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Metal‐organic (MO)CVD processes using two different precursors, (La(tmhd)3and La(tmod)3), have been investigated. In‐situ Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy investigations and thermal analysis have provided information on their thermal robustness during the sublimation processes and mass‐transport properties during MOCVD experiments. Both precursors can be efficiently vaporized in the temperature range 160–230 °C even though La(tmod)3exhibits higher volatility. Lanthanum oxides have been efficiently deposited using a direct liquid injection (DLI) equipped MOCVD reactor in the temperature range 350–500 °C for both precursors. The effect of the addition of tetraglyme to the precursor solution has been evaluated. Films mainly consist of different phases of La2O3and LaO(OH), while the carbon‐containing La2O2CO3phase was observed only on the surface, with no relevant carbon contamination being present in the bulk of the film.

TNF-α, including other proinflammatory cytokines alone or in combination, induces iNOS expression and upregulates inflammatory responses. We evaluated the relationship between TNF-α and iNOS expression in indomethacin-induced jejunoileitis in male Sprague–Dawley rats. Rats were fed a daily dose of a phosphodiesterase inhibitor—either theophylline or pentoxifylline—for 2 days. Jejunoileitis was induced with two subcutaneous injections of indomethacin (7.5 mg/kg) 24 hr apart and theophylline or pentoxifylline continued for 12 hr or 4 days. Other rats received a single intraperitoneal injection of anti-TNF-α monoclonal antibody (TNF-Ab) 30-min before indomethacin. At 4 days TNF-Ab, theophylline, or pentoxifylline treatment significantly decreased indomethacin-induced ulceration, myeloperoxidase activity, and disease activity index. Although indomethacin significantly increased serum TNF-α and nitrate/nitrite levels over the control value as early as 12 hr, iNOS expression was detected only after 4 days. Serum IL-1β level did not change at 12 hr but increased fourfold at 4 days. Treatment with TNF-Ab, theophylline, or pentoxifylline significantly reduced serum/tissue TNF-α, IL-1β, nitrate/nitrite, and iNOS expression. The downregulation of nitrate/nitrite by these inhibitors suggests that TNF-α modulates iNOS expression.TNF-α, including other proinflammatory cytokines alone or in combination, induces iNOS expression and upregulates inflammatory responses. We evaluated the relationship between TNF-α and iNOS expression in indomethacin-induced jejunoileitis in male Sprague–Dawley rats. Rats were fed a daily dose of a phosphodiesterase inhibitor—either theophylline or pentoxifylline—for 2 days. Jejunoileitis was induced with two subcutaneous injections of indomethacin (7.5 mg/kg) 24 hr apart and theophylline or pentoxifylline continued for 12 hr or 4 days. Other rats received a single intraperitoneal injection of anti-TNF-α monoclonal antibody (TNF-Ab) 30-min before indomethacin. At 4 days TNF-Ab, theophylline, or pentoxifylline treatment significantly decreased indomethacin-induced ulceration, myeloperoxidase activity, and disease activity index. Although indomethacin significantly increased serum TNF-α and nitrate/nitrite levels over the control value as early as 12 hr, iNOS expression was detected only after 4 days. Serum IL-1β level did not change at 12 hr but increased fourfold at 4 days. Treatment with TNF-Ab, theophylline, or pentoxifylline significantly reduced serum/tissue TNF-α, IL-1β, nitrate/nitrite, and iNOS expression. The downregulation of nitrate/nitrite by these inhibitors suggests that TNF-α modulates iNOS expression.

Metal‐organic (MO)CVD processes using three different precursors (Bi(tmhd)3, Bi(p‐tol)3, and Bi(o‐tol)3) have been investigated. Combined, thermal, and mass spectroscopic investigations have provided information on their thermal robustness during sublimation processes. In‐situ Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) measurements have allowed the monitoring of mass‐transported precursors during MOCVD experiments. Temperature windows of 190–277 °C, 170–270 °C, and 150–220 °C have proved suitable for the efficient vaporization of Bi(tmhd)3, Bi(p‐tol)3, and Bi(o‐tol)3, respectively, even though aryl precursors have proved to be more stable than β‐diketonate during the sublimation and transport processes.Above 350 °C, decomposition during the MOCVD processes has been observed for all the precursors. In the case of Bi(tmhd)3and Bi(o‐tol)3it involves the ligand fragmentation, while for Bi(p‐tol)3, dissociation of the intact aryl ring seems to occur.

The VAI Variable Speed Descaler takes full advantage from the use of variable speed pumps powered by inverter driven AC motors. Integration with strip tracking and feed forward pump control, together with direct application, allow to optimize the energy savings, to improve pumps life and to simplify the layout. Integration with flow and pressure feedback measurements at headers allows headers pressure tuning, nozzle wear compensation, process control with different “descaling recipes” as function of steel grade and main strip parameters, bar-to-bar adaptation of descaling parameters in case in-line surface inspection is present. Specific “descaling recipes” and pumping station design, together with proper mill scheduling, result in a new maintenance concept allowing to run the system without a stand-by pump, saving investment cost. First two references of this new system are at the hot strip mills of Ilva Taranto (HSM No. 1) (Italy) and of Duferco La Louvière (Belgium).

The VAI Variable Speed Descaler takes full advantage from the use of variable speed pumps powered by inverter driven AC motors. Integration with strip tracking and feed forward pump control, together with direct application, allow to optimize the energy savings, to improve pumps life and to simplify the layout. Integration with flow and pressure feedback measurements at headers allows headers pressure tuning, nozzle wear compensation, process control with different ”descaling recipes” as function of steel grade and main strip parameters, bar-to-bar adaptation of descaling parameters in case in-line surface inspection is present. Specific ”descaling recipes” and pumping station design, together with proper mill scheduling, result in a new maintenance concept allowing to run the system without a stand-by pump, saving investment cost. First two references of this new system are at the hot strip mills of Ilva Taranto (HSM No. 1) (Italy) and of Duferco La Louvière (Belgium).