Solution-based synthesis of wafer-scale epitaxial BiVO thin films exhibiting high structural and optoelectronic quality.

We demonstrate a facile approach to solution-based synthesis of wafer-scale epitaxial bismuth vanadate (BiVO) thin films by spin-coating on yttria-stabilized zirconia. Epitaxial growth proceeds solid-state transformation of initially formed polycrystalline films, driven by interface energy minimization. The (010)-oriented BiVO films are smooth and compact, possessing remarkably high structural quality across complete 2'' wafers.

Nanostructured amorphous gallium phosphide on silica for nonlinear and ultrafast nanophotonics.

Nanophotonics based on high refractive index dielectrics relies on appreciable contrast between the indices of designed nanostructures and their immediate surrounding, which can be achieved by the growth of thin films on low-index substrates. Here we propose the use of high index amorphous gallium phosphide (a-GaP), fabricated by radio-frequency sputter deposition, on top of a low refractive index glass substrate and thoroughly examine its nanophotonic properties. Spectral ellipsometry of the amorphous material demonstrates the optical properties to be considerably close to crystalline gallium phosphide (c-GaP), with low-loss transparency for wavelengths longer than 650 nm.

Mechanistic insights into chemical and photochemical transformations of bismuth vanadate photoanodes.

Artificial photosynthesis relies on the availability of semiconductors that are chemically stable and can efficiently capture solar energy. Although metal oxide semiconductors have been investigated for their promise to resist oxidative attack, materials in this class can suffer from chemical and photochemical instability. Here we present a methodology for evaluating corrosion mechanisms and apply it to bismuth vanadate, a state-of-the-art photoanode.

[Scleredema diabeticorum. Report of 4 cases].

We report on four patients who developed thickened skin on the neck and back after a long history of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Pathogenesis, histology and methods of treatment are discussed.

[Prerequisites for effective therapy of chronic recurrent vaginal candidiasis].

67 women with chronic recurrent or persistent vaginal candidosis between 5-79 years of age were seen in our outdoor department. In 34 cases, yeasts could be isolated in a vaginal swab taken at the first consultation. On average the patients reported 5 episodes per year during the last years.

[Changes in the fungal spectrum of dermatomycoses].

The spectrum of aetiologic agents isolated from 3607 patients suspicious for dermatomycosis being in the care of the Berlin Charité Clinics was analysed. Identification of dermatophytes and moulds were performed conventionally. For the identification of yeasts biochemical and genetic methods were used.

[UV-A-1 therapy of subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus].

Because of relative contraindications to corticosteroid or immunosuppressive treatment, a 71-year-old female patient with subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus underwent serial whole-body irradiation with extremely long-wave ultraviolet light (UVA-1). The cumulative dosage was 186.1 J/cm2 within 9 weeks.

[Oral combination therapy of zoster neuralgia. Pain reduction by 1-adamantanamine sulfate and carbamazepine per os].

In four patients hospitalized with severe neuralgic complaints in conjunction with a Zoster infection, the pain-relieving effect of oral 1-adamantanamine sulfate used in combination with carbamazepine was studied. From the results obtained, the oral administration of 1-adamantanamine sulfate also appears to have a reliable analgesic effect, so that ambulatory treatment is readily possible.