Small Blisters Research Articles

Prayer and Promise Along The Migrant Trail

Under the intense desert sun in Arizona's Altar Valley, we set out to walk. We follow well-worn trails used by people trying to reach northern destinations without detection, people turned into illegal aliens after stepping across a line in the sand. We walk as volunteers with No More Deaths, a humanitarian group whose mission is to end death and suffering on the U.S.-Mexican border. Each day is organized around walking the trails, searching for the sick or injured left behind by the coyote. We call out to offer water and medical assistance, our ears alert for the sounds of breathing coming from someone tucked away in the brush, resting covertly or nursing a blister. We walk to reclaim space in the borderlands, to contest Department of Homeland Security claims that public lands are too dangerous to visit. We walk to bear witness to human suffering in the face of injustice. One sun-baked afternoon in July, four of us walk to an altar deep in Pajarito Canyon, an altar created by those seeking safe passage north.' Following our GPS unit, we begin looking for the entrance to the canyon, a mere crack in the ancient lava flow that forms the eastern edge of the Altar Valley. Here, cataclysmic shifts over thousands of years have created a buckled landscape with fissures small and wide that form south-north corridors facilitating the movement of water, sediment, plants, and animals. Pajarito serves as one such corridor for those who choose this path to their dreams: sending children to school; paying off medical bills for aged parents; escaping violence or vulnerability; joining a lover who can't leave a job in Houston, Los Angeles, or Nashville. Inside the narrow fissure, dramatic vertical walls block the burning sun. Ocotillo and mesquite trees cling to rocky outcrops, cooling the passage. Trained as we are to watch for signs of recent passage, my eyes focus on water bottles scattered along the trail. Brittle and chipped plastic suggests that they had lain there for months. I pick up a bottle with a salmon-colored label. Bold blue letters scream Bonafont, an expensive brand of bottled water in Mexico. A blue figure reaches for the sky, arms spread in a joyful, triumphant gesture. Smaller letters say: El Agua Ligera, the light water. I whisper the word, feel it on my tongue: ligera. The sound evokes tranquility and leisure, a kind of fitness so alien to this trail, where death may come in the form of a small blister that grows until the pain becomes unbearable and dreams of el norte are surrendered for peace on the other side of the line between life and death. Our silent walk on the narrow canyon trail is disrupted by a scream. My scream. A sharp pain shoots through my hand. I touched a venomous caterpillar when I reached for a branch to secure my step. As we examine the culprit closely our conversation shifts to the desert's many acid-spitting, fuzzy things. Tarantulas on the road that morning, halting traffic while seeking mates. Prehistoric-looking Gila monsters provoking panic. We laugh at our small fears, a salve for the very real terror facing those moving north along these trails. Border Patrol agents promising arrest. Helicopters hovering, generating blinding dust. Dehydration, and the voice of the coyote saying, Let's go, we can't wait for her. Mind games as the days pass. Water runs out. No sign of help, not even la migra--the popular Spanish term for the Border Patrol. We scramble along the trail for a small eternity, reaching an opening in the canyon cooled by mesquite and sycamore trees. A quiet hollow punctuated by signs of those who stopped here to rest and eat. Empty water bottles, tuna-fish cans, and cookie wrappers litter the ground, recalling the small corner stores in Sasabe, a Mexican border town that sells water, protein, and sugar to those preparing to cross. A crumpled brochure printed by the Mexican government warning migrants of the desert's dangers. Garlic is recommended for protection against snakes. …

Eruption over both ears

A previously healthy six-year-old Swiss girl who had had an eruption over both ears for approximately 4 days was presented to the emergency service by her parents. Itching and diffuse redness were the initial manifestation, followed by the appearance of red blisters. The child was well and active and had enjoyed playing outside in spite of cold but sunny weather. Vital signs and physical examination were normal except for some small blisters without any honey-coloured crust on the helices of both ears (Figure). Q. What is the likely diagnosis? (Answer on page 252). In this girl with an eruption over both ears, the onset in the spring following sun exposure, the symmetric distribution of rash on both ear helices, its pruritic nature and its localisation, strongly argue for the diagnosis of juvenile spring eruption of the helices of the ears. The patients are typically children, adolescents or young adults with erythematous scaly papules or vesicles on the helices of the ears. Onset occurs in the spring during sunny and cold weather, and symptoms resolve within several weeks, not to recur until the following spring. Boys are more commonly affected than girls because shorter haircuts expose their ears. The diagnosis is typically made on a clinical basis. Juvenile spring eruption of the helices of the ears is likely a quite common and perhaps under-recognized photo-induced eruption, which is considered a localized variant of polymorphous light eruption, the most common idiopathic photodermatosis. Polymorphous light eruption, often called ‘sun poisoning’, usually presents as a pruritic rash in sun-exposed areas that appears hours after sun exposure and persists for days. Treatment of juvenile spring eruption of the helices of the ears is not always needed, because of the temporary nature of the disease. Topical corticosteroids may be helpful to reduce inflammation. It is critical to emphasise sun protection.

