Comparison of Hydrogen Embrittlement Susceptibility of Different Types of Advanced High-Strength Steels.

This study investigated the hydrogen embrittlement (HE) characteristics of advanced high-strength steels (AHSSs). Two different types of AHSSs with a tensile strength of 1.2 GPa were investigated. Slow strain rate tests (SSRTs) were performed under various applied potentials (Eapp) to identify the mechanism with the greatest effect on the embrittlement of the specimens. The SSRT results revealed that, as the Eapp increased, the elongation tended to increase, even when a potential exceeding the corrosion potential was applied. Both types of AHSSs exhibited embrittled fracture behavior that was dominated by HE. The fractured SSRT specimens were subjected to a thermal desorption spectroscopy analysis, revealing that diffusible hydrogen was trapped mainly at the grain boundaries and dislocations (i.e., reversible hydrogen-trapping sites). The micro-analysis results revealed that the poor HE resistance of the specimens was attributed to the more reversible hydrogen-trapping sites.

Ultrastructural evidence of the evolutional process in malakoplakia.

CONTEXT: Malakoplakia can be caused by incomplete digestion of Escherichia coli by lysosomes, leading to recurrent urinary tract infections and consequential mass-forming events that mimic tumors. OBJECTIVES: By using ultrastructural findings, we aimed to specify the process of phagolysosome to evoke malakoplakia. DESIGN: We observed a series of processes to form a peculiar Michaelis-Gutmann (MG) body in three patients with malakoplakia and compared with xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis. RESULTS: The ultrastructural findings were realigned according to the sequence of events as pre-phagosomal, phagosomal, and post-phagosomal stages. For the mature MG body, numerous lysosomal aggregates targeting pathogens and subsequent incomplete digestion are prerequisite factors for the pre-phagosomal stage. Scattered lamellated residue is late evidence of the pre-phagosomal stage. Phagosomes can be formed by the fusion of multiple pathogens and multiple lysosomes. We utilized transmission and scanning electron microscopy to speculate on the process of phagolysosomal formation. CONCLUSION: The recognition of E. coli captured by phagosomes or partially damaged by lysosomal attack within the cell was recorded for the first time. Furthermore, SEM observation was performed on human tissue.