacks, and treatments were recorded. Attack characteristics, treatment characteristics, and outcomes (time to treatment, time to resolution, and duration of attack) were compared for attacks that occurred with versus without LTP. Results: Data on 3228 icatibant-treated attacks from 448 patients with C1-INH-HAE were analyzed; 30.1% of attacks occurred while patients were using LTP. Attack rate, attack severity, and the distribution of attack sites were similar across all types of LTP used, and were comparable to the results found in patients who did not receive LTP. Attacks were successfully treated with icatibant; 82.5% of all breakthrough attacks were treated with a single icatibant injection without C1-INH rescue medication. Treatment outcomes were comparable for breakthrough attacks across all LTP types, and for attacks without LTP. Conclusions: Patients who use LTP should be aware that breakthrough attacks can occur, and such attacks can be severe. Thus, patients with C1-INH-HAE using LTP should have emergency treatment readily available. Data from IOS show that icatibant is effective for the treatment of breakthrough attacks. Trial Registration NCT01034969