Two Successive Necrotic Lesions Secondary to Presumed Loxosceles Envenomation

Brown recluse spider (Loxosceles reclusa) envenomations with subsequent necrotic skin lesions occur infrequently, and systemic loxoscelism is rarer still. We report a case of 2 successive developing necrotic lesions, each on adjacent medial aspects of the legs, secondary to presumed Loxosceles envenomation. A 31-year-old man with no significant past medical history presented to the emergency department with 2, large, necrotic lesions, 1 on each medial thigh. They had progressed over the course of 1 month from small blisters to large necrotic lesions with eschar. He underwent surgical debridement without skin grafting with no further complications. Bites from recluse spiders that progress to necrosis usually present as single lesions. The differential diagnoses for a necrotic skin lesion is large. The presence of more than 1 lesion argues against Loxosceles envenomation; however, in the absence of underlying infection, systemic diseases, immunodeficiency, or malignancy, the diagnosis must be considered if the case presents in an endemic area. Brown recluse spiders rarely bite multiple times, thus confounding the diagnosis of an already nonspecific clinical finding.

N-traps and C-ancas in a lupus erythematosus-scleroderma overlap syndrome with vasculitis and panniculitis

Introduction: Histologic vasculitis must be interpreted with caution, as there is considerable overlap in its clinical, histologic and immunologic presentations. Case report: A 42 year old woman presented with an plaque on the buttock that was tender to palpation, and had been present for six weeks. Physical examination revealed a large, erythematous plaque with focal areas of atrophy, pigmentation, small crusts, and small blisters. Skin biopsies for routine histology, direct immunofluorescence and immunohistochemical examination were taken. Methods: Skin biopsies for hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) examination, as well as for direct immunofluorescence, indirect immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry studies were performed. Results: Examination of the tissue sections demonstrated an inflammatory process involving capillaries and small blood vessels within the dermis and panniculitic adipose tissue. Focal extravasation of red blood cells into the dermal interstitial tissue was also observed. A mild, focal, lobular panniculitis was also present. Direct immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry demonstrated deposits of several antibodies on vessels throughout the dermis. In addition, anti-neutrophilic cytoplasmic antibodies and neutrophil extracellular traps were identified. Conclusions: Few vasculitic processes have pathognomonic histologic findings. Often, the dermatopathologist and clinician must work together, combining clinical, histologic and other laboratory data to determine the nature of the primary disease process. In our case, a diagnosis of vasculitis with autoimmune overlapping auoimmune syndromes represented the consensus diagnostic conclusion.

Testicular Nocardiosis Accompanied by Cutaneous Lesions in an Immunocompetent Man

We herein report the case of a 77-year-old man admitted for an acute cutaneous infection and persistent fever. A physical examination revealed systemic small blisters and scrotal swelling. He was suspected of having complications from chickenpox or bullous impetigo as the initial diagnosis. Nocardia was detected on an aspiration biopsy of the small blisters and the surgically removed testis at a later date. Testicular nocardiosis is a rare condition; however, we should consider nocardiosis in the differential diagnosis because delay in providing treatment may worsen a patient's general condition.

Microstructure and Local Charge Distribution in Hydrogenated Nanocrystalline Silicon under Illumination Studied by Electrostatic Force Microscopy.

ABSTRACTHydrogenated nanocrystalline silicon (nc-Si:H) is a promising absorber material for photovoltaic applications. Nanoscale electrical conductivity and overall electronic quality of this material are significantly affected by film microstructure, specifically the density and dimension of grains and grain-boundaries (GB). Local charge distribution at grains and grain/GB interfaces of nc-Si:H was studied by Electrostatic Force Microscopy (EFM) in constant force mode under illumination of white LED. Bias voltage from -3V to +3V was applied on the tip. Scanning Kelvin Force (KFM) images were taken before and after illumination to study the change in surface photovoltage (SP). EFM and KFM analysis were combined with film topography to draw a correlation between surface morphology and nanoscale charge distribution in this material. After illumination, small blister like structures were observed whose size and density increase with time. Raman spectroscopy confirmed these new structures as nanocrystalline silicon. This change was assumed due to relaxation of strained Si-Si bonds as an effect of photo response. Nanocrystalline grain interiors were at lower potential and amorphous grain boundaries were at higher potential for negative bias; it was opposite for positive bias. Change in polarity in bias voltage reversed the polarity of the potential in grains and GBs indicating the dominance of negative type of defects. Further study with current sensing AFM in dark and illumination with variable bias voltages will be able to identify the type and density of defects in grains and grain/GB interfaces.

Hemifacial spasm and jugular foramen syndrome caused by diametrically opposite aneurysms on the vertebral artery

Vertebral artery (VA) aneurysms commonly occur on a fusiform segment of the artery and have unusual appearances and characteristics [1]. They commonly present with symptoms of cranial nerve compression secondary to related dolichoectasia, mass effect or subarachnoid hemorrhage. In the setting of a VA aneurysm, hemifacial spasm occurs when the VA is ectatic or fusiform, while individual lower cranial nerve palsies have been reported in saccular and fusiform cases [1]. A simultaneous occurrence of these two clinical syndromes related to an aneurysmal VA has not been described. A 50-year-old lady presented with left-sided hemifacial spasm of 2-year duration and nasal regurgitation and altered phonation of 1-year duration. Both the symptoms were insidious in onset and were progressive. There was no history of facial pain or numbness, tinnitus or vertigo. Her neurological deficits included left sided IX, X nerve palsies. Examination of the other cranial nerves was normal. MRI of the brain showed a mildly ectatic vertebro-basilar artery (VBA) on the left side with compression on the VII–VIII nerve complex (Fig. 1a). Digital subtraction angiogram (DSA) revealed an ectatic left VA with a ventrolaterally pointing, distal 12 9 8 9 6 mm sized saccular aneurysm and a small blister aneurysm (3 9 3 mm) directed dorsomedially (Fig. 1b, c). At surgery via a far lateral craniectomy, the saccular aneurysm directed toward the jugular foramen was found arising proximal to origin of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) which was draped on the aneurysm (Fig. 2a). It was clipped with a 10-mm angled ring clip, with the ring enclosing the VA (Fig. 2b). The clipped aneurysm was then opened and decompressed. The dorsally directed blister aneurysm compressing the facial nerve at its exit from the pons (Fig. 2b) was wrapped with muscle and dura. Teflon was interposed between the nerve and the ectatic VA segment. The risk of rupturing the nearby blister aneurysm and narrowing the ectatic VA precluded reconstruction of the VA with clips. Postoperatively, the patient was relieved of her hemifacial spasm, while her lower cranial nerve palsy remained status quo. An aneurysmal etiology is noted in 0.3–0.6 % of all cases of hemifacial spasm. The postulated pathogenesis is related to the compression of the root entry zone (REZ) of the facial nerve by the pulsations of the aneurysm. In 7.5–21 % of the cases an ectatic VBA is the causative factor [2]. A Pubmed search revealed 12 cases of VA aneurysms presenting with hemifacial spasm. One report describes Foville’s syndrome secondary to a dissecting VA aneurysm [3]. Our first-of-its-kind report demonstrates the simultaneous occurrence of hemifacial spasm and jugular foramen syndrome due to the mass effect of two aneurysms on an ectatic VA loop. Microsurgical clipping and debulking are performed for VA aneurysms causing brainstem compression and neurological deficits [4], while endovascular coiling is an optional in other cases [5]. In our case, the complex nature of the contiguous aneurysms on the VA segment and the need for decompression precluded endovascular intervention. S. V. Furtado (&) S. Thakar N. A. Saikiran A. S. Hegde Department of Neurosurgery, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences (SSSIHMS), EPIP Area, Whitefield, Bangalore 560066, Karnataka, India e-mail: sunilvf@gmail.com

Splenic herniation after laparoscopic nephrectomy

A 59-year-old woman with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who had required multiple intubations and a history of renal cell carcinoma 2-year status postlaparoscopic left nephrectomy was transferred to this hospital for first and second degree burns. The patient, while on 4 l of home oxygen, was attempting to simultaneously drive and smoke, when her marijuana cigarette ignited her home oxygen, causing injuries on her face and right hand. The patient initially presented to another hospital where she was emergently intubated and transferred via medical flight to this hospital. On arrival, the patient was found to be sedated and intubated with bilateral second degree facial burns, swelling of the right eye, multiple singed nasal hairs, right wrist first degree burns with small blisters, bilateral wheezing on pulmonary examination, and a palpable mass within the left upper quadrant adjacent to a well-healed nephrectomy scar. Given the mechanism of injury, extensive burns, bilateral wheezing, and a palpable mass within the left upper quadrant, computed tomography of the head, cervical spine, chest, abdomen, and pelvis with intravenous contrast material was obtained and demonstrated herniation of the spleen and colon through the left lateral tenth and eleventh intercostal space, but without evidence of rib fractures, inflammation, or incarceration (Fig. 1). Seen as well was the right, but not left, kidney (Fig. 2). Throughout the hospitalization, the patient underwent numerous surgical debridements in the operating room, was extubated, and discharged home with visiting nursing services. With respect to the splenic herniation, no intervention was undertaken.

Light and transmission electron microscopy of generalized dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (Pasini's albopapuloid subtype)

Pasini's albopapuloid epidermolysis bullosa is a very rare subtype of generalized dystrophic dominant epidermolyis bullosa. A 30 year-old white female patient presented since her childhood disseminated small blisters and papules. Light microscopy of a blister showed dermal-epidermal cleavage; moreover, focal areas of dermal-epidermal splitting were also observed. Transmission electron microscopy also identified focal areas of cleavage, which were seen below the lamina densa. It is important to recognize this condition as a variant of epidermolysis bullosa, since the most important cutaneous findings are generalized papules and not blisters and erosions as in other forms of epidermolysis bullosa.

Granular cell tumor presenting as a tongue nodule: two case reports

IntroductionGranular cell tumor is an uncommon neoplasm that can occur in any part of the body, including the orofacial region. The tumor is usually benign, but there are reports of cases in which the tumor shows a locally aggressive behavior, malignancy, and distant metastases. The most widely accepted hypothesis is that granular cell tumor arises from the altered metabolism of Schwann cells. The tumor is typically asymptomatic and appears as a nodule that does not exceed 3 cm.Case presentationIn case 1, a 26-year-old Caucasian man was seen at the Oral Medicine out-patient clinic of the São José dos Campos Dental School, Universidade Estadual Paulista, with a 'small blister on the tongue', which he had noted approximately three years ago. The nodule was located on the dorsum of the tongue, measured about 1.5 cm in diameter, and was not tender to palpation. Treatment consisted of an excisional biopsy performed on the basis of the diagnostic hypothesis of granular cell tumor, which was confirmed by microscopic analysis. In case 2, a 31-year-old Caucasian woman attended the out-patient clinic of the São José dos Campos Dental School, Universidade Estadual Paulista, with a five-year history of a 'painful lump on the tongue'. Intra-oral examination revealed the presence of a nodular lesion measuring approximately 0.8 cm in diameter, which was located deep in the submucosa of the right lateral margin of the tongue. Treatment consisted of an excisional biopsy performed on the basis of the differential diagnosis of neurofibroma and granular cell tumor. Microscopic analysis defined the final diagnosis of granular cell tumor.ConclusionsGranular cell tumor is an uncommon tumor that must be carefully diagnosed and treated correctly.

Hydrogen-induced blistering mechanisms in thin film coatings

We report on the mechanisms of hydrogen-induced blistering of multilayer coatings. Blister formation is a result of highly localized delamination occurring at the two outermost metal-on-silicon interfaces. The number, size, and type of blisters formed varied depending on the composition and ion energy of the incident flux. The results are explained in terms of the multilayer structure being simultaneously susceptible to blistering via two independent mechanisms. A high density of small blisters developed when relatively energetic (several 100 eV) ions were present. Independently, a hydrogenation process that was facilitated by the presence of a small flux of low energy ions (≤50 eV) induced a low density of large blisters.

Clinical experience in the treatment of mycoplasma pneumonia using Azithromycin

Objective To study the clinical curative effect of Azithromycin in the treatment of mycoplasma pneumonia.Methods 24 cases of mycoplasma pneumonia hospitalization patients were selected and made full analysis of their medical records.Results 24 acute patients successfully cured through Azithromycin with good clinical curative effect,beginning with symptoms of fevering,coughing,wheezing,and small blisters in lungs,accompanied by external pulmonary manifestations such as diarrhea,myocardial injury and positive results of serum Mb-IgM test.Conclusion Azithromycin in treatment of mycoplasma pneumonia could quickly retum temperature,and reduc hospitalized time. Key words: Mycoplasma pneumonia; Azithromycin

Temperature dependence of surface morphology and deuterium retention in polycrystalline ITER-grade tungsten exposed to low-energy, high-flux D plasma

Surface topography and deuterium retention in polycrystalline ITER-grade tungsten have been examined after exposure to a low-energy (38 eV/D), high-flux (10 22 D/m 2 s) deuterium plasma with ion fluences of 10 26 and 10 27 D/m 2 at various temperatures. The methods used were scanning electron microscopy equipped with focused ion beam, thermal desorption spectroscopy, and the D( 3He,p) 4He nuclear reaction at 3He energies varied from 0.69 to 4.0 MeV. During exposure to the D plasma at temperatures in the range from 320 to 815 K, small blisters of size in the range from 0.2 to 5 μm, depending on the exposure temperature and ion fluence, are formed on the W surface. At an ion fluence of 10 27 D/m 2, the deuterium retention increases with the exposure temperature, reaching its maximum value of about 10 22 D/m 2 at 500 K, and then decreases below 10 19 D/m 2 at 800 K.

Bullous Darier’s disease mimicking Hailey-Hailey disease

BackgroundThe bullous variant of Darier’s disease (DD) is a rare type characterized by histological and clinical overlap with Hailey-Hailey disease (HDD).Case reportsThe following case report describes two cases of familial DD; a 51-year-old woman who presented with erythematous plaques, covered by small blisters in axillary and inguinal areas, and the first patient’s daughter, who presented with keratotic papules localized on the axillary and inframammary folds.ConclusionThese two cases are original by the predominant flexural distribution, and by a bullous form in the first case, clinically and histologically mimicking HHD.

Amlodipine-Induced Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis

The objective of this study is to report a case of amlodipine-induced dermatotoxicity following treatment for diabetic nephropathy. Although other members of the dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers have been reported to cause dermatotoxic reactions, this is the first report attributing this effect to amlodipine. A 71-year-old diabetic and hypertensive woman had been noted to have worsened renal dysfunction and hyperkalemia attributed to enalapril, thus a trial of amlodipine was begun. On day 12 of amlodipine therapy, the patient developed a pruritic maculopapular rash on her hands for which she sought medical attention. On day 16, she presented again to the emergency department now with hives and small blisters involving the trunk and arms with ∼25% TBSA involvement warranting transfer to a regional burn treatment center. The rash progressed after admission to 48.5% TBSA and included conjunctival sloughing. The patient's hospital course was uneventful, and she was discharged after 8 days. Drug-induced dermatotoxicity presenting as toxic epidermal necrolysis is often caused by antibiotics and antiepileptic medications; however, calcium channel blockers are an uncommon cause. The Naranjo assessment yielded a score of 5, and the SCORTEN was 4 with a predicted mortality of 58%. This report represents the first published case of amlodipine-induced toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Experimentally induced marine flexibacteriosis in Atlantic salmon smolts Salmo salar. II. Pathology

The fish disease marine flexibacteriosis is characterised by necrotic lesions on the body, head, fins, and occasionally gills, with erosive lesions on the external surface as the prominent clinical sign. In Australia, the main species affected are Atlantic salmon Salmo salar and rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss in sea-cage culture in Tasmania. Using a dose-dependent trial to determine pathology, 2 forms of the disease were noted in Atlantic salmon. The acute form occurs within 2 to 3 d after inoculation at high doses (1 x 10(8) cells ml(-1)) and is characterised by the disintegration of the epithelium. The chronic form of the disease began as small superficial blisters of the epidermis, which develop into ulcerative lesions that leave musculature exposed. The predominant lesion sites were the dorsum and pectoral fins. Jaws were commonly affected, and gill necrosis was also noted. Behaviour of Atlantic salmon as well as the conditions under which they were kept contribute to the size and distribution of lesions observed. Lack of an inflammatory response in pathology and rapid and destructive mortalities observed in higher inoculum doses suggested a role of toxins in the pathogenesis of Tenacibaculum maritimum. This is the first study to examine the development of marine flexibacteriosis lesions and to utilise immunohistochemistry to verify that the bacteria observed in histology was T. maritimum.

Palmar Bullous Blistering Induced by Erlotinib

A 56-year-old female was allocated to definite radiotherapy of 66 Gy (5 weekly fractions of 2 Gy) because of stage III non-small cell lung cancer (T1bN3M0, middle-differentiated adenocarcinoma). Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation test was negative. Standard concomitant platinumbased chemotherapy was avoided because of a chronic kidney disease. As an alternative, concomitant erlotinib 150 mg once a day was prescribed based on the possible radiosensitizing effect by targeting the EGFR, even in the absence of EGFR mutation.1 After a few days, she developed mild acneiform facial rash and mild diarrhea. Twenty-three days after the start of the treatment, she noticed a small blister in one of her palms. A severe skin reaction developed rapidly within the next 2 days and included painful hemorrhagic palmar bullae (Figure 1), maculopapular

Coma Bullae: Associations Beyond Medications

A 49-year-old man with a history of anterior scleritis who was receiving maintenance azathioprine therapy presented with ecchymoses and bullous lesions that had developed 2 weeks previously on the bilateral lower extremities. The patient reported that the lesions were intially small blisters that had progressed to large painful hemorrhagic bullae. He had no history of intravenous drug use, high-risk sexual behavior, or tobacco abuse. Findings on physical examination were notable for anterior scleritis, cyanotic fingers, and bilateral 2+ lower extremity edema with numerous well-demarcated bullous lesions that had a hemorrhagic fluid-filled appearance. A complete blood cell count and metabolic profile were normal; urinalysis revealed trace hematuria. Skin biopsy demonstrated vascular thrombi with sweat gland necrosis consistent with coma bullae. Computed tomography of the chest revealed scattered, well-circumscribed pulmonary nodules. Serologic testing confirmed a positive cytoplastic antineutrophilic cytoplasmic antibody titer of 1:160 with anti-proteinase 3 antibodies. Renal biopsy was consistent with Wegener granulomatosis, and treatment was initiated with intravenous methylprednisolone and cyclophosphamide. At 4-month follow-up, the patient's renal function was normal, and he had no further complications. Coma bullae are commonly associated with use of opiates, tricyclic antidepressants, and antipsychotics. They have also been observed in patients with chronic renal failure, hypercalcemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, and a variety of neurologic conditions. The skin lesions usually resolve in 2 to 4 weeks, but early recognition and treatment of the underlying condition are crucial. Etiology of these pathogenic lesions is broad, should be based on the clinical presentation, and should include autoimmune disorders such as Wegener granulomatosis.

Protrusions in a painting by Max Beckmann examined with confocal μ-XRF

Max Beckmann's “Pierrette und Clown” (Pierrette and Clown), 1925, is undoubtedly one of the major works in the collection of the Kunsthalle Mannheim, Germany. In this painting, damages can be seen, described as protrusions. These are blisters and crater-like holes, filled with metallic soap aggregates. Painting samples and cross-sections of the ground layer have been examined by environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) and by confocal synchrotron radiation micro-X-ray fluorescence (CSRμXRF) in order to get compositional and spatial distribution information about the components and their behaviour. The analyzed samples of the unpainted ground layer consist of lithopone (ZnS·BaSO4), as several bulges resembling small blisters, presumably protrusions in the nascent state. Direct CSRμXRF measurements on closed blisters showed that these blisters have a high concentration of zinc in the centre with surrounding layers of barium and strontium. Relatively small amounts of lead have been recorded. In order to determine the composition of the organic compounds (e.g.fatty acids) and of the inorganic pigments (lead white, zinc white, lithopone), Raman spectroscopy has been successfully applied to flakes of an opened protrusion. The obtained Raman spectra could be assigned to derivatives of fatty acids and lithopones. These results allow conclusions to be made about the chemical behaviour by measuring the identical sample spot of the protrusion with CSRμXRF as well as Raman spectroscopy.

The Role of the Nucleation Annealing Temperature Annealing on the Exfoliation of Hydrogen-Implanted GaN

GaN exfoliation of ~ µm thick layers was achieved - thicker than has been reported elsewhere - due to an understanding of the introduction and evolution of strain-related defects produced during hydrogen implantation. Analysis and modeling of the strain via triple axis diffraction and SRIM calculations showed one strained region near the surface and the second at the projected range. After annealing at temperatures up to 450 °C (1-40 hours), the surface strain decreases, whereas the strain near the projected range decreased monotonically as the annealing temperatures increased to 300 °C but showed a reversal at higher temperatures. This led to a two step exfoliation process with a low temperature step performed for 20 hours followed by high temperature annealing (850 °C). For a 150 °C first step, the combination produced a series of small (< 1 µm) blisters whereas a 375 °C first step combination produced 5-10 µm-sized exfoliated sections